Every autumn, first-time visitors to East Texas are pleasantly surprised by our fall foliage as our tall trees transform into a colorful meld of amber, marigold, and emerald. Here at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, we encourage our guests to hit the open road to spend an afternoon “leaf peeping.” But don’t forget to seek out the top-rated things to do in East Texas during your travels. Some of our favorite hidden gems in Texas lie within 25 minutes of Mill Creek Ranch, one of the only monthly RV parks in the region.
3 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in East Texas
We recently collected the best things to do in Canton, TX, so now it’s time to take a more in-depth look at our peaceful neighboring communities. All four of these things to do in East Texas are fun, inexpensive, and less than 30 minutes from Mill Creek Ranch Resort. So, without further ado, let’s start this list with a local favorite: Athens Scuba Park.
Athens Scuba Park – Athens, TX
Experts may not label East Texas as a “scuba diving haven,” but the folks at Athens Scuba Park would beg to differ. For just $60 per person, visitors can plunge into a warm, spring-fed lake on the edge of Athens, TX, to observe an array of underwater marvels. Over the years, the scuba park’s team has sunk a 60-foot jet, three sailboats, a bus, and many more “wrecks.” These artificial wrecks are quite healthy for our underwater friends as they provide a habitat for marine life. Unlike those scary deep-sea scuba diving trips, Athens’ depth sits at just 35 feet.
East Texas Zoo and Gator Park – Grand Saline, TX
For those who’re hoping to observe an alligator feeding session and a wide variety of adorable animals, look no further than the East Texas Zoo and Gator Park. The zoo remains one of the most underrated East Texas attractions near Mill Creek Ranch Resort. Some of the most popular animals inside this extravaganza are the spotted African serval, goofy alpaca, adorable caracals, colorful chameleon, unique South African raccoons, majestic sika deer, lively vervet monkeys, and, of course, the friendly wallaroos. The main event, however, is the expansive Gator Park where nearly a dozen American alligators rule.
Edgewood Heritage Park Outdoor Museum – Edgewood, TX
Yet another one of our favorite things to do in East Texas is a trip to the nearby Edgewood Heritage Park Outdoor Museum. Over the past four-plus decades, this three-block museum has welcomed over 20 restored and furnished structures from the 1800s up to the 1920s. All of these structures (mostly homes) are reminiscent of rural Van Zandt County around the turn of the 20th century. Admission is just $5 per person! And don’t forget to plan a visit to the annual Edgewood Heritage Festival where you can observe blacksmiths, weavers, quilters, barbers, and many more craftspeople demonstrating their skills. The festival also features live music, an Old West shootout, bake sales, cookoffs, a dog show, and even an early appearance by Santa Claus.
Mill Creek Ranch Resort – Canton, TX
After a full day of fun at these nearby attractions, retreat to Mill Creek Ranch Resort for a barbecue, dip in our warm pool, stroll at dusk, and after-dark bonfire with family and friends. We’ve been voted as one of the best RV parks in Texas time and time again thanks to our proximity to Dallas, on-site amenities, and the peaceful surrounding wilderness. To book a well-deserved family escape to Canton, TX, please give us a call today at 1-866-488-6020.
