Do you like roses?
What about animals and nature?
Do you have an adventurous spirit?
Are you creative, or brimming with curiosity?
Do you love to spend time in quaint downtowns that are rich with historical and modern charm?
If you answered “yes” to any one of these, you’ll have no problem finding fun things to do in Tyler, Texas!
Let’s take a look at all the amazing things to do in the Rose Capital of the United States, one of the best places to visit in Texas!
GET A FREE TEXAS GUIDEBOOK WITH LOCAL TIPS!
With 71 pages of helpful travel tips and the “best of” Texas lists, this is your ad-free key to your Texas trip.
How to get around Tyler
Like most of Texas, the best way to get around Tyler is to explore on your own by car!
If you’re visiting and need to rent a car to get to your Tyler activities, we highly recommend Discover Cars where they find you the best car rental deals from all of the competitors (has saved us so much money!).
Click here to check out Discover Cars.
Where to stay in Tyler
From renovated VRBOS to boutique hotels, here are the best places to stay in Tyler.
- (Hotel) Residence Inn by Marriott Tyler – the location is an absolute 10/10 at this Residence Inn, and the rooms are spacious and well-designed so people can watch TV or lounge around without bothering the other person (useful if you’re traveling with family). It’s the top pick in Tyler for us, not least for the comfy beds! Click here to check prices and read reviews.
- (AirBnb/VrBO) Clean and Cozy Cottage – enjoy true Southern hospitality at this beautiful cottage near all of the hospitals and college areas in Tyler. You’ll get your own space in this bright and cheery home, complete with WiFi and a kitchen. Click here to check prices and read reviews.
1. Stop and smell the roses at the Tyler Rose Garden and Museum
The most iconic Tyler attractions, of course, are the roses!
Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds at the Tyler Rose Garden, where the sweet scent of roses fills the air.
The garden itself is free to enter, but the museum nearby is worth the admission for a little history on how Tyler came to be the Rose Capital of the country!
Visiting Tyler in October?
Don’t miss the Texas Rose Festival, taking place in the third week of October each year!
You’ll get to see a colorful parade, attend the festival Queen’s coronation, enjoy a teatime, and, of course, you’ll find plenty of roses at this Texas tradition since 1933!
2. Go hiking, swimming, or fishing at Tyler State Park
Roses aren’t all Tyler has to offer in the way of nature.
The scenic trails through the pine forest of Tyler State Park make for an excellent day of hiking or biking, and you’ll love having a scenic picnic by the lakeside.
Rent a canoe, paddleboat, or kayak for some fun on the lake, or just dive right in for a refreshing swim!
Want to stay a little longer?
Pitch a tent, park an RV, or rent a cabin at the park’s cozy campsites.
Be on the lookout for some rascally raccoons!
3. Enjoy a unique stay at a local inn
There are plenty of chain hotels to choose from in Tyler, but why not stay somewhere with a little more history or charm?
Enjoy a cozy stay at the Rosevine Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast with a big red barn that provides fun and games for your travel party!
Looking for something rich with history?
The Woldert-Spence Manor is Tyler’s first bed and breakfast, dating all the way back to 1859!
For an upscale stay, check out the B&B at Kiepersol!
Located proudly on the grounds of a large vineyard, you’ll enjoy the elegant rooms and the chance to visit the winery and distillery on the property.
4. Check out the planetarium and more at The Earth And Space Science Center
The whole family will enjoy an afternoon at The Earth And Space Science Center!
Located on the Tyler Junior College campus, the planetarium features a dome theater with fun and educational shows throughout the day.
The center has also been known to host interactive exhibits – the perfect chance for kids to get some hands-on learning!
5. Take the kids to the Discovery Science Place
Looking for more fun places to go in Tyler with kids?
Head over to the Discovery Science Place!
This children’s museum has tons of interactive exhibits, providing fun education on a variety of subjects!
Your kids will have their curiosity sparked as they get an up-close look at how different workplaces operate – from a veterinary clinic, to a neonatal nursery, to a bank, a TV station, space exploration and more!
Got some active little ones?
They’ll jump at the chance to climb the museum’s rock wall, crawl through a cave, or get behind the helm of a big blue boat!
Bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the little eating area near the front of the museum, and don’t forget to grab some toys or souvenirs at the Discovery Store on the way out!
6. Learn about local railroad history at the Cotton Belt Depot Museum
Located inside a railway station from 1905, the Cotton Belt Depot Museum is definitely one of the coolest things to see in Tyler.
You’ll be wowed by the museum’s impressive collection of toy trains, including a couple of miniature railroad displays.
Learn about local (and general) railroad history as you browse the museum’s historical photos, vintage telephones and other devices, and the original operator’s control board!
And the best part? This awesome little museum is FREE to enter!
Remember to ask one of the knowledgeable volunteers about the baggage wagon near the front of the museum before you leave!
7. Step into history at the Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum
Walk right up to the front entrance of the historical Goodman-LeGrand House and you’ll have to stop for a moment to take it all in.
This beautiful two-story home was originally constructed as a much smaller house in 1859, but underwent several remodelings between then and 1926, bringing it to the magnificent columned exterior you’ll see during your visit.
Learn about the Goodman-LeGrand family, and get an up-close look at some impressive antiques – some of which date all the way back to the early 1800s!
Be sure to take a walk around the grounds during your visit, where azaleas and roses adorn the gorgeous gardens that stretch for nearly a full city block!
8. Visit the animals at the Caldwell Zoo
Looking for nature-full things to do in Tyler?
Head over to the Caldwell Zoo, where you’ll find over 2,000 animals from Africa, North America, and South America!
These magnificent, diverse creatures are housed in beautifully maintained natural habitats, giving you a glimpse of what their life would look like in the wild.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the chance to feed colorful birds, or have a giraffe eat lettuce from the palm of their hand!
Take a scenic lunch break at the zoo’s Chakula Café, complete with a breathtaking view of the giraffe and elephant habitats!
Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the gift shop before you leave this charming Tyler zoo!
9. Get a day pass for the Glass Recreation Center
Whether you’re traveling alone or with kids, friends, or a partner, there’s something for everyone at the Glass Recreation Center!
From a fishing pond, to scenic walking trails, to playgrounds, to a baseball field and more, you won’t have any trouble finding something to do in this popular recreation center’s outdoor area.
And if the weather’s not so great?
They’ve got an arts and crafts room, computer lab, basketball court, gym equipment and more indoors!
You don’t have to be a resident of Tyler to enjoy Glass Recreation Center – get a day pass for a cheap fee and you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth!
10. Catch a movie and play some games at Times Square Grand Slam
If you’re not sure what to do in Tyler, Times Square Grand Slam has got you covered!
This combination movie theater and arcade features all the big movie showings of the season, plus bowling, laser tag, a ropes course and all your favorite arcade games!
Oh, and did we mention there’s a restaurant and coffee bar, too?
AND a baseball-themed VIP Bar & Lounge for guests over 21?
That’s right!
Times Square Grand Slam truly is a grand slam in Tyler entertainment!
11. Have some quiet time at the historic Oakwood Cemetery
Do you find cemeteries peaceful?
If you’re looking for where to go in Tyler, TX to take a quiet walk and do some reflection, the historic Oakwood Cemetery is the place for you!
You’ll learn the history of the cemetery on the plaque at its entrance, and discover which of Tyler’s more prominent past citizens are buried there.
Walk by the unmarked graves of over 200 soldiers from the Civil War, or stop to see the somber grave of P.M. Scott, who died at just four years of age in 1852.
Some of the graves feature gorgeous statues of angels and crosses, making this not only a great historical spot to visit in Tyler, but also a peaceful place for old souls.
This cemetery is open to the public, but as with any cemetery, it’s important to remember to be respectful, and treat the graves as though they were those of your own loved ones.
12. Escape!
Looking for thrills?
One of the most fun things to do in Tyler is to visit an escape room!
Save the world from a deadly disease with Escapology’s Antidote, or solve a murder on the Budapest Express!
Kids will especially enjoy the chance to help the Scooby-Doo gang with Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure!
Tyler Escape Room also has some exciting offerings, with a 1950’s Hollywood-themed murder mystery, a top secret spy mission, and a Psycho thriller at the Bates Motel!
13. Get your spook on at the World of Khaos
Escape rooms not enough for you?
The World of Khaos is a seasonal attraction that brings horror to Tyler every fall!
With two haunted houses, you’ll have double the fright on a dark, scary night!
Visitors of all ages will be letting out screams and catching their breath as actors jump out from all corners of this spooky thrill park!
14. Slip and slide at Waterpark at the Villages
Waterpark at the Villages is the place to go for some summer fun!
Located less than 20 miles away in Flint, TX, this is one of the best things to do near Tyler.
With a lazy river, a wave pool, and plenty of slides, the whole family is in for a good time at this popular wilderness-themed water park.
Don’t forget to bring a towel! (But if you do, no worries – you can buy one at the park’s shop!)
15. Enjoy some arts and culture at the Tyler Museum of Art
Located on the Tyler Junior College campus, the Tyler Museum of Art is a great place to go to spark your creativity.
Though small in size, you’ll find plenty of diverse works to appreciate at this modest art museum!
With over 800 pieces in their permanent collection, and new and exciting exhibitions throughout the year, the Tyler Museum of Art is well worth its $5 admission.
Grab a drink or a light lunch at the museum’s café, and don’t forget to explore the gift shop on your way out!
16. Visit the Children’s Park
The Children’s Park in Tyler isn’t just noteworthy for its adorable statues and peaceful grounds.
This park was created to celebrate all children, especially those who’ve passed away too soon.
Adults will appreciate the opportunity to honor the lives of those lost, with names engraved along the path and bronze statues of children that will tug at your heartstrings.
There is no playground, but kids are encouraged to play on the grass, in the stream, or on the teddy bear statue.
A small but serene waterfall adds more playful opportunities for young ones, and reflective scenery for adults.
17. Take a tour of the historical McClendon House
The gorgeous Victorian McClendon House is one of Tyler’s greatest historical landmarks.
Step inside and take a look around this well-preserved home, built in 1878, where White House reporter Sarah McClendon was born and raised.
You’ll learn the history of the home and the family it housed for so many years, and get an up-close look at some beautiful antiques and art!
18. Visit the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…
Wait, it’s many planes, actually. And jets. And helicopters. Oh my!
Located in a former terminal at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum (or, HAMM) is full of aviation history, military aircraft, and knowledgeable tour guides.
While you’re there, be sure to try your hand at the pilot’s life in the museum’s flight simulator!
19. Go downtown!
One of the best Tyler things to do has got to be a trip downtown!
There are plenty of eateries to choose from – check out Rick’s On the Square for delicious Southern seafood and steaks in a welcoming atmosphere, with eye-catching vintage decor and brick walls!
Admire the historic church buildings at First Baptist Church and Marvin United Methodist Church, or step into the more modern Plaza Tower and grab a refreshing drink from 1948 Coffee and Juice Co!
Don’t forget your wings!
Take a selfie at the downtown mural of angelic wings to let the world know you’ve just had an awesome trip to Tyler! (You’ll find them on Broadway Ave!)