Summertime in Tyler

Photo Credit: @karolamramirez

Summer is just around the corner, and there is no better time to get out and enjoy Tyler. Combat summer boredom with some of Tyler’s best outdoor adventures this season. Tyler offers events, activities, and attractions for young and old, many of which are only offered seasonally. This summer get out of the house, and enjoy the beauty and fun that Tyler has to offer!

Beat the Heat at Jellystone

Visit a place where family fun is the main attraction and memories are waiting to be made. Jellystone Park™ Tyler is one of the best family campgrounds in Texas and offers once in a lifetime experiences. It’s not just a campground, it’s Jellystone Park™! Enjoy access to our huge water playground, swimming pool, mini golf course, jumping pillows, playground, sports courts, and more.

Make a Splash

With temperatures reaching above 100° during the Texas summer, it’s important to stay cool. To beat the heat this summer, make a splash! Spending the day at Lake Tyler or Lake Palestine is an easy, inexpensive way to make summer memories. Just go for the day, or bring a tent and camp all weekend. You and your family and friends can go swimming, enjoy some of the nature trails around the lake, or go fishing. While there, try out one of Tyler’s most popular summer adventures: standup paddle boarding. Tyler Paddle is one such place to test your standup paddle-boarding skills. Tyler Paddle is located at The Boulders on Lake Tyler, and features paddle rentals, kayak rentals, fishing kayak rentals, and group rates.

Go On An Outdoor Adventure

Embark on an outdoor adventure at Caldwell Zoo, nestled in the heart of East Texas. Explore diverse habitats and encounter over 2,000 animals from around the world. From majestic lions to playful otters, there's excitement at every turn. Don't miss feeding the giraffes or riding the Zoofari Express Train. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, Caldwell Zoo promises a wild experience you won't forget!

Send the Kids to Summer Camp

Tyler offers a variety of different summer day camps for your kids to enjoy while you’re at work. Summer camps give children the opportunity to learn new things, meet new friends, and stay active throughout the summer. Several organizations and entities host camps that specialize in everything from arts, crafts, and culture to sports and recreation as well as a few that combine all of these activities. Different camps offer different activities and events, and encouraging your children to attend a camp is a great way to expand their horizons. Get your children’s input on what type of camp they would enjoy, this way you can make the best decision on which camp to attend.

Living in a city that offers some of the best attractions in Texas, there is so much for you to experience right in your own backyard! This summer, break away from the ordinary and explore Tyler.

Play in the Park

One of the cheapest forms of entertainment is to explore one or many of the parks. The City of Tyler offers more than 1,000 acres of public parkland and open space. Within these parks there are playgrounds, athletic fields, walking and biking trails, tennis courts, multi-purpose courts, and more. Other park amenities include a skate park, disc golf facilities, spraygrounds, and a swimming pool at Fun Forest Park. If you enjoy nature trails, ride the four pedals of the rose. This is a challenge to ride, run, or walk all four designated trails located at Faulkner Park, Lindsey Park, Tyler State Park, and UT Tyler. Fill out a form online to prove that you have completed the challenge and receive a decal for your car. View List of Parks

Experience Tyler State Park

Tyler is a natural beauty, and wildlife is all around. One of the best places to experience nature in Tyler is the Tyler State Park, one of the most popular State Parks in Texas. The beauty of east Texas awaits you at this 985-acre State Park. It’s the perfect place for bird watching with more than 200 species of birds identified at the Park. It is also home to a number of East Texas animals including white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, reptiles, armadillos, opossums, and more. The Park also hosts several events throughout the season such as survival skills information, birding classes, and fishing days.

Villages Waterpark

Escape the scorching summer sun and dive into a world of aquatic fun at The Villages Waterpark. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this vibrant waterpark offers a refreshing oasis for all ages. From thrilling water slides that twist and turn to lazy rivers where you can unwind, there's something for everyone seeking relief from the heat. Splash, slide, and soak up the excitement as you create unforgettable memories with family and friends. So come and make a splash at The Villages Waterpark, where the only thing hotter than the weather is the fun!

Go To A Festival or Event

Festivals and events are great ways to get out and enjoy the summer. Plus, many of the events offered in the area are cheap or free, which is even better! On almost any given night throughout the year you can catch live entertainment somewhere in town. Enjoy some tunes on the patios of some of your favorite restaurants in town.

Visit Tyler has the most comprehensive calendar in the region. For a full list of events, go to our calendar.

Go on a mural hunt

Get ready to soak up Tyler's summer vibes by hunting down its awesome murals! Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and let the colorful artworks surprise and delight you at every turn. With so many cool murals to discover, you'll never run out of Instagram-worthy spots. Strike a pose, snap some pics, and make memories that'll last a lifetime against these eye-catching backdrops. It's the perfect way to add some fun and creativity to your summer adventures in Tyler! Don't forget to tag us @VisitTyler or use the #VisitTyler so we can see your photo adventures.

List of Murals