Location: Tyler
Top Things to do in Tyler
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Tyler, Texas (TX)
Tyler is a city located in central Smith County, Texas, United States. In terms of both population and land area, Tyler is by far the largest city in Smith County, of which it is the county seat, and has long been the region's major economic, educational, financial, medical, and cultural hub. The city is named for John Tyler, the tenth President of the United States. Tyler had a population of 96,900 in 2010, according to the United States Census Bureau, and Tyler's 2014 estimated population was 107,405. It is 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Dallas. Tyler is the principal city of the Tyler Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a population of 209,714 in 2010, and is the regional center of the Tyler-Jacksonville combined statistical area, which had a population of 260,559 in 2010.
Restaurants in Tyler
1. Escapology
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Tyler's premium escape game experience! Located next to Urban Air Adventure Park, groups of 2 to 6 players will be challenged by working together to find clues, solve puzzles, and unlock locks that will free them from the game room. Do you have what it takes to escape?
Reviewed By E6022KKwendyt - Troup, United States
Had an amazing time at Escapology. Challenging, exciting, super clean, great staff!! Our Game Master Jasmine was terrific!
2. Tyler State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Reviewed By pittmanj2014
Great trails to hike on or beautiful lake to swim or go paddle boating. Hiking trails are easy for the kids or hard for those who really want a workout.
3. Caldwell Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 760 reviews
Reviewed By pasherry
We visited on a nice cool day during the week. It wasn’t crowded, plenty of parking. Price is $14.50 for adults $2 off for age 55+ and $10.50 for ages 3-12. Members get in free. The zoo is small but impressive, perfectly manicured flower beds, grassy areas, nice walkways, good map. Wheelchair/stroller rentals are available and are recommended as there are some uphill pathways. We saw quite an impressive array of animals: lions, rhino, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, bison, bears, birds, reptiles, etc. We enjoyed the bird house where you can walk among parakeets or feed them as they land on your hand. The cafe had good sandwiches and fries, the gift shop offers a lot. A very nice zoo. We spent three hours here.
4. Discovery Science Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
There is so much to see and experience at the Discovery Science Place! It's a good idea to prepare so that you don't miss any of the action. We have a variety of programs, exhibits, and events that are sure to entertain and educate the whole family. Because of the hands-on nature of the exhibits, the DSP is a wonderful place for visitors of all abilities and ages to experience and learn more about our world. Our mission at the DSP is to ignite curiosity in young minds through fun, hands-on exploration.
Reviewed By T8827BSmichellew
It's worth every penny! So much for for kids 10 and under. Purchasing a membership is really cost effective.
5. Tyler Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
Reviewed By 757CCC - Dallas, United States
Even though out of season (about 3-4 weeks before full blooms), this garden is both a place of serene peace as well as beautiful. The gardeners (probably scores of volunteers) do an outstanding job of maintaining the flower beds as well as educating people with notes, descriptions, etc. scattered throughout the park. We'll plan on coming back for the Rose Festival (October) when we get a chance.
6. Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Welcome to Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, international home to over 37 rescued big cats. Come meet these majestic animals, learn about the feline species known as Panthera Tigris and find out how you can help to ensure their future in the United States and worldwide.We started Tiger Creek for a very specific purpose: "To provide rescue and rehabilitation of big cats that have been abused, neglected or displaced."It continues to be our guiding mission, and as we continue to expand, we are working to establish large natural settings for the big cats.
Reviewed By BarryK307 - Dallas, United States
Really loved seeing the Tigers, Lions, and other assorted animals up close. We had time between lunch and Check in time and wanted to do something that was fun without being overwhelming. This venue was just right as it only takes 1 to 2 hours to stroll through and see everything. Very nice facility and the animals appeared to be well cared for.
7. Brookshire's World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Our museum and playground are currently closed, and we are unable to take additional tour and party reservations at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
8. Center for Earth & Space Science Education
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingAnn91 - Frisco, United States
We love observatories and planetariums. We try and go wherever we visit. This facility is on the Tyler Junior College campus. Great planetarium and very knowledgeable PnD staff that run the movies. On Tuesdays each movie is only a dollar per showing. Amazing value for what you learn in these movies. Movie ticket includes a small exhibit in the basement with very cool science experiments and rocks from around the universe. Even let us see what goes on behind the screen when we asked.
9. Liberty Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Built in 1936 the Liberty theater was the place to be on the downtown square in Tyler, TX. It was the hub of entertainment until it closed in the mid 1980s. The City of Tyler purchased the Liberty in 2009 and rehabbed the facility. The City raised more that one million dollars in private donations to fund this stunning renovation. Our goal is to spur the revitalization of Tyler's historical downtown into an arts and entertainment district. Liberty Hall reopened in September of 2011 as a community performing arts hall that hosts classic movies, comedy, music and theater. The Hall is also available for rent to the public for events. The Liberty is once again a cornerstone of entertainment for downtown Tyler. Since our opening we have hosted such performers as: Suzy Bogguss, Asleep at the Wheel, Gary P. Nunn, Bob Schneider and Ray Wylie Hubbard. We also have live comedy shows almost monthly.
10. Cotton Belt Depot Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By beckyd02 - Springfield, United States
Would highly recommend this museum if you are in the Tyler area and interested in history of the railroads in the area. The museum is free - donations are requested but not required. Excellent presentation by the volunteer curator was was working there.
