Gilmer, TX With Kids | Family Guide to East Texas

Gilmer, TX With Kids

Bringing kids to Gilmer? Good call. This is a town where children can run around a lake shore, watch a real off-road vehicle climb a mountain, and eat a breakfast burrito bigger than their head. It's not Disney World — it's better. It's real.

Here's how to do Gilmer with kids without losing your mind.

Quick Itinerary by Age

AgeBest ActivitiesWhere to EatWhere to Stay
Toddlers (2–5)Lake Gilmer, downtown squareJucy's, BeBe'sHotel with pool
Kids (6–12)Barnwell easy trails, skating, YamboreeLa Finca, Bubba'sCabin or hotel
Teens (13+)Barnwell OHV, axe throwing, lake fishingOpen Range, Dubya'sAirbnb/cabin

Day 1: Arrival & Outdoor Fun

Morning: Hit Lake Gilmer for a picnic and bank fishing. The north shore has shaded tables and calm water. Kids can run around while you cast a line.

Lunch: Jucy's Hamburgers. Fast, cheap, free beans for the kids, and no one judges a messy eater.

Afternoon: Gilmer Starplex Skating. Classic fun that works for all ages. The arcade games buy you time to sit down.

Dinner: La Finca. Chips and salsa keep kids busy while the food cooks. Quesadillas for picky eaters.

Day 2: Adventure Day

Morning: Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area. Drive the easy scenic trails in your family vehicle, or hike the free multi-use trails. Bring snacks and water.

Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab BBQ at Dubya's on the way back into town.

Afternoon: If you have teens, hit Open Range Bar & Grill for axe throwing and pizza. If you have younger kids, explore the downtown square and grab ice cream at Uncle Joe's.

Dinner: Eagle's Nest Cafe for a real sit-down meal. The homemade rolls are kid-approved.

Where to Eat With Kids

See our full Family Restaurants guide, but here are the quick picks:

  • Jucy's Hamburgers — Fast, consistent, free beans
  • La Finca — Chips and salsa, quesadillas, spacious
  • Bubba's Fat Burger — Huge portions, home cooking
  • Uncle Joe's Coffee — Ice cream, frappes, bubble tea
  • Open Range — Pizza, entertainment (older kids)

    • Where to Stay With Kids

  • Hotels: Gilmer has chain options with pools — always a win after a hot day
  • Cabins near Barnwell: Let the kids experience the woods
  • RV parks: Several options with playground equipment
  • Airbnb: Full kitchens help with picky eaters

    • See our full Where to Stay guide for details.

    Tips for Surviving Gilmer With Kids

  • Bring snacks. This is rural Texas. Distances between towns are longer than kids expect.
  • Pack for weather. East Texas is humid in summer and can be chilly in winter. Layers.
  • Plan around Barnwell. If you're doing the recreation area, go early. Afternoon heat is brutal.
  • Have a backup plan. If it rains, the skating rink and Open Range are your indoor options.
  • Lower your pace. Gilmer runs on small-town time. Embrace it.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Gilmer safe for kids? Yes. It's a small town with low crime and a family-oriented culture.

    What if it rains during our trip? Gilmer Starplex Skating, Open Range (indoor), and local restaurants are your rainy-day options.

    Are there any kid-specific attractions? Skating, Barnwell Mountain (easy trails), Lake Gilmer, and Yamboree (if you're here in October). No theme parks — this is real-world fun.

    Can I bring a stroller downtown? Yes. The square is flat and walkable. Eagle's Nest and La Finca both have space for strollers.

    Last updated: July 2026