Hospitality Health ER in Longview and Tyler is forever grateful to those who have served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. To honor that freedom, we encourage families to take a break from work and screen time. Get out and catch up on some much needed R&R — or shall we say F&F (Fun and Festivities) — with the family this Memorial Day Weekend. Take advantage of some of the many Memorial Day activities happening around East Texas.
But we also encourage you to be safe. According to CNN, automobile-related risks tend to increase on Memorial Day Weekend because of drinking, travel on unknown roads, and the lack of seatbelt usage. For families staying or traveling around East Texas, just know that Hospitality Health ER locations in Tyler and Longview are open 24-7, all Memorial Weekend for all medical emergencies.
Memorial Day Weekend Daily Events: Tyler, Longview, and Surrounding Areas
All Weekend
When? All Weekend (May 26th, 27th, 28th)
Where? River Run ATV Park, Jacksonville, TX
What’s Going On? Ride an ATV through the Piney Woods Region at Mud Creek Off-Road Park (mudcreekoffroadpark.com). Enjoy 3,700 acres of rolling green hills, hardwoods, pine thickets, and marshes. In addition to offering miles of wilderness to ride ATVs, the park offers RV hookups. Read more here on ATV safety.
Southwest Classic-“AA” Hunter/Jumper Horse Show
When? 10:00 am (May 26th, 27th, 28th)
Where? Texas Rose Horse Park, Tyler, TX
What’s Going On? Want to do something a little different this year for Memorial Day weekend? If your kids love animals, take the family to see different types of horse competitions including Show Jumpers, Working Hunters, & Hunt Seat Equitation. Show Jumpers’ winners are rated by how “faultless” and fast they are! Working Hunters are judged for manner and pace. Hunt Seat Equitation competitions look at the rider’s form, stillness, and handling of the horse.
Oceans: Acid Versus Life
When? 10:30 am (May 26th, 27th, 28th)
Where? Center for Earth and Space Science Education, Tyler, TX
What’s Going On? If you can’t get to the ocean over Memorial Weekend, you can just take the kids to the Center for Earth and Space in Tyler to learn about coral reef and acidification using six live action and computer animated video stations.They’ll also have the opportunity to explore coral reefs, sponges, and other marine life through a microscope. And they can burn off some energy crawling through life-sized replicas too!
Saturday, May 27th:
Fair On The Square 2017
When? 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Where? Civic Center, Rusk, TX
What’s Going On? If you like to go where the energy is, take a short 1-hour drive from Longview and check out the Fair on the Square. Enjoy different arts & crafts booths, food vendors, a Who Let The Dogs Out Race, music, games, and more!!
Freedom in the Park (Fireworks)
When? 10am-10pm
Where? Whitehouse City Park, Terry St, Whitehouse, TX
What’s Going On? Catch some fireworks at the Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce, less than an hour away from Longview and Tyler. Spend the whole day there and enjoy different kids activities, a car show, different vendors, and live music.
Sunday, May 28th
Sunday Fun Day Family Matinee Train Ride
When? 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where? Texas Depot, 535 Park Road 76, Rusk, TX
What’s Going On? Hop aboard a train and enjoy a ride with the family on a classic American train. For more information call 903-683-3093 or visit texasstaterr.com.
Monday, May 29th
Memorial Day Service
When? May 29 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where? Tyler Funeral Memorial Home, 12053 Highway 64W, Tyler, TX 75704 United States
What’s Going On? Memorial Day Service Honoring service men and women General public is invited to attend
Memorial Weekend Water Adventures
Fish and Fun in the Water
When? All Weekend
Where? Fresh Water Fisheries Center, 5550 FM2495, Athens, TX 75752
What’s Going On? Want to take the family for some good ol’ fashion fishin’? Freshwater Fisheries Center is home to a 1.2-acre pond, fully stocked with fish, where children can learn to bait a pole and cast a line. You do not need a fishing license. Bait and tackle are provided on site. You can take a walk through wetlands, take a tram tour, and see native Texas fish in 300,000-gallon aquariums.
Splash Kingdom
When? All Weekend
Where? 18814 I-20, Canton, TX
What’s Going On? The largest water park in East Texas features kid areas, a wave pool, different waterslides, a lazy river, and special children’s areas.
And before you start popping off fireworks, read our blog on Firework Safety here.
