Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas for Families
Here are the best weekend getaways from Dallas for families!
DFW is hands-down a great place for family fun, but if you're feeling like switching things up on a weekend, there's no shortage of family-friendly places to visit within a short driving distance! Pack your bags and take the kids on a quick weekend getaway to one (or more) of the many destinations on this list.
Do you have a favorite drivable vacation from Dallas that you took with your kids? What activities made for great memories? Add your recommendations, tips and reviews below!
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
christadiserio said: Escape from the city hustle and bustle, and spend a few days in the Texas Hill Country at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. Stay here for the weekend and you'll never have to leave - this resort has it ALL. Your kids will love the lazy river, the water park complete with sports and water slides, making s'mores at the nightly bonfire, horse rides, and family scavenger hunts (just to name a few activities). And for the adults that need an extra escape - the spa is the perfect place to go.
Cedar Creek, TX
tpwd.state.tx.us
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Stephanie W. said: This dinosaur park near Fort Worth has preserved Sauropod and Theropod tracks at multiple sites along the Paluxy riverbed. In addition to the dinosaur experience, families can hike, bike, camp, and swim or fish in the river.
Glen Rose, TX
hsbresort.com
Horseshoe Bay Resort
christadiserio said: Take the ultimate weekend lake trip vacation & stay at Horshoe Bay Resort, sitting on the beautiful Lake LBJ. You'll feel right at home when you walk into this beautiful resort, where you can partake in some fun lake activities, such as kayaking, boating, fishing & cruises. The resort also has world-class golf courses, tennis courts, a pool paradise, a spa and interactive kids programming. For example, kids can join an all day tennis camp or gather around the bonfire at night to make s'mores. At Horshoe Bay Resort, there's something for everyone.
Horseshoe Bay, TXGalveston Island, Texas
christadiserio said: There's something so peaceful about hearing waves crash and feeling the sand on your toes. Come get that exact feeling in Galveston. Sit back and relax on the beach with the family, go kayaking, get a thrill doing some water sports, catch some fish for dinner or visit Schilitterbahn Waterpark. No need to catch a flight to go on a family beach vacation. Be sure to check out some places to stay!
Galveston, TXHouston, TX
christadiserio said: This spectacular city has a plethora of activities for families to choose from, like becoming an astronaut for the day at the NASA Space Center, checking out the Houston Museum District, visiting the animals at the Houston Zoo, indulging in some yummy Tex-Mex and much more!
wacoheartoftexas.com
Waco, Texas
christadiserio said: This Texas "hot spot," that you've seen all over HGTV's show Fixer Upper, is one that you'll definitely want to visit. Waco is home to the Magnolia Market at the Silos, the beautiful Baylor University, the Dr. Pepper Museum and more! Grab lunch at the food truck park, shop around, and play games on the lawn at Magnolia Market. Then, make your way over to cheer on the Baylor Bears at a seasonal sports event or visit one of Waco's outstanding museums. The whole family is guaranteed a great time.
laketexomaonline.com
Lake Texoma
christadiserio said: Sitting right on the border of Texas and Oklahoma is Lake Texoma - the perfect weekend trip destination. When at any lake, boating and fishing are a must, but Lake Texoma far exceeds just those two options in the activities department. Think: sunset cruises, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, horseback riding, bald eagle sighting tours, sailing, boating lessons and more. Also, don't fret about a nice place to stay - you won't be roughing it in these glamorous cabin rentals.
Kingston, OKCorpus Christi
christadiserio said: Looking for a coastal town to visit? Make the trip out to Corpus Christi and you'll be surprised at what this city has to offer. Aside from running on beach time 24/7, Corpus Christi is home to the amazing Selena (late Tejano star) Museum, the USS Lexington (where some scenes from the Pearl Harbor movie were shot), the Texas State Aquarium, a unique sea turtle hatching release, the original Whataburger (Texas' fast food burger joint) and so much more. Check out some places to stay during your visit to this beach town.
Corpus Christi, TXSouth Padre Island
Stephanie W. said: The beach doesn't necessarily come to mind immediately when thinking of Texas, but we've got some great beaches on our South border, and South Padre Island has among the best! The water is a beautiful blue and calm, making is great for new swimmers. There are plenty of opportunities for both bay and deep sea fishing, and watersports such as kiteboarding and jet skiing. Take a break from the water and try one of over 40 restaurants on the island, or check out one of many art galleries and museums!
South Padre Island, TXFredericksburg, Texas
christadiserio said: Fredericksburg is a charming and historic German town that is perfect for a quaint weekend getaway. You and your family can experience a throwback to what it was like for early German settlers at the handful of museums, hike to the top of Enchanted Rock, stroll the darling boutiques downtown, and visit some of the wineries. Looking for a place to stay? Fredericksburg has some great Bed & Breakfasts, as well as hotels.
Fredericksburg, TX
turnerfallspark.com
Turner Falls Park, Oklahoma
christadiserio said: At Turner Falls Park, you can visit the largest (77 foot) waterfall in Oklahoma. However, this area offers so much more than just that. You and the family will thoroughly enjoy the outdoors here, with their incredible hiking trails that will take you past caves, streams and all throughout the Arbuckle Mountains. As if that's not enough already, there are also various natural swimming areas, beaches and areas for you to sit down for a picnic. The park also has camping sites, shelters and cabins available for rent.
Davis, OK
innerspacecavern.com
Inner Space Cavern
Stephanie W. said: One of the best preserved caves in all of Texas, the drawings found here have been hidden for over 10,000 years! Several differently themed tours are available, and there is also a playground, mining area, and fossils displayed outside the caves that were found inside. This experience makes a trip to Georgetown worth every mile! Visitors should also check out Old Town district and Georgetown Square to shop crafts, antiques, and chocolates.
Georgetown, TXLake Travis
Stephanie W. said: Named the “Crown Jewel” of the Central Texas Highland Lakes, Lake Travis is the perfect family getaway! It's huge- 63.75 miles long, with over 271 miles of shoreline. There are several parks to explore, boat rentals including jet skis, party barges with slides that'll drop you straight in to the lake, and ski and pontoon boats! There's even a Lake Travis zipline! With delicious lakeside restaurants at every turn, your family will be well fed, well entertained, and get their fill of lake life in the sun!
Lott, TX
tourtexas.com
Dripping Springs, Texas
christadiserio said: Do you love the great outdoors? Dripping Springs will surely impress you and the rest of the family. Get active in the Texas Hill Country - kayak, tube, and mountain bike at Pedernales Falls State Park and visit the incredible waterfalls or make your way to Reimers Ranch for some true Texas horseback riding. If the adults feel like unwinding, there is an abundance of wineries, breweries and distilleries for them to visit as well. Before bed, lay out a blanket and be sure to stargaze with the family because the night sky is absolutely breathtaking.
Dripping Springs, TX
visitbigbend.com
Big Bend National Park
christadiserio said: Is your family adventurous? Big Bend Bend National Park could be the ideal weekend getaway for your family. This West Texas gem boasts some incredible views of mountains, canyons, deserts, and beautiful night skies. While this might seem like a random remote location along the U.S.-Mexico border, it's the complete opposite - your family can enjoy hiking, mountain-biking, floating, paddling, horseback riding, stargazing and more within this stunning park. Check out their site of permit requirements and locations.
Big Bend National Park, TXPrimary photo: Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.