If you live in or around Dallas, you already know the Lone Star State is full of weekend adventures waiting just down the highway. From sparkling lakes and quaint small towns to kid-approved museums and nature trails, you don’t have to go far to make memories.
Pack the snacks, grab the playlist, and get ready to turn your next free weekend into a family adventure.
Dinosaurs, Safari Drives, and Small-Town Magic
Glen Rose sits about 90 minutes southwest of Dallas and hits the sweet spot for families with elementary-aged kids who can’t get enough of animals and outdoor fun. The star attraction is Dinosaur Valley State Park, where your kids can literally walk in real dinosaur footprints. Get there early in the day and head straight to the park — the tracks show up best when the river’s running low, so it’s worth checking water levels before you leave home.
After lunch, drive through the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, where giraffes, zebras, and ostriches will eat right from your hand through the car window. Budget at least two hours for this because the animals come right up to your car, and trust me, your kids will want to stop constantly for photos.
Spend Saturday evening wandering the historic downtown square. Hammond’s BBQ & Burgers serves up generous portions in a relaxed, small-town atmosphere — exactly what you want after a full day of adventures. You can camp at the state park if that’s your style, but Glen Rose also has comfortable hotels just minutes from everything.
Glen Rose Historic District / Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Keeping Group Trips Simple
Thinking about bringing another family along or including grandparents? A bus rental Dallas road-trippers rely on keeps everyone in one vehicle and turns the drive into part of the adventure. Kids can move around and play games, nobody gets stuck being the designated navigator, and you’ll have room for all the gear — strollers, coolers, beach toys, and those inevitable souvenir purchases that multiply throughout the weekend.
Where Curiosity Meets Charm
Waco has really come into its own as a family destination. The 90-minute drive south is easy, and once you’re there, the variety keeps everyone entertained. Kick off your first day at Cameron Park Zoo, where habitats range from the African savanna to the Amazon rainforest. It’s sized just right: interesting enough to hold attention but not so sprawling that little legs give out halfway through.
After the zoo, swing by Magnolia Market for lunch. Even if you’re not into farmhouse décor, the food trucks and bakery are solid, and kids love having the big lawn to run around on after sitting in the car. It’s a nice break before the afternoon.
Save the next morning for the Dr Pepper Museum to learn how Texas created this iconic soda. Kids actually stay engaged here, especially when they get to try different flavors at the old-fashioned soda fountain. Plan to start your drive home by early afternoon so you avoid the Sunday traffic rush and everyone has time to unwind before Monday morning hits.
Photo by Fallon Michael on Unsplash
Packing Tips for Stress-Free Weekends
Here’s a simple trick: Keep a dedicated road trip bin in your garage stocked with the basics like a first aid kit, phone chargers, wet wipes, sunscreen, and bug spray. Before each trip, just toss in snacks and you’re good to go. Always pack more food than seems reasonable because hungry kids can turn a great weekend sour fast. Try freezing water bottles the night before — they keep your cooler cold and thaw out perfectly by afternoon.
Lake Texoma: Sun, Splash, and Easy Relaxation
If your family loves water time without all the hassle of a beach vacation, Lake Texoma fits the bill. You’ll cross into Oklahoma after about 90 minutes heading north, where this massive lake sits right on the state border. It has sandy beaches and boat rentals but skips the tourist crowds.
Try to arrive Friday evening if you can swing it, then settle into a lakeside cabin or hotel. Your first full day works well at Eisenhower State Park swimming, fishing, or hiking the bluff trails that overlook the water. Bring a picnic and grab a shady spot early — the good tables disappear fast on nice weekends.
Highport Marina works well for families who’d rather take it slow. The casual waterside restaurant lets kids feed ducks while parents actually finish a meal without interruption. Before heading home, squeeze in one last swim on your final morning. The whole vibe at Lake Texoma is easygoing. There’s no pressure to check boxes on an itinerary, just water, sunshine, and time together.
Lake Texoma / Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Making the Most of Your Weekend
Want to know the real secret to great family road trips? Don’t fill every minute. Some of the best moments happen when you spot something unexpected—a roadside fruit stand, a quirky little museum, or just a place to pull over and watch the sunset. These unplanned stops often become the stories your kids tell for years.
