Living in Texas there are so many opportunities for weekend trips from Dallas with kids. The Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex offers to many exciting experiences for the whole family within a few hours. DFW is centrally located to experience outdoor adventures, city living and everything in between. Keep reading for our go-to spots for a few days away from Dallas with the top things to do.
If you are visiting the DFW area or if you live in Dallas or Fort Worth and need a bucketlist of family travels, this list is for you.
1. Lake Texoma
2 hours from DFW
An incredible weekend getaway from Dallas or Fort Worth, includes time on the water. Lake Texoma is a large lake with lots of water fun activities. Lake Texoma is close enough to DFW to be easily accessible, but remote enough to unplug, relax and enjoy your weekend. Bring or rent a boat to enjoy on-water activities.
Don’t forget the sand toys as the beaches have soft sand to play in. Bring sunscreen and bug spray for the best experience. An Inflatable Kayak would be perfect for a weekend trip!
When you aren’t right by the water, enjoy walking along the shore. Ride bikes around the small communities surrounding the lake. But mostly, enjoy the peace and quiet, away from the city hustle and bustle.
Rent one of these amazing luxury rentals for a large gathering. You will love these homes with great amenities indoor and outdoor to make your trip to Lake Texoma exactly what your family needs.
2. Dinosaur Valley State Park & Dinosaur World in Glen Rose
1 hour from DFW
Recommended by Umiko from Two Worlds Treasure
Address:
Dinosaur Valley State Park: 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043.
Dinosaur World: 1058 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043.
Most people are fascinated by dinosaurs. That’s why I like to take out of town visitors to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, about an hour drive to the southwest of Ft. Worth. Here people can see sauropod and theropod tracks just by walking a few yards from the parking. They are in the water but most of the time can be easily seen from where you stand.
Depending on what time of year you go, you can also swim in the Blue Hole area. While swimming, don’t forget to look for sauropod tracks. If you come late in the summertime, when the water level is at the lowest, you can walk to the Ballroom site. This is where lots of dinosaur tracks found facing in different directions as if they were dancing.
Other activities you can do at this park are hiking, bird-watching, geocaching, fishing, riding a horse, camping, or picnicking.
If you have young paleontologists in the family, stop at Dinosaur World, right at the corner before you turn to Dinosaur Valley SP. You can walk among life-size dinosaur displays and learn about them, from the type of dinosaurs, when they existed, to where they roamed. The little ones can also dig for dinosaur fossil and pan for gems. Your little one will love this explorer’s kit as they discover real Dinosaur tracks.
Before you leave, don’t forget to stop at the little museum around the corner.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a dog-friendly place, so your 4 legs family member can enjoy his/her time here, too.
You can always bring your snacks or picnic lunch to enjoy at one of their picnic tables by the playground.
3. Buda, TX
3.5 hours from DFW
Contributed by Lisa from Planning Away
Want to have a fun weekend trip from DFW? Head south to Buda, Texas pronounced Buuuuda. Yes, this country town is a fun place to explore! Buda is located south of Austin.
Buda is a perfect place for a food tour. The foodie inside of you is going to love all the variety it has to offer. Start with a breakfast taco tour, continue with some delicious Mexican food, dessert before dinner at one of the many local sweet shops, and end at one of the most famous Bar-B-Que restaurants in Texas – The Salt Lick (located in Driftwood but close to Buda)
There are some fun things to do in Buda. Main Street in Buda is so cute! There are a variety of local shops and restaurants. One of the best times to visit Buda is during the Weiner dog races. Yes, Weiner dog races! This town loves weiner dogs and puts on a huge family-friendly event in April.
If you love country music and dancing, a brand new dance hall called the Maverik recently opened and George Strait performed.
Buda is a great weekend trip from Dallas with kids!
4. Wichita Falls, TX
2 hours from DFW
Recommended by Annick from The Common Traveler
Located northwest from Dallas-Ft. Worth, a two-hour drive to Wichita Falls takes visitors to a whole other side of Texas. This small college town, with an Air Force Base, houses an interesting little locale worth the drive.
Within a few blocks area, downtown Wichita Falls hosts some quirky little establishments. The world’s littlest skyscraper? Yep, it’s here in Wichita Falls. You can visit the Museum of North Texas History and the Railroad Museum. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is likely one of the biggest draws to the town. Memorabilia from all ages of wrestling are on display. You’ll find autographed and donated items from some of your favorite wrestlers – like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and so many more!
Lovers of the outdoors and nature will especially enjoy Wichita Falls. Stop by the Falls at Lucy Park, an homage to the town’s beginnings. The park features almost two miles of trails, popular with walkers, runners, and bicyclists. A mountain bike trail passes by a memorial to the Comanche indians who called this area Wee Chi Tah.
The craft brewery scene has come to town too. Stop by Wichita Falls Brewing for a refreshing cool draft. If you’re looking for an affordable steak dinner, don’t miss visiting McBride Land & Cattle Co. Steaks.
There are so many fun things to do in Wichita Falls that it is worth the day trip from Dallas-Ft. Worth!
Booking.com5. Oklahoma City
3 hours from DFW
One of the best road trips from Dallas, takes you right across the North Texas border into Oklahoma. Oklahoma City will surprise and delight your family. There are so many unique opportunities to experience in this town. Although you could enjoy a weekend, there is plenty more to explore and could be a week-long adventure.
The Science museum was possibly our family’s favorite in the country. The museum of Osteology (bones and skeletons) is one of a kind. OKC Zoo includes a tram to get around and unique animals to delight your whole family.
Factory Obscura- Mix Tape Art Installation will blow your mind. Remember to get the 3D glasses for the full-effect.
The Botanical Gardens and Scissortail park are perfect outdoor spaces for kids.
You will love the Plaza District with fence murals and quaint shops and dessert stores. Rent scooters from off the street or take a water taxi to move around the Bricktown District. With paths around the river, art displays and amazing restaurants, like Bricktown Brewery, you’ll want to spend time day and night in this district.
Taking a weekend trip to Dallas with kids to Oklahoma will have to wanting to stay on vacation for the rest of the week! Click for all the detail for a fun week in Oklahoma City.
There are so many hotel options in OKC, you will love to stay right downtown in all the fun!
Booking.com6. Hot Springs, Arkansas
4.5 hours from DFW
Road trips from Dallas don’t have to stay within Texas! Cross into Arkansas for a fun, family-friendly travel weekend. Hot Springs is a city built around Hot Springs National Park. What used to be a medical facility of hot mineral baths, is now a destination for all. You’ll find hot tubs along bathhouse row (still in use!), hiking in the hills along the Grand Promenade, and the views from Mountain Tower. Bring a water bottle to fill up on hot mineral water!
In Hot Springs, you should also experience the awesome Mid-America Science Museum, Gangsta Museum, Magic Springs Theme park, and bottle water tours.
Find full details and essential tips for what to do in Hot Springs Arkansas.
7. Turner Falls, OK
2 hours from DFW
Tuner falls is a very short road trip from Dallas. Just across the Oklahoma border, you will love this waterfall and river for a full day of play. The water at Turner Falls really is the magical color you see! It is clear and cool, perfect for the hot, Texas summer. Turner Falls is located on the border of Texas and Oklahoma. You do need to reserve your entrance in advance as it will fill up.
You will want to get to Turner Falls right as it opens and stay the whole day. You can even camp at Turner Falls, but you do pay for entry to the park for both days you are camping, but then you get the river to yourself before the day crowds arrive.
At the entrance to the park, the river offers a slide (its really fast!), a diving board and lots of rock playing area.
Don’t miss exploring the castle about half way through the park.
At the end of the park, you’ll find the majestic Turner Falls. The swimming area right below the falls are deep because it is damned off to make a swimming area. You can walk right out on the dam as water pours under your feet. In the rest of the park, the water going downstream is more shallow.
Find a spot to picnic, play on the beach, swim below the waterfall. We explored all the way down the river. Everyone will want water shoes that stay on. These sturdy water shoes are perfect for kids. And bring water shoes for yourself as well, you will definitely want to help your family explore. The rocks can be uneven and slippery.
Everyone under 16 must wear life-jackets at all times. So be sure top come prepared with teens, kids, toddler and baby lifejackets.
More details and essential information about a Day at Turner Falls here.
8. Waco, TX
1.5 Hours from DFW
Imagining the old days in Waco 
No Texas road trip is complete without a stop in Waco. Waco is a small town made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines from the popular TV show Fixer Upper. You will find their restaurant, Magnolia Table with decoration inspiration and delicious food to complete the experience. Magnolia Square has so many shopping opportunities. You’ll find the warehouse shop with a little bit of everything.
Magnolia home offers furniture and decor for the home. There are 6 distinct shops featuring everything from books to body to baby. If food is more your passion, enjoy a drink at Magnolia Press and food of all varieties at the food trucks all along the perimeter. Don’t miss the Silos bakery for the best cupcakes and cookies. Grab the Magnolia Table cookbook on Amazon to save money!
There are also several free options at Magnolia. Play some baseball on the grassy field. Enjoy games and relaxing on the bean bags or swings in Magnolia Square.
To complete your trip to Waco, try something outside of the Magnolia bubble. Explore the downtown bridge, sculptures and walking paths next to the river. Discover the Dr. Pepper museum. Texas is where Dr. Pepper originated and Texans are proud of this contribution to the world. Grab some real sugar Dr. Pepper for a treat!
Just a few minutes up the road is the Waco Mammoth National Monument where you can hike and see the actual dig site where 18 mammoths (moms with their babies) fossils were discovered.
Waco is a quick and easy road trip from Dallas. Get all the details for a full day in Waco.
9. Conroe, TX
3 hours from DFW
There is quite a bit to see in south Texas on a weekend road trips from Dallas Conroe is a small town just north of Houston with lots of history, art and fun for kids. Stroll around downtown for painted benches and shops as well as a splash pad park.
Kids will love 7 Acres Farms! With live animals, boats to explore, a mini-golf course and a zipline, they will be entertained for hours with one simple entrance fee.
You will love learning about Texas History and have a sense of patriotism at the Lonestar Flag Monument. Don’t forget to get a Texas Flag as a souvenir!
Lake Conroe is just north of town, so you can experience all the water sports you love here.
Don’t miss eating at Vernon’s Kounty Katfish. They cater for all the major events around town and give back to the community. The food is outstanding, too!
Details and essential information about a day in Conroe here.
10. Midland and Odessa, TX
4.5 hours from DFW
Heading west can create some of the best weekend trips from Dallas or Fort Worth. As the mid-point between El Paso and DFW, Midland and Odessa have lots of fun adventures and great food to offer the traveler. Take some time to explore Texas’ history in the Permian Basin and the Petroleum Museum.
You dont have to go all the way to England to find Stonehenge. And this replica allows you to et close and interact with the stones… much more family friendly than the real-deal.
Drive fast on the go-cart track and RimRock Raceway. Jump and play at Altitude or 4Kidz Fun Park. and if the kids still have energy, go ice skating inside Music City Mall.
Centenial Park and Dennis the Menace park both offer splash pads. Centennial has an activity cart full of fun equipment. Dennis the Menace park has four large playground areas with swing and large grassy areas. You could stay at both for hours.
Enjoy a Texas BBQ at KD’s BBQ. Enjoy delicious food and a classy ambiance at Forty One Ten dining and Cocktails. For a sweet treat, don’t miss Southern Maid donuts and Susie’s South Forty Confections.
Find more detail and options for family-friendly fun in the Midland and Odessa area on these posts.
Family Friendly Fun in Midland
Best place to Stay, Eat and Play in Odessa.
11. Abilene, TX
2.5 hours from DFW
The short driving distance to Abilene makes it one of the best weekend trips from Dallas with kids. In Abilene, You can experience an intimate zoo, parks with your favorite story book characters and find multiple Texas History Experiences. Frontier Texas, buffalo Gap History Center and Fort Phantom Hill all preserve the history of the wild frontier of Texas and make it easy for kids to learn from it.
You will love the easily walkable area in downtown Abilene to find many storybook characters.
Where to stay on a Trip from Dallas
Once you pick your destination, reserve a hotel and start looking forward to the fun you will have just outside of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Booking.com
If you are in DFW area, don’t miss these fun adventures.
- Take the TEXrail for a fun day in Grapevine!
- Dallas Arboretum
- Perot Museum
- 75 Kid-Friendly Activities in DFW area
- Everything you need to know about the DFW Airport
- Epic Waters
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