Family Road Trip Ideas In Texas Close To Home
Folks, things aren’t going to get better in time for summer vacations. Gas pricing will be higher than ever, so I wanted to write about family road trip ideas in Texas close to home. Some may be obvious, and some might not have even crossed your mind. It’s worth a look. I have a 12-year-old grandson that will get mighty bored if we don’t go anywhere, so I’m off to find fun things for us to do.
Related: 12 Best RV Campgrounds In East Texas(Opens in a new browser tab)
Family Road Trip Ideas In Texas
If you’re planning a kid-friendly trip, these trip ideas are some of the most common. Considering factors such as length of stay, age of your children, and if you want to take your pet, you can plan a vacation that your kids and yourself will remember forever.
Related: 5 Tips For Eating As A Family On The Road(Opens in a new browser tab)
1. Texas State Parks
Camp out at your nearest state park or another one a little further down the road. State parks offer a world of outdoor activities for kids like canoeing, hiking, geocaching, swimming, etc. If you’re not a tent camper like me, some state parks have cabins and screened shelters with cots to rent. We like to go geocaching in state parks because they make sure the treasure is usually there, unlike some places we’ve been to where there’s nothing to find when you get there. Be sure you download the geocaching app before you leave home.
I’ll never forget the day trip we took to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, TX. Besides searching for dinosaur tracks in the cold water, the kids also went geocaching, had a picnic, and hiked as much as we could until we got tired.
2. Texas Water Parks
Water parks in Texas are getting ready for their opening day in May, and some are offering specials right now on season passes. I know Hawaiian Falls in Roanoke, Waco, and Mansfield are offering free admission for Mom and Grandmother on May 7 & 8, 2022, with a paying kid ticket. Take a look here at the Texas Water Parks Open for 2022.
3. Jellystone Parks In Texas
Why yes, Yogi Bear still exists! Did you know there are five Jellystone Parks in Texas? They are all spread out in the Lone Star State. Earlier this month, my grandson and I enjoyed staying at the North Texas Jellystone Park in Burleson, TX. He had a blast, and I got to act like a kid too!
The other four are in or near Tyler, Houston, Texas Hill Country, San Antonio
Photo Credit: Abbie Alter
4. Texas Area Lakes
We have tons of lakes to use. And, I’m sure camping spots will fill up quickly. Maybe if you’re not a tent camper, this is the year to try it out. Yikes, I can’t believe I said that!! But bring your kayak and stay in the water all day or fish from the bank or a pier. This is probably one of the cheapest vacations you and the kids will enjoy.
Teepees at NTX Jellystone Park. Photo Credit: Kim Croisant
5. Stay In A Yurt, Or Glamping Tent Near You
Do you know that companies like Hipcamp, Tentrr, and Airbnb have yurts, glamping tents, and camping areas that may just be in the next town over from you? Staying in a yurt or glamping tent is an experience in itself, and some are located on a river, lake, or out in the woods. You never know where they might be unless you look. Try looking up the next town from you and seeing what you find.
6. Do A Staycation At A Nearby Hotel With Pool
Have you noticed some of these new hotels have more amenities than ever? Like live music at night, an outdoor lounge area with yard lights lit up at night, drink specials at the bar for the adults, and more. The ones that come to mind are Texican Court in Las Colinas and Cavalry Court in College Station.
Or what about a resort hotel with many amenities for kids and families? How about the Marriott Gaylord? They have an outdoor water park. Great Wolf Lodge might not be a bad idea as well. No spoiling the fun with that indoor pool.
7. Stay At A Guest Ranch
You may have a guest ranch near you, depending on where you live. But if not, maybe a short road trip might be worth it. Guest Ranches have some activities on the ranch like horseback riding, perhaps fishing, but certainly time out in nature hiking and good hearty meals. Check it out.
RV Rentals at NTX Jellystone Park in the off-season. Photo Credit: Kim Croisant
8. Rent An RV
Camping season is upon us, and road-tripping in an RV for the first time might just be fun. There are over 18,000 campgrounds in Texas that allow RVs. The pets can come, you make your meals if you want, and some campgrounds have fun weekly activities lined up. And, best of all, you don’t have to go that far to enjoy an RV camping experience. Ending the day with a homemade meal cooked over the campfire or portable grill would be heaven for this girl.
9. Take A Zipline Road Trip
Certainly, there is a zipline course near you. Take the whole family and go ziplining for the day. It’s an adventure and one I must confess that I love. Maybe that’s why I’m mentioning it here. I know not everyone loves the idea of flying through the air attached to a cable, but it sure is fun!
Whatever you decide to do this summer, I hope these family road trip ideas in Texas have helped you decide on something fun.
PIN IT!
Leave a Reply