Living in Texas, you understand that you live in a vast state with many attractions and food options to explore. Traveling from one end of Texas to the other would take about 14 to 16 hours, not including stops for rest, food, and stretching. However, since Texas is so large, there are many attractions to find along the drive.
Dallas is only a few hours away from beaches, national parks, and mountains where you and your kids can make precious memories! Whether you want to take the kiddos on a short drive to a beautiful garden or a complete weekend getaway, here are three of the best Texas road trips to take this summer for an unforgettable vacation.
Discover Dinosaur Valley State Park
Just 90 minutes away from Dallas is Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, Texas. If your child is interested in dinosaurs, they will get a thrill because this state park allows you to walk in the footsteps of prehistoric beings.
You and your family can explore over 20 miles of trails along the Paluxy River to discover visible dinosaur prints and two giant dinosaur statues. Enjoy the day picnicking, mountain biking, swimming, horseback riding, and even camping if you decide to stay overnight!
Here’s a quick tip; if you have seasonal allergies, bring allergy medicine because this area is known for high ragweed pollen counts during summer.
Enjoy Family Fun at Galveston Island
Just outside of Houston is Galveston Island, a coastal paradise full of fun family activities for everyone. Galveston Island is best known for its Moody Garden Aquarium, which houses monkeys, exotic birds, sharks, penguins, and many more!
Galveston is also famous for its iconic Pleasure Pier. The pier features rollercoasters, water rides, delicious foods, and games to win prizes. After hanging out at the dock, you can head to the Galveston Island State Park, where you can go hiking, biking, fishing, or camping!
Learn About Cowboys in Bandera, Texas
“This town ain’t big enough for the two of us.”
Explore a world of all things cowboys and cowgirls at the cowboy capital of the world, Bandera, Texas. This destination is one of the best Texas road trips this summer. Take the kids horseback riding and then head to the waterpark or float in the Medina River.
Your family has a wide variety of things to do in this small town, from visiting the historic Bandera county jailhouse to checking out rodeos, ziplining, or the Frontier Times Museum.
This historic town is less than a six-hour drive from Dallas. You could spend the weekend in San Antonio and a day in Bandera for a family-filled summer vacation.
Take a summer weekend to gather the kids and take a road trip to some of the most interesting Texas cities. These three destinations are fun, educational, and full of multiple activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Hop in the car, enjoy the sun, and make memories this summer.