Family-Friendly Weekend Trips Within a Few Hours of Dallas-Fort Worth

One of the best parts about living in Texas, especially near Dallas-Fort Worth, is that you’re never far from an adventure. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can find everything from charming small towns and sparkling lakes to wildflower fields, water parks, and state parks packed with hiking trails.

Whether you’ve just moved to North Texas or you’re looking for new ways to explore your home state, there are endless weekend getaways perfect for families. Here are a few of the best spots that mix fun, relaxation, and a little Texas magic, all within an easy drive from DFW.

Waco: The Perfect Blend of Charm and Fun

About 90 minutes south of Dallas, Waco makes for one of the easiest and most rewarding weekend trips. It’s a small city with big character. Perfect for families who love a mix of sightseeing and slow-paced fun.

Start with the Magnolia Market at the Silos, where you can browse unique shops, grab a cupcake from Silos Baking Co., and relax on the lawn while the kids play. Don’t miss the Cameron Park Zoo, one of the most family-friendly in the state, or the Dr Pepper Museum, which combines history, fun, and a little fizz.

If you want to spend time outdoors, take a walk or bike ride along the Waco Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk or go kayaking on the Brazos River. It’s the kind of weekend that feels like a mini vacation without the hassle of long travel days.

Glen Rose: Dinosaurs, Wildlife, and Outdoor Fun

About 90 minutes southwest of DFW, Glen Rose is one of those hidden gems that every Texas family should visit at least once. It’s known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” and you’ll see why as soon as you arrive.

At Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can literally walk in the footprints of real dinosaurs left in the riverbed millions of years ago. Kids love it and adults secretly do, too. There’s also swimming, hiking, camping, and plenty of shaded picnic spots along the Paluxy River.

Just a few miles away, you’ll find Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a drive-through safari with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and dozens of other animals roaming freely. It’s one of those experiences that feels far away from the city but close enough for an easy overnight stay.

Broken Bow, Oklahoma: A Forest Escape Worth Crossing the Border

Technically, it’s just outside of Texas, but Broken Bow, about three hours from DFW, feels like another world. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, this spot is perfect for families craving peace, pine trees, and a little cabin life.

Spend your days kayaking or paddleboarding on Broken Bow Lake, hiking through Beavers Bend State Park, or roasting marshmallows by a campfire under the stars. You’ll find everything from cozy cabins to luxury lodges that fit big families, making it an ideal quick escape from the hustle of city life.

Lake Texoma: A Water Lover’s Paradise

Only about an hour north of DFW, Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the country and a favorite for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border, giving you double the views and endless ways to play.

Families can rent a pontoon boat, enjoy a picnic at Eisenhower State Park, or stay at one of the lakeside cabins for a peaceful weekend surrounded by nature. The sunsets here are unreal and the short drive home on Sunday makes it the perfect low-stress getaway.

Fort Worth Staycation: Explore Your Own Backyard

Sometimes the best weekend trip doesn’t require leaving town. Fort Worth has a ton of family-friendly experiences that locals often overlook. Spend a day at the Fort Worth Zoo (one of the top-rated in the country), then stroll through the Botanic Garden or grab dinner at The Stockyards, where you can see a real cattle drive down Exchange Avenue.

If your family loves a mix of learning and fun, check out the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History or the Kimbell Art Museum, which always has free exhibits for kids. You can wrap up the day with a sunset walk along the Trinity Trails, one of the city’s prettiest spots for biking and strolling.

Granbury: Small-Town Charm and Lake Views

Just over an hour southwest of DFW, Granbury is one of Texas’s most charming small towns, perfect for a relaxed family weekend. The downtown square looks straight out of a movie, with boutique shops, cafés, and an old-fashioned opera house that still puts on shows.

Spend the afternoon at Granbury City Beach Park, a sandy lakeside spot where kids can splash and play while parents unwind in the sun. You can also rent a boat on Lake Granbury or visit one of the nearby vineyards if you want to mix in some adult fun.

One of the biggest perks of living near Dallas-Fort Worth is how easy it is to explore, you don’t need a long flight or weeks of planning to make memories. Whether you want a nature-filled weekend in Glen Rose, a cozy cabin in Broken Bow, or a quick lake getaway at Texoma, Texas has something for every kind of family.

The best part? Every trip feels different, but each one reminds you why so many people fall in love with life in North Texas.

Thinking About Moving to Texas?

If you’re considering relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area or just want to explore what family life here could look like, Living Local Texas can help. From neighborhood guides to local real estate and relocation tips, we make it easy to feel at home, wherever you land in the Lone Star State.

Post written by Michael Stephens from Living Local Texas.