Dallas is a fantastic venue from which to explore North Texas. There are plenty of wildlife parks, historic spots, state parks, great restaurants, and much more within an easy drive of Dallas. There are plenty of places and activities you can enjoy in a single day trip, setting out from Dallas in the morning and getting back in time for a slap-up dinner in the city. Let’s take a look at some of the best family-friendly day trips from Dallas:
Sort your transport first
First, some logistical housekeeping. For most of these day trips, you will need a car. So, if you’re flying into Dallas and don’t have your own vehicle with you, it’s a good idea to look into car rental at Dallas Airport. That way, you can step off the plane and into a convenient car that will serve you throughout these family day trips.
Be sure to look for a vehicle that fully suits your needs. For example, you might need a car with enough room for pushchairs, cool bags, and everything else your family plans to take. Air conditioning is also a must – Texan roads can get very hot, even in winter.
Also, check the return fuel policy before leaving the rental desk and load your route into the sat nav while you’re still parked.
Follow the dinosaur tracks at Glen Rose
All kids love dinosaurs, right? So, drive to Dinosaur Valley State Park and let your children enjoy some real-life dinosaur footprints (or simply run around outside in a beautiful place). Walk down to the Paluxy River and look for the preserved footprints in the riverbed (although do bear in mind that water levels change throughout the year, so some tracks are easier to reach than others – and you might need waterproof boots!)
Pack a picnic if the weather looks good. This park isn’t just about dinosaur footprints; there are also plenty of walking trails and open grass areas that make it easy to spend several hours there without anyone getting bored.
Take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad
If your family enjoys trains and/or local history, book tickets on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. The restored coaches travel between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards, giving children the chance to experience rail travel from another era. It’s a lot of fun for nostalgic adults and train-mad kids alike. However, do remember to check departure times before leaving home because the timetable changes considerably during seasonal events and school holidays.
Drive through Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a safari experience in which you stay in your own vehicle while driving through large wildlife enclosures. You can buy animal feed at the entrance if feeding sessions are available during your visit – but be sure to follow staff instructions throughout the route, because different animals have different feeding rules.
Try to leave plenty of time, as the full drive-through takes longer than you might expect (especially at feeding times!). Rushing through will make you miss much of what makes the park worthwhile.
Finish the day at a drive-in cinema
If your family still has plenty of energy after a day out, head to the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre in Ennis. Get there with plenty of time before the film begins so you have time to buy food and choose your parking space. Bring blankets or camping chairs if everyone wants to sit outside the car for the full outdoor cinema experience. As always, check the listings before traveling because films change throughout the week.
Spend a day at the Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards combine live cattle drives, museums, western shops and restaurants within one walkable district. If you’re interested in the cattle drives, look up the times before setting off so that your family arrives in time. Once the cattle drive finishes, walk around the district instead of rushing straight back to the car. You can watch horse riders, browse the western stores, or stop for lunch before heading home.
Keep the plan simple
One destination is usually enough for a family day out from Dallas. Leave early, pack drinks and snacks, and let your children spend time exploring instead of watching the clock. A relaxed schedule is usually a lot better than trying to cover half of North Texas in a single day.
