9 Kid-Friendly Dallas Day Trip Ideas

Sometimes you just need to get away, but you don’t want to spend a lot of time or energy getting there. These short day trips from Dallas are perfect for a quick North Texas family trip. Most of these locations also make great overnights or long weekend getaways as well. Read on for information on easy side trips from Dallas perfect for residents and DFW visitors alike.

Disclosure: Apparent Insurance, the company created by parents for parents, sponsored this post because Apparent knows that, sometimes, families just need to get away. 

9 Dallas Day Trip Destinations

1. Grapevine
2. Canton
3. Durant, Oklahoma
4. Lake Texoma
5. Fort Worth
6. Waco
7. Glen Rose
8. Tyler
9. Hillsboro

When you think about it, two-hour drives are the perfect length. For a spontaneous day trip, driving no more than two hours gives you the whole day “on location.” No need for bathroom breaks or meal stops on the way. If you’ve got little kids, one DVD covers the drive. Check out these 9 kid-friendly Dallas day trip destinations.

1. Grapevine

Dallas Day Trip Time: 25 minutes

With its historic downtown and wineries, Grapevine pleases parents. But LEGOLAND, Great Wolf Lodge, an aquarium and museums make it a kid-pleasing destination as well. Top off the fun with a steam-powered vintage train and Pioneer Jail. We’ve written more about fun things to do in Grapevine so be sure to check it out!

2. Canton

Dallas Day Trip Time: 1 hr

If you love a bargain or your idea of the perfect day involves shopping, then Canton may be the perfect destination for you. Canton hosts First Monday Trade Day (confusingly held on the Thursday-Sunday before the first Monday of the month). It’s widely considered to be the largest free flea market in the United States with more than 6,000 vendors.

While you could easily spend a whole day wandering through vendors, Canton is also a great stop on your way to Tyler.

3. Durant, Oklahoma

Dallas Day Trip Time:  1 1/2 hours

With the surrounding area being home to several casinos, Durant may not sound like a family-friendly destination, but there are arcades, movies, bowling, pools and more for the kids. Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant and WinStar World Casino and Resort (Thackerville, OK) make great road trips from Dallas. Since they offer a full list of concerts, you can plan a day around your family’s favorite musical act.

Visitors also like to take pictures with Durant’s World’s Largest Peanut Monument, and the Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival is a great destination for literary lovers in the summertime. The Three Valley Museum focuses on the history of Southeastern Oklahoma. Nearby Fort Washita, a former military post, allows you to tour restored structures. With downtown boutiques and home-cooking restaurants, there is something for everyone in Durant.

4. Lake Texoma

Dallas Day Trip Time: 1 hr 20 min

As its name might suggest, Lake Texoma is located between Texas and Oklahoma. It’s close to Durant, Oklahoma, and each state’s side of the lake has a state park. Swim, hike, bike or rent a paddle boat or kayak. For the thrill-seekers in the group, check out Extreme Sandbox– it’s a “playground” where you can drive full-size excavators!

On the Texas side of the lake, Eisenhower State Park makes a great landing point. It’s got a swim beach, fishing piers (no fishing license necessary) and campsites if you decide to make it an overnight. Your kids can also complete a Junior Ranger Badge here. Grab a quick meal at the Eisenhower Yacht Club. You can also rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes from there.

5. Fort Worth

Dallas Day Trip Time: 45 minutes

If you aren’t from Texas, you might be asking why Fort Worth is included on this list. Most visitors think that the Dallas-Fort Worth area is more compact than it is in real life! This sprawling area has a ton to do only 45 minutes away from Dallas (if you’re lucky and traffic cooperates).

You’ll feel like you’re in another time when you bring the kids to the Ft. Worth Stockyard’s twice-daily cattle drives. Billy Bob’s Saloon welcomes all ages and the bucking bull there is particularly fascinating to preteens. Food choices like Joe T. Garcia’s famous Mexican food, Rodeo Goats’ delicious burgers, and Paris Coffee Shop are both kid-friendly and amazing. We write more about what to eat here.

6. Waco

Dallas Day Trip Time: 1 1/2 hours

If you’ve ever seen HGTV’s Fixer Upper, then you’ve seen Waco. Located an easy 1 1/2 hour drive from Dallas, Waco can be done in a day, but personally I’d plan to spend longer.  There are numerous things to do in Waco, among them paying a visit to Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Texas Ranger Museum and Hall of Fame, and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Kids will also love visiting Waco Mammoth National Monument, where the fossils of 24 mammoths and other animals were found. The unique things about these fossils are that they remain on the site as they were found. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge as well.

7. Glen Rose

Dallas Day Trip Time: 1 hr 20 min

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a dino-loving kids dream. With more than 20 miles of hiking trails and an informative visitors center you can easily fill a day. Bring a swim suit to play in the river. One thing to note: The dinosaur tracks are located on the riverbed and edge of the river. If the water is high, they are not visible and you’ll have to settle for looking at the casts of them instead. If seeing the actual footprints is important to you be sure to check on the park page for the water level of the river before you go! Also, wear comfortable shoes that have good traction. Water shoes work well for the kids. Some of the hiking trails go through water.

Nearby, kids will love spotting exotic animals at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. The Children’s Animal Center is free to the public and has goats you can brush as well as other small animals.

8. Tyler

Dallas Day Trip Time: 1 1/2 hours

I’m not going to say the only reason to head here is Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ, but I’d be willing to make a day trip there just to eat a Mother Clucker. Yes, that sandwich masterpiece of smoked chicken thigh filet, spicy bbq mayo, cheddar cheese, and an over easy egg is worth the drive. Super low key and with live music most days, Stanley’s is a must in Tyler. While you’re in East Texas, be sure to also check out the Municipal Rose Garden. Tyler is known as the Rose Capital of Texas and the gardens are gorgeous.

For kids the Caldwell Zoo, Children’s Park, Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, Center for Earth and Space Science Education, Discovery Science Place, and the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge all prove popular. For outdoor fun, Tyler State Park is a great choice. With hiking, swimming and a boathouse with rentals available you’ll have your choice of recreation.

9. Hillsboro

Dallas Day Trip Time: 1 1/4 hours

An hour and 15 minutes from Dallas, Whitney is home to Lake Whitney State Park. Located on the Brazos River, it’s gorgeous with enough outdoor activities to satisfy your kids. Teens will love cliff diving, kayak trips are available and fishing is a popular reason to head to Lake Whitney. It has one special activity though: scuba diving. We know that this isn’t a kids activity but it’s fun to see the scuba divers.

The best part? If you decide to turn your day trip into an overnight, camping is available.

More Family Fun Ideas in and around Dallas

15 Dallas Museums that are Just Right for Families

19 Awesome Free Things to Do in Dallas with Kids

7 Places to Get Your Feet Wet in Texas

5 Central Texas Resorts that are Worth the Splurge

Explore the Wonders of Texas National Parks

About the Sponsor

Apparent Insurance is a company designed for parents by parents to meet the unique needs of families. Apparent offers insurance plans that give parents savings and peace of mind at every stage of life and protects families with children of all ages. The features, benefits, discounts, and services evolve alongside the families they serve. Backed and secured by parent company, Admiral Group, which oversees over 6 million customers across 7 countries, Apparent Insurance is currently available to consumers across the state of Texas, with additional states being announced soon.