Texas is full of many family-friendly adventures just waiting to be discovered. From the cowtown of Fort Worth to the charming town of Waco, there’s something for everyone in the Lone Star State. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, this is the best Texas family vacation guide to help you navigate the best places to stay, eat, and explore, making your Texas trip one for the books!
Waco: Where Charm Meets Adventure
Waco is known for its small-town charm, but it also has some really fun attractions, making it a perfect destination for families. From interactive museums, to exciting outdoor activities, Waco has something for every family member. Our family really appreciated the slower pace in Waco and the friendly service we experienced along the way.
Must Stay in Waco
Pivovar Hotel
Looking for something out of the ordinary, we decided to stay at the Pivovar Hotel. Pivovar is a unique boutique hotel that’s also a Czech-style restaurant and brewery, which is such a cool idea. Kids really loved the novelty of the hotel’s unique decor, from copper bath tubs to the many antiques throughout the property. The hotel features spacious rooms, perfect for families and a revitalizing beer spa on each floor that are perfect for the adults to unwind after a long day of exploring Waco.
Pivovar Hotel overlooks the Silos of the Magnolia Market and offers such easy access to the market and all of downtown Waco’s top attractions, like the Dr. Pepper Museum and the Downtown Farmer’s Market. It’s so nice having a home base that you can pop back into throughout the day as you get too hot or too tired and need a break. Pivovar’s Restaurant is also a great place to relax, serving great beers and a mixed menu combining European and Texan flavors. Scott and I got to try their new beer spa experience and we loved it! Such a unique and relaxing experience.
Book your stay at Pivovar Hotel here.
Hotel 1928
Another option that we heard great things about, is Hotel 1928. Hotel 1928 is a historic hotel with a great story and offers more of a luxury hotel experience. Designed in the style of an early twentieth-century Moorish Revival lodge, Hotel 1928 has always been a place for gathering. The hotel’s ambiance is a throwback to simpler times, providing a peaceful retreat after sightseeing around Waco.
Book your stay at Hotel 1928 here.
Search for other hotels in Waco here.
Must Do in Waco
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Visiting Waco with kids wouldn’t be complete without spending time at the Magnolia Market. Magnolia Market offers a mix of shopping, dining, and wide open spaces where kids can run around and explore. One of our absolute favorite spaces is the Katy Ballpark, which is a miniature version of the original Katy Park used by the Waco Cubs minor league baseball team. Our girls played whiffle ball here several times on our trip and it was certainly one of the highlights of our time at Magnolia Market.
Waco Surf
Waco Surf is an adventure water park that offers surfing, wakeboarding, a lazy river, and multiple wedge water slides, making it a hit with kids and teens. It’s such a great way to cool off and have some fun in the sun with your family for those warmer days. Waco Surf offers activities for all ages, from toddler-friendly swimming areas to wedge slides and wakeboarding for the older kids. Waco Surf also has a hotel onsite for families that are looking to make this the home base for their family adventures.
Cameron Park
Cameron Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas, offering hiking trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy nature and let the kids burn off some energy. The park is stroller-friendly, and families can enjoy activities like disc golf, mountain biking, or simply taking in the scenic views of the Brazos River.
Dr. Pepper Museum
Located just down the street from the Silos, is the original bottling plant of Dr Pepper. This historic Waco building is now the Dr Pepper Museum, where kids can make a soda, taste a soda, and be a part of the extreme pepper experience! Dr. Pepper Museum also offers daily Liquid Lab demonstrations, where kids can check out the science of soda pop, which is free with general admission. Be sure to visit the Soda Fountain to get your Free Dr. Pepper or even upgrade to a Dr. Pepper float.
Check out other fun things to do in Waco here.
Must Eat in Waco
Magnolia Table
Magnolia Table is a popular spot for breakfast, offering a menu full of Southern favorites made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting, with plenty of options for the whole family. Our favorites were the homemade buttermilk biscuits with strawberry butter, the classic deviled eggs with brown sugar peppered bacon and homemade jalapeño jam, and the chocolate chip pancakes.
George’s Restaurant
George’s is a Waco staple known for its casual, welcoming vibe and hearty portions. It’s the perfect place to experience Texas comfort food with friends and family. The menu features a wide range of kid-friendly options, like Little “O” Dippers and French toast for breakfast, and Mini corn dogs and Steak fingers for lunch or dinner. George’s has been a Waco tradition since 1930 and a great place for families.
Heritage Creamery
After a day of exploring, treat the family to some homemade ice cream at Heritage Creamery. Their small-batch ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients and comes in a variety of fun flavors. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a cone while the kids play nearby. They also offer dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Must See in Waco
Cameron Park Zoo
Cameron Park Zoo is nestled in the heart of Cameron Park and offers a natural setting for its animal exhibits. It’s a moderate size, which makes it easy to explore in a few hours without overwhelming younger children. Cameron Park Zoo features a splash pad for kids to cool off, along with a variety of interactive exhibits that engage children and adults alike.
Mayborn Museum
Located on the nearby Baylor University campus, the Mayborn Museum offers hands-on exhibits that are perfect for curious kids. The museum’s natural and cultural history exhibits are engaging for all ages. Mayborn Museum has dedicated children’s areas and interactive displays, which provides both educational and fun experiences for all of its visitors.
What to Know About Waco
Waco is relatively small, and many attractions are close to each other, making it easy to navigate by car or even on foot in some areas like the Silos. Consider using the Waco Trolley for a fun and convenient way to see the sights.
Spring and fall offer the best weather, but summer can be enjoyable with plenty of water-based activities to keep cool.
Fort Worth: Where the West Begins
Fort Worth has a rich western heritage and a vibrant cultural scene that’s a perfect family-friendly destination. Fort Worth offers a great blend of history, nature, and modern cowboy entertainment.
Must Stay in Fort Worth
The Ashton Hotel
The Ashton is a luxury boutique hotel located in downtown Fort Worth, offering historic charm with modern amenities. It’s close to many of the city’s top attractions, making it convenient for families. The hotel provides spacious rooms and suites, making it a comfortable stay for families. The location is perfect for exploring nearby museums and parks.
Book your stay at The Ashton Hotel here.
The Bowie House
The Bowie House offers a unique blend of historic Texas charm and modern luxury. This boutique hotel is known for its personalized service and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families looking for a special experience. The hotel’s proximity to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and other family attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring the city.
Book your stay at The Bowie House here.
Search for other Hotels in Fort Worth here.
Must Do in Fort Worth
Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards offer a glimpse into Texas’s cowboy past, with live cattle drives, rodeo shows, and interactive exhibits. It’s an immersive experience that everyone in the family will certainly enjoy. Families can explore the Stockyards Station, participate in the Cattlepen Maze, visit the petting zoo, and fill up a bag of your favorite treats at an old-fashioned candy shop. We really enjoyed our time at the Stockyards and there was still many things that we didn’t get time to experience.
Check out more on The Stockyards here.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a peaceful escape with over 2,500 species of plants and twenty-three individual gardens. It’s a really great spot for a family stroll or a picnic surrounded by natural beauty. The Japanese Garden was a highlight for our family, with koi ponds and tranquil pathways, perfect for curious kids to explore and enjoy.
Stop by the front desk and pick up the scavenger hunt for the kids, they will have a blast finding all the fun hidden gems throughout the gardens. Family Workshops are also offered at the garden by instructors teaching a new side of nature like nature photography, how to plant a pollinator garden, and other super cool experiences.
UTA Planetarium Show
Located on The University of Texas at Arlington campus, The UTA Planetarium is one of the largest in Texas. UTA Planetarium offers views of the night sky, the solar system, stars, and distant galaxies, making it an educational experience for kids of all ages. They’re also offering a new concert series each month with live music from local artists under the skies of the planetarium. See show times here.
Check out all the fun things to do in Fort Worth here.
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Must Eat in Fort Worth
Joe T. Garcia’s
Joe T. Garcia’s is an iconic Tex-Mex restaurant, famous for its large portions and lively atmosphere. Their outdoor patio is a perfect spot for families to enjoy a fun and delicious meal together. Joe T. Garcia’s offers a simple menu with excellent family-style service, making it easy to order for the whole group. Kids will love the chips and salsa, the quesadillas, and exploring the outside patio. Be sure to bring cash for the meal, as it is cash only and there is only one ATM onsite.
Second Rodeo Brewing
Located in The Stockyards, Second Rodeo offers a super fun dining experience with live music and a very laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot to relax with the kids after exploring the sites and shops. Their outdoor seating area is very spacious, with room for the kids to run around. Second Rodeo has great wings in some unique flavors like Peanut butter, bacon, and jalapeño! Our girls loved the loaded nachos, while I very much enjoyed my salted watermelon frozen margarita in a souvenir boot cup!
Press Café
Press Café is located along the Trinity River and offers a menu focused on fresh, local ingredients. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal with very scenic views. The kids’ menu is full of tasty options like; cheeseburgers, butter noodles, grilled cheese, and crispy chicken tenders.
Must See in Fort Worth
Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top zoos in the country, with over five-hundred animal species and lots of interactive exhibits. It’s definitely a full-day adventure for families who love animals. Fort Worth Zoo features a safari splash pad, a train ride, and plenty of shaded areas to rest, making it a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for families with young children.
Fort Worth Herd
Fort Worth Herd cattle drive is a must-see event that brings the Old West to life. It’s their daily tradition where real cowboys lead a large herd of Texas Longhorns through the streets of The Stockyards. There’s two cattle drives daily and they’re free to watch, so get there early and grab spot. Kids will be fascinated by the sight of these massive Longhorns and really enjoy the authentic cowhands that are interacting with the crowd.
What to Know About Fort Worth
Fort Worth is fairly easy to navigate by car, and parking is generally available at most attractions. The city also offers public transportation options like buses and the Trinity Railway Express.
Spring and fall are ideal for pleasant weather, but summer offers unique events like rodeos and festivals that are worth experiencing.
Arlington: The Entertainment Capital
Arlington is a hub of family entertainment, offering a nice mix of thrilling attractions, sports, BBQ, and lots of outdoor activities. Arlington really is a perfect destination for families that are looking for fun and excitement.
Must Stay in Arlington
Drury Plaza Hotel
Drury Plaza is a brand new, family-friendly hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites, complimentary breakfast, and an evening “kickback” offering free snacks and drinks for all. Drury Plaza is conveniently located near many major Arlington attractions like Six Flags, AT&T Stadium, and Globe Life Field. The hotel’s outdoor pool and hot tub are great for unwinding after a busy day, and the free amenities make it an excellent value for families. We really enjoyed our time at Drury Plaza and we will certainly stay again on our next family trip to Arlington, Texas.
Book your stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel here.
Live! by Loews
Located within the Texas Live! entertainment complex, Live! by Loews offers luxury accommodations with easy access to dining, entertainment, and the nearby sports venues. Live!’s location makes it easy to catch a Rangers game or enjoy the attractions at Texas Live! without worrying about a long drive.
Book your stay at Live! by Loews here.
Loews Arlington Hotel
Loews Arlington Hotel is right across from Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, making it another ideal spot for families attending a Texas Rangers or Dallas Cowboy game. Loews offers top-tier amenities and services, with a stunning new facility.
Book your stay that the Loews Hotel here.
Search for other Hotels in Arlington HERE
Must Do in Arlington
Go Ape! Treetop Adventure
Go Ape! at River Legacy Park offers a thrilling treetop adventure course with zip lines, rope bridges, and other challenging obstacles. Go Ape! is perfect for those adventurous families looking for more out of their vacation. River Legacy Park Course has different levels of difficulty, so even younger kids can participate. It’s such a great way to bond as a family while enjoying the great outdoors and getting some exercise, which is always something we appreciate on our travels.
Cidercade Arlington
Cidercade is a huge arcade and cider bar with over 300 games, from classic pinball to the latest greate3st video games. It’s such a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening with the kids, especially if you’re family enjoys games like ours does. Cidercade has an all-you-can-play model, so everyone can try out as many games as they’d like without worrying about running out of quarters or tokens. Cidercade offers couple of bars that serve their own hard ciders and hard seltzers, as well as craft main root sodas for kids that are free refills.
Texas Live!
Texas Live! is a full fledged entertainment district with shopping, restaurants, a live music venue, bars, and live sports viewing. Texas Live! is the perfect spot to hang out before a Rangers game or just to enjoy some lively family time on the weekend. Our family really enjoyed our time there, the food was good, and the atmosphere was very electric.
Check out some other great things to do in Arlington here.
Must Eat in Arlington
Hurtado Barbecue
Hurtado Barbecue is a local favorite known for its smoked meats and delicious side dishes. Hurtado is an excellent way for families to experience authentic Texas barbecue in a fast casual environment. Their generous portions ensure that no one will leave hungry, and that mac and cheese is a 100% kid-approved favorite!
J. Gilligan’s
J. Gilligan’s is a classic American bar and grill with a family-friendly twist. Known for its Irish Nachos, it’s a must-visit for a hearty meal in a fun setting. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu with favorites like chicken tenders and burgers, and the lively atmosphere that is perfect for families.
The Hive
The Hive is a cozy café with a welcoming atmosphere, that’s a great place to grab a healthy sandwich on fresh sourdough or on fresh croissant. Also serving up some great homemade soups and salads, as well as their dips; chicken salad, hatch pimento cheese, and artichoke-spinach-parmesan spread with sliced sourdough and kettle chips for dipping.
Must See in Arlington
Globe Life Field
Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, is a state-of-the-art stadium that offers a fantastic indoor/ outdoor experience for all baseball fans. Catching a game here is a must for sports-loving families like ours. Globe Life Field has many family-friendly sections, lots of kid-themed activities, and plenty of delicious food options for the entire family.
AT&T Stadium
Home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium is not just for football fans. The stadium offers tours that showcase its impressive architecture and art collection, making it an interesting stop for anyone. AT&T Stadium’s tour includes stops at the locker rooms, onto the field, and more, making it an exciting experience for kids who love sports or those that simply want to see where the Cowboys play.
What to Know About Arlington
Arlington is a sprawling city, so renting a car is recommended for getting around unless you’re just planning on visiting the sports complexes and their nearby attractions. Many of the other major attractions offer paid parking, and the city is relatively easy to navigate.
Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities, while summer is perfect for enjoying the city’s many indoor entertainment options.
From the small-town charm of Waco to the excitement of Arlington , Texas offers a diverse range of experiences for families. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, this guide provides all the information you need to make the most of your trip. Enjoy the unique culture, history, and hospitality that Texas has to offer, and create memories that your family will cherish for years to come.
Have You Been to Texas?
What about you? Have you ever visited Texas with your family? What were your favorite spots? If you’re planning a trip, which of these activities are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below, we would love to hear from you!
FAQ: Your Texas Family Travel Questions Answered
The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Renting a car is recommended, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple cities like we did. It gives you more flexibility and makes it easier to get around.
Very kid-friendly! From the interactive exhibits at the Stockyards to the thrill-seeking adventures like Go Ape!, there are plenty of activities to keep children of all ages entertained.
Yes, it’s doable! Start your day early at the Botanic Garden, then spend the afternoon at the Stockyards. Be sure to check the schedule for the cattle drive at the Stockyards so you don’t miss it. Typically, they run everyday at 11:30am and 4pm and lasts about 10 minutes max.
Don’t miss out on Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex, and the Texas-sized sweets!
Stay Connected for More Family Travel Adventures
If you enjoyed reading about our Texas adventure and want to stay updated on our future travels, be sure to follow us on social media! We share tips, tricks, and stories from our family’s travels around the world, and we’d love to connect with other travel-loving families. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more inspiration and to join our growing community of family travelers.
