Family Hiking Together on a Nature Trail
Family road trips are more popular than ever, and for good reason. When you need a break from the everyday, hitting the road with your loved ones offers the perfect escape. Summer is an ideal time to plan those quick Family Weekend Getaways, and if you’re near Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), you’re in luck! There are tons of fantastic destinations within a 3-hour drive, just waiting to be explored. Get ready to discover some amazing spots for your next family adventure!
Explore More: Embrace the Charm of Tiny Modern Camping
Father and Son Using a Multi-tool While Camping
Discover Tiny Cabin Family Weekend Getaways Near DFW
I’m excited to share some personal favorite family weekend getaways, along with recommendations from friends, all within easy reach of DFW. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just need a change of scenery, these destinations offer something special. Grab your favorite beverage and get ready to jot down some notes – you won’t want to miss these! And for all you outdoor adventurers, don’t forget your mountain bikes!
1. Larue, TX (East Texas): Piney Woods Cabin Adventure
First on the list is Piney Woods Getaway Cabins in Larue, East Texas. My son, my mom, and I recently visited and had an incredible time. Before our trip, I researched the area and discovered it’s a nature lover’s paradise, perfect for hiking amidst breathtaking scenery. It’s the kind of place where you’ll capture moments worthy of creating personalized photo calendars to remember your trip. Beyond the beautiful trails, I was seeking an extra thrill for my son and me – and we found it! A nearby zip line course provided the perfect adrenaline rush.
Want to know more about our cabin camping experience in East Texas? Read all about it here >>> Tiny Cabin Camping in East Texas.
2. Cleburne, TX: A Charming Small Town Escape Near Fort Worth
Each weekend getaway highlighted here is designed to offer a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Most are conveniently located under 3 hours from DFW, making them ideal for a quick road trip. To keep the kids entertained on the drive, be sure to pack some fun family car games!
Cleburne, TX, boasts a delightful downtown square filled with unique boutiques, tempting candy shops, and fantastic dining options. The historic courthouse stands proudly at the heart of it all. For more details on our family-friendly adventures in Cleburne and why we think it’s a great town to visit, check out our article on Texas Travel Talk: Weekend in Cleburne, TX.
Outdoor Shower at Best Day Ever Ranch Cabin
3. Best Day Ever Ranch, Whitewright, TX: Rustic Ranch Fun
Best Day Ever Ranch (BDER) in Whitewright, TX, offers a truly unique experience. During our visit a few years back, the cabins were freshly updated and charmingly rustic. While some cabins feature cozy lofts accessed by steep stairs, there are also options with easier access. My favorite part was enjoying a peaceful morning coffee on the porch, serenaded by distant country music – it felt like a scene straight out of a movie. If you have the chance, ask to see the treehouse cabin; the soaking tub alone is worth the rental!
A fun perk at BDER is that each rental includes a golf cart for exploring the property. While there’s no golf course, who needs one when there’s so much else to enjoy? The highlight for me is that many cabins feature incredible outdoor showers. BDER also has an event center, perfect for weddings, and a lovely outdoor gazebo, all set on spacious grounds ideal for wandering. You really need to read more about this place – I’m already planning a return trip for another weekend escape! Discover more about camping at Best Day Ever Ranch.
BDER is a quick and easy weekend getaway from Dallas that the whole family will adore.
4. Getaway Tiny Cabins – Navasota, TX: Nature Immersion
Another location for Getaway Tiny Cabins can be found near Navasota, TX, a quaint town not far from Houston and still within a reasonable drive from Dallas.
Keep in mind that these cabins are intentionally minimalist, designed to encourage you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. In addition to Navasota and Larue, Getaway Cabins also has locations near Austin and San Antonio, as well as scattered spots on the East and West Coasts.
Girls Staycation at Gaylord Texan Resort Pool
5. Staycation at Gaylord Texan Resort: Grapevine, TX Luxury
If you’re familiar with my travels, you know I’m a big fan of the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX. This past summer, I was invited to experience their Summerfest activities and Paradise Springs water park. I turned it into a girls’ getaway and invited a couple of girlfriends to join me, making my birthday celebration extra special. During our stay, we met many Texas families also enjoying the resort, and I wished I had brought my own child along!
Have you experienced the Gaylord Texan Summerfest? It’s a blast for families and changes themes each year. This year featured fun activities like Bingo, canvas painting, and more. My friends and I also made time to relax and soak up the sun at the resort pool. We packed a lot of fun into our short stay, creating lasting memories.
Of course, the Gaylord Texan is incredibly convenient, just minutes from both Dallas and Fort Worth. It’s a staycation I wholeheartedly recommend for families.
6. Frisco, TX: Urban Fun Just North of Dallas
Frisco is a top destination in North Texas for a day trip or a full weekend. It offers a vibrant downtown area on Main Street with live music venues, exciting escape rooms, and a variety of attractions to explore.
7. Dinosaur Valley State Park: Glen Rose, TX Prehistoric Adventure
Glen Rose, TX, is home to the wonderful Dinosaur Valley State Park, perfect for a day trip or a longer weekend visit. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, geocaching, and, of course, real dinosaur tracks! Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of the best day trips I’ve taken with kids, but camping there for a weekend would also be a fantastic experience. If you have extra time, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is nearby and is a hit with kids of all ages. Keep in mind that the dinosaur tracks are most visible when water levels are low. The park also has a store for supplies, snacks, and souvenirs.
Family Enjoying Outdoor Activities in Oklahoma City
8. Oklahoma City, OK: A Quick Trip North for Big City Fun
Just a 3-hour drive north on I-35 N, Oklahoma City offers exciting districts like Bricktown, brimming with tourist attractions and activities. Last year, my son and I enjoyed a hosted trip and had an amazing time exploring the city. Our weekend was packed with visiting different districts, following a fun itinerary planned by Visit OKC. Highlights included the playful purple penguins at our hotel and the exhilarating white-water rapids ride – it was a bit too intense for me, but my son loved it! Read all about our Oklahoma City family adventure and the best things to do here >>> Our Oklahoma City Family Adventure.
9. Lake Texoma: Waterfront Relaxation
A friend and her family recently rented a cabin at Lake Texoma through Lighthouse Marina. She mentioned they needed a quick weekend escape after being homebound for too long. Lake Texoma is less than two hours from DFW and has been a popular getaway spot for years, known for great fishing. My friend Esther said their cabin had all the essentials – a full kitchen, bathroom, cable TV, and AC – though they weren’t planning a return visit. They also rented a boat, which sounded like a lot of fun!
Kayaks on the Shore of Carlton Landing at Lake Eufaula
10. Carlton Landing on Lake Eufaula: Lakeside Charm
Carlton Landing, situated on Lake Eufaula, is another fantastic option. Lake Eufaula is just under 3 hours from Dallas via Hwy 75. We had the pleasure of visiting for a few nights back in 2015. It was our first sponsored road trip, with two complimentary nights in a rental property.
11. Broken Bow Cabins: Luxury in Nature
Have you seen the stunning rental cabins available in Broken Bow, Oklahoma? They are truly gorgeous! I first saw glimpses on Instagram and then remembered my niece visited last year (in October). She and her family had an amazing time and said they’d return in a heartbeat. While Broken Bow is a bit further, around 4 hours from DFW, it’s consistently praised as a wonderful destination.
Update: My niece has since returned, and so have I! I took my mom for a mother-daughter getaway – read about our trip here – A Road Trip to Broken Bow
Just a short drive from DFW, you and your family can create wonderful memories before school starts. Which of these weekend getaways near DFW appeals to you the most?
Mother-Daughter Road Trip to Broken Bow, OK: Wine and Relaxation
Another mother-daughter road trip is in the books! I love taking my mom on as many trips as possible. At 82, she still enjoys exploring and going on road trips, but prefers not to travel alone, so she comes with me. Lucky for me, I’ve found a great companion for wine tasting afternoons! Broken Bow has several wineries perfect for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting.
Inspired by my niece’s repeat visits to Broken Bow, I wanted to experience it myself and find a cabin with hot tubs, a full kitchen, and a spacious dining area.
12. Turner Falls Park: Oklahoma Waterfall Wonder
Turner Falls Park is incredibly close to home for me, only an hour’s drive away. I’m almost embarrassed it took me so long to visit again. My last trip was with the Boy Scouts – camping in a tent, which was not my cup of tea, but my son and his friends loved it. Here’s more info on our trip – Camping At Turner Falls – on Texas Travel Talk.
Family travel is more rewarding than ever, and these destinations offer fantastic opportunities to explore new places you might never have considered. Gather your family and start planning your getaway today!
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