Family road trips are the perfect way to create lasting memories, and with so many incredible destinations within easy reach of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), planning a quick family weekend getaway has never been easier. If you’re searching for “Family Getaways Near Me,” you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated a list of fantastic spots, all within a 3-hour drive or less from DFW, ideal for your next family vacation. Get ready to explore tiny cabins, charming towns, and natural wonders!
Family enjoying a weekend getaway near DFW, pointing towards a scenic location
Cozy Cabin Family Weekend Getaways Near DFW
For families seeking a blend of nature and comfort, tiny cabin getaways are a fantastic option. These cozy retreats offer a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with loved ones in a serene setting. Many of these locations are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, biking, and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Texas and Oklahoma. Grab your travel mug and a notebook, because these destinations are too good to miss for nature-loving families!
Father and son using a multi-tool while camping during a family weekend getaway near DFW
1. Piney Woods Getaway Cabins, Larue, TX (East Texas)
Located in East Texas, Piney Woods Getaway Cabins in Larue, TX, provides an immersive nature experience. Our family trip here with my son and mom last month was a delightful escape. Before our visit, I researched the area and discovered a wealth of outdoor activities perfect for families. The stunning scenery is ideal for hiking and nature exploration, offering countless photo opportunities for creating personalized photo calendars online to remember your trip. For thrill-seekers, a nearby zip line course added an extra layer of adventure to our getaway.
Discover more about our experience: Tiny Cabin Camping in East Texas.
2. Cleburne, TX – A Charming Small Town Escape Near Fort Worth
Each family getaway near DFW on this list offers a chance to escape the everyday grind. Most are conveniently located under 3 hours from DFW, making them perfect for quick weekend trips. Even if the drive is slightly longer, the destinations are well worth the journey. To keep the kids entertained on the road, consider packing some fun family car games.
Cleburne, TX, boasts a charming downtown area with unique boutiques, delightful candy shops, and excellent dining options. The historic courthouse stands as a centerpiece in the heart of downtown. To learn more about what Cleburne offers for families, check out our article on Texas Travel Talk: Weekend in Cleburne, TX.
3. Best Day Ever Ranch (BDER), Whitewright, TX
Best Day Ever Ranch in Whitewright, TX, offers a unique and memorable family getaway experience. During our visit a few years ago, we were impressed by the newly updated and charming cabins. While some cabins feature loft areas with steep stairs, there are also options with easier access. One of my personal highlights was enjoying a peaceful morning coffee on the porch, serenaded by distant country music – a truly serene experience. If you visit, be sure to inquire about the treehouse cabin; the bathtub alone is a reason to book it!
A fun perk at BDER is the inclusion of a golf cart with each rental – perfect for exploring the property (though no golf clubs or courses are available!). However, the real treat is the outdoor shower available in most cabins – an incredibly refreshing experience. BDER also features an event center, ideal for weddings, and a beautiful outdoor gazebo, with ample space for guests to explore. This ranch is a must-read if you’re planning family getaways near Dallas. Read more about our camping experience at camping at Best Day Ever Ranch.
BDER is a quick and easy weekend getaway from Dallas that the whole family will enjoy.
Outdoor shower at Best Day Ever Ranch (BDER) cabin, Whitewright, TX, perfect for a refreshing family getaway near DFW
4. Getaway Tiny Cabins – Navasota, TX
Another location for Getaway Tiny Cabins can be found in Navasota, TX, a quaint town near Houston but still within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas.
Remember, these cabins are designed to be compact, emphasizing the surrounding natural beauty. The company strategically places these tiny cabins in locations that highlight nature, including areas near Austin and San Antonio, as well as select spots on the East and West Coasts.
5. Staycation at Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, TX
For a luxurious family getaway near DFW without a long drive, the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX, is an excellent choice. As a frequent visitor, I was thrilled to be invited to experience their Summerfest activities and Paradise Springs water park last summer. To make it even more special, I invited a couple of girlfriends to join me for a birthday staycation. We observed many Texas families enjoying their time there, and I wished I had brought my own child along!
The Gaylord Texan Summerfest, an annual summer event, offers a wide range of activities that change each year. During our visit, we enjoyed Bingo, canvas painting, and much more. We also spent time relaxing and having fun at the resort’s outdoor pool. Even in a short stay, we packed in numerous activities, creating lasting memories.
The Gaylord Texan’s proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth makes it an ideal staycation option for families seeking “family getaways near me” that are close to home yet feel worlds away. It’s a staycation I consistently recommend for families.
Girls enjoying a staycation at the Gaylord Texan Resort near DFW during a family weekend getaway
6. Frisco, TX – Fun and Entertainment for a Family Day Trip or Weekend
Frisco, TX, is a vibrant North Texas city offering a plethora of entertainment options for a day trip or a longer weekend getaway. With live music venues, a charming downtown area centered around Main Street, engaging escape rooms, and diverse dining and shopping, Frisco has something for every family member.
7. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose, TX
For families interested in history and outdoor adventure, Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, TX, is a must-visit. This state park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, geocaching, and, most famously, real dinosaur tracks! Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of the best day trips we’ve taken with kids, but it’s also perfect for a weekend camping trip. Nearby, you’ll find Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, another fantastic attraction that appeals to both young and older children. Keep in mind that dinosaur tracks are most visible when water levels are low. The park store provides supplies, food, and souvenirs.
8. Oklahoma City, OK – A City Adventure Just North of DFW
Oklahoma City, just a 3-hour drive north on Interstate 35 N, offers a dynamic urban experience for families. Bricktown and other prominent districts provide a variety of tourist attractions and activities. Last year, my son and I enjoyed a hosted trip to OKC and had a fantastic time exploring the city. With a well-planned itinerary from Visit OKC, we were busy every minute, experiencing the best of each district. Highlights included seeing the purple penguins at our hotel and the thrilling white-water rapids ride – a bit scary for me, but a huge hit with my son! Read about our Oklahoma City family adventure to discover the best things to do: Our Oklahoma City Family Adventure.
Family enjoying a weekend getaway in Oklahoma City near DFW, exploring a family-friendly attraction
9. Lake Texoma – Lakeside Fun Near DFW
Lake Texoma, less than two hours from DFW, has been a popular destination for years, especially for those seeking “family getaways near me” with a focus on water activities. A friend and her family recently rented a cabin at Lake Texoma through Lighthouse Marina, seeking a quick escape from being home. She mentioned great fishing opportunities and their rented cabin included a full kitchen, bathroom, cable, and AC. They also rented a boat for added fun. While she indicated they might not return to that specific rental, the Lake Texoma area itself offers numerous family-friendly activities.
10. Carlton Landing on Lake Eufaula
Carlton Landing on Lake Eufaula is another excellent lakeside option, located just under 3 hours from Dallas on Hwy 75. In 2015, we had a wonderful experience spending a few nights there, our first comped road trip rental. The community offers a charming, walkable environment with lake access and family-friendly amenities.
Families kayaking at Carlton Landing on Lake Eufaula during a weekend getaway near DFW
11. Broken Bow Cabins, OK – Luxury Cabin Escapes
Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is gaining popularity for its stunning rental cabins. While slightly further at around 4 hours from DFW, it’s still a feasible option for a weekend getaway. After seeing glimpses of cabins on Instagram and hearing about my niece’s fantastic family trip last year, Broken Bow became a must-visit. She raved about their experience and her eagerness to return.
Update: My niece did return, and so did I! I took my mom for a mother-daughter getaway. Our trip to Broken Bow confirmed its appeal – A road trip to Broken Bow.
Broken Bow cabins often feature luxurious amenities like hot tubs, full kitchens, and spacious dining areas, making them ideal for comfortable and memorable family getaways.
Interior of a luxury cabin in Broken Bow, OK, offering upscale family weekend getaways near DFW
12. Turner Falls Park, OK
Turner Falls Park is remarkably close, only an hour’s drive from my home, yet it took me years to revisit. My last trip was in my younger years with the Boy Scouts – an experience that involved tent camping, which wasn’t my favorite, but my son and his friends loved it. Turner Falls offers beautiful natural scenery and swimming areas. Read more about our camping trip at Camping At Turner Falls on Texas Travel Talk.
Family travel is thriving, and these destinations offer wonderful opportunities to explore new places relatively close to home. Gather your family and start planning your “family getaways near me” today!
Explore More of Texas & Oklahoma:
Texas Travel Talk – Your guide to Texas travel and community.
