Things to Do

5 Easy Texas Family Getaways for the Winter Break

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Once the wrapping paper has been tossed, and the last of the turkey has been turned into sandwiches, many families start to get the itch to get out and do some sightseeing. The weather for this holiday is predicted to be cool but dry, so driving conditions are prime for loading up the car and checking out some of Texas’ fun family getaways. Here are five Texas destinations that the whole family will enjoy:

1. Fort Worth

5 Easy Texas Family Getaways for the Winter Break

Photo: Facebook/FWMSH

Fort Worth is famous for its “stockyards,” which are a taste of old Texas with two cattle walks daily led by real cowboys, along with shops, rodeos, and restaurants, but there are plenty of other fun things to do there. The Fort Worth Zoo boasts 7,000 animals and is considered to be one of the best in the state. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is worth the trip as well, with its IMAX theater and planetarium, everyone in the family will find something to stimulate their post-holiday brains over the break.

2. Amarillo

5 Easy Texas Family Getaways for the Winter Break

Photo: Flickr/Martin Konopacki

You’ll get your kicks on old Route 66 on your way to Amarillo to see the sights of this picturesque area of the state. The Cadillac Ranch is a must-do, as is a trip to see the Palo Duro Canyon–often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” What are you waiting? Head out on an adventure down old Route 66.

3. Grapevine

5 Easy Texas Family Getaways for the Winter Break

Photo: Facebook/ldcdfw

If you’ve got bored kids in your home this holiday, a trip to Grapevine will fix that problem. Home of the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the Great Wolf Lodge, kids will be delighted with all that Grapevine has to offer. Everyone in the family is sure to enjoy the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, featuring a 1920’s vintage train that travels between Grapevine and Fort Worth.

4. Marfa

5 Easy Texas Family Getaways for the Winter Break

Photo: Flickr/Mathieu Lebreton

Head way out west to hipster enclave Marfa to see the mysterious “Marfa Lights,” for yourself this holiday season. You’ll be near Big Bend National Park while you’re there, so plan a little hiking or camping, if the weather is good. If the weather isn’t quite right for camping under the stars, head into Marfa to stay at one of their iconic hotels like Hotel Paisano.

5. Dallas

5 Easy Texas Family Getaways for the Winter Break

Photo: Facebook/dallasarboretum

There is too much to do in Dallas to list everything here, but no visit is complete without checking out the expansive Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which has more than 66 acres to explore and a kid-sized pioneer village. The Dallas World Aquarium is world-renowned and for the history buffs, a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza is a treat.