If you’re looking for the perfect 14 day road trip from Texas, this Southwest loop is one of the most unforgettable routes you can take.
Starting and ending in Dallas, this 14 day road trip from Texas takes you through some of the most incredible landscapes in the country—from underground caves to white sand dunes to iconic national parks like Zion and the Grand Canyon.
Even better? This route is a complete loop, meaning no backtracking—just one amazing stop after another.
Overview of This 14 Day Road Trip from Texas
Start/End: Dallas, TX
Length: 14 Days
Distance: ~2,900 miles
Route Highlights: Carlsbad Caverns → White Sands → Saguaro → Valley of Fire → Zion → Grand Canyon → Albuquerque → Palo Duro Canyon
This 14 day road trip from Texas is ideal for families, first-time long-distance road trippers, or anyone wanting to experience the Southwest in one epic journey.
Quick Trip Details
Starting Point: Dallas, Texas
Total Distance: ~2,900 miles
Trip Length: 14 days
Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall
States Covered: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada
Kick off your 14 day road trip from Texas with an early start toward Carlsbad. This is a longer drive day, but it sets up one of the most unique experiences of the entire trip.
A slower day to wrap up your 14 day road trip from Texas with one of the most underrated parks in the state.
Don’t Miss
Lighthouse Trail
The Big Cave
Sunset views
Day 14: Amarillo → Dallas
Drive Time: ~5–6 hours
Wrap up your 14 day road trip from Texas and head home.
Final Thoughts on This 14 Day Road Trip from Texas
This is one of those trips where every stop feels completely different—and somehow the views just keep getting better.
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate 14 day road trip from Texas, this route checks every box: national parks, unique landscapes, family-friendly stops, and a seamless loop you can actually follow.
If you’re looking for an easy, high-impact road trip from Dallas, this 5-day loop through Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle is one of the best you can do. All with manageable drive times and kid-friendly stops.
Start your road trip with one of the most underrated parks in the South.
Don’t Miss:
Stout’s Point Overlook (sunset views)
Mather Lodge check-in
Easy exploring around Bear Cave
Where to Stay:
Mather Lodge (best views + convenience)
Cabins inside the park
Pro Tip: Keep this day light—save your energy for hiking tomorrow.
Day 2: Petit Jean State Park (Full Day)
Main Highlight: Cedar Falls Trail
This is the most iconic hike in the park—and worth every step.
Don’t Miss:
Cedar Falls (95-ft waterfall)
Rock House Cave (short + unique stop)
Scenic overlooks throughout the park
Tips:
Start early to beat crowds
Wear good shoes—the climb back up is no joke
Day 3: Petit Jean → Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
This day mixes travel with one of the most unique landscapes in Oklahoma.
Stop in: Medicine Park (lunch + quick explore)
Don’t Miss:
Bison + longhorn sightings
Scenic refuge drive
Short walk on the Narrows Trail (1.5 miles roundtrip)
Mount Scott at sunset
Where to Stay:
Medicine Park (charming + close)
Lawton (more options)
Day 4: Wichita Mountains → Palo Duro Canyon
Drive Time: ~5–5.5 hours
Welcome to the second largest canyon in the U.S..
Don’t Miss:
Driving down into the canyon (incredible views)
Rim overlooks
Sunset over the canyon
Where to Stay:
Palo Duro cabins/glamping
Hotels in Canyon or Amarillo
Pro Tip: Take it easy today—tomorrow is your big hike.
Day 5: Palo Duro Canyon → Dallas
Drive Time: ~6 hours
End your trip with one of the best hikes in Texas.
Main Highlight: Lighthouse Trail (iconic rock formation)
Tips:
Start early (heat + no shade)
Bring lots of water
Turn around early if needed—views are still amazing
Optional Stop: Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo) on the drive back to Dallas
What to Pack
Comfortable hiking shoes
Reusable water bottles
Sunscreen + hats
Snacks + easy picnic meals
Lightweight backpack
Why This Trip is Perfect for Families
No extreme drive days
Mix of easy + moderate activities
Plenty of “wow” moments without overpacking the schedule
Tips for Planning This Road Trip
Book lodging early (especially at Petit Jean + Palo Duro)
Start hikes early to avoid heat
Keep afternoons flexible for rest
This road trip is proof that you don’t have to travel far to have an incredible adventure. From waterfalls to wildlife to canyon views—this loop is one of the best road trips from Dallas!
If you’ve ever spent hours planning a trip only for your kids to say their favorite part was the hotel pool… you’re not alone. So instead of guessing, we asked our kids one simple question: “What were your favorite trips?” Their answers? These four road trips from Dallas that they’re still talking about months later. From white sand beaches to mountain adventures and wildlife encounters, these are the trips that truly passed the kid test—easy to plan, packed with fun, and full of moments your family will actually remember.
These aren’t just “good” road trips — they’re the ones your kids will still be talking about months later. If you want less stress, more fun, and trips your whole family actually enjoys… start here.
If you think Texas is just flat highways… this road trip will prove you wrong.
This ultimate Texas road trip loop from Dallas takes you from sand dunes → mountains → canyons → bison-filled landscapes—all without backtracking or needing a flight.
It’s one of the most unique and doable multi-stop road trips in Texas—and I’ve mapped out the exact route, stops, and tips to make it EASY.
Dallas → Monahans Sandhills State Park → Guadalupe Mountains National Park (+ Carlsbad Caverns National Park BONUS) → Palo Duro Canyon State Park → Caprock Canyons State Park → Dallas
OVERVIEW
Length: 4–5 days
Drive Time: ~14–15 hours total
Best Time to Go: October–April (avoid peak summer heat)
Trip Style: Loop (no backtracking)
Best For: Families, first-time road trippers, bucket-list Texas adventures
DAY 1: DALLAS → MONAHANS SANDHILLS
Kick off your trip heading west toward one of the most unexpected landscapes in Texas.
Drive time: ~5 hours
Route: Dallas → I-20 W → Midland/Odessa → Monahans
Stop: Monahans Sandhills State Park
Time here: 1.5–3 hours
Don’t Miss:
Sandboarding or sledding down the dunes
Climbing to the highest points for sweeping views
Letting kids run wild (no trails = total freedom)
Exploring during golden hour for the best experience
Pro Tips:
Go late afternoon for cooler temps
Bring water + sunglasses (windy + sandy!)
Stay:
Midland/Odessa (most options)
OR continue 2 hrs to Carlsbad, NM (sets up Day 2 perfectly)
These are the weekend trips I’d recommend first if you want big scenery, memorable hikes, wildlife, and that “how is this only a few hours from Dallas?” feeling. I picked a mix of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas destinations that are all realistic for a 2–3 day getaway, with park basics, where to stay, top highlights, a hidden gem, and an easy weekend plan for each one. Park fees, hours, and lodging details can change, so I’d still book/check the official park pages before you go.
1.) Guadalupe Mountains National Park + Carlsbad Caverns National Park — Carlsbad, NM
Drive from Dallas: about 7–7.5 hours Best for: a bucket-list combo trip (mountains + caves in one weekend)
This is one of the BEST ways to experience Guadalupe Mountains — pair it with Carlsbad Caverns and base yourself in Carlsbad, New Mexico for an unforgettable weekend.
Best route from Dallas: Head west toward Carlsbad, NM (easy, straightforward drive). On your full day, you’ll drive about 45 minutes to Guadalupe Mountains (Pine Springs area).
Where to stay:
Carlsbad, NM (best option — more hotels, restaurants, and easier logistics)
Options range from budget hotels to family-friendly stays
Much more convenient than staying in Van Horn
Top highlights:
Guadalupe Peak (highest point in Texas)
Devil’s Hall (fun rock scrambling)
El Capitan views on the drive in
Carlsbad Caverns (massive underground cave system — unreal experience)
Guadalupe MountainsWeekend Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive Dallas → Carlsbad Check in, dinner in town, rest up
Day 2: Morning hike in Guadalupe Mountains (Devil’s Hall or Guadalupe Peak) Afternoon rest Evening: Carlsbad Caverns bat flight program (seasonal but AMAZING)
Day 3: Morning: Explore Carlsbad Caverns (Natural Entrance + Big Room) Lunch in Carlsbad Drive back to Dallas
2.) Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge — Medicine Park / Lawton, OK
Drive from Dallas: about 3 hours Best for: a quick, high-reward weekend with wildlife, views, and minimal planning
This is one of the easiest weekend trips from Dallas that still feels like a true escape — think mountains, open prairie, and bison roaming freely.
Best route from Dallas: Head north toward Lawton, OK. Super straightforward drive and perfect for leaving after work on a Friday.
Where to stay:
Medicine Park (best option — charming cabins + walkable town)
Hotels in Lawton (more budget-friendly + chain options)
Top highlights:
Mount Scott drive (panoramic views with almost no effort)
Bison + longhorn sightings throughout the refuge
Elk Mountain hike (short, scenic summit)
Lake Lawtonka (great for relaxing views)
Wichita MountainsWeekend Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive Dallas → Medicine Park Explore town, dinner, sunset drive up Mount Scott
Day 2: Morning wildlife spotting (bison!) Hike Elk Mountain Relax at Lake Lawtonka or explore more scenic pull-offs
Day 3: Slow morning in Medicine Park Coffee + quick walk Drive back to Dallas
3.) Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Amarillo, TX
Drive from Dallas: about 6 hours Best for: iconic Texas scenery + one of the most photogenic hikes in the state
Palo Duro is the kind of place that makes you stop and say… this is Texas?! It’s massive, colorful, and surprisingly easy to explore.
Best route from Dallas: Head northwest toward Amarillo. Easy highway driving the entire way.
Day 1: Drive Dallas → Morrilton Check in, sunset at an overlook
Day 2: Morning hike to Cedar Falls Explore Bear Cave or Seven Hollows Relax at lodge or viewpoints
Day 3: Stop at Rock House Cave Drive back to Dallas
5.) Caprock Canyons State Park — Quitaque, TX
Drive from Dallas: about 4–5 hours Best for: red rock canyon views without the crowds
Caprock feels like Palo Duro’s quieter, wilder sister — same dramatic scenery, but way fewer people.
Best route from Dallas: Head northwest toward Quitaque, TX — similar direction as Amarillo, just less traffic and fewer stops.
Where to stay:
Campgrounds inside the park (best experience)
Limited stays in Quitaque
Nearby small towns like Turkey, TX
Top highlights:
Texas State Bison Herd (often very close to the road)
Clarity Tunnel (walk-through bat tunnel)
Upper Canyon Trail (best views in the park)
Lake Theo (great for relaxing or picnics)
Caprock CanyonWeekend Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive Dallas → Quitaque Check in or set up camp Sunset at canyon rim
Day 2: Morning hike (Upper Canyon Trail) Explore Clarity Tunnel Wildlife spotting (bison) Relax at Lake Theo
Day 3: Slow morning Quick scenic stop Drive back to Dallas
Final Thoughts
These are the kind of weekend trips that remind you how much there is to explore just a few hours from Dallas. Whether you want mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, or wide-open canyon views — you don’t need a flight to make it happen.
I’ve mapped out routes, stops, and family-friendly plans for all 5 to make planning simple — so all you have to do is pick a weekend and go.
Head north into Colorado to reach Colorado Springs.
Great first stops when you arrive:
Garden of the Gods
Pikes Peak
Explore downtown Colorado Springs
Quick Road Trip Overview
Stop
From Dallas
Why Stop
Wichita Mountains
3 hrs
Wildlife + scenic views
Caprock Canyons
5.5 hrs
Texas bison herd
Palo Duro Canyon
6 hrs
Massive canyon + hiking
Colorado Springs
12 hrs
Mountains + iconic Colorado scenery
Whether you’re heading to Colorado or just looking to break up the long drive from Dallas, these stops make the journey part of the adventure. From the wildlife and scenic views in the Wichita Mountains to the dramatic red rock landscapes of Caprock Canyons and Palo Duro Canyon, each stop offers a chance to stretch your legs and experience some of the most underrated scenery in Texas and Oklahoma. Road trips aren’t just about the destination—they’re about discovering incredible places along the way.
If you’re planning a Dallas to Colorado road trip, save this guide for later and check out more real-life road trip itineraries here on the blog!
Winter is one of the best-kept secrets for road tripping in Texas. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and wide-open trails make this season perfect for exploring some of the most epic landscapes in the state — all without hopping on a plane.
If you’re looking for winter road trips from Dallas, these three destinations are ideal for weekend getaways, outdoor lovers, and families who want adventure without the heat.
Why Winter Is the Best Time for Texas Road Trips
Texas summers are brutal — but winter? That’s when the magic happens.
If you’re looking for epic hiking, Guadalupe Mountains National Park delivers. Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, this park is best tackled during cooler months.
Why Winter Is Ideal Here:
Cooler temps for strenuous hikes
Clear skies and incredible visibility
Less foot traffic on popular trails
Top experiences:
Devil’s Hall Trail (dramatic canyon hike)
Guadalupe Peak for experienced hikers
Scenic desert-mountain landscapes
👉 Great for: experienced hikers, national park lovers, winter adventure trips
Which Texas Winter Road Trip Is Right for You?
Go to Palo Duro if you want iconic views and family-friendly trails
Choose Caprock if you want solitude, wildlife, and quiet beauty
Pick Guadalupe Mountains if you’re craving a true hiking challenge
You truly can’t go wrong — it just depends on the kind of adventure you want.
Tips for Planning a Winter Road Trip from Dallas
Check weather forecasts (temps can vary by region)
Pack layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly
Start hikes earlier for daylight
Bring plenty of water (even in winter!)
Final Thoughts
Texas has some incredible landscapes, and winter is the perfect time to experience them. These road trips prove you don’t need a flight — just a good playlist, a packed cooler, and a sense of adventure.
If you’re planning a winter getaway or even looking ahead to spring break, add these destinations to your list.
Looking for more family-friendly road trips and hiking ideas? Follow along here or on IG @Road.Trip.Queen for weekend itineraries, Texas adventures, and seasonal travel inspiration.
If you’re craving a weekend trip that delivers jaw-dropping scenery, epic hikes, and minimal crowds, this Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Park itinerary belongs at the top of your list.
In just one weekend, we explored the deepest cave in the U.S., hiked desert trails with dramatic canyon views, and stood on the highest point in Texas — all without needing a full week off work.
Here’s exactly how to plan the perfect weekend road trip to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks.
Why Pair These Two National Parks?
Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains are only 35 miles apart, making them one of the best national park pairings in the Southwest.
Kids who can walk independently usually do great here.
After finishing the caverns, grab lunch in Carlsbad before heading west. We ate at the Visitor Center and had the green chili pork stew and it was delicious!
Why It’s Worth It: Endless desert views and serious bragging rights
Start early to avoid heat and wind near the summit. The trail is steady uphill the entire way, and the descent can be just as challenging as the climb.
Helpful Tips
Wind at the top can be intense — pack layers even in warm months.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need
Electrolytes and peanut butter saved the day for us
Plan for 6–8 hours total, including breaks and time at the summit. It took us about 6 hours total, 3.5 to hike up to the peak, and then 2.5 hours to hike back down to the trailhead.
Why This Order Works So Well
✔️ Caverns when energy is high ✔️ Devil’s Hall as a “warm-up” hike ✔️ Peak hike gets its own day ✔️ No rushed mornings or dangerous fatigue
This pacing makes the weekend challenging but totally doable — even if you’re not a hardcore hiker.
Where to Eat in Carlsbad
After long hike days, these spots hit the spot:
YellowBrix Restaurant – Great for dinner and cocktails
El Diamante Restaurant– Delicious Mexican food
Blue House Bakery – Perfect for breakfast before heading out
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
Start Guadalupe Peak earlier (sunrise if possible)
Bring trekking poles for the descent
Is This Weekend Trip Worth It?
Absolutely — if you: ✔️ Want fewer crowds ✔️ Love unique landscapes ✔️ Don’t mind earning your views ✔️ Want a national park trip that feels different
This is one of those weekends that sticks with you long after the sore legs fade.
Planning This Trip?
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Our road tripping adventures have taken us to so many fascinating and educational places across the United States. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite museums across America the whole family will love!
One of the most recent new states we visited last summer was Massachusetts! We stayed in Boston and ventured to Plymouth and Salem during our stay. This area is a history buff’s dream! We learned so much about our country’s history during the trip and seeing the places that we discuss in school was so engaging. I highly recommend a visit to this area, there is so much to experience!
The teacher in me loved this living history museum in Plymouth, MA! It was like stepping back in time and experiencing life like the Pilgrims did in the 1600s. We walked along the dirt streets in the village, explored the inside of the homes, and experienced a Wampanoag site!
The Mayflower II is a full scale reproduction of the ship that the Pilgrims sailed to America on in the 1600s. It has been added to the National Register of Historic Places and is truly an amazing site to explore!
The Freedom Trail in Boston is a unique collection of museums, churches, homes, and buildings that tell the story of the American Revolution. What I enjoyed most about this 2.5 mile trail was the option to explore it all at our own pace.
The entire family really enjoyed our time at the Boston Tea Party Museum. Not only did we learn a lot, when you’re here you are experiencing a reenactment of the time period. We were given cards with a short biography about a key person involved in the Boston Tea Party and that was the role we played during our visit. We even got to throw tea overboard! It was a really fun experience for all of us, but our boys seemed to enjoy this one the most!
My favorite part of visiting Washington DC is the amount of FREE museums that are available! We’ve visited DC four times so far and haven’t even come close to seeing all of them. Below are my favorites!
You can spend all day at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and still not see everything this amazing museum has to offer! Highlights for us included the ancient Egypt exhibit, the Fossil Hall, the Hope diamond, and the Ocean Hall!
If you enjoy space and aviation, then you must check out the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum! We enjoyed the Destination Moon Exhibition and seeing the Apollo 11 Command Module Colombia and Neil Armstrong’s Apollo spacesuit in person.
Even if you’re not a history buff, this museum has a lot to offer with over three million historical objects in collection. My personal favorite is the actual Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired our national anthem!
If you’re interested in seeing the Declaration of Independence in person, this is the place to visit! Of course, this museum holds a vast amount of national records, but seeing our founding documents really was the highlight of our visit!
While this museum is somewhat of a somber one, I highly recommend a visit if you’re in DC! Be sure to get tickets to the museum, the theatre, and the Petersen House (across the street). With these three tickets, you can take a self-guided tour of the museum, it even includes a blood stained pillow from the bed Lincoln passed away in. Don’t miss the Ranger Talk in the theatre upstairs. Here you can see the special balcony seats the Lincoln’s were in at the time of his assassination and a Park Ranger will retell events leading up to that fateful night. Across the street, you can visit the Petersen House, which is where Lincoln ultimately succumbed to his injury.
Your trip to DC isn’t complete without a visit to our President’s home and workplace. Here, you will enjoy a self-guided tour of the East Wing, which includes a few public rooms, the Red Room, Blue Room, Green Room, the state dining room, and a view of the White House Rose Garden. To learn more about securing your reservation, click here.
If you find yourself in Connecticut, a great museum to visit is the Mystic Seaport Museum. Here, you will be transported back to the New England whaling trade of the 19th century as you stroll along the recreated Seaport Village and climb onto boats and ships in the Shipyard.
There are over a hundred museums in New York City, so the few we visited are just a small glimpse of what this city has to offer! I hope we have the chance to return and add more to our list soon.
A trip to New York City is just not complete without seeing Lady Liberty in person! On your visit, you can get tickets to go inside either the pedestal or the crown of the Statue of Liberty and we highly recommend this! It’s a very cool experience. While there, don’t forget to check out the museum. We enjoyed learning more about the statue’s history and seeing the original torch which is located inside.
The 911 Memorial and Museum is near the Stature of Liberty, so you can easily check out both of these museums on the same day. This is a really somber place, but a site that I feel like everyone should see at least once. The museum is very informational and very sad, but they did a wonderful job with the memorial and the artifacts. Our boys were pretty young when we visited and had a lot of questions, but I feel like it’s a big part of our history and something we should never forget.
The Empire State Building is an iconic staple of New York City. We enjoyed going up to the top viewing deck, but we loved the inside even more! I’m not even sure if this one is considered a museum, but learning about the history of the building and the construction was really neat! Plus, there’s a lot of movie history inside and several different options for photo ops!
After visiting several Smithsonian Museums over the past few years, some museums just don’t compare. But the Museum of Natural History in New York is just as amazing! I’m not sure if you can even see it all in one day, but we definitely tried! From dinosaurs to gemstones, this place has it all. Plus, it’s near Central Park, so when you finish inside, there will be more to explore outdoors!
From beaches to mountains, and a ton of history in between, Virginia is one of those states that I will never tire of visiting! And here, you will find some of my favorite museums of all time!
Being a teacher, I have a great love for history and living history museums. Colonial Williamsburg was the first one I ever visited and since then, I’ve been hooked. I was totally in my element there! The entire area is just gorgeous, and it felt like we were actually walking around in the early colonial days! You’ll see colonial homes, businesses, streets, people in time-period clothing, horse drawn carriages, and more!
How cool is it to say that you’ve walked where Pocahontas did?! This is the neatest area full of history and artifacts that go back to the early days of exploration. If you enjoy history and learning more about this time period, then I recommend checking out this historic site!
The Jamestowne Settlement is probably my favorite living history museum that we’ve visited to date. Here, you will learn about life in a Native American village, a colonial village, and on a ship. You are encouraged to talk to the re-enactors to learn more about life in this time-period as they go about their daily chores. There are even different costumes for kids to dress in. It’s a really fun, interactive museum for the whole family!
My boys loved the battlefield at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown. If you are near Williamsburg, Virginia be sure to check out the Historic Triangle and visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown. Here, you’ll learn more about the Revolutionary War!
If you’re near DC, you should consider adding a day trip to visit George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon! You are allowed to take a guided tour of the home and then explore the entire grounds on your own. The house was very impressive, but we also saw his gravesite, slave quarters, barns, and more on our visit. The most exciting part for me was inside the museum. We got to see George Washington’s actual teeth!
I love visiting our Founding Father’s homes and Thomas Jefferson’s has probably been the most fascinating. He was responsible for many of Lewis & Clark’s adventures, so there are tons of artifacts from their exploration on display in his home. Because of this, we were not allowed to take photos inside the home, but trust me, it’s amazing! We also visited the slave quarters, learned more about Sally Hemings, and were able to explore the entire property and see his gravesite. If you are near Charlottesville, Virginia be sure to check out this historical site.
Philadelphia is one of my favorite cities to visit. The history of our country and Founding Fathers has always intrigued me, so there’s no better place for history buffs than a trip to Philly, the birthplace of our nation!
Take a step back in time to the late 1700s and learn more about our independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. We listened to a Park Ranger tell us more about the time period and how our Founding Fathers worked together inside of the rooms here to form our government. I may have cried a few times. It smelled like the 1700s and I am still amazed I stepped foot into the very room Ben Franklin and George Washington were in!
A trip to Philadelphia is not complete without seeing the Liberty Bell. This can be a quick stop, the Liberty Bell can be seen through a glass window. Otherwise, you can wait in a line (it does move very quickly) to view the bell in person, which is what I recommend. Before you get to the bell, you have the opportunity to walk through a small museum to learn more about its history. It’s set in a beautiful location with Independence Hall in the background!
We had such a fun time at the Betsy Ross House! We got to hear from Betsy herself, and the boys even learned how to make the same stars that were on our first flag. Touring the house was fun and informational, and it was great to see so many people re-enacting history in the area!
We love learning about our Founding Fathers and its one of my goals to visit all of their homes. Ben Franklin’s home is no longer standing, but there’s a museum and courtyard where his home used to be. You can see the structure of what his home looked like, there are some artifacts left of the original structure. You can also see his printing press and post office right outside of his home!
We spent a rainy afternoon at the Franklin Institute and had a great time! There’s so much to explore and most things are hands on. The boys really enjoyed the human body and the brain exhibits!
If you plan to visit Texas, museums are an excellent attraction to add to your list of activities to beat the heat! There are several across the Dallas metroplex and throughout the entire state.
I included the Dallas World Aquarium because its location is close to the Perot Museum and it is truly an amazing place. Here, you’ll walk through a rainforest ecosystem before moving down to the aquarium. It really is a special place that we have visited time and time again.
I recently visited the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas and thoroughly enjoyed my time here. My boys loved the baseball collection and I was really impressed with Bush’s paintings that are displayed throughout the museum!
Sci-Tech in Frisco is such a fun, hands-on museum, especially for younger kiddos! My kids loved the tornado simulation and the bubble tables! This is a smaller museum, but there are so many activities for kids to explore!
The Thinkery in Austin has been one of my favorite museums in Texas! There are several hands-on activities here, both inside and outdoors. This place will keep you entertained and engaged for hours!
You can’t visit San Antonio without a stop at The Alamo! Here, you can step inside this historic Spanish Mission and learn more about the Texas Revolution!
Space Center Houston is the official visitor’s center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. This is the only place in the world where you watch astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, and take a behind the scene tour of NASA!
Who knew there would be so much more to Illinois than just Chicago! While we did love exploring Chicago, we also enjoyed the history in Springfield, specifically centered around our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln!
This is my favorite Presidential Library to date! This museum, located in Springfield, seemed to be catered to kids and my boys loved it, too! There are so many neat exhibits inside that tell the story of Abe Lincoln, from when he was boy living in a log cabin, all the way to his time in the White House!
The only home that Lincoln owned can also be found in Springfield, just down the street from the Presidential Library. It was great to take a guided tour and see the home that his family lived in. Be sure to take a walk down the street as well, it has been restored to look like the time period that the Lincoln’s lived there.
My kiddos really enjoyed their time at the Adler Planetarium on our first trip to Chicago. There are many hands-on activities and even space suits and helmets to try on. It was a fun stop on our trip!
I had the chance to venture through the Art Institute of Chicago with a friend of mine. It’s truly amazing to see famous prints that I studied in school, up close and in person!
Even though I’m more of a Dr. Pepper fan, we had to check out the World of Coca-Cola on our recent trip to Atlanta. I was impressed with the amount of Coke memorabilia and it was fun trying out different flavors from around the world!
I’m including the Georgia Aquarium since it is right next to the World of Coca-Cola. It’s one of the most impressive aquariums I’ve had the chance to visit, but man was it crowded in the summer. It’s still very cool and worth a visit!
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is located on Jekyll Island. It’s a small rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles and there’s also a museum on site. We really enjoyed learning about and watching how they help sea turtles get back to sea!
The City Museum is probably the weirdest museum I’ve visited and we loved every minute of it! There are so many places to crawl and climb your way through, in fact knee pads are highly recommended. If you’re looking for a unique adventure in St. Louis, be sure to check this place out!
The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis ended up being a lot more interesting than I anticipated. We enjoyed exploring outdoors around the Arch, but the museum inside is pretty cool! While there, take a tram ride up to the top!
The Titanic Museum in Branson is a really neat attraction for anyone that’s interested in the Titanic. There’s icebergs, cold temps, and over 400 artifacts, plus a replica of the grand staircase. This was a fun stop for our family
There are so many more museums across America, but these are our family favorites! It’s the perfect way to spend a day in a new place or to beat the weather if it’s too cold, hot, or rainy at your destination. Let me know what your favorite museums are that we should add to the list!
As someone that’s always looking for the next trail to hike, I cannot believe that I didn’t make the trip to Palo Duro Canyon sooner! I was absolutely blown away that this State Park exists… in Texas! Here are 3 hikes you can’t miss in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Photo taken from inside the Big Cave
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Park Information
Palo Duro Canyon is located in the Texas Panhandle.
Park Address: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015.
Daily Fees: $8 per adult, children under 12 are free
Hours: 7 am – 9 pm
Park Map
Things to Know
Palo Duro Canyon is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas!”
This canyon is the 2nd largest canyon in the US!
Palo Duro Canyon spans 120 miles and is 800 feet deep.
The best time to visit is spring and fall.
Summer visits can be dangerous because of the heat and high temps.
Make sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need during your hikes!
Palo Duro Canyon is a great place for a weekend getaway!
It only takes about 45 minutes to drive the loop through the Park.
You can stay nearby in the town of Canyon, TX.
My best friend and I visited Palo Duro Canyon in mid-February. We were pleasantly surprised with the weather and really enjoyed the hikes we were able to squeeze in during our weekend visit! Keep reading to learn more about the three hikes you can’t miss in Palo Duro Canyon!
Photo taken at the beginning of the Lighthouse Trail hike
The Hikes
The Lighthouse Trail – Distance: 5.9 miles | Time: 2.5 hours | Level: Moderate
This is the Lighthouse!
Our favorite hike was the Lighthouse Trail. This 6 mile hike is fairly easy until you get closer to the “Lighthouse” rock formation. At this point the hike gains slightly in elevation and you have to make a climb to get close to the Lighthouse.
Gorgeous landscape along the Lighthouse Trail
The Lighthouse Trail took us about two and a half hours to complete. I was very impressed with how well the entire trail was marked. And, my friend and I felt very safe the entire time we were hiking!
The stunning desert landscape and dramatic colors make for an excellent hike. These unique colors of Palo Duro Canyon represent different geologic time periods spanning 240 million years!
The Big Cave – Distance: short walk from parking spot | Time: 30 min. | Level: Easy
The Big Cave
Our second hike of the day was more of a short walk. We drove under two miles from the Lighthouse Trail parking lot to reach the Big Cave. You will see a sign for The Big Cave on the side of the road past the Juniper Campground.
I have a new love of exploring caves… especially on my own without a guide or a group! This cave is BIG and was so fun to explore at our own pace. Even better, it’s only a short walk from the parking spots near the trailhead.
I had so much fun exploring this short trail and the cave. If you have children with you, this hike is a must! They’ll love the cave and all the climbing around it!
The Caves Trail – Distance: 0.9 | Time: 30 min | Level: Easy
This is another really cool hike with several caves to explore at your own pace! I wish we would’ve spent more time here, but we were pretty tired after the other two hikes of the day.
The beginning of the Caves Trail
If I had it to do all over again, or if I had my boys with me, I would like to start the day on this trail. There is a small parking lot right at the trailhead, but unlike the hike on the Lighthouse Trail, this one is not very well marked.
I recommend bringing headlamps or a flashlight to go deeper into some of the caves. It was cloudy off and on during our visit and kind of dark at times. You may not need them, but I wished that I would’ve had mine on this hike!
Palo Duro CanyonHighlights
Well marked trails
I had excellent cell service in most areas of the Park
Stunning views and colors
The Park was easy to navigate
No crowds
The trails were scenic and not too hard
Hiking Essentials
These are some of my tried and true hiking essentials that I cannot trek without! I really do consider myself a minimalist when I hike, but I do feel like you need to be prepared for anything when you’re out in the wilderness. Here are the things I never hike without.
Hiking shoes – I’ve been wearing these instead of my tall hiking boots and love the comfort of them!
Hiking backpack – This backpack is the perfect size for me. My husband carries a larger one, but this one is great for a smaller amount of stuff.
Cell phone arm band – I like the ease of this phone case. I can easily grab my phone and put it up throughout the hike as needed.
Camera stand– I love capturing family photos, but I don’t like having to ask other people to take them. This is great for all kinds of traveling, not just hiking!
Headlamps– these are the ones I own and won’t hike these trails again without!
Where to Stay
If you’re planning a trip to Palo Duro Canyon, I recommend lodging in Canyon, TX which is only about 19 miles/33 minutes from the entrance of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The room was clean and cozy and we enjoyed the free breakfast buffet in the morning!
The Hiker’s 365 Adventure!
On a final note, my best friend and I signed up for the Hiker’s 365 Adventure Challenge! We’ve set a goal to hike 365 miles in 365 days. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this challenge offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature one mile at a time! We’d love for you to join this community of hikers, too! If you’re interested, register today using my Hiker’s 365 Adventure referral link!
My youngest son and I just returned home from a fantastic weekend getaway to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa! We snuck away for a few days, just the two of us. This place is perfect for families, but would also be fun for a couples or friends! Below, I’m including everything you need to know to plan your visit to this amazing resort!
The Property
This pet-friendly resort sits on 300 acres in San Antonio, Texas. It’s close to SeaWorld and only twenty minutes from the historic San Antonio River Walk. But, it felt like we were worlds away from the bustling city! Once we arrived and parked our car, we never left! The resort has so much to offer, from nature trails, on-site restaurants, bicycle rentals, a water park, and more! It felt a little overwhelming, but the hotel staff is incredible and we left the check-in area with a list of daily events and a detailed resort map.
Our Room
We booked a king room with a balcony and were placed in a newly renovated section of the resort! The room was spacious and the bed was comfy! We enjoyed the room so much, we ordered room service for dinner one night and just hung out and watched movies on the huge tv!
5-Acre Waterpark
Most of our time was spent at this impressive water park! And it’s so big, we often felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. Here, you will find a lazy river and tubes, a beach area with sand, a very large pool, a hot tub, a water slide, the Flow Rider, and two different outdoor bar and grills!
Dining
There is no shortage of amazing dining options at this resort! We enjoyed eating lunch and snacks at the pool grill, we ordered room service for dinner and breakfast one day, and treated ourselves to a fancy dinner on our last night. Seriously, there really is no reason to leave once you arrive!
This upscale steakhouse was to die for. We both enjoyed our four course meal. To start, you’ll have bread and butter delivered first. The tomato-basil butter was delicious! The kids will then get a small grill cheese sandwich and a fruit kabob. Entrees then arrive, Jake and I both had fillets. I also ordered a side of mashed potatoes and these sides are family style. So Jake and I both had plenty to go around. Then, the kids will get a dessert. Jake had the cookie dough with apple slices, pretzels, and graham crackers. Plus, the bartender sent over a fun drink for him to try! The service and the food was impeccable!
We ordered room service for dinner and then again for breakfast the next morning from Springhouse Café. Both options were great, but we enjoyed the breakfast the best!
The pool bar and grill made snacking and lunchtime so easy! You can walk up to the bar and place an order, or you can order with a waiter/waitress right from the pool or lounge chairs and they will bring your order right out to you.
Here is a complete list of dining and bar options at the resort. There were a few other places that we didn’t try! There is also a small store inside that has a Starbucks and sells sandwiches, pasta salads, and café style foods.
Activities
The resort offers many on-site activities besides the waterpark! You can find bike and walking trails, campfire chats, wildlife feedings, volleyball, ping-pong, corn hole, s’mores and outdoor movie nights, golfing, and spa treatments. There really is something here for everyone!
We spent most of our days at the water park, but in the evenings we made s’mores and played so many games of ping-pong and corn hole. We also enjoyed watching deer in the evenings by the campfire. Jake begged me to add more nights to our reservation, he loved this resort!
Things to Pack
Bathing suits – for the family
Pool bag – include sunscreen & waterproof phone case
Cover up
Casual Clothes – for all restaurants & activities
Tennis shoes – for hiking or bike riding
Blanket – for outdoor movie
You don’t need to bring along too much, the resort has it all! Just be sure to bring along the basics for visiting a pool and waterpark. You do not need pool towels, they have plenty around the pool. Just be sure to return them or you will be charged for them. I wish we had brought a blanket for movie nights!
While we didn’t leave once we arrived, this resort is located in San Antonio. Click here for more ideas on things to do in San Antonio if you or your family want to venture out to the city! We love San Antonio, there’s so much to do here.
All in all, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort is one of the best resorts that we’ve ever visited! The layout and activities made it a great getaway and everything was easy. Which was great since I was there without my husband! We felt safe the entire time and we both truly had a blast! If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, stress-free vacation, then this is the place to go!
Last year we took an epic road trip from Texas to Montana, and then back home! Below, I’m including 14 must see spots on your road trip to Yellowstone! This road trip adventure will take you through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
We are notorious for driving through Texas as quick as we can and not making too many stops in our home state. But, if you’re looking for a quick, fun, colorful stop, then check our Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX. Don’t forget to bring along a can of spray paint!
Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Road, Amarillo, TX
New Mexico
Amarillo, TX to Farmington, NM
If you’re coming in from Texas, New Mexico is a great place to stop for the night! We stayed in Farmington, NM and that was about a twelve hour drive for us from home. We typically don’t like to drive that far in one day, but we wanted to knock out a big chunk early on to have more days for exploring. And Texas is a huge state to drive through!
The Aztec Ruins are a fun and educational stop in Farmington, NM. We spent about an hour here, exploring the different areas of the ruins. The boys loved all of the prairie dogs!
Shiprock is an iconic sight, rising 1,583 feet tall, about 30 minutes from Farmington! Be aware, it’s considered a sacred place to the Navajo tribe and is not open to the public. We just made a quick stop for a photo on the side of the road!
Directions from Farmington: Take US 64 west to Shiprock and make a left at the intersection with US 491. Continue 7.1 miles on US 64 and 491, and turn right (west) onto the paved Indian Service Route 13. Continue 7.6 miles on IR 13 and turn right (north) onto IR 5010, which is a dirt road. Follow IR 5010 north to Shiprock, which is about 3.5 miles away.
I have always wanted to see Monument Valley, so we made sure to add this route to our road trip itinerary! I am hoping to explore more of this area on a future trip out west. We just drove through, and stopped for a quick photo at Forest Gump Point. I typed that in on my GPS and it led us there! The landscape here was impressive and I am so happy we added this quick detour to our route!
Monument Valley is located on US Highway 163.
Utah
Monument Valley to Moab, UT
Utah is one of the coolest states we’ve ever visited! On this trip, we drove through Moab on our journey to Yellowstone. Of course, we had to stop for some hiking! There are so many amazing spots in Moab to explore. If you’re short on time, I recommend hiking up to Wilson Arch. If you have more time on your road trip, you can stay in Moab for a few days to explore the two National Parks here!
Wilson Arch is a quick, five minute hike from the side of highway 191, about 20 minutes south of Moab. It’s mostly uphill, but we were able to hike up and back down without any issues. You can find the pull out to park right alongside the highway, and even though it’s not very crowded, you’ll see other cars along the road. We like this hike because you don’t have to pay to explore here!
Arches National Park is the site of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. It’s one of those places that you just have to see to believe! My boys loved exploring this park and keep asking to go back. There are so many areas to explore, if you’re short on time you can even just drive through and stop at different overlooks to take in the different arches. If you have time for a hike, I recommend the three mile hike to the iconic Delicate Arch! Keep in mind, you do need a timed-entry permit to enter Arches National Park from April 1st-October 31st.
Directions to Arches: From Moab, drive north on US 191 for five miles. You will see the sign for the entrance!
I think I prefer Dead Horse Point State Park over the Grand Canyon, it’s that scenic! You don’t need a ton of time here, we just parked and walked along the overlook trail. The views are absolutely breathtaking!
Directions to Dead Horse Point: Drive nine miles northwest of Moab on US 191 and then 23 miles southwest on Utah 313 to the end of the highway. You will see signs for Dead Horse Point along the drive!
Another amazing National Park in Moab is Canyonlands! The area called Island in the Sky is right next to Dead Horse Point State Park, so you can knock these two places out at one time! The overlooks are truly amazing. If you don’t have much time, I recommend checking out Mesa Arch!
Directions to Canyonlands: From US 191 north of Moab, UT 313 leads to Island in the Sky district. You will keep driving past Arches NP and will see signs for Canyonlands National Park.
Idaho
Moab, UT to Twin Falls, ID
Idaho has to be the most underrated state we’ve ever visited! We were blown away with the views, the waterfalls, the hiking trails, the mountains, and more! On our road trip, we decided to stay in Twin Falls for a few nights to explore the area and spend some time outside of the car. This ended up being a great choice and one of my favorite destinations of the entire trip!
Can you see the people on the trail behind the waterfall?
Did you know that you can hike behind one of the tallest waterfalls in Twin Falls? I had no clue until I began researching stops along our route. The 200 foot waterfall is quite impressive by itself, but having the opportunity to walk behind it was really special!
Directions to Perrine Coulee Falls: This waterfall is just outside of Centennial Waterfront Park. You’ll see cars parked along the street next to the falls. You won’t miss this one, it’s close to the road that leads through the park!
Shoshone Falls is also known as The Niagara of the West! If you’re in Twin Falls, you have to visit this park! There are several different paved trails with different views of the falls. And, you don’t need a lot of time here to experience the magic!
Shoshone Falls Park Address: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301. There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle.
If you’re driving from Twin Falls, you should make the stop to hike around Upper Mesa Falls near the Idaho, Montana border! I really had no clue that Idaho was full of so many amazing waterfalls. This is a very short hike to a 114 feet high, 200 feet wide roaring curtain of water!
Directions to Mesa Falls: You’ll find Upper Mesa Falls in Ashton, Idaho off of Hwy 20 via Scenic Byway 47. I used the Alltrails app for directions and we had no issues finding it. There were also signs along the drive.
Montana
Twin Falls, ID to West Yellowstone, MT
Up to this point, our trip was fantastic, but then we arrived in West Yellowstone, MT and found out that Yellowstone National Park was closed. Yes, we are some of the unfortunate people that made the trip only to learn that other areas of the park had encountered historic flooding. So, we never actually got to enter Yellowstone. We were so sad, but found other things to do in the area.
We had been so excited to see wild animals in Yellowstone, so it made sense to visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Plus, it was directly across the street from our lodging. It is a fantastic facility! We loved seeing the bears and were so excited when the wolves woke up and began moving around. We spent several hours here viewing the animals, hearing their stories, and exploring the museum inside.
Address: 201 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758. It costs $16.50 for adults, $11.50 for kids.
Wyoming
West Yellowstone, MT to Jackson, WY
Our trip was completely redeemed once we made it to Jackson, WY! The Grand Tetons are absolutely gorgeous. And, the best part is that we got to encounter a real bear in the wild!
One can easily spend weeks here and not see everything that this National Park has to offer. We had the chance to spend a couple of nights here, and we were able to spend two full days hiking in the park. If I had one place to recommend, I’d suggest the Jenny Lake area! If you want to see wildlife, hike on the Phelps Lake Overlook trail, that’s where we saw the bear!
Visitor Center Address: 100 Discovery Way, Moose, WY 83012
Colorado
Jackson, WY to Colorado Springs, CO
By the time we made it to Colorado Springs for the night, before journeying back home, we were exhausted! This is such a neat destination, you can easily spend a week vacationing here alone. So, even though there are tons of activities and attractions to explore here, we opted for a quick visit to Garden of the Gods.
Garden of the Gods has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid! I knew I wanted to bring my boys here. They’ve actually visited this place on several different occasions, it makes for a great stop! My boys love the easy walk around the different rock formations. And the climbing is their favorite part! Plus, it’s always a good idea to get the kids tired before beginning a long trip back home! Don’t miss out on the museum inside the Visitor Center.
Address: 1805 N. 30th Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904
We spent two weeks adventuring through the desert and over mountains on this road trip! Even though we didn’t get to see the main attraction on this trip, we still had a wonderful time and made tons of memories! This road trip did involve a lot of planning, especially for the weather! It was warm in some places, but snowed in others, all within just a few days.
Road Trip Tips
Have a plan! Make sure to know your route and where you plan to stop and stay each night!
Get your vehicle checked before your road trip!
Make sure you have a first aid kit in your vehicle.
Bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the drive!
Pack some hydration tablets, such as Zaca, to help stay hydrated—especially at higher elevations—and be sure to carry plenty of water.
Create a playlist. If you have kids, have them help you!
Stop often for breaks.
Don’t try to drive too long each day unless you know you and your kiddos can handle it.
Prepare for the weather at each destination on your adventure!
Be patient, expect traffic and weather delays from time to time.
Don’t try to pack in too much each day!
Have fun!
I’m sure we missed a ton of awesome places on this road trip! We do have plans to one day return to Yellowstone, taking a different route. Be sure to check out more of my blog posts for complete travel guides and itineraries! Good luck on your next road trip, I know it’s going to be amazing!
If you follow along on our adventures, then you already know that we love to explore the outdoors and hike around National Parks. But, we also enjoy changing it up sometimes and venturing to the city with our boys. Below are 5 fun cities to explore with kids!
5 Fun Cities to Explore with Kids: DC, New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Dallas!
Washington, DC
Touring the White House was on my bucket list for years!
Washington, DC was the first big city we traveled to with our kids. It was such a great “starter city” for our family. Not only is it extremely walkable, there’s so much to do. And the best part is, there are several free activities around the city to enjoy!
The boys’ first request was a visit to the Lincoln Memorial!
We’ve traveled to DC in September, November, and March. We got lucky on all of our trips and had gorgeous weather each time. DC is stunning in the fall, but just as beautiful in the spring with the cherry blossoms in bloom!
My littlest boy, cherry blossoms, and the Capital!
My favorite visit was our trip over our Thanksgiving break in November. The city was not crowded at all, which made it easy to explore the museums and we didn’t have to wait long for dining at restaurants. The only downside is that we were not able to tour the White House because it is closed this week for Christmas decorating.
We can say we’ve been inside George Washington’s house! It was beyond amazing!
Be prepared for a lot of walking. We clocked an average of ten miles per day when we were there! Our boys were only five and nine on our first visit and were tired, but made it just fine! We did use a taxi to get from the airport to our hotel. There are also several taxis that stay around the National Mall area, mostly near the Lincoln Memorial. We jumped in a few of those when the boys were too tired to make the walk back to the hotel for the night.
Posing with the White House
Our most memorable moments of our trips to DC were going inside the White House, watching President Trump leave the White House on Marine One, seeing George Washington’s actual teeth on display at Mount Vernon, and seeing the original United States’ flag & the Declaration of Independence!
George Washington’s actual teeth on display at Mount Vernon!
New York City is an amazing destination for just about anyone! I’ve traveled to the Big Apple with my boys twice now and honestly, we can’t wait to go back!
Our first visit to the Statue of Liberty!
We’ve visited NYC in June and in November. Summertime can get pretty hot, but we’re from Texas, so we’re used to it. Our first day in the city on our November visit was extremely cold, but the rest of the days felt really nice.
My favorite, Christmastime in NYC!
I loved both visits, but there’s something really special about traveling to this city before Christmas! We enjoyed the Christmas décor so much. So, I have to say that our trip over Thanksgiving break in November was my favorite. I highly recommend visiting this week if you can! We got to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and experience all of the Christmas spirit at the same time!
You should also prepare to walk a lot in this city, too! Besides walking, we also used the subway system to navigate around the city. It’s definitely true, you’ll never be able to do everything on your list in one visit, so don’t over plan activities and pack in too much each day. We picked one major activity per day that was a must do/must see and it worked out well for us!
The boys’ first subway ride!
Of course, there are different activities based on the season you’re traveling. Some of our favorite New York City memories are riding the subway for the first time, going inside the Statue of Liberty, watching the Macy’s parade balloons being inflated, watching Elton John perform in the street in front of Saks, and finally seeing Naked Cowboy in Times Square!
Awesome experience getting to watch the Macy’s parade balloons being inflated the day before the parade!
We were so pleasantly surprised with our first ever visit to Philly! This city is fun, historical, and full of many different activities to explore. And it’s so easy to maneuver, which made it even better for me since I was there with my boys, without Jereme.
The Liberty Bell!
We visited Philadelphia in late June and were only there for three days. The weather was fantastic! It was in the low 80s while back home in Texas it was already pushing 100 degrees.
Independence Hall
I loved that we were comfortable to walk around the city from morning until evening! I feel like we left the city with more early American knowledge than ever before. The old buildings and historical sites, basically everywhere in Philadelphia, have me yearning for another visit!
We happened to visit the Betsy Ross House on Flag Day!
Be prepared to walk a lot in this city, too. Again, it’s very easy to maneuver, but we clocked in eight to ten miles each day exploring. The boys were a little older, one was almost seven and the other was ten during our visit.
We walked to New Jersey on the Ben Franklin Bridge!
My favorite moments in Philadelphia were seeing the room that our Founding Fathers developed the ideas for our country in person, watching early American time period re-enactments, seeing an actual ghost on our Philly ghost tour, and watching my boys get excited to learn so much about Benjamin Franklin! We had an absolute blast and I hope we are able to return again soon with Jereme!
We road tripped to Chicago a few years ago on a total whim when we realized it wouldn’t take us that much longer to drive to than our yearly trips to Colorado. Since that first trip, I’ve traveled back another four times!
The Bean
Most of my trips to the Windy City have been in the summertime, only once did I visit in the fall. We love being outside, so walking around Chicago was something that my family enjoyed. In the spring and early summer, the weather is gorgeous, and I still can’t get over the flowers that are blooming virtually everywhere!
I loved the flowers!
My favorite trip was our first summer visit. We packed in so much and had a wonderful time together. Plus, I had previous students that had recently moved to the city from Texas, so they showed us all around!
Even though we had our car with us since we road tripped, we walked just about everywhere. We left our car at the hotel the whole entire time. We clocked an average of ten miles each day that we were here. We did brave the bus one time, but otherwise we enjoyed walking.
Walk back from the Planetarium
My favorite memories in Chicago are seeing Payton Manning filming on the Chicago River, eating delicious food the entire time, exploring the aquarium with my boys, and of course, seeing the house that Home Alone was filmed at!
If you live near the Dallas area, or you want to visit Texas, this recommendation is for you! I’ve lived near Dallas my whole entire life, but never really visited as a tourist until last summer. My best friend and I took our boys for a few nights, and we truly had a blast!
A rooftop pool is a must!
We visited in July, and true to Texas, it was HOT. But, that’s not anything we’re not used to. We planned mostly indoor activities and booked a nice hotel with a rooftop pool.
We spent a lot of time swimming!
I wouldn’t really call Dallas a walkable city, we needed our car for most of the places we decided to visit. But, it’s not nearly as crowded as the other cities mentioned above and we never had any issues finding places to park. If you’re visiting from out of town, I do suggest renting a car!
Even though Dallas is close to home, we still had such a great time on our “staycation!” We didn’t even get to do everything on our list, but fun was had by all. My favorite Dallas memories are visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Library, going inside the Reunion Tower and up to the GeO-Deck, lounging by the rooftop pool, and not having to drive too far on our road trip here from home!
No matter which city you plan to visit, a fun time is guaranteed! My boys both agreed that New York City is their favorite city of the five. Mine is Philadelphia! Be sure to check back soon to see what we’re up to next. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Road Trip Queen 