With airfares skyrocketing (pun intended), our family is finding it difficult to scrimp and save enough to board a plane AND pay the bills. That means if we want to plan a family vacation, it has to be a destination for which I am willing to pile my four children into a car.
And I’m not alone! According to data from Talker Research and Discover Puerto Rico, women feel most confident traveling to a destination that is easy to get to — specifically, somewhere that does not require them to use their passports.
After evaluating all our options, we decided to join the consensus to stay local and enjoy a good ol’ fashioned staycation within DFW!
Here’s a list of my favorite DFW staycation destinations within an hour’s driving distance of Collin County. Your family will be in the car long enough for your kids to feel like they’re going somewhere exciting, but short enough that you won’t hear every parent’s favorite phrase: Are we there yet?
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Best DFW Staycations for Families :: Top Getaways in Dallas-Fort Worth for Fun & Relaxation <<
1. Hilton Anatole in Dallas
Located in Dallas’ Design District, the Hilton Anatole isn’t just an iconic hotel, but also a family-friendly resort!
JadeWaters, the Anatole’s water park, features a splash and play area for kids, lazy river, two giant water slides, and various family-friendly activities and games on the weekends.
With it’s water park, skylit atrium, indoor water features, art installations, candy shop, and walkable (runnable, for little legs, even!) spaces, it’s hard to get cabin fever at the Anatole. But if you feel like venturing out, several Dallas museums and attractions are mere minutes from the resort.
Speaking of attractions, have a little fun with your family and dine at nearby Medieval Times or the locals’ favorite patio, Rodeo Goat.
>> CONNECT WITH OUR LOCAL PARTNERS :: Collin County Moms LinkedIn <<
2. North Texas Jellystone Park in Burleson
There are lots of Jellystone Parks around Texas, but Collin County has three within driving distance of McKinney. North Texas Jellystone Park in Burleson is only about an hour away!
For lodging, you can tent camp, RV camp, rent a cabin, or reserve a Pirate Ship Cabin near Pirates Cove Water Park.
There are daily activities for adults and kids, at little to no extra cost: Fishing, gel blasters, playgrounds, splash pads, ropes courses, dry sledding, kayaking, mini golf, petting farm, meet-a-bear, fishing, daily arts and crafts, arcades, and more. Activities run from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., daily.
Check out its event schedule for all the fun things coming up.
3. Gaylord Texan in Grapevine
The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a MUST-SEE if you haven’t already experienced it with your family!
The Gaylord’s water park, Paradise Springs, features a lazy river, family lagoon, zip line, and two hot pools. Plus, there is a Texas-themed, multi-level water play structure with interactive water features, three winding water slides, and a toddler pool! The kids will love the Kona Ice truck, and the parents will love the poolside drinks.
For a quieter experience, make a splash in the heated indoor pool, open year-round.
Enjoy family-friendly activities, such as scavenger hunts, dive-in movies, silent disco, animal encounters, arts and crafts, and more.
When it’s time for the adults to take a break, sign your kids up for the complimentary kids club, and take advantage of the resort’s spa services, fitness classes, or happy hour.
>> RELATED READ :: Seeking a Staycation? A Round-Up of Hotels with Indoor Pools in Dallas-Fort Worth <<
4. Lake Texoma on the Border
Just a jump and skip away, your family can find all kinds of fun at Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma-Texas border.
If you prefer hotel-style accommodations and restaurants, Tanglewood Resort or Lake Texoma Lodge & Resort may be what you’re looking for.
Or choose from a variety of resort cabin rentals like Lighthouse Resort & Marina sprawling all across the lake.
No matter where you stay, your family can enjoy hiking, waterfront views, sunsets and sunrises, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more.
