One of our favorite things to do as a family is explore new places. However, we’ve discovered (through some trial and error) that traveling with an infant and a toddler can be challenging.
We’ve found when traveling with small children, it’s best to limit road trips to the length of an average nap.
I’ve put together a list of seven staycations that are within what I like to call “napping distance” (a.k.a., two and a half hours) of Collin County:
>> RELATED READ :: 7 Out-of-This-World Tips for Visiting Space Center Houston <<
1. Broken Bow
Our family loves Broken Bow in Oklahoma so much that we keep going back. What’s not to love? Only two and a half hours from Collin County, Broken Bow has everything nature has to offer. With towering pines and a crystal clear lake, it’s hard to believe you’re just right down the road from Dallas.
On our most recent visit, my three-year-old daughter achieved her lifelong dream of riding a pony at the Beavers Bend Train Depot.
While you’re there, don’t forget to take a ride on the train, and catch a glimpse of Oklahoma wildlife. Beavers Bend State Park also offers hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, and boat/jet ski rentals.
In nearby Hochatown, there are many restaurants and fun breweries. Some of our favorites are Grateful Head Pizza Oven and Taproom (don’t forget to check out the gift shop!) and The Blue Rooster.
Most luxury cabins have hot tubs and come stocked with family games, and many have outdoor playgrounds.
>> RELATED READ :: Seeking a Staycation? A Round-Up of Hotels with Indoor Pools in Dallas-Fort Worth <<
2. Great Wolf Lodge
Another nearby vacation spot is Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine — it’s less than an hour away!
Although pricing on its website can be expensive, Groupon often runs specials for under $200 per night. Each room comes with six water park passes that you can use from open to close each day of your stay.
In addition to the indoor and outdoor water park, there are plenty of activities to entertain kids of all ages. Some of our family favorites include the arcade, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and the candy shop.
It also offers arts and crafts, story time, and morning yoga.
For older kids, check out the MagiQuest adventures, Oliver’s Mining Co., and Howlers Peak Ropes Course.
As for dining options, there are several restaurants on-site, including a breakfast buffet and Starbucks.
3. Gaylord Texan
Right across the street from Great Wolf Lodge is the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. Although famous for its Christmas lights, it’s a fun place to stay any time of the year.
While Great Wolf Lodge is mainly catered to kids, the Gaylord Texan is relaxing for the whole family. There are several bars and restaurants on site, from Italian to Tex-Mex.
There’s also a spa, indoor and outdoor gardens, and an extensive outdoor water park with a lazy river.
If you want to venture out in Grapevine, check out these attractions for the whole family: Grapevine Lake, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Grapevine Mills Mall, Bass Pro Shop, Peppa Pig World of Play, and SEALIFE Grapevine.
4. Lake Fork
In Alba, Texas, this is one of our favorite last minute vacation spots!
Although we love our busy lives in Collin County, it’s good for our souls to drive 90 minutes east where we can slow down, take a break, and enjoy the stillness of the lake. We usually stay at the lakefront cabins at Pope’s Landing — cute little homes with a front porch, fire pit, charcoal grill, and personal fishing pier.
Don’t forget your fishing poles because Lake Fork is famous for bass fishing. In fact, this is where our daughter caught her first fish!
Believe it or not, there are several tasty dining options nearby. Check out Burgins BBQ down the road, or order a delicious specialty pizza from Verona’s.
>> RELATED READ :: 10 Tips for Flying with a Toddler <<
5. Fort Worth
Known for the Stockyards, if there’s a town that defines the state of Texas, it’s Fort Worth! Just over an hour from Collin County, it’s easy to plan a mini vacation to experience Texas culture and history.
There are several family-friendly hotels downtown. While in the heart of Cowtown, check out the Stockyards, National Cowgirl Museum, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth Zoo, and NRH2O Water Park (technically in North Richland Hills, but still very close).
Another unique place to look into is Burgers Lake — a waterpark with sand beaches, a spring-fed lake, diving boards, slides, a trapeze, and grills.
If you don’t mind a small drive, Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor are right down the highway in Arlington.
6. Tanglewood Resort
A recent discovery of mine is Tanglewood Resort on Lake Texoma. About an hour from Collin County, this resort is surprisingly affordable.
On this trip, you can enjoy lake views from your hotel room, dive into three resort-style pools, play sports like volleyball, basketball, or tennis, and relax at the spa.
The resort also offers horseback riding and private guided striper fishing.
You have several dining options at Tanglewood, including a steakhouse, sports bar, and pizzeria.
We plan on taking a 10-minute drive to the sandy beaches at Lake Texoma for even more swimming and relaxing. You can also take a sunset cruise or rent kayaks and boats.
7. Ritz-Carlton
If you’re looking for a resort-style location right here in Dallas, look no further than the Ritz-Carlton Dallas in Las Colinas. With an 18-hole golf course, pickleball courts, restaurants and bars, a spa, and several pools, this resort offers something for everyone.
While you’re there, you can even have a date night! Ask the concierge about the Ritz Kids program. Depending on location, the Ritz can arrange childcare while mom and dad enjoy a night to themselves. The Ritz Kids program also offers indoor “camping” with a play tent and fire pit, kids cooking classes, and several experiences centered around water, land, environmental responsibility, and culture.
Although this resort is on the pricier side, it sometimes has specials (i.e., stay two nights, get a third night free).
Traveling with toddlers can be tricky, but that certainly doesn’t mean you have to stay home. These destinations are fun for the whole family and right down the road!
Which of these “mini vacations” sounds like fun for your family?
