In 2025, our family traveled through Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma, exploring some of the most family-friendly destinations along the way. From national parks to charming small towns, each trip reminded us how rewarding it is to travel with kids. This roundup highlights our favorite family trips of 2025 and shares inspiration for families already planning their 2026 adventures.
Why 2025 Was a Memorable Year for Family Travel
2025 was a truly memorable year for family travel. It was our last year before our daughter becomes a teenager, and our first year taking vacations with our new puppy, making each trip extra special. From exploring the rugged landscapes of Texas’ state parks to wandering the scenic mountain towns of Colorado, every adventure offered moments of laughter, learning, and connection.
Whether spotting wildlife in national parks, discovering hidden gems in small towns, or enjoying simple joys like roasting marshmallows around a campfire, traveling together reminded us how much happiness comes from exploring the world as a family—and set the stage for even more adventures in 2026.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, is a must-visit for families who love a mix of history, adventure, and outdoor fun. Walking along the Paluxy River, kids can spot real dinosaur footprints preserved in the rocks. It’s a thrilling hands-on experience that brings prehistory to life.
Beyond the dino trails, this park offers hiking, picnicking, and plenty of space for kids to run and explore. Camping here adds another layer of adventure. Families can enjoy starry skies, evening campfires, and the quiet beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Dinosaur Valley State Park is an unforgettable spot for a family getaway that’s educational, active, and full of memorable moments.
Real Life Moment
Our memorable moment was camping here during our Christmas break and waking up to a huge thunderstorm. We discovered that our tent really is waterproof (yes!) and that Chris had selected an ideal site. We were high and dry while others were not so lucky. Many people had packed up in the night and other tents were sitting in puddles of water – miserable! Winter camping definitely comes with challenges!
Family Travel in Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas, is a fantastic destination for families looking to blend culture, history, and kid-friendly attractions.
Top family activities in Fort Worth include: exploring the interactive exhibits at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and enjoying the lively Fort Worth Stockyards with its daily cattle drives, there’s plenty to keep kids engaged and entertained.
Families can also stroll through the city’s beautiful parks, visit the Fort Worth Zoo, or catch a live rodeo for a taste of authentic Texas fun. With its mix of educational experiences and classic Texas charm, Fort Worth makes for a memorable family getaway that’s fun for all ages.
Garner State Park, Texas (Spring Break)
We spent spring break at Garner State Park, our fifth in a row! The kids loved splashing in the Frio River, hiking the scenic trails, and enjoying the nightly dances at the pavilion. It was the perfect mix of outdoor fun and family bonding, all within budget-friendly Texas state park pricing.
Hiking, swimming and dancing every day? Yes, please! Garner has been holding dances on this beautiful dance floor since the 1940s. It’s our favorite Texas State Park for a reason!
Visitors can camp (tent or RV), stay in screened shelters, or rent cabins. Our favorite area to stay is the campsite closest to the river. This location has easy access to trail heads, amenities, and the river.
Palo Duro Canyon, Texas
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon stole our hearts this year. Hiking through its dramatic red cliffs and catching sunset views made for unforgettable family memories. Kids loved spotting wildlife along the trails, and we were lucky enough to catch The Texas Musical, it was so much fun!
We learned that these rock formations are called Hoodoos…who knew? We visited in summer which was sweltering! I would suggest visiting in spring for wildflowers and cooler temperatures (especially if you are camping).
Galveston, Texas (Long Weekend)
Galveston – where the beach, historic Strand district, and fun waterfront attractions made for a relaxing and lively escape. Sandcastles, seafood, and sunsets over the Gulf—what’s not to love? Galveston Island is our closest beach. We visit often and always have a great time. It’s a family-friendly destination for all ages.
Stephen F. Austin State Park, Texas
Stephen F. Austin State Park was a gem for our first camping trip with our puppy. The kids enjoyed hiking and biking in the Piney Woods, and we loved how budget-friendly the park was. Perfect for a weekend escape close to home. We visited in October which was still hot, but our kids loved the spooky Halloween walk!
Colorado, Our Best Family Trip 2025
Colorado was packed with adventure this year! It’s one of our favorite states to visit with the kids. Some of the places we traveled as a family during our 3-week visit include:
- Breckenridge: This charming mountain town offered everything from scenic walks to kid-friendly activities, plus cozy spots for ice cream and hot cocoa.
- Mesa Verde National Park: This spectacular world Heritage Site & International Dark Sky Park is great for families. We loved our tours around the cliff side dwellings and the wonderful ranger programs. Camping here also comes with hot, free showers!
- Rocky Mountain National Park: One of our favorite destinations, the park is ideal for hiking, spotting elk, and soaking in jaw-dropping mountain views.
- YMCA of the Rockies: A true family paradise! We tried, archery, horse riding, and even axe throwing. The kids can’t stop talking about all the activities they loved.
- Colorado Springs: A perfect mix of nature and fun, including Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (so close up to the animals!), the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Old Colorado City, and a trip up Pikes Peak.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Quiet trails and dramatic cliffs made this off-the-beaten-path destination an unforgettable experience.
- Silverton: Silverton is perfect for families looking for adventure, with historic mine tours and plenty of Old West charm to explore together.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Broken Bow offered the perfect combination of lake fun and forest adventure. Paddleboarding, hiking, and cozy cabin stays made it a highlight of our Thanksgiving Break. It’s such a peaceful spot to disconnect and enjoy quality family time.
Big Bend National Park
Everything really is bigger in Texas — and nowhere is that more apparent than Big Bend National Park. We booked our campsite months in advance and had a whole itinerary planned out. With wide-open skies, towering desert cliffs, and endless trails to explore with the kids, we couldn’t wait for our trip.
Two hours into our 9-hour journey things started to go wrong. A huge crash had us sitting in traffic (grateful not to be involved) a little frustrated at the slow down. Then we received a call from our new dog sitter that changed our plans. Long story short we had to change our plans and drive the 2 hours back to Katy. Gutted!
With our car packed for adventure and our hearts ready for camping. It was time to regroup and come up with a new plan. Our new plan involved me, Chris and my sister frantically looking up Texas State parks that had availability, looked fun, and were dog friendly. We found one just the spot at Colorado Bend State Park.
It wasn’t what we planned but we managed to turn things around and show the kids how to be flexible and resilient.
Big Bend is massive, remote, and awe-inspiring — a wonderful winter getaway for families who love adventure, wide-open spaces, and a true escape from the everyday. We’re hoping to visit next year instead!
A Silver Lining: Three Days Camping at Colorado Bend State Park
Three days camping at Colorado Bend State Park, Texas turned out to be the perfect silver lining to our winter break change of plan. We may not have made it all the way to Big Bend National Park, but snagging a last-minute campsite here felt like a win.
Our days were filled with hiking scenic trails, biking through the park, and cooling off with refreshing swims—exactly the kind of simple outdoor adventure our family needed. Colorado Bend proved that you don’t have to travel far to make great memories, and that sometimes the best trips are the ones that come together at the last minute.
San Antonio
San Antonio is a festive and family-friendly city that shines in December. From exploring the historic Alamo to strolling along the beautifully decorated River Walk, the city offers a mix of culture, history, and holiday cheer.
We loved taking the kids to see the sparkling lights, enjoying seasonal treats from local bakeries, and hopping on a riverboat for a scenic ride through the heart of downtown. Our dog friendly Airbnb close to the river walk was the perfect base for our crew.
With plenty of kid-friendly attractions, cozy restaurants, and festive events, San Antonio makes a perfect winter getaway for families looking to blend sightseeing, holiday magic, and Texas charm.
Why We Loved These Trips
Across all these destinations, a few things stood out:
- Affordable family fun: Many parks and state areas are incredibly budget-friendly.
- Outdoor adventure for all ages: From younger kids to teens, everyone found something to enjoy.
- Memories over stuff: Each trip gave us experiences the kids will remember far longer than any toy could provide.
- Fitness: We swan, hiked, biked, rode horses, went paddleboarding, and white water rafting (for the first time). Keeping fit is a byproduct of having a lot of outdoor fun on vacation.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This year reminded us how much joy there is in exploring the outdoors with the family. We can’t wait to discover more hidden gems, revisit old favorites, and continue making memories that will last a lifetime.
With our eldest becoming a teenager this year (that went fast!), we’re reminded that we only have a finite time with both our kids living at home. We want to make the most of it and make memories we can all treasure. I hope this post has given you plenty of family vacation inspiration for 2026.
Taking advantage of a long weekend in the school calendar, we have a trip to Austin, in April. We’ve been to Austin before but there is a lot of activities for families, so we’re still excited!
We also love to visit Texas Hill Country in Spring. Spring is my favorite time of the year here. Wildflowers carpet the ground (gorgeous!), and it’s still cool enough to hike comfortably. There is great camping in the Hill Country too. Inks Lake State Park is great for families.
We have family visiting this summer, which is a great opportunity to explore family-friendly activities in Houston. Then we’re off to Costa Rica in July. Which we are very excited about!
Family Trip Planning for 2026: From Ideas to Adventure Attractive Heading
Are you ready to plan your own family adventures? I’ve got plenty of resources to help you map out a stress-free, memorable family vacation.
Wherever you go, our Tips page is full of packing advice, safety essentials, and kid-friendly planning strategies. If you’re dreaming of the outdoors, browse our guides to Best Outdoor Adventures for Families and National Parks With Kids for ideas on hiking, camping, and wildlife experiences.
If you are thinking about a weekend escape? Don’t miss our destination guides like Pet-Friendly Family Vacations, Broken Bow Travel Guide, and our Tennessee Family Vacation Ideas page.
And if you’re traveling on a budget, check out my posts on Family Travel Deals and Budget-Friendly Destinations to stretch your dollars without sacrificing the fun. Wherever you’re headed in 2026, I hope these guides help your family plan a trip you’ll love.
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