There’s something nostalgic about loading up family members in the car and hitting the open highway. As more people start getting out and traveling (safely, of course), it may be the right time to introduce your kids to a classic road trip. While big cities like Austin, San Antonio and Houston will always be solid contenders for a weekend getaway, these small Texas towns also provide plenty of entertainment. So get ready to grab the keys and learn something new that’s available right here in the Lone Star State.
Canyon
Home to the second-largest canyon in the country and plenty of trails, Canyon offers natural amenities and views unlike anything else in the state. After spending a little under six hours traveling toward the panhandle, it’ll feel nice stretching your legs in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. With more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, there’s not a wrong way to explore the rugged landscape. Whether you camp or glamp (thanks to the park’s latest cabin amenities), it’s easy to fully embrace the location. Kids will love cruising by Tex Randall, a 47-foot cowboy statue on US Hwy. 60 that was constructed in 1959 and restored in 2016, and plenty of educational opportunities can be found at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Covering the past 14,000 years of history, this expansive venue acts as Texas' largest history museum, providing everything from art and windmill to geology and paleontology exhibits. So whether you want to celebrate the outdoors or get your kids ready for school, your getaway goals can be found in Canyon. CanyonTX.com
Marfa
You’ve probably seen a photo of the iconic Prada Marfa, located more than 500 miles from Southlake, but what else do you know about the Far West Texas town? Marfa, within the Big Ben region, acts as a cultural destination, providing spaces for creatives, performers and painters to come together and celebrate their aesthetics. Whether you stop by the contemporary art museum Ballroom Marfa or the Greasewood Gallery located in the historic Hotel Paisano, there’s sure to be an exhibit worth viewing. There are also plenty of locally made goods available in the town’s boutiques. Whether you are on the hunt for some handcrafted soap or modern jewelry, you’re sure to find something unique to take back home. Before heading east, be sure to be on the lookout for the Marfa Lights, an unexplained phenomenon of seemingly sourceless lights that take over the skies at night. It’s a sight worth the trip alone. VisitMarfa.com
Nacogdoches
The oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches, has been under more flags than the state itself, with nine claimed throughout its long history. Now the East Texas city, located about three and a half hours from Southlake, boasts not only Stephen F. Austin State University but also plenty of southern charm. Embrace the history by reserving a room at The Jones House Bed & Breakfast, a Victorian mansion that transports locals to a different time. You can easily fill your stay with museum visits and tours of the historic buildings sprinkled throughout Nacogdoches, but don’t forget to spend a little time outdoors. After all, it is the Garden Capital of Texas. Guests can hike through its lush forests, stop by a local blueberry farm or walk through the SFA Mast Arboretum, containing more than 7,500 different plants and with more than 20 themed green spaces. Does your crew need another nudge? The area also offers family fun options like a zipline, drive-thru safari and historic railroad. VisitNacogdoches.com
Gruene
Even those familiar with New Braunfels might not know about Gruene, a ghost town turned historic district. Located about four hours away from Southlake, Gruene used to be its own city but has since become an extension of the larger New Braunfels region. While Gruene has plenty of historic significance, its main attraction is still Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. But with an expansive antiquing area, quaint coffee shop, wine tasting room and tubing location, there’s plenty to mark down on your to-do list prior to driving through town. Stay in the heart of the area by booking a room at the Gruene Mansion Inn, located just steps away from the dancing hall. Before hitting the road to head back north, swing by the Gruene General Store for some souvenir shopping to mark the end of your Texas getaway. GrueneTexas.com