Looking for short road trip ideas from Dallas (with a 3 year old)

[boxofrocks]

We're looking for an excuse to get out of town for 3-4 days over the weekend after Indepenence day, and are looking for road trip ideas.

Those of you that either have or had small kids know that you're options are somewhat limited with a rug rat in tow. We have a 3 year old boy, and are looking for something other than the usual Sea World type trip. A 4-5 hour car ride is OK, thanks to the invention of the car DVD player.

Does anyone have any ideas we might like to consider when leaving from Dallas? I've only lived here a few years, so there's a lot I still don't know about this great state.

Thanks!


Update--we may consider renting a small RV, so any good destination suggestions with one of those would be welcome, too!

[kachina]

Hot Springs, AR is an alright trip for something a little different. Lake Ouachita is nearby with plenty of places to stay - Mountain Harbor Resort for example.

Another option is Beaver's Bend Resort in Oklahoma - trout fishing for dad and train ride for kiddies. This locale is very rustic. They have decent cabins but are probably booked for that weekend.

[lscottpht]

Fossil Rim and stay at the Safari Camp, if you can get in. Then, reserve the tour through the park in the back of the flatbed type safari truck with benches before the park is open to the public. My kids love the Safari Camp. Then, Dinosaur Valley.

The Foothills Safari Camp
Each Tent Cabin is custom designed and fitted with two twin beds, fresh linens, a private bath, ceiling fans, and central heat and air. Please bring a flashlight! You can relax on your own small patio, stroll over to the guest pavillion, gather at the bar or trade the day’s stories over a roaring campfire. Safari Camp overlooks one of Fossil Rim’s most popular wildlife watering holes where an ever changing variety of animals, from elegant sandhill cranes to families of waterbuck, can be viewed.

[CaptainTom]

I don't have a three year old, so keep that in mind.

Shreveport - gambling, babysitter

Austin - music, drinking, eating, babysitter

Corpus Christi - water, aircraft carrier, museums, fishing, eating, babysitter

San Antonio - missions, Alamo, amusement parks, babysitter

Galveston - water, boats, fishing, eating, babysitter

Oklahoma City - babysitter

[kenw]

Texas State Railroad runs between Rusk and Palestine.

he will LOVE it. (you will too....)

http://www.texasstaterailroad.com/

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

I don't have a three year old, so keep that in mind.

Shreveport - gambling, babysitter

Austin - music, drinking, eating, babysitter

Corpus Christi - water, aircraft carrier, museums, fishing, eating, babysitter

San Antonio - missions, Alamo, amusement parks, babysitter

Galveston - water, boats, fishing, eating, babysitter

Oklahoma City - babysitter

Nice, Tom.

Here's your rimshot.

[carlyerin]

OOOOH! Moody Gardens in Galveston. Took my youngsters there one time. It's pretty cool! And then of course you're a block from the beach. The Houston Zoo is pretty fab too. :)

[kachina]

Originally Posted by lscottpht

Fossil Rim and stay at the Safari Camp, if you can get in. Then, Dinosaur Valley.

Good one. Check out Rough Creek Lodge if you head to the Glen Rose area. They offer summer specials sometimes that make it a little more palatable for those of us on a budget.

[boxofrocks]

Thanks--Some nice suggestions so far.

We go to Corpus often to visit his great-grandparents there, so we may rule out a trip that way.

[lscottpht]

Originally Posted by kachina

Good one. Check out Rough Creek Lodge if you head to the Glen Rose area. They offer summer specials sometimes that make it a little more palatable for those of us on a budget.

Yeah, the Safari Camp can be quite expensive, that's for sure, but it's so awesome to watch the animals come to the watering hole. They also have a deer that's friendly and comes right up to the fence. You also have to drive through exotic animals just to get to the camp, plus they have a pool thats fed by a stream or something. The breakfast the next day is awesome. Hopefully, there is no fire restrictions and you can also do the bonfire and roast smores.

[jerrykr]

Beaver's Bend at Broken Bow, OK has been suggested. It's about 4 hours.

Here's where to stay.

Tell Dian I sent you.

http://www.pinemeadowcabins.com/

Take the Talimena Scenic Drive while you are up there.

http://www.talimenascenicdrive.com/

[scott1120]

Tom,
We'll if you are taking an RV how about some camping and hiking at Devils' Den state park. It is between Fort Smith and Fayetteville. On a trip a couple of weeks ago we made a stop there (traveling with wife and 2 daughters age 3 and 6). We did the cave trail the kids did just fine and enjoyed it.

[boxofrocks]

This just in: Wife vetoed the RV.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

This just in: Wife vetoed the RV.

I can relate. Constant Companion believes roughing it means slow room service.

I've been to Rough Creek Lodge and it was really nice. Fishing, horses, skeet shooting, etc. available, plus it is first class everything.

[kachina]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

This just in: Wife vetoed the RV.

My reply to the wife's decision in a situation like this: "Okay, lets tent camp for four days. We really need to get back to nature. I've been looking at a new North Face family tent at REI. It is only $600, summer sleeping bags for $150 each, etc., etc., etc."

BTW, the local wildlife is great on Lower Mountain Fork below Beaver Bend