Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera, Texas, lets you channel your inner cowboy when you stay at the Dixie Dude Ranch located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. You’ll find everything here to capture the experience of a real working cattle ranch. The ranch has over 700 acres to explore on horseback or by hiking, year-round fishing with all gear provided, live music and dances, singalongs, and plenty of outdoor activities like basketball and volleyball. You can look for arrowheads or fossils and learn about the history of the area. And if you’re looking for overnight lodging and great food, look no further than right on the ranch. There’s a variety of cottages and cabins to fit your family size and desired amenities. And if you’d prefer to stay in the lodge, you can look forward to 3 homecooked meals served daily. The Chuckwagon restaurant offers some of the best BBQ ribs and fried chicken with all the fixin’s. 

Want to sprinkle in a little education and history to your family’s road trip? Visit the Frontier Times Museum where you can learn about the great Diamond King, rodeo celebrities, and strange and wonderful “cabinets of curiosities” that contain odd but interesting items. The museum is full of learning experiences and historic information for all ages. 

With one of the most unique art exhibits in the world, the Bandera Natural History Museum is home to a wildlife collection that includes animals, wood carvings and ceremonial masks, mammoth bones, and native plants that attract butterflies and birds. Don’t miss a trip to this museum!

In addition to ranch activities, your family can experience the thrill of a 2- to 6-hour tubing or kayaking adventure or even plan to spend the night. Everything is provided and prices are extremely affordable for families on a budget. There’s a food truck onsite that you can purchase for your trip, too. 

If indoor overnight lodging is what you prefer, The Medina River Company partners with Medina Highpoint Resort to offer a great place to stay. You can still experience the great outdoors by sitting by the campfire and gazing at the stars in the night sky. There’s cabin rentals, tent camping, a ranch house, and RV sites available. 

Nearly everyone loves dinosaurs and at Dinosaur Valley State Park, you and your kids can actually walk in real dinosaur tracks in an ancient river bed in the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas.” Located not far from Fort Worth, there’s so much to do here, you’ll want to stay longer than just a weekend. After you’re done walking the path of dinosaurs, you can take a ride by horseback along the river in the South Primitive Area, take a guided tour, find a geocache, hike and bike the 20 miles of trails, fish, and swim.

Need a place to stay near Glen Rose? With over 150 overnight lodging options in the area, you’re sure to find the perfect place to spend the night while in the vicinity. You’ll have your choice of a stay in the animal-themed lodge or in one of the foothills safari cabins. The staff can answer questions about native wildlife seen around the area, and you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventure. 

If your family is all about being outside and taking in the sights and sounds of nature, your fall family road trip has to be a trip to Big Bend State Park. Located near the border of Mexico and Texas, Big Bend is the largest state park in the state and is considered by many as the most beautiful place to drive through in the state. 

Make sure to include a drive down El Camino del Rio as part of your trip when you visit this beautiful part of Texas. Closed Canyon and Balanced Rock are close, and there are trails just off this 50-mile scenic drive where you can take to experience the magnificent scenery up close and personal. There are also primitive camping spots if off-roading is appealing to you. To learn more about the area from friendly knowledgeable guides, sign up for a tour of the area through El Camino del Rio Jeep Tours. Beverages and lunch is included.