15 Best Day Trips from Dallas Texas
Sometimes you just need to get out of the house, but a road trip isn’t in order. In that case, I have some great ideas for quick Dallas day trips!
From outdoor adventures to shopping in charming towns, the Lone Star State has something for every age. You’ll also find a few Oklahoma destinations as a bonus…
If you’re looking for a fun day trip within driving distance from Dallas, TX, here are some of my favorites to get you started.
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Best Dallas Day Trips
If you’re local to Dallas or passing through, you should take at least a day trip to one of these amazing places. Get up early and hit the road to see some of the most amazing places in North Texas!
But what does a day trip entail? I’d say if you can get there in less than 2.5 hours (or 150 miles), it’s a day trip. That’s still 5 hours of driving, although some destinations on my list are worth the trip!
Plus, you’ll find that some destinations are just a 15-minute drive within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, because there’s so much worth doing just a short drive away! For your convenience, I’ve listed them out from closest to furthest away.
There are so many amazing places to visit when you want to get out of the city. You could be rock climbing one day, and hunting for dinosaur footprints the next!
If you want to be inspired, check out my favorite day trips from Dallas below.
Day Trips in Texas
1. Cedar Hill State Park
Miles from Dallas: 17 miles
Cedar Hill State Park is a fantastic choice for a day trip from Dallas, offering plenty of recreational activities and pretty lake views just a short drive away. The park is set on Joe Pool Lake and is known for being a nature retreat just minutes from the city!
There are miles of trails for a day of hiking and biking. Or you can visit the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center. Learn about Texas’ rural past when you explore a real preserved farm from the 1800s.
Joe Pool Lake is a perfect spot for anyone who loves water-based fun activities. If you want to go swimming, there’s a designated swim beach that’s perfect for families, with picnic areas, a playground, and a gravel beach on a cove. Or use one of the lake’s public boat ramps to get out on the water for a day of boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
If you’re looking for a weekend trip from Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park also has great campsites for both tents and RVs, ranging from full hookups to primitive sites.
2. Plano
Miles from Dallas: 20 miles
A drive to Plano is another great day trip if you’re looking for a little bit of everything! First, there’s an abundance of top-notch outdoor activities that cater to families.
You can visit the gorgeous Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, a 200-acre park in the heart of the city. For more adventure, head to Oak Point Park, which is home to the Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park (perfect for kids ages 10 and up).
For more Texas history, there’s also the Heritage Farmstead Museum. This is a Victorian homestead and a 4-acre working farm from the 19th century, set in the heart of Plano.
If retail therapy is more your speed, head to Legacy West, with 240 acres of shopping and dining. When everyone finishes shopping, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Legacy Hall with 20 different food stalls serving something for all palates, even your pickiest eaters.
3. Arlington
Miles from Dallas: 21 miles
Arlington is a great day trip from Dallas, just a half-hour drive away, and packed with fun things for the whole family.
If you’re visiting during football season, make sure to see the Dallas Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium, also known as Cowboys Stadium. Even if there’s no game, you can book a stadium tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the home of one of the most iconic teams in the NFL.
For families who prefer theme parks, go with a classic like Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor. Or check out one of the many quality water parks in the DFW area, like Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark.
4. Grapevine
Miles from Dallas: 22
For a Dallas day trip that offers something year-round, Grapevine offers endless opportunities for fun.
Shop at Grapevine Mills Mall or head to historic Main Street for wine-tasting rooms, dining, and shopping. The Grapevine Botanical Garden and Nash Farm are perfect for getting out with kids (and they’re free to visit!).
If you like trying new things, there’s a wonderful glass-blowing studio in Grapevine called Vetro. They host private events and beginners’ sessions, so book in advance for a day out to remember.
During the fall, be sure to stop at Hall’s Pumpkin Farm, which boasts one of the best Texas corn mazes we’ve tried! You can also grab pumpkins and go on hayrides.
In the run-up to Christmas, there are over 1,400 holiday events held here, including Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express and the Texas Star Dinner Theater Holiday Show. After all, Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas!
5. Frisco
Miles from Dallas: 28
If there are any sports fans in your group, you will want to make a day trip to Frisco time and time again.
Dallas Cowboys fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to tour their incredible practice facility. The Star is a huge complex that houses training fields, restaurants, and trophies. You can take a VIP tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Super Bowl memorabilia, team uniforms, the War Room, and the Nike Star Walk.
If baseball is more your speed, be sure to catch a Rough Riders baseball game at Riders Field (formerly the Dr. Pepper Ballpark). This newer facility even has a swimming pool and lazy river next to the field, so you can stay cool while you enjoy the game!
And if you have little ones, they’ll go crazy for KidZania, a 100,000 sq ft indoor city built by kids for kids. With over 50 individual buildings that represent real-life businesses, where children can roleplay over 100 different professions. Fair warning: your kids will never want to leave!
Frisco is also home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame (and Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas). There’s also the National Video Game Museum and the Museum of the American Railroad, both at the Frisco Discovery Center.
No matter what you’re looking for, Frisco is sure to have it!
6. Fort Worth
Miles from Dallas: 32
Fort Worth is often referred to as a suburb of Dallas, but it easily stands on its own.
Start the day with a Cowtown Segway tour that takes you on an informative and fun tour of downtown Fort Worth. When it’s over, head to one of our favorite spots downtown, Sundance Square. It’s usually the hub of activity any time of day.
If you’re visiting Dallas with kids, you might want to head to the Fort Worth Zoo, one of the city’s top attractions. Be aware that tickets are no longer sold at the gate and you need to book tickets in advance.
Kids will also enjoy exploring the Fort Worth Water Gardens, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History.
And be sure to visit the Stockyards National Historic District if you’ve never been. The iconic Fort Worth Stockyards offer a glimpse into the city’s history, and for most visitors, the highlight is the cattle drive.
Twice a day ranchers walk the longhorn cattle down Main Street, much to the crowd’s delight. It doesn’t take long, but it is fascinating to see. There are several shops and restaurants in the area. Some of our favorites include Joe T Garcia’s (cash only) and Rodeo Goat (awesome burgers).
Other worthy stops include the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the National Cowgirl Museum, The Kimbell Art Museum, and the Fort Worth Botanical Garden.
7. McKinney
Miles from Dallas: 33 miles
A quick drive from Dallas, McKinney offers small-town charm even though the city has close to 200,000 residents.
Head to the historic downtown for shopping, and grab a bite to eat at Local Yocal, known for its BBQ and hospitality. Another option is to grab provisions at the McKinney Farmers Market (or Local Yocal Farm to Market), and head to Town Lake to go boating, play volleyball, and picnic.
Local attractions include the Heard Natural Science Museum, a must-see for nature lovers. They offer programs for kids of all ages and self-guided tours.
If you are looking for a fun place to grab a drink, take a tour of Franconia Brewing, a German-style brewer that dates to 1800, or TUPPS Brewery, another local favorite. Those who prefer wine should head to Lone Star Winery (and tasting room) to sample some North Texas wine (check the hours before visiting).
8. Denton
Miles from Dallas: 50 miles
Located just an hour’s drive from Dallas, Denton is a charming town that makes for an easy family day trip.
Being home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, Denton is a college town with a ton of unique shops and family-friendly restaurants to explore.
One of the best things about Denton is its downtown area, filled with boutiques, vintage shops, trendy cafes, and historic buildings. Denton Square, with its pretty courthouse and surrounding shops, is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon. You can peruse the stacks at Recycled Books or grab a drink at West Oak Coffee Bar.
In October, families who love music will enjoy visiting during the annual Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, held at Quakertown Park.
9. Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Miles from Dallas: 78
This state park is a great day trip destination for outdoor enthusiasts! Families can go hiking, horseback riding, geocaching, or rock climbing. If you’re interested in climbing, book a beginner tour with Rock-About Climbing Adventures for a fun day out.
For a quieter day outdoors, visit Clark Gardens Botanical Park, where you will find beautiful flowers and water features. Keep in mind that the gardens hold seasonal hours but are generally open to the public from the beginning of March to the beginning of July, and then from the end of August through November.
For fossil enthusiasts in the family, don’t miss Mineral Wells Fossil Park. Here you can search for ancient fossils and take home what you find!
10. Glen Rose
Miles from Dallas: 75
Glen Rose is one of those tiny towns in North Texas with quite a few things to do on a day trip from Dallas!
Downtown Glen Rose offers a historic downtown with over 30 properties on the National Historic Registry. Be sure to take a stroll and enjoy the local shops and cafes. Big Rocks Park is also nearby, where you can splash in the Paluxy River.
Head to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center just outside of town. This wildlife safari park spans 1,800 acres and houses over 1,100 animals. It’s a drive-through safari, and you have a memorable time interacting with the animals. The guided tours take place on an open-sided bus, so don’t be surprised if a giraffe pops in to say hello!
Glen Rose is the ultimate Texas destination if your little ones are dinosaur lovers. There are fun places to visit like Dinosaur World Texas, with its life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric-themed playground.
Another must-visit is Dinosaur Valley State Park, one of the most unique state parks in Texas. Dinosaurs once lived where the park is and left footprints in what is now the riverbed! If you plan on visiting to track down the footprints, make sure you keep an eye on the Park’s page for updates on visibility.
11. Waco
Miles from Dallas: 96
Waco is an easy and popular day trip from Dallas. It’s an easy drive or you can take the bus from Dallas to Waco. The city is known for its ties to Chip and Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame, and there is plenty to do in this city halfway between Dallas and Austin.
Those wanting to soak in all things related to Chip and Joanna should start the day early with breakfast at The Magnolia Table, the Gaines family restaurant. Highly recommend the avocado toast, but everything there is delicious!
From here, head on to Magnolia Market at the Silos. This is where you will find Magnolia Market, Magnolia Home (their new home design store), and Silos Baking Co. (be sure to try their delicious cupcakes).
The rest of the Silos includes a lawn area with games for families and food trucks for picnicking. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours. *Note: it is quite busy on the weekends, so try to visit during the week to avoid the crowds.
If you want to see things in Waco not related to Magnolia, head to some of the cool shops, such as Harp Design Co. and Cedar Chest Antique Mall. I also love Homestead Heritage Craft Village, where you’ll find locally-made products and activities for the kids.
Waco is also the original home of the popular soft drink, Dr. Pepper! You can head to the Dr Pepper Museum and find everything you ever wanted to know about this drink. There’s everything from replica vintage bottles to a retro soda fountain. And it’s walking distance from the Silos.
On the drive from Waco to Dallas, don’t miss the Czech Stop for its famous kolaches!
12. Crockett
Miles from Dallas: 151 Miles
A day trip to Crockett is a great way for families from Dallas to experience the beauty of East Texas just 2 hours away. Crockett is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Piney Woods region and offers a peaceful retreat from the city.
When you head this way, a stop in town is a must. Explore the historic downtown area, with its antique stores and local restaurants. Fun fact: In September, the town also hosts the annual World Championship Fiddlers’ Festival!
But the highlight of any visit is the Davy Crockett National Forest, a stunning area filled with towering pine trees and winding creeks. Families can enjoy hiking along the miles of trails that wind through the forest. This is also a popular destination for horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
If you want to extend your stay, there are campgrounds for tents and campers at Ratcliff Lake within the national forest.
13. U-Pick Farms in DFW
U-Pick farms are one of my very favorite day trips from Dallas, and there are so many to choose from. Everything is seasonal, so be sure to check their Facebook pages before heading out for the day.
For strawberry picking near Dallas head to Wow U-Pick Farms in Krum. Blueberry picking near Dallas can be found at Blase Family Farm in Rockwall or Blueberry Hill Farm in Edom.
Jenkins Farms in Bonham has peaches to pick, and Ham Orchards in Terrell will pick the peaches for you (but you can pick blackberries here). You can also pick your very own tulips at Texas Tulips in Pilot Point.
In the fall, you can find pumpkins in the Dallas suburbs at Halls Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Grapevine or Big Orange Pumpkin Farm in Gunter.
Find out more info about Dallas pick your own farms at PickYourOwn.org.
Day Trips in Oklahoma
While you’re thinking about the best day trips from Dallas, don’t miss out on these great locations just across the Red River!
14. Turner Falls
Miles from Dallas: 129
Turner Falls Park is a very popular spot for day trips, and for good reason: it’s midway between Oklahoma City and Dallas. Not only does it offer natural beauty, kids love splashing about and cooling down in the water that runs off the rocks.
The park is located in the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, Oklahoma. It is home to the largest waterfall in Oklahoma, making it the perfect place to spend hot summer days. The falls are very family-friendly but the ground can be slippery, so keep an eye on kids.
A few tips: You can pay your fee upon arrival, but I recommend booking tickets in advance because they sell out fast, especially in the summer. There are different parking lots (level 3 is the only one that is free).
Additionally, children 12 and under need to wear a life jacket. This rule is strictly enforced, and you can’t rent life vests, so make sure you bring your own.
After swimming in the falls, I recommend exploring other attractions in the area such as the Turner Falls Zipline high above the waterfalls, Collings Castle (an abandoned castle built in the 1930s), and the natural caves in the park.
Be sure to stop at Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies when you’re done, for a delicious treat to end the day!
15. Arbuckle Wilderness
Miles from Dallas: 130
If you don’t want to swim at Turner Falls, you’re in luck, as there’s another drive-thru safari just down the road in Davis.
Arbuckle Wilderness covers 200 acres of land with exotic animals, a reptile house, and a petting zoo. You drive your car through the safari, so you can go at your own pace. Pass by rhinos, tigers, donkeys, and fluffy alpacas!
As you can see, there are plenty of places to take a day trip from Dallas for the sports fans, dinosaur lovers, and foodies in your family. Have you ever been to these places?