Carlsbad Caverns offers stunning underground formations and bat flights for Texas families. Located just 2 hours from El Paso, it’s a must-do for adventurous kids who don’t mind the cold.
West Texas/Panhandle
Amarillo TX with Kids: Cadillac Ranch & Beyond
Cadillac Ranch is free and open 24/7, but summer heat hits 100°F+. We break down when to visit, what to actually expect, and why it’s worth the 4.5-hour drive from Dallas for Texas families.
Lubbock Texas with Kids: Science Spectrum, Prairie Dog Park & Family Guide
Family guide to Lubbock TX — Science Spectrum Museum and OMNI, Mackenzie Park prairie dogs, Buddy Holly Center, Lubbock Lake Landmark, and what to do with kids in Tech country.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park with Kids: Texas’s Highest Peak Family Guide
Family guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park — Pinery Trail for kids, Salt Basin Dunes, fall foliage, and the honest truth about visiting Texas’s highest peak with children.
Palo Duro Canyon with Kids: Texas’s Grand Canyon Family Guide
Family guide to Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo — best hikes for kids, the TEXAS outdoor musical, zip line, horseback riding, and honest summer heat warnings.
Davis Mountains State Park with Kids: McDonald Observatory & Star Party Guide
Family guide to Davis Mountains State Park and McDonald Observatory — Star Parties for kids, scenic loop drive, Indian Lodge, Fort Davis, and best time to visit.
Balmorhea State Park with Kids: World’s Largest Natural Pool Guide
I’ve read every trip report I could find about Balmorhea State Park, and one thing consistently jumps out: people treat it like a quick detour on the way…
Big Bend National Park with Kids: West Texas Family Hiking Guide
Big Bend National Park is one of those places that stops you mid-scroll when you first see the photos — jagged canyon walls dropping into the Rio Grande…
Fort Davis Texas with Kids: Mountains, Observatory & Family Guide
I’ve read every trip report I could find on Fort Davis National Historic Site, and the consistent theme is surprise — parents who expected a dusty pile of…
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum with Kids: Canyon Texas Family Guide
Important heads-up before we get into this one: The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum has been closed since March 24, 2025, due to fire marshal…