Looking for ways to escape Fort Worth without losing your weekend? These five day trips serve up adventure, culture, and natural beauty—all within a comfortable drive. Ideal for families, couples, or solo explorers, each destination offers unique experiences to enrich your weekend story.
1. Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose, TX (About 70 miles, 1.5 hours)
Imagine your kids seeing real dinosaur footprints preserved in riverbed rock. Dinosaur Valley State Park lets families wade in the Paluxy River and trace the steps of sauropods that roamed some 113 million years ago. The park charges $7 per adult and $2 for children ages 12 and under.
The park is perfect for families with kids aged 6 to 14, though teens and adults love the scenic hiking trails and river access. RV camping and cabins are available for future weekend trips, with net worth–friendly rates starting around $30 per night for primitive sites.
Highlights
• Stomping grounds: view over 30 track sites, some over 12 inches long
• Hike Pangburn Trail’s 2.5‑mile loop with blufftop views
• Informal fossil hunts with park staff (check schedule online)
Tip: Arrive early to avoid midday crowds and bring water shoes in summer. The river’s shallow flow makes it safe even for younger children after age 6.
2. Waco – Baylor University & Magnolia Market (About 100 miles, 1.75 hours)
Waco has transformed into a weekend magnet thanks to Magnolia Market, a home-decor store owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, whose family net worth is estimated at over $40 million. The Market sits within an open-air complex featuring lawn games, food trucks, and a garden pavilion.
Couples and adult groups aged 25 to 55 love the relaxed vibe. Families can enjoy Missy’s Café next door, a casual spot serving Texas‑style breakfast. Parking is free, though the weekend crowd can be fierce—arrive by 9 a.m. for the best experience.
Highlights
• Magnolia Market: home décor, kitchenware, gifts
• Baylor University campus tours—historic, roots back to 1845
• Dr Pepper Museum: fun for soda lovers, kids, adults—admission $15
Tip: Schedule time to stroll the Brazos Riverwalk or rent a kayak beneath the historic Waco Suspension Bridge.
3. Palo Duro Canyon – Amarillo, TX (About 350 miles, 5 hours each way)
A longer day trip, perhaps better as an overnight, Palo Duro Canyon State Park calls itself the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” But with an early start, you can hike, picnic, and soak in canyon views with your partner or family. Admission is $8 per adult, and car camping is $20, RV hookups $30.
Outdoor couples and beginner hikers aged 18 to 60 appreciate the Lighthouse Trail—5.5 miles round‑trip leading to a natural rock formation. The trail is well‑marked and open to kids age 10 and up. Total travel time is long, but the payoff is vast red cliffs and sweeping vistas.
Highlights
• Lighthouse Trail hike with canyon panorama
• Scenic drive along Lighthouse and Paseo del Rio Loop
• Visitor Center offers interpretive exhibits on geology, wildlife
Tip: Bring at least two liters of water per person. Summer temps (June–August) often exceed 95 °F, so start hikes before 9 a.m. or plan an overnight stay at one of the lodges.
4. Lake Mineral Wells State Park – Mineral Wells, TX (About 50 miles, 1 hour)
Only an hour west of Fort Worth, Lake Mineral Wells SP offers rock climbing, horseback riding, and fishing along a Texas‑sized reservoir. Couples and small groups in their 20s to 50s appreciate the climbing routes in Penitentiary Hollow, rated beginner to intermediate.
Kids older than 8 enjoy beach time, swimming, and catching bass or catfish. A kid fishing license is needed, $6 annually. Cabin rates start around $80 per night, day‑use fee is $7 per vehicle.
Highlights
• Penitentiary Hollow: over 50 climbing routes, gear rentals on nearby ranch
• 6‑mile Rock Shelter Trail, moderate and shaded
• Horse‑back riding facility onsite, $40/hour
Tip: Shore lunch under live oaks, and if time allows, swing by the Mineral Wells Fossil Park—kids dig for marine fossils in open quarries free of charge.
5. Turner Falls & Arbuckle Mountains – Davis, OK (About 150 miles, 2.5 hours)
Crossing state lines, drive north to Davis, Oklahoma for Turner Falls Park. A natural pool and waterfall (77 ft high) awaits swimmers and photographers. Entry is $10 per adult, $7 for ages 6–12. The park includes cabins, campsites, and cabins in the Arbuckles.
Teen visitors (12–17) love cliff jumping—ranging from 10 to 77 feet—under lifeguard supervision. Parents appreciate the shaded picnic areas and walking trails through the mountains.
Highlights
• Swim in the pool at the base of the falls
• Hike the 5‑mile Arbuckle Trail loop with scenic lookouts
• Visit nearby Blue River area for kayaking or trout fishing
Tip: Wear water shoes—even in summer—to navigate rocky ledges. Weekends see most visitors between noon and 2 p.m., so plan a midday break in town or bring lunch to eat earlier.
Planning Tips for All Trips
- Start early
Leaving between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. gives you full daylight, shorter lines at ticketed parks, and cooler hiking temps. - Pack smart
Bring sunscreen (SPF 30+), refillable water bottles, snacks, and layers—even in summer mornings can be cool. For camps: pillow, sleeping bag, bug spray, flashlight. - Tech & safety
Take a portable phone charger and download offline maps. Cell service can be patchy at canyon or river locations. Let someone reliable know your route if heading into remote hikes. - Wildlife etiquette
Follow “Leave No Trace.” Keep dogs on leash, watch for venomous snakes in warm months, avoid feeding wildlife. - Check park websites
Confirm entry fees, road conditions, any construction or seasonal closures before leaving.
Weekend Adventure Summary
| Destination | Round-Trip Distance | Ideal For | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinosaur Valley State Park | ~140 miles | Families, kids 6+ | $7 adult / $2 child |
| Waco (Magnolia, Baylor, Dr Pepper) | ~200 miles | Couples, adults, families | Varies by site |
| Palo Duro Canyon | ~700 miles | Hikers, couples, nature | $8 adult |
| Lake Mineral Wells | ~100 miles | Climbers, anglers, families | $7 per vehicle |
| Turner Falls & Arbuckles | ~300 miles | Teens, families, hikers | $10 adult / $7 child |
Each trip starts with a short drive and delivers big experiences — from fossil footprints to canyon hikes to cascading waterfalls. Explore Texas and beyond without losing precious weekend time.
