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Planning on being in Dallas for a few days? If so, plan some day trips to sample some of the cool nearby destinations. As a devoted day-tripper myself, I’ve chosen the best day trips from Dallas, Texas that will appeal to young and old alike.

Dinosaur World
1058 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043
If you are traveling with kids, first on the list is Dinosaur World, nestled near the small town of Glen Rose, Texas. Located about an hour from Dallas, Dinosaur World is a place that kids of all ages will love. An outdoor exhibit of 150 life-size dinosaurs is a delight to see, and kids become amateur paleontologists with an authentic fossil dig.
The indoor dinosaur museum has everything dinosaur-related, and a roomy picnic area awaits your refreshments. Dinosaur World is open all year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Fort Worth
If you’re in the mood for a mixture of Old West history, culture, and cowboys; you should spend the day in historic Fort Worth, Texas at the Stockyards National Historic District. The 45-minute drive brings you to a stimulating blend of old and new; with a feel of the Old West along with chic modern shops, antique malls, and even a Depot for the Tarantula Steam Train. Fort Worth’s Stockyards District offers something for everyone.
The family-friendly City of Forth Worth is a mere 45 minutes from Dallas and offers families such entertaining options as the National Cowgirl Museum, the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and the Fort Worth Zoo.
The National Cowgirl Museum is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am until 6 pm. Highlights include a life-size replica of a bronco that the kids can take for a spin. After the museum families would be remiss to forgo a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards. The stockyards offer a twice-daily glimpse at an authentic cattle drive, Wild West performances, and special events like Cow Camp.
Southfork Ranch
3700 Hogge Dr, Parker, TX 75002
For anyone who was a fan of the long-running TV series, “Dallas”, the 35-minute trip to Southfork Ranch is a must. Known worldwide as the most famous ranch in America, Southfork offers daily guided tours of the Southfork Mansion and the sprawling ranch.

It has cool-themed gift shops, exhibits of show memorabilia, and Miss Ellie’s Deli for good eats. Open all year from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., except for Christmas Eve, Southfork Ranch’s admission prices are $14.50 plus tax for adults, and less for children and seniors.
Hill Country Wineries
Especially for grown-ups is a self-guided tour of the Hill Country Wineries. With 27 wineries to choose from, the best day trips from Dallas, Texas through Texas Wine Country involves even more than wine tasting, demonstrations, and tours.
As the seasons change, spring and summer wildflowers, vibrant fall leaf colors, and mild winter Christmas lights make the tour eye-catching. You will find seasonal festivals, artists, musicians, craftsmen, chefs, and entertainers.

Six Flags
Six Flags Over Texas offers all you would expect from a top-notch theme park. An example of the breathtaking excitement that awaits you is the Texas Giant, with the steepest drop and bank of any wooden roller coaster in the world.
Rowlette

Families will find the City of Rowlette to be wet, wild, and affordable. Located less than 30 minutes away, it is home to both Lake Ray Hubbard and the Wet Zone Family Water Park. The Wet Zone is open Wednesday through Monday, May through August. The park opens at 11 am Wednesday through Saturday and at noon on Sundays.
Plano
Just a short 30-minute drive from Dallas is the City of Plano. It is home to such family-friendly attractions as Amazing Jakes, the Plano African American Museum, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, the Heritage Farmstead, Fairview Farms, and the Interurban Railway Museum.
A young child will particularly enjoy the live farm animals at the Heritage Farmstead. Self-guided tours of the farmstead’s grounds are a steal at $2 per person. Families may also opt for more comprehensive, guided tours of the entire complex for a mere $5 per adult. The museum is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, with guided tours starting promptly at 1:30 pm.

Greenville
Families willing to make the one-hour drive from Dallas to Greenville will find the Peace Garden, American Cotton Museum, and the Mathews Prairie Nature Preserve. Perfect for baseball and military history fans, the American Cotton Museum is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 am until 5 pm. Museum highlights include exhibits on Audie Murphy and Monty Stratton.
Tyler
Located one hour and 40 minutes from Dallas, the petite City of Tyler packs a proverbial punch when it comes to affordable, family fun. For the history buffs, there is the circa 1878 McClendon House and Camp Ford; one of the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camps in Texas.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there is the 980-plus-acre Tyler State Park and Fire Mountain Amusements. Both are open year-round and offer up a variety of action-packed activities.

Tyler State Park features a sublime 64-acre lake, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, fishing, boating, picnicking, special events, and wildlife viewing. It is open daily, and year-round, and admission is $5 per person, for ages 13 and older. Those less than 13 years of age are free.
Fire Mountain Amusements opens at 1 pm Tuesday through Sunday and features carnival rides, bumper boats, miniature golf, go-karting, and a colossal, indoor arcade. Ticket prices vary per ride so families that plan on making a day of it would be wise to consider purchasing wristbands.
Other family-friendly attractions in Tyler include the Discovery Science Place, the Caldwell Zoo, and the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge.
Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips From Dallas Texas
Families looking for a change of summer scenery and newfound opportunities for adventure are in luck can experience some of the best day trips from Dallas, Texas. Five cities within a two hours drive of Dallas serve up a wide variety of family-friendly and affordable fun.