The kids and I recently went on the MOST FUN Texas road trip, flying in to Dallas and meandering our way through Waco, Fredericksburg and Austin before heading home. Want to know what sights are an absolute must-see on a Texas road trip through this area? Read on!
Our family is no stranger to the wide open roads in Texas, having explored everything in the state from San Antonio to Luckenbach, Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari and even a classic Texas ranch out near Big Bend. When we were living in our RV full time, Texas was a favorite hangout spot. This time around, we were invited by Chevrolet to drive their new Suburban RST, which was definitely the most stylish of all the ways we've seen the sights rolling by in this state.
Kimpton Pittman Hotel
Our first stop was the Kimpton Pittman hotel in Downtown Dallas' trendy Deep Ellum neighborhood, known for its fun, quirky murals and vibrant music scene. The Kimpton Pittman Hotel is perfect for families, combining modern luxury with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We really appreciated the delicious on-site dining, and – of course – the pool!
Dallas Arboretum
Not gonna lie: the kids and I have been to a bajillion arboretums and rose gardens and things of this sort (hit up Myriad Botanical Gardens if you're ever in Oklahoma City, it is such a special place!). Sooo the boys were all groaning like, “Ugh Mom, seriously, another shrub zoo? A flower museum AGAIN? Blah, no thanks.” And THEN they proceeded to spend hours in the most hands-on, plant-filled play space I've ever seen… I had to tear them away.
The Dallas Arboretum offers 66 acres of beautiful gardens, interactive exhibits, and fun seasonal events. Its Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is a highlight, featuring hands-on activities, science stations, and engaging displays designed to captivate kids of all ages. Families can enjoy picnics, explore themed gardens, or participate in educational workshops. With its picturesque scenery and diverse programs, the Arboretum creates a truly memorable and picturesque experience. We happened to be visiting during autumn, and Pumpkin Village was EPIC.
State Fair of Texas
I am SO glad that this trip was timed to let us see the State Fair of Texas. Chevrolet had a whole huge display there, of course, and we were well treated with delicious Texas fare, a cool spot to watch the parade go by, and extremely fun company. The Texas State Fair is the BIGGEST fair extravaganza I have ever seen. Everything really is bigger in Texas. It had thrilling rides including a mini Splash Mountain-type coaster, live entertainment, iconic fried foods, a petting zoo, interactive exhibits, midway games with prizes, live music, art displays, cultural showcases and educational programs and FIREWORKS (!!!) and more. It. Was. Gigantic.
The Chevrolet Suburban RST
Next, we got to hit the road for an extended stretch as we drove from Dallas to Waco and then Fredericksburg – where we were to spend our next couple of nights. We all know that the Chevrolet Suburban has always stood out as the ultimate SUV for adventurous families, and I was excited to put it to the test. Anyone who's ever driven in one of these SUVs already knows that they offer the perfect blend of spaciousness, versatility, and advanced features tailored for comfort and exploration. This year's version – and this model, in particular – blew us away.
Room for Everyone and Everything, Including Entertainment
With seating for up to nine passengers and a best-in-class cargo volume of 144.5 cubic feet, the Suburban ensures your entire family and their gear can join. There is absolutely ample legroom to keep every passenger comfortable on long trips, but more important to my kids: SCREENS! There were so many screens to provide ALL kinds of entertainment to the boys, and I appreciated that the Rear-Seat Media System meant they could watch Spongebob while I could… choose not to! Wireless charging up front even let me keep my phone battery – and my audiobooks – going the whole ride long.
Ever the safety-minded one, I was super impressed with the 11-inch digital Driver Information Center and best-in-class 17.7-inch diagonal center touch-screen that offered navigation and voice commands to keep me on-track. Cutting-edge driver-assistance technologies like Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist made our trip easy-peasy, and I enjoyed the HD Surround Vision and Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist to help navigate this large-and-in-charge vehicle.
Engineered for Adventure
Whether you're driving around city streets or rugged trails, the Suburban's powerful engine options, including the 6.2L V8 and Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel, ensure smooth and reliable performance. The available Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and up to 8,300 lbs. towing capacity make it ideal for hauling boats, campers, or trailers on family getaways. You know we LOVE to haul stuff in this family! There are also all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a super-sleek vehicle like this, including hands-free programmable power liftgate and Autosense options, LED lighting, premium design and trim features, yada yada. My kids were super bummed to get back to my non-fancy vehicle when the trip was over. If you're in the market, you can get all the details on the Chevy site!
Waco, Magnolia and the Dr. Pepper Museum
Families visiting Waco, TX, are in for a real treat! There is so much to see and do in this area, so make sure to leave plenty of time.
Magnolia Silos
You should definitely explore the famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, where kids can enjoy open spaces and food trucks while parents shop for home goods. I've been trying to get to this place for years and it's always been way too crowded when we've gone by on weekends, so I was thrilled to arrive on a Friday this time – and just in time to catch Silobration, a cool gathering of small businesses in the area! The boys and I had fun browsing everything and playing a quick ball game on the lawn.
Dr. Pepper Museum
Families can also visit the Dr. Pepper Museum for a fizzy fun educational lesson! Here, families can dive into the rich history of one of America’s most iconic soft drinks. My boys loved the interactive exhibits while I had a blast looking over the vintage advertising displays and learning about the brand's origins. At the end, we got an old-fashioned soda float at the museum's retro soda fountain!
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Just a short drive up the road, the Waco Mammoth National Monument showcases ancient fossils in a family-friendly setting. Step back in time to explore a real Ice Age dig site featuring the remains of Columbian mammoths. We went on a guided tour, which offered fascinating insights into the ancient creatures and their discovery in Central Texas. My boys loved the hands-on activities and learning about paleontology, and I enjoyed a scenic stroll outdoors to stretch our legs (the dig site is a bit of a walk from the car, which made for a great chance to stretch out legs). Ask the rangers for a Jr. Ranger packet to complete, and your kids will get to become a Jr. Ranger and get a cute commemorative badge.
Buc-ee's
Obviously, no Texas road trip is complete without a stop at Buc-ee's. Buc-ee's holds a unique cultural significance in Texas, symbolizing the state’s love for road trips, larger-than-life experiences, and southern hospitality. Known for its massive convenience stores and clean restrooms, Buc-ee's is more than just a pit stop—it’s a destination. With an array of snacks, including their famous Beaver Nuggets, BBQ sandwiches, and Texas-themed souvenirs, it embodies Texan pride and flavor. The chain’s cheerful mascot and sprawling locations capture the spirit of Texas, making it a must-visit.
SKYE Resort
We were so glad to get to our next overnight spot at SKYE Resort in beautiful Fredericksburg! SKYE Resort is ideal for families seeking a luxurious yet laid-back escape in Texas Hill Country. The resort offers spacious accommodations with stunning views. We were in a cute cabin that came complete with a loft for the kids, an outdoor firepit and porch overlooking a lake, and a golf cart to transport us all around the property. The sparkling pool was also – not shockingly – a huge hit with the kids.
Fredericksburg
A short drive from the resort, the sweet town of Fredericksburg offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Families can explore the National Museum of the Pacific War, experience authentic German heritage at local bakeries and restaurants, and shop along the charming Main Street. Outdoor enthusiasts will find awesome hiking at Enchanted Rock, and you can tour nearby wineries and wildflower farms.
Horseback Riding
GF Trail Rides in Fredericksburg offers families a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Texas Hill Country from horseback. This family-owned ranch, with roots dating back to the 1850s, welcomes visitors of all experience levels to enjoy scenic rides through lush fields, wooded areas, and rolling hills. The guided trail rides last between 1.5 to 2 hours, and include safety briefings and a basic horsemanship lesson. This was the PERFECT introduction to horseback riding for my nervous nine-year-old (who has been on a horse two years ago but claims not to remember the experience) and my overly-confident seven-year-old (who had never been on a horse but is a self-proclaimed expert nonetheless). The guide was kind and clear with instructions, and matched everyone up to horses that were perfect for them. We got to enjoy breathtaking views from one of the highest points in the county and really enjoyed the experience!
Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park
Heading away from Fredericksburg after a couple days, we took our time wandering as we headed toward the Austin airport. The Texas White House, the Hangar Visitor Center and the Lockheed Jetstar (aka “Air Force One-Half”) at Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park has been closed since 2018. Even so, Stonewall is absolutely worth a visit to see The LBJ Ranch! It offers a unique opportunity to learn the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson. We were able to drive around the beautifully preserved Texas Hill Country ranch and get a glimpse into the past at Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead's living history exhibit showcasing early 1900s farming life. We loved walking the scenic grounds and spotting wildlife here!
Just before we hopped on our flight in Austin, we stopped at McKinney Falls to see the falls, walk around, take in a little history and clean out the Suburban before dropping it off with the Chevrolet team. It was the perfect way to round out our trip, basking in the nature of Texas for a few final minutes.
If you haven't had the chance to enjoy a Texas road trip with your family yet, I highly recommend it! A Texas road trip is the perfect vacation for a group like ours, offering a diverse range of attractions and experiences that appeal to all ages. From the vibrant cities of Austin and Dallas, where families can enjoy museums, zoos, and outdoor activities, to the scenic beauty of Hill Country and even down to the lush sights of the Gulf Coast and San Antonio's Riverwalk, Texas provides an adventure for everyone. Families can explore rich history, experience natural wonders, and take part in fun activities. With its blend of cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly events, a road trip across Texas allows for flexible itineraries, making it easy to tailor the journey to everyone’s interests and create lasting memories.
Have you been on a Texas road trip yet?