Gaylord Texan ICE!

Every year from November until early January, the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, has a Christmas event called ICE! During Ice, there are a variety of things you can do at the Gaylord. The most popular is walking through the massive ICE displays.

Ice Slides

Every year, the slides are one of the highlights. Kids will zip down 20 times. Adults will participate once and then offer to “hold the bags.”

On the BLOCKS Ice Bar

One of the coolest “extras” at ICE! is the in-tent bar experience (called On the Blocks), designed specifically for guests 21 and older.

• What it is: A small, exclusive bar inside the ICE! attraction where, for an additional upgrade, adults can enjoy a festive cocktail or beverage.
• Who can do it: Only guests 21 and older, and you must already have an ICE! ticket — the “On the Blocks” drink-upgrade is a separate add-on you purchase before you enter ICE!.
• Why it’s worth it: It offers a fun, festive break — a cozy spot to warm up (somewhat) and treat yourself while the kids rediscover the ice slides. Just be aware: the ice bar is still inside the same 9°F environment, so gloves + warm clothes are still a must even if you’re holding a holiday cocktail!

Nativity

No matter what the theme is, each year the last ice room is always the same. A beautiful sculpture of an angel and the nativity scene. It’s always stunning.

Some of these pictures are from when we went in 2014. The theme that year was Frosty the Snowman. No matter what the theme is each year it always ends with a nativity scene. All of the Elf-themed photos are from 2025. 

Cold Temperatures

It is super cold in the ICE room (9 °F). They do give you heavy coats to put on to help protect you from the cold. You do not have to pay extra for these blue coats; they are included in the price of admission. Even with the extra coats, Jonah could barely stand to be in the room. We ended up rushing through after standing in line forever to walk through. He was seven at the time, so based on that I think your kid needs to be at least eight years old to withstand the cold. Your kids will need to wear gloves, hat, and a coat. If your kids have thermals, I would have them wear them.

We had to stand in line forever to get into the ICE! room. I recommend going at an off-peak time or buying a line pass. If you stay at the hotel, you get to bypass the regular line. I think this alone makes it worth staying at the hotel.

The entire hotel is decorated inside and outside. Making for constant photo ops.

Parking

It costs $25 to park in the self-parking lot, but at least the parking garage has a nice view of the front of the hotel. It’s a good spot for a photo opp of the hotel. It’s $45 to valet. During the ICE event, they sell pre-paid parking starting at $20. Prices seem to depend on how busy they will be each day.

ICE! and Snow Tubing Combo Pricing

When we went, we got the combined tickets for snow tubing and the ICE! room. I can’t remember what we paid, but we did get a military discount. When we went, you only got to tube a handful of times, but now you get to go unlimited times. That makes it worth getting the tubing option. Here are the current prices for the combo tickets.

Includes ICE! Ticket + unlimited Snow Tubing runs.

Height Restrictions

You must be at least: 42-inches tall to ride by yourself on a small tube. Riders taller than 52”/132cm MUST ride in a large tube. There is no weight limit for tubbing.

Other activities available during the Lone Star Christmas:

The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt

Almost all packages include this scavenger hunt. We did this, and it took about 2.5 hours to find 10 hidden elves. My son was rewarded with a coloring book for finishing. Although we had a lot of fun doing the scavenger hunt, he hated the prize. Not sure what he thought he would win.

Santa’s Snowball Throwing Workshop

Cookies & Milk with Mrs. Claus

Gingerbread Decorating Corner (gingerbread man kit)

Glacier Glide Ice Skating

There’s a small ice rink at ICE and ice skates you can rent. Try to be the first out on the fresh ice for the best experience. The ice will get worse throughout the day.

Christmas Carousel

For $6.99, your kids can ride the carousel.

Gaylord Texan ICE! Coupons

• 30% off one Admission to ICE! at the Gaylord Texan! November 10 – January 4.

Check current prices at the Gaylord Texan hotel.

Tips for Visiting ICE!

1. Go early in the season or on weekdays.

Weekends can get packed. Like, “why did we do this to ourselves?” packed.

2. Buy tickets in advance.

Popular time slots sell out every year.

3. Keep your kids close in the tent.

It’s crowded and the combination of freezing cold and excited children is… chaotic.

4. Bring gloves for everyone.

Trust me — fingers freeze fastest.

5. Prepare for Texas-sized pricing.

Combo tickets for ICE! and other attractions vary year to year. Prices change often, so check the official Gaylord Texan Christmas website for current rates.

Is ICE! Worth It?

Absolutely — especially if you love holiday traditions, dazzling artistry, and the magic of seeing your kids lose their minds over sparkly frozen sculptures. It’s a once-a-year experience that brings the story of Elf to life in a way you’ll never see anywhere else.

Plus, you get to tell everyone you survived nine degrees in Texas.

Final Thoughts

ICE! at the Gaylord Texan remains one of the best — and most unique — holiday attractions in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Whether you go for the nostalgia, the slides, the photos, or just to make your kids happy, it’s a festive, fun, and slightly chilly adventure the whole family will remember.

The post Gaylord Texan ICE! appeared first on Mommy Travels.

It’s pumpkin patch season aka fall. I’ve put together DFW Pumpkin Patch guide to help you find a pumpkin patch near you. So far I’ve found 15 fun pumpkin patches all around Dallas – Fort. Worth. And yes, they are bigger and better than other pumpkin patches.

Alvarado Pumpkin Patch

Country Critters Farm
3709 County Road 617, Alvarado, TX
October 4 – November 15, 2025
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM -5:00 PM
Activities include a bounce house, tractor and train, playground area, petting zoo, barrel train ride, pony ride, hayride, wooden maze, hay pyramid, duck races (ducks are $1), game areas, and more!

Admission is only $10 per person, kids 2 and under are free, seniors are $7. Police and active military are free!

Sunset Hill Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch
3400 County Rd 206, Alvarado, TX
Open Every Saturday & Sunday In October 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

$8 per person, kids 3 and under are free. They offer a handful of discounts on their website.

Playground, Farm Zoo, Pumpkin Paint, Photo Ops, Horse Shoes, Life Size Checkers, Climbing Wall & More.

Aubrey Pumpkin Patch

Aubrey Pumpkin Patch
1042 W Sherman Drive, Aubrey, TX
September 27th thru November 2nd 2025, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM – 7 PM.

Barrel Train rides for the kids, feed the Farm Animals including Texas Longhorns, pose for photos at all of our Awesome Rustic Photo Spots, Playgrounds with Slides and Swings, Human Hamster Wheels, the Half-Pint Homestead play area, Hay Maze, Giant Tube Slide, play some games, practice your Cowboy and Cowgirl yell with Cowboy Tex, Pumpkins for purchase, and more.

Admission $10 ages 2 years and up, parking is free.

Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Canton Pumpkin Patch

Yesterland Farm
15410 Interstate 20, Canton, TX (Pretty far east, not really Dallas, but too cool not to include.)

September 20 – November 2, 2025, prices vary based on day and activities. BUY TICKETS

Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Pig Races, Live Music, Wagon Train Rides, etc. Visit us Friday & Saturday nights in October for this thrilling experience! Experience our lighted trail, spooky corn maze, firework show, rides at night & so much more!

OCTOBER HOURS: Thurs: 10 am – 6 pm, Fri & Sat: 10 am – 10 pm, and Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm.

NOVEMBER HOURS: Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm

Spooktacular Nights: Friday and Saturday nights October 2nd – 31st. Activities from dark until close.

Cleburne Pumpkin Patch

Mainstay Farm Park
1004 W. Bethesda Road, Cleburne, TX
September 20 – November 2, 2025

WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES: The Dig, Hay Play & Jump, Jumping Pillow, 100’ Chute Slide, Little Farmer Acres, 3 Story Tree House, Pumpkin House, Hedge Mazes, Wooden Maze, Educational Hayride, visit farm animals, Farm Train. Food and refreshments are available for purchase at “Eat Here” and Filling Station. Free mini pumpkin for kids.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES: Texas Tubin’ Hill, NEW Roller Coaster, Hayride, Hay Play & Jump, Pumpkin House, The Dig, Little Farmer Acres: Duck Racing, Double Wide Slide, Kiddie Trike Track, Flying Cub, Triple Decker Treehouse Fort, Spider Climb, Standing Teeter Totters, Pedal Carts, Mazes, Jumping Pillows, 100 ft Super Chute Slide, Balancing Labyrinth, Latvian Group Swing,  Yee Haa Hoops, Farmula 1 Trike Race, Red Baron Swing, Yee-Haw Express Train, Goat Scape Mountain, Farm Animals, Sheep Racing, and sometimes Live Music.

Dallas Pumpkin Patch

Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX
September 20 – November 2, 2025
MUST PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
20-foot-tall decorated pumpkin houses & creative displays made from pumpkins, gourds & squash.

Denison Pumpkin Patch

Elves Farm Pumpkin Patch
601 Harvey Lane, Denison, TX
Open Every Weekend In October
Saturdays 10 AM – 5 PM / Sundays 1 PM – 5 PM
Farm Zoo, Maze, Hayride, Bounce Pad, Pumpkin Sling Shot, Corn Cannon, Photo Ops, etc.

Forney Pumpkin Patch

The Gentle Zoo’s Pumpkin Patch
12600 FM 2932, Forney, TX
Pumpkins, Train Ride, Giant Maze, Petting Zoo, Animal Room & Gift Shop.
Please check the website for hours & pricing.

Grapevine Pumpkin Patch

Hall’s Pumpkin Farm & Corn Maze
3420 Hall Johnson Road, Grapevine, TX
OPENING Friday, October 3rd at 3:00 PM / Cash Only Pumpkins, Gourds, Hay Bales Corn Maze,
Hayrides & Corn Stalks Galore.
Please check website for hours & pricing.

Gunter Pumpkin Patch

The Big Orange Pumpkin Farm at Preston Trail Farms located at 15102 TX-289, Gunter, TX will be open from September 20th – November 22nd, 2025 from 8 AM – 8 PM every day. They have a pumpkin patch, hayrides, hay maze, petting farm. They also have an on-site cafe with breakfast tacos and sandwiches.

McKinny Pumpkin Patch

Storybook Ranch Pumpkin Patch

3701 S Custer Road, McKinney, TX

Open every day from September 19 until November 2, 2025 from 10 AM until dark.

Face masks required and temperatures taken at entry. Maze, Pony & Horsey Rides, Petting Zoo, Slide Bounce House, Obstacle Course, Field Games, etc. They have a concession stand with snacks and drinks.

Kids ages 2 and older are $15 each. Their admission includes the hay maze, pony rides, the petting zoo, the slide bounce house and obstacle course, field day games, and a mini wagon ride through the western town. They may also get a mini pumpkin. Kids 2 and under are free. Adults are $5 with access to the petting zoo and wagon ride.

Rockwall Pumpkin Patch

Blase Family Farm Pumpkin Patch

1232 East Fork Drive, Rockwall, TX
September 20-November 2, 2025

• ​Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm (by reservation)
• ​Saturday: 10am-6pm (by reservation)
• ​Sunday: 12 pm-6 pm (by reservation)

You must make a reservation in advance on their website.

Price: $9.00 per person. Ages 23 months and younger are free. Parking is free.

Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Photo Ops, Hay Maze, Hayride, Corn Stalks & Straw Bales, etc.

Did I miss any of the fun pumpkin patches around DFW? If so please let me know so I can add them!

The post 12 Best Dallas – Fort Worth Pumpkin Patches appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Park Overview & Background

Atmosphere & First Impressions

1. Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster

The star first-roller‑coaster‑ever ride! It’s a gentle Zamperla family coaster that meanders through Daddy Pig’s “shortcut” while Mr. Bull messes with the road. With a minimum height of 36 inches (and mandatory accompaniment if under 42″), this was Everly’s favorite: brave, wiggly, and full of “Again! Again!” screams from the kid in pink sunglasses. This ride tops out at ~16 mph—fast enough for fun, slow enough for safety.

2. Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride

An aerial carousel that lifts families into the sky. No strict height minimum makes it perfect for tot care. The view is adorable—not only of the park, but the joy in your little one’s face. We rode twice. Everly giggled like a helium balloon herself.

3. Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure

This ride lets the parent ride along as your little one climbs aboard a friendly dinosaur. Eyes light up discovering prehistoric surprises. Minimum height is 34 inches, and Everly (at about 38″) met the requirement. It felt like a storybook come to life. This was Eden’s favorite ride!

4. Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride

A rotating, gentle merry‑go‑round‑boat style ride that gives a sense of motion without spilling anyone into the sea. We pretended to hunt pirate treasure, and the gentle swaying was perfect for tiny stomachs—not at all queasy.

5. Mr. Bull’s High Striker

The only “drop tower” style ride, bouncing riders up sky‑high before gently descending. Under‑height guests ride with adults, and again, lines were super short which let us go back a second time just for the fun. JK, Everly hated this ride, we only rode it once.

Play Areas & Themed Spaces

Shows

Character Meet & Greets

Best moment? Meeting Peppa and George! The character meet & greet area is bright and shaded, and the staff is patient—no rushing. Everly hugged a Peppa‑sized character and had her photo taken. The excitement was real, folks—pure joy. These meet‑ups happen throughout the day on a schedule posted by the entrance.

Dining & Snacks

Pro Tips for Visiting Peppa Pig Park

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How to Float a River with Kids

One of our favorite outdoor activities to do as a family is float the river. It’s relaxing and fun. We typically float for half a day so somewhere between 3 – 5 hours. If you’ve never floated a river, it can be a little intimidating even though there’s no skill needed. There are a few designated areas that I call out below where you can float.

There are some things you need to know before you float. For example, what to wear and how to chill your drinks.  Use your judgment and make sure conditions are safe before heading out.

What to wear while floating the river:

• Clothes and shoes that can get wet like your swimsuit
• Shoes that stay on your feet, like river sandals, aqua socks, or even tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Do not wear flip flops.
• Sunglasses
• If you wear glasses, straps to keep them secure are a good idea.
• Hat
• Wearable Drybag

Other Items to Bring

• Raft or tubes: In Texas, tubes are ideal, because it’s so hot and the water is warm. In Oregon and Idaho, rafts are better because the water is so cold.
• Life jackets: Laws vary by state, but everyone should always have a life jacket. Never take a child into a river without a life jacket.
• Paddles: You may not need them, but on the off chance you do, you will be happy to have them with you.
• Sunscreen
• Snacks: Pack snacks with minimal packaging.
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Water: It’s important that everyone stays well hydrated while out in the sun.
• Mesh laundry bag: I use a mesh laundry bag and fill it with drinks and tie it to our raft. Typically the water is so cold it will keep the drinks super cold.
• Waterproof camera: Nowadays there are lots of waterproof cameras on the market.
• Air Pump: You will want to quickly fill up your tubes and rafts.

What else to bring, but leave in the car until the end:

• A change of dry clothes
• Towel

What Not to Bring

• Glass bottles or containers
• Styrofoam coolers or cups

Where to Float a River with Kids

Florida:

Fort White offers the most popular place to float in Florida at Ichetcucknee Springs State Park and is open May – September.

• Visitors bringing tubes into the park:  Enter park at the north park entrance located at 8294 SW Elim Church Road.
• Drivers will leave tubes and passengers at the tube drop off location in the upper parking lot area.
• Drivers will proceed to the South main entrance parking area located at 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27.
• Drivers will purchase a shuttle bracelet for transportation to North main entrance tube drop off from the general store. (The driver can also purchase tram bracelets for everyone in their party)
• Visitors renting tubes from within the park will need to enter the park at South main entrance instead, located at 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27.

Between Jacksonville and Tallahassee is Madison Blue Spring State Park, where you can float on weekends from May to September.

In Apopka, you can float Rock Springs Run in Kelly Park. Bring your own, or rent tubes for $5 – $7 from private outfitters located just outside the park. The float trip is short, it only takes about 25 minutes.  When you are done, it is a 5-minute walk on a paved sidewalk back to the start. The deepest part is about 5 feet and is much shallower in many places.

In High Springs you can do a short float down the Santa Fe River at Ginnie Springs. Put in at Devil’s Spring and float for an hour. You will exit at Twin Spring and walk back to where you parked. It takes around 15 minutes to walk back on the tubing trail. There are free air stations located in the park.

In Holt, in the Florida panhandle is Blackwater River State Park. Blackwater River offers a four-mile stretch of water that will take you 3-5 hours to float.

Spring Creek in Marianna near Tallahassee offers a four-hour tubing experience.  Start at Merrit’s Mill Pond where Spring Creek opens up to the Chipola River.

Georgia:

Near Atlanta, in Roswell, you can float the Chattahoochee River. You will only want to float here if it is over 80 degrees outside because the water is cold.

In Blue Ridge, the Toccoa River offers smooth rides through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Idaho:

In Boise, you can float the Boise River.  (Some people even surf it, but we just float!) You can park your car at Ann Morrison Park and catch a bus. For a few dollars, the bus will take you up the river and drop you off at Barber Park. Last time we paid $2 per adult and they didn’t charge me for the kids. At the drop off point, there’s air available and you can inflate your raft or tube. You can also rent a raft or tube where they drop you off. I recommend using a raft because this river is extremely cold. It takes about two hours to float back down to the park. There are two small drops so you will have to hang on to your kids a few times.

Oklahoma:

In Oklahoma, in Chickasaw Country, you can float the Washita River. Washita River Floats will take you up the river and drop you off for a 4 mile float. It will take between 2.5 – 4 hours depending on how the river is moving. 

Oregon:

There are several rivers that you can float in Oregon, but we tend to stick to the same one. We float the Sandy River near Troutdale, Oregon. Start at Dabny State Park and pull out at Lewis and Clark state park. You do have to pay to leave your car in both of the parks. The last time we went it was $5 and they took credit cards.

Texas:

For the most part, there are shuttles available along popular Texas rivers. In Texas, the only legal access points are where bridges cross a navigable river. Keep this in mind if you’re doing it yourself and not using a shuttle service. The tube rental/shuttle companies are fairly cheap and make the whole thing super easy.

In San Antonio, you can float the Comal or Guadalupe River. Near San Antonio in Bandera is also the Medina River that can be floated

In San Marcos, you can float the San Marcos River.

In Austin, you can float the Barton Creek Greenbelt. There are no shuttles or tube rental outfits here.

In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you can float the Trinity River.

Best Places to go Tubing in Texas

Virginia:

Most people float the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Shenandoah Valley. Virginia has a no drinking in public law, so leave the booze at home.

Washington:

Yakima River Canyon is a popular place to float near Yakima, Washington. – Start at Umtanum for a three-hour float to Roza. Leave one car at Roza, this is where you will pull out of the river. It will likely cost $5 per car to park.

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

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Noah, Eden, and Jonah have been traveling with me their entire lives. So far the three of them have been to at least 22 countries, 4 continents, and almost every state in the United States. Needless to say, when I ask them what the best family vacations were, they had more than a few opinions! 

They quickly fired off an assortment of places we have been. It was interesting to hear what they picked, some of them I knew, but other ones were a complete surprise. After some serious conversation with them, we’ve narrowed it down to 17!

Top 17 Family Vacations You will Never Forget!

1. Singapore

Singapore is in all of our top ten picks. My oldest, Noah considers Singapore to be a utopia because of its cleanliness and orderliness. Oddly enough, we were only in Singapore for two days, making it one of the shortest stays we have done anywhere. It only took one day for us to fall in love with this city. We recommend walking around Marina Bay where the architecture is insane and definitely visit some parts of the Marina Bay Gardens. I can assure you that your kids have never seen anything else like this! The kid’s favorite hotel here is the Fairmont Singapore. For more ideas on what to do and where to find the best milkshake see my article: Singapore Travel Guide.

2. Cancun

Cancun has so much going on, and don’t worry, it’s safe. We spent a week there and basically had a non-stop adventure! The entire area is set up well to accommodate any kind of family and literally any type of budget. Families will appreciate luxurious, all-inclusive resorts with kid’s clubs and teen clubs. While the kids are off doing their own thing parents can head to a spa or the bar. There isn’t a bad beach anywhere in the area, so plan to spend at least two full days beach bumming.  While you are there, be sure to see Mayan Ruins, swim in a cenote, eat lots of Mexican food, and go ATVing. 

For a list fun family things to do in Cancun check out this post: 12 Adventurous Things to do in Cancun. I recommend staying at The Grand in Cancun or at another one of the  11 Best All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun for Families.

If at some point you head over to Cozumel (you totally should), check out my post: 13 Things to do in Cozumel. I recommend staying at Allegro Cozumel.

3. Thailand

Thailand is absolutely incredible and I wasn’t surprised it landed in my kids top three places. You can basically go anywhere in Thailand and have an interesting experience. I recommend visiting at least these three places when you go: Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Although they each have some similarities they are completely different experiences.

Phuket

Phuket is one of Thailand’s islands and it’s extremely kid friendly. My kids thought taking a Thai cooking class was cool and they loved going to the beaches and interacting with elephants and tigers. To find the elephants on the beach check out my post: Swimming with Elephants in Thailand. And for more help planning your trip to Phuket see my article: 5 Day Phuket Itinerary with Kids.

Bangkok

Bangkok is massive so there are loads and activities. The kids loved biking through the city despite the heavy traffic and they were thrilled when we stumbled across monstrous milkshakes. To read more about taking Bangkok to kids, check out my article: Two Days in Bangkok with Kids.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is an easy city to get around and it has tons to see and do. The city has an incredible night market where you and your kids could shop for hours. Here you will find interesting things to purchase like leather journals, bracelets, and tuk-tuks made out of soda cans. There is an elephant sanctuary where families can care for elephants and of course the food is outstanding! I recommend staying at the Shangri-la and taking a food and city tour by bike. Learn more about visiting Chiang Mai with kids in my article: 4 Things to do in Chiang Mai with kids.

4. New York City

New York City is currently Noah’s #1 and in Eden’s top 3 and in my top 15. The kids love the many dessert experiences here like Serendipity and  Black Tap. Both places have outrageous over-the-top desserts. They all enjoy hanging out in Central Park and Bryant Park, both parks have lots of free activities. At Bryant Park, kids can play kubb, while parents grab a drink at the little outdoor bar there. In Central Park, there are multiple playgrounds.

Visiting the 9/11 memorial is a must and if the kids are 10 or older tour the museum. Kids enjoy touring the Statue of Liberty, but not necessarily Ellis Island. If you do, go to Ellis Island to look for your family’s name on the wall. If you want to do a bus tour I recommend The Ride, especially if your kids are teens or tweens. I think going to a Broadway show is a must, but this is expensive and not worth it if your kids hate musicals or might possibly sleep through it. Good plays for kids are Wicked, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera.

Remember the further out you can plan a trip to New York the cheaper the trip will be. Here are 15 Ways to save money in NYC.

We’ve been to NYC more times than we can remember. Check out our New York City Travel Guide to help you plan your own epic NYC getaway!

5. Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii is another place that all three kids agree on and Oahu is their top island followed by Kauai. On Oahu, their favorite thing to do is sit at the pool or sit on the beach.

The kids recommend hanging out at the beach on North Shore to check out the waves and do some shopping. While you are up there have shrimp from Giovani’s Shrimp truck and get shaved ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice. If you feel like getting active rent a paddleboard at Sea N Surf and paddle up the Anahulu River and look for sea turtles. The last time we went we saw five huge sea turtles.

Also, fun in Oahu is parasailing in Waikiki and hiking to the top of Diamond Head. When you get done hiking Diamond Head, stop by Shimazu Shave Ice for massive shaved ice.

For more help planning your family’s Oahu vacation read our Oahu Travel Guide. 

I highly recommend staying at Disney’s Aulani if possible. 

6. Orlando

Orlando would probably make any kid’s list. With it being home to Disney World, Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Universal Studios a family could spend a month and do something different every single day. Universal Orlando is a must once each kid is tall enough to ride all the roller coasters and the new water park, Volcano Bay is fantastic. Besides the theme parks, there are all sorts of other fun things to do like swamp tours through alligator-infested waters, knight tournaments at Medieval Times, and within a short drive lots of beaches.

7. London

London also made it high on the list of the kid’s favorite places. We visited during Thanksgiving a few years ago and everything we did was awesome. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend a week or two here and never run out of activities. Some of their favorite things were seeing the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, eating at Borough Market, and doing the Tower of London tour. Both boy’s least favorite thing to do is the bus tours. I personally appreciated how many free things there were to do in London. For more London ideas and tips, see my article: London with Kids.

8. Negril, Jamaica

Negril, Jamaica is Jonah’s #1 pick, and if I was his age, I think this would possibly be my #1 too. We recommend staying at Beaches Negril. This is an all-inclusive resort geared specifically for families. Highlights of staying here include:

• Sesame Street parade and BBQ party where families can dance with the characters, DJs lead dances, flame throwers perform, and more.
• Ice Cream Machine – The kids loved the ice cream machine which they visited a minimum of three times a day. (Don’t judge me, it’s vacation!)
• Snuba – Even kids can snuba at Beaches Negril and they do not have to have any experience to do this. The instructors are fabulous and it’s an activity the kids will never forget.
• Multiple pools, a lazy river, a water playground, and hot tubs.
• Miniature golf
• Video game lounge
• Kid’s club

9. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is another destination that is enjoyable year-round. During the summer the kids enjoy biking around town, riding horses around the mountain, and visiting the Epic Discovery adventure park set up on the mountain. In the winter the skiing is excellent. My kids have skied since they were little and appreciate the extensive skiing found in Vail. If you do not ski, this is a great place to learn.  For more info, check out our Vail Travel Guide. 

10. Silvies Valley Ranch

Visiting a dude ranch is a completely unique vacation. You can have an experience as a family that just can’t be had unless you are on a working ranch. Here you can shoot guns, interact with baby goats, hit the spa, experience gourmet dining, participate in a cattle round-up, and much more. They even have four golf courses on the ranch. Golf lovers will flip out over the reversible golf course that’s right I said reversible! With a little bit of everything, your family is sure to have an incredible time. To get a feel of the overall ranch read about our Silvies Valley Ranch Experience.

11. Greece

Greece is an epic experience because let’s face it, there’s no other place on earth like it. It basically doesn’t matter what part of the country you visit, you will never have a bad meal, you will experience history and culture like never before. I can state this as a fact because we’ve traveled all over Greece and it’s all been wonderful. 

Athens

Chances are high that one way or another a Greek vacation is going to take you through Athens at some point. Plan to spend at least a day here so you can visit the Acropolis before heading out to the islands. At night during the sunset dine at Savvas, their rooftop overlooks the Acropolis. Hotels can be difficult to get for a family, you may want to stay in an Airbnb.

Mykonos

A one of a kind city and gorgeous beaches await you in Mykonos. Teens and parents alike will love Mykonos City full of white-washed buildings. Also, if you can get a sitter or if your kids are old enough to stay at the hotel alone plan to go out. Mykonos has one of the best nightlife experiences in the world.

• For more advice, check out my post: Mykonos with Kids

Santorini 

Here you will have the opportunity to see things you’ve never see before like Red Beach. Perissa, the black beach is also worth visiting if you’ve never seen one before. There are two towns built into the sides of the island, both of which are worth spending time in, Fira and Oia. In Oia, you will see one of the greatest sunsets in the world. 

• For more things to do and where to stay check out my post: Santorini on a Budget. 

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is from biblical times and many of their historical sights have withstood the test of time. (Okay, I know what you are thinking. Yes, all of Greece is from biblical times.) They basically have ruins or a gorgeous church around every corner. The food scene is excellent here. For a list of things to see and do check out my post: Thessaloniki on a Budget. 

Kassandra

Can’t afford to splurge on the islands? Head here instead. Here you will be greeted with that famous aqua water and glorious beaches. Go shopping in Pefkochori and grab lunch at Agora Beach Bar. I highly recommend staying at Alexander the Great Beach Resort in this area. 

12. Australia

If you can get yourself to Australia, do it! Australia is just as fabulous as everyone says it is. There are so many varied experiences to be had throughout the country.  Try to plan a minimum of 9 days in the country. More than two weeks would be better. 

Whitsunday Islands

If swimming the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, then this should be your first stop. Whitehaven Beach should also be on your bucket list. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

Melbourne

If you’ve got a family of foodies, Melbourne is sure to delight. They have the most over-the-top, whimsical food creations you’ve likely ever seen. In between beautiful meals stop by the Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes and the graffiti alleys. The alleys in Melbourne are really cool. 

• Where to eat in Melbourne

Great Ocean Road 

One of the top road trips in the world is driving the Great Ocean Road. Along the way, you can stop at dozens of scenic overlooks and take in the magnificent rock formations like Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles. You can enjoy one of the many nice beaches where kids can swim and play in the sand. Plus, there are animal encounters. Pull over to look for koalas in the trees and feed the birds at Kafe Koala. Be sure to stop at the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos. 

13. Texas

We are originally from Texas so it was no surprise that Texas made the list. The kids have been all over Texas and they recommend eating lots of Tex-Mex food and visiting the following cities: Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi.

San Antonio

San Antonio has a ton of stuff for families to do. Here you will find a massive zoo, Fiesta Texas theme park, the famous San Antonio River Walk, and just outside of town is Schlitterbahn the #1 water park in the world. When visiting plan at least one full day at Schlitterbahn, half a day at the river walk, and float the Comal river. Our favorite restaurants in San Antonio currently are Ocho, Toro Kitchen + Bar, and Rita’s on the River. 

In San Antonio, I recommend staying at Hotel Emma.

Plan your entire trip with our San Antonio Travel Guide.

Dallas/Fort Worth

The Dallas, Fort Worth area is packed with stuff to do for families. Over in Fort Worth will love the rodeo at the stockyards. Be sure to go when they have bull riding. Also found in the stockyards is a fun maze and Texas-themed shopping. Plus, they do a daily cattle drive. Our favorite restaurants in Dallas include Meso Maya for dinner and El Jordan Cafe for breakfast. Just north of Dallas is Addison, TX which is jammed packed with great restaurants. 

14. Honduras

Honduras is easily one of our top vacations, according to me. Unfortunately, the kids remember very little of the trip. I recommend going to Roatan and Copan. These two places are no where near each other and two extremely different experiences. What they do have in common is affordability!

Roatan

Roatan is one of the Bay Islands and along the 2^nd best barrier reef in the world. The reef is near the shoreline making it extremely easy for kids to snorkel. Jonah was 4 when we visited and he was able to snorkel. Also fun here is zip lining and paddleboarding.

Copan

Copan is a Honduran city that borders Guatemala. Here you can go horseback riding up a mountain, go zip lining on one of the longest zip lines in the world, and visit an incredible hot spring.

15. Panama City Beach

Another family favorite in Florida is Panama City Beach. The beach has soft, powdery, white sand. It isn’t as big as many of the beach towns, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do. Go mini-golfing and go-carting, spend the day at the beach, or shop around at Pier Park. Spend one day bopping around Scenic 30A, where you will find tiny beach towns like Seaside or Rosemary. Renting some bicycles is a perfect way to explore this area. Another interesting spot worth venturing out to is Sandestin’s Baytowne Wharf. Here, families can indulge in boutique shopping, zip-lining, ropes courses, an arcade, and unique eateries.

Use our Panama City Beach travel guide to plan your entire vacation.

16. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is super cool country with a wide variety of things to do. The food was consistently good, the activities were exciting and the people were so nice. Whether rafting down a volcano’s raging rivers in a tube near La Fortuna to chilling at a beautiful beach on the Pacific or the Atlantic everyone is going to enjoy the country. Costa Rica Travel Guide

17. La Paz

La Paz features miles of white sand beaches and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure including paddle boarding, kite surfing, kayaking, SCUBA diving, whale watching, swimming with whale sharks, sportfishing, hiking, mountain biking, and much more. If you want your kids off their devices and outside doing stuff you will love it here. Plus, the food is unbelievably good. 

Plan your own trip with our La Paz Travel Guide for Families. Plus, Best Places to Stay in La Paz, Mexico and Best Beaches in La Paz.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, the best of the best family travel locations. There are hundreds of other places that could have made the list but didn’t. These were ones that just barely missed making our list: Las Vegas, Bavarian Alps in Germany, Paris, and house boating on Lake Shuswap in British Columbia. Like Honduras, my kids do not even remember house boating up in Canada, but if they did (well not Jonah, he had yet to be born), I am sure it would have made it onto the list.

Where are your favorite places to take your kids on vacation? We are always taking recommendations and planning our next family vacations. Yes, plural. Why take just one vacation? I think you should take as many as possible, big trips, weekend getaways, family reunions, you name it. These are all opportunities to have fun, spend time together and make the most memories possible. And don’t delay. Noah’s a high school senior and he’s about to move on with his life. (Oregon State University #Bragging) And y’all, I straight up ran out of time with him. You will run out of time, so make today count.

Read Next:

16 Insanely Awesome Girl’s Trips

11 Best Places to Snorkel with Kids Around the World

The post 17 Incredible Family Vacations appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Magic Treehouse

Upon arrival, my family and I were greeted by a field full of wildflowers and roaming cows as we drove through the cattle ranch to the Magical Treehouse. Each family is provided with their own accommodations. We stayed in a one-of-a-kind private treehouse, equipped with all of the necessary amenities like a kitchen, dining area, and cozy beds. I had everything I needed to cook full meals including a gas grill in the outdoor dining area. I highly appreciated the coffee bar complete with everything I needed to get my day started each morning. I made breakfast most mornings but we were so close to downtown Weatherford we drove into town one morning for breakfast. 

The Magic Treehouse is outfitted with everything you need to make your stay comfortable and unforgettable, and the decorations will add to the magic of your stay. Our treehouse was adorned with twinkling fairy lights and rustic decor that took us back in time.

The treehouse itself offers endless opportunities for imaginative play for the little ones, whether they want to pretend they’re living in a castle in the sky or a secret hideout in the woods. They will definitely love the slide and hanging out in the bunk room with friends or cousins!

Magic Treehouse Amenities

• Sleeps 8
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• An enclosed Spiral Slide off the 11-Foot Deck!
• Private hot tub on the deck
• Fire table on the deck
• Fire pit in the backyard
• Large outdoor screened-in dining room, grill & more!
• Desk/Workstation
• Fresh Linens & Cozy Quilts 
• Highchair & Pack ’N Play with bedding
• Upstairs Game Table
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Nearby fishing pond

Ranch Activities

One of the many highlights of staying at Fuller’s Folly Ranch is the extensive range of activities offered. You can also relax on the porch and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

As a family-friendly vacation destination, Fuller’s Folly Ranch has ensured that there are activities available for kids of all ages.

See the Animals

The ranch offers a petting zoo full of friendly animals like goats, sheep, and llamas, that the kids can visit and interact with. Feeding the animals & collecting eggs requires a reservation and costs $12.

Swings

Down in the river area are four or five swings. 

Dig for Petrified Wood

Discover ancient arrowheads and petrified wood! Back in the day, the Comanche tribe was active along the Brazos River. Even when the settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, the  Comanches were here. Kids will love going on a treasure hunt and uncover the secrets of this legendary land!

Swim in the River

Kayaks, tubes & paddle boards are provided. But there are not that many tubes and all of them were taken when we went to the river. I regretted not bringing our own. There are also picnic tables there if you want to have a picnic. 

Paint a rock

Kids can paint a river rock. They can add it to the collection of others, hide it, or take it home. 

Ax Throwing

Ax throwing is available if you make a reservation 24 hours in advance. The cost is $29 an hour and you do have to be supervised. This is located near the big red barn that you can hang out in. 

Conclusion:
Staying at Fuller’s Folly Ranch in the magic treehouse is an experience that you and your family will never forget. It’s a unique and thrilling vacation destination that offers something for every member of the family. From epic horseback rides to cozy nights in, this ranch has it all. The staff is friendly and attentive, the activities are unique, and the location is breathtaking. If you’re looking for a vacation destination that stands out from the rest, look no further than Fuller’s Folly Ranch in Weatherford, Texas. Check current rates now. 

Read Next:

5 Days in Fort Worth with Kids

The Retreat on the Hill – Elevated Glamping in Texas

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post Fuller’s Folly River Ranch a Unique Experience in Weatherford, Texas appeared first on Mommy Travels.

San Marcos River

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Frontera Tours I RIVER TUBING (@frontera_tours)

San Marcos is a famous party river in Texas, so expect to hear blasting speakers, food, and lots of fun young people from Texas State University, especially during the summer months. This spring-fed river serves as a tributary to Guadalupe, so it boasts cool temperatures through the year at 72^oF. You can access the river through the San Marcos City Park entrance, where you get a more family-friendly experience and beautiful scenery full of green vegetation. There are a lot of places around the San Marcos River offering tube rentals and trips so you don’t need to bring anything. Tubing along this San Marcos River usually takes around 3 hours, and afterward, you can stop at one of the restaurants in the area. 

Comal River

Comal River is a perfect place for families looking for a tubeable and easy-to-float river. This spring-fed river runs through New Braunfels to Guadalupe River, and it’s one of the shortest rivers in the Lone Star State, making it an excellent spot for first-time tubers. Comal River maintains a temperature of 70-72^oF throughout the year, making it a great tubing river for warm weather. One of the best parts of this river is the abundance of shade you will find from the huge oak trees along the river.

Did we mention there are many attractions in the area, including Schlitterbahn waterpark, sandbars, a party hall, and a lot of restaurants where you can grab delicious meals? You can also bring your beers and other alcoholic beverages but know that glasses and styrofoam aren’t allowed in the area. 

Medina River

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ben Koush (@benkoush)

Located in San Antonio, Medina River is a perfect remote river for people looking for a less crowded place to go tubing. The 120-mile river boasts maple trees, cypress trees, and clear waters that form breathtaking scenery and shade from the scorching sun. Medina River is a remote river, so you need to find a reliable shuttle service, floating trips, and equipment rental. One of the famous river outfitters here is the Medina River Company which grants easy access to the river and offers floating equipment and trips. 

Guadalupe River

Guadalupe River boasts crystal clear water and great scenery that attracts a lot of crowds from Texas and the rest of the United States. This 230-mile river is one of the best river tubing spots in Texas, and its length runs from Central Texas to the Gulf of Mexico.

There are different stretches where you can float here, with the best being the ones in Canyon Lake, San Marcos, and near New Braunfels. Guadalupe River also boasts beautiful cypress trees and pecan trees where you can enjoy shade away from the sun after floating in the river. There are a lot of outfitters and tube rentals around the river, including in Gruene, San Antonio, San Marcos, and the Texas Hill Country, where you can find shuttle services and tubing equipment. Sit back, enjoy your beverages, and enjoy floating in the friendly currents of the river. 

Frio River 

Frio River is very cool, calm, and beautiful, and it’s an excellent spot to float. The best way to access this 200-mile crystal clear river is through Garner State Park, which is about one hour drive from San Antonio. Frio River is located in a remote setting, making it the best place to go tubing if you do not want crowds or if you are looking for an intimate experience with your friends.

Also, this river has incredible scenery with tall limestone buffs, giant cypress trees, and clear waters. For a more fun experience, you can consider lodging in one of the campsites and cabins for an overnight stay.

South Llano River

Located in the North West of Austin, this river is a perfect place to go tubing, kayaking, and engage in other water sports. A part of the river runs through the South Llano River State Park, where you and your family can engage in more outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking. There are also cabins and campsites where you can spend the night. South Llano River State Park doesn’t allow alcoholic drinks, so you may want to drop your beers at home before coming to this area to float on the calm waters. 

Blanco River

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Emily Nell (@emilynell7)

Blanco River is one of the best rivers to go tubing in Texas, and the easiest way to get to Blanco River is through the Blanco State Park. The river is perfect for tubing during the summer months, as you will be treated to giant cypress trees, beautiful pecan trees, and stunning waterfalls that form a really great landscape. It also offers a gentle and relaxing float, features many shores and alcoves, and boasts some picnic areas making it a perfect place to enjoy cool waters with kids. Blanco River has quite a number of places you can get equipment, so all you need is to bring the action to the park. 

Trinity River

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rockin’ the River (@rockintheriverfw)

If you need a place to go tubing around Dallas, we recommend going to one of the best rivers in the area, the Trinity River. This river hosts different tubing activities and concerts throughout the year, especially in June. You can float on the river while listening to 4 hours of live music from bands that play from June to August.

Colorado River

 

 

 

 

 

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If you find yourself in Texas on a summer day, you can stop by the Colorado River for a fun floating adventure. The Colorado River is one of the largest rivers to float in Texas: the river is so large that it flows through several states, including Texas. It also offers a cool and steady float while you are treated to views of beautiful trees, birds, and various animals like deer and rabbits. 

Bottom Line

Tubing in Texas is a great way to cool off and relax during the summer months. If you happen to be around here, grab a beer, rent a tube, and keep it cool at one of the many places to float in the Lone Star State. Also, no matter the river you choose,  rest assured you will find outfitters nearby to rent tubes and get easy access to the river. 

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Read Next:

Texas Weekend Getaways

Things to do in Texas Hill Country

The post Best Places to go Tubing in Texas appeared first on Mommy Travels.

The whole place is themed out except for the rooms. As you can see from the photos, the rooms are just average hotel rooms. They had plenty of room, and the mattresses were comfortable. 

Like the rooms, the bathroom was average. The sink is separate from the little space with the bathtub and toilet. They provided the standard shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion.

Now, this next part may sound a little picky, but I assumed that with what we were paying per night for a room that there would be more amenities. I expected a few cotton balls and some Q-tips. I also expected a better bathtub. At well over $200 a night, which is high for a hotel room in Texas, I expected more out of the room.

I should also mention that the rate was a little lower because I used the military rate. Gaylord properties are part of Marriott, and Marriott offers a pretty decent military rate at many hotels.

Gaylord Texan Atrium

Now they may not go all out on their rooms, but boy do they go all out on their atrium. As I mentioned we were here for Thanksgiving and by then they have fully decorated for their Lone Star Christmas.  

We did eat at several restaurants, and I didn’t find any of them worth the price. I did happen to enjoy the Frito Pie at their sports bar, Texas Station. I paid $13 for this and it was big enough that I could have split it with one of my kids. In fact, I like Frito Pie so much I published a Frito Pie recipe on this site!

We also ate at Zeppole Italian Restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner, where I had the best Creme Brûlée I’ve ever had.

Although we decided not to do ICE! this visit we have been before and you can see what we thought!

Paradise Springs

During the summer, they have a small waterpark for guests. It has a lazy river, water playground, body slides, and more. 

Check current prices at the Gaylord Texan

Read Next:

7 Kid-Friendly Activities in Fort Worth

Dallas, Texas Travel Guide

This post contains affiliate links

The post Gaylord Texan appeared first on Mommy Travels.

For Thanksgiving dinner this year we dined at Zeppole Coastal Italian inside the Gaylord Texan. We spent our Thanksgiving at the Gaylord with family, so it made sense to have dinner here. I do not normally review a restaurant unless I really enjoyed it, but because it’s part of the Gaylord and it cost so much to eat here I decided to review it. My upfront advice, skip eating here. The exception – dessert. The dessert was fantastic. 1/23/22 Update: They’ve improved this restaurant a ton! The menu is 100% better. 

The small house salad pictured above is horribly overpriced at $11 but was much better than my entree. The house salad is a baby garden lettuce with Bosc pears, preserved tomatoes, gorgonzola, shaved red onions, and topped with Modena Balsamico dressing.

The first image is of the burrata appetizer that was absolutely delicious. 

This is the rigatoni.

My dad got the Atlantic Salmon for $29 The salmon is pistachio crusted served with Brussel sprouts, house-cured pancetta, grilled artichokes, spring carrots, red pepper in agrodolce sauce. He really enjoyed it.

I decided to go with the risotto of the day. It was okay. I wouldn’t recommend getting it. The combination was a little odd and the steak to done. 

This is the kid’s spaghetti and meatball. It was a smallish portion, but my kids seemed fine with it. 

Noah got the Ravioli Ossobuco the house-made ravioli with veal ossobuco, crispy sage, veal reduction & Parmigiano for $22. This was by far the most disappointing this we ordered. The portion was tiny and not enough to feed anyone. As you can see there are only 5 small-sized pieces of pasta on his plate. I suggest not ordering this dish.

The creme brûlée here was the best creme brûlée I’ve ever had. My dad also thought so. 

This was the three gelato dessert for $9. My kids loved it. 

Sadly, I didn’t take a picture of my dessert. I have a decaf coffee cocktail and it was fabulous. Skip their regular cocktails, which I also tried, and get a coffee cocktail!

Read Next:

13 Best Restaurants Near Lantana, Texas

Addison, Texas Trave Guide 

The post Zeppole Coastal Italian Restaurant at the Gaylord Texan appeared first on Mommy Travels.

We recommend staying at the Sheraton Fort Worth for your vacation. It’s in an excellent location and has recently undergone a complete renovation. The rooms are large which is great for families and they have a large pool and hot tub. Plus, Molly the Trolley picks up right out front.  Molley the Trolley is a free trolley that will take you to various places throughout downtown Fort Worth.

Hotel: Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel 817-335-7000 located at 1701 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102

5 Days in Fort Worth with Kids

Mid Morning – Fort Worth Water Gradens

After checking into the Sheraton start your day off by walking across the street from the hotel to the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Be sure to take your camera. This is one of the best spots in all of Dallas/Fort Worth to take photos.

• The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a beautiful and refreshing oasis adjacent to the Fort Worth Convention Center. Designed by Phillip Johnson (who also designed the much-acclaimed Amon Carter Museum), the Fort Worth Water Gardens is an architectural and engineering marvel to be enjoyed any time of the year. The park features three pools of water: the aerating, the quiet and the active pool. 1502 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 817.392.7111

After you are done visiting the water gardens, walk over to the JFK Tribute 

• On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy gave a speech to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, and shortly after an unscheduled speech to thousands of people gathered in the rain outside the Hotel Texas (now the Fort Worth Hilton). The tribute marks the President’s historic visit and Fort Worth’s important place in history with a beautiful Lawrence Ludke bronze of President Kennedy set within an elegant plaza. 815 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 817.870.2100

As you are walking around you are experiencing different parts of Sundance Square and Downtown Fort Worth   – A national model of urban revitalization, and considered one of the premier downtown settings in the country, the critically acclaimed entertainment/business district boasts 35 square blocks of shopping, 30-plus restaurants, three live theaters, an AMC movie, art galleries and more.  The newly added Sundance Square Plaza includes water features, 32-foot-tall Teflon umbrellas, and the historic Chisholm Trail Mural.

**LUNCH – Stop for lunch and experience real Tex-Mex cuisine that will knock your socks off at Cantina Laredo on 530 Throckmorton St. Fort Worth, TX 76102. If you check in on Yelp you will likely receive a coupon for free queso or guacamole!

Afternoon – Sundance Square Plaza

After lunch walk over to Sundance Square Plaza. Kids can play in the water of the jetted fountain of the Plaza from 2-6 PM daily.

While the kids play parents and grandparents can relax under the covered seating area. Here you will have a great view of the Chisholm Trail Mural in Sundance Square Plaza. The Chisholm Trail Mural pays homage to Fort Worth’s historic cattle drives of the 19th century. The mural spans three stories high and was completed in 1988 by artist Richard Haas. It has since become one of Fort Worth’s most popular tourist attractions. 400 Main St. Fort Worth, TX 76102

If you want to do some shopping in this area, we recommend visiting these.

• • Leddy’s Ranch at Sundance Square-410 Houston Street $$$$
  • Pappagallo Classiques- 408 Houston Street $ (I found the cutest top here!)
  • Retro Cowboy-406 Houston Street $$$
  • Barse Jewelry- 501 Main Street
  • Earth Bones-308 Main Street

Dinner – Little Red Wasp

Little Red Wasp Kitchen + Bar, located in the heart of downtown, is the casual counterpart to the sophisticated GRACE. Open seven days a week, the kitchen offers a late-night service on Friday and Saturday’s until midnight and brunch service on Saturday and Sunday until 4 p.m. Located at 808 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 761 (817) 877-3111

DAY TWO:

Morning: Visit the Fort Worth Zoo 

The nationally-ranked Fort Worth Zoo was named the number one attraction in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex by Zagat. Home to more than 5,000 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, the Zoo supports conservation projects in more than 30 countries around the globe. The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than one million visitors a year. Located at 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110 (817)759-7555 

Afternoon:

Have a late Lunch at Woodshed Smokehouse Located on the banks of the Trinity River, Woodshed Smokehouse is celebrity Chef Tim Love’s homage to all things grilled, roasted and slow-cooked. The restaurant features an animal and sausage of the day, varying from rattlesnake to elk, and smokes its delectable items over four types of wood: mesquite, pecan, hickory, and oak. 3201 Riverfront Drive; Fort Worth, Texas 76107 (817)877-4545

After lunch, visit the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens (Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children) 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-871-7686

The oldest botanic garden in Texas, the Fort Worth’s Botanic Garden is home to more than 2,500 species of plants in its 23 specialty gardens. Visit the world-renowned Japanese Garden, where the koi-filled pools, Japanese architecture, meticulously-maintained plants, and dramatic waterfalls create a serene environment for this strolling garden. Or explore the winding paths of luxuriant tropical foliage in the 10,000-square-foot conservatory.

Return to the hotel for a bit of downtime. The Sheraton has a great pool and a fun happy hour.

Evening – Enjoy dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s. Joe T. Garcia’s is a Stockyards institution. Here you can enjoy a potent margarita made with silver tequila and fresh lime juice, along with old-school Mexican combo plates and fajitas in a gorgeous hacienda-style garden courtyard. 

DAY THREE:

Morning: Bureau of Engraving & Printing’s Western Currency Facility (tour is free) 9000 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, TX 76131 817.231.4000 

Learn how billions of dollars are printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s (BEP) state-of-the-art Tour and Visitor Center located in Fort Worth, Texas. Over half of the nation’s currency order is produced in Fort Worth, one of two facilities in the nation. Visitors have the opportunity to walk through two floors of interactive exhibits and displays, view the high-definition movie theater and take a free, 45-minute guided tour on the elevated tour walkway.

Lunch: Find an Abuelo’s on your way over to Dallas for a Tex-Mex lunch.

Afternoon: After lunch, continue on to Dallas to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located in Victory Park, near Downtown Dallas. This 4 level science museum will have your kids learning and playing for hours. Be sure to hit the downstairs area where you can race a dinosaur or a cheetah!

Evening: Return to Fort Worth and have dinner at Mi Cocina a casual Tex-Mex eatery near the Sheraton next to Sundance Plaza.

If you do not want to go all the way into Dallas you could go check out Carrollton. There’s a great brewery there, Nations Brewery. Plus, you can rock climb inside a silo!

DAY FOUR:

Morning: Visit the Fort Worth Cultural District

Located a few miles west of downtown is one of the largest arts districts in the nation. The Fort Worth Cultural District features five internationally recognized museums in a beautiful park-like setting. The museums are acclaimed for their architecture, quality collections and programs. This remarkable collection of museums in a single location has made Fort Worth a major destination for art lovers.

Visit the Kimbell Art Museum (currently free) 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76107 817.332.8451 

The Kimbell Art Museum is known as “America’s best small museum” and is the permanent home to Michelangelo’s first painting, The Torment of Saint Anthony. The Kimbell offers a world-class collection of art, with masterpieces from antiquity to the 20th century, including works by El Greco, Cezanne, Rembrandt, Picasso and Matisse. The museum also regularly hosts major traveling exhibitions.  The Kimbell building, designed by the great American architect Louis Kahn, is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding public art buildings. About the Piano Pavilion: Located across the lawn of the museum’s original home – a modernist icon designed by Louis Kahn – the distance between the two buildings was quoted as “close enough for a conversation, not too close and not too far away” by architect Renzo Piano. The $125 million pavilion is made of glass, concrete, and wood and surrounded by elms and red oaks. The Piano Pavilion stands as an expression of simplicity and lightness, some 65 yards west of Kahn’s vaulted, luminous museum landmark of 1972.

Visit the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (admission is free) 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.738.1933

Designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, the Amon Carter houses a preeminent collection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and is one of the nation’s major repositories of American photography. Artists represented in the collection include Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, Georgia O’Keeffe and John Singer Sargent. The museum is home to nearly 400 works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, the two greatest artists of the American West. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly programming throughout the year. Lectures, workshops and films provide a wonderful way for adults to connect with American art.

Afternoon: Lunch at Rodeo Goat

One of the hottest burger shops in Fort Worth and voted the best burger in Dallas-Fort Worth by DFW.com. Plus, we consider it to be one of the best hamburger places we’ve ever been too! Here you will enjoy house-ground hamburgers – beef, chicken, turkey or veggie – are grilled to perfection, along with a healthy topping of ingenious ingredients: blackberry compote, Sriracha-mayo, fried eggs and more. They even have a fun game you can play on their patio. 2836 Bledsoe St., Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-877-4628

After lunch, I recommend splitting up. Those that want to go shopping and those they do not (aka Dad and kids) Mom can head out to one of these places to shop:

Grand Prairie Premium Outlets

Just minutes from Fort Worth, Grand Premium Outlets is one of the newest malls to North Texas. Partners with “who’s who” of designer and brand names including Barneys New York, Brooks Brothers, Columbia Sportswear, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Dooney & Bourke, Gap, Guess, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion Brand Jeans and many more. Located at 2950 W. Interstate 20; Grand Prairie, TX 75052 972.602.8383

West 7^th District

This trendy urban development links downtown, the Will Rogers Memorial Center, and the Cultural District. Discover a sophisticated blend of pedestrian-friendly urban elements; indulge in high-concept eateries; splurge in boutique shops and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Located at 2821 West 7^th St. #100 Fort Worth, TX 76107 817.810.9076 

The non-shoppers can head over to Altitude Trampoline Park. This is a cheap way to let your kids burn off all that energy they accumulated due to going to art museums. I find that promising my kids an activity like this helps us “get through” the museums easier.

Evening –  Dinner on own 

DAY FIVE:

Morning: Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District – Stockyards National Historic District is filled with sites from the Old West, great Texas-themed shopping and cuisine, rodeos, Western saloons, Billy Bob’s Texas—the world’s largest honky-tonk, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Fort Worth Herd twice-daily cattle drive. You’ll see legendary structures such as the Livestock Exchange Building, and the Stockyards Station shops and restaurants in the old sheep and hog barns.

11:30 AM or 4:00 PM – Watch the Fort Worth Herd Twice-Daily Cattle Drive – The Texas Longhorn and the American cowboy are two of the most enduring symbols of the Old West. They’re a big reason why Fort Worth earned the nickname “Cowtown” and have formed the core of the great cattle drives of the late nineteenth century. Now, the romance and mystique of cowboys and cattle drives returns to Fort Worth with The Herd – Texas Longhorns driven by genuine Texas cowhands – offering an unforgettable glimpse into the past. The jingle of spurs, the cattle bawling and the rhythm of the hoof beats bring a bygone era to life as The Herd passes by. 131A E. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76164 817.336.4373 

Popular things to do include:

Shopping for Western Gear – Numerous Western shops, including Maverick, Fincher’s and Leddy’s, are located along the historic Exchange Avenue. Most of which include bars within the shops.

• Maverick Fine Western Wear 100 East Exchange Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76164; 817.626.1129; Located in the historic Stockyards, Maverick Fine Western Wear offers clothing fit for urban cowboys and cowgirls. Sip as you shop at the bar inside the store.

• Fincher’s White Front Western Wear 115 E. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76164; 817.624.7302; Fincher’s White Front Western Wear is located in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards and the original home of White Front Western Store, established in 1902. Have a cowboy hat custom steamed to your liking or enjoy a beer as you shop at the in-store beer.

• Stockyards Station 130 E. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76164; 817.625.9715; Located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, Stockyards Station provides an exciting blend of old and new. The Station’s two dozen shops offer wine, cowboy boots, leather goods, jewelry, arts and crafts.

• M.L. Leddy’s 2455 N. Main St. Fort Worth, TX 76164; 817.624.3149; Since 1922, M.L. Leddy’s has created custom, handmade boots, saddles, clothing, belts, buckles and much more for discriminating customers all over the world. The company’s line of men and women’s Western-influenced clothing and famed Vaquero boots are available in the showroom.

Kid-Friendly

• The Cowtown Cattle-pen Maze – The Cowtown Cattlepen Maze is a unique form of entertainment for the entire family, group or class field trip.  With over 5,400 square feet of frequently changed wooden pathways, resembling the cattle pens of the old west, the maze is always a challenge.

  

• Stockyards Stables & Horseback Riding – Ride the Trinity River Trails! Come take a trail ride with our experienced guides along the beautiful landscape of the Trinity River. This is a great family or individual activity that all can enjoy.

• Petting Zoo – The Stockyards Petting Zoo features an array of animals including goats, alpacas, cows, and even camels!

Explore

• Chief Records (in Stockyards Station): Formerly the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, this store has been filling country music fans’ need for over 59 years. Everything you need in country music offering records, tapes, CDs, videos and memorabilia of country music past and present.
• Grapevine Vintage Railroad- Passengers step back in time as they ride in the authentic 1920s and 1930s Victorian-style coaches and experience train travel as it was in the glory days of the expanding West. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad operates over approximately 21 miles of the Cotton Belt line, linking the historic communities of Grapevine, Colleyville and Smithfield, and Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards.
• Stockyards Museum – This historic site offers visitors the chance to explore the rich history of Fort Worth and how it was developed from a stop for cowboys driving cattle north to the stock market of the West that sold millions of heads of cattle, then shipped them by railroad. It is home to the second oldest antique light bulb still illuminated.
• Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame – honors Texas men and women who have excelled in the sport and business of rodeo and the western lifestyle. A few of the inductees include: Nolan Ryan, Tommy Lee Jones, Trevor Brazile, Don Edwards, George Strait, Lane Frost, Ty Murray, Barry Corbin, Red Steagall, Tuff Hedeman, J.J. Hampton (17 time PWRA World Champion), Charmayne James, and Don Gay (8 time PRCA World Champion Bull Rider).

Lunch – Cooper’s Old Time BBQ across the street from Billy Bob’s at 301 Stockyards Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76164; (817) 626-6464 

Coopers Old Time BBQ is home of the Original World Famous “Big Chop” and has been serving Fort Worth locals since 1953. The restaurant has a large main dining area and an incredible indoor/outdoor patio with a view of the Fort Worth skyline that can seat 200.

Afternoon: Visit Billy Bob’s Texas – Free Line Dance Lessons on Thursday evenings at 7 PM Built in 1910 as a cattle barn for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, the “world’s largest honky-tonk” has been entertaining guests for over 30 years with 127,000 square feet of Western-style entertainment, including arcades and casinos, line-dancing lessons and professional bull-riding demonstrations. It’s only fitting that the biggest names in country music should play this larger-than-life club. The likes of Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, and Robert Earl Keen have all walked the Billy Bob’s stage. 2520 Rodeo Plaza Fort Worth, TX 76164 (817) 624-7117

Enjoy an afternoon treat at The Bull Ring Ice Cream Parlor  – Featured in Budget Travel magazine’s list of “25 Reasons We Love Fort Worth,” the charming Bull Ring ice cream shop serves up homemade treats in the heart of the Stockyards National Historic District. Decorated with noteworthy, pre-1970s Texan artwork, the shop offers a private event space for rent in the former basement gambling parlor.

Dinner – Have dinner at one of the restaurants at the Stockyards.

8 PM –  Stockyards Championship Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum – Fridays and Saturdays only Built in 1908, Cowtown Coliseum was the site of the world’s first indoor rodeo. The coliseum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the year-round Stockyards Championship Rodeo held every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. and the Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show held every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Located at 121 E. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76164 817.625.1025

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