Family getaways come in all shapes and sizes—sometimes it’s a quick ride to a charming nearby town and other times it’s a road trip that stretches a little farther down the map. Both offer the chance to trade routine for adventure and lifelong memories. We’ve rounded up four family-friendly destinations worth a closer look.
A Family Escape Where Memories Come Easy
This fall, discover a place where the river runs clear, the fish are always biting and family time feels easy again. Gaston’s White River Resort, nestled in the Arkansas Ozarks, has been welcoming families for more than 60 years with a blend of world-class fishing and simple, down-to-earth comfort. With a private airstrip or scenic drive, it is easy to get here and hard to leave.
Fishing is what brings most families to Gaston’s, and it is easy to see why. The White River is one of the nation’s top spots for trophy trout, and the resort makes it easy for everyone to enjoy. You can book a guided trip with seasoned experts, rent a boat for the day or teach the kids to cast right from the riverbank. First-time anglers will quickly discover the thrill of reeling in a rainbow or brown trout, creating memories that become family traditions year after year.
After a day on the water, there are plenty of ways to keep the fun going. You can walk scenic nature trails, watch for wildlife or simply relax while overlooking the river. With more than 70 cottages ranging from one and two bedroom to spacious lodges, every family can find the right fit.
Each cottage includes a kitchen for easy meals, and the on-site restaurant offers hearty breakfasts, casual lunches and dinners with a river view. Whether you pack a picnic, grill outside or let the kids pick their favorites off the menu, you can enjoy dining that is both flexible and affordable.
What makes Gaston’s stand out is how uncomplicated it is. There are no long lines or crowded schedules, only days filled with fishing, boating, hiking and evenings spent trading stories under the stars. Give your kids the chance to unplug and give yourself the chance to breathe, knowing everything you need is right outside your door.
For DFW families, Gaston’s is close enough for a weekend getaway yet filled with experiences that feel a world away. Affordable, welcoming and surrounded by natural beauty, it is the kind of getaway that keeps traditions alive and creates new ones to cherish.
👉 Plan your trip at gastons.com.
Family Traditions Begin at Gaylord Texan
The best Christmas memories don’t have to be made far from home. Just a quick drive from Dallas or Fort Worth, Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine will soon turn into a winter wonderland where families can slow down, laugh together and make new traditions.
From November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the resort comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive music and seasonal treats that dazzle, delight and set the perfect holiday scene.
At the heart of it all is ICE! featuring Elf™, the hilarious and heartwarming holiday film brought to life with more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved, colorful ice. Wander through Buddy’s candy cane forest, visit Santa’s workshop and slide down towering ice slides. ICE! featuring Elf™ is kept at a frosty 9 degrees, but cozy parkas are provided so everyone stays comfortable while making memories (and snapping plenty of photos!).
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Families can race down the six-lane ice tubing hill, decorate gingerbread creations, build and blast snowballs, and meet Santa in his festive workshop. Little ones will love taking a spin on the Christmas Carousel, while parents will appreciate all the opportunities for that perfect holiday photo.
For a mesmerizing performance the whole family will love, grab seats for Cirque: Frost,
an original Gaylord Hotels production that dazzles with high-flying stunts, breathtaking feats, and the heartwarming story of a dreamer who brings enchantment and wonder to the world.
When the day winds down, gather for a family meal at one of the resort’s restaurants—like Old Hickory Steakhouse, Zeppole or Riverwalk Cantina—before taking one last stroll through the glowing, glittering atrium.
This year, skip the travel stress and give your family the gift of time together. Plan your visit and explore overnight packages and ticket bundles at christmasatgaylordtexan.com.
👉 Plan your trip at christmasatgaylordtexan.com.
Discover Family Fun, Adventure and Relaxation at OKANA Resort
Just a short drive from Dallas–Fort Worth, families will find a new kind of getaway waiting in Oklahoma City: OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark. OKANA blends world-class entertainment with rich cultural connections, creating an experience unlike anything else in the region.
At the heart of OKANA is a state-of-the-art indoor waterpark spanning 100,000 square feet. Families can splash together year-round in 82 degrees, where it always feels like summer. From thrilling slides to an adventure river, wave pool and interactive play areas designed for all ages, the waterpark ensures non-stop excitement for kids—and plenty of relaxation for parents.
But OKANA is more than just water. The resort’s modern hotel offers spacious guest suites and multiple floor plans, perfect for families or groups who want to extend the fun into a weekend escape. With multiple on-site dining options, a tranquil spa, unique simulator sports experiences and OKANARAMA!—a 20,000-square-foot gaming hall with over 100 arcade games and a 2-story laser tag—parents will find everything they need for a true getaway.
Outdoors, the resort connects seamlessly to First Americans Museum, where families can learn and explore through interactive exhibits celebrating the stories, cultures and traditions of Oklahoma’s 39 Tribal Nations. Guests can also enjoy a scenic beach oasis (openly seasonally), holiday events and daily activities that bring the property to life.
Whether you are planning a quick fall break, a holiday getaway or simply a spontaneous weekend trip, OKANA makes it easy to create memories together. With its mix of adventure,
culture and comfort, the resort is designed to appeal to every generation in the family.
So, pack up the swimsuits, grab the kids and head north this fall to experience OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark—where the fun never ends, and every visit creates an ICONIC experience that brings families closer together.
👉 Plan your trip at okanaresort.com.
Discover Family Fun in Rockwall
Rockwall, Texas is where small-town charm meets big-time family fun! Located just 30 miles east of Dallas, Rockwall offers the perfect getaway with activities for all ages. Families can enjoy a day on Lake Ray Hubbard with boating, fishing, or sailing adventures. Stroll through Historic Downtown Rockwall, where boutiques, local eateries, and seasonal events create a welcoming atmosphere. The Harbor, Rockwall’s lakeside entertainment district, features shopping, dining, and the popular Concert by the Lake series—a perfect way to spend an evening under the stars. Local events like the Rockwall Farmers Market, Founders Day Festival, and holiday celebrations keep the community spirit alive.
Whether you’re enjoying free live music at San Jacinto Plaza, exploring parks and trails, or savoring lakeside dining, Rockwall makes every family moment memorable. Come visit and see why Rockwall is one of Texas’ most inviting destinations for fun, relaxation, and connection.
👉 Plan your trip at visitrockwall.com.
