Along the banks of Big Cypress Bayou—about 3 hours from the Dallas area—lies Caddo Lake State Park. The east Texas treasure features plenty of water-based activities for nature-lovers of all ages.
What to Do at Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake State Park
Paddle the bayous and swamps, fish from the piers, hike among the hardwoods, go geocaching and more in Caddo Lake State Park. Stop by the park’s headquarters to borrow a Junior Ranger explorer pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park and an activity journal. Help your little one complete the tasks, and they’ll earn a badge. Then hike along the 2.5 miles of trails through the forest and rent a canoe to paddle among the bald cypress trees that are draped in Spanish moss.
Can’t make it during the summer? Come back during the fall for some of the most gorgeous autumn colors you’ll see around Texas.
245 Park Road 2, Karnack; tpwd.texas.gov
Starr Family Home State Historic Site
Planning to spend some time in Marshall? Tour the 1871 Greek Revival house and learn about the Starr family, who helped settle more than one-third of Texas, that lived there for generations.
407 W Travis St., Marshall; thc.texas.gov
Shreveport Aquarium
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, head over to Shreveport, Louisiana (just a 40-minute drive from Marshall) to visit the Shreveport Aquarium. Here, you can watch as rays, sharks, alligator snapping turtles or gators are fed lunch, visit the Shoreline Touchpools for a close-up look at sea stars, anemones and more, and meet axolotls, sharks, an albino snapping turtle, lionfish and more.
601 Clyde Fant Pkwy., Shreveport; shreveportaquarium.com
Where to Stay Near Caddo Lake
Hampton Inn Marshall
While you can camp, stay in a screened shelter or reserve one of Caddo Lake State Park’s cabins, we know staying in the wilderness isn’t for everyone. So check out Hampton Inn Marshall, located just 20 minutes from the state park. If you want a separate room from your kids, this family-friendly hotel offers connecting rooms (or opt for the king room with a sofa bed for the kiddos).
Before a day of exploring the state park, fuel up with the free hot breakfast or have a leisurely morning with room service. And when you’re done exploring? Come back to the hotel for a dip in the outdoor pool.
5100 E. End Blvd., Marshall; hilton.com
Where to Eat Near Caddo Lake
Cajun Tex
Since you’re close to Louisiana, try some fare with a little Cajun flair at Cajun Tex in Marshall. The menu features dishes like etouffee, gumbo, po’boys (we dare you to try the alligator one!) and crawfish. But don’t worry: There’s a kid’s menu with the foods little ones usually like, including mac and cheese, chicken tenders and corndogs.
104 W. Grand Ave., Marshall; cajuntx.com
Pleasant Pit Stops from DFW to Caddo Lake
Play for hours in the water playground, float down the lazy river, seek out some thrills on the waterslides and become immersed in bubbles at Splash Kingdom Paradise Island in Canton. splashkingdomwaterpark.com
Let your little ones explore, play and learn through the state-of-the-art exhibits at Discovery Science Place in Tyler. discoveryscienceplace.org
RELATED: Vacation Guide to Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Top image of Caddo Lake State Park: iStock
