Traveling with babies can be easy, really! There’ll never be another time when your kids are so portable, and as long as they have a few simple needs met, they’re the best travel companions. Check out these three nearby destinations for a mini-vacation with baby.
Crafts and More in Canton, TX
Distance: 1 hour
Why it’s great for young families: Close enough to home to hightail it back if things go south.
Sleeping arrangements: Mill Creek Ranch Resort cabins have all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen and washer/dryer.
What to do: Hit the First Monday Trade Days for fashion and décor. In the fall, enjoy old-fashioned carnival rides and barnyard animals at Yesterland Farm. And, in the heat of summer, dive into Splash Kingdom Water Park.
Mill Creek Ranch Resort
903/567-6020
millcreekranchresort.com
First Monday Trade Days
903/567-6556
firstmondaycanton.com
Yesterland Farm
903/567-2255
yesterlandfarm.com
Splash Kingdom Water Park
903/567-0044
splashkingdomwaterpark.com
Outdoor Exploration in Glen Rose, TX
Distance: 1.5 hours
Why it’s great for young families: Even the littlest travelers are thrilled by exploring animals and nature.
Sleeping arrangements: Rough Creek Lodge is ideal for the onsite activities – like the petting zoo and playground – and for the individual cabins that let families have room to stretch. Cribs and high chairs are available upon request.
What to do: By day, hit Dinosaur Valley State Park and nearby Dinosaur World for some communing with nature prehistoric style. By night, head to Brazos Drive-In. Lull the little one to a peaceful sleep in the car, and then grab the popcorn and enjoy the feature.
Rough Creek Lodge
877/907-0754
roughcreek.com
Dinosaur Valley State Park
254/897-4588
tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/dinosaur-valley
Dinosaur World
254/898-1526
dinosaurworld.com
Brazos Drive-In
817/573-1311
thebrazos.com
Lakeside Retreat in Broken Bow, OK
Distance: 3 hours
Why it’s great for young families: Low-key lakeside destination with beautiful, scenic views.
Sleeping arrangements: Deer Creek Retreat offers individual cabins with full kitchens set in a wooded retreat. A private hot tub with each unit provides a place for mom and dad to sneak away after bedtime.
What to do: Beavers Bend State Park resides on the shores of Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork River for a natural retreat that is ideal for fly fishing, kayaking or enjoying a sunset. Explore the Gardner Mansion and Museum, well-known for their collection of Native American and pioneer artifacts.
Deer Creak Retreat
405/508-0534
deercrkretreat.com
Beavers Bend State Park
580/494-6300
beaversbend.com
Published March 2014
