In the flatlands of the Texas panhandle, you’ll find the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Located in Canyon (near Amarillo, a nearly 6-hour drive from Dallas), this natural wonder is a sight to behold and provides an amazing backdrop for some epic family photos. Here’s why it’s a great spot to vacation with the kids.
What to Do in Palo Duro
Junior Naturalist
Including the famous Texas Outdoor Musical, there’s so much to explore right in the state park. Start with a stop in the Visitor Center or Entrance Office to pick up a Junior Naturalist activity booklet for your kiddos to complete. They’ll learn all about the park, fill in answers along the way and earn a sleeve patch. Then explore the canyon via its 30+ miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.
State Hwy. Park Rd. 5, Canyon; tpwd.texas.gov
RELATED: Planning a Family Vacation to Zion National Park
Old West Stables
If your little ones are at least 6 years old, take a guided horseback riding tour with Old West Stables. The popular 1-hour ride goes past Sad Monkey Mesa, the Catarina Caves, hoodoos and along the walls of the canyon so you can see the different layers and colors showcasing 230 million years of geologic history.
11450 State Highway Park Rd., Canyon; oldweststables.com
Amarillo Sod Poodles
Looking for a fun activity in Amarillo? Head to Hodgetown and cheer on the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Double-A Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
715 S. Buchanan, Amarillo; milb.com/amarillo
Cadillac Ranch
And stop by Cadillac Ranch to snap some photos at the roadside art installation of Cadillacs buried nose down in the ground.
13651 I-40 Frontage Rd., Amarillo; facebook.com/1974cadillacranch
Where to Stay in Palo Duro
Palo Duro Glamping
We highly recommend trying to book one of the cabins in the state park or give glamping a go with Palo Duro Glamping. This upscale camping experience allows you to stay in the park but in real beds with linens, AC, free breakfast, complimentary ice cream, s’mores kits, indoor and outdoor games and more. Plus, you’ll get to take in incredible views of the vast night sky—a truly breathtaking experience.
11450 State Hwy Park Rd. 5, Canyon; paloduroglamping.com
Hyatt Place Amarillo-West
But we know not everyone is up for “roughing it.” So if you want to sleep in civilization, check out Hyatt Place Amarillo-West, located just 30 minutes from the state park. Before you head out to explore the park for the day, fuel up with the complimentary breakfast buffet, and relax after a day of exploring by taking a dip in the indoor pool. This hotel is also pet-friendly, so bring Fido along for the adventure.
8985 W Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo; hyatt.com
Where to Eat in Palo Duro
Rockin’ Zebra Soda Shoppe
Step back in time and grab a burger and shake at Rockin’ Zebra Soda Shoppe, a 1950s pharmacy with an original fountain and decor to match. Servers here also sling up limeades, ice cream sodas, malts, frozen hot chocolate and floats. And if you opt to follow their advice of life is short, eat dessert first, go for a sundae, banana split or the Rutti Tutti Fresh & Fruity—vanilla ice cream with pineapple, strawberries, whipped topping and a cherry.
404 15th St., Canyon; facebook.com/rockinzebrasodashoppe
Pleasant Pit Stops from DFW to Palo Duro
Stop at Mineral Wells Fossil Park to scour the area for fossils that are over 300 million years old. Bonus: Your kids can keep any fossils they find—for personal use only. mineralwellsfossilpark.com
Stretch your legs and pick some blackberries or grapes at The King’s Good Vineyard and Berry Farm in Wichita Falls. kingsgoodvineyard.com
Explore the importance of conservation, learn facts about more than 130 animals, discover what the Red River Valley was like in the prehistoric era and more at Red River Valley Museum in Vernon. rrvmuseum.org
Top image courtesy of Old West Stables
