10 Hot Budget Friendly Day Trips

HOTDAY TRIPS BUDGET FRIENDLY

1. DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK

Take a walk down the lane of history at Dinosaur Valley State Park. This day trip is very kid-friendly. You can find dinosaur tracks, camp, have a picnic, mountain bike, swim, fish, and even paddle the river. You can also have fun watching for wildlife, looking for geocaches, or even riding your horse. This gem of a state park is located in Glen Rose, Texas, which is just a short drive from Fort Worth and makes this the perfect family day trip.

2. TURNER FALLS

Fall into a fun time at Turner Falls. This is the perfect place to cool off in these hot summer Texas months. Turner Falls is a waterfall on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma. You can cool off by taking a swim in the refreshing water, or you can take a hike to see the famous rock castle. Turner falls is

just six miles south of Davis, Oklahoma and about an hour and a half drive from Denton County.

3. FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

Experience where the West begins at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Nothing embodies western heritage better than the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. From the original brick walkways to the wooden corrals, every inch of the Stockyards tells the true history of Texas’ famous livestock industry. You can enjoy good food, live music, and a fun environment – all just a short distance from home.

4. DAVY CROCKETT NATIONAL FOREST

It’s fun for the whole family at Davy Crockett National Forest. This Texas local destination contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas, and a wildlife habitat. You can enjoy camping, swimming, picnicking, an amphitheater, an interpretive forest trail, as well as fishing and boating. Located in Houston and Trinity counties, this is the perfect little day getaway for all to enjoy.

5. LAKE TEXOMA

Cool off for the summer at Lake Texoma. This is the perfect place for people of all ages. Lake Texoma offers horse trails, golfing, fishing guides, camping, hunting, hiking and biking trails, and even casinos for adults. There truly is something for everyone. And if you fall in love and decide to make it more than a day trip, they offer cabin rentals, resorts, and hotels. It’s a great summer day trip destination.

6. BEAVER’S BEND STATE PARK

Become one with nature at Beaver’s Bend State Park. This destination is located in the mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River. Here, you will be able to find adventure, beautiful scenery, and plenty of activities inside the state park. The scenic beauty of Beaver’s Bend State Park makes this one of Oklahoma’s most popular destinations.

7. GRANBURY, TEXAS

It’s time to fall in love with Granbury, Texas. Granbury is located about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. Here, you can walk the famous town square while you shop in their boutiques and stores, dine in their local restaurants, and enjoy the scenery of this historic square. You can also cool down and enjoy water activities at Lake Granbury. Granbury, Texas is the perfect day trip this summer.

8. FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS

Shop ‘til you Drop at First Monday Trade Days. Also referred to as “Canton” due to its location in Canton, Texas. First Monday began more than a century ago and has grown to become the largest outdoor vendor and flea market in the world. This event takes place each month on the four days preceding the first Monday of the month. You can shop while also enjoying the delicious food that First Monday has to offer. First Monday Trade Days is a great way to spend the day.

9. ARBUCKLE WILDERNESS

Step into the wild at Arbuckle Wilderness. This one-of-a-kind park is located in Murray County, Oklahoma. They offer an exotic animal park with self-drive car tours, along with a fun petting zoo, reptile center, and small rides. This is the perfect kid-friendly day trip that is sure to impress this summer vacation.

10. LAKE WHITNEY STATE PARK

It’s a summertime blast at Lake Whitney State Park. If you are wanting a fun getaway for a day, this is the place for you. Just a short road trip from DFW, you’ll find clear water, plenty of campsites, and a great place to relax with family and friends. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing. You can enjoy the hiking trails, geocaching, and you can even enjoy the stars at nightfall. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.