Have Kids, Will Travel: Five Ideas for a Summer Road Trip from DFW!

Five more weeks of school and summer will be here!

Are you ready?

If you're like me, i.e., someone who loves travel and live life on the go, you're probably already lining up your summer travel plans. Maybe you're considering a trip down to Galveston to soak up some south Texas sunshine, or you're thinking about a weekend in San Antonio to see the Alamo and let the kids play at SeaWorld. These tried and true trips are quick drives from DFW and affordable for Texas families.

But, if you're like me, you may be wanting something a little different this summer. Maybe you want a new state, a new destination. Something driveable- because hello!- flights are expensive, especially if you have a bigger family. Driving just makes sense a lot of time for a lot of reasons. 

Maybe you want the beach or lake for a little laidback summer fun. Or maybe you prefer the bright lights of a big city. These five destinations- all driveable and none in Texas!- offer tons of activities and family-friendly fun for groups large and small. 

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten path getaway with the family this summer, consider one of these five fun destinations you can easily roadtrip to from Arlington. 

Five fun summer road trip ideas from Arlington, Texas

Time to plan summer travel! Check out these fun road trip ideas from DFW.

Branson, Missouri

Guys, I don't mean to brag, but I consider myself an expert on Branson. And not because I've actually ever even been to the city (how I escaped spending my four years of college in the Show Me State but never actually made it to Branson is beyond me!). But, for more than a year now, I've written a weekly blog post about Branson for ABC Campground in Branson, and I'm blown away every week by how much there is to do there.

Why vacay in Branson:

Drive time: 7 hours from Arlington

Where to stay: Take your pick. You can camp, stay at a hotel or resort (how cool does Grand Country Resort look?) or even find a fun AirBnB.

What to do: See a show- there are magic shows and comedy shows and variety shows- and they all sound wonderful. Go to the Titanic Museum. Take in some thrill rides at Silver Dollar City. Ride the Branson Ferris Wheel, relocated in recent years from Chicago's Navy Pier. Boat on Lake Taneycomo. The possibilities are endless! 

If you need any recommendations, just ask! And one of these days I'll actually head that way myself... I love me some Missouri!

Lake Hamilton/Hot Springs, Arkansas

Lake Hamilton is a gorgeous spot in Arkansas for a lake getaway. Less than 5 hours by car from Arlington, Lake Hamilton is located in the Hot Springs area and offers a cozy retreat from the tourist-y city while still being close enough to enjoy its amenities.

Why vacay in Lake Hamilton:

Drive time: 4.5 hours from Arlington

Where to stay: If you want to stay on the water, look for a house or condo for rent on the lake. Otherwise, staying in Hot Springs will give you easy access to both the city and the lake. Emerald Isle Resort looks like it have a lot to offer at a great price! 

What to do: At the lake, go boating, swimming, fishing, canoeing or simply relax and enjoy lake life. Nearby in Hot Springs, you can go to the Mid-America Science Museum (we highly recommend this spot!) or try out the Magic Springs Theme and Water Park. Don't forget to check out the national park and Bathhouse Row to learn a little about Hot Springs!

A trip to the lake is always fun in summertime. 

Gulfport, Mississippi

I can't stress enough how much we enjoyed our visit to Gulfport last year. The shores of Mississippi certainly don't offer the same beaches as Alabama or Florida, but "the Secret Coast" has its own personality and offerings to make it worth your trip. Not only is it less expensive to vacation on Mississippi's coast, it's closer, too!

Why vacay in Gulfport, MS:

Drive time: 8.5 hours from Arlington

Where to stay: We stayed in Gulfport, right on the water. However, the Mississippi Coast is made up of 12 communities that offer condos, AirBnBs, motels and more. There is a Margaritaville on the water that looks fabulous as well as a myriad of hotels to choose from. 

What to do: Go shrimping! We can't recommend a Biloxi shrimping tour enough. Not only is it educational and fun, you'll get to see dolphins and all sorts of marine life on the water. Play at the beach. Go to the nearby waterpark. Check out the Mississippi Aquarium. Let the kids play at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Shop in Ocean Springs. Go gambling in Biloxi. Trust me- there is a TON to do in coastal Mississippi!

Fun in coastal Mississippi!

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

It's hard not to hear the lyrics to Garth Brooks' "Callin' Baton Rouge" as I write about this Louisiana town! Baton Rouge is an interesting town with a storied history. The capital of the state and home to Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge is a southern city with deep roots and lots to do for families. 

Why vacay in Baton Rouge: 

Drive time: 6.5 hours from Arlington

Where to stay: There are a number of hotels right along the Mississippi River that are fun and accommodating for families. If you want to splurge, the Watermark Baton Rouge comes highly recommended. There are also several hotels attached to casinos if you are looking for tons of amenities under one roof.

What to do: Learn about animals at the Baton Rouge Zoo or about sea life at the Blue Zoo. Splash around at the nearby waterpark. Check out Knock Knock Children's Museum or the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Take a swamp tour and learn all about the Bayou and the animals, reptiles and fish that call it home. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico is a state filled with stunning geography and a rich history. Santa Fe is nestled at the very southern edge of the Rocky Mountains and is a city that offers a lot of family-friendly fun year round. Did you know? Santa Fe is the highest capital city and third highest city in America!

Why vacay in Santa Fe

Drive time: 9 hours from Arlington 

Where to stay: There is no shortage of gorgeous hotels in Santa Fe. So many I looked at were well, well out of my price comfort zone. The Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder came up time and time again but even that was at my absolute max budget. So, this may be a town I find an AirBnB in, and, a quick search shows there is no shortage of those, either! 

What to do: Meow Wolf looks incredible, and the Santa Fe Children's Museum would be a blast for kids. Railyard Park offers lots to do, and you could always stroll and shop downtown. Learn about Native American culture during your trip. Go gambling during your trip or go for a hike in the mountains. 

Where will you travel this summer?

Everything Arlington's Easter Event Guide 2022

Spring is in the air guys!

The sun is shining, the weather is warming up and winter is well and truly behind us. It's time to get excited about Easter, which falls on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

Arlington has no shortage of amazing Easter events for this season. From helicopter egg drops to bunny photos, you can find a ton of activities for the kids, most of which are FREE, in the Arlington, Mansfield and Kennedale area.

So, without further ado, here is your Easter Event Guide for 2022!

(programming note: this post gets seen by thousands each year... Ever want your company's logo as part of the title? Message me to be the sponsor!)

The year that Easter Bunny photos went well...

Easter Event Guide 2022

For Arlington, Kennedale & Mansfield, Texas

Weekend of April 1

Easter Eggstavaganza- 4/2- St. John Lutheran Church, Mansfield. 10 am- 1 pm. FREE.

Egg hunt, petting zoo, food trucks and more. 

Easter Bunny Photos- 4/3- Pappy Elkins Park, Dalworthington Gardens. 3 pm- 5 pm. FREE/

Photos with the Easter Bunny at the gazebo plus a goody bag for each child. 

Weekend of April 8

Community Egg Hunt- 4/9- Life Fellowship Church, Kennedale. 10 am. FREE.

Bounce houses, rock wall, cake walk, prizes and more. 

Bunny Brunch- 4/9- Mansfield Activities Center. 10:45 am. $11 for kids.

Breakfast, crafts and the Easter Bunny. Must purchase tickets in advance. 

Easter Extravaganza Egg Hunt- 4/9- Crestview Missionary Baptist Church, Arlington. 2 pm. FREE.

Face painting, games, an Easter Egg hunt and more. 

Rise and Shine Family Fun- 4/10- First Methodist Church, Mansfield. 9 am- 11 am. FREE.

Food, games and a special stations, plus a chance to win a family pass to the Fort Worth Zoo. 

Easter Egg Hunt- 4/10- Community of Hope Church, Mansfield. 11 am. FREE.

Free Easter Egg hunt following Sunday services. 

Waiting her turn to see the Easter Bunny. Spoiler alert: she hated the entire experience. 

Weekend of April 15

Free Community Easter Egg Hunt- 4/16- FamilyTime Mansfield. 9 am- 12 pm. FREE.

Easter egg hunt plus indoor play at FamilyTime. There will be a food truck on-site. 

Easter Carnival- 4/16- Grace Community Church, Arlington. 10 am. FREE.

Inflatables, carnival games, food and more. 

Community Egg Hunt Extravaganza- 4/16- Trinity United Methodist Church, Arlington. 10 am. FREE.

Bounce houses, crafts and lots of eggs.

Easter Extravaganza- 4/16- All Saint Lutheran Church, Arlington. 10 am. FREE. 

Kids can "hop" from car to car and fill their Easter baskets with eggs. 

Free Community Easter Egg Hunt- 4/16- City Chapel Arlington. 10 am. FREE.

Candy, crafts, pictures and more. Egg hunt is open to kids 0-12.

Helicopter Drop Easter Egg Hunt- 4/16- Pleasantview Baptist Church, Arlington. 11 am. FREE.

Games, activities and more plus a massive drop of eggs from a helicopter!

Easter Eggstravaganza- 4/16- Revive Church, Arlington. 11 am. FREE.

Bounce houses, photos, Easter Egg Hunt and more. Some food for purchase. 

Egg-stra Special Easter at Shine- 4/16- Shine Behavioral Academy, Arlington. 11 am. $10. 

Goody bags, pictures, music and more. Proceeds benefit the school. 

Easter Egg Hunt & Family Picnic- 4/16- First United Methodist Church, Arlington. 11 am. FREE.

Easter egg hunt and family fun. 

North Arlington Easter Egg Hunt- 4/16- Lamar Baptist Church, Arlington. 11 am. FREE.

Egg hunts, food trucks, snow cones and more. 

Easter Block Party- 4/16- Cricket Wireless on Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. 12 pm- 4 pm. FREE.

Giveaways, music and more. 

Pantego Annual Easter Event- 4/16- Bicentennial Park, Pantego. 2 pm. FREE.

Easter egg hunt, sack races, egg relay, bunny photos and more. 

Spring Festival- 4/16- First Presbyterian Church, Arlington. 3 pm. FREE.

Bubbles, Easter eggs, sidewalk chalk and more. 

Easter Weekend Egg Hunt- 4/17- Hill City Church, Mansfield. 12 pm. FREE.

Bounce houses, food trucks, activity zone and more. 

Easter Egg Hunts are so fun for kids. We are fortunate that Arlington has so many free events!