Small Town Weekend Getaways with Kids
There’s something magical about a small-town weekend when we're traveling with our son. Here are my favorite stops and I hope you love them too.
Amarillo, Texas
Even through we live in Texas, getting to Amarillo is quite a road trip but totally worth it. We decided on a last minute family road trip and our first stop was Cadillac Ranch where you can see cars sticking up from the ground. It was so unusual that it captured our son's interest. "Who put them there? Why? Can I touch it?" Yes, you are even encouraged to spray paint the cars! (Bring your own spray paint.)
We also enjoyed the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. The exhibits include saddles, stories of racing legends, and a kid zone. There is even a fake horse and a real rodeo chute.
For dinner, check out The Big Texan Steak Ranch. They even have the 72-ounce steak challenge if you dare.... You'll get the wild western decor and kid-friendly menu. I had the ribeye and grilled veggies. My son enjoyed their corn dogs.
Need a place to stay? Courtyard by Marriott Amarillo (from $93/night) is family friendly and has a pool.
In the morning, go for a family stroll through the Japanese garden of Amarillo Botanical Gardens.
Last but not least, be sure to take a day trip out to Palo Duro Canyon State Park (about 40 minutes from downtown Amarillo). It's nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Texas” for its stunning scenery. You can hike along the colorful red-rock trails (my favorite!), or go on a horseback ride through the canyon floor.
TEXAS Outdoor Musical is a summer tradition here right under the stars. Adult tickets are $45. It's very family friendly and it's free for kids under 6. I have to warn you that the show is very popular on summer weekends in July so be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Sedona, Arizona
With a population of around 10,000 people, Sedona is a fun family destination with heaps of things to do.
First, there are the red rock buttes which are amazing to see.
I recommend going in the spring and fall for best weather. It can get very hot in the summer. But if you do decide to go when it's hot out, be sure to head to Slide Rock State Park to enjoy natural water slides ($30 per vehicle).
We also found stargazing absolutely incredible in Sedona. Our son is so curious about the stars and it was fantastic to see such clear skies.
If you like guided tours, there are many to choose from in this area.
St George Island, Florida
We love Florida and have been many times but discovering this amazing island was absolutely magical on our family vacation. St. George Island is actually a 28-mile-long barrier island off Florida's Gulf Coast. You'll find some of the best beaches here and also the most secluded.
I loved that we had so much family time. In fact, time seemed to slow down here. You can relax on the beach, go swimming, collect shells, enjoy fishing and even hiking through the marshes. You can listen to the sounds of birds and learn to recognize them with you kids. It's such a simple way to get reconnected with nature.
Don't forget to build sandcastles (and moats) on the beautiful beaches.
To learn about local history, visit the Apalachicola Maritime Museum which focuses on the area's maritime history.
Before it gets too hot, in the morning climb 92 stairs to the top of the Cape Saint George Lighthouse for the views.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
