Dog-Friendly Adventures in Texas

Bend, TX

Colorado Bend State Park

70-foot Gorman Falls waterfall with spring-fed swimming holes. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. Easily a full day. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~5h
Paid

Burnet, TX

Inks Lake State Park

Spring-fed lake swimming and cliff jumping at Devil's Waterhole. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Swimming
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Glen Rose, TX

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Real dinosaur tracks in a riverbed plus 20 miles of trails. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Arlington, TX

River Legacy Parks

1,300-acre park with paved trails and mountain biking along the Trinity River. Free. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

Hiking
Ages 2+
~3h
Free

Austin, TX

Barton Creek Greenbelt

12 miles of creek trails with swimming holes and bouldering in Austin. Free. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 5+
~3h
Free

Austin, TX

Bull Creek Greenbelt

Shallow limestone creek pools perfect for toddler wading. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Dogs welcome. Easy going.

Swimming
Ages 3+
~2h
Free

Austin, TX

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Sandy Lake Austin swimming beach and lakeside camping inside Austin city limits - entry $5-$10 per vehicle, campsites reservable online

Swimming
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Austin, TX

McKinney Falls State Park

Two limestone waterfalls with wading pools inside Austin city limits. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~3h
Paid

Austin, TX

Mount Bonnell

102-step climb to panoramic views over Lake Austin. Free. Best from about age 4. About an hour. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~1h
Free

Bastrop, TX

Bastrop State Park

Lost Pines hiking with swimming pool and Junior Rangers. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Bend, TX

Colorado Bend State Park Camping

Rustic no-hookup river camping down six miles of gravel road, with Gorman Falls and guided wild cave tours for older kids

Camping
Ages 5+
Overnight
Paid

Blanco, TX

Blanco State Park Camping

Compact CCC-era campground under pecan trees on the Blanco River, one of the gentlest first camping trips in the Hill Country

Camping
Ages 1+
Overnight
Paid

Brownwood, TX

Lake Brownwood State Park

CCC cabins and swim beach with fishing pier on Lake Brownwood. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

Burnet, TX

Inks Lake State Park Camping and Cabins

Waterfront campsites and small cabins on a constant-level lake with pink granite shoreline and the Devils Waterhole swimming cove

Camping
Ages 2+
Overnight
Paid

Caddo, TX

Possum Kingdom State Park

Clear blue lake swimming and canyon trail hiking. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

Swimming
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Cedar Hill, TX

Cedar Hill State Park

Family-friendly state park on Joe Pool Lake just 20 minutes from Dallas - swimming, hiking, camping, and mountain biking for all ages

Hiking
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Cedar Park, TX

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

14-mile paved trail with playgrounds connecting Cedar Park and Round Rock. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours.

Biking
Ages 2+
~2h
Free

Cleburne, TX

Cleburne State Park

No-wake lake for safe paddling and swimming near Fort Worth. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Comfort, TX

Guadalupe River at Horseshoe Falls

Natural horseshoe waterfall on the Guadalupe River near Comfort. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

Swimming
Ages 3+
~2h
Free

Concan, TX

Garner State Park Camping and Cabins

Cypress-shaded campsites, screened shelters and CCC cabins along the Frio River at the most in-demand family park in Texas

Camping
Ages 2+
Overnight
Paid

Cooper, TX

Cooper Lake State Park

Uncrowded lakeside camping with swim beach in Northeast Texas. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

Daingerfield, TX

Daingerfield State Park

Stunning fall foliage and family lake swimming at a hidden East Texas gem - camping, fishing, paddleboats, and easy trails through hardwood forests

Camping
Ages 2+
~3h
Paid

Dallas, TX

Cedar Ridge Preserve

600 acres of rugged trails and scenic overlooks in Dallas. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~2h
Free

Dallas, TX

White Rock Lake

9.4-mile paved biking loop around a scenic Dallas lake. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

Biking
Ages 2+
~2h
Free

Decatur, TX

LBJ National Grasslands

20,000 acres of prairie with mountain biking and primitive camping. Free. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~3h
Free

Denison, TX

Eisenhower State Park

Blufftop trails and lake swimming on Lake Texoma. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

Camping
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Dripping Springs, TX

Reimers Ranch Park

Premier Central Texas rock climbing with 18 miles of trails. Paid entry. Better for ages 6 and up. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Rock Climbing
Ages 6+
~4h
Paid

El Paso, TX

Franklin Mountains State Park

Largest urban park in the US with aerial tramway and desert hiking. Paid entry. Better for ages 6 and up. A half-day trip.

Hiking
Ages 6+
~3h
Paid

Eustace, TX

Purtis Creek State Park

Stocked catch-and-release lake where kids always catch fish. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Fishing
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Flower Mound, TX

Northshore Trail

26 miles of lakeside singletrack mountain biking trails. Free. Better for ages 6 and up. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

Mountain Biking
Ages 6+
~3h
Free

Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

25 miles of trails with bison and prairie dogs in Fort Worth. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Nature
Ages 3+
~3h
Paid

Fort Worth, TX

Gateway Park

Beginner-friendly mountain bike trails along the Trinity River. Free. Best from about age 5. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

Mountain Biking
Ages 5+
~2h
Free

Fort Worth, TX

Tandy Hills Natural Area

Native prairie wildflowers and skyline views in Fort Worth. Free. Best from about age 4. About an hour. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~1h
Free

Fort Worth, TX

Trinity Trails

Over 100 miles of paved family-friendly trails along the Trinity River in Fort Worth - free biking, walking, and nature right in the city

Biking
Ages 2+
~2h
Free

Fredericksburg, TX

Enchanted Rock Walk-In Camping

Walk-in tent sites and primitive backcountry camping at the granite dome, and the reliable way in when the day-use gate closes

Camping
Ages 6+
Overnight
Paid

Fredericksburg, TX

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park Camping

City-run RV and tent camping ten minutes from Main Street, the practical base for Enchanted Rock and the Fredericksburg peach stands

Camping
Ages 2+
Overnight
Paid

Frisco, TX

B.F. Phillips Community Park

Ranch-themed community park with open fields and rustic backdrops. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

Nature
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Frisco, TX

Frisco Central Park

Scenic park with waterfalls and bronze cattle sculptures popular for portrait sessions. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

Photography
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Frisco, TX

Frisco Commons Park

Nature trails and an amphitheater surrounded by mature trees in central Frisco. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

Nature
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Frisco, TX

Frisco Rail District Murals

Colorful street murals along historic Main Street perfect for edgy senior portraits. Free. Best from about age 4. About an hour.

Photography
Ages 4+
~1h
Free

Frisco, TX

Frisco Square

Urban architecture and a central park gazebo ideal for portraits and family photos. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

Photography
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Frisco, TX

Kathy Seei Park

Bronze longhorn sculptures and a pond in a compact landscaped park. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

Nature
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Frisco, TX

Limestone Quarry Park

Former quarry with exposed limestone walls and prairie wildflowers. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Dogs welcome.

Nature
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Frisco, TX

Texas Sculpture Garden at Hall Park

Free outdoor sculpture park with 50+ works and beautiful landscaping. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

Photography
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Galveston, TX

Galveston Island State Park

Beach camping and bay-side kayaking at Galveston Island State Park - coastal wetlands, birding trails, and family-friendly camping steps from the Gulf

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

Garland, TX

Rowlett Creek Preserve

524-acre preserve with creek crossings and mountain bike trails. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~2h
Free

Garland, TX

Spring Creek Forest Preserve

Old-growth forest with guided nature hikes near Dallas. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~2h
Free

Georgetown, TX

Cedar Breaks Park

Spacious lakeside campground with swim beach near Georgetown. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

Georgetown, TX

Garey Park

525-acre river park with trails and splash pad in Georgetown. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.

Hiking
Ages 2+
~3h
Paid

Georgetown, TX

Good Water Trail

26-mile lakeside trail with canyon overlooks and Hill Country terrain. Free. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 5+
~3h
Free

Georgetown, TX

San Gabriel Park

Award-winning playscape and river trail in Georgetown. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

Biking
Ages 2+
~2h
Free

Gonzales, TX

Palmetto State Park

Tropical palmetto forest and warm springs along the San Marcos River. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~2h
Paid

Grapeland, TX

Mission Tejas State Park

Historic Spanish mission replica in towering East Texas hardwood forest. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~2h
Paid

Grapevine, TX

Lake Grapevine Horseshoe Trails

Easy lakeside hiking trails on Grapevine Lake. Free. Best from about age 3. About an hour. Stroller-friendly. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~1h
Free

Grapevine, TX

Meadowmere Park

Sandy beach swimming on Lake Grapevine with playground and camping. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

Swimming
Ages 2+
~3h
Paid

Houston, TX

Buffalo Bayou Park

Paved bayou trails with destination playground and bat colony viewing. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

Biking
Ages 2+
~2h
Free

Huntsville, TX

Huntsville State Park

Pine forest camping with lake paddling and a sandy swim area. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Johnson City, TX

Pedernales Falls State Park

Dramatic tilted limestone falls and river swimming in the Hill Country. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~3h
Paid

Johnson City, TX

Pedernales Falls State Park Camping

Shaded campsites and walk-in tent sites under some of the darkest night skies within an hour of Austin, beside the Pedernales River

Camping
Ages 3+
Overnight
Paid

Johnson City, TX

Pedernales Falls Trammel Crossing

Historic river crossing with natural wading pools away from the crowds. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours.

Swimming
Ages 3+
~2h
Paid

Johnson City, TX

Pedernales River Nature Park

Quiet Pedernales River swimming with limestone wading pools. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

Swimming
Ages 3+
~2h
Paid

Junction, TX

South Llano River State Park Camping

Clear spring-fed river, four bird blinds and dark skies at a quieter western Hill Country campground three hours west of Austin

Camping
Ages 3+
Overnight
Paid

Little Elm, TX

Johnny Broyles Nature Trail

Paved 2.7-mile nature trail along Lake Lewisville in Little Elm. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

Hiking
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Lumberton, TX

Village Creek State Park

Tannin-clear creek paddling through Big Thicket sandbars. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Kayaking
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

McKinney, TX

Erwin Park

10 miles of DORBA-maintained mountain bike trails in McKinney TX with a beginner skills course, playground, and free primitive camping

Mountain Biking
Ages 4+
~3h
Free

Meridian, TX

Meridian State Park

CCC-era lake park with screened shelters and paddleboating. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 2+
~3h
Paid

Mineral Wells, TX

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway

Natural rock climbing at Penitentiary Hollow plus lake swimming and trails. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip.

Rock Climbing
Ages 5+
~4h
Paid

Moody, TX

Mother Neff State Park

First Texas state park with limestone sinkhole pool and historic CCC buildings. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~2h
Paid

New Caney, TX

Lake Houston Wilderness Park

20 miles of forest trails and camping close to Houston. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~3h
Paid

Pflugerville, TX

Lake Pflugerville Park

Free lake beach with swim area and 3-mile paved loop. Free. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly. Dogs welcome.

Swimming
Ages 2+
~3h
Free

Pilot Point, TX

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Sandy beach swimming, kids fishing pond, and lakeside camping at Ray Roberts Lake - a big North Texas family destination near Pilot Point

Camping
Ages 2+
~5h
Paid

Pittsburg, TX

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

Shaded lakeside camping with fishing pier and bike trails. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

Plano, TX

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Family-friendly trails and an observation tower in Plano. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

Hiking
Ages 2+
~2h
Free

Plano, TX

Legacy West

Modern architecture and a choreographed fountain at this lifestyle center on the Frisco-Plano border. Free. Works from toddler age.

Photography
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Plano, TX

Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve

800-acre park with boardwalks and kayaking in Plano. Free. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 2+
~3h
Free

Port Aransas, TX

Mustang Island State Park

Beachfront camping and bay kayak trail with dolphin sightings. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. Easily a full day. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 2+
~5h
Paid

Richardson, TX

Prairie Creek Waterfall

Hidden suburban waterfall and shaded creek trail in Richardson. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Rockport, TX

Goose Island State Park

Coastal camping by a 1,000-year-old oak with bay fishing and whooping cranes. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

San Angelo, TX

San Angelo State Park

50 miles of trails with Texas longhorn cattle on the reservoir. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~3h
Paid

San Antonio, TX

Eisenhower Park

Observation tower and six miles of trails with playground. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

Hiking
Ages 3+
~2h
Free

San Antonio, TX

Phil Hardberger Park

Land bridge and world-class nature playscape in San Antonio. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

Hiking
Ages 2+
~2h
Free

Somerville, TX

Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway

Two-unit park connected by 21-mile trail with lake swimming. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

Southlake, TX

Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve

Short easy trails through rare Cross Timbers forest in Southlake. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

Nature
Ages 2+
~1h
Free

Spicewood, TX

Grelle Recreation Area

Uncrowded Lake Travis cove with wooded trails and swimming. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~4h
Paid

Spicewood, TX

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area Camping

Primitive lakeside campsites, family-friendly singletrack and a famous spring bluebonnet field on the upper end of Lake Travis

Camping
Ages 3+
Overnight
Paid

Spicewood, TX

Pace Bend Park

Rocky limestone coves and cliff jumping on Lake Travis. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Swimming
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Spicewood, TX

Pace Bend Park Camping

Drive-up primitive camping right on the Lake Travis shoreline, with sheltered swimming coves on the east side of the peninsula

Camping
Ages 3+
Overnight
Paid

Spring Branch, TX

Guadalupe River State Park Camping

Four miles of cypress-lined Guadalupe River frontage with drive-up and walk-in campsites, forty-five minutes north of San Antonio

Camping
Ages 2+
Overnight
Paid

Tatum, TX

Martin Creek Lake State Park

Year-round warm-water fishing with unique island campsites in East Texas - a hidden gem for family fishing trips and peaceful lake paddling

Fishing
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Tuscola, TX

Abilene State Park

Spring-fed swimming pool under pecan trees in West Texas. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Swimming
Ages 2+
~3h
Paid

Tyler, TX

Tyler State Park

Spring-fed lake swimming with a sandy beach, paddleboat rentals, and 13 miles of piney-woods trails at CCC-era Tyler State Park in East Texas

Swimming
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

Vanderpool, TX

Lost Maples State Natural Area Camping

Riverside campsites and hike-in primitive sites at the one Texas park with real fall color, and your guaranteed entry in November

Camping
Ages 4+
Overnight
Paid

Waco, TX

Cameron Park

Dramatic blufftop trails and hidden grottos above the Brazos River. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

Hiking
Ages 4+
~2h
Free

Weatherford, TX

Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway

20-mile flat rail trail perfect for kids building biking endurance. Free. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Biking
Ages 3+
~3h
Free

Whitney, TX

Lake Whitney State Park

White limestone shoreline swimming and easy trails on Lake Whitney. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid

Wills Point, TX

Lake Tawakoni State Park

Sandy swim beach and shaded camping an hour east of Dallas. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

Camping
Ages 3+
~4h
Paid

Wylie, TX

East Fork Park

Sandy swim beach and lakeside camping on Lake Lavon. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.

Camping
Ages 2+
~4h
Paid