Canyon

One of the most spectacular and remote national parks in America where the Chisos Mountains rise dramatically from the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande carves deep canyons along the Mexican border. The Window Trail is the signature family hike leading to a pour-off with desert basin views that kids never forget. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail walks right into a 1,500-foot limestone canyon with the river echoing off the walls. The night sky here is among the darkest in North America and the stargazing alone is worth the drive.

Dramatic red rock canyons in the Texas Panhandle that are home to the official state bison herd. Kids are thrilled to see real bison roaming free along the park roads and trails. The 64-mile Trailway is one of the longest rail-trails in Texas and passes through a railroad tunnel that is now a Mexican free-tailed bat colony. Watching hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at sunset from the tunnel is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the state.

Austin’s oldest city park sits on a bend of Lake Austin with a designated swimming area that has a gradual sandy entry perfect for small kids. The campground overlooking the lake is one of the few places you can camp within Austin city limits and the road down to the park winds through dramatic limestone canyon walls. Turkey Creek Trail connects to the park and offers a solid hike through Hill Country terrain.

A 26.5-mile trail circling Lake Georgetown that is one of the longest and most scenic hiking trails in Central Texas. Families do not need to tackle the whole loop because several trailheads let you hike shorter sections. The Overlook Trail segment has dramatic canyon views and the Cedar Breaks section runs right along the lakeshore. The terrain is rugged Hill Country limestone so sturdy shoes are a must.

The second-largest canyon in the United States after the Grand Canyon and one of the most visually stunning landscapes in all of Texas. The Lighthouse Trail is the signature hike leading to an iconic 310-foot rock spire that makes for an incredible family photo. The drive down into the canyon itself is thrilling for kids as the walls rise hundreds of feet on either side. Summer brings the outdoor musical drama TEXAS performed in the canyon amphitheater.

Home to some of the oldest known pictographs in North America in the Fate Bell Shelter which is accessible only by guided tour. Kids who are into ancient history and archaeology will be absolutely captivated seeing 4,000-year-old rock paintings in their original setting deep in a limestone canyon. The canyon rim trail offers dramatic views of the Rio Grande and Pecos River confluence. This is a remote park that rewards families willing to make the drive.

A peaceful 200-acre preserve with three miles of shaded trails winding through one of the most ecologically diverse canyons in North Texas. Kids gravitate to the unstructured nature play area where they can build with sticks, dig in dirt, and just be wild. The indoor Canyon View area lets families watch birds feeding right outside the windows, which is a reliable way to keep younger kids entertained on hot or rainy days. Guided day and night hikes are offered seasonally.