When visiting the Dallas/Fort Worth area, there are many accommodations available, from family suites to RV resorts. For example, the Texan RV Ranch in Mansfield has 159 sites complete with cable TV, a pool, a ranch for group events, and a convenience store. Plus, this campground gives you the country setting with the convenience of the city. Additionally, The Texan RV Resort is ideally located near Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth.
The 190-mile drive from Mansfield South to Burnett, home to Longhorn Cavern State Park, an underground wonder created by the breaking up and cutting action of an ancient river. Here one can take the guided tour which lasts ninety minutes and covers just over a mile of the cavern’s more than eight miles. The state park is free to enter, but one has to pay for the cavern tour. Once inside, one will discover the wonders of what nature can do and provide for our enjoyment. Learning about the history of the cavern is fascinating. While some areas of the cavern are open, others are quite narrow and very attractive.
Everyone should spend at least one day in downtown Dallas. Fair Park, just south of the city center, covers 277 acres and has one of the largest collections of art décor in the world. The park is full of museums, entertainment venues, and gardens. The biggest surprise was that the Cotton Bowl stadium was in the park. Surely one could spend days in Fairpark. The Dallas Heritage Village, just a few blocks from downtown, was very educational, as well as some Texas history. The historical society moved old buildings from around the state dating to the late 1800s to this location. Well worth the visit. Dallas has an abundance of sights to see and things to do for all families to enjoy.
South Fork Ranch in Parker, just north of Dallas, is a must-see for anyone who has followed the Dallas TV series. A gentleman named Duncan built the house for his wife and his three children. When he approached him to film there, he told them no. A week later, the network came up again, and he agreed; however, it was not possible to film inside and they could only film three months of the year, June, July and August. The exterior scenes were filmed here, while the interior was filmed in California in a studio. The ground floor of the mansion portrays many aspects of the TV series, however the upstairs only has one bedroom which is set up as JR. In the visitor center, you will find memorabilia from the series.
River Legacy City Park in downtown Arlington is ideal for a family picnic and for walking the pets. This park has off-road trails for biking as well as paved trails for walking. Crystal Canyon Natural Area has only a few man-made items available and parking for only nine vehicles. Walking the trail gives one the feeling of being deep in the woods, yet you are in the city. A great place for lunch is Kincaid’s Hamburger’s.
The Dallas Cowboys play all of their home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Although many people are not sports fans, this is a must-visit place. The stadium is the largest indoor sports venue in the world. If you place the Statue of Liberty on the playing field, it will not touch the ceiling. The stadium itself does not have defective seats, as there are no support columns inside the stadium. The structure is supported by two quarter-mile arches, which are anchored in 125 feet of concrete. Unlike many stadiums, the playing field is fifty feet below street level. This stadium hosts over a hundred events every year.
Right on the edge of downtown Fort Worth is the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Here one will find many types of water sources with magnificent scenery. The water garden is a place to sit and relax in a peaceful environment. Log Cabin Village, also located in Fort Worth, displays nine 19th-century frame houses from Texas. Here one can leave the present behind and experience the past through wooden houses and artifacts.
A must-see in Fort Worth is the Stockyard Historic District. Learn all about the old west on the walking tour and museums. Kick back for a while and watch a live rodeo and Old West show at the Coliseum. Witness the world’s only Texas Longhorn cattle drive down Main Street, then grab a drink at one of the Old West saloons. Have the kids visit the Cowtown Stockyard Maze and Petting Area. Or just relax under an umbrella in front of the Stock Exchange building. For some authentic Texas barbecue, try Riscky’s Barbeque, located right in the Stock Yard.
For the person who enjoys the beauty of flowers, the Fort Worth Botanical Garden is a must-see. A leisurely stroll through the gardens takes about an hour. Here you will find many species of flowers and trees, as well as artificial flowers and animals.
Located in Fresco is the Ford Center at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys training facility and corporate offices. Here one will find an indoor driving range as well as an outdoor field. The inner field hosts high school football games as well as other events. During events, the infield and surrounding seats are available to the public. Other than during an event, you must pay for the guided tour. The tour will include practice fields, weight room, dining room, movie theater, radio station and interview room. Other areas shown will cover the history of the Dallas Cowboys and the main lobby where their Superbowl trophies are displayed, as well as a ring from each Superbowl victory. One can take still photos of anything in the building during the tour; however, photography is not permitted in any area where players are present. Visitors may not speak, greet or approach any player.
All of the above are year-round attractions that one can visit along with many other activities. In addition, there are also seasonal attractions. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is sure to keep a family entertained for weeks.