Texas National Parks with Kids

National park. Just the words bring to mind family vacations-- - loading up the car and traveling to the natural wonders of the nation. Mugging for the camera at some of the best recognized landmarks in the country. Learning about the men and women who shaped the USU.S..

Texas is home to two national parks (as well as a national seashore, national recreation area, national preserve, and more.). Both national parks are found on the western side of the state.

Big Bend National Park

If your family feels like "been there, done that" when it comes to other national parks, Big Bend National Park may just be the answer. This remote park is a real place to get away from it all and enjoy nature along the banks of the Rio Grande.

This isn't a park for families looking for a lot of organized fun, but if you are ready to make your own adventure it can be a great getaway. Enjoy a scenic drive through the huge park for an overall look at the park; the best vistas are found on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the road to the Chisos Mountain Basin.

Hiking is definitely the number one activity at Big Bend; hikers can choose all grades of trails that span over 150 miles of the park. Guided nature walks led by naturalists are offered year around. The park also offers wildlife viewing and birdwatching trips. Several outfitters located just outside the park can offer one of the most exciting ways to view this region - aboard a float trip.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

About 100 miles east of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the only true mountains in Texas, rising up out of the desert to a height of 8,749 feet. Because of its remote location, this is one of those parks you have to choose to go to be going to in order to reach-- - you don't just pass through here on the way somewhere else.

The pinnacle of the park is found at Guadalupe Peak, Texas's highest point, but other notable formations include El Capitan limestone formation and McKittrick Canyon, home of some of the best fall color in the state thanks to its bigtooth maple, walnut, ash, oak, and the Texas madrone.

Activity here often means hiking. You'll find numerous hikes of varying difficulty throughout the park. Some other attractions include the visitors’ center with natural history exhibits and the Frijole Ranch Museum, a historic site with exhibits on local history. Be sure to bring in whatever you might need during your stay. There are no facilities in the park, and it's a 35-mile drive to White's City, New Mexico for supplies.

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Photo courtesy TX Dept of Economic Development, Tourism Division