Are We There Yet?
by Suzan Dees | Contributor
I’m not sure how things go at your place, but back when I told my kids about a quick road trip, I would get hit with a rush of questions like, “But what about wi-fi?”, “What are we going to do there?”, and “Do I have to go?” Thankfully, times have changed. With a bit of creativity and the internet at our fingertips, I’ve transformed our weekend getaways into experiences that even my 13-year-old daughter finds enjoyable.
Aurora, Texas – An “Out of this World” Trip
One of our favorite day trips took us to the small town of Aurora, where just over 1,000 people live. It’s easy to overlook, but you shouldn’t! This town is known for the rumored crash of an alien spacecraft in 1897. Legend has it that the locals buried the pilot in the nearby cemetery. If you locate the small graveyard, you’ll find a headstone commemorating the alleged extraterrestrial’s resting place.
Paris, Texas – Say “Oui Oui”
Imagine waking up your tween daughter and announcing a trip to Paris! Well, Paris, Texas that is. Right here in Texas stands a 65-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, complete with a cowboy hat! Don your berets for some fun family photos and spend some time wandering around the charming downtown.
Tyler, Texas – “Stuffed” with Things to Do
If you’re venturing into East Texas, make a weekend out of it by stopping in Tyler, just 30 minutes west of Kilgore. Known as the “Rose Capital of the World,” Tyler offers year-round access to the largest rose garden in the nation and the Tyler Rose Museum. One quirky attraction that I particularly enjoy is the Brookshire’s Wildlife Museum, which features an extensive array of taxidermy animals — including a scene of monkeys playing poker! What tween wouldn’t love to post a picture of that on their Instagram?
Waco – A “Beary” Fun Place!
Waco is another fantastic stop. The home of the Baylor Bears offers more than just a pit stop on the way to Austin. Discover attractions like the Mammoth Site, the Dr. Pepper Museum (where you can indulge in the best Dr. Pepper you’ve ever had), and the Baylor Children’s Museum. In the spring and summer, you can also enjoy Music on the Brazos, a free outdoor concert series along the banks of the famous Texas river.
Kilgore, Texas – “Drill” Here for Fun
Have a performer or aspiring entrepreneur monopolizing the internet at home? Cut the cell phone time and head to Kilgore to explore The Rangerette Showcase and Museum alongside the East Texas Oil Museum. These hidden gems are worth the drive! During the summer, the Dogwood trees bloom and Kilgore hosts the Shakespeare Festival, the only professional theatre in East Texas. Be sure to stop by The Country Tavern for a local favorite — barbecue for lunch or dinner.
Pittsburg, Texas – “Head” and Shoulders Above the Rest
Our final destination is the quaint town of Pittsburg, Texas. At the Northeast Texas Rural Heritage and Depot Museum, you’ll find a full-sized replica of the Ezekiel airship. Legend has it that the Reverend Cannon constructed this airship in 1901 using the book of Ezekiel as his design, flying it about 50 yards! If true, he beat the Wright brothers by nearly two years. While in town, take a quick five-minute drive to snap a “selfie” with the huge Bo Pilgrim head located in front of the Pilgrim’s Pride world headquarters. It’s almost guaranteed to garner likes and will surely embarrass your tween daughter — which, admit it, is half the fun!
Interesting & Educational Places to Visit in Dallas
Want a fun family outing without the hassle of flying? A popular option today is the “staycation,” or a vacation close to home, filled with entertaining activities that are also educational for your kids.
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
411 Elm St.
Dallas, Texas 75202
214-747-6660 | jfk.org
Explore the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy through photographs, documentaries, and interactive tours.
George W. Bush Presidential Center
2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75205
214-200-4303 | bushcenter.org
Discover insights into the presidency of George W. Bush, navigate interactive exhibits, sit in the Oval Office, and walk through a Texas rose garden and a beautiful park.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N. Field St.
Dallas, Texas 75202
214-428-5555 | perotmuseum.org
Dive into science with engaging exhibits, including the international Sherlock Holmes exhibit.
Dallas World Aquarium
1801 N. Griffin St.
Dallas, Texas 75202
214-720-2224 | dwazoo.com
Much more than just fish! Here you can experience fossils, toucans, crocodiles, howler monkeys, and so much more.
Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure – Dallas
400 S. Houston St.
Dallas, Texas 75202
urbanadventurequest.com
Enjoy this exciting adventure as you solve clues while learning about local culture. Begin your journey at the Meyerson Symphony Center and get ready to explore cathedrals, public art, and famous museums in Dallas.
Dallas Segway Tours
603 Munger Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75202
972-821-9054 | dallassegwaytours.com
Tweens, teens, and adults will love gliding through one of the educational tours of Dallas available by Segway, with choices like Dealey Plaza Then and Now, Katy Trail Nature Glide, or Grub-n-Glides, where you’ll sample local cuisine.
Dallas Holocaust Museum / Center for Education and Tolerance
211 N Record St., Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75202
214-741-7500 | dallasholocaustmuseum.org
A museum dedicated to promoting tolerance, preserving Holocaust memory, and teaching moral and ethical responses to prejudice, hatred, and indifference for the benefit of humanity.
