In Texas, there's room to sprawl and cities take advantage of it. Beyond DFW's ever-swelling suburbs are farms and more farms, and to the uninitiated it might seem that a few city bike trails and tidy parks comprise all that's available for outdoor family recreation.

The stars at night
are big and bright in Big D

But just beyond the broad north Texas horizon, innumerable natural gems beckon — most from within a few hours' driving time. And that's not much more than a dash to the local diner for your average Texan, who considers driving a religion and getting there half the fun.

As Texans know well, summers in this neck of the woods are scorchers, while winters are typically mild and sunny. First-time family campers are best advised to camp next to water in summer, or wait until autumn or winter altogether. Just remember to steer clear of our famous Blue Northers, too — an Arctic blast sure to sour the little ones on future wilderness adventures.

So grab the kids and saddle up — there's outdoor fun to be had all around you!

Move on to Possum Kingdom Lake

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Texas Adventures Discover the Lone Star State: home to the lush Piney Woods, otherworldly Big Bend, and the warm waters and endless dunes of the western Gulf Coast. Family Focused Trips Best National Parks Grand Canyon San Juan Rafting Lake Tahoe Multi-Sport More Family Trips...

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