One Last Summer Hurrah: Family Adventures Near DFW & Ellis County

School starts in just a few weeks. Before the backpacks come out and schedules fill up, here are a few North Texas adventures worth squeezing into the calendar.

🦕 Dinosaur Valley State Park | Glen Rose

• See actual dinosaur footprints in the riverbed
• Wade in the Paluxy River (water levels permitting)
• Swim
• Hike
• Picnic

It’s one of the most unique family adventures in Texas and only about an hour from Ellis County.

🌊 Burgers Lake | Fort Worth​

A spring-fed swimming area with:

• Sandy beaches
• Diving boards
• Slides
• Swimming

It’s been a North Texas summer tradition for generations.

​🛶 Lake Waxahachie​

Closer to home.

Great for:

• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Watching sunsets

A lot of people drive right by it and never actually spend time there.

​🌳 Cedar Hill State Park | Joe Pool Lake​

Features:

• Joe Pool Lake access
• Swimming areas
• Trails
• Camping
• Picnic spots

Perfect day trip.

🏖️ Granbury City Beach Park​

This one surprises people.

An actual public beach in North Texas with:

• Sand
• Swimming area
• Lake access
• Historic downtown nearby

You can easily make a full day of it.

​💦 Hawaiian Falls Mansfield​

For families that prefer pools and water slides over nature.

A classic summer option before school starts.

One of the best parts of living in Ellis County is having so many great places to explore close to home. I hope this list inspires your next family adventure before summer comes to an end!

-Hannah

​