A Family-Friendly Guide to Texas’ Wild Side

Looking for fun things to do with kids in Big Bend National Park? You’re in the right place!

Big Bend isn’t just for serious hikers or off-the-grid adventurers—it’s one of the best places in Texas for a family trip filled with outdoor exploration, learning, and unforgettable fun. With easy trails, fascinating fossils, natural hot springs, and the best stargazing in the state, Big Bend is packed with kid-friendly activities that make it perfect for families.

8 Things to Do with Kids in Big Bend

Boquillas Canyon Trail
A favorite among families! This one-mile round-trip hike takes you to the banks of the Rio Grande. Kids love shouting into the canyon and hearing their echoes bounce back.
Fossil Discovery Exhibit
One of the best kid-friendly stops in the park! See life-size fossil replicas, dinosaur bones, and learn about prehistoric Texas in an open-air museum setting.
Hot Springs Historic Trail
Take a short walk to soak your feet in a natural hot spring right next to the river. It's a fun reward for kids after a little hike and makes for amazing family photos.
Stargazing
Big Bend is a designated International Dark Sky Park—so the stars here are incredible! Bring blankets and let the kids spot constellations, satellites, and even the Milky Way.
Santa Elena Canyon Drive & Hike
Drive up to Santa Elena Canyon, one of Big Bend’s most iconic features. The towering limestone walls reach over 1,500 feet high, carved by the Rio Grande River that also forms the U.S.-Mexico border. The hike into the canyon is a dramatic and rewarding experience for all ages.
Emory Peak
For families with older kids or experienced hikers, Emory Peak offers a rewarding challenge. The trail leads to the highest point in Big Bend National Park with breathtaking panoramic views.
Lost Mine Trail
A 4.8-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet, the Lost Mine Trail offers stunning panoramic views near the top of the Chisos Mountains. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a moderate challenge and beautiful scenery.
Chisos Basin Loop
A shorter, 2-mile loop trail located in the Chisos Mountains, ideal for hot days thanks to its mild temperatures and shaded areas. This scenic loop provides a great way to explore the basin without a strenuous climb.

🚗 More Family Fun Near Big Bend

Visit the ghost town of Terlingua for quirky shops, treats, and cool desert vibes.
Take the rowboat to Boquillas, Mexico (passports required) for an international adventure that includes tacos and handmade souvenirs.

🧳 Tips for a Fun and Easy Trip

Pack LOTS of water, snacks, hats, and sunscreen—especially if visiting with young kids.
Visit early in the day to avoid peak desert heat.
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center to turn your trip into a scavenger hunt of learning and discovery 👉 More Info Here
Before or durning your adventure download and print the Big Bend Region Coloring Book for kids to learn more about the regions animals and parks. 👉 Download Here
Let your kids help plan the trip! Choose a trail or stop they’re excited about.

✨Our Family Weekend Itinerary to Big Bend (Ages: Baby to 7)

Looking for a fun, manageable Texas road trip with little ones? Here’s exactly how we spent a long weekend exploring Big Bend with kids—where we stayed, what we ate, and all the highlights that made this a memorable family adventure.

🗓️ Friday: The Road to Fort Stockton

Break Up the Long Drive

We kicked off our Big Bend weekend with a Friday afternoon road trip from Boerne to Fort Stockton—about a 4-hour drive. It’s more than halfway to the park, but stopping here made our Saturday much easier on the kids.

🍖 Dinner Stop: Pit Stop BBQ – Sonora, TX

Along the way, we pulled off I‑10 in Sonora to eat at Pit Stop BBQ, a local gem serving up smoky brisket, tender ribs, and all the Texas BBQ classics. Casual, quick, and perfect for families on the road.

Address: 802 N Crockett Ave, Sonora, TX
Why we loved it: Kid-friendly, tasty, and a great break from driving

🏨 Overnight at Best Western – Fort Stockton

After dinner, we continued on to Fort Stockton and checked into the Best Western. It was clean, comfortable, and perfect for traveling with kids.

✅ Perks:

Free hot breakfast
Pool for the kids to splash around in
Easy parking and spacious rooms

🗓️ Saturday: Fort Stockton → Big Bend

Into the Wild

🍳 Morning: Breakfast & On the Road

We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and left around 9:00 AM for the ~2-hour drive to Panther Junction Visitor Center inside Big Bend National Park.

🦖 Panther Junction Highlights

Picked up Junior Ranger booklets for the kids
Watched a 20-minute educational video about the park’s desert, mountains, and river
Grabbed maps and souvenirs
Took a bathroom and leg-stretching break

🦎 Wildlife & Fossils

Next, we stopped at the Dinosaur Fossil Exhibit where the kids imagined the prehistoric giants that once roamed the land. While having a shaded picnic lunch, we spotted lizards, deer, and even some javelinas nearby!

♨️ Hot Springs (Almost!)

We hoped to explore the Hot Springs Historic Trail, a short 0.75-mile walk to a natural hot spring, bathhouse ruins, and pictographs. However, the road was closed to non-4WD vehicles due to rain damage.

Tip: To visit this spot, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle—always check current road conditions before you go.

🏨 Evening at Terlingua Ranch Lodge

We checked into Terlingua Ranch Lodge, picked up takeout from the Bad Rabbit Café, and had dinner in our rooms. Then it was time for some pool fun before bedtime—the perfect way to wind down a big day.

🗓️ Sunday: Local Exploring + StarStruck Glamping

Ghost Towns & Stargazing

☀️ Morning Walk & Pool Time

We started with a leisurely walk to the lodge café for breakfast, then back to the pool for a final swim before packing up for our 11:00 AM checkout.

👻 Terlingua Ghost Town Adventure

Before heading to our next stay, we explored the Terlingua Ghost Town. The kids loved wandering around the old, run-down buildings and imagining wild west stories. We stopped at a couple of cute cafés for coffee and had a delicious lunch at a nice nearby restaurant with great views.

🛎️ Check-In at StarStruck Glamping

By 3:00 PM, we settled into our StarStruck dome—cozy, spacious, and kid-friendly with games and toys.

We snacked on popcorn and relaxed inside
The kids explored the surrounding nature, hunting for stones and fossils
We found a cool rock and even spotted a bunny hopping nearby
At night, we stargazed with red flashlights, soaking in the peaceful desert sky

🗓️ Monday: One Last Look + Homebound

Peaceful Morning & Scenic Stops

We woke up slowly, enjoying the peaceful desert views and the fresh air. After a simple breakfast of oatmeal and snacks, we washed dishes in the outdoor kitchen area—a calm and relaxing way to start the day.

Then it was time to pack up and head home.

☕ Coffee Break in Alpine

About halfway home, we stopped in Alpine for coffee and pastries—a welcome little treat to stretch our legs and recharge.

🍔 Late Lunch at Hitchin Post Steak House – Ozona, TX

We wrapped up our trip with a late lunch at Hitchin Post Steak House, located at 1301 Sheffield Rd, Ozona, TX 76943. This casual steakhouse serves up comfort food with a full bar.

✨ Final Thoughts

Is Big Bend a great family destination with little kids? Absolutely! It’s wild, beautiful, peaceful, and packed with moments of wonder. Whether you’re glamping under the stars or exploring fossils and ghost towns, Big Bend makes for an unforgettable unplugged Texas adventure.

More sky time. 100% worth it.

Fun for Kids in Big Bend