🧳 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 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.

♨️ Hot Springs & Santa Elena Canyon (Almost!)

We hoped to explore the Hot Springs Historic Trail, a short 0.75-mile walk to a natural hot spring and bathhouse ruins. However, they were washed over in mud from recent rain fall. Missing Out on Santa Elena Canyon

We had Santa Elena Canyon at the top of our must-see list, but unfortunately, a road closure meant the only way in was with a 4WD vehicle. Since our car wasn’t equipped for the rougher route, we had to skip it this time. It’s still high on our bucket list for our next Big Bend adventure—the photos we’ve seen are stunning, and we can’t wait to experience it in person.

Tip: Always check current road conditions before you go.

🏞️ Scenic Mountain Drive — Chisos Basin

One of the most unexpected and beautiful parts of Big Bend is the Chisos Mountains, rising right out of the desert floor. We decided to take a drive up toward Chisos Basin, where the temperature is cooler, the views are breathtaking, and there’s a chance to spot bears and mountain lions (don’t worry—they usually avoid people!).

As we began the climb, the landscape transformed quickly from dry desert to lush, green forest, and the scenic switchbacks offered incredible views at every turn. It felt like we were in a completely different part of the country.

Partway up, our van started to overheat, and I didn’t want to push it too far, so we turned around. Still, the drive was 100% worth it. Just seeing that contrast—a mountain nestled in the desert—was awe-inspiring and one of the most memorable moments of our trip.

Tip: If your vehicle can handle it, the drive up to Chisos Basin is a must-do. Even just part of the way up offers stunning photo ops and a cooler escape from the desert heat.

🏨 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.

After settling into our dome, we snacked on popcorn and relaxed inside, enjoying the cozy setup. The kids spent the afternoon exploring the surrounding nature, hunting for stones and fossils just steps from our door. They were thrilled to discover a cool rock, and we even spotted a bunny hopping by—a little desert surprise!

That night, we stepped outside and looked up at the vast, star-filled sky. With no city lights for miles, the stars were unbelievably bright.

But here’s a tip: the best stargazing happens when the moon isn’t visible, usually around 1–2 AM when we visiting in August—which meant the kids missed the most brilliant part of the night sky. If you're visiting with little ones, either plan for a new moon or be prepared for a very late-night wake-up (not exactly ideal with young kids, but unforgettable if you can swing it!).

🌌 Stargazing Tips for Big Bend National Park

Big Bend is one of the best places in the country to view the night sky—designated as an International Dark Sky Park, it offers unmatched stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution and wide open desert skies.
Best Time to Stargaze:
- Visit during a new moon or when the moon sets early to experience the darkest skies.
- Late night to early morning (midnight–3 AM) offers peak visibility for stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.
- The coolest, clearest months—October through April—typically provide the best conditions.
Helpful Tips:
- Check moonrise/moonset times before your trip to plan your stargazing.
- Bring a star map or stargazing app to identify constellations.
- Pack blankets, chairs, and layers—desert nights can get chilly, even in summer.
- Use red flashlights (or cover your flashlight with red cellophane) to preserve your night vision.

🗓️ 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 ended our Big Bend adventure with a late lunch at Hitchin Post Steak House, located at 1301 Sheffield Rd in Ozona, TX. This laid-back spot dishes up hearty comfort food and Texas-sized portions—perfect for hungry road-trippers.

We ordered burgers and split them among the kids (they were huge!), and enjoyed the relaxed, friendly vibe. A highlight for the kids? The giant Texas road map on the wall—the perfect way to show them just how far we’d traveled on our weekend getaway.

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.

✨ 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.

A Family-Friendly Guide to Big Bent National Park in Texas