Plan the Ultimate Family Vacation in West Texas

Some of the best family memories are made when you explore together. With tons of outdoor activities, a chance to live the cowboy lifestyle, plus no shortage of homestyle Texas cooking, the ranches of West Texas are the perfect setting for families to share new and engaging experiences. Outside tapped travel mom Jessica Human and her three sons to test out an adventure-packed, family-friendly itinerary exploring West Texas. Here’s how it went. 

Find Your Texas State of Mind

Live Like a Cowboy

Jump straight into West Texas with a stay at a working ranch. You’ll find a variety of guest ranch experiences across the state, but when it comes to an authentic cowboy experience in the heart of West Texas, Cibolo Creek Ranch is hard to beat. The 30,000-acre ranch keeps active kids entertained for days as families immerse themselves in cowboy life.  Ride horses or hike on the range, then learn how to lasso and get a firsthand look at cattle herding.

“We had never ridden horses before, and this was the real deal,” says Human. “It was so fun to see the kids absolutely giddy over this experience.”

After a day of exploration, gather around the campfire to make s’mores, tell stories, and reminisce about your favorite parts of the day.

Go Behind the Scenes

If your kids’ mental images of the Wild West were shaped by  Hollywood,  they’ll be stoked to explore a real-life film set. Step into the enchanting world of western cinema at Indian Cliffs Ranch, the setting for many legendary films. Take an immersive tour to learn about the magic of moviemaking. Then, explore the rest of the property with its endless vistas and variety of engaging activities, including hayrides. “The kids never felt like they were missing out on electronics because they were so in the moment for all of it,” says Human.

Eat Like a Texan

No one does family-style dining quite like Texans. Sit down for a hearty meal at the Cattleman’s Steakhouse, conveniently located at Indian Cliffs Ranch to help minimize extra  kid wrangling. The steakhouse serves up generous portions of traditional Texas barbecue, with fresh cuts of meat and all-you-can-eat sides. Younger kids can choose from a selection of small plates portioned for cowpokes. “As a parent, I try to make our trips super special for the kids,” says Human. “But authentic experiences like these made it so I didn’t actually have to try that hard. The memory-making moments come so naturally adventuring as a family in West Texas.”

When your crew’s ready for a sweet treat on the road, make a pit stop at Boots and Scoops Ice Cream, between Cibolo Creek Ranch and Indian Cliffs Ranch.

Adventure Beyond the Range

Ready to explore more of the region? Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities set in the stunning desert landscapes of West Texas. Join a ranger-led hike to explore fascinating geological formations and discover ancient petroglyphs that highlight the area’s rich Native American heritage. The kid-ready trails feature easy terrain and short distances of less than a mile one way.

Families with older kids can up the adrenaline with a guided rock-climbing tour, which can be tailored to your group to include anything from scrambles to world-class bouldering routes. “My kids and I are our best selves when we’re outside,” says Human. “This trip to West Texas was exactly what we love about travel.”

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