Winter getaways

Pack up the family for 8 free winter-break events at Texas state parks

A master naturalist will lead a "first day" hike around Enchanted Rock on January 1.

When the presents are opened and Christmas is over, many families will be looking for ways to spend the rest of winter break. What’s a parent to do but plan a family getaway to a Texas state park? With several holiday-themed events taking place through the New Year, there are many reasons to take a road trip. Even more, all events are free with park admission. Here’s to exploring the outdoors a little more in 2019.

Christmas Critters at Hill Country State Natural Area
Santa’s reindeer aren’t the only animals that have been out on Christmas Eve. Learn to identify wildlife by observing paw prints and poop at this exploration of Merrick Mile, an easy-moderate trail in the Texas Hill Country. The hike will run from 2 to 3 pm on Christmas Day, and participants should meet at park headquarters.

Fa La La in the Forest Scavenger Hunt at Buescher State Park
Follow the clues to find 10 ornaments hidden around Buescher State Park, located in the pretty pine trees just east of Austin. The final clue will lead hikers to a prize. While the hike is fairly easy, some ornaments may lead participants down trails, so wear your hiking shoes. The scavenger hunt will begin at Buescher State Park headquarters with the first ornament and clue. While there, stop by neighboring Bastrop State Park for another ornament scavenger hunt called Fa La La through the Pines. Both hunts run through January 2.

History in Lights at Goliad State Park
An exhibit of lights and shadows will tell the story behind the Mission Espiritu Santo at Goliad State Park in Southeast Texas. Enjoy an evening stroll on the same path taken by Native Americans and Franciscans Priests long ago. The walk begins at 6 pm daily through December 31.

Beachcoming 101 at Galveston Island State Park
It’s a wintertime treasure hunt down on the beach, where participants will explore the calm shores for shells and other seaside finds. Huns will take place December 29, January 1, and January 5. Dress for chilly weather and be ready to get your feet wet. Don’t forget a bucket for collecting. Meet at the day use beach parking at 10 am and to pick up hunting equipment. The hunt will run until 11 am. Stay the night for the Star Party happening at 5 pm January 1, where participants will learn astronomy basics during a beachside night hike.

Nature Craft-ivities at Lake Livingston State Park
Guests can get creative making nature-themed crafts at this East Texas park. On December 29, participants will create a model of the solar system. There’ll be fun and educational games, too. The event will run from 1 to 2 pm.

Holiday Stargazing at Lockhart State Park
Long winter nights provide for perfect stargazing. On December 29, a Park Ranger will give a telescope tour of the stars, planets, galaxies, and constellations at this Hill Country state park. Participants are welcome to drop by anytime from 7 to 8:30 pm. Bring a blanket and your own binoculars if you have a pair.

Black Light Hike & Scavenger Hunt at Midnight at Fort Parker State Park
On December 31, arrive at 10:30 pm for an easy half-mile hike, then welcome the New Year at midnight around a campfire with hot chocolate and cookies. There’ll also be a New Year’s-themed scavenger hunt and trail-viewing via black light. The park is located just east of Waco.

First Day Hike
Parks all over the state are encouraging families to be active together on the first day of the year. First Day Hikes will take place at most Texas State Parks, including Enchanted Rock State Park, Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Goose Island State Park, Blanco State Park, Inks Lake State Park, and many others. Find all First Day Hike events here.

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Travel advisory

Top tips to navigate DFW Airport during busy, busy spring break 2026

DFW Airport

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Spring break travel through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport will require some planning and patience for both passengers and their chauffeurs. According to a release, 4.7 million customers are expected to travel to, from, and through the airport during the 2026 spring break travel period, March 5-March 24.

The busiest days (when curbsides and routes in and out of the airport will be most congested) are expected to be the weekends of March 13-16 and March 20-23, they say.

The top three overall busiest days, and volume of customers traveling to, through, or from DFW, are expected to be:

March 15: 262,000
March 22: 259,000
March 13: 253,000

The top five busiest days, and volume of customers beginning or ending their trip at DFW, are expected to be:

March 22: 126,000
March 13: 125,000
March 15: 123,000
March 12: 118,000
March 19: 116,000

"With many North Texas school districts observing spring break during the same week of March 16-20, travel demand will be more concentrated than usual, making it especially important for customers to plan ahead - including prebooking parking, allowing extra travel time and using DFW’s digital tools to help navigate peak conditions," airport officials say in the release.

Terminal curbs and access roadways will experience the highest congestion from late morning hours into the early evening each day, they say. There will also be especially heavy traffic when approaching terminals from the north, they say.

"Terminal C roadway detours remain in place on International Parkway as bridge construction continues," they advise. "Terminal C is only accessible via the southbound entrance from International Parkway. Customers arriving from the sout, will be required to travel northbound past all terminal entrances and take the left-hand U-turn exit before the North Exit Plaza to return to southbound International Parkway. Then, all customers will take the existing left-hand exit to Terminal C."

Here are some tips they give to help make travel through DFW Airport smoother during spring break:

Arrive early: Plan to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Using drivetime apps to check traffic conditions will ensure proper planning of transit times needed to park, check-in and clear security screening ahead of departure.

The DFW Airport mobile app, available on iOS and Android, can help provide:

Live parking availability and security wait times.
Terminal-specific alerts and construction updates.
Push notifications for helpful information.

Consider public transit: DART's Silver Line connects Plano to Terminal B with stops in Richardson, Addison, Carrollton and Coppell, while DART’s Orange Line, with service from Plano, downtown Dallas, and Irving provides direct access to Terminal A. Trinity Metro’s TEXRail connects riders to Terminal B. Additionally, Trinity Railway Express (TRE) offers service from Dallas and Fort Worth to CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, with terminal access via the TRE Link shuttle. For details on transit schedules and fares, visit DART or Trinity Metro.

Prebook parking: By prebooking parking online, customers can get the best rates as well as save decision-making time when arriving at the airport. In addition to terminal parking options, Express and Remote parking lots provide quick and convenient shuttle service to every terminal.

Follow curbside rules and parking protocols: DFW officials remind that terminal curbs are reserved for active loading and unloading only. Customers waiting to pick up passengers should use designated free cell phone lots or one-hour parking inside terminal garages.

A perk for AA customers: Customers flying American Airlines may check in at any terminal and go through security at the location with the shortest wait times, then connect to their gate using Skylink. Based on live traffic conditions, access into Terminals A, B and C are typically quickest from the north, while Terminals D and E are generally easiest to access from the south, they advise.

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