Sample Itinerary

Dallas to San Antonio with Kids

The I-35 corridor from Dallas to San Antonio is a Texas family classic. About 4.5 hours with a stop in Waco (hello, Magnolia Silos), and you land in a city with the River Walk, the Alamo, and some of the best Tex-Mex your kids will ever eat. This one practically plans itself.

~275 miles ~4.5 hours drive Best for ages 1–10

What your itinerary looks like

Day 1 — Travel Day
7:00a
Breakfast & load up in Dallas
Early start to beat the DFW traffic. Kolaches from a Czech Stop bag for the car, or a quick sit-down if you have time.
Meal
7:30a
Depart Dallas via I-35 South
Straight south through the heart of Texas. The kids will either sleep or ask "are we there yet" — plan for both.
Drive
8:30a
Morning nap window
The stretch between Hillsboro and Waco is flat Texas highway — perfect for car naps. Keep driving, keep it quiet.
Nap Time
9:15a
Stop in Waco — Magnolia Silos
Even if you're not a Fixer Upper fan, the Silos are a great stop. Big lawn for kids to run, bakery for parents, clean restrooms. Budget 30-45 minutes.
Stop
10:00a
Back on I-35 South through Austin
You'll pass through Austin — resist the urge to stop (save it for another trip). Straight through to San Antonio, about 2 more hours.
Drive
12:00p
Arrive San Antonio — check into hotel
Stay near the River Walk if possible. The Drury Inn on the River Walk is a family favorite — free snacks at happy hour and a rooftop pool.
Check-in
12:30p
Lunch at Mi Tierra Cafe
In the Historic Market Square. Over-the-top decor that kids love, massive menu, legendary breakfast tacos served all day. Get the pan dulce to go.
Meal
1:30p
Afternoon nap at the hotel
Full bellies, long car morning — nap will come easy. Darken the room, rest up. The River Walk is better in the late afternoon anyway.
Nap Time
3:30p
River Walk stroll & The Alamo
Walk the River Walk to the Alamo. It's free to enter and a quick visit — older kids find it fascinating, toddlers like the grounds. The boat tours are a hit too.
Activity
5:30p
Dinner at Boudro's on the River Walk
Tableside guacamole is the move. Riverside patio, great kids menu, and you can watch the tour boats go by. Make a reservation — it fills up.
Meal
7:00p
Evening River Walk lights & bedtime
The River Walk at night is beautiful — string lights reflecting on the water. Quick stroll back to the hotel, bath, books, lights out.
Wind Down

Why parents love this tool

Plan your San Antonio trip free → Takes 30 seconds. No sign-up required.