Big Bend National Park with Kids: A Family Adventure Guide

If you’re dreaming of wide-open skies, desert blooms, and some of the best stargazing in the country, Big Bend National Park should be on your family’s bucket list.

Tucked away in southwest Texas along the Rio Grande, this park is an underrated gem — and yes, it’s totally doable with kids. We went at the end of May and had an incredible time.

Whether you’re hauling toddlers, traveling with adventurous teens, or somewhere in between, Big Bend offers a mix of easy hikes, fascinating wildlife, and jaw-dropping views that make the long drive worth it.

Why Big Bend Is Great for Families

Big Bend is huge — over 800,000 acres — so there’s something for everyone.

It’s quieter than many national parks, which means fewer crowds, more wildlife sightings, and plenty of space for your kids to run, explore, and just be kids.

You’ll find:

Easy, short trails perfect for little legs
Ranger-led programs designed for young explorers
Opportunities to cross into Mexico (yes, even with kids!) for a quick cultural experience
Scenic drives that can double as nap time

Best Time to Visit Big Bend with Kids

The desert climate means mild winters and hot summers.

For families, late fall through late spring is ideal — cooler temps make hiking more comfortable, and you’ll avoid the intense summer heat.

March and April bring colorful wildflowers, while winter offers crystal-clear night skies.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Big Bend

1. Junior Ranger Program

Stop at a visitor center first thing and grab the Junior Ranger booklet.

Your kids can complete activities throughout the park and earn a badge — a fun way to keep them engaged.

2. Hike the Window View Trail

This short, paved trail offers sweeping views without a big climb. Perfect for strollers or preschoolers. We stayed at the Chisos Mountain Lodge (which was scheduled to go under construction in July 2025) and walked here every night to watch the sunset. It was beautiful and a highlight of the trip.

3. Explore the Hot Springs

This short hike takes you to the historic hot springs along the Rio Grande. Prepare to get wet – our entire family enjoyed soaking in the springs. We were grateful we had towels and dry clothes to change into.

4. Visit Santa Elena Canyon

The trail takes you into a massive canyon carved by the Rio Grande — it is beautiful.

5. Go Stargazing

Big Bend is an International Dark Sky Park.

We woke up at 4 am and drove see the stars. You can see the Milky Way on clear nights and it is absolutely stunning. According to the ranger we spoke with, the best time to view the Milky Way is between midnight and 4:30 am (at least in late May) so plan for a late night or early morning.

6. Check Out the Fossil Discovery Exhibit

If your kids are into dinosaurs you’ll definitely want to check this out. Our kids are all in the dinosaur phase and loved every minute and kept asking to go back.

7. Eat at El Gordo’s Grill in Terlingua

After a morning full of hiking we were hungry and wanted something different than the PB&Js we had been making every day on our road trip. We headed out of the park into Terlingua and had some amazing birria tacos and quesadillas at El Gordo’s food truck. So good.

8. Hike the Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail

It was a hot day and this was the perfect trail for us to all stretch our legs and burn off some energy. We loved the flowers as we got further into the trail.

9. Hike the Sam Nail Ranch Trail

Our kids are younger so we always find it best to find a bunch of small trails and this one did not disappoint. We saw a (non-venemous) snake right next to the trail which added to the excitement.

Tips for Visiting Big Bend with Kids

Pack plenty of water — desert air can be deceivingly dry.
Fill up on gas before you enter the park — the pumps in the park were working when we were there, but I’m not kidding when I say it took 45 minutes for the car in front of us and for us to fill up.
Plan for driving time — the park is relatively large, so activities may be far apart.
Know your cell service will be spotty — but still available at certain parts of the park.
Start hikes early to beat the heat and avoid tired, cranky afternoons.
Plan accordingly if you want to cross into Mexico – crossing days and times are limited. We went to Big Bend on a whim and there were no crossings when we were there so we missed this experience.
Consider getting the GuideAlong audio tour – but download it before you go into the park. We’ve been getting these guides for years and find them so informative and educational when visiting National Parks.

Where to Stay

Inside the park: Chisos Mountains Lodge (only hotel in the park although it was expected to undergo renovations starting in June 2025) or one of the campgrounds.
Nearby towns: Terlingua (funky ghost town vibes) or Lajitas (small resort community). We stayed in the park so we do not have experience staying elsewhere.
If you’re camping, be sure to book early — spots fill up quickly during peak season.

Making Big Bend a Core Memory

Traveling to Big Bend with kids isn’t just a vacation — it’s a chance to unplug, explore, and share the wonder of the natural world.

You’ll leave with dusty shoes, full hearts, and stories your kids will tell for years.

So pack the snacks, fill up your tank, and make the drive.

Big Bend National Park is waiting — and your next family adventure might just be under the Texas stars.