scarboroughmom

We are driving from Dallas to San Antonio next week. I have 3 sons, 10,10, and 13. I am looking for a place to stop along the way, preferably about halfway down for an hour or two to break up the trip. Do you have any suggestions for a musueum, arcade, or nature spot, (like a cave)?

Any help is appreciated.

scarboroughmom

Also, one more question. How long is the drive from Dallas to San Antonio? Mapquest says 4.5 hours, but people I have talked to on the phone making reservations, etc. say it is more like 6 or 7.

Thanks again

OO

4.5 is right if you hit the traffic right. Our son hit it wrong after visiting here this weekend and it took 5.5 for them to get back to Frisco. Wreck here, car burning there, they came to a standstill...you know how that sort of thing goes, but even so it was 5.5! It's not going to take 7 hours, but do try to get through Austin, the worst of the back ups, by 3:30 at the latest.

We usually just drive it, and did when we lived in Dallas and our kids were younger and we visited here. There is a cave right up the road from us, Natural Bridge Caverns, but we are only a half hour from downtown San Antonio, so I doubt you'd want to stop at that point.

More important than a stopping point, is being sure you clear Austin before their rush hour begins!! It's a bear.

Seamus

Ditto OO - 4.5 would be absolutely ideal conditions. 5-6 is much more realistic. And Austin is definitely the place to avoid at peak traffic time. Last time I made this drive I swore I will never do it again.
In terms of stopping off points, I can't think of anything about half way that would appeal to your group. You could stop off in Gruene, but by that time you are almost in San Antonio. There is also natural Bridge caverns, but that is more than just a stop along the road and is also close to your destination. There used to be a snake farm advertised somewhere along IH35, but I never visited and have heard it was pretty hokey and not worth the time.

OO

The snake farm is still there Seamus, and pretty icky looking to me, yet every time we pass, there are a ton of cars in the lot. Although I know nothing about it, I sort of equate it with "Alligator wrestling" places in FL. I don't recall its exact location, but it's between Garden Ridge and San Marcos, It is just off the road and might be just the ticket for 13 and 10 year old boys, who knows! Scarboroughmom, if you go there will you please do a trip report? LOL

scarboroughmom

Actually, a snake farm may be just the ticket. My kids loved Gatorland in Orlando. Might it be the Snake Farm it be in New Braunfels, TX?

Thanks for the info.

OO

Yup, that's it. We'll be looking for a trip report! Safe travels. Remember...clear Austin by 3:30-4!!