Palo Duro Canyon State Park with kids



Discovering the Grand Canyon of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon State Park with Kids

If you’re a homeschool mom like me, always on the lookout for educational (and fun!) places to explore with your family, then Palo Duro Canyon State Park needs to be on your radar. Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, this place seriously blew us away—and we weren’t expecting to love it as much as we did!



Why We Loved It

Nestled in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States, and it’s packed with stunning views, rich history, wildlife, and—get this—tons of family-friendly things to do. We were pleasantly surprised at how many options there were for all ages.

From hiking and biking to scenic overlooks, this park offers something for everyone. Whether your kids are tiny trailblazers or you’re pushing a stroller, you can find trails and activities to match your family’s needs.



Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Amarillo in their 2-bedroom suite, and it was absolutely perfect for our big family. The space gave us room to spread out, and having a kitchen and living area made it feel like a home away from home. Bonus points for a hot breakfast in the morning!

It's only about a 25-minute drive to the canyon, making it a super convenient base for your adventure.



Ask for Kid-Friendly Hikes

With over 30 miles of trails, it can be a little overwhelming to choose where to begin. My tip? Head straight to the Visitor Center or ask a park ranger which trails are best for kids. They gave us great advice and helped us pick a few hikes that worked perfectly for our whole family.

Some of the easier, kid-approved trails to consider:

  • Paseo del Rio Trail – Flat and scenic, perfect for little legs.

  • Juniper Riverside Trail – Short with lots of great photo ops.

  • Lighthouse Trail – A bit longer, but very popular and well worth it for older kids!



Bring the Texas State Park Passport

One of our favorite parts of visiting Texas State Parks is collecting stamps in our State Park Passport! It’s a free little book you can pick up at any park, and it adds a fun scavenger-hunt feel to your travels. The kids LOVE it, and it turns every visit into a little milestone. Highly recommend grabbing one if you don’t already have it!

A Perfect Mix of Nature and Learning

We love when our adventures double as school days, and Palo Duro was full of learning opportunities. From studying the layers of canyon rock, observing desert wildlife, and even talking about the Native American history of the region, this trip was as enriching as it was exciting.

And let’s be honest—just being out in God’s creation is a lesson in itself. It reminded all of us of how creative and majestic our Creator truly is.

Travel Tips for Moms

  • Pack snacks and plenty of water – It gets hot and dry quickly.

  • Wear layers – Mornings can be cool and afternoons warm.

  • Restrooms and shaded picnic spots are available throughout the park.

  • Don’t forget your camera – or your phone, because the views are too good not to capture!

  • Stay nearby – We highly recommend Homewood Suites in Amarillo for space, comfort, and convenience.

This is a destination we’ll definitely come back to, and I can’t recommend it enough for fellow mamas wanting to mix adventure, learning, and family bonding.

Have you been to Palo Duro Canyon or another Texas State Park with your family? I’d love to hear your favorite spots and tips!

📍#PaloDuroCanyon
🌄 #GrandCanyonOfTexas
🗺 #TexasStateParks
👣 #KidFriendlyHikes
🧭 #HomeschoolOnTheGo
🚐 #Roadschooling
⛺ #ExploreTexas
📖 #NatureIsOurClassroom
📷 #FaithFilledFamilyFun
💛 #MinistryOfMothering
🙏 #ChristianHomeschool
🌿 #FamilyAdventure
✨ #MomLifeOnMission

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