Who, What, & Where Age levels: All ages Activities: Hiking, camping, boating, swimming, fishing Hours from Dallas: 1.5

Just 75 miles north of Dallas, giant Lake Texoma has been a rendezvous point for north Texas weekenders since the 1940s. Part of the Red River state boundary between Oklahoma and Texas, this giant reservoir contains nearly 90,000 acres of water bordered by extensive public lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Woodland camping near Lake Texoma

The Cross Timbers Hiking Trail stretches 14 miles between Juniper Point and Cedar Bayou on Texoma's southern (Texas) shore. Following a high, scenic ridge overlooking the lake, it is a prime example of cross-timbers woodland: Its unique oak and hickory forest is the dividing line between eastern tallgrass prairies and the virtually treeless Southern Plains to the west.

Camping is available at a number of sites along the lakeshore. Although the trail is rated easy, smaller kids may prefer a swim at one of the designated beaches, especially in the summertime.

Go Guide: Lake Texoma Getting there: Juniper Point Recreation Area lies north of Whitesboro, Texas, on a lake access road off US 377 near the Willis Bridge to Madill, Oklahoma. Reference: Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas by Mickey Little. Gulf Publishing Company, P.O. Box 2608, Houston, Texas 77252-2608. Added value: Paddleboat rentals for the kids at various Texoma marinas. Contact: Lake Texoma Association, (580) 564-2334, or visit www.resourcedesignassoc.com/laketexoma/.

Move on to Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

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