Welcome to your comprehensive 5-day Texas road trip planner! This detailed itinerary guides you through an exciting journey to Dallas and surrounding areas, complete with family-friendly activities, dining recommendations, and carefully planned stops. To customize this template for your own adventure:

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Day 1 (November 23, Saturday): Home to Forestburg Adventure 🚗🌳

• 7:00 AM: Depart for Abilene (3-hour drive)

• 10:00 AM: Picnic at Grover Nelson Park 🍽️🌿 📍 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX 79602

• 10:45 AM: Quick refuel at DK Gas Station ⛽ 📍 965 US-83, Abilene, TX 79602 💰 Est. cost: $20 (partial tank)

• 11:00 AM: Hit the road to Decatur (3h15min, ~180 miles)

• 2:15 PM: Sweet stop at Hey Sugar Candy Store 🍭 📍 1108 N Trinity St, Decatur, TX 76234 💰 Budget: $10

• 3:00 PM: Grab-and-go dinner at Braum's 🍦🥡 📍 1705 W US Highway 380, Decatur, TX 76234 💰 Budget: $30

• 2:45 PM: Top up at DK Gas Station 📍 DK Gas Station, 201 N Cates St, Decatur, TX 💰 Est. cost: $20 (partial tank)

• 3:30 PM: Scenic drive to Adventure Creek Resort

• 4:00 PM: Treehouse check-in at Adventure Creek 🌳 📍 784 Colwell Rd, Forestburg, TX 76239 Note: An introvert's dream—keypad codes for everything and plenty of space between treehouses

• 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Explore surroundings & archery fun 🏹 Family dinner & laser tag excitement

• 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Stargazing session 🔭 Note: Look out for Jupiter and Saturn!

💡 Tip: Unused budget rolls over to the next day.

<aside> 🥨🥤

🍽️ Day 1 Meal Plan: 🚗

🚰 Remember: Pack plenty of snacks and water for the journey!

</aside>

💡 Looking for more unique stays? Check out Hipcamp for fun glamping options!

<aside> 🌳 Personal Notes from Our Stay:

• The treehouse offered a magical experience with themed options like Bigfoot, Hobbit, and an upcoming AT-AT design.

• The slide is best suited for younger children—we adults were a bit too tall.

• Important accessibility note: Not wheelchair accessible.

• Food tip: Braum's leftovers heated up perfectly in the treehouse kitchen, and their ice cream made for an excellent treat!

</aside>

Day 2 (November 24, Sunday): Forestburg & Fort Worth 🐎

• 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Adventure Retreat activities 💰 UTV Rental & Scavenger Hunt: $109.00 💰 Bigfoot Encounter Experience: $37.00

• 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Lunch at treehouse 🥪 Sandwiches prepared before departure

• 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Drive to Fort Worth

• 1:00 PM: Park at Fort Worth Stockyards 🅿️ 📍 122 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164 💰 Valet parking: $28 (includes gratuity)

• 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Fort Worth Stockyards Experience 🚂 Trinity River Train Excursion (First Class): $14 per person 🕐 Check-in: 1:30 PM, Board: 2:45 PM, Depart: 3:00 PM 📍 140 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164

• 2:00 PM: Barnyard Petting Zoo 🐑 💰 Entry: $15 ($5 per person × 3) 💰 Feed: $6 ($3 × 2) 📍 131 E. Exchange Ave Suite 119, Fort Worth, TX 76164 • 4:00 PM: Cattle drive viewing 🐄 📍 Livestock Exchange Building, 131 East Exchange Avenue

• 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Dinner at Shake Shack Stockyards 🍔 📍 128 E Exchange Ave #160, Fort Worth, TX 76164 💰 Estimated total: $58 (2 adults, 1 child) - order on app for pickup for discount

• 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Drive back to Forestburg

• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Return to Forestburg tree house 🔥 Campfire evening: s'mores 🧳 Prepare for next day's departure

<aside> 🍽️ Menu Plan for Day 2: 🐎🥤🥤

Breakfast: Quick meal at treehouse (cereal)

📝 Note: Bring refillable water bottles for Fort Worth adventures! 🥤

</aside>

<aside> 💫 Our Adventure Creek Highlights:

• UTV trail rides were thrilling and bumpy - such an exciting experience!

• Had an amazing Bigfoot Encounter (ask staff about this unique experience)

• The stargazing field is a must-visit spot - perfect for viewing Jupiter and Saturn

• Loved the archery range, ninja course, and evening campfires

</aside>

Day 3 (November 25, Monday): Forestburg to Dallas 🛒🦕

• 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Check out from Adventure Retreat

• 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Drive to Frisco

• 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: IKEA visit and lunch 🛒🍝 📍 7171 Ikea Dr, Frisco, TX 75034-8591 💰 Budget: $25–30 ($5–10 per person for lunch)

• 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Drive to Dallas

• 12:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science 🦕 📍 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201 💰 Admission: $3 (Community Partners discount with SSI reward letter, $1 × 3) 💰 Parking: $15 Total cost: $18

• 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM: Drive to hotel

• 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM: Check into the hotel 🏨 📍 Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Near the Galleria 14021 Noel Road, Dallas, TX 75240 💰 Cost: $158 (T-Mobile Magenta rate)

• 3:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Rest, swim, and freshen up at the hotel

• 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM: Drive to dinner

• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at Magic Time Machine 🍽️🎭 📍 5003 Belt Line Rd, Dallas, TX 75254 💰 Budget: $150 for family dinner (including 25% gratuity) Breakdown: $100 for meal + $20 for specialty drinks + $30 gratuity Note: Sign up for online wait list

• 8:00 PM: Return to hotel and relax

• Overnight stay in Dallas

• Note: Remember to refuel at a convenient time during the day

<aside> 🍽️ Menu Plan for Day 3: 🎮🏙️

📝 Note: Stay hydrated during museum visit and bring snacks for the drive! 🥤🍎

</aside>

<aside> 💡 Travel Tips & Notes:

• IKEA: Breakfast is a hidden gem! Wide selection and tasty options before 11 am (meatballs start at lunch)

• Perot Museum: Something for everyone - from dinosaurs to space exhibits

• Alternative: National Video Game Museum - Note: Closed on Mondays! 📍 8004 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034 💰 Admission: $12 per person ⏰ Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm Fun interactive exhibits and gaming stations, perfect for families

• Embassy Suites:

Day 4 (November 26, Tuesday): Dallas to Graham 🎣

• 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast at hotel and check out

• 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Drive to Jacksboro, TX

• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lunch at Roma's Pizza 🍕 📍 Roma's Pizza, 119 S Main St, Jacksboro, TX 76458 💰 Estimated cost: $45 (3 people × $15 each)

• 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Visit Fort Richardson State Park 📍 228 State Park Rd, Jacksboro, TX 76458 💰 Entrance fee: $8 ($4 × 2 adults, 1 child free)

Picnic, fishing & exploring at Fort Richardson State Park 🎣🧺 🎣 Supplies: Fishing rods, bait (worms, minnows, or lures) 📝 Note: Best fishing spots along shoreline or fishing pier; explore old fort and buildings 🧴 Bring: Snacks, water, and sun protection 🧭 Alternative activity: Geocaching (https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/things-to-do/geocaching/) if kids need a break from fishing and exploring the fort

• 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Pick up to-go dinner from The Village Kitchen (if needed) 📍 119 N Main St, Jacksboro, TX 76458 💰 Estimated cost: $30 for family dinner

• 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Drive to Graham, TX

• 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Check-in at Wildcatter Ranch 🏨 💰 Cost: $220 📍 6062 US-380, Graham, TX 76450

• 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Family-friendly activities at Wildcatter Ranch 🐎

• 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Enjoy to-go dinner from The Village Kitchen at Wildcatter Ranch

• 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Family time and relaxation

<aside> 🍽️ Menu Plan for Day 4: 🎣🏞️🍎🧴

📝 Note: Pack snacks, water, and sun protection for Fort Richardson State Park! 🥤🍎🧴

</aside>

Day 5 (November 27, Wednesday): Graham to Home 🏡🚗

• 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast buffet at Wildcatter Ranch 🍳 💰 Cost: $32 ($12 x 2 adults, $8 x 1 child)

• 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Pack up and check out

• 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Horse care and grooming session 🐎 💰 Cost: $59.85 ($15 per person x 3, plus 6.2% tax and 25% gratuity) Breakdown: $45 base cost + $2.79 tax + $12.06 gratuity)

• 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Drive to Abilene (1.5 hours)

• 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Lunch at Whataburger 🍔 📍 2402 S 14th St, Abilene, TX 79605 💰 Estimated cost: $35 for family meal

• 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Abilene Zoo Adventure 🦒🦁 💰 Cost: Zoo admission, Safari Express Ride, and Giraffe Feeding: $53.97 (2 adults, 1 child)

• 3:00 PM: Depart Abilene (3-hour drive)

Refuel at DK Gas Station ⛽ 📍 965 US-83, Abilene, TX 79602 💰 Estimated cost: $55 for full tank

•6:00 PM: Arrive home, pick up Thanksgiving dinner 🦃 💰 Thanksgiving Day To-Go Family Feast from Golden Corral: $120.00 (with gratuity) 📍

📝 Note: Call ahead to confirm availability and place your order.

<aside> 🍽️ Menu Plan for Day 5: 🐎🚗

</aside>

<aside> 💭 Personal Notes & Memories:

</aside>

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