Big Bend

It will be hot as balls in the summer at big bend. But you could probably manage to get the kids to walk the mile or so from the park headquarters (well....looks like its 2 1/2 miles so 5 roundtrip) to "The Window". It's an easy hike. And you could drive River Road from Terlingua to Presidio... It's along the Rio grande through mountains.... Very pretty drive. There is a little slot canyon just off river road in Big Bend State Park... Closed Canyon It's 100 yards from the parking lot and only a half mile long. Fort Davis which is about 1 1/2 hours north of big bend is at 5000 ft. Elevation and has much cooler weather.... Think Denver Temps. The old fort is still there and open for tours and Ft Davis State Park is really nice. You could try to get a room in the Lodge but it is tough since so many people want to stay there. Hotel Limpia in town is a cool old hotel. You could also drive up to the McDonald Observatory. It's great to go to Star Parties up there.

ETA:There is also an old minor league baseball stadium in Alpine that is kind of cool. The NY Yankees played an exhibition game there back in the 20s or 30s and they still have a minor league team that plays there. Marfa is a hipster haven and contemporary art town and has some good resturants. The Food Shark food truck sets up at lunch time under the big Pavillion in the center of town. It's good food and great people watching.... Old ranchers mingling with hipsters and art tourists from Europe, NYC, Cali....

quote:

---

big bend for a couple days during summer. 6year old and 1 year old

---

I love Big Bend but don't do this. Summer is hot as hell, the kids probably won't get much out of it. If you do go then go up to the Chisos Basin which has some elevation and greenery and will be a bit cooler. Along the Rio Grande it will likely be 110 - 120 degrees.

Winter is the season for Big Bend.

If you do go, get something to eat at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, really cool place. And check out Terlingua a bit.

Balmorhea State Park is the best summertime option in this area.