Why Irving, Texas Should be on Your Family Trip Bucket List

This post is in partnership with local Irving businesses and Visit Irving. I was not paid but I did receive free experiences on the trip. All opinions are my own.

As a parent, you are constantly looking for great family ideas to put on your list. More than that, you are always looking for places to take your kids that are a change of pace from huge crowded cities, amusement parks led by mice, or hiking out into the wilderness. Not that these things are bad, it's just that sometimes a family needs a great getaway with a choice of fun excursions, family-friendly restaurants, kids' activities, and of course a little relaxation. During my recent trip to Irving, Texas, I found all of these things and more. Keep reading to see why Irving is not to be missed, as well as a list of a ton of fun ideas to do while you are there!

On every family trip the first thing you plan is where you are going to stay. Let me make it easy on you. Head straight to the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas. Not only is it located centrally to almost anything that you will want to travel to, it is also one of the only hotels on the water (yes that photo above is a view from one of the rooms)! 

The hotel staff is also one of the friendliest that you will find, and with the new renovations, the Marriott is clean, modern, and easy on families with young kids. After you settle into your room, you will probably need to relax a little. You can head to the hotel's amazing pool or head right out the back doors to one of my favorite excursions...Gondola Adventures.

It might seem like something only for adults but the expert gondoliers help make the trip through Lake Carolyn and the Mandalay Canals a fun ride for any age. These hosts are full of interesting stories and can customize your cruise with food, music, or even a message in a bottle.

The message in a bottle was super fun because they make it a surprise for any member of the family. You can plan a special message by a waterfall for your wife or your kids!

Now if you have been around my blog for awhile, you know I always have to talk about food. This post is no different. I was able to be a part of a few different dining experiences during my trip to Irving and I always view restaurants through the lens of being a parent. Here are a few of my favorite options.

For a casual meal that will surprise you, you must check out Po' Melvins. They are a New Orleans inspired restaurant with a cozy feel. You might not recognize it at first because it is hidden in a strip mall, but trust me you won't forget your time there. I was so impressed with the fried catfish Po' Boy. It was flaky and light, but full of flavor. My favorite dish was the fried dill pickles though. Probably the best I have ever had!

If you want to have a great steak experience that is still fun for kids, head to The Ranch in Las Colinas. The photo at the top of this post was taken right outside of the front doors. Yes, that is a live Texas Longhorn that I was riding on! For appetizers you owe it to yourself to order the mini elk tacos, but your entire family will thank you for getting the massive onion rings. The Ranch's special steak is the garlic stuffed filet. Just go ahead and get this and thank me later. Any of the their delicious desserts will finish off your meal nicely. 

If you are in the mood for a fancier experience, are really hungry, and just want to try a wide array of taste sensations, then just walk across the street from The Marriott and have dinner at Boi Na Braza. This Brazilian steakhouse will keep bringing the all-you-can-eat meat until you beg for mercy. Of course, if you have teenagers, you will probably have to drag them out of this place. There is also a fantastic all-you-can-eat salad bar for those who want to eat a bit lighter. 

If you want to add some family entertainment to your dinner at Boi Na Braza, then head right next door to the Toyota Music Factory. We saw Sisqo and Dru Hill, but looking at the schedule for this venue you can find any show to suit your family. In fact, if you have younger children, the Kidz Bop World Tour will even be there soon! 

Needless to say, there was way more to do in Irving, Texas than I could fit into a weekend. You can click over to the Visit Irving website to find out even more about this fantastic destination. In fact, here are a few of the family friendly activities that I wish we would have been able to try out (you can find all of these websites linked on the Visit Irving website):

1. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

2. Children's Aquarium at Fair Park

3. West Irving Aquatic Center

4. Irving Arts Center

5. Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture and Exhibit