Cities, Ranches and Rodeos: Texas Family Adventure

Among many things, Houston is known for its connection to space exploration – that’s why today, you’ll be heading to the iconic Space Centre Houston. After a hearty breakfast, head to the Space Centre where fun for all the family awaits. Explore spaceships, see real-life space suits and collections of moon stones, and even enjoy a tour of the NASA Johnson Space Centre (known worldwide as NASA’s mission control headquarters and astronaut training site).

Back in the city, it’ll be time to satisfy the chorus of rumbling bellies. Your Concierge will book you into a great family-friendly restaurant so you can spend less time debating where to eat and more time checking out Houston . After discussing the day’s discoveries over dinner, it’s time for some sleep before tomorrow’s adventures.

You have one more morning left in Houston, so round up the children and head out bright and early to catch some city sights. Afterwards, it’s time to collect the car that’ll be your trusty sidekick for your holiday. Drown out the middle-seat arguments in the back as you set your satnav for Dallas, a scenic three-and-a-half-hour (240- mile) drive away. There’s plenty of opportunities for pit-stops along the way (you’ll quickly learn than America loves a roadside restaurant), so cast aside worries of aching legs and hungry stomachs. On arrival in Houston, park up your car at your upscale hotel and wind down for a relaxing evening.

As the third-biggest city in Texas and the ninth biggest in the USA, there’s plenty to explore over the next two days in Dallas. Included in your itinerary is an opportunity to learn about one of the city’s most famous historical events: the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Spend the morning at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and discover all about the life, death and legacy of the 35th president of the United States. Highlights include a recreation of a ‘sniper’s perch’ and visual displays of photographs and forensic tests.

Dallas has plenty more to discover beyond its presidential history. Sports are a big deal here – just ask supporters of any of the five major professional sports teams. Whether you’re a fan of American football, baseball, basketball or simply enjoy the energy of a passionate crowd, your local Concierge will have no problem securing you tickets for a game. Celebrate a win (with no home-country loyalties, this will be pretty easy) and end the night with a feast at one of Dallas’ signature Tex-Mex restaurants.

Buckle your seatbelts for road trip number two, a two-hour (120- mile) drive to your accommodation – Wildcatter Ranch – just outside of Graham. Despite being a short drive from the city centre, you’ll be fully immersed in Texan Hill Country’s heart and more than ready to embrace the cowboy lifestyle. After settling in and exploring, head to the ranch’s grill-house style restaurant for juicy steaks, tangy barbecue spareribs and flame grilled chicken. With your youngsters in bed, settle into your porch’s rocking chair, bourbon in hand, as you watch the sunset in true cowboy style.

Saddle up and get ready to take on some unforgettable Wild West activities over the next two days. Wind through Wildcatter Ranch’s 1,500 acres and soak in incredible views of the North Texas Hill Country while on horseback, led by a team of experienced guides. If you’re keen to spend time with the horses without riding them, then get involved in a horse care and grooming session, where you’ll give these majestic creatures the pamper session they deserve. For those who fancy themselves as having perfect aim, choose from clay shooting, archery, tomahawk (axe) throwing or spear throwing to show off your skills. Equally, if you just want to relax, then the infinity pool, hot tub and luxurious spa are all perfect alternatives. Come evening, go horse riding along the Brazos River and watch the tranquil Texan sunset as you tuck into a selection of meats and cheeses; a perfect end to your life on the ranch.

Swap saddles for seatbelts as you begin your drive from Graham to Fort Worth. Taking around an hour-and-a-half (90 miles), this quick journey will see you arrive at your stylish hotel in Fort Worth’s cultural district in the early afternoon. Unload the car and spend the rest of the day in this city of cowboys how you please; try out a two-step at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonky (that’s a country music bar to us Brits), or hear stories of history’s greatest Texans with a visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. We’re sure you’ll be accustomed to traditional Texan BBQ cuisine by now, so head to one of Fort Worth’s many restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Afterwards, educate – or embarrass – your kids with a sing and dance at the White Elephant Saloon, famous for appearing in the Chuck Norris TV series.

Wake up and cry out ‘yeehaw!’, because today you’re off to the Cowtown Coliseum, Texas’ iconic indoor rodeo venue. Witness two -hours of bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping and more at the Stockyards Championship, the world’s only year-round rodeo. There’s no better way to end your Texas family adventure than by whooping and cheering as real-life cowboys doing their thing. For one final foodie send off, your Concierge can secure you a table at H3 Ranch, a rustic restaurant serving up hefty plates of spareribs, quesadillas and sirloin steaks amid old-school Western decor. Finally, head to bed for one last night of dreaming you’re a rodeo sensation beneath the Texan stars.

Pack your bags, check out of your hotel and wave goodbye to Fort Worth, because today marks your final morning in Texas. It’s also goodbye to the trusty four wheels that took you through the state , as you’ll be dropping off your car upon arrival at the airport. All that’s left to do is relax in the airport lounge, board the nine-hour flight to London and attempt to get some shuteye.