Dripping with Kids

Category: Bucket list

  • 2025 Holidays in the Hill Country

    2025 Holidays in the Hill Country

    The holiday season has been starting earlier and earlier each year. I have friends who completed all of their Christmas decorating on November 1st, while I still have scarecrows guarding my flower bed and fall leaf garland adorning my stair railing.

    Despite my procrastination, I’m excited for the Advent season and Christmas, and now is a great time to reflect on the events and traditions my family looks forward to every year. I love sharing our favorites with you and hope you’ll let us know what tops your lists as well.

    One of our most anticipated Christmas traditions is our Family Advent Calendar. I write down one holiday experience to do for each of the days leading up to Christmas, starting on December 1, These daily activities can be must-do tasks, like addressing and sending Christmas cards, or fun nights out, like meandering through a trail of lights after dinner.

    I cling to this tradition every year despite how busy my kids’ schedules become because we connect our participation in our favorite events, activities, tasks, and traditions to the joyful anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus. In addition to a daily activity, I also include a slip of paper with scripture that tells part of the Christmas story so that each day, a little more of the story is being recited. (Luke 1:26-35; Luke 2:1-20)

    Our Family Advent Calendar

    Below I’ve included a list of some of the at-home activities I’ve hidden in our Advent calendar pockets in years past, followed by our 2024 Holiday Bucket List of events and activities. Use our guide to fill in your own Advent calendar!

    TRADITIONS/FUN AT HOME – 

    • Bake sugar cookies
    • Make cards/gifts for teachers, neighbors, coaches, and relatives
    • Holiday movie night
    • Read the story of St. Nicholas and put shoes outside bedroom doors for a little surprise (Dec 6th)
    • “Elf” the neighbors
    • Caroling at home and holiday charades
    • Decorate the tree(s) or make centerpieces
    • Make homemade paper snowflakes and tape them in the windows
    • Tell stories of our family’s holidays past, as well as dreams for the future (reminisce over photos, plan vacations, etc)
    • Silly game night (minute to win it)
    • Make gingerbread houses

    HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST –

    (Our list is in no particular geographic or date order, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to check out all of the exciting options around the Hill Country.)

    Main Street Bethlehem (Burnet)

    Dec 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14, 6 pm – 9 pm

    Walk through historic Bethlehem to find Jesus

    Explore the live nativity, down the narrow streets to faint sounds of ancient music, savoring the sights and smells. Immerse yourself in the din of the marketplace; surrounded by the revelers in the tavern, shouted insults to and from the Roman oppressors, merchants, craftspeople, animals of all kinds, taxpayers, and beggars all seeking money, or position, or revenge.

    Western Wonderland (Dripping Springs)

    Nov 28 – January 4

    Go ice skating, peruse the market, listen to festive music, walk the trail of lights, and/or attend a special event such as story time on the ice. This rink is my kids’ top choice, and it’s one of the biggest temporary ice skating rinks in Texas. Check the link for prices and hours.

    Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Budafest (Buda)

    Now – Dec 24 & Dec 5-6

    Santa's Wonderland

    Stop in the store for a free photo with Santa and a stroll through the store’s holiday decorations. Your kids can also mail a letter to Santa and take home a holiday craft kit. Plus, no visit to Cabela’s is complete without a visit to the dead zoo.

    Budafest is the town’s big weekend festival Dec 6th-8th. It will include shopping, games, vendors, music, a lighted parade, Santa, and so much more!

    Serve at Brown Santa, Sing to Seniors, or Donate to Toys for Tots

    There are so many ways to serve as a family during the holiday season. We love wrapping gifts for families through Brown Santa, dropping off additional gifts in Caliterra for Toys for Tots, scheduling a date to carol for seniors at a local home, and “adopting” a family or child through an Angel Tree at a local school or church.

    Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin)

    Dec 5 – Jan 3

    Enjoy the illuminated trail walk with thousands of lights. Go earlier in the day to explore the forts of Fortlandia. Purchase tickets in advance.

    Christmas in Marble Falls

     Nov 19 – Jan 3

    Just along the water’s edge, there’s a free Walkway of Lights with a variety of themes, as well as daily events to get you in the Christmas spirit, including breakfast with Santa, ice skating, shopping, and a lighted parade on Dec 5.

    Lost Pines Christmas (Bastrop)

    Nov 28 – Dec 25

    Take a short drive to Bastrop for some spectacular holiday events, including a wassail fest, river of lights, a holiday revue at the Opera House, tree lighting ceremony, historic home tour, and a lighted parade on Dec 13.

    PEC Lights Spectacular (Johnson City)

    Nightly November 29  – Jan 4

    Johnson City Light Spectacular

    The courthouse and downtown area are aglow with thousands of lights. Local vendors set up tables inside and outside the courthouse. Check website for special events, such as lighted parade on Nov 29, a chili cookoff on Dec 13, and a live nativity on Dec 5-13 at the Methodist Church nearby.

    Weihnachtszeit – Christmas in Fredericksburg

    Nov 19 – Jan 4

    Show up on any day of the week for a spectacular holiday light show and events-a-plenty. Fredericksburg is so full of holiday cheer that you may need a few days to take it all in. Check the website for specific activities and lodging options. Our favorites include the lighted parade on the first Friday in December, the Eisbahn ice skating, Kinderfest at the Pioneer Museum on the first Sat of December, and taking pictures in front of the German Christmas Pyramid.

    Christmas on Mercer (Dripping Springs)

    December 6, 10 am – 5 pm

    This fun hometown festival keeps getting bigger and better. Enjoy shopping with local vendors, a trackless train, pony rides, a festive atmosphere, live music all day long, giveaways and games, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and mail it on-site, plus free photos with Santa at Hudson’s. (Tree lighting and movie night in Dripping Springs will take place at dusk on November 29.)

    Holidays in Gruene

    Weekends in late Nov and all of Dec

    Photos with Cowboy Kringle (appointment required), free afternoon shows at historic Gruene Hall, gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town, a new ice skating rink, and unique shops, as well as weekend markets, to complete your Christmas lists are just a few of the ways to celebrate the season in one of our favorite historic towns! The holidays truly kick off with Santa riding into town on horseback to light the night on the evening of Dec 6 at 5 pm.

    Home Depot Kids’ Workshop

    Nov 29 and Dec 6, 9 am – noon

    Visit your local store so your kids can create their own Teddy Bear Ornament (Nov 29), Hot Cocoa Mug (Dec 6), and Tow Truck (Jan 3) for FREE! Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

    Christmas in the Parks (Various State Park locations)

    Nov – Dec

    Enchanted Rock

    Texas State Parks have several holiday events, from scavenger hunts to Santa sightings to s’mores and ornament-making. Find a park near you and enjoy the great outdoors this season! Check out the detailed program linked above.

    Hill Country Galleria Holidays (Bee Cave)

    Nov 14 – Jan 19

    Small ice skating rink

    The popular outdoor mall will have live music, ice skating, Christmas markets, Santa photos, and unique events most days in December, including a Mario Kart party on Dec 13. Check the link for details.

    Mozart’s Festival of Lights (Lake Austin)

    Nov 22 – Jan 4

    Purchase tickets in advance for this special Austin tradition. Grab a hot cocoa or coffee and enjoy the “dancing lights” set to music.

    Emily Ann Theater Trail of Lights (Wimberley)

    Nov 29 – Dec 26

    Enjoy a FREE walking trail through approximately 8 acres of lighted exhibits, with entertainment provided almost every night. Wander into town afterward to stroll and shop local. There are several other events in the adorable town of Wimberley; it’s worth checking their local calendar!

    Maywald Lights Display (W. Austin)

    Nov 27 – Dec 25

    It’s their last year! Over 120,000 lights are on display at a family’s home in Austin for a good cause: the Make-a-Wish foundation! Walk through the trail of light and leave a donation. (FREE to enter.)

    Lights On Festival and Boat Parade (Lakeway)

    Dec 6 & 7 at 6 pm

    Lakeway’s FREE annual holiday and Christmas celebration is held at the Lakeway City Hall parking lot. This festive event kicks off with the official lighting of the Trail of Lights and will include a visit with Santa, live music, vendors, and family photo opportunities. The Trail of Lights will be lit every night afterward, so if you can’t make the event, you can still walk through on another evening until Jan 1.

    On Dec 7th, there will be a lighted boat parade starting at Crosswater Yacht Club.

    We hope this holiday bucket list inspires you to enjoy the 2025 holiday season to the fullest! Please share anything your family never misses during the holidays in the comments below. Also, use the calendar on this page to fill in yours!

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  • Unforgettable Fall Events in the Texas Hill Country, 2025

    Unforgettable Fall Events in the Texas Hill Country, 2025

    Your Fall Bucket List is Here!

    Fall is on its way! Sometimes I think the ‘a’ in fall should be changed to the letter ‘u’ because our calendar is so FULL… in the very best way imaginable. There’s just so much to do and so much to love about fall in the Texas Hill Country.

    Even though the official first day of fall hasn’t yet arrived, and the temps are still in the 90s, we’re preparing for our favorite season. We decorate our house and yard for autumn in September. We set aside Halloween decorations to add to the home and yard for October. And when November 1st hits we’ll switch out Halloween decorations for our Thanksgiving tree and more harvest decor.

    The beginning of September is go-time. We recently pulled the leaf garland, scarecrows, crafting pumpkins, and wreaths from the attic. I switched out the candles throughout the house from summery scents to pumpkin vanilla and honey apple. I’ve stocked the kitchen with the best fall recipe ingredients, and my teens have already indulged in the sugar-laden, pumpkin-flavored, over-priced coffee drinks at the local coffee shops. We’re ready for a festive fall season!

    And now we can fill our days with our favorite fall activities. We squeeze in as much fun as seemingly possible.

    Our Dripping with Kids Fall Bucket List is our guide for all the places we want to go and things we want to do during this beautiful season of pumpkin patches, cute costumes, cooler temps, colorful leaves, and outdoor adventures. Do you have your calendar ready?

    Texas Hill Country Fall Bucket List (2025)

    1. Visit a local farm and pumpkin patch.

    Best pumpkin patches and fall festivals near Austin.

    Whether you refer to it as a fall festival or a pumpkin patch, the month of October isn’t complete without a visit to one… or many! This list includes the festivals we always try to squeeze in, as well as a couple we haven’t seen … yet.

    2. Sing your heart out at a local music festival.

    • Songwriters’ Festival in Dripping Springs: Take in the best local talent on multiple stages, while also enjoying music, food, friendly people, and adorable downtown shops on the weekend of Oct 17-19. In my opinion, the highlight of the weekend is the Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning at Hudson’s on Mercer. You can attend the showcases for FREE!
    • Gruene Music and Wine Festival: From Oct 9-12, some of the best Texas artists will fill the local restaurants and dance halls with country, folk, and Americana tunes. The Gruene Music & Wine Festival promotes Texas and Americana music in a fun and relaxed setting while raising funds for the United Way of Comal County. Admission is FREE to many shows. Tasting tickets are extra.
    • Howl at the Moon Dance Party: On Tuesday October 7 from 8 – 9:00 pm, Blue Hole Regional Park will host their annual Howl at the Moon Dance Party. Dance under the moonlight and then, at 8:30 PM, let loose with an exhilarating group howl at the moon.
    • Outside the City Limits Music Fest: On Nov 8,
      the Outside the City Limits Music Festival, known for chill Hill Country vibes, talented up and coming bands, and Fall fun for the whole family, will take place at Vista Brewing in Driftwood. The festival includes a curated artisan market, kids’ activities Vista’s delicious food & beverages!
    Hudson's on Mercer

    3. Wear your fave lederhosen or dirndl to Oktoberfest.

    Enjoy German food and brews, live music, games, and competitions. Probst!

    4. Get inspired and pick out some fall decor.

    • Wildseed Farms: This isn’t only one of our favorite places to shop; it also has fun fall events. The Fall Festival is coming up on Sept 27 and will include live music, pumpkin patch, kid activities, and wine tasting. Spend time wandering the wildflower trails and butterfly garden also. On Oct 4 and 11, the Monarch Celebration will encourage you to celebrate butterflies and watch them take flight.
    WIldseed Farms Fredericksburg
    Wildseed Farms Fredericksburg
    • Home Depot: Your local Home Depot offers unique woodworking projects for kids on the first Saturday of the month (and the Sat after Thanksgiving). Check with your local store because some require advanced registration. With the project, you can also collect the patch, certificate, and token HD orange apron if you don’t have one yet. Home Depot also has an amazing selection of Halloween and autumn decor or you can pull up some of your pins on Pinterest and collect the materials needed for those DIY projects you’ve saved. Upcoming Kids’ Workshop projects include:
    • Market Days: Most small towns host a monthly market with local wares, artwork, home decor, food, wine, and so much more. The festivities often include live music and other activities to keep the whole family engaged. Our favorites are the Old Gruene Market Days and Wimberley Market. Dripping Springs has a weekly farmers’ market also.

    5. Give yourself a little fright.

    • Blue Hole Haunted Trail: On Saturdays from Oct 4-18, 8-9 pm, take an evening stroll… with a twist. Brace yourself for an immersive experience filled with eerie encounters, ghastly surprises, and the rustle of unseen creatures lurking in the shadows, featuring local theater department actors! Only $2 per person. Check out the FREE family festival, BOO Hole Halloween Festival, on the afternoon of Oct 18 at Blue Hole Regional Park as well.
    • Dripping Springs Haunted House: This experience begins with a hayride and ends with screams. The non-profit organization, supporting Burke Center for Youth, uses young local actors to provide a haunted movie-like production at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park on specified weekend nights in October.
    • Pumpkin Nights: Venture out to Pioneer Farms after dark, where a dimly-lit walking path will escort you through fantastical lands and lead you to a festival with expert pumpkin-carvers, music, unique decorations, games, and food. Buy tickets in advance. Open from September 13 until the end of October. During the daytime hours, this living history farm offers guided tours and classes, such as blacksmithing and Texas swing dancing. Visit a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, a German Emigrant Farm, a Texian Farm, a Cotton Planter’s Farm and a rural village called Sprinkle Corner all in one day.
    Pumpkin Nights Austin

    6. Enjoy fall events with a ranger.

    Most of the state parks, as well as other municipal parks, in the area offer day and night activities during this time of year to learn about nocturnal animals, stars, the changing seasons, and geological history. Check out the many events and programs offered at the state parks and/or register for the unique ones we listed here.

    Sunset at Pedernales Falls State Park

    7. Peep some leaves. (Yes, even in Texas!)

    We may be one of the last states in the nation to see the leaves change colors, but it does happen! There are a few locations where you can peep those beautiful brown, red, yellow, and burgundy leaves. Our favorite spots are Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Park, but even here in Dripping Springs, we get a little taste of what New England goes gaga over every fall. This article shares additional places in Texas to peep some leaves.

    8. Cheer under the Friday night lights.

    Most Texans associate the fall season with football. I’m sure you have a favorite college and NFL team, but the real (and affordable) fun is at the high school games!

    Every Friday night, there’s an opportunity to cheer on local students, fill your belly with burgers and popcorn, and enjoy entertaining marching band shows as well as dance performances. Here’s a list of all HS football schedules within the area, plus the Dripping Springs schedule below!

    9. Enjoy forts like a kid again.

    There’s one final attraction worthy of this bucket list that doesn’t quite fit in the above categories: it’s Fortlandia at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! We can’t wait to see the new forts in this highly-anticipated seasonal exhibit. This is a great time to upgrade your admission to a membership for the next 12 months because your kids will absolutely want to return again and again. The forts will be on display Oct 4 – Feb 1.

    There’s so much to do in our beautiful part of Texas, and there’s a short window to do it in. I could fall hard all year long, but hopefully we can make quite a dent in this list before Thanksgiving.

    Let us know which events or attractions are your favorites, and be sure to subscribe to this blog so you can maximize your fun and family memories in the Texas Hill Country.

  • 2025 Summer in the Texas Hill Country: Day Trips, Local Gems & Family Fun

    2025 Summer in the Texas Hill Country: Day Trips, Local Gems & Family Fun

    We often get asked what we’re up to during the summer months, and while we have a few big trips planned—including adventures in Japan 🇯🇵, beach getaways 🏖️, and a mountain escape ⛰️—we’re also making the most of our time at home. The Texas Hill Country is bursting with charm and activities, so here’s what’s on our list for a summer of fun and exploration!

    🌳 Parks with Swimming Holes

    We never miss a summer visit to Blue Hole Regional Park. Located in the heart of the cute town of Wimberley, it’s an iconic swimming spot surrounded by lush cypress trees. It’s the perfect place to cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear spring-fed waters.

    A few other natural swimming holes we enjoy each summer are Reimers Ranch, Cypress Falls, Lake Marble Falls, Camp Ben, and Commons Ford.

    ⛪️ Vacation Bible School (VBS) Favorites

    Summer wouldn’t be complete without the classic community vibes of Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs. These week-long camps offer fun-filled mornings of crafts, music, and faith-based activities for kids of all ages, often for free!

    🏊‍♂️ Swim Team

    One of my kids is looking forward to being a part of YMCA Austin’s Swim Teamhttps://www.austinymca.org/, where they get to learn new skills, make friends, and gain confidence in the pool. As a member, we can stick around for some extra fun in the interactive pool as well.

    💦 Local Pools

    With the Lakeway Swim Center, Founders Memorial Park, Marble Falls Pool, and James Adkins Pool close by, we can change things up and keep cool this summer with a variety of pool options.

    🤠 Gruene Hall & the Guadalupe River

    We’re heading to Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, for some live music and good times. There are live shows daily, and most are free. We’ll add in a float down the Guadalupe River, one of the best rivers for tubing and relaxing in the sun, or a visit to the splash pad at Fischer Park.

    🌲 State Parks Adventures

    We’re big fans of Texas State Parks, and this summer we’re making stops at:

    Each park offers hiking, swimming, and plenty of chances to spot wildlife. Several have chlorinated pools as well.

    🍹 DS Distilling

    For the best happy hour in town, we’ll be visiting Dripping Springs Distilling to enjoy their craft cocktails and scenic patio views. The best deals on food and drinks are found on Thursday and Friday evenings.

    🎣 Fishing Fun

    We’re excited to join the Free Fishing Day Tournament in Boerne hosted by the Boerne Parks Association. It’s a great way to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing. Adults and children alike can fish in any state park or public waterway without a license on Saturday, June 7th. (Children can fish without a license anytime.)

    🧜‍♀️ River Chutes in San Marcos

    Nothing says summer like the thrilling river chutes at Rio Vista Park. We’re ready to ride the rapids and soak up the sun. Plus the Children’s Park right next door is a great way to break a sweat before taking a dip.

    🏖️ Texas Beaches

    We’re making at least one trip to the coast this summer, with stops planned at Port Aransas and Galveston Island for sandy toes, salty breezes, and endless beach days.

    📖 Library Adventures

    Our family loves reading, and we’ll be attending several of the special summer programs at Dripping Springs Community Library and Westbank Libraries. There’s something magical happening each week!

    🏀 Sports Camp

    Our crew will also be honing their basketball skills at the YMCA, where fun and friendly competition keep things lively.

    🛝 Water Parks

    We’re planning some splash-tastic trips to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels and Landa Park Aquatic Complex for slides, lazy rivers, and endless water fun.

    💴 Bingo Nights

    Bingo is always a blast, and we love taking our chances at the games at Wimberley VFW Post 6441. It’s a fun night out for the whole family! Be sure to bring cash for cards. (BYOB, concession food available)

    🐎 Small Town Rodeos

    Nothing captures the spirit of the Hill Country like a good ol’ fashioned rodeo! We’re heading to events like Rodeo Wimberley to cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls.

    🦖 Dino Exploration

    Last but not least, we’re planning to use our membership to check out the animatronic dinos at the Wildflower Center. It’s a great chance to blend nature and prehistoric fun. Then, we might pop over to Zilker Botanical Garden, also free with our Wildflower Membership, for a walk through their prehistoric garden and the woodland faerie trail.

    From swimming holes to music halls, Texas Hill Country has endless ways to keep summer magical. What’s on your summer list? Let us know in the comments!

  • Dripping with Kids’ Four Faves from This Week: Oct 20-26, 2024

    Dripping with Kids’ Four Faves from This Week: Oct 20-26, 2024

    This past week, we had so much fun in Austin, Marble Falls, and a few places in between. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful corner of Texas!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. Trial Class at Hot Ground Gym of Dripping Springs

    Scaling Walls and Climbing Huge Ladders

    My 7 and 9 year old kids participated in a trial ninja class at the new Hot Ground Gym, which combines obstacle course running, hand-eye skills “target practice”, and team building challenges that made my kids feel confident, excited, and exhausted afterward. Even my kiddo who frustrates easily overcame difficult obstacles without quitting. Both kids begged me to sign them up immediately, and I heard their friends asking the same of their moms, especially after learning that the obstacles and challenges change each week.

    The gym offers weekly classes, including homeschool options, birthday parties, camps, and team-building events. I highly recommend signing up for a trial class! (Best for ages 5+)

    2. Book Celebration – The Theatre and a Themed Dinner

    To celebrate finishing the novel, Wind in the Willows, the kids and I attended a one-man dramatic reading and interpretation of one of the book’s chapters titled, The Pipers at the Gates of Dawn, at Paramount Theater. The performer was very talented and entertaining, even though my kids were slightly disappointed that Toad’s adventures weren’t included in the play. There are several more performances for kids coming up as a part of The Paramount Family Series, including Goodnight Moon, A Very Electric Christmas, and Dogman: The Musical.

    After enjoying the play, the kids and I were inspired to watch the Wind in the Willows movie, then to decorate our table and plan a dinner menu inspired by the book’s plot and characters. They were such fun ways to celebrate Kenneth Graham’s beloved classic!

    3. Founders Park and The Pound House

    We rarely let a week go by without a visit to Founders Park. Now that the skate park and all of the sidewalks are complete, my kids love to bring their EZY Rollers, skates, or bikes to ride all around.

    One of our visits to the park this week also included popping in to The Pound House for Community Monday. Each Monday morning from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. through November 18th, the public is invited to enjoy the 4.7 acres and participate in a craft on The Pound House grounds. (The house will not be open.) Be sure to Save the Date for Homespun Holiday at The Pound House, Sat, Dec 14th, 10 am – 3 pm as well.

    4. Sweet Berry Farm

    This gem in Marble Falls always tops our Fall bucket list! We’ve been going annually since we moved to the Hill Country. We love that admission is free, and most activities are quite affordable. The staff and the goats are very friendly. The pumpkin patch and surrounding scenery are perfect for photos, including Gram-worthy shots for the teens.

    My kids’ must-do activities when we visit are the Berry Bounce (jumping pillow), goat-feeding, Barnyard Maze, and Hayride (with fun surprises). They also enjoyed the new mechanical goats. We had a party of 11 that visited today, and total amount spent was around $125. If you haven’t been yet, definitely plan to take the scenic drive and spend a few hours on the farm before the season ends in mid-November!

    That’s a wrap on our week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

  • Best Frugal Alternatives to Austin Attractions

    Best Frugal Alternatives to Austin Attractions

    Save Money with These Alternatives to Austin and Hill Country Hot Spots

    There seem to be limitless attractions in Austin and within the surrounding Texas Hill Country. These include trails, swimming holes, museums, playgrounds, classes, farms, festivals, and historical sites. My kids and I enjoy almost everything in this area! However, too many choices can paralyze the planner; they can also blow the budget.

    Two of my kids are homeschooled. We have a lot of time each day, which we try to fill with unique learning experiences. Most of my weekly plans involve getting my kids out of the house.

    Unfortunately, many attractions, even those in natural landscapes, can be upwards of $20 per person. That adds up too quickly, especially with a large family. We’re often searching for options that are free or at least cost half as much as the typical attraction price.

    To assist both with my planning and yours, I’ve compiled a list of frugal alternatives to the top attractions in the Austin area and the Texas Hill Country. These alternatives are not only cheaper, but they’re likely to be less crowded, especially on weekdays.

    Hot Spot: Hamilton Pool ($12/car + $8/adult)

    Frugal Alternative: FREE Hamilton Greenbelt

    While Hamilton Greenbelt is more of a trail than a tourist attraction, it offers a view of waterfalls, shaded walking trails, creeks to splash in (if it’s been raining), a bird blind, picnic tables and grassy area for sunning, a few animal sculptures to search for, and no fee, plus free parking.

    Hot Spot: Umlauf Sculpture Garden ($7/adult)

    Frugal Alternative: FREE Day at Contemporary Art Museum and Laguna Gloria (all day Thursdays)

    See beautiful sculptures as you stroll along the calm waters of the Colorado River. Add on a visit to Mayfield Park to make your day truly unique and tranquil.

    Frugal Alternative: FREE Bee Cave Sculpture Park

    This short trail is a fun stop to add on to a day at the Hill Country Galleria, where you can visit the cute library, do a little shopping, and see additional art exhibits along the store fronts and at Bee Cave Art Foundation.

    Hot Spot: The Thinkery Children’s Museum ($18/person)

    Frugal Alternative: FREE pass from Dripping Springs Library

    You can still visit the popular children’s museum yet avoid the crowds on free museum days. Just check out a weekly admission pass from the library. Dripping Springs Library definitely has them, and chances are, other local Austin libraries do too. You can go for FREE during the less busy hours.

    Frugal Alternative: McKenna Children’s Museum in New Braunfels ($8/person)

    This museum is my younger kids’ absolute favorite! Their imaginations come alive in the many role play areas. These include the hospital room, the grocery store, the space station, the bank, the art studio, and the outdoor water play area. We spend the whole day there for just $8 per person. Plus, there are several cute restaurants nearby to grab lunch. (Admission fee grants you in/out access all day.)

    Frugal Alternative: Johnson City Science Mill ($11/adult, $9.50/child)

    The Science Mill is a frugal alternative if you’re up for more science-focused exhibits. It offers both indoor and outdoor hands-on experiences. They have many special events throughout the year as well.

    Hot Spot: The Austin Zoo ($19/adult, $16/child)

    Frugal Alternative: FREE Austin Nature and Science Center

    Explore animal exhibits, both indoor and outdoor. Visit a frog pond and streams where you can catch tadpoles with your own net. Discover rooms with insect and animal specimens. Enjoy a sandy dino dig area…. all for free.

    Hot Spot: San Antonio Zoo ($32/adult, $28/child)

    Frugal alternative: Cameron Park Zoo in Waco ($14/adult, $10/child)

    If you’re willing to travel out of town for a bigger, better zoo experience, head north instead of south. You’ll find several of the same animals and a more chill and close-up experience at the Cameron Park Zoo. If you love zoos as much as we do, you might want to consider getting a zoo membership. It offers reciprocal discounts at other zoos.

    Hot Spot: Kayak Tour of Austin ($45)

    Frugal alternative: Zilker Boats BOGO Deal ($21/2 hours)

    Explore Lady Bird Lake on a kayak or paddleboard. Take in the downtown skyline and the beauty of Zilker Park for half the price (on weekdays). Coupon is on the site linked above.

    Hot Spot: Bob Bolluck State History Museum ($13/adult, $9/child)

    Frugal alternative: FREE day at Bob Bullock State History Museum

    HEB sponsors a FREE museum day on the first Sunday of each month at the Bob Bullock Museum from 10 am – 5 pm.

    Hot Spot: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center ($15/adult, $8/child over 4)

    Frugal alternative: FREE Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg

    If your goal is to stroll among beautiful wildflowers, marvel at creative art pieces, and find cute photo ops, this free alternative is the way to go. You can enjoy a picnic or cafe-style lunch. Roam freely in the great outdoors. You can even do a little wine tasting or shopping. There aren’t as many play areas specific to children. However, this unique spot hosts many fun events with kid-friendly activities. These include a Fall Festival, live music options, and a butterfly release day.

    Hot Spot: Guadalupe or Comal River Tubing Float ($20-$25/person)

    Frugal alternative: FREE Rio Vista Park at San Marcos River

    Hit the rapids, jump off the bridge, linger in the shade, or float the slow current of the San Marcos River. Bring your own tube to drop in at Rio Vista Park. Head downstream a bit to find one of the best tube chutes around.

    Hot Spot: ZACH Theater Performance ($15-$40)

    FREE musicals at Hill Country Galleria or Zilker Hillside (summer only)

    Keep these options in mind for next summer. There are shows almost every night of the week with kid-friendly themes and excellent actors, all for free.

    Affordable high school musicals ($10-$15/person)

    Check the high school websites in your area for musicals in the Fall and in the Spring. Most are produced at a very high quality, and there’s a lot of young talent on those stages!

    Hot Spot: Barton Springs Pool ($5-$9/adult, $3-$5/child)

    Frugal alternative: FREE Barking Springs

    This open access swimming area is just downstream from the popular swimming hole. It’s open year-round and has no restrictions on food and drink. It can attract a crowd, as well as lots of dogs, during popular times and really hot days. Swim at your own risk and go early to claim a spot on the bank. The easiest way to access Barking Springs is to go down the staircase just east of the Zilker Park Playground. You can park in the first parking lot near the playground.

    Hot Spot: Austin Aquarium ($25/adult, $20/child)

    Frugal alternative: The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment ($12/adult, $8/child)

    Head down to San Marcos for a glass bottom boat tour, aquarium, discovery center, and trails. The cost is significantly less, and the experience is focused on conservation and education. If you want a truly frugal experience, go on a Family Fun Day for FREE admission and activities for children. There are also homeschool days that mimic a field trip for only $10/person (pre-registration required).

    Hot Spot: Austin Bouldering Project ($20/person)

    Frugal alternative: Hill Country Indoor Climbing Area ($5/person)

    For only $5/hour, you can try out a variety of challenging climbing walls at Hill Country Indoor. These walls are unique. You can climb even if you’re not a member of the gym. Call ahead to make sure the climbing area isn’t reserved for a party.

    Hot Spot: Painting with a Twist ($40-$50/event)

    Frugal alternative: FREE Art Classes at Buda City Library

    This library has several options for all ages. It includes teen art projects and adult art with Inspired Minds. However, they offer more than just art classes. There are also STEM classes for homeschoolers, come and go crafting, cooking classes, and more.

    Hot Spot: Pioneer Farms ($8/adult, $6/child)

    Frugal alternative: FREE LBJ State Park and Sauer-Beckmann Farm

    Pioneer Farms is a cool place and not that expensive. However, Sauer-Beckmann Farm and LBJ State Park are completely free. It’s one of our favorite attractions in the area. There are period actors every day working the farm and demonstrating how people homesteaded more than 100 years ago. There are also hiking trails, a museum, and animals to visit.

    We hope this list encourages you to check out some of the lesser-known attractions in the area! Some require more of a drive. You might also need a bit more packing or planning. However, my family thinks they’re all worth it. Plus, the savings make a huge difference, allowing us to get out and explore even more.

    If you’d like to experience some of the bigger attractions, as well as semi-professional games, in San Antonio, Waco, and Austin at a huge discount, check out the POGO Pass. It charges one annual fee per person for free admission into multiple family-friendly places.