Dripping with Kids

Category: Things to Do Dripping Springs

  • 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!

  • Easter 2025: Dripping Springs & the Texas Hill Country

    Easter 2025: Dripping Springs & the Texas Hill Country

    Plus Other Spring Events and 9 UNIQUE At-Home Egg Hunt Themes

    Easter is a BIG DEAL in our house. Resurrection Sunday brings so much joy to our family, and the promise of new life that the holiday represents puts it up there with Christmas in how we honor it. I highly encourage you to find a church service to go to on Easter Sunday. Most churches have multiple services available. I also encourage you to take advantage of the many fun events in the area to celebrate.

    Check out this list of Easter and Spring season celebrations offered in Dripping Springs and nearby areas…

    Now through Early May

    • Pick Strawberries at Sweet Berry Farm
      • Daily except Wednesdays
      • Pick strawberries and flowers, make sand art, ride the ponies, wander through the mazes, and enjoy the large jumping pillow.
    • Pick Strawberries at Jenschke Orchards
      • Daily except Mondays and Fridays

    March 29, 2025

    • Dripping Springs Kite Festival
      • Founders Memorial Park
      • 10 am – 12 pm
      • Bring your own kite
    • Family Fun Day at Lucky Arrow Retreat
      • FREE Pool Access 12 pm – 5 pm
      • Register for FREE in advance
      • Live music w/ George Devore 6-8 PM
      • Lobster Dogs Food Truck 5-8pm
      • Kids Menu w/ Grilled Cheese & PB&J’s
      • Cash Bar with craft beer, wine, and delicious cocktails
      • Bonfires for hanging and mingling
      • Kids playground & swing set
    • Crawfish Boil at the Silo
      • Creekhouse Kitchen and Bar (Wimberley)
      • Noon until sold out
      • Drink specials and live music

    April 5th, 2025

    April 11-13th, 2025

    • Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet
      • Downtown Burnet, TX
      • All day, all weekend
      • Live music, kids’ carnival, food trucks, races of all kinds, demolition derby, parade, worship, wildflowers, and shopping.

    April 12th, 2025

    • Eggstravaganza at the Greater Austin YMCA
      • 12 pm – 3 pm
      • RSVP for free online. Membership not required.
      • Egg hunt in the pool and outdoors, balloon artist, face painting, games and more.
    • Fish Fry and Egg Hunt
      • Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
      • 4 pm (Fish dinner, then egg hunts)
    • Butterfly Festival
      • Emily Ann Gardens (Wimberley)
      • 9 am – 3 pm
      • FREE event
      • Butterfly releases, mini donkeys and horses, llamas, crafts, face painting, games, music, and so much more
    • Egg-stravaganza in Buda
      • Buda Sportsplex Softball Fields
      • 9 am – 11:30 am
      • Egg hunts, face painting, fire truck, food vendors, and bounce house

    April 13th, 2025

    • Easter Scavenger Hunt
      • Woodlawn Baptist Church Austin
      • 5 pm
      • Register online in advance. FREE event.
      • All families are invited to a fun time of hunting for eggs by solving clues.

    April 16th – 18th, 2025

    • Stations of the Cross
      • Canyon Baptist Church
      • Check times online
      • Journey through the last week of Jesus’s life, leading to the Cross.

    April 18th – 20th, 2025

    • Hot Air Balloon Festival in Horseshoe Bay
      • Horseshoe Bay Resort
      • All day festival
      • Hot air balloons, skydivers, pony rides, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline, face painters, henna artists, food trucks, live music, and more

    April 19th, 2025

    • Eggstravaganza in Dripping Springs
      • Dripping Springs Ranch Park
      • 10 am – 6 pm
      • Two helicopter egg drops, games, petting zoo, and more.
      • $10 tickets

    April 20th, 2025

    If all of the events listed above still don’t give you your Easter fill, below is a list of my favorite at-home egg hunt themes. You can make a whole weekend out of egg hunting with these options and keep those kiddos happy for hours on end.

    1. Trick or Treat (or April Fools) Egg Hunt

    Fill most of your eggs with goodies and trinkets, but reserve about 25% of them for tricks instead of treats. They can be filled with rocks, fake money, dried up flowers, or pieces of paper with chores and dares written on them. The only caveat to participate is that you have to agree to take the bad with the good.

    2. Tickets and Prizes Egg Hunt

    Instead of filling eggs with tiny toys and candy that you may not want your children to have, put 1-5 tickets in each egg instead. Then, once all the eggs have been found, let kids redeem their tickets for bigger gifts, prizes, and coveted snacks.

    3. Glow in the Dark Hunt

    Hide tiny trinkets and mini glow sticks in eggs, or just purchase glow eggs. Challenge your kids to an after-dark egg hunt in your home or backyard.

    4. Mission Impossible Egg Hunt

    Section off your house or yard to hide eggs at varying levels of difficulty. Let hunters begin in an area where the eggs are easy to spot and collect. Then move on to an area where they’re harder to spot. Finally move to an area where egg-collection requires climbing, crawling, digging, and uncovering.

    5. Party-Themed Egg Hunt

    If you were to throw a birthday party for your child(ren) this month, what would the theme be? Superheroes? Mickey Mouse? Sports? Whatever that theme would be, fill the eggs with party favors, balloons, tattoos, stickers, and treats related to it. Add a few confetti eggs to the mix as well.

    6. Snack Frenzy Egg Hunt

    Buy up all of your kids favorite snacks in individual bags. Then print thumbnail size pictures of the logos of each type of snack (adding up to the total number of bags you have). Hide the logo pieces inside eggs. When the kids collect eggs and open them, they can exchange their logo picture for the real thing.

    7. Good Deeds Egg Hunt

    In the spirit of the season, we can all do a bit more for our friends, family, and community. Spread joy with an egg hunt that has ideas for random acts of kindness that can be performed on the days following Easter. Fill several eggs with candy and treats and many others with ideas, including:

    • Draw a picture and send to a grandparent.
    • Drop off coloring pages and crayons in the mailbox of a young family in the neighborhood.
    • Call a friend you haven’t seen in a long time.
    • Paint rocks with words of encouragement and drop them along a walking trail.
    • Create a list of feel-good songs and mail them to a friend, along with an invitation for a face time dance party.
    • Drop encouraging bits of scripture in all the neighbors’ mailboxes.
    • Write a thank you note to doctors, coaches, teachers, babysitters…
    8. Game Night Egg Hunt

    Buy, borrow, or search your closet for a few board games, lego sets, or jigsaw puzzles. Hide pieces in plastic eggs, and when all are collected and opened, have a family game night. (If you have time to plan ahead, have a puzzle made with your family picture on it.)

    9. Arts and Crafts Egg Hunt

    Fill eggs with kids’ favorite crafts items, such as googly eyes, pipe cleaners, glue sticks, chalk, play doh or clay, string, poms, mini-paints, beads, erasers, ribbons, stickers, etc. Then, provide empty mason jars to categorize and store all of their new crafting supplies, and let them be creative the rest of the day. This variety pack on Amazon has it all!

    Finally, I’d like to add that resurrection eggs are a fantastic way to incorporate worship into your secular celebrations. There are many resources online to make them yourself or you can have them shipped.

    However you choose to celebrate this very special holiday, I hope it’s an Easter to remember and that it brings the promise of new life and redeeming love to your family. Happy hunting!

  • Top VBS Camps in Austin Area: Summer 2025

    Top VBS Camps in Austin Area: Summer 2025

    The signs of Spring are emerging – sunny days, seedlings sprouting, sandy shorelines summoning, songbirds swarming, and summer camp sign-ups in full swing.

    It’s already time to get your summer planned out! All of the best camps fill up quickly, and Vacation Bible Schools are no exception. After reading through countless camp lists and trying out a variety of them with my first two kids, I’ve definitely learned something for my second round of parenting young children…

    VBS is one of the best parts of summer! So, we say ‘YES’ to VBS for multiple weeks in June and July. If we’re not traveling, we’re at a local church for all the fun provided.

    I’m completely amazed by how much planning, time, and faith are put into Vacation Bible School day camps, and I am thrilled that my children get to experience that kind of joy. It moves me to tears every time I hear them singing the songs they learn in VBS. I love it even more when I hear them relating what they learn in the summer to future Bible lessons throughout the year.

    And what makes VBS even better?

    The price tag, of course! Many are free or cost much less than traditional day camps.

    If you’re searching for a VBS to send your children to this summer, here is a list of the top options in the Austin area and the Texas Hill Country. They’re listed chronologically by dates.

    June 2 – 5, 2025

    • Camp Life Kids in Austin is offering a full day summer camp from 9 am until 4 pm for rising kindergartners through 6th graders. Theme: Live Out Loud. Cost: $250. Registration is open.
    • Dripping Springs Methodist Church offers VBS for rising pre-kindergartners (waitlisted) through rising 5th graders. 9 am – 1 pm. Theme: Hometown Nazareth. Cost: $125. Registration open now.
    • Lake Hills Church offers VBS to children entering kinder – 5th grade. 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Theme: TBA. Cost: $25 (in past years). Registration opens in April.
    • Riverbend Church offers VBS for children ages 4 through 5th grade. 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Theme: Live It Loud. Cost: $75. Registration open now.
    • First Baptist Church of Dripping Springs offers Kids’ Camp for those who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. June 3rd – 5th, 9 am – 1 pm (lunch included). $10/child. Registration open.

    June 9 – 12, 2025

    • Austin Ridge Bee Cave and Southwest offers VBS for kids ages 3 or 4 (depending on location) to 5th grade. 9 am – noon. Theme: Summer Blast. Cost: $30. Registrations opens in April.
    • Faith Bible Church offers VBS for children ages 4 to 5th grade. 9 am – noon. Theme: Wonder Junction. Cost: $25. Registration open now.
    • Mt. Olive Church offers VBS for ages pre-k to 5th grade. 9 am – noon. Theme: True North. Cost: $30. Registration open now.

    June 9 – 13, 2025

    • Camp Life Kids in Marble Falls is offering a full day summer camp from 9 am until 4 pm for rising kindergartners through 6th graders. Theme: Live Out Loud. Cost: $250. Registration is open. (Same as Austin camp but different location and dates)

    June 16 – 19, 2025

    • Bethany Lutheran Church offers VBS for PK3 (potty-trained) through 5th grade. Will update as soon as more info is available.

    June 23 – 26, 2025

    • Bannockburn Dripping Springs, South Austin, and Kyle offers VBS for ages 3 through 5th grade. Morning and evening options available, depending on location. Theme: TBA. Cost: $20 (as of last year). Registration opens March 21st.
    • All Saints Austin offers VBS for pre-kindergartners to rising 5th graders. 8 am – noon with extended stay option. Theme: TBA. Cost: Dependent on program. Registration opens March 31st.

    July 8 – 10, 2025

    • Dripping Springs Methodist Church offers a family VBS, called VBX, from 5;30 – 8:30 pm so everyone from littles to grandparents can enjoy dinner, activities, worship, and Bible study. Registration opens soon.

    July 14 – 18, 2025

    • Woodlawn Baptist Church offers VBS for ages 4 through 5th grade, as well as a separate middle school option at the same time. 9 am – noon. Theme: TBA. Cost: FREE (as of last year). Registration will open soon.

    No Announcement Yet

    If you’re looking for other activities to do with your family this summer, check out our past Summer Bucket Lists or the best frugal alternatives to top attractions in Austin and the Texas Hill Country.

    Be sure to subscribe below to get updates on these VBS options and the 2025 SUMMER BUCKET LIST!!

  • 7 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Family

    7 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Family

    And a Few Local Events You Don’t Want to Miss

    I am not a Valentine’s Day person, at least I didn’t think I was for many years. My husband has gotten off easy year after year because I’ve had zero expectations. I usually think of Valentine’s Day as a holiday for the kids and the retailers.

    However, I’ve recognized that my kids and husband truly enjoy the extra special attention during the month of February, so they are slowly turning me into a fan.

    They’re all surprised that this self-proclaimed Valentine Scrooge continues to start new traditions for the “holiday” and carries on the old ones.

    If you’re looking for new ideas on how to fill this month full of love and gratitude with your family, here are some meaningful activities you can do at home:

    1. Lunchbox Love Notes

    Brighten your children’s day by placing heartfelt notes in their lunchboxes. Simple messages like “You’re amazing!” or “I love your creativity!” can boost their confidence and remind them of your love during the school day.

    2. Heartfelt Door Decorations

    Cut out paper hearts and write what you love about each family member on them. Then, decorate their bedroom doors with these hearts, adding one each day leading up to Valentine’s Day. It’s a delightful surprise that reinforces positive qualities and behavior.

    3. DIY Flower Bouquets with Daughters

    Surprise your daughters with a selection of flower stems and invite them to create their own bouquets. They can choose to gift their creations to friends or use them to brighten up your home.

    4. Cooking Fun with Sons

    Invite your sons to join you in the kitchen to prepare a meal or a special dessert. This not only teaches valuable cooking skills but also emphasizes the joy of preparing something special for loved ones, whether it’s for the family or neighbors. The boys can show what they’re made of in the kitchen too!

    5. Community Encouragement

    Spread love beyond your home by leaving encouraging notes at community mailboxes or on stop sign posts. Simple messages like “You are loved” or “Have a great day!” can uplift someone’s spirits and teach children the importance of kindness in the community.

    6. Scripture Memorization

    Dedicate time each day to memorize a scripture verse about love as a family. This practice can deepen your family’s understanding of love and provide meaningful discussions. Verses like 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 or 1 John 4:19 are great starting points.

    7. “Fill My Cup”

    Place cups or jars in a windowsill labeled with each person‘s name in the family. Encourage the other members of the family to slip a little joke, fun memory, or special characteristic about that person in their jar each day. We did this last year, and all of us really loved reading what the other members of the family had to say about us and recognized how well we truly know each other.

    In addition to establishing traditions at home, there are a few local events in Dripping Springs and nearby that are worth your time and money!

    • Galentine’s Event at Shabby Wick: Coming up on Feb 6th at 5 pm, Shabby Wick in Dripping Springs will host an event with giveaways, small bites, featured vendors, and permanent jewelry

    • Daddy-Daughter Dance at Bannockburn Church in Dripping Springs: Scheduled for February 7, 2025, this event offers fathers and daughters a memorable evening of dancing and bonding. There’s as additional option for a Daddy-Daughter Dance at Bannockburn Church in S. Austin on February 20, 2025.

    • Mother-Son Dance through Dripping Springs ISD: Taking place on February 8, 2025, this dance provides mothers and sons a chance to dress up according to a 90s hip hop theme and enjoy a fun night together.

    • Progressive Dinner with a Playground: At 12 Fox Beer on Feb 14th, enjoy a $15 wine and cheese dinner. RSVP ASAP. Bonus: The kids can run off and play while you enjoy your date.

    • Valentine Work and Play Craft Event at Laura’s Library: From 10:30 – 3 pm, kids can craft together and then watch a movie while parents work or read in designated spaces.

    • State Park Events: Take in the beauty of nature together at a state park and learn a skill or do a unique craft with the guidance of a ranger. Various events occurring over several dates in Feb are available .

    I hope these ideas inspire your family to celebrate Valentine’s Day in multiple ways that emphasize love, connection, and community involvement. What are your Valentine traditions?

  • Top 10 Museums in Austin and the Texas Hill Country for Families

    Top 10 Museums in Austin and the Texas Hill Country for Families

    The Austin area and Texas Hill Country are brimming with enriching museums that cater to families, making it easy to combine fun and education. Whether your children are curious middle schoolers or playful preschoolers, this guide highlights the best museums for every age group.

    Below, you’ll find the top five museums for families with kids in 3rd grade and older, followed by the top five museums for younger children. Admission costs, free community days, and links to their websites are included to help you plan your visit.

    Top 5 Museums for Families with 3rd Graders and Older

    5. Science Mill (Johnson City)

    The Science Mill is a hands-on STEM-focused museum housed in a historic mill. It features over 50 interactive exhibits, from exploring virtual reality and robotics to uncovering the inner workings of the human body. This museum sparks curiosity in older kids through its innovative approach to science and engineering.

    Admission: Adults $11.50, Youth (3-18) $9.50, under 3 free.

    Website: Science Mill

    Free Community Days: Check the website for periodic free admission days.

    4. Texas Science and Natural History Museum (Austin)

    This museum provides an in-depth look into Texas’ natural history, including fossils, wildlife, and ecosystems. Highlights include the Hall of Geology and Paleontology and a fascinating collection of Texas minerals. Older kids will love exploring the museum’s detailed exhibits.

    Admission: Adults $8, Children (3-17) $5, under 3 free.

    Website: Texas Science and Natural History Museum

    Free Community Days: First Sunday of every month.

    3. Blanton Museum of Art (Austin)

    Home to one of the largest collections of art in Central Texas, the Blanton Museum includes everything from Renaissance paintings to contemporary installations. Their exhibits encourage older children to think critically about visual storytelling and creativity.

    Admission: Adults $12, Youth (13-21) $5, under 12 free.

    Website: Blanton Museum of Art

    Free Community Days: Free admission every Thursday.

    2. Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin)

    This museum explores the story of Texas through engaging exhibits on indigenous peoples, early settlers, and the state’s role in space exploration. The IMAX theater offers educational documentaries that captivate kids and adults alike.

    Admission: Adults $13, Youth (4-17) $9, under 4 free.

    Website: Bullock Museum

    Free Community Days: First Sunday of each month.

    1. National Museum of the Pacific War (Fredericksburg)

    Perfect for history buffs, this museum immerses visitors in the events of WWII in the Pacific Theater. Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations bring history to life for older kids, making it a favorite for families.

    Admission: Adults $20, Youth (6-17) $10, under 6 free.

    Website: Pacific War Museum

    Free Community Days: Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

    Top 5 Museums for Families with Lower Elementary Kids and Younger

    5. The Thinkery (Austin)

    A children’s museum with a STEM twist, The Thinkery offers hands-on activities, from water play to light experiments. It’s perfect for sparking creativity and curiosity in young children while keeping them entertained for hours.

    Admission: Adults and children (2+) $16, under 2 free.

    Website: The Thinkery

    Free Community Days: Every Tuesday offers free or reduced admission.

    4. 7A Ranch Cowboy Museum (Wimberley)

    This charming museum celebrates Texas’ cowboy heritage with fun exhibits on ranching, farming, and cowboy life. Children will love seeing tools, wagons, and cowboy gear up close. It’s a small but engaging spot to learn about Texas history in a family-friendly way. Check the website in advance to find out if the ice cream shop is open.

    Admission: Free with a stay at 7A Ranch; call ahead for museum-only pricing.

    Website: Visit 7A Ranch

    Free Days: Free for local residents on select days—check the ranch website for updates.

    3. Austin Nature and Science Center (Austin)

    Nestled in Zilker Park, this center offers hands-on nature exhibits, live animal displays, and a dinosaur dig area for kids. It’s ideal for young explorers who love animals and the outdoors. Admission is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing.

    Admission: Free.

    Website: Visit the Austin Nature and Science Center

    2. LBJ State Park and Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm (Stonewall)

    Step back in time at this unique living history farm, where kids can see costumed interpreters performing daily chores like churning butter and tending livestock. The nearby LBJ State Park offers trails, picnic spots, and exhibits on President Johnson’s life.

    Admission: Free.

    Website: Visit LBJ State Park and Sauer-Beckmann Farm

    1. McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels)

    This vibrant museum is designed specifically for younger children, with exhibits like a kid-sized town, an interactive grocery store, and an outdoor water play area. It’s a perfect place for imaginative play and early learning.

    Admission: $9.50 per person, Kids under 12 months are free.

    Website: Visit McKenna Children’s Museum

    Free Days: Occasionally offers free days or special events; check their website for details.

    Whether you’re raising future scientists, artists, or history buffs, these museums provide engaging experiences for every age group. Plan your family’s next educational adventure today!

  • 4 Faves: From an Australian Beach Party to Ice Skating in a Western Wonderland

    4 Faves: From an Australian Beach Party to Ice Skating in a Western Wonderland

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves for the Last Month: Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

    This past month has been a busy one, and it’s taken me a while to get back to the keyboard. Our month included travel to the biggest Texas cities, a lot of sparkling lights, and celebrations of Christmas around the world. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

    What topped our list this month…

    1.We celebrated Christmas in Australia with a “Beach Party”.

    As a part of our lessons on Christmas around the world, we planned activities related to a summertime Australian Christmas that included sand snowmen, decorating a Christmas bush blindfolded, tasting ginger cookies, learning fun facts about marsupials, searching for Christmas beetles, and coloring nautical ornaments and pictures of Santa on a surfboard. We met friends at the Dripping Springs Sports and Rec Park to take advantage of the sand, the trails for scavenger hunts, and the picnic tables for snacking.

    2. We traveled to Dallas and Waco for unique holiday experiences.

    We filled 3 days full of adventures and Christmas fun on our road trip to the Big D. Check out this link for our itinerary.

    3. We danced beneath beautiful Christmas light displays in Johnson City, Burnet, and Fredericksburg.

    And enjoyed other fantastic features of these small towns as well…

    There’s no shortage of stunning light displays all over the Texas Hill Country! We visited a couple of our faves and tried a new one too.

    The Johnson City Lights Spectacular is mesmerizing, and the town keeps adding more exciting events and displays so you can spend your whole afternoon and evening in the small town.

    Also, Fredericksburg has a unique German take on Christmas with dozens of events every weekend and opportunities to explore shops, restaurants, and wineries before experiencing Weinachtszeit. We decided to climb Enchanted Rock before heading into town.

    Our newest favorite tradition is visiting Burnet for the live nativity, Main Street Bethlehem, and their Christmas on the Square. The live nativity was amazing, and we really felt like we had stepped back in time to the day of Jesus’s birth. The volunteer actors and historic scenery made the experience truly memorable.

    Tip: If you decide to go next year, arrive at least an hour before doors open. The line gets VERY long!

    4. We skated for hours at Western Wonderland.

    With the largest pop-up ice skating rink in Texas, refreshments, live music (in the evenings), and a short trail of lights outside, Western Wonderland is the place to be in Dripping Springs this holiday season.

    4 + 1 More. We enjoyed family and playgrounds in the warm Houston sun.

    My kids usually ask to visit the same parks on each trip to Houston. We go often to see family and made a list of the best parks in the southwest part of H-town.

    Quick stop for a beautiful hike at Bastrop State Park on the way to Houston.

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

  • Top Picks of the Week: Best Christmas Pageant, Camp of the Hills, Family-Friendly Bingo, & Geocaching

    Top Picks of the Week: Best Christmas Pageant, Camp of the Hills, Family-Friendly Bingo, & Geocaching

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 17th – 23rd

    This past week included travel to other Texas towns, a lot of outside time in beautiful weather, and a book celebration. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. Book Celebration: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

    After reading the book last week, we went to see the new movie and enjoyed every minute of it! This might be the first time I’ve enjoyed a movie over the book it was based on. I highly recommend taking your kids to this wholesome, nostalgic holiday film. We went on Tuesday for $5 movie day at EVO. Pro tip: call the theater to book tickets in advance and avoid online fees.

    Afterward, we spent hours at the park next to the Belterra Rec Center. We brought a few props, robes, and towels, so all of the kids could act out their own pageant together.

    2. Field Day Fun at Camp of the Hills

    Camp of the Hills is a fun and special place in Marble Falls. It’s a ministry that offers outdoor education and summer camp experiences to children who can’t usually afford it. When the staff isn’t managing summer camps or weekend retreats, they host field trips, allowing kids to participate in some of their camp activities, such as low ropes, archery, camping, foraging, and natural crafts. The money raised during field trips goes toward scholarship funds for future campers.

    This past week, we were able to participate in a field day at Camp of the Hills. The kids did relay races, played tug of war, and tossed water balloons. Reach out to Camp of the Hills if you need a field trip option or a location for a kid-friendly event.

    3. Geocaching: Making and Hiding Our Own Cache

    About a year ago, my kids became interested in geocaching. They fell in love with hunting for treasure and recording their team name on the tiny paper inside each cache they found. After realizing that many of the caches didn’t actually hold little treasures or hadn’t been maintained, they decided to create their own caches, full of mini toys, to hide in our neighborhood and town. We haven’t uploaded the locations to the app yet, but we’ll be sure to share when we do!

    If you’re looking to get started with geocaching, a few of our favorite treasure-hunting spots are Founders Park, DS Ranch Park, Jacob’s Well, and any state park.

    4. Bingo!

    An absolute fave for our family is playing Bingo together, and the best option we’ve found nearby is Friday night Bingo at the Wimberley VFW Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm. There are 3 sets of games (5 per round) at 7, 8, and 9 pm with big cash prizes. Each round costs $5, but be sure to have a few extra dollars on hand to buy additional cards for specific games. No outside food is allowed, but it’s BYOB.

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

  • Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 10th – Nov 16th, 2024

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 10th – Nov 16th, 2024

    This past week included some Texas travel, an out-of-state adventure, and a couple local favorites. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. Quick stroll through San Antonio Botanical Garden

    After cheering on high school marching bands at the state competition in the Alamodome, my youngest and I decided to get a little fresh air nearby at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. We got FREE entry due to our membership at the Wildflower Center in Austin. The SA Botanical Garden is a 38-acre urban oasis that showcases diverse plant collections, a sensory garden, and immersive nature trails.

    Our visit was a quick one, but it was a beautiful stroll that still had unique displays from their Fall events. The staff are now setting up for the 2024 holiday season, which will feature Illuminate that will include glowing tunnels, handcrafted lanterns, and larger-than-life sculptures that blend art, nature, and culture. Illuminate will be open from November 29th through Jan 12th, in collaboration with Tianyu Arts & Culture. For more details and ticket booking, visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s website.

    Japanese Tea Garden

    If visiting the botanical garden, I highly recommend adding on a visit to the FREE Japanese Tea Garden just a few minutes away. Also in the area are the San Antonio Zoo and Brackenridge Park. All of these stops combined make for a fun and full day trip to San Antonio!

    2. Volunteered for Brown Santa

    After three years in a row of volunteering for Brown Santa, it remains my kids’ favorite way to serve during the holidays. Brown Santa is a Sheriffs’ Dept program that provides holiday gifts, food, and other essentials to families in need. Volunteers sort donations, wrap gifts, and distribute items to recipients. My kids and I pray over every box we pack before sending them back into the warehouse. Check the link for auction items or to sign up. There are still openings to volunteer in Austin on weekdays until December 11th.

    3. Learned Japanese History and Practiced Techniques of Japanese Artists

    I cannot recommend Mrs. Suzanne King enough as an art instructor! She teaches art history, painting, and drawing in a way that captures the imaginative and creative spirits of kids and adults alike. The artwork my child has produced since attending Mrs. King’s classes has been colorful, thoughtful, technical, and unique. Reach out to her if you’re interested in group or private art lessons.

    4. Kid-free Getaway to Arizona

    Time with the kids is amazing, and time without them can also be amazing. 😊 My husband and I are spending a few days in Arizona to celebrate our anniversary! We hiked (more like scrambled up) Camelback Mountain, got an amazing pedicure and spa experience at Becca’s Nails, shopped and ate in Old Town, and visited the Grand Canyon South Rim. This time of year is such a wonderful time to visit; the weather is perfection, which makes hiking much less strenuous. We even got snowed on while walking the South Rim Trail!

    If you plan to visit Scottsdale, a great hotel option is Courtyard by Marriott at Salt River. It’s clean, and the staff are kind and helpful. The views are beautiful. The pool area and courtyard are really relaxing. The lobby has great seating, a large TV, a bar and bistro, and hosts nightly events for guests. Most importantly, it’s affordable, making it a good value among many overpriced hotels in the area.

    View from Scottsdale hotel

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

  • Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 3rd – Nov 9th, 2024

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 3rd – Nov 9th, 2024

    This past week, we primarily stayed close to home, but we had a few memorable experiences we’d love to share. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. We started our Thankful Tree for the month.

    In the first week of November, when the sugar rush from Halloween has started to subside, we display a hand-sewn wall hanging made by my mother-in-law, and I unevenly cut leaf shapes out of six fall shades of construction paper. Each family member gets his or her own color, and at dinner (or breakfast) throughout the month, we write something we are thankful for on our leaves. It can be big and abstract, like love or faith, or it can be something as small and simple as pencils and paper, which was displayed on one of my preschooler’s leaves many Falls ago.

    I love practicing gratitude with my kids and always look forward to what they’ll write throughout the month. I know the kids love to see what their parents write as well, which always includes compliments about them. If you’ve been wanting to start this tradition but don’t want to DIY it, Amazon has great options.

    2. We participated in a kids’ entrepreneurial fair.

    My younger two participated in our co-op’s annual kids’ entrepreneurial fair, and they had a blast doing it! I couldn’t quite tell if they enjoyed selling or shopping more.

    These events allow young entrepreneurs, often elementary to middle school-aged, to showcase and sell products they’ve created or services they’ve come up with, providing a hands-on experience in business development.

    At a typical fair, each child or team has a booth or table where they display their business with signs, products, and decor. The products can range widely, including handmade crafts, baked goods, artwork, toys, jewelry, and 3-D printed characters. Services, if offered, might include things like chair message, target practice (nerf guns or non-pointed arrows), face-painting, hair or make-up, and tutorials on video games.

    These markets are so fun, but as a shopper, plan to show up with a heart to give. The kids work very hard on their creations and truly hope visitors will show their appreciation for that work with a purchase.

    A few places that host kids’ entrepreneur markets throughout the year are 12 Fox Beer, Suds Monkey, and the DS Library. There is also an opportunity coming up that your child can register to be a part of or just go to shop: The Holiday Kid-Market in Wimberley! Sign up ASAP!

    3. The kids spent hours at Urban Air on a discounted ticket.

    Urban Air is starting to offer more discounts on their tickets. We were able to get 30% off by randomly checking the website, and they are also offering a discounted family pass right now. If you’re not on their regular email distribution list, I recommend getting on it. An announcement will be sent around Black Friday to be able to get $100 in gift cards for $50. (At least, I’m hoping so, as they’ve done that the last three years in a row.) It makes a great gift or offers an affordable way to take your kids a few times during the year.

    4. We built forts and pretended to be pioneers at The Wildflower Center.

    Although the forts at Fortlandia haven’t really kept my children’s attention this year, they still love to go back over and over again to play in the fort-building area and sandpit. We camp out there for hours with friends, especially on a beautiful day! The membership is truly worth it.

    Senior Night! Plus, we’re looking forward to the State Marching Contest, as mentioned in last week’s post.

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

  • Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Oct 27th – Nov 2nd, 2024

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Oct 27th – Nov 2nd, 2024

    This past week, we had so much fun in Dripping Springs, Georgetown, San Antonio, and right at home. Halloween was a blast, but these other four events and activities are what we highly recommend to everyone else. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. We reached our goal of 1,000 Hours Outside!

    The 1000 Hours Outside movement encourages families to spend more time in nature, aiming for 1,000 hours of outdoor activity each year. Founded by Ginny Yurich, this initiative promotes the physical, mental, and developmental benefits of outdoor play as an alternative to excessive screen time. You track your hours outdoors (individually or as a family) to develop a lasting habit of enjoying nature. The movement has gained popularity worldwide, with families using printable trackers and mobile apps to log their progress.

    We started tracking our hours outside four years ago. We didn’t make it to 1000 in the first two years, but last year, we hit our goal by mid-December, and this year, the three of us who keep track exceeded 1000 hours before the end of October! 1000 hours may not sound like a lot of time, but it really is a difficult goal to reach.

    I highly encourage your family to try it out for 2025! Since doing this, we’ve had significantly less illness, no more sunburns, less sensitive feet (due to being barefoot often), increased tolerance to heat, more risky play, and so much fun together.

    You can access various trackers here directly from the official site, and you can check out Yurich’s books about the benefits of outdoor play, as well as recognizing the impact that screen time, anxiety, and our indoor, sedentary lives have on children today.

    2. Kid Librarian Winner!

    The Kid Librarian drawing at Dripping Springs Community Library is a new program that recognizes young readers’ enthusiasm for books and libraries. Aimed at children over age 8, this award allows recipients to experience the role of a librarian for a day. Winners help with library tasks, recommend books, and participate in behind-the-scenes activities, offering them a unique perspective on library work.

    Our 9-year-old was the lucky winner this week, and she was ecstatic to spend the afternoon with Ms. Olivia at the library, along with two friends who were very curious about the program. My happy girl got to do the tour, set up a whole display of recommended reads, shelve books in the children’s library, record a book review for social media, and ask as many questions as she wanted about life as a librarian.

    If this is something your kids would be interested in, there’s a slip of paper at Ms. Olivia’s desk in the children’s section of the library where you can input your info and submit it for the drawing done each week.

    3. Day Trip to Georgetown: The Theater and Creative Play

    The Georgetown Palace Theatre is currently showcasing Charlotte’s Web as part of its Theatre for Young Audiences program. This adaptation of E.B. White’s classic story brings to life the endearing friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, who weaves words into her web to save Wilbur from the butcher.

    Our group of kids loved every minute of the play! It kept their attention and tugged at their heart strings. It was such a great way to fall in love with Charlotte’s Web all over again.

    Unfortunately, the showing scheduled for Nov 9th just sold out, but schools or homeschool groups may still be able to schedule field trips on weekdays through November 8. If Charlotte’s Web doesn’t work out, though, I’m sure your family would enjoy other performances.

    For more information on upcoming productions, visit their Theatre for Young Audiences page.

    Before or after the show, the Creative Playscape at San Gabriel Park is a MUST-visit, as well as the Hat Creek in downtown Georgetown. Both have fun playgrounds and space for imaginative play in nature. If you lunch and play at Hat Creek, you can take a very quick stroll downhill to Blue Hole Park to splash, skip rocks, or walk the trails. Definitely plan to make a full day trip out of your visit to the theater.

    4. Marching Band Competition

    The UIL Area Marching Band Contest was held in San Antonio on November 2, 2024. This contest brought together the regional qualifiers to compete for a spot in the UIL State Marching Band Championship. The competition was amazing, despite a little bit of rainy weather, and featured dynamic performances, intricate marching formations, and outstanding musicality as bands aimed to secure their place in the prestigious state finals.

    The UIL State Marching Band Contest will be hosted at the Alamodome from November 11-12th, 2024, and the Dripping Springs Tiger Marching Band will be competing!

    If you’ve never attended a marching band competition, you should check one out. The talent on the field is incredible; the performances are unique and interesting; and much of the music will drum up a bit of nostalgia within.

    For more details, you can visit the Alamodome’s official event page: Events | Alamodome.

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

  • 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!

  • Fortlandia at The Wildflower Center in Austin

    Fortlandia at The Wildflower Center in Austin

    Our Review of One of Austin’s Most Anticipated Annual Attractions

    Fortlandia, the Wildflower Center‘s annual outdoor exhibit, has long been a favorite for families seeking wonder, adventure, and hands-on fun in nature. This year’s edition, while colorful and imaginatively themed, has left some longtime visitors feeling nostalgic for its past designs—especially those whose children once reveled in the larger, more interactive forts that used to stretch out along the hiking trails.

    Forts of Years Past

    In the early years, Fortlandia boasted grand, sprawling forts tucked into the natural landscape. The forts felt like an adventure in themselves, inviting exploration, hide-and-seek, and climbing. Kids of all ages, particularly older ones, loved getting lost in these life-size structures.

    However, in recent years, the forts have become smaller, moved closer together in the children’s garden, and seem to be geared more toward toddlers and preschoolers. This year’s selection follows that trend, with only a couple of forts offering the level of interaction that used to be standard.

    For children over the age of 6, the novelty of the forts seems to wear off quickly. Pre-teens and teens, in particular, who may have enjoyed Fortlandia’s earlier years, might be slightly disappointed by this year’s setup. Young children, though, will surely marvel at the wonder of the creations and be able to fit easily through the crawlspaces, scramble across nets, and climb ladders.

    This Year’s Forts

    That said, the Wildflower Center remains a beloved destination for many, including our family. While my elementary-aged kids and their friends raced through the Fortlandia exhibits in about half an hour, they spent the next 4 ½ hours happily playing by the waterfall, climbing the other nearby structures, and building their own forts in the surrounding woods. They also loved doing the scavenger hunt we picked up at the front kiosk and then turning their completed papers in for a prize at the gift shop.

    As members of the Wildflower Center, we very much appreciate the uniqueness of the Fortlandia attraction, as well as the staff who takes great care of the forts and grounds. Every visit to the Wildflower Center is a positive one, whether there for a special attraction, evening event, or a typical Tuesday. Despite the fact that my kids may be out-growing the recent contributions to Fortlandia, they still beg to go to the Wildflower Center with their friends, and we’re planning another visit soon.

    Our membership has been well worth it, and we’ll continue to renew each year for the foreseeable future. We’ll also continue to recommend The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to anyone visiting or living in the Austin area. It has brought so much joy and many fond memories to our family.