The Texas Hill Country offers several unique and fun Spring Break options. I’m bringing this popular post back to the surface again in case you haven’t quite hit the “Book” button on your Spring Break plans.
Spring Break takes on many different roles as you go through life. As a child, it represents freedom from school and, hopefully, a memorable family vacation. In college, it’s a week of clandestine partying and naïve independence. As a young professional, it means less traffic on your commute and sunset happy hours on a lively patio.
However, for parents of school-age kids, Spring Break equates to planning, prepping, and packing, whether you stay or go.
The planning can become overwhelming, though. There are just too many options. Do we play hometown tourists? Blow our budget and go skiing? Take a road-trip and camp in the great outdoors? Rent a house on the beach? Or do we visit family or friends? It can be pretty daunting.
BUT… the planning, pressure, and patience it takes to celebrate Spring Break is so worth it. After surviving those grueling winter months (spoken as a true Texan), Spring Break is a turning point from one season to the next. It represents the promise of less illness, sunny days, and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. It’s a rite of passage throughout life, but it’s also the perfect pivot from too much screen time to too much sunscreen.
If you’re still stuck in a planning rut, you’re in luck because I love to plan! Read on for some amazing, last-minute options that can be perfect for day trips or short stays in the Texas Hill Country. You can even have a completely FREE* staycation!
Bastrop Area
Whether your family is into history, the rustic outdoors, chilling by the water’s edge, or window-shopping, there’s something fun for all in this small town. Check it out….
Places to Stay –
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort
Things to do –
- The Dinosaur Park: Check out dino replicas, explore the gift shop, walk the trails, dig for fossils, and have a picnic near the playground.
- McKinney Roughs Nature Park: discovery center, hiking trails, canopy zipline tours, UTV tours, and horseback riding.
- McKinney Falls State Park: hiking, biking, fishing (rental equipment available), swimming, cabin and campsite rental, waterfalls, Junior Ranger program. (Book a day pass in advance.)
- *Downtown Bastrop: nestled along the Colorado River, this historic downtown has art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, breweries, a museum and visitor center, live music, and theater performances at the old Opera House.
- *Fisherman’s Park: riverside park with basketball court, playground, splash pad, and boat rentals – Enjoy a walk along the river trail and a yummy lunch at Neighbor’s Kitchen.
New Braunfels/Gruene
With no shortage of family activities and so much natural beauty in this part of Texas, it has become one of my family’s favorite areas to visit. Check it out….
Places to Stay –
Things to Do –
- *Landa Park: spring-fed wading pool, miniature train, mini golf, 4 playgrounds, hiking, and sand volleyball.
- *Fischer Park: 62-acre hilltop park with amazing views, hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, kayak rentals, outdoor amphitheater, education center, and archaeology dig.
- Comal and Guadalupe River: check online for tube rental and river access
- Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre: old-school drive in theater with kid-friendly movie options and concessions.
- Natural Bridge Caverns: cave tours, zip lining, gem mining, maze, canopy explorer (full day of activities!).
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch: drive-thru safari park with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, lemurs, and so many more. Make reservations in advance and start early in the day.
- McKenna Children’s Museum: indoor fun for all (limited hours, check website)
- *Historic Gruene: Visit Gruene Hall for live music, shop the boutiques, stroll along the river, and eat at the Gristmill.
Johnson City and Fredericksburg
Nestled between Dripping Springs and Fredericksburg, Johnson City features so much of what the Texas Hill Country is known for: rolling hills, stunning views, delicious home-cooking, rich history, and local wine! There’s something for everyone in this tiny town.
Places to Stay –
Things to Do –
- *LBJ State Park: Enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, living history farm, and historic sites, including a museum. Admission is FREE.
- Pedernales Falls State Park: This is a favorite of my kids’ for exploring, swimming, hiking, and bouldering. (Advanced reservations needed.)
- Johnson City Science Mill: indoor and outdoor educational fun geared toward school-aged kids.
- *Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park: boyhood home, old schoolhouse, and more.
- *Historic Fredericksburg and Luckenbach: Just a short drive from Johnson City, there are always dozens of things to do in these popular Texas towns.
Hunt Area
I’ve always known Hunt as the location of my childhood friends’ favorite summer camps. As you drive into Hunt, it’s easy to see why it was chosen for their location. The wide open spaces and winding Guadalupe River take you far away from home with their beauty.
Places to Stay –
Things to Do –
- Garner State Park: one of our fave state parks, offering challenging to easy hiking trails, tubing, paddle-boarding, overnight camping, evening activities, and mini golf.
- *Schumaker’s Crossing: Swim, kayak, or float in the crystal clear waters just east of downtown Hunt. Paddle about 30 min to Ingram Dam to try out a natural water slide, then make your way back to relax and enjoy a picnic at the tables under the beautiful Cypress trees.
- YO Ranch: Go on a private exotic wildlife tour. Book in advance for a spot.
- Bridget’s Basket: Book a table in this old farmhouse and enjoy farm-to-table goodies
- *Explore Kerrville: You can fill the day visiting meaningful tourist attractions, shopping in the historic downtown, floating the river, and playground-hopping.
Waco
Still one of our favorite places to visit as a family, we’re always finding new-to-us things to do there. This Road Trip Edition highlights our faves.
Boerne and Bandera
Places to Stay –
- Bandera’s Big Blue (big enough for family and friends) or other vacation rentals
- The Kendall (beautiful, unique suites in the heart of town)
- Boerne Hampton Inn (home to my kids’ favorite hotel pool)
Things to Do –
- Live Music, Unique Shops, and Great Restaurants in Downtown Boerne
- See a Cowboy Re-enactment in Downtown Bandera and be sure to pop into the fantastic small town library*
- Take a trip through history at the many museums in Bandera and Boerne
- Paddle board, float, picnic, swim, and sunbathe at Lake Boerne
- Take a hike or riverside stroll*
- Go on a trail ride
- Tour a cave
* FREE activities
I hope Spring Break planning goes smoothly and that your family is able to enjoy the best the Texas Hill Country has to offer!
Not ready to travel? Try a few of these at-home Staycation ideas, do a tour of the best hiking spots in the Austin area, or plan a few fun day trips, then come home to your own bed!
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