Dripping with Kids

Tag: best swimming holes in texas

Commons Ford Ranch for a Hike and a Swim

Take an easy and free hike to the Colorado River.

✅ Trails for Children

✅ Swimming

✅ Bathrooms

❌ Playground and Sports Fields

✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking)

✅ Stroller-friendly Trails

❌ Reservations or Tickets needed

If you’re looking for a short and easy hike that ends with a jump into the water and lounging in the grass, Commons Ford is the place for you and your family. It’s rarely crowded on weekdays and provides the perfect opportunity to spend the day outside. It’s a great place for boating, paddle-boarding, kayaking, fishing, tree-climbing, and playing volleyball too.

The 215 acres allows for several areas to explore and wander, but this post will focus primarily on the trail that leads to the water and picnic area (“lawn”). We’re excited to share what we love about Commons Ford Ranch located at 614 Commons Ford Ranch Rd on the west side of Austin, TX!

Trail Options for All Levels

As mentioned, there are several hiking trails in this large stretch of park land. The trails closer to the water are flat and child-friendly. There are great opportunities for wildflower scavenger hunts and bird-watching along these trails, including signs that inform you on the species you might encounter. We like to take the forks in the trails to see new sights each time we go, with the ultimate goal of ending up at the water’s edge.

Most or these trails are dirt paths and can be a little rocky. It’s possible to push a stroller or pull a wagon, but there will be some uneven terrain that may require lifting or maneuvering around the dips and obstacles.

There are additional trails that lead uphill away from the water. They offer beautiful views and other opportunities for wildlife-viewing, as well as a more significant work out. These trails are more rigorous and not stroller-friendly.

Easy Parking and Access

First parking option on left side of main road with access to picnic area trail across the street or uphill rocky trail in front of the cars

Google Maps will take you directly to the park entrance. You can park for free in the parking areas near the trailheads. The location where we often park only has a handful of spots directly off the main park road. Parallel parking is also an option, as well as additional small parking areas as you drive further into the park.

Trailhead to Picnic Area/Lawn

The trailheads are easily accessible from the main road, and bathrooms are available at the back of the picnic/swimming area as well as near the barn. I recommend having the trail map saved on your phone to find restrooms and landmarks as you venture out onto the other trails.

Interesting Sights

This park is also an historic site. The land was originally settled in 1838 by a man named Dick Preece, who later joined the Texas Rangers. He continued to acquire land in the area and began ranching.

Preece moved off the property at the end of the 19th century, during which it became a popular tourist attraction luring Austinites by steam ships daily to visit and take a dip in the “medicinal waters”.

In the early twentieth century, the land became Resaca Ranch, a working cattle ranch that was sold to the city for the purpose of waterfront park land in 1983.

Today, while visiting Commons Ford, you can see some of the buildings that remain from Resaca Ranch, including a barn, a ranch house, and the caretaker’s house.*

Large Grassy Picnic Area

The hike we usually take leads us right to the wide-open picnic area along the water, labeled “lawn” on the park map. It has a low-grade hill, access to more trails, a volleyball net, some shade, a dock, lots of open grassland, and of course, river access. Bring your own picnic blanket, food, balls, and water toys, as well as plenty of drinking water.

Swimming!

One of the spots to access the water is a wooden boat dock. Keep in mind that this main swimming area on the Colorado River is shared with boats and can be subject to wake. Kids need to be strong swimmers and have life jackets or tubes when in the water.

There is another spot for wading and muddy play in the same picnic area. It’s a shallow inlet that gets deeper as you near the main river. This spot is better for weaker swimmers and smaller children, but keep in mind that there will be natural debris and tree branches or roots in the water.

Commons Ford is in a great location. While it’s tucked back behind residential areas, it’s also very close to a gas station and an Italian restaurant, Patrizi’s. Laura’s Library is also nearby, along with all the other restaurants and shopping options along RM- 2244.

We hope you enjoy Commons Ford Ranch as much as we do! Let us know what you think after you visit. For other family hike recommendations in the Texas Hill Country, check out our page, This Week’s Hike.

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*Source: Austintexas.gov

June 19, 2024
Jacobs Well: Not Just a Swimming Hole
Unique trails and play areas make this a great family hiking spot in Wimberley, TX.

In our mission to spend 1000 hours outside as a family every year, we’re sharing some of our favorite hiking spots in this series titled “This Week’s Hike”. Jacobs Well is our latest pick.

✅ Trails for Children

✅Swimming (during summer only and when water levels are normal)

✅ Bathrooms

✅ Playground and Open Fields

✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking)

✅ Stroller-friendly Trails

❌ Reservations needed

Jacobs Well is on everyone’s summer bucket list as a favorite Texas swimming hole. The depth and mystery of the well add to the draw of this small town destination.

However, during the other seasons, this unique 81-acre park is still a great destination for family hikes and outdoor play.

We’re excited to share everything we love about hiking at Jacob’s Well in Wimberley, TX!

Short but Interesting Trails along Cypress Creek

The trails down to the well and along the dry creek bed are not stroller-friendly or wheelchair accessible, but they are manageable for children and adults of all hiking abilities. There are some steep stairs and uneven ground, but there are some fun surprises along the way, such as bouldering and even crawling within a cavern parallel to the creek. You’ll opportunities to extend your hike on flat, elevated ground too. You can also listen to the audio tour on your phone as you hike.

More Trails

Additional stroller-friendly trails through the woods can be found between the parking lots. They loop around the park, and there are off-shoots (some with uneven terrain), as well as stops along the way to read informative signs, navigate a labyrinth, and watch for winged friends at the bird blind. My kids enjoyed all of these stops, but what they enjoyed most of all was…

Geocaching!

The geocache designers at Jacobs Well take their roles very seriously. These caches aren’t just capsules hanging in a tree. You have to work to find them. If you like treasure hunts and solving clues, you can print the Geocache Brochure ahead of time and use the hints instead of your map to locate the caches.

Once found, you’ll be required to do additional problem-solving onsite to get full access. We found two caches but didn’t even solve one of the puzzles to open it, so we’ll definitely be back to continue the search.

Easy Parking and Access

Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. In the off-season, you can bypass the check-in station and park in Lot C, near the Hays Master Gardeners’ greenhouse. Right next to the parking lot is trail access and a large play area.

Play Area, Nature Center, Gardens, and Restrooms

Leave extra time to explore the gardens, build a teepee, climb the oaks, soar on the swings, scale the spider web net, be a human sun dial, and run in the open field. On selected days, the indoor nature center is also open.

If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything Jacob’s Well Natural Area has to offer, join a guided tour and hike on Saturday mornings in October through May.

Shaded Seating Area/Pavilions

When you need a break from exploring, there are several tables under a covered pavilion, perfect for picnicking or a snack break. There is also a picnic table in the shade on the trail just above the well if you need an additional snack break, as my kids always do.

Jacob’s Well!

A Few Facts About Jacobs Well (from the County website)
- Jacob’s Well Natural Area is a little over 81 acres.
- Jacob’s Well is an artesian spring that releases thousands of gallons of water a day.
- Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas.
- The source of the water comes from the Trinity Aquifer, which makes its way from an extensive underground cave system.
- The deepest part of the cavern system is 140 feet deep. The main cavern length is 4,341 feet and the secondary cavern, which branches off the main cavern, is 1,314 feet in length.
- The water temperature stays a constant 68°F.
- Jacob’s Well is the headwaters of Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park and feeds into the Blanco River.
- More than 200 Native Indian groups populated Central Texas and were collectively known as the Coahuiltecans. Three of the most prominent Indian tribes that roamed this area are the Tonkawa, Jumano, and the Comanche.
Even if you check out the well during its aquatic restoration period (non swimming-season), the well is a wonder to look at and hike around. We always spot fish, and because the water is so clear, we try our best to identify them. It’s also fun just to imagine everything down below in the deep cavern.

Cute Town of Wimberley Just Minutes Away

Another big benefit to making the trip to Jacobs Well Natural Area is that the adorable and vibrant Wimberley Square is just 10 minutes away. If your legs aren’t too worn out from hiking and playing, stroll the square and enjoy drinks, bites, shopping, artwork, and live music.

You definitely want to plan a whole day for your visit to Jacob’s Well and Wimberley, but if you’re too beat to hit the town after your hike, we highly recommend taking in a sensational sunset at Shady Llama on Highway 12. Relax in hammocks, taste a few local beers, order snacks from the food truck, and let the kids challenge themselves on the natural obstacle courses. If you’re really lucky, you might spot the llamas that live on the land.

We never get tired of spending the day in Wimberley with its many beautiful hiking spots, cool swimming holes, unique shops, and lively restaurants, no matter the season. It’s great to know that there are options for outdoor exploring year-round.

For other family hike recommendations in the Texas Hill Country, check out our page, This Week’s Hike.

Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country!
February 13, 2024
Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley, TX
In our mission to spend 1000 hours outside this year, we’ve decided to revisit some of our favorite hiking spots and seek out new ones as well. We’ll be sharing one with you every week in our series titled “This Week’s Hike”.

✅ Trails for Children

✅ Swimming (seasonal)

✅ Bathrooms

✅ Playground and Sports Fields

✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails

✅ Stroller-friendly Trails

❌ Reservations needed (except for swimming May through Sept)

❌ Free admission for Swimming Hole

Just south of Dripping Springs and about 45 minutes southwest of Austin lies one of the cutest Texas towns and the location of This Week’s Hike! We’re excited to share everything we love about Blue Hole Regional Park!

The Swimming Hole

In the summer, this swimming hole is the perfect spot to cool off. The clear waters flow beneath huge oak trees offering plentiful shade, keeping the spring-fed waters even colder. If you’re looking for a hike and then a swim, Blue Hole is perfect. Details for the swimming hole:

SWIMMING SEASON: Blue Hole is open for swimming starting Weekends in May, everyday Memorial Day – Labor Day, and weekends in September.

RESERVATIONS: Reservations are required. There are 2 time slots for swimming (9 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 6 pm) but you can reserve both and stay all day. Our reservation system opens March 1st. Everyone must make a reservation online (excluding season pass holders).

ADMISSION: $12 Adults (14-59), $8 Youth (4-13), Seniors (60+), and Military. $8 Wimberley Residents (78676 only). Season Passes are $120 Adults and $80 for Youth, Seniors, & Military.

In the off-season, visitors can enter the swimming area free of charge. Swimming is not allowed, but there is plenty of space for picnicking and opportunities to enjoy the crystal clear water.

Easy Trails

The park has 4.5 miles of flat trails meandering around the swimming hole and sports fields. Most of the trails are shaded, and it’s possible to push a jogging or all-terrain stroller on them.

A Story Walk

Currently, there is a story walk on the main trail loop. Getting to the next page in the book was a positive motivator for both of our little ones.

Great Playground

Near the bathrooms and parking lot, there is a playground with climbing options for both older kids and young ones.

Clean Bathrooms

The park has public restrooms near the swimming hole and the playground. They’re kept open and clean.

FUN Town Nearby
Blue Hole Regional Park is in the heart of downtown Wimberley, where you can stroll to find unique shops, dozens of restaurants and wineries, cute photo opps with painted boots, live music, and another small trail along Cypress Creek.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit Blue Hole Regional Park the next time you have a day free! There are several other hiking spots and cool tourist attractions in Wimberley as well.

Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country! We’d love to hear about your favorite spots too.
March 2, 2021
Add Cypress Falls Swimming Hole to Your Bucket List

Why it’s now my kids’ favorite swimming hole…

What makes a river, lake, or stream a favorite swimming hole for your family? Do you want a place that’s not too crowded? Are you looking for a swimming hole that’s just the right size, not so large that boats are leaving you in their wake but not so small that it’ll dry up without a recent rainfall? Do you prefer a water temperature that’s refreshing yet warm enough to put more than just one toe in the water? For my kids, it’s D: all of the above. And Cypress Falls in Wimberley checks all of our boxes. Here’s why…

It’s not too crowded.

We visited on a Wednesday morning, which may be why we shared the wide open space with only a few families, but there was plenty of room to spread out and find your own private spot to float or sunbathe.

Location, Location, Location.

We LOVE Wimberley, and this swimming hole is tucked away from the crowds but close enough to town to fit in some shopping and devour a few treats after your swim. Plus, if you still have your swimsuits on, you can hop into Cypress Creek just behind the downtown shops to cool off again.

Shallow Areas

Cypress Falls is a bit safer than some swimming spots for little ones and beginning swimmers because it has a shallow entry point and several yards of shallow water near the shore line. It’s also kind to the feet … no rocks or sharp boulders at the bottom! It’s mostly sand.

Perfect Water Temperature

I’ve been to many swimming holes in our neck of the woods with temps that shock me straight into winter. This mama can’t handle that! I prefer bath water temps, but as a compromise, the cool yet comfortable spring-fed waters at Cypress Falls are perfect for the whole family.

Goats! and Fishing

Yep, you read that right. You can swim or paddle right up to the goat island to spy on the funny creatures. You can also bring your fishing gear and drop in a line under the shade trees.

Waterfalls and a Cave

The natural limestone rock formation, Eagle Rock, overlooks the swimming hole and provides cool photo opps, natural diving boards, and opportunities to explore a bit. Also, because the swimming hole is a dam in Cypress Creek, small waterfalls can be found all around, hence the name “Cypress Falls”.

Paddle Boards, Canoes, Kayaks, and Tubes Available

For an additional fee, you can rent the water sports equipment onsite by the hour, but you’re also allowed to bring in your own. There are a couple small air pumps available for communal use. We brought our own tubes and inflated them there. Then, we rented a paddle board for $10 when we tired of the tubes. My kids had a blast!

All Day Pass for Under $10

$8 buys you a wristband for the whole day, with in and out privileges. ($6 for kids; $2 for residents) Get there early (opens at 9 am) to secure a coveted picnic table or a couple wooden chairs. Otherwise, plan to bring your own chairs or a blanket.

Post-COVID Food and Drinks Onsite

There’s a yummy taco shack onsite with a full bar for when COVID restrictions are lifted. No need to leave the property all day. (Currently, beer and wine are available to go at Eagle Rock Draft House.)

Ready to check out Cypress Falls? It’s located on the property of the Lodge at Cypress Falls at 50 Marina Circle, Wimberley, TX. There is a free parking lot onsite, and credit cards are accepted for admission fees, as well as boat/tube rentals.

August 20, 2020