Dripping with Kids

Tag: Bucket list

Top 10 Playgrounds In and Around Dripping Springs, TX
Children today may be obsessed with screens and have incredibly busy extracurricular schedules, but unstructured play time at a park really can’t be beat. Sometimes, we’ll spend summer days just hopping from one playground to the next. Often, my kids don’t even need a playground, just an open field to let their imaginations and their bodies soar. While we’re outside, worries and responsibilities drift away, which is why on the playground is where I’d like to spend most of my days. My kids often feel this way too.

If you’re looking for a great playground where your kids (and you) can safely climb, wander, jump, slide, and swing, the list below is for you. If you’re looking for tips on how to convince your child to leave these playgrounds when it’s time to go without resorting to bribery, I got nothing for ya.

Top 10 Playgrounds in and around Dripping Springs, TX

1. Founders Memorial Park: This large park is nestled between our town’s historic pioneer farmstead and the local pool. It includes the coolest swings, three playscapes, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, bathrooms, plenty of parking, a walking trail, and a football/soccer field. (480 Founders Park Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620)

2. Dripping Springs Sports and Rec Park: Our local 40 acre sports park has a large play structure, shaded picnic areas, indoor restrooms, basketball courts, sand volleyball, walking trails, and soccer and baseball fields. (27148 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs, TX 78620)
3. 12 Fox Brewery: With a castle theme, including a long drawbridge and wooden ladder, this playground is very popular with my kids and their friends. There’s also a separate play area with outdoor equipment meant for younger children. Bonus: enjoy a beer, live music, and a taco or pizza while they play.

4. Saddle Tree Ranch Neighborhood Park: An old-school swingset, unique metal climbing structure, modern playscape with multiple slides, tennis courts, and a large field to run wild makes this park the perfect spot to burn off some kid energy. (401 Lariat Cir, Dripping Springs, TX 78620)

5. Caliterra Community Playscape: This fun neighborhood amenity includes a large play structure, trails along a beautiful creek, and an adorable coffee shop open to the public. (Hwy 12 @ Caliterra Parkway)
6. City of Bee Cave Central Park: While not in the city of Dripping Springs, this huge city park is worth the short drive! It sprawls 50 acres and includes two separate playgrounds with different experiences and equipment, covered pavilions with picnic tables, large hills for your inner child and your actual child to roll down until you’re too dizzy to stand up, concrete walking trails, restrooms, a dog park, multiple basketball courts, and open field space for ball play. (13676 Bee Cave Parkway, Bee Cave, TX 78738)

7. Windmill Run Park: This hidden park is tucked back in an established neighborhood, so when you arrive, you’ll be surprised by how large it is. With two large playscapes, a climbing structure, and a swingset, your family can spend hours here. There’s also a nature trail and shaded picnic tables. There are no bathrooms on site, though, so plan ahead. (8100 Kirkham Dr, Austin, TX 78736)

8. Graceland: Technically, this is an outdoor restaurant, but it makes our list because the shaded play areas can’t be beat. So, grab a beer and watch your kids run with glee between the three large structures and playhouses. You can even use the playground when the restaurant isn’t open. (8600 290 West, Austin, TX 78736)

9. Belterra Trinity Hills Park: If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood park with room to run, a playscape to scale, and nature trails to traverse, this is a great spot to spend an hour after school or before an outdoor picnic lunch. (240 Torrington Dr, Austin, TX 78737)

10. Headwaters Play Area: Instead of the typical playscape, this play area feels a bit more natural with a sand pit, grassy hills, cargo nets, hillside slide, and large rocks for bouldering. There’s also a cafe in the amenity center that’s open to the public. (708 Headwaters Blvd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620)

Whether you’re new to the area and looking for a few spots to meet other families, visiting from out of town and exploring our beautiful hill country, or a long-time resident in need of reminders on where to let your kids wander, I hope these suggestions are helpful. Get outdoors and play on!

Find more Dripping with Kids on Instagram @dripping_with_kids or on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/drippingwithkidsblog/. Also. Check out day trips you can take from the Austin area even more park and playground suggestions.
November 9, 2019
Hill Country Summer Bucket List (2019)

Best Hot Spots and Kid’s Activities in the Austin, Dripping Springs Area

I like big buts, and I cannot lie. You other parents can’t deny. When a kid walks in with itty bitty complaints and whining in your face, you get sprung, want to pull up tough, ’cause you know you’re ’bout to issue a but.

“Honey, I know it’s hard to go pee pee on the potty, but Mama literally cannot change one more diaper.”

“Yes, I hear that you’re starving and want a snack, but we just ate lunch!”

“Kids, I understand that summer can get boring, but I refuse to take you to Altitude yet again.”

Almost all of the sentences I spew are straddled with a “but”, and my response to 95% of my kids’ requests is “no”. I know this to be a fact because when I actually say “yes” to something, my kids act like the Red Sea has parted or that adorable little puppies are falling from the sky. It’s true that my family does A LOT. We get out there, we see, we do, we explore, we play… but summer is inundated with so many ridiculous kid requests that I am still hitting them with “but” constantly.

This kind of negativity can only be overcome by being proactive and intentional. As parents, we have to be on the offensive. This is where a summer bucket list comes in. It’s definitely great to have go-to spots to hit up during summer, like your local park or splash pad, but I challenge you to have a secret bucket list of “new” or slightly more exciting places to surprise your kids with when your “buts” are out of control. I’m sharing my family’s bucket list, which includes the best hot spots and kids’ activities in the Austin and Dripping Springs area. I invite you to check it off along with us. Summer can be insane, but every year, it flies by, so we have to make the memories count!

HILL COUNTRY SUMMER BUCKET LIST (2019)

Dripping Springs/Driftwood –

1. Vista Brewing Co: amazing food, yummy beer, shaded playground, indoor board games, brewery and property tours, and special events including Driftwood nights and morning yoga (https://vistabrewingtx.com)

2. Dripping Springs Rodeo: rodeo events, petting zoo, kids’ activities, mechanical bull and vendors on July 27 & 28th (http://www.drippingspringsfairandrodeo.com/page/schedule)

3. Route 12 Filling Station: multiple porches, splash pad, playground, casual food menu, full bar, and a super sweet staff (https://route12fillingstation.com/)

4. Roadrunners: burgers and salad, putt putt golf, ping pong, swings, craft cocktails, and a friendly atmosphere (https://www.facebook.com/RoadRunners-423914471754295/)

Cool down after putt putt with a trip to Voodoo Ice for tasty and creative snoballs in the Pig Pen Food Court, which has picnic tables and a playground. (https://pigpenstation.com)

5. Jester King Tasting Room and Kitchen: restaurant, brewery, covered pavilion, sandbox and grassy field for kids to play (https://jesterkingbrewery.com/tasting-room-kitchen)

Bee Cave/Lakeway –

6. *Hill Country Galleria: library, splash pad, shopping, movie theater, events like Concerts on the Lawn, and lunching (https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/)

7. Wild Kitchen & Bar: restaurant, playground, and mini golf – $20/family of four (https://www.wildkitchenandbar.com/)

8. Lakeway Swim Center (our fave pool!) and lunch with a view at Lucy’s Fried Chicken (https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/84/Swim-Center)

9. *Lake Travis Library: summer reading program, fun events, children’s area, and free tutoring (https://laketravislibrary.org/calendar/)

10. High Five: bowling, arcade, VR, laser tag, and a full food and drink menu; Kids can bowl free all summer with registration. (https://www.bowlhighfive.com/)

Austin –

11. *Central Library, Austin Public Library: kids’ play area and events (https://library.austintexas.gov/events/calendar?loc=3939)

12. *Movies in the Park: free outdoor movies at select parks around Austin (https://austinparks.org/movies-in-the-park/)

13. *Laguna Gloria: Check out a backpack of activities for kids to explore and practice art on FREE Tuesdays or attend on the second Saturday of the month for art-making workshops and performances. (https://www.thecontemporaryaustin.org/explore/for-families/#second-saturdays)

14. *Circle C Metropolitan Park and Shaved Ice: shaded playground, walking trails, volleyball courts, and soccer fields, then follow up playtime with the best shaved ice at Sweet Caroline’s Snow Shack (https://www.facebook.com/sweetcarolinessnowshack/)

San Antonio –

15. Legoland Discovery Center: new to San Antonio; free kids’ admission at www.legoland.com/honestkids

16. *Guadalupe River State Park: swimming, fishing (rent gear from the park), tubing (bring your own), camping, hiking, and a discovery center (Make reservations at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river)

Wimberley –

17. Community Pizza and Beer Garden: live music, full bar, house made pizza, and a pirate ship playground (https://communitybeergarden.com/)

18. The Shady Llama: hammocks, sandbox, play area, lawn games, food trucks, beer, wine, an amazing sunset, and llamas (http://theshadyllama.com/)

19. The Blue Hole: Take a cold dip in the spring fed waters, hike, picnic, and enjoy playground fun. (Make swimming reservations at https://www.cityofwimberley.com/index.asp?SEC=1CDE9473-341C-496E-BD68-CED18B923848&DE =73216981-2826-4903-ADED-090ADBF499A6)

Staying Close to Home –

20. *Home Depot Classes: FREE crafts and building projects on the first Saturday of each month (https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/#store/8995)

21. *Michael’s Kids’ Classes: extremely affordable home décor or kids’ craft projects, usually on Saturdays (https://www.michaels.com/classes)

22. *Free/cheap summer movie programs at local theaters (https://drafthouse.com/series/alamo-kids-camp) (https://skycinemas.com/movie/HO00001353/)

23. *Events at local YMCA: dive in movies, pool parties (Dripping Springs YMCA)

*free or cheap

For more bucket list ideas in the Texas Hill Country, check out my bucket list from 2018 or if you’ve had enough of entertaining the kids and want to find a great option to drop them off for a few hours each day, read about amazing VBS options in the area.

Also, subscribe to my blog for upcoming posts with reviews on the best hot spots and kids’ activities in the Austin and Drippings Springs area as we check off our list, as well as ideas for indoor fun and how to keep kids’ minds stimulated during the summer months. Thank you for reading!

May 29, 2019
Road Trip Edition: Waco with Kids

“What’s in Waco?”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this question after revealing the destination of a recurring road trip for our family.

Is there an amusement park for children? Nope. Is there a nice resort to stay at? Not that I know of. Is there a beach? Definitely not. (But read on to find out how you can ride the waves in the center of Texas.) Is there anything more to do than following the Gaines family on their latest venture? Surprisingly, YES.

There’s something about the many small towns of Texas that really piques my family’s interests. Each town in this great state has such a unique history, culture, and vibe, and Waco is no exception. It has a long and intriguing history rooted in Native American culture and early American settlers. It’s also the site of one of the largest mammoth excavations in the world and the location of the first bridge over the Brazos River, which connected east and west Texas, forever changing the population and economy of the future republic. Waco has also had a negative and notorious reputation for murder, including the lynching incident deemed the Waco Horror, David Koresh’s Branch Davidian cult massacre and fire, and the biker gang shoot out in 2015. These stories made Waco less than popular among tourists, yet this town has a thriving university, multiple museums, beautiful natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and a story to tell. Chip and Joanna decided that Waco wasn’t worth giving up on, and my family tends to agree. One weekend just isn’t enough to take all of it in, but here’s our version of how to make the best of those few days and entertain the entire crew in the infamous town of Waco…

Where to Stay:

We found a great house in the nearby town of Riesel. It’s off the beaten path, and there’s no grocery store or special attractions, but it’s just a 15-20 min drive from Waco and offers a relaxing country setting, as well as opportunities to enjoy quiet quality time with family and friends. Check out this house: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22227878

If you want to stay right in town, there are plenty of options through Airbnb, but we’ve also stayed at a hotel (Springhill Suites) that had rooms big enough for our family of 6 and included a full kitchen and free breakfast. Highly recommend!

Things to Do:

Cameron Park Zoo – One of our fave zoos! The zoo has plenty of shade, a fun playground, and interactive exhibits; plus, it’s easy to walk through the whole zoo in half a day. Highlights include the slide through the otter exhibit, feeding the giraffes, bridges over animal habitats, several cute photo ops, the nocturnal animals barn, and the extensive reptile house. Tip: Feed yourself and the kiddos in advance. There are two cafes, but they are spread out. There aren’t many snack options in between the two.

Cameron Park – This Park has it all… multiple playgrounds, a splash pad, picnic areas, scenic views, and hike and bike trails. It is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas, and the Brazos River runs alongside it. Tip: Explore the website and map in advance to determine where to park your car based on trail heads or playgrounds you want to visit. https://www.waco-texas.com/cms-parksandrecreation/page.aspx?id=310

Magnolia Market at the Silos – The Gaines family ventures aren’t completely avoidable. With lawn games for the kids, shopping for Mom, and food trucks for Dad, there’s plenty to do here to keep everyone happy. (BONUS: Joanna Gaines has re-opened her original store on Bosque as a liquidation shop. If you make a purchase at Magnolia Market at the Silos, you can bring your receipt to the Bosque location and get an additional 10% off the already reduced prices.)

Mayborn Museum – It’s a history museum and children’s museum in one… win-win for the whole family! Highlights include the mini mammoth site, kinetic music hallway, outdoor pioneer village, and dozens of interactive children’s exhibits, including a toddler play area. Also, the museum is on the Baylor campus, which is really pretty to walk or drive through. Tips: Allow a lot of time for this visit. Your kids will want to stay put in specific rooms, and you will want to have plenty of time leftover to explore the outdoor village. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

The Dr. Pepper Museum – Do you love the sweet, sugary concoction and want to know all about its history? Then, this museum is for you. There are some nostalgic components worth reminiscing over and some fun photo ops, but if you are with small children with little patience, save this museum for another visit when they’re a bit older and/or when the grandparents want to relive their early years with the soda jerk. (Sorry, Mom.)

On the bucket list for a future visit:

Waco Mammoth National Monument – This paleontological site represents the nation’s only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths. Visitors can view “in situ” fossils including female mammoths, a bull mammoth, and a camel that lived approximately 67,000 years ago. https://www.nps.gov/waco/index.htm

Homestead Heritage – Homestead Heritage is an agrarian- and craft-based intentional Christian community. Its literature stresses simplicity, sustainability, self-sufficiency, cooperation, service and quality craftsmanship. It also strives to live in peaceful coexistence with the land, other people and other faiths. You can visit the craft village Mon-Sat. https://www.homesteadheritage.com/overview/

BSR Cable Park – This surf resort boasts the longest lazy river in Texas, plus opportunities to learn how to ride the waves and satisfy your dreams of becoming a pro surfer. This adventure is meant for older children and adults, but it offers cabins to rent and picnic spots for the whole family. https://www.bsrcablepark.com/

Texas Ranger Museum – Yes, it’s a history museum… about law enforcement. It’s probably not for everyone, but it’s still on our list for the history nerd in our family. (I’m pretty sure you’ve already guessed who that is.) https://www.texasranger.org/

Texas Sports Hall of Fame – This one’s for the guys in our household. It’s supposed to be a really cool place to visit with lots of sports photos, memorabilia, and statistics that are necessary for the male brain to memorize. http://www.tshof.org/visit/info/

Baylor’s McLane Stadium Tour and Bears Football Game – What’s more Texan than football?? As our kids get older, we’d love for them to experience a game at each of the major universities, and if we can tack on a tour of the stadium, even better! https://baylorbears.com/sports/2018/5/16/facilities-mclane-html.aspx

Hawaiian Falls Water Park – This park looks like fun for all ages with attractions for thrill seekers and toddlers alike. https://hfalls.com/waco.php

November 29, 2018