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. As a college student, 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. And then, when you become a parent of school-age kids, as the end of winter approaches, Spring Break equates to PLANNING! So. Much. Planning. So many decisions. Do we play hometown tourists? Do we blow our budget and go skiing? Do we road-trip it and camp in the great outdoors? Do we hit the beach? 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 out of your house. 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! So, crank up that Spring Break playlist and read on for some amazing, last-minute options that can be perfect for day trips or short stays in the Texas Hill Country. And keep reading to find out how to have a completely FREE Spring Break in the Austin area!
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….
- McKinney Roughs Nature Park: discovery center, hiking trails, canopy zipline tours,
- UTV tours, and horseback riding. https://www.lcra.org/parks/Pages/mckinney-roughs-nature-park.aspx
- 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.) https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
- Lost Pines Nature Park: hiking and river access, small sandy beach along the river
- 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. https://www.visitbastrop.com/things-to-do/downtown-bastrop/
- Fisherman’s Park: riverside park with basketball court, playground, splash pad, and boat rentals
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….
- Landa Park: spring-fed wading pool, miniature train, mini golf, 4 playgrounds, hiking, and sand volleyball. http://www.nbtexas.org/156/Landa-Park?nid=156
- Fischer Park: 62-acre hilltop park with amazing views and hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, sprayground splash pad open for spring break, kayak rentals, outdoor amphitheater, education center, and archaeology dig. https://www.nbtexas.org/1863/Fischer-Park
- 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. http://driveinusa.com/nb/
- Texas Ski Ranch: wakeboarding, skiing, skateboarding, beaching, etc. Lessons provided. https://www.texasskiranch.com/
- Natural Bridge Caverns: cave tours, zip lining, gem mining, maze, canopy explorer (full day of activities!). https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/canopychallenge/
- 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. https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/animals
- McKenna Children’s Museum: indoor fun for all. http://mckennakids.org/
- Gruene: Visit Gruene Hall for live music, shop the boutiques, stroll along the river, and eat at the Gristmill. http://www.gruenetexas.com/
Johnson City –
- LBJ State Park: hiking, fishing, swimming, living history farm, and historic sites, including a museum. Admission is FREE. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-Johnson
- Pedernales Falls State Park: exploring, swimming, hiking, amateur rock climbing (no ropes). https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls
- Johnson City Science Mill: indoor, educational fun with spring break activities. https://www.sciencemill.org/
- Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park: boyhood home, old schoolhouse, and more. https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/index.htm
Staycation Freebies and Activities (Austin/Dripping Springs area) –
- Take a drive up to Longhorn Cavern State Park (1.5 hours north of Austin). Admission is FREE, but you can book a guided tour for an additional fee. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/longhorn-cavern
- Spend a day playground-hopping: https://www.drippingwithkidsblog.com/2019/11/09/top-10-playgrounds-in-and-around-dripping-springs-tx/amp/
- Austin Nature and Science Center: check out indoor and outdoor exhibits, including animals; explore wet and dry lands; dig for dinosaur fossils; and picnic in the shade… all for FREE. (Spring Break Camps are also available for a fee.) http://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center
- Spring Break at the Library: check your local library’s calendar of events… there are several free events throughout the week. The Bee Cave Library will host Lifesized Candyland, Science of Spin, and Iron Chef events. Austin Public Library will be hosting dozens of events, including Very Hungry Caterpillar Party (Central Library, Mar 16th), a Superhero Academy (Carver Branch, Mar 17th), Crafternoons (multiple locations), Game nights (Central Library), and Early Literacy Playgroups (multiple locations). https://library.austintexas.gov/tags/events
- Zilker Botanical Garden FREE Day: Tues, Mar 17th. https://austintexas.gov/news/free-days-zilker-botanical-garden
- FREE Creative Events for Kids at your local Michael’s store from Saturday, March 7th through Saturday, March 14th. Check out http://www.michaels.com/classes for details.
- Take advantage of FREE museum days. The Thinkery: Wednesdays, 4-8 pm; The Laguna Gloria: Tuesdays, 9 am – 4 pm (Bonus: visit Mayfield Park to see the peacocks and hike up Mt. Bonnell, which are both close by); Blanton Museum of Art: Thursdays, 10 am – 5 pm.
For more ideas, check out my Summer Bucket List post (https://www.drippingwithkidsblog.com/2019/05/29/hill-country-summer-bucket-list-2019/amp/) and my Road Trip Edition: Waco with Kids (https://drippingwithkidsblog.com/2018/11/29/road-trip-edition-waco-with-kids/).
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