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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Check out these unique and budget-friendly options for a birthday in Dripping Springs, TX
As much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ve thrown some big (and expensive) birthday parties for my kids. I told my older ones that the birthday party cut-off age was 10, but they seem to continue for years after that anyway. The number of attendees gets smaller, but the activities get more expensive. It can be difficult to come up with new, creative options and try to stay within a budget for birthday parties.
After researching and planning multiple parties over the years for my four children and helping with others, I’ve created a list of locations that would be fabulous and somewhat affordable options for a birthday party in Dripping Springs, Texas (or nearby in the Hill Country). These are listed in no particular order, and a few are marked with an * because they are on the more expensive side.
*Costs MORE than $15/child
We hope you can find your next birthday party location and ideas from this list.
La Paloma Dining and Events – Call or email to reserve tables. The party-goers can munch on chips and queso, play mini golf, build sand castles, swing to their hearts’ content, and practice skits on stage.
Hat Creek – Reserve tables in advance. No extra charge for a party. Just order food and enjoy the playground.
Verde’s Mexican Parilla – Make a reservation for patio tables. Let kids play out back in the field and on the playground, while enjoying a casual dinner together on the covered patio.
Private Pool through Swimply – Use someone’s beautiful pool and backyard to throw an epic swim party. Price usually includes up to 20 guests.
Birthday Party Locations NEAR Dripping Springs
Camp Ben for Fishing and Water Play – Snag some tables or an open pavilion for free. Bring fishing nets and poles (for catch and release).
Bee Cave Central Park – First come, first served on shaded tables. There are 2 playground areas to choose from and basketball courts as well.
*Hill Country Indoor – Full service parties with rock climbing, indoor play area, and sports.
*Urban Air – It isn’t cheap, but it’ll reduce your work load and wear the kids out.
*Austin Zoo – Tour the zoo and then celebrate in a private party area.
*High Five – Several birthday options, including axe throwing, bowling, laser tag, and arcade
Shady Llama – Scroll down on linked site to see party guidelines. There are 2 cute playgrounds, hammocks, and lawn games for the kids.
VFW Bingo in Wimberley – Just show up at 6:30 pm and grab a table for your group. Buy cards and concessions for each person. No outside food allowed but BYOB. Kids can win $$ too.
Cypress Falls Wimberley – Bring your own tubes and a birthday picnic. Outside food is allowed but not alcohol (bar onsite). Pay for each person and sign a waiver.
Cidercade – Reserve tables in advance and let kids play video games to their hearts’ content.
Birthday Party Locations in The Hill Country
Putters and Gutters (Marble Falls) – Bowling and mini golf at an affordable price
Sweet Berry Farm (Marble Falls) – Book online. Choose which activities you want to include for your party. Shaded picnic tables are plentiful and free, and you can bring in all your own food.
LBJ State Park (Johnson City) – Free entry and outside food allowed. Call ahead to schedule a farm tour. Snag picnic tables behind the farm before tour starts.
Children’s Park (San Marcos) – This is one of the cutest parks in Texas. Go early to set up at one of the few picnic tables. Add on a cold swim or fishing in the river at Rio Vista Park next door.
*Animal World and Snake Farm (San Marcos) – Book in advance, especially in the spring. You can do a self-guided tour to see all of the animals, then add on gem mining and animal encounters for your group.
Landa Park (New Braunfels) – This park has it all: mini train, mini golf, multiple playgrounds, and a water park (summer only).
McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels) – This is a great, affordable option mostly for children 7 and under. They could play here all day.
*Johnson City Science Mill – Reach out in advance to plan activities and reserve private room for your group.
Did I miss anything? Share with us your favorite birthday party location thus far and any others we may have left off the list. If you’re looking for additional restaurant ideas to host a gathering during the HOT summer and fall months, check out this list.
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear “Houston”? Is it NASA and its space shuttles? Or a sprawling cityscape with interstates weaving throughout? The beach in Galveston? The ever-expanding zoo? The medical center?
There’s no doubt that the city of Houston is full of hustle and bustle with endless sights to see and major tourist attractions. Most of the attractions cost a pretty penny or require competing with a crowd, especially during weekends, holidays, and the summer break.
I just took my nephew and youngest son to the Houston Zoo this week (in July) because we snagged free tickets, but it seemed that the number of people at the zoo at 4 pm on a blistering summer Tuesday was greater than the entire population of our hometown of Dripping Springs! The same was true when I took the kids to the Museum of Natural Science last summer.
While these attractions can be a lot of fun for the kids and are worth visiting at least once, I prefer exploring the less-busy and always-free playgrounds and parks that are abundant inside the loop in Houston.
Despite its size and reputation, Houston actually has a lot of green space and unique parks that can even entertain the kids who claim they’re too old for them. You could easily fill several days with parks and never get bored.
Here is a list of our favorite parks in no particular order, as well as our top choice for a nearby restaurant to visit before or after playtime:
Hikes and Natural Play Areas Huge Playground Miles of Hike and Bike Trails Arboretum Playground: Nature-Inspired Indoor Discovery Room (Arboretum)Events and Guided Hikes (Arboretum)
We hope this list can be a guide for your next trip to the southwest side/inner loop of Houston, especially if you’re looking to balance out the cost of tourist attractions often visited in the big city. With over 43,000 acres of green space and 382 parks, visitors can enjoy the slower and natural aspects of Houston while still having a ton of fun.
The trails at Pedernales Falls State Park can be challenging but offer so much reward.
✅ Trails for (Older) Children
✅ Swimming
✅ Bathrooms
❌ Playground and Sports Fields
❌ Free Admission for Park and Trails
❌ Stroller-friendly Trails
✅ Reservations (Day Passes) needed
We are huge fans of the Texas State Parks, and Pedernales Falls is toward the top of the list. We often bring family here when they visit from out of town. While the trails and the bouldering around the Falls can be rigorous and rocky, we’ve managed to enjoy visiting with babies and toddlers, grandparents, and especially with our children at their current ages from 7-17. There is just so much beauty to take in, and the variety of trails makes each visit unique.
Because of its many draws, Pedernales Falls State Park can get busy on the weekends and holidays. We strongly recommend that you get day passes online at least 48 hours in advance. Passes are $6/adult (ages 13+); children ages 12 and under are free. You can also get everyone in your car in for free year-round with a Texas State Park Pass, which has already saved our family a lot of money in the last six months. The cost of a park pass is $70, but that price will increase on Sept 1, 2024, so snag one today! It might encourage you to visit many more state parks or just return to Pedernales State Park often. It’s so close, and we never tire of it!
The park is currently open from 8 am to 10 pm, but the campsites are still being renovated at the time of this publication, so no overnight camping until they re-open in the Winter of 2025. There’s no doubt you could enjoy every one of the 14 hours that the park is open each day with so much to do there.
We’re excited to share what we love about Pedernales Falls State Park and its many trails, located at 2585 Park Road 6026 in Johnson City, TX, only about 30 minutes from Dripping Springs!
Challenging Trails for Exploring and Hiking
As mentioned, there are multiple hiking trails in this beautiful park. One trail leads to the grand Pedernales Falls, where you have no choice but to scramble and boulder to explore the area. Another trail leads you to Twin Falls with a beautiful view. One trail leads to an active bird blind and star theater. Yet another leads you to the clear waters of Jones Springs. There are long trails over 5 miles for an intense workout and gorgeous sights, and there are short hikes with a destination at the end. The park even has an equestrian trail, and most of the trails allow for hiking or biking. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong, and you’ll be eager to try the next one.
The park’s trails are primarily rocky and somewhat challenging. The only one we’ve taken that would be stroller- or wagon-friendly is the Star Theater/Bird Blind Trail. If visiting with children who cannot hike at least 1 mile on their own or handle uneven terrain, bring a backpack carrier or be prepared to hold and lift them as needed. The park indicates that most of the trails are “moderate”, so young children can handle them and will enjoy them as well, but from my personal experience, they will need help.
Although we’ve visited the park several times, there are still a few trails left on our bucket list. Thus far, our favorites are the Pedernales Falls Trail System, Coyote Crossing, and of course, the Swimming Area Trail!
Swimming!
Swimming at the park is in the Pedernales River, so the depth and flow are affected by recent rains (or lack of them) in the area. There’s been water every time we’ve visited. Sometimes it’s a slow, shallow flow meant for wading and playing in the mud. Other times, it’s deep enough for the kids to jump in off of large boulders. Occasionally, you can even ride the rapids or small waterfalls.
All swimming is at your own risk, and the river is subject to flooding. You can check the park’s website or social media pages for updates. Occasionally, swimming is closed due to bacterial levels being higher than normal.
There are signs to the swimming area and a parking lot just at the top of the trailhead. Keep in mind that the trail to the water is steep and a little slippery. The loose rocks and mud can cause you to slip, and the stairway as well as the large rocks can make traversing down to the shore a bit tricky. You will have to carry your towels and swim stuff down. It is not stroller or wagon accessible.
Lower Part of Trail to the Swimming Area
Parking Near the Trailheads
Remember to get day passes in advance when you know which date you’ll head to the park. Google Maps will take you directly to the park entrance., then check in at the ranger station. Be sure to grab a map. Service in the park is spotty at best.
Each trailhead has a decent-sized parking lot, and there’s plenty of signage. You will want to move your car to different lots if accessing multiple trails throughout the day.
Interesting Events
Birding HikeGeocaching
From star-gazing parties to prehistoric hunting to scavenger hunts, this park has so many events for different interests and ages. We’ve participated in a guided bird-watching hike, geocaching, foraging, and a fire-making event. If you can combine your visit with one of the events, I recommend you set aside time to attend. If you can’t make it for an event on the specific date available, the park rangers are often willing to host that event for your private group. Just reach out directly to plan a group event with them.
Your children can also borrow an explorer pack with tools and pick up a Junior Ranger book at the check-in station. The kids can work through the pages while at the park and then can earn a badge at the end of your visit.
Large Grassy Picnic Area
We always plan time to eat and play in the large, shaded, grassy picnic area. Pack a soccer ball, kick ball, or frisbee along with your cooler of food. There are nice bathrooms and several shaded picnic tables, as well as charcoal grills and a large dumpster for trash. It’s located on the same road that takes you to the swimming area. There are two separate parking lots for the two areas.
After eating, we often take all or part of the Coyote Crossing Trail because the trail head is at the back of the picnic area. It’s an interesting hike that can lead you all the way to Twin Falls if you’re in for the long haul. Otherwise, it’s just fun for exploring and then turning around.
Next on our list for exploring Pedernales Falls State Park are tubing or paddling on the river that’s now flowing better than it has in years and venturing out on the Jones Spring Trail to see the stone house ruins and clear springs that tourists flocked to in previous centuries.
We hope you enjoy Pedernales Falls State Park as much as we do! It is near the town of Johnson City, where you can grab a bite to eat afterward or explore another one of our favorite state parks, LBJ State Park and Sauer-Beckmann Farm. If you’re able, make a whole weekend out of it!
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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Zoo or Garden Membership? Pogo or City Pass? Theme Park Season Pass? We help you decide.
Several years ago, I was invited to write an article for the Houston Zoo website and newsletter as the Member of the Month. I’ve never been more excited to work for free! When we lived in Houston, we visited the zoo very often, even just for a quick pizza dinner next to the giraffes. Here is an excerpt from my article:
My family has had a membership at the zoo for about 7 years. In the first couple years, I pushed a single stroller with my eager and curious daughter, planning each visit around her favorite animals: the elephants, sea lions, and big cats. Soon enough, I was cruising around the zoo with a double jogger, making sure that each visit included a carousel ride, a trip to the playground, many animal sightings, a crawl (or two or three or thirty) through the tunnel in the Natural Encounters house, and a stroll past the monkeeeeeys for my son.
Now, we go as a family of five with two big kids leading the way and another eager and curious daughter in the single stroller. We never miss the African Forest, which houses my favorite animals, the majestic giraffes. Plus, my husband insists on going through the bug house, despite the terrifying cockroaches, because he was one of the engineers for that exhibit. We all challenge ourselves to see if we can make it to every corner of the zoo. We don’t want to miss anything!
After submitting that article, not only did we add an additional zoo-lover to our family, but it hit me that the zoo truly was one of our family’s happy places, and we vowed to visit zoos all over the country whenever we travel together.
However, zoo admissions continue to increase in cost, and many of them have added extra experiences at prices that will take a big bite into the budget.
There’s good news, though — a zoo membership can make a huge difference! Once we discovered the added benefits of a zoo membership, we took advantage of it as we traveled and as we planned get-togethers with family and friends. It really saved us a lot!
So, we decided to do a cost-benefit analysis of membership and family pass offerings to help decide which one(s) give a family the most bang for its buck. Is the zoo membership the only one that’s worth its weight in gold for a young family? We had to find out.
The four options listed below seem to be the most common, at least in our area, and we’ve tried all of them. Continue reading until the end, though, for our reviews on other memberships and passes.
Membership Options
What is Reciprocal Membership?
Paying for one zoo membership not only gets you in for free at that specific zoo for an entire year, but it also gets you in free or 50% off admission to dozens of other zoos and aquariums across the country. Check out this site to see which zoos and aquariums are included. Make sure your home zoo (or the one at which you buy a membership) participates.
In a two-year span, my family visited the Cameron Park Zoo three times, Houston Zoo at least three times, Fort Worth Zoo, Oakland Zoo, Dallas Zoo, and San Antonio Zoo. Because of our membership benefits, we saved over $400 on zoo visits while traveling, in addition to the savings we were able to pass along to friends through free day passes and inviting them as our guests.
With most botanical garden memberships, you get free access to other gardens in the American Horticultural Society network. You just show your membership pass at the admission gate of the participating garden. However, if you’re planning to bring the whole family, and you have more than 2 children, reach out to the botanical garden you intend to visit in advance. They may have restrictions on how many children are included with your reciprocal admission.
We recently purchased a family membership for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and since our purchase a few months ago, we’ve visited the Dallas Arboretum and Zilker Botanical Garden for free, saving us over $50, not to mention the $100 we saved from visiting the wildflower center with friends where we hold the membership.
The City Pass and Pogo Pass do not offer reciprocal privileges. You must use your pass for specific locations listed.
What about special events or exhibits?
Most zoos and gardens have special events for Halloween (Zoo Boo), the holidays (Zoo Lights), and in the spring or summer (Zoobilee), to which members get free or reduced admission. Many also have free yoga classes, education events for children, opportunities for overnight campouts, and toddler/infant socialization times. Additionally, members often get early access once per month that allows entrance prior to the general public and features specific animal talks or classes. Members also get discounts on carousel or train rides and gift shop purchases.
The City and Pogo Pass usually exclude special events or special exhibits.
Any other benefits?
Your zoo or garden membership can be considered a tax-deductible charitable donation going toward animal and habitat conservation. Saving money on family experiences and taxes too… win-win!
The City Pass and Pogo Pass are not considered charitable donations.
So, Which One is My Best Option?
Well, that depends.
Which attractions are you most likely to visit and how often?
If you think you’ll visit the zoo at least twice and may visit another one while traveling elsewhere, definitely get a zoo membership to the location you’ll go most often. Be sure that it’s a part of the reciprocal membership program. Same for the garden membership.
If you’re not into zoos or gardens but prefer indoor activities and sports games, pick the Pogo Pass and be sure to use a discount code before you purchase the passes. You can usually find them on Groupon, by asking friends, or by searching Google. The discount is often 50%.
Will you be traveling soon and plan to do touristy things?
If you plan to stay in a big city and hit the most popular tourist attractions, the City Pass or Go City Pass is likely your best bet, UNLESS you’re willing to brave the crowds and schedule your visits around the free or discounted days. Many attractions, especially if they receive tax dollars or donations as part of their operating income, offer a free day each week or month with limited hours. Many theme parks and water parks offer discounts for specific days or hours as well. For example, several water parks reduce their price if you go after 5 pm. These free or discount day options will require advanced research and planning for specific attractions.
If you visit a location often and/or like to experience the less crowded play places with your family, look for a Pogo Pass for that city. Some include multiple cities on the pass and can be used for an entire year. Therefore, you can travel to multiple destinations at different times and get free admission to fun activities. For example, there is a Pogo Pass that combines Waco, San Antonio, and Austin locations. That could be three different vacations with multiple options for each trip and only spending $50 per person (cost of the pass on a discount) for entertainment at all three locations.
Other Passes and Memberships
There are so many additional options for memberships and discounts at attractions and venues, several of which we’ve tried but haven’t consistently used for several reasons. Your family may benefit greatly from them, though.
Gym or YMCA
A YMCA membership can be great to have year-round if you plan to enroll your children in the youth programs, camps, or sports and if you enjoy working out at their gyms. The membership can be especially beneficial in the summer because you can take your kids to several different pools throughout the city and even squeeze in a workout while they’re in child watch. We have definitely gotten great value out of a YMCA membership during the summer months.
Occasionally, gyms will run a special promotion that waives the enrollment fee, which really makes the monthly cost worth it. Currently, YMCA of Austin is offering a 7-day trial membership, and Crunch Gym is South Austin is offering an entire month free, plus no enrollment fee. Crunch has babysitting available but no children’s camps/sports or a pool to offer.
DWK Recommendation: Sign up for emails from whichever gym or YMCA you’re most interested in so you can be in the know on specials they run on memberships and when they offer free community days or classes. Often, the YMCA will host community swim days or festivals (membership not required). Just ask to be added to the email list or sign up for a trial membership to get your name in the system.
Museums
We did not include memberships to museums in the list above because we have not found them to be economical choices for our family. However, if you have a museum that your children love to frequent, it may be worth it for your own family.
The memberships usually only include the permanent exhibits, which do not change, and can be a bit tedious for my kids to visit often. Also, while the reciprocal membership option (NARM) offers discounts or free admission to other museums when you travel, there is often a restriction that prevents you from using your reciprocal membership at other participating museums within a 15-mile radius of the institution where you hold your membership. That means that we’d have to pay for admission to the other local museums since most museums are close to each other within a “museum district”.
DWK Recommendation: Just about every museum offers free days weekly or monthly. Otherwise, you can sometimes find discounts available on Groupon or through City Passes. So if there’s a museum we really want to visit, we check out their website to find out which days they offer free admission or search for other discounts online.
Theme Parks and Water Parks
Any theme park or water park offers a season pass, and usually there are multiple levels to choose from. We’ve held Six Flags season passes in the past, and while we saved quite a bit from using it that year, it’s not a place we go to often enough to make it worth it every year. So, again, this is dependent on each family’s interest and ages of their children. We’ve made exceptions and found the season pass to be worthwhile, though, when we planned a birthday party at Six Flags. We brought three extra girls to the theme park, and with the benefits that were offered at the time (significant discounts for season pass holder’s guests) and the free parking, we saved more than we spent on the pass for my daughter. It seems the best time to buy a season pass for most of these attractions is during April or May, prior to the busy summer season, or during holiday promotions that will give you admission for the rest of that year and the year that follows.
DWK Recommendation: If you know your family will visit the theme park multiple times, it’s definitely worth buying the season pass. Otherwise, if we want to go to a theme park, we just look for discounted days or promotions to take advantage of.
Local Pool Pass
Most public pools offer a summer season pass with unlimited admission. They can cost anywhere from $125 – $300 for a family. We bought one when we lived in Houston for a neighborhood pool that we knew several friends would visit often. It was an easy and fun way to spend several summer afternoons, especially since we knew we’d see friends at the pool no matter what day we went.
In Dripping Springs, we found the Springs Family YMCA pool to be the spot where we’d often bump into friends. However, the local city pool was hit or miss, so we have to plan in advance to meet up with friends there. It hasn’t been often enough for us to splurge on a season pass, though, and the city pool doesn’t offer additional benefits such as classes, childcare, the gym, and camp options.
Also, there are so many wonderful, free or affordable pools and splash pads, river access spots, lakes, neighborhood pools where friends live, and friends’ backyard pools that I don’t think we could even get to every single one of them in a summer. Likely, you won’t be able to either.
DWK Recommendation:If your family will be home for several days in the summer and will want to swim in a familiar place with lifeguards, a YMCA membership is a good option. If you happen to prefer the neighborhood or city pool, I would just do a cost analysis and determine how many visits it would require before reaching the total cost of the summer pass. Otherwise, just bounce around and enjoy the variety of swimming options in your area.
With a plethora of passes to choose from, you could potentially end up with too many memberships to take advantage of in a year. We hope this analysis helps you decide where to spend your money in the hopes of saving more in the long run. As always, please feel free to comment and share what works best for your family.
✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking) – on certain days only
✅ Stroller-friendly Trails
❌ Reservations needed
Zilker Botanical Garden isn’t just a beautiful tourist attraction; it’s a great place for a family hike. There is so much to see and do along the trails that you can pause your hike for photo opps, play time, a history or horticulture lesson, some animal-watching, and a little shopping.
The gardens are open every day from 9 am to 6 pm in Spring and Summer and then until 5 pm in Fall/Winter. Check the website for special events and FREE days. You can always get in free if you become a member or if you are a member of another botanical garden, such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, that’s a part of the AHS Reciprocal Membership Network. Families with Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, WIC cards, STAR cards, CHIP cards, Medicaid cards and MAP identification cards also get free general admission.
We’re excited to share everything we love about the Zilker Botanical Garden in the heart of Austin, TX!
Trail Options for All Levels
Whether hiking with tiny tots, older kids, or adults, these trails are a great choice! You can take a short hike with a stroller making several stops to check out all of the flora and fauna or you can meander through the miles of trails with changing elevations for a more rigorous hike (and even extend your walk to the hike and bike trail along Lady Bird Lake right across the street).
Most trails are cement or flattened mulch paths. Some areas have stairs or steep inclines, but there are handicap/stroller-accessible trails nearby that will take you to the same destinations.
Easy Parking and Access
Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You can park for free in the parking lot after checking in at the ticket station. Then, you can choose a trail that begins right from the parking lot; there are many themed options with signs along the way. Or you can start in the gift shop by grabbing a free scavenger hunt brochure for yourself and the little ones.
Interesting Sights
It’s a botanical garden, so there’s plenty to see. You’ll find koi ponds, dino statues and tracks, historic cabins, a vegetable garden, a musical play area, picnic tables, and a perfect view of the downtown Austin skyline.
If you go during May or June, you can visit the tiny faerie houses and villages. If you visit during the Fall season, you can learn all about butterflies at the Roots and Wings festival. In December, you can celebrate Yule in the Garden and participate in crafts and sing-alongs, and in February, you can attend Dino Days. There are several seasonal and weekly community events year-round to make your hike that much more enjoyable .
Coffee Truck On-Site
Before or after hitting your daily step count, stop by the coffee truck situated in the parking lot for your caffeine fix and some lemonade for the kids. You can rest in the shade at the nearby picnic tables while the kids make music for you on the garden-themed percussion instruments.
Zilker Botanical Garden is right in the heart of downtown Austin, so you can add on paddleboarding at Ladybird Lake, a stroll down South Congress to visit the eclectic shops and restaurants, a visit to one of the highly-acclaimed museums, or listen to live music at one of the many venues in the area. The options are endless.
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.
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 favorites as well.
If I ask this question of my two homeschooled children when we get in the car, they know we will be driving more than 15 minutes to get somewhere.
We always have a few different books and interesting podcasts to choose from. Currently, we are almost through Farmer Boy, our second time through the second book in the Little House on the Prairie series. We are also in the middle of book #6 in the Boxcar Children series, and we were recently turned on to the Cool History for Kids podcast on Spotify. All have been excellent choices for longer drives.
We definitely spend a lot of time in the car. Sometimes we drive to a state historic site or farm; sometimes it’s a museum in the city; sometimes it’s a friend’s house in the next town; and sometimes it’s a sibling’s game or competition. But many times, it’s a trip to an interesting park with a unique playground feature.
When I tell my kids that we’re going to a specific park, the name usually means nothing to them. They want to know which identifying feature that park has so they can draw it up in their memories.
“Is it the park with the zip line?”
“Is it the park by the soccer fields?”
“Is it the park with our favorite climbing tree?”
Each park or playground has something special about it, but there are a select few that really stand out and are worth that extra time in the car (traveling from Dripping Springs).
Below, I share with you a list of our favorite “far away” parks as I describe them to my own kiddos.
The Tiger slide sets this park apart, but it is definitely not the only reason to go. There is also a wonderful sand volleyball court with hammocks along the outside of it, as well as additional seating. There is a beautiful water feature and a splash pad. There are decent restrooms and ping-pong tables (bring your own paddle and balls). There is also a challenging climbing structure with a suspension bridge, as well as plenty of swings and other playscapes. There is something fun for kids of all ages.
When you’ve had your fill of climbing nets, slides, and sand, you can picnic in the open grassy area or in the shade of the pavilion. Bonus – it’s just five minutes from Costco, so it’s easy to grab a $10 pizza and bring it back to the park to share.
This park north of Austin will keep your children entertained all day long! Not only are there accessible playgrounds with endless surprises, there is an entire mini city that the kids can ride their bikes or scooters through. Their imaginations run wild, and they can even race around a race track as a part of their “drive” through the city. Our kids beg to go here too often!
This fully accessible park is unique in many ways. The pirate ship playground is perfect for climbers and hide-and-seekers alike. It inspires kids to role-play and act out scenes at sea, while also challenging them to new heights. Other fun features include obstacle courses, a merry-go-round, zip lines, and unique swings.
However, in my opinion, the very best feature of all is the nearby river access. You can take a short stroll from the playground to the San Marcos River to swim, float, and speed down rapids. (Bring a tube.)
There is also a city pool and sports courts/ fields next to the river access. Restaurants and shops are close by as well, and my kids love when we make a surprise trip to Icy Rolls afterward.
4. The One with the 3-story Slide and Fortlandia Fort
You will find absolutely everything for the outdoorsy adult, toddling two-year-old, adventurous big kid, or strolling senior at this park. The playground is my kids’ favorite because of the three story slide and the fort they recognize from years ago at the Wildflower Center.
Soon, we plan to try out the pump track with our bikes and the hiking trails on foot. We’d love to bring our dog for off-leash playtime at the dog park, as well as our swimsuits for a dip in the pool or creek sometime. I highly recommend an early-morning or weekday visit to this park. It can get busy!
We have only one complaint about this park… the parking! There are a handful of spots in the paid parking lot, so if you intend to park on site, go during a non-busy park time. However, once you ditch your car, you can stay all day at this one!
We like to set our stuff down in one section, such as the huge climbing net area, and stay for a while. Then, we move to another area, such as the picnic tables and hill slides. Then, we grab our things and move over to the sandbox and tunnels. If it’s hot summer month, we pick up our stuff again and head to the splash pad on the hill.
Thankfully, the huge central Austin Public Library is within walking distance, and we can grab a bite to eat and cool off while reading a book when we’re done playing. My kids know they are in for a long day when we go to the Alliance Children’s Garden, but it’s always worth it!
6. The One with the Obstacle Course and Amphitheater
One of the most unique features of this park is the huge amphitheater, but more specifically, the events that are held there. They have free concerts, races, and festivals throughout the year. If you plan a visit to Buda City Park, always check the website first for upcoming events.
But if you prefer to avoid the crowds, there are other excellent reasons to visit – a splash pad that forms a river for toys and boats, an obstacle course with natural beams and climbing structures, the best seesaw around, several basketball courts under a large pavilion, and sand volleyball.
Also, its location can’t be beat. You can walk from the park into downtown Buda for a meal or a treat, and you can stop at the local library, which hosts several cool events itself, usually daily.
We love New Braunfels and Gruene, so it doesn’t take much convincing to pack up for a day trip to these destinations. It’s an even better day trip when we include a visit to Landa Park, especially if it’s during summer when the water park is open.
In any other season, though, we have a blast on the trails, watching for fish in the river, traversing the firetruck monkey bars, enjoying the playgrounds, climbing the trees, playing a round of mini golf, and riding the train.
As my youngest children start aging out of typical playgrounds, it’s wonderful to know that there are many parks that can continue to pique their interest and keep them playing for hours on end. Sometimes, it’s simply a special tree that draws them in or just the right climbing wall, but as long as it keeps them in the great outdoors, I’m willing to take on that long drive to get them there.
Comment below with your favorite park and playground! We’d love to have more options. And if you’re looking for the best playgrounds in the Dripping Springs area, check out this post.
Save Money with These Alternatives to Austin and Hill Country Hot Spots
There seem to be limitless attractions in Austin and within the surrounding Texas Hill Country. These include trails, swimming holes, museums, playgrounds, classes, farms, festivals, and historical sites. My kids and I enjoy almost everything in this area! However, too many choices can paralyze the planner; they can also blow the budget.
Two of my kids are homeschooled. We have a lot of time each day, which we try to fill with unique learning experiences. Most of my weekly plans involve getting my kids out of the house.
Unfortunately, many attractions, even those in natural landscapes, can be upwards of $20 per person. That adds up too quickly, especially with a large family. We’re often searching for options that are free or at least cost half as much as the typical attraction price.
To assist both with my planning and yours, I’ve compiled a list of frugal alternatives to the top attractions in the Austin area and the Texas Hill Country. These alternatives are not only cheaper, but they’re likely to be less crowded, especially on weekdays.
While Hamilton Greenbelt is more of a trail than a tourist attraction, it offers a view of waterfalls, shaded walking trails, creeks to splash in (if it’s been raining), a bird blind, picnic tables and grassy area for sunning, a few animal sculptures to search for, and no fee, plus free parking.
Hot Spot: Umlauf Sculpture Garden ($7/adult)
Frugal Alternative: FREE Day at Contemporary Art Museum and Laguna Gloria (all day Thursdays)
See beautiful sculptures as you stroll along the calm waters of the Colorado River. Add on a visit to Mayfield Park to make your day truly unique and tranquil.
This short trail is a fun stop to add on to a day at the Hill Country Galleria, where you can visit the cute library, do a little shopping, and see additional art exhibits along the store fronts and at Bee Cave Art Foundation.
Hot Spot: The Thinkery Children’s Museum ($18/person)
You can still visit the popular children’s museum yet avoid the crowds on free museum days. Just check out a weekly admission pass from the library. Dripping Springs Library definitely has them, and chances are, other local Austin libraries do too. You can go for FREE during the less busy hours.
This museum is my younger kids’ absolute favorite! Their imaginations come alive in the many role play areas. These include the hospital room, the grocery store, the space station, the bank, the art studio, and the outdoor water play area. We spend the whole day there for just $8 per person. Plus, there are several cute restaurants nearby to grab lunch. (Admission fee grants you in/out access all day.)
The Science Mill is a frugal alternative if you’re up for more science-focused exhibits. It offers both indoor and outdoor hands-on experiences. They have many special events throughout the year as well.
Explore animal exhibits, both indoor and outdoor. Visit a frog pond and streams where you can catch tadpoles with your own net. Discover rooms with insect and animal specimens. Enjoy a sandy dino dig area…. all for free.
If you’re willing to travel out of town for a bigger, better zoo experience, head north instead of south. You’ll find several of the same animals and a more chill and close-up experience at the Cameron Park Zoo. If you love zoos as much as we do, you might want to consider getting a zoo membership. It offers reciprocal discounts at other zoos.
Explore Lady Bird Lake on a kayak or paddleboard. Take in the downtown skyline and the beauty of Zilker Park for half the price (on weekdays). Coupon is on the site linked above.
Hot Spot: Bob Bolluck State History Museum ($13/adult, $9/child)
If your goal is to stroll among beautiful wildflowers, marvel at creative art pieces, and find cute photo ops, this free alternative is the way to go. You can enjoy a picnic or cafe-style lunch. Roam freely in the great outdoors. You can even do a little wine tasting or shopping. There aren’t as many play areas specific to children. However, this unique spot hosts many fun events with kid-friendly activities. These include a Fall Festival, live music options, and a butterfly release day.
Hot Spot: Guadalupe or Comal River Tubing Float ($20-$25/person)
Hit the rapids, jump off the bridge, linger in the shade, or float the slow current of the San Marcos River. Bring your own tube to drop in at Rio Vista Park. Head downstream a bit to find one of the best tube chutes around.
Keep these options in mind for next summer. There are shows almost every night of the week with kid-friendly themes and excellent actors, all for free.
Check the high school websites in your area for musicals in the Fall and in the Spring. Most are produced at a very high quality, and there’s a lot of young talent on those stages!
Hot Spot: Barton Springs Pool ($5-$9/adult, $3-$5/child)
This open access swimming area is just downstream from the popular swimming hole. It’s open year-round and has no restrictions on food and drink. It can attract a crowd, as well as lots of dogs, during popular times and really hot days. Swim at your own risk and go early to claim a spot on the bank. The easiest way to access Barking Springs is to go down the staircase just east of the Zilker Park Playground. You can park in the first parking lot near the playground.
Head down to San Marcos for a glass bottom boat tour, aquarium, discovery center, and trails. The cost is significantly less, and the experience is focused on conservation and education. If you want a truly frugal experience, go on a Family Fun Day for FREE admission and activities for children. There are also homeschool days that mimic a field trip for only $10/person (pre-registration required).
For only $5/hour, you can try out a variety of challenging climbing walls at Hill Country Indoor. These walls are unique. You can climb even if you’re not a member of the gym. Call ahead to make sure the climbing area isn’t reserved for a party.
Hot Spot: Painting with a Twist ($40-$50/event)
Frugal alternative: FREE Art Classes at Buda City Library
This library has several options for all ages. It includes teen art projects and adult art with Inspired Minds. However, they offer more than just art classes. There are also STEM classes for homeschoolers, come and go crafting, cooking classes, and more.
Pioneer Farms is a cool place and not that expensive. However, Sauer-Beckmann Farm and LBJ State Park are completely free. It’s one of our favorite attractions in the area. There are period actors every day working the farm and demonstrating how people homesteaded more than 100 years ago. There are also hiking trails, a museum, and animals to visit.
We hope this list encourages you to check out some of the lesser-known attractions in the area! Some require more of a drive. You might also need a bit more packing or planning. However, my family thinks they’re all worth it. Plus, the savings make a huge difference, allowing us to get out and explore even more.
If you’d like to experience some of the bigger attractions, as well as semi-professional games, in San Antonio, Waco, and Austin at a huge discount, check out the POGO Pass. It charges one annual fee per person for free admission into multiple family-friendly places.
Usually by mid-March, our family is already looking ahead to summer and planning our bucket list, seeking out the top things to do in our area, dreaming about the vacations we’ve booked, and reserving coveted spots in local camps. But after paying for those trips and camps, there’s little left in the budget for the rest of the summer days. That’s when this bucket list can come to the rescue.
This year, I’m a little behind in making our list because so many great ideas and new opportunities have been flooding my inbox and text chains. Sometimes, I consider keeping these hot spots a secret to be enjoyed without much of a crowd, but NAH, this blog is all about sharing the fun!
I invite you to check off these Top 21 FUN (and affordable or FREE) things to do in Austin and the surrounding areas with us, so we can make the summer of 2024 memorable!
Items marked with an * are FREE.
HILL COUNTRY SUMMER BUCKET LIST (in no particular order)
Swim in the warm Pedernales River, hike the moderate to difficult trails, try a little rock climbing, or just lay out on the beachy river shore. Be prepared for a bit of a hike down and uphill if heading to the water from the parking lot. Fees are charged for entry at $5/adult, cash only, and reservations are not allowed.
When you combine open green space, climbing trees, picnic tables, delicious food, and unique wines, you get a fantastic place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. Bring snacks for your kids, a few lawn toys, and savor the views and the slower pace in a beautiful setting next to a vineyard. You can order food to-go from the winery or a full Italian meal from Trattoria Lisina and picnic with a bottle of their wine.
Multiple porches, splash pad, small playground, casual food menu, and full bar make these hotspots great family-friendly options for a summer evening. Dreamland also has putt putt golf for $10/person and pickle ball courts.
Pack a cooler, load up the tubes, grab a fishing pole, pull out some cash ($10 for adults, $6 for kids), and remember the slip-proof water shoes for a full day in and on the water. The trek down can be a tad difficult so be prepared to carry little ones. There are bathroom facilities on site but no food options. Overnight camping is also available with advanced reservations.
Clear your schedule for the day and hit as many parks as you can. Finish up the hot day of play with a dip in a local pool or splash pad like the one below.
This is one of our fave pools! There are waterslides, leap pads, baby pool, pool loungers, and picnic tables. There’s also an affordable concession stand. Small fee required for all day access.
This scenic park is free for day use, and it has a variety of shaded trails, as well as a few swimming spots. Park at any of the designated parking areas and go right for lake swimming, left for creek and waterfall. Bring in all your own swimming toys, food, and blankets/towels. The trails toward the lake are flat enough for a wagon.
This is one of the best priced water parks with 3 distinct pool areas for all ages, as well as multiple slides, cargo net for climbing, splash pad, and small obstacle courses. Two of the pool areas are spring-fed and quite cool. There is a large locker room with bathrooms and changing areas. You can bring in your own food and drinks. Just outside of the aquatic center is a train that takes you around the park, which has multiple playgrounds and trails.
Enjoy a hike or a bike ride along the waters of Hurst Creek on the Hamilton Greenbelt and then travel a few minutes away to take in a gorgeous view at the Hurst Creek Overlook. Finish the day with a swim in Lake Travis at Lakeway City Park or with a meal with a view at Ski Shores Cafe.
Walk the trails, photograph the peacocks and peahens, and lounge in a beautiful, shaded outdoor space at this free city park. If you go on a Thursday, you can visit the Laguna Gloria art gallery next door for FREE. Make a full day of it by traveling less than 10 min to Red Bud Isle for hiking, kayaking, and an off-leash dog park or to Hula Hut for a unique dinner on the water.
Enjoy a beach day on the shores of Lake Austin. The park boasts swimming, camp sites, hiking trails, fishing areas, volleyball and basketball courts, boat ramps, a cycling trail, and lots of wildflowers. $5-$10/vehicle admission, coins or card only. You can also book online in advance.
Spend the cool morning hours touring the farm and hiking the easy trails to see Texas Longhorns. When it gets too hot, take the driving tour through the national park to see the LBJ family working ranch, as well as historic sites. Check out the link above for more details and to find out whether the onsite pool is open for a dip after your tours.
Sand, boulders, a flowing river for swimming or wading, shaded trails, unique wildlife, campsites, and beautiful views… what more could you want for a summer day or weekend? Be sure to reserve a day pass or campsite in advance. They do sell out. Also keep in mind that most trails are not stroller-friendly.
14. *Chill in the San Marcos River after Playground Fun
Check out one of the best playgrounds in the area, The Children’s Park in San Marcos, and then cool off in the river just steps away. Bring your own floats or tubes as well as a picnic lunch. Then head into downtown San Marcos for a unique treat at Icy Rolls. Your kids will never look at ice cream the same way again.
15. *Attend Awesome Library Events
The Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, Lake Travis, Westbank, and Wimberley Libraries have amazing magic and puppet shows, petting zoos, parties, summer reading challenges, Lego and chess clubs, and movie nights. Some require registration in advance. Be sure to check the summer event calendars and plan ahead.
16. A *Hike and Some Ice
Hike the Hill of Life (enter at the “Trail’s End Access to Barton Creek Greenbelt”) until you get to the water’s edge for a few beautiful photos and opportunities to splash in the creek.
Then, after the difficult hike back up what feels like a small mountain, reward yourself with a mountain of delicious shaved ice at Woody’s (check online before you go to see if it’s open).
As mentioned, the hike is steep in some areas, with loose gravel, and not stroller friendly. For younger kids, try an easier hike (ending in a secret swimming hole) on Lost Creek Trail, which begins at 2614 Lost Creek Blvd, before the sweet treat.
Small, laid-back park in the heart of town with easy hiking trails, campsites, a playground, and several swimming and fishing areas along the river. Bring tubes or paddle boards, as well as a picnic. Day pass reservations recommended. $5/adult.
Take a cold dip in the spring-fed waters, hike, picnic, and enjoy playground fun. Afterward, wander into town for a walk along Cypress Creek and playtime at Community Pizza. You’ll always hear some live music and will find several options for an icy cold treat. (Make swimming reservations for Blue Hole in advance. $12/adult, $6/child)
Spend the whole day on a paddle board, in a canoe, or in a tube. You can bring your own or rent on site. You can also climb in the small cave, search for the goats, and lounge on the shore munching a delicious taco from the on-site restaurant. $10/adult, $6/child 5+.
Zilker Hillside Theater is back with a free production of Legally Blonde: The Musical! The show must go on rain or shine or 100 degree heat every Thursday through Sunday at 8 pm from July 12th through Aug 17th. Bring a picnic blanket, bug spray, and snacks. It’s a long night.
It’s the perfect opportunity to check out the famous Barton Springs pool before the show if you’ve never been. And if you can’t get in, good news… there’s a free, public-access side too! It’s right next to (and down the hill) from the Barton Springs facility.
This park has it all: playground, 1500 foot beach, large shallow swimming area, several shaded picnic spots, boat ramps, volleyball courts, and a deeper side of the lake for floating and boating. $20/vehicle for all day (no in and out) or $5 for Comal County registered vehicles.
I hope this list gets you motivated to get out and explore without breaking the bank, even on the blistering hot Texas summer days. And for those weeks when your kids need a break from all the outdoor fun, check out this list of the best VBS optionsin the area.
Also, please subscribe below or follow on Instagram for upcoming posts with reviews on the above places as we check off our list. Dripping with Kids will also share frugal travel tips and ideas for indoor fun with kids. Thank you for reading!
The wildflowers are blanketing the medians and open fields. The weather is still cool in the mornings. The bees are buzzing; the caterpillars are eating through our vegetable garden; the fireflies are making an appearance at night; and the creeks are flowing. Spring is here, and we want to relish every beautiful moment of it.
BUT every parent knows it’s already time to start summer planning. 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…
I will always say ‘yes’ to multiple VBS weeks each summer! I’m completely amazed by how much planning, time, and faith are put into vacation bible schools, 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, and 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 less than $30 per child.
If you’re searching for a VBS to send your children to this summer, here is a list of some wonderful options in the Austin area and the Texas Hill Country that are currently open for registration:
Lake Hills Church starts at incoming kinder age. Theme: Making Madness. Dates: June 3rd-6th, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Cost: $25.
Riverbend Church starts at age 4 through 5th grade. Theme: Start the Party. Dates: June 3rd-7th, 9 am – noon. Cost: $40.
Bethany Lutheran Church has VBS for PK3(potty-trained) through 5th grade. Theme: Scuba. Dates: June 17th-20th, 9 am – noon. Cost: $20, includes T-shirt. Register soon; this one is a huge hit. Other camps are available throughout summer for $300 per week.
Life Family Churches host Camp Life Kids in Austin and Marble Falls. This camp has a higher cost associated with it, but it goes all day, from 9 AM until 4 PM. Dates: June 3rd-7th. Cost: $250. For rising kindergartners through 6th grade.
Woodlawn Baptist Church is offering VBS daily from July 15th-19th from 9 am – 12 pm for age 4 through 5th grade. Theme: Breaker Rock Beach. Cost: FREE
Austin Ridge Bee Cave and Southwest have Camp Ridge Kids starting at age 3 (potty trained) or 4 – 5th grade. Dates: June 10th-13th, 9 am – noon. Theme: Summer Blast. Cost: $30.
Dripping Springs United Methodist Church has a unique approach to VBS: it’s for the whole family. Their VBX will structure programming for the kids and for the adults as well. The evenings include dinner, worship, and games. Theme: Family Olympics. Dates: July 16th-18th, 5:30-8 pm. Registration opens soon.
MORE INFO ON VBS OPTIONS TO COME…
We’ve never attended this one and don’t know anyone personally who has, but it seems to be an excellent option in Buda — Southern Hills Church of Christ in Buda will have VBS from Sunday June 23rd to Thursday June 27th. Theme: Flood. Cost: FREE
Another one we’ve heard great things about is Faith Bible Church. Theme: Great Jungle Journey. Dates: June 10th-13th, 9 am – noon. Ages Pre K4 through 5th grade. $15
If you’re looking to plan other activities to do with your family this summer, check out our past Summer Bucket Lists.
It’s only March. Spring has barely begun, but every parent knows it’s time to start summer planning. And VBS is often at the core of those plans.
Summers are what memories are made of, and that puts a lot of pressure on vacation and camp decisions. But the excessive options for summer are beyond overwhelming! There is a camp for every possible interest in the world, especially if your budget is limitless. After reading through countless camp lists and trying out a variety of them with my first two kids, I’ve definitely learned something…
I will always say ‘yes’ to at least one VBS each summer! I’m completely amazed by how much planning, time, and faith is put into vacation bible schools, 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, and 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 (well.. the lack of one)!
If you’re searching for a VBS to send your children to this summer, here is a list of some wonderful options in the Austin area and the Texas Hill Country that are currently or will soon be open for registration:
Lake Hills Church starts at incoming kinder age. Theme: TBA. Dates: June 5-8, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Registration opens at the end of March. Cost: Unknown
Bethany Lutheran Church has VBS for PK3(potty-trained) through 5th grade. Theme: Stellar. Dates: June 19-23, 9 am – noon. Cost: $20, includes T-shirt. Registration is open. Other camps are available throughout summer for $300 per week.
Life Family Churches hosts Camp Life Kids in Austin and Marble Falls. This VBS is so popular that the Austin location already has a waitlist, but you can still register for the Marble Falls location, which will occur June 19-23, 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $210. For rising kindergartners through 6th grade.
Bannockburn Dripping Springs and South Austin for age 3 through 5th grade. Theme: TBA. Dates: June 26-29th. (Registration opens mid-March.) Morning and evening options available. Cost: FREE
Southern Hills Church of Christ in Buda will run from Sunday June 25th to Wednesday June 28th. Click here for more details and registration.
Woodlawn Baptist Church is offering VBS daily from June 26-30th from 9 am – 12 pm for preschool-age through 5th grade. Registration to open later in March.
Austin Ridge Bee Cave has Camp Ridge Kids starting at age 3 (potty trained) – 5th grade. Theme: Summer Blast. Dates: July 10-13, 9 am – noon. Cost: Unknown, registration opening soon.
Dripping Springs United Methodist Church has a unique approach to VBS: it’s for the whole family. Their VBX will structure programming for the kids and for the adults as well. The evenings include dinner, worship, games, petting zoo, and shows. Theme: Pets Unleashed. Dates: 7/11-7/13, 5:30-8:30 pm. Registration will open soon.
MORE INFO ON VBS OPTIONS TO COME…
If you’re looking to plan other activities for this summer, check out our past Summer Bucket Lists.
