Dripping with Kids

Tag: small town to visit in Texas

  • 2025 Holidays in the Hill Country

    2025 Holidays in the Hill Country

    The holiday season has been starting earlier and earlier each year. I have friends who completed all of their Christmas decorating on November 1st, while I still have scarecrows guarding my flower bed and fall leaf garland adorning my stair railing.

    Despite my procrastination, I’m excited for the Advent season and Christmas, and now is a great time to reflect on the events and traditions my family looks forward to every year. I love sharing our favorites with you and hope you’ll let us know what tops your lists as well.

    One of our most anticipated Christmas traditions is our Family Advent Calendar. I write down one holiday experience to do for each of the days leading up to Christmas, starting on December 1, These daily activities can be must-do tasks, like addressing and sending Christmas cards, or fun nights out, like meandering through a trail of lights after dinner.

    I cling to this tradition every year despite how busy my kids’ schedules become because we connect our participation in our favorite events, activities, tasks, and traditions to the joyful anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus. In addition to a daily activity, I also include a slip of paper with scripture that tells part of the Christmas story so that each day, a little more of the story is being recited. (Luke 1:26-35; Luke 2:1-20)

    Our Family Advent Calendar

    Below I’ve included a list of some of the at-home activities I’ve hidden in our Advent calendar pockets in years past, followed by our 2024 Holiday Bucket List of events and activities. Use our guide to fill in your own Advent calendar!

    TRADITIONS/FUN AT HOME – 

    • Bake sugar cookies
    • Make cards/gifts for teachers, neighbors, coaches, and relatives
    • Holiday movie night
    • Read the story of St. Nicholas and put shoes outside bedroom doors for a little surprise (Dec 6th)
    • “Elf” the neighbors
    • Caroling at home and holiday charades
    • Decorate the tree(s) or make centerpieces
    • Make homemade paper snowflakes and tape them in the windows
    • Tell stories of our family’s holidays past, as well as dreams for the future (reminisce over photos, plan vacations, etc)
    • Silly game night (minute to win it)
    • Make gingerbread houses

    HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST –

    (Our list is in no particular geographic or date order, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to check out all of the exciting options around the Hill Country.)

    Main Street Bethlehem (Burnet)

    Dec 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14, 6 pm – 9 pm

    Walk through historic Bethlehem to find Jesus

    Explore the live nativity, down the narrow streets to faint sounds of ancient music, savoring the sights and smells. Immerse yourself in the din of the marketplace; surrounded by the revelers in the tavern, shouted insults to and from the Roman oppressors, merchants, craftspeople, animals of all kinds, taxpayers, and beggars all seeking money, or position, or revenge.

    Western Wonderland (Dripping Springs)

    Nov 28 – January 4

    Go ice skating, peruse the market, listen to festive music, walk the trail of lights, and/or attend a special event such as story time on the ice. This rink is my kids’ top choice, and it’s one of the biggest temporary ice skating rinks in Texas. Check the link for prices and hours.

    Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Budafest (Buda)

    Now – Dec 24 & Dec 5-6

    Santa's Wonderland

    Stop in the store for a free photo with Santa and a stroll through the store’s holiday decorations. Your kids can also mail a letter to Santa and take home a holiday craft kit. Plus, no visit to Cabela’s is complete without a visit to the dead zoo.

    Budafest is the town’s big weekend festival Dec 6th-8th. It will include shopping, games, vendors, music, a lighted parade, Santa, and so much more!

    Serve at Brown Santa, Sing to Seniors, or Donate to Toys for Tots

    There are so many ways to serve as a family during the holiday season. We love wrapping gifts for families through Brown Santa, dropping off additional gifts in Caliterra for Toys for Tots, scheduling a date to carol for seniors at a local home, and “adopting” a family or child through an Angel Tree at a local school or church.

    Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin)

    Dec 5 – Jan 3

    Enjoy the illuminated trail walk with thousands of lights. Go earlier in the day to explore the forts of Fortlandia. Purchase tickets in advance.

    Christmas in Marble Falls

     Nov 19 – Jan 3

    Just along the water’s edge, there’s a free Walkway of Lights with a variety of themes, as well as daily events to get you in the Christmas spirit, including breakfast with Santa, ice skating, shopping, and a lighted parade on Dec 5.

    Lost Pines Christmas (Bastrop)

    Nov 28 – Dec 25

    Take a short drive to Bastrop for some spectacular holiday events, including a wassail fest, river of lights, a holiday revue at the Opera House, tree lighting ceremony, historic home tour, and a lighted parade on Dec 13.

    PEC Lights Spectacular (Johnson City)

    Nightly November 29  – Jan 4

    Johnson City Light Spectacular

    The courthouse and downtown area are aglow with thousands of lights. Local vendors set up tables inside and outside the courthouse. Check website for special events, such as lighted parade on Nov 29, a chili cookoff on Dec 13, and a live nativity on Dec 5-13 at the Methodist Church nearby.

    Weihnachtszeit – Christmas in Fredericksburg

    Nov 19 – Jan 4

    Show up on any day of the week for a spectacular holiday light show and events-a-plenty. Fredericksburg is so full of holiday cheer that you may need a few days to take it all in. Check the website for specific activities and lodging options. Our favorites include the lighted parade on the first Friday in December, the Eisbahn ice skating, Kinderfest at the Pioneer Museum on the first Sat of December, and taking pictures in front of the German Christmas Pyramid.

    Christmas on Mercer (Dripping Springs)

    December 6, 10 am – 5 pm

    This fun hometown festival keeps getting bigger and better. Enjoy shopping with local vendors, a trackless train, pony rides, a festive atmosphere, live music all day long, giveaways and games, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and mail it on-site, plus free photos with Santa at Hudson’s. (Tree lighting and movie night in Dripping Springs will take place at dusk on November 29.)

    Holidays in Gruene

    Weekends in late Nov and all of Dec

    Photos with Cowboy Kringle (appointment required), free afternoon shows at historic Gruene Hall, gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town, a new ice skating rink, and unique shops, as well as weekend markets, to complete your Christmas lists are just a few of the ways to celebrate the season in one of our favorite historic towns! The holidays truly kick off with Santa riding into town on horseback to light the night on the evening of Dec 6 at 5 pm.

    Home Depot Kids’ Workshop

    Nov 29 and Dec 6, 9 am – noon

    Visit your local store so your kids can create their own Teddy Bear Ornament (Nov 29), Hot Cocoa Mug (Dec 6), and Tow Truck (Jan 3) for FREE! Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

    Christmas in the Parks (Various State Park locations)

    Nov – Dec

    Enchanted Rock

    Texas State Parks have several holiday events, from scavenger hunts to Santa sightings to s’mores and ornament-making. Find a park near you and enjoy the great outdoors this season! Check out the detailed program linked above.

    Hill Country Galleria Holidays (Bee Cave)

    Nov 14 – Jan 19

    Small ice skating rink

    The popular outdoor mall will have live music, ice skating, Christmas markets, Santa photos, and unique events most days in December, including a Mario Kart party on Dec 13. Check the link for details.

    Mozart’s Festival of Lights (Lake Austin)

    Nov 22 – Jan 4

    Purchase tickets in advance for this special Austin tradition. Grab a hot cocoa or coffee and enjoy the “dancing lights” set to music.

    Emily Ann Theater Trail of Lights (Wimberley)

    Nov 29 – Dec 26

    Enjoy a FREE walking trail through approximately 8 acres of lighted exhibits, with entertainment provided almost every night. Wander into town afterward to stroll and shop local. There are several other events in the adorable town of Wimberley; it’s worth checking their local calendar!

    Maywald Lights Display (W. Austin)

    Nov 27 – Dec 25

    It’s their last year! Over 120,000 lights are on display at a family’s home in Austin for a good cause: the Make-a-Wish foundation! Walk through the trail of light and leave a donation. (FREE to enter.)

    Lights On Festival and Boat Parade (Lakeway)

    Dec 6 & 7 at 6 pm

    Lakeway’s FREE annual holiday and Christmas celebration is held at the Lakeway City Hall parking lot. This festive event kicks off with the official lighting of the Trail of Lights and will include a visit with Santa, live music, vendors, and family photo opportunities. The Trail of Lights will be lit every night afterward, so if you can’t make the event, you can still walk through on another evening until Jan 1.

    On Dec 7th, there will be a lighted boat parade starting at Crosswater Yacht Club.

    We hope this holiday bucket list inspires you to enjoy the 2025 holiday season to the fullest! Please share anything your family never misses during the holidays in the comments below. Also, use the calendar on this page to fill in yours!

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  • 2025 Summer in the Texas Hill Country: Day Trips, Local Gems & Family Fun

    2025 Summer in the Texas Hill Country: Day Trips, Local Gems & Family Fun

    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!

    🌳 Parks with Swimming Holes

    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.

    A few other natural swimming holes we enjoy each summer are Reimers Ranch, Cypress Falls, Lake Marble Falls, Camp Ben, and Commons Ford.

    ⛪️ Vacation Bible School (VBS) Favorites

    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.

    💦 Local Pools

    With the Lakeway Swim Center, Founders Memorial Park, Marble Falls Pool, and James Adkins Pool close by, we can change things up and keep cool this summer with a variety of pool options.

    🤠 Gruene Hall & the Guadalupe River

    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.

    📖 Library Adventures

    Our family loves reading, and we’ll be attending several of the special summer programs at Dripping Springs Community Library and Westbank Libraries. There’s something magical happening each week!

    🏀 Sports Camp

    Our crew will also be honing their basketball skills at the YMCA, where fun and friendly competition keep things lively.

    🛝 Water Parks

    We’re planning some splash-tastic trips to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels and Landa Park Aquatic Complex for slides, lazy rivers, and endless water fun.

    💴 Bingo Nights

    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.

    🦖 Dino Exploration

    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!

  • 7 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Family

    7 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Family

    And a Few Local Events You Don’t Want to Miss

    I am not a Valentine’s Day person, at least I didn’t think I was for many years. My husband has gotten off easy year after year because I’ve had zero expectations. I usually think of Valentine’s Day as a holiday for the kids and the retailers.

    However, I’ve recognized that my kids and husband truly enjoy the extra special attention during the month of February, so they are slowly turning me into a fan.

    They’re all surprised that this self-proclaimed Valentine Scrooge continues to start new traditions for the “holiday” and carries on the old ones.

    If you’re looking for new ideas on how to fill this month full of love and gratitude with your family, here are some meaningful activities you can do at home:

    1. Lunchbox Love Notes

    Brighten your children’s day by placing heartfelt notes in their lunchboxes. Simple messages like “You’re amazing!” or “I love your creativity!” can boost their confidence and remind them of your love during the school day.

    2. Heartfelt Door Decorations

    Cut out paper hearts and write what you love about each family member on them. Then, decorate their bedroom doors with these hearts, adding one each day leading up to Valentine’s Day. It’s a delightful surprise that reinforces positive qualities and behavior.

    3. DIY Flower Bouquets with Daughters

    Surprise your daughters with a selection of flower stems and invite them to create their own bouquets. They can choose to gift their creations to friends or use them to brighten up your home.

    4. Cooking Fun with Sons

    Invite your sons to join you in the kitchen to prepare a meal or a special dessert. This not only teaches valuable cooking skills but also emphasizes the joy of preparing something special for loved ones, whether it’s for the family or neighbors. The boys can show what they’re made of in the kitchen too!

    5. Community Encouragement

    Spread love beyond your home by leaving encouraging notes at community mailboxes or on stop sign posts. Simple messages like “You are loved” or “Have a great day!” can uplift someone’s spirits and teach children the importance of kindness in the community.

    6. Scripture Memorization

    Dedicate time each day to memorize a scripture verse about love as a family. This practice can deepen your family’s understanding of love and provide meaningful discussions. Verses like 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 or 1 John 4:19 are great starting points.

    7. “Fill My Cup”

    Place cups or jars in a windowsill labeled with each person‘s name in the family. Encourage the other members of the family to slip a little joke, fun memory, or special characteristic about that person in their jar each day. We did this last year, and all of us really loved reading what the other members of the family had to say about us and recognized how well we truly know each other.

    In addition to establishing traditions at home, there are a few local events in Dripping Springs and nearby that are worth your time and money!

    • Galentine’s Event at Shabby Wick: Coming up on Feb 6th at 5 pm, Shabby Wick in Dripping Springs will host an event with giveaways, small bites, featured vendors, and permanent jewelry

    • Daddy-Daughter Dance at Bannockburn Church in Dripping Springs: Scheduled for February 7, 2025, this event offers fathers and daughters a memorable evening of dancing and bonding. There’s as additional option for a Daddy-Daughter Dance at Bannockburn Church in S. Austin on February 20, 2025.

    • Mother-Son Dance through Dripping Springs ISD: Taking place on February 8, 2025, this dance provides mothers and sons a chance to dress up according to a 90s hip hop theme and enjoy a fun night together.

    • Progressive Dinner with a Playground: At 12 Fox Beer on Feb 14th, enjoy a $15 wine and cheese dinner. RSVP ASAP. Bonus: The kids can run off and play while you enjoy your date.

    • Valentine Work and Play Craft Event at Laura’s Library: From 10:30 – 3 pm, kids can craft together and then watch a movie while parents work or read in designated spaces.

    • State Park Events: Take in the beauty of nature together at a state park and learn a skill or do a unique craft with the guidance of a ranger. Various events occurring over several dates in Feb are available .

    I hope these ideas inspire your family to celebrate Valentine’s Day in multiple ways that emphasize love, connection, and community involvement. What are your Valentine traditions?

  • 4 Faves: From an Australian Beach Party to Ice Skating in a Western Wonderland

    4 Faves: From an Australian Beach Party to Ice Skating in a Western Wonderland

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves for the Last Month: Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

    This past month has been a busy one, and it’s taken me a while to get back to the keyboard. Our month included travel to the biggest Texas cities, a lot of sparkling lights, and celebrations of Christmas around the world. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

    What topped our list this month…

    1.We celebrated Christmas in Australia with a “Beach Party”.

    As a part of our lessons on Christmas around the world, we planned activities related to a summertime Australian Christmas that included sand snowmen, decorating a Christmas bush blindfolded, tasting ginger cookies, learning fun facts about marsupials, searching for Christmas beetles, and coloring nautical ornaments and pictures of Santa on a surfboard. We met friends at the Dripping Springs Sports and Rec Park to take advantage of the sand, the trails for scavenger hunts, and the picnic tables for snacking.

    2. We traveled to Dallas and Waco for unique holiday experiences.

    We filled 3 days full of adventures and Christmas fun on our road trip to the Big D. Check out this link for our itinerary.

    3. We danced beneath beautiful Christmas light displays in Johnson City, Burnet, and Fredericksburg.

    And enjoyed other fantastic features of these small towns as well…

    There’s no shortage of stunning light displays all over the Texas Hill Country! We visited a couple of our faves and tried a new one too.

    The Johnson City Lights Spectacular is mesmerizing, and the town keeps adding more exciting events and displays so you can spend your whole afternoon and evening in the small town.

    Also, Fredericksburg has a unique German take on Christmas with dozens of events every weekend and opportunities to explore shops, restaurants, and wineries before experiencing Weinachtszeit. We decided to climb Enchanted Rock before heading into town.

    Our newest favorite tradition is visiting Burnet for the live nativity, Main Street Bethlehem, and their Christmas on the Square. The live nativity was amazing, and we really felt like we had stepped back in time to the day of Jesus’s birth. The volunteer actors and historic scenery made the experience truly memorable.

    Tip: If you decide to go next year, arrive at least an hour before doors open. The line gets VERY long!

    4. We skated for hours at Western Wonderland.

    With the largest pop-up ice skating rink in Texas, refreshments, live music (in the evenings), and a short trail of lights outside, Western Wonderland is the place to be in Dripping Springs this holiday season.

    4 + 1 More. We enjoyed family and playgrounds in the warm Houston sun.

    My kids usually ask to visit the same parks on each trip to Houston. We go often to see family and made a list of the best parks in the southwest part of H-town.

    Quick stop for a beautiful hike at Bastrop State Park on the way to Houston.

    That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

  • Top Picks of the Week: Best Christmas Pageant, Camp of the Hills, Family-Friendly Bingo, & Geocaching

    Top Picks of the Week: Best Christmas Pageant, Camp of the Hills, Family-Friendly Bingo, & Geocaching

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 17th – 23rd

    This past week included travel to other Texas towns, a lot of outside time in beautiful weather, and a book celebration. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. Book Celebration: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

    After reading the book last week, we went to see the new movie and enjoyed every minute of it! This might be the first time I’ve enjoyed a movie over the book it was based on. I highly recommend taking your kids to this wholesome, nostalgic holiday film. We went on Tuesday for $5 movie day at EVO. Pro tip: call the theater to book tickets in advance and avoid online fees.

    Afterward, we spent hours at the park next to the Belterra Rec Center. We brought a few props, robes, and towels, so all of the kids could act out their own pageant together.

    2. Field Day Fun at Camp of the Hills

    Camp of the Hills is a fun and special place in Marble Falls. It’s a ministry that offers outdoor education and summer camp experiences to children who can’t usually afford it. When the staff isn’t managing summer camps or weekend retreats, they host field trips, allowing kids to participate in some of their camp activities, such as low ropes, archery, camping, foraging, and natural crafts. The money raised during field trips goes toward scholarship funds for future campers.

    This past week, we were able to participate in a field day at Camp of the Hills. The kids did relay races, played tug of war, and tossed water balloons. Reach out to Camp of the Hills if you need a field trip option or a location for a kid-friendly event.

    3. Geocaching: Making and Hiding Our Own Cache

    About a year ago, my kids became interested in geocaching. They fell in love with hunting for treasure and recording their team name on the tiny paper inside each cache they found. After realizing that many of the caches didn’t actually hold little treasures or hadn’t been maintained, they decided to create their own caches, full of mini toys, to hide in our neighborhood and town. We haven’t uploaded the locations to the app yet, but we’ll be sure to share when we do!

    If you’re looking to get started with geocaching, a few of our favorite treasure-hunting spots are Founders Park, DS Ranch Park, Jacob’s Well, and any state park.

    4. Bingo!

    An absolute fave for our family is playing Bingo together, and the best option we’ve found nearby is Friday night Bingo at the Wimberley VFW Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm. There are 3 sets of games (5 per round) at 7, 8, and 9 pm with big cash prizes. Each round costs $5, but be sure to have a few extra dollars on hand to buy additional cards for specific games. No outside food is allowed, but it’s BYOB.

    That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

  • Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 10th – Nov 16th, 2024

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 10th – Nov 16th, 2024

    This past week included some Texas travel, an out-of-state adventure, and a couple local favorites. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. Quick stroll through San Antonio Botanical Garden

    After cheering on high school marching bands at the state competition in the Alamodome, my youngest and I decided to get a little fresh air nearby at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. We got FREE entry due to our membership at the Wildflower Center in Austin. The SA Botanical Garden is a 38-acre urban oasis that showcases diverse plant collections, a sensory garden, and immersive nature trails.

    Our visit was a quick one, but it was a beautiful stroll that still had unique displays from their Fall events. The staff are now setting up for the 2024 holiday season, which will feature Illuminate that will include glowing tunnels, handcrafted lanterns, and larger-than-life sculptures that blend art, nature, and culture. Illuminate will be open from November 29th through Jan 12th, in collaboration with Tianyu Arts & Culture. For more details and ticket booking, visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s website.

    Japanese Tea Garden

    If visiting the botanical garden, I highly recommend adding on a visit to the FREE Japanese Tea Garden just a few minutes away. Also in the area are the San Antonio Zoo and Brackenridge Park. All of these stops combined make for a fun and full day trip to San Antonio!

    2. Volunteered for Brown Santa

    After three years in a row of volunteering for Brown Santa, it remains my kids’ favorite way to serve during the holidays. Brown Santa is a Sheriffs’ Dept program that provides holiday gifts, food, and other essentials to families in need. Volunteers sort donations, wrap gifts, and distribute items to recipients. My kids and I pray over every box we pack before sending them back into the warehouse. Check the link for auction items or to sign up. There are still openings to volunteer in Austin on weekdays until December 11th.

    3. Learned Japanese History and Practiced Techniques of Japanese Artists

    I cannot recommend Mrs. Suzanne King enough as an art instructor! She teaches art history, painting, and drawing in a way that captures the imaginative and creative spirits of kids and adults alike. The artwork my child has produced since attending Mrs. King’s classes has been colorful, thoughtful, technical, and unique. Reach out to her if you’re interested in group or private art lessons.

    4. Kid-free Getaway to Arizona

    Time with the kids is amazing, and time without them can also be amazing. 😊 My husband and I are spending a few days in Arizona to celebrate our anniversary! We hiked (more like scrambled up) Camelback Mountain, got an amazing pedicure and spa experience at Becca’s Nails, shopped and ate in Old Town, and visited the Grand Canyon South Rim. This time of year is such a wonderful time to visit; the weather is perfection, which makes hiking much less strenuous. We even got snowed on while walking the South Rim Trail!

    If you plan to visit Scottsdale, a great hotel option is Courtyard by Marriott at Salt River. It’s clean, and the staff are kind and helpful. The views are beautiful. The pool area and courtyard are really relaxing. The lobby has great seating, a large TV, a bar and bistro, and hosts nightly events for guests. Most importantly, it’s affordable, making it a good value among many overpriced hotels in the area.

    View from Scottsdale hotel

    That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

  • Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 3rd – Nov 9th, 2024

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 3rd – Nov 9th, 2024

    This past week, we primarily stayed close to home, but we had a few memorable experiences we’d love to share. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. We started our Thankful Tree for the month.

    In the first week of November, when the sugar rush from Halloween has started to subside, we display a hand-sewn wall hanging made by my mother-in-law, and I unevenly cut leaf shapes out of six fall shades of construction paper. Each family member gets his or her own color, and at dinner (or breakfast) throughout the month, we write something we are thankful for on our leaves. It can be big and abstract, like love or faith, or it can be something as small and simple as pencils and paper, which was displayed on one of my preschooler’s leaves many Falls ago.

    I love practicing gratitude with my kids and always look forward to what they’ll write throughout the month. I know the kids love to see what their parents write as well, which always includes compliments about them. If you’ve been wanting to start this tradition but don’t want to DIY it, Amazon has great options.

    2. We participated in a kids’ entrepreneurial fair.

    My younger two participated in our co-op’s annual kids’ entrepreneurial fair, and they had a blast doing it! I couldn’t quite tell if they enjoyed selling or shopping more.

    These events allow young entrepreneurs, often elementary to middle school-aged, to showcase and sell products they’ve created or services they’ve come up with, providing a hands-on experience in business development.

    At a typical fair, each child or team has a booth or table where they display their business with signs, products, and decor. The products can range widely, including handmade crafts, baked goods, artwork, toys, jewelry, and 3-D printed characters. Services, if offered, might include things like chair message, target practice (nerf guns or non-pointed arrows), face-painting, hair or make-up, and tutorials on video games.

    These markets are so fun, but as a shopper, plan to show up with a heart to give. The kids work very hard on their creations and truly hope visitors will show their appreciation for that work with a purchase.

    A few places that host kids’ entrepreneur markets throughout the year are 12 Fox Beer, Suds Monkey, and the DS Library. There is also an opportunity coming up that your child can register to be a part of or just go to shop: The Holiday Kid-Market in Wimberley! Sign up ASAP!

    3. The kids spent hours at Urban Air on a discounted ticket.

    Urban Air is starting to offer more discounts on their tickets. We were able to get 30% off by randomly checking the website, and they are also offering a discounted family pass right now. If you’re not on their regular email distribution list, I recommend getting on it. An announcement will be sent around Black Friday to be able to get $100 in gift cards for $50. (At least, I’m hoping so, as they’ve done that the last three years in a row.) It makes a great gift or offers an affordable way to take your kids a few times during the year.

    4. We built forts and pretended to be pioneers at The Wildflower Center.

    Although the forts at Fortlandia haven’t really kept my children’s attention this year, they still love to go back over and over again to play in the fort-building area and sandpit. We camp out there for hours with friends, especially on a beautiful day! The membership is truly worth it.

    Senior Night! Plus, we’re looking forward to the State Marching Contest, as mentioned in last week’s post.

    That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

  • Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Oct 27th – Nov 2nd, 2024

    Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Oct 27th – Nov 2nd, 2024

    This past week, we had so much fun in Dripping Springs, Georgetown, San Antonio, and right at home. Halloween was a blast, but these other four events and activities are what we highly recommend to everyone else. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. We reached our goal of 1,000 Hours Outside!

    The 1000 Hours Outside movement encourages families to spend more time in nature, aiming for 1,000 hours of outdoor activity each year. Founded by Ginny Yurich, this initiative promotes the physical, mental, and developmental benefits of outdoor play as an alternative to excessive screen time. You track your hours outdoors (individually or as a family) to develop a lasting habit of enjoying nature. The movement has gained popularity worldwide, with families using printable trackers and mobile apps to log their progress.

    We started tracking our hours outside four years ago. We didn’t make it to 1000 in the first two years, but last year, we hit our goal by mid-December, and this year, the three of us who keep track exceeded 1000 hours before the end of October! 1000 hours may not sound like a lot of time, but it really is a difficult goal to reach.

    I highly encourage your family to try it out for 2025! Since doing this, we’ve had significantly less illness, no more sunburns, less sensitive feet (due to being barefoot often), increased tolerance to heat, more risky play, and so much fun together.

    You can access various trackers here directly from the official site, and you can check out Yurich’s books about the benefits of outdoor play, as well as recognizing the impact that screen time, anxiety, and our indoor, sedentary lives have on children today.

    2. Kid Librarian Winner!

    The Kid Librarian drawing at Dripping Springs Community Library is a new program that recognizes young readers’ enthusiasm for books and libraries. Aimed at children over age 8, this award allows recipients to experience the role of a librarian for a day. Winners help with library tasks, recommend books, and participate in behind-the-scenes activities, offering them a unique perspective on library work.

    Our 9-year-old was the lucky winner this week, and she was ecstatic to spend the afternoon with Ms. Olivia at the library, along with two friends who were very curious about the program. My happy girl got to do the tour, set up a whole display of recommended reads, shelve books in the children’s library, record a book review for social media, and ask as many questions as she wanted about life as a librarian.

    If this is something your kids would be interested in, there’s a slip of paper at Ms. Olivia’s desk in the children’s section of the library where you can input your info and submit it for the drawing done each week.

    3. Day Trip to Georgetown: The Theater and Creative Play

    The Georgetown Palace Theatre is currently showcasing Charlotte’s Web as part of its Theatre for Young Audiences program. This adaptation of E.B. White’s classic story brings to life the endearing friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, who weaves words into her web to save Wilbur from the butcher.

    Our group of kids loved every minute of the play! It kept their attention and tugged at their heart strings. It was such a great way to fall in love with Charlotte’s Web all over again.

    Unfortunately, the showing scheduled for Nov 9th just sold out, but schools or homeschool groups may still be able to schedule field trips on weekdays through November 8. If Charlotte’s Web doesn’t work out, though, I’m sure your family would enjoy other performances.

    For more information on upcoming productions, visit their Theatre for Young Audiences page.

    Before or after the show, the Creative Playscape at San Gabriel Park is a MUST-visit, as well as the Hat Creek in downtown Georgetown. Both have fun playgrounds and space for imaginative play in nature. If you lunch and play at Hat Creek, you can take a very quick stroll downhill to Blue Hole Park to splash, skip rocks, or walk the trails. Definitely plan to make a full day trip out of your visit to the theater.

    4. Marching Band Competition

    The UIL Area Marching Band Contest was held in San Antonio on November 2, 2024. This contest brought together the regional qualifiers to compete for a spot in the UIL State Marching Band Championship. The competition was amazing, despite a little bit of rainy weather, and featured dynamic performances, intricate marching formations, and outstanding musicality as bands aimed to secure their place in the prestigious state finals.

    The UIL State Marching Band Contest will be hosted at the Alamodome from November 11-12th, 2024, and the Dripping Springs Tiger Marching Band will be competing!

    If you’ve never attended a marching band competition, you should check one out. The talent on the field is incredible; the performances are unique and interesting; and much of the music will drum up a bit of nostalgia within.

    For more details, you can visit the Alamodome’s official event page: Events | Alamodome.

    That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

  • Dripping with Kids’ Four Faves from This Week: Oct 20-26, 2024

    Dripping with Kids’ Four Faves from This Week: Oct 20-26, 2024

    This past week, we had so much fun in Austin, Marble Falls, and a few places in between. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful corner of Texas!

    What topped our list this week…

    1. Trial Class at Hot Ground Gym of Dripping Springs

    Scaling Walls and Climbing Huge Ladders

    My 7 and 9 year old kids participated in a trial ninja class at the new Hot Ground Gym, which combines obstacle course running, hand-eye skills “target practice”, and team building challenges that made my kids feel confident, excited, and exhausted afterward. Even my kiddo who frustrates easily overcame difficult obstacles without quitting. Both kids begged me to sign them up immediately, and I heard their friends asking the same of their moms, especially after learning that the obstacles and challenges change each week.

    The gym offers weekly classes, including homeschool options, birthday parties, camps, and team-building events. I highly recommend signing up for a trial class! (Best for ages 5+)

    2. Book Celebration – The Theatre and a Themed Dinner

    To celebrate finishing the novel, Wind in the Willows, the kids and I attended a one-man dramatic reading and interpretation of one of the book’s chapters titled, The Pipers at the Gates of Dawn, at Paramount Theater. The performer was very talented and entertaining, even though my kids were slightly disappointed that Toad’s adventures weren’t included in the play. There are several more performances for kids coming up as a part of The Paramount Family Series, including Goodnight Moon, A Very Electric Christmas, and Dogman: The Musical.

    After enjoying the play, the kids and I were inspired to watch the Wind in the Willows movie, then to decorate our table and plan a dinner menu inspired by the book’s plot and characters. They were such fun ways to celebrate Kenneth Graham’s beloved classic!

    3. Founders Park and The Pound House

    We rarely let a week go by without a visit to Founders Park. Now that the skate park and all of the sidewalks are complete, my kids love to bring their EZY Rollers, skates, or bikes to ride all around.

    One of our visits to the park this week also included popping in to The Pound House for Community Monday. Each Monday morning from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. through November 18th, the public is invited to enjoy the 4.7 acres and participate in a craft on The Pound House grounds. (The house will not be open.) Be sure to Save the Date for Homespun Holiday at The Pound House, Sat, Dec 14th, 10 am – 3 pm as well.

    4. Sweet Berry Farm

    This gem in Marble Falls always tops our Fall bucket list! We’ve been going annually since we moved to the Hill Country. We love that admission is free, and most activities are quite affordable. The staff and the goats are very friendly. The pumpkin patch and surrounding scenery are perfect for photos, including Gram-worthy shots for the teens.

    My kids’ must-do activities when we visit are the Berry Bounce (jumping pillow), goat-feeding, Barnyard Maze, and Hayride (with fun surprises). They also enjoyed the new mechanical goats. We had a party of 11 that visited today, and total amount spent was around $125. If you haven’t been yet, definitely plan to take the scenic drive and spend a few hours on the farm before the season ends in mid-November!

    That’s a wrap on our week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

  • Top 6 Pumpkin Patch Festivals near Austin: 2025

    Top 6 Pumpkin Patch Festivals near Austin: 2025

    Whether you refer to it as a fall festival or a pumpkin patch, the month of October isn’t complete without a visit to one… or many!

    Is it even Fall if you haven’t taken super cute photos surrounded by pumpkins and funny signs; dirtied your shoes with dust, hay, and dried corn in a big pit; gotten lost in a winding maze; fed some farm animals; sipped sweet tea; and watched your kids bounce, ride, and run to their hearts’ content?

    This list includes the festivals we always try to squeeze in, as well as a couple we haven’t seen … yet.

    Uhland Fall Festival

    The beloved Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival has moved to Uhland. I’m sure it’ll be worth the drive because the founders always brought more and more family fun each year they were open in Dripping Springs. Now they have more parking and more acreage.

    Enjoy lawn games, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, live music, animal visits, photo opps, and beautiful picnic spots under the oaks. Admission price is a flat $15 per person if you purchase online before Sept 26 (65+ and 0-3 are free). Open weekends Sept 27 – Nov 2.

    Sweet Eats Fruit Farm

    About to enter the corn maze at the fall festival
    Maze at the Sweet Eats Fruit Farm

    Located in Georgetown, TX, this farm is loaded with the typical fall festival activities, such as a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and petting zoo, but it also has a few unique options. We can’t wait to take another spin on a pedal cart; shoot an apple from a slingshot; climb up a tire hill, then slide down; watch pig-racing; wade in the San Gabriel River; play corn hole, gaga ball, kickball, or tug o’ war; and challenge ourselves on the obstacle course. Prices vary by date, but there’s a 40% discount if you purchase online in advance Open daily Sept 20 – Nov 7.

    Indian Springs Ranch Pumpkin Patch

    You can find this farm and pumpkin patch near Austin in Manchaca, TX. Fall festival activities include a pumpkin patch, fall-themed photo-ops, exotic animals, authentic Native American tipi, kids’ swings and playground, kids’ spider web, face painting (only open Saturday & Sunday), jumping pillow (only open Saturday & Sunday), and food vendors. Go on a Thursday or Friday for $13 admission. Sat and Sun visits cost $19/person. Festival runs Sept 27 – Nov 2.

    Sweet Berry Farm

    The short drive to Marble Falls is worth it to spend the day on this cute farm with hayrides, two mazes, a huge pumpkin patch with adorable photo opps, face painting, goat-feeding, barrel train rides, scarecrow-stuffing, a funny hayride, and horseback riding (on weekends only). Admission is free, but activities are charged individually. We usually spend about $15/person. Open daily except Wednesdays beginning in mid-September.

    Jenshke Orchard

    In the beautiful and fun city of Fredericksburg, $14 admission cost gets you a challenging corn maze; a jump pad pass; wagon ride; flower field, peach mountain, and pumpkin patch access; several games, and more. We’ve never been, but we’re excited to check out Jenshke this year. Opening mid-September.

    Round Rock Pumpkin Festival

    $10 admission gets you free games, photo ops, thousands of pumpkins to enjoy, a bouncy house and pad, corn pit, and live music, as well as access to food vendors, professional photographers, and face painting for extra $$. Open daily except Tuesdays Oct 3 – 31.

    We hope you enjoy your pumpkin patch visits this Fall. Subscribe to this blog to receive our 2024 Fall Bucket List (coming soon) that includes several other fun ideas for the beloved season ahead, as well as weekly posts about the best of the Texas Hill Country!

  • Stunning Views of the Hill Country from Old Baldy

    Stunning Views of the Hill Country from Old Baldy

    Challenge your Family to Climb to the Top of 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”. Old Baldy 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

    Old Baldy is more of a tourist attraction than a hike, but it’s a fun challenge that you can add on to your next visit to Wimberley.

    We’re excited to share what we love about the hike to the top of Old Baldy in Wimberley, TX!

    Short but Challenging Hike

    The trail is really a climb, and it can be rigorous. However, all of our children, even down to toddler age, made it up the steps to the top. There are well over 100 stairs to climb, so this is not an accessible or stroller-friendly hike, but you’ll find benches and flat landings to take breaks as needed. It will definitely feel like a work out all the way up!

    If you want to add on more of a walk, go down and up Old Baldy a second time or walk the short loop in the neighborhood around the park.

    The View

    Not only will you get the reward of satisfaction and an increased heart rate as you climb Old Baldy, you’ll also get spectacular 360 degree views of Wimberley and the Texas Hill Country.

    Picnic Spot

    The top of the hill is an excellent spot for a picnic, plus bird- and butterfly- watching. Add on a cooler backpack for a more strenuous hike and a romantic or fun family picnic afterward.

    Easy Parking and Access

    Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You’ll drive through a small neighborhood to get to the limited parking lot. You must park in the parking lot and not in front of residents’ homes. Go early or on a weekday to avoid a full lot.

    Cute Town of Wimberley Just Minutes Away

    If you need more of a hike, check out Blue Hole Regional Park, or make plans to cool off at the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole.

    Also, be sure to make time for the adorable and vibrant Wimberley Square. You can stroll for hours to enjoy drinks, bites, shopping, artwork, and live music.

    We also 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!

  • Easy, Shaded Hike at Charro Ranch Park

    Easy, Shaded Hike at Charro Ranch Park

    Experience the simplicity of nature on this flat, easy hike in Driftwood, close to Dripping Springs.

    ✅ Trails for Children

    ❌ Swimming

    ✅ Bathrooms (port-a-potties)

    ❌ Playground and Sports Fields

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

    ✅ Stroller-friendly Trails

    ❌ Reservations needed

    Beautiful Sunsets

    Charro Ranch Park is tucked away off of FM 150 near the heart of Dripping Springs, but it’s rarely busy and allows you to escape into the beauty and simplicity of nature.

    Charro Ranch Park is located at 22690 W. FM 150. The 64-acre park was donated to the City of Dripping Springs by Lucy Reed Hibberd in December of 2008 after being in her family for about 50 years. Mrs. Hibberd developed trails, created areas for reflection, and installed signs identifying tree species in order to create a natural setting for passive activities for the community of Dripping Springs to enjoy nature. (website)

    The park is free, and gates are open from 5 am to 11 pm.

    Easy Trails for Hikers and Bikers

    Charro Ranch Park Trail Map

    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 ride bikes with older kids through the narrower outer trails.

    Most trails are dirt or mulch paths and can get narrow in some areas with high grass on either side. They range in distance from .13 of a mile to 1.23 miles, but they’re all connected so you can make your hike as short or as long as you’d like.

    Free Parking at Trailhead

    Parking lot at entrance

    Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You can park for free in the small parking lot. Then, you can choose a trail just steps away from your car. It can become a bit of a labyrinth as your start out, so be sure to have a picture of the trails and their names from the board at the trailhead. Trails are marked by pictographs along the paths.

    Interesting Sights and Pavilion

    There are a few stops along the trails that allow you to interact with what other nature-lovers have built, such as a human sundial and wooden bridge.

    There is also a small pavilion for picnicking and bird-watching. It’s close to the parking lot, so you can leave your food and drinks in the car instead of hauling them with you on the trails.

    Close to Breweries, Wineries, and Restaurants

    Before or after hitting your daily step count, stop by Twisted X Brewing, Salt Lick BBQ, Driftwood or Duchman Winery, Paloma Dining and Events, or Le Muse Coffee Shop. I always love adding on a local hot spot or additional sightseeing when visiting a new hiking trail!

    Charro Ranch Park is a great stop for a no-frills, easy hike right on the border of Dripping Springs and Driftwood.

    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.