Dripping with Kids

Tag: Texas state parks

  • Who’s in Charge?

    Who’s in Charge?

    Inspired by Guadalupe River State Park

    I’m the type who likes to make plans. I love to make bucket lists for each season and to-do lists for each day. I love doing projects and watching the development from start to finish. I love planning vacations and family visits. I even plan time for planning.

    My brother has explained to me that I compensate for anxiety by making plans. This compensatory skill has become especially helpful in dealing with chaotic and difficult seasons, as well as the unpredictability of parenting.

    While on my personal path of looking ahead and making plans, I’ve been picking and choosing what I want to hear from God, the Lord of hope. I’ve been reading scripture that promises that good is triumphant over evil, that we have hope as an anchor, and that the Lord can overcome all struggles. I like scripture that coincides with my plans.

    Then, I came across the type of story I was trying to avoid in Jeremiah 27-29. 

    Jeremiah prophesied that the Israelites would serve under King Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon, his son, and his grandson. They would leave their homeland and submit to the control of a king they distrusted. The Israelites didn’t like this prophesy. Many didn’t want to believe that they would give up freedoms and even die far from home while under King Nebuchadnezzer’s rule. They were told it would be 70 years of oppression. 70 years away from the comfort of home. 70 years living a life they had not planned.

    This opened the door to a false prophet, Hananiah, who promised that the people would return to their land and the lives they were used to within two years. It was a promise people could cling to. Hananiah’s prophecy offered hope. The Israelites could make their plans. 

    But Hananiah was wrong. The Israelites were exiled. Their plans were destroyed… their hope, diminished.

    If I lived during the 6th century, BC, who would I have chosen to believe – Jeremiah or Hananiah?

    I probably would have listened to the false prophet. His promise would’ve matched my plans. His prophecy would’ve sounded better for my idea of the life I desire for myself and my family. It would’ve offered my version of hope, just as I choose to believe that this political season and economic downturn, full of anger, division, frustration, decline, and violence, will end soon and lead to significant change in our nation. I’m making my plans! 

    However, it’s not about me and my plans. The hope our Father offers is not related to the leader of this nation or how much money we can save (or spend). I have to remember the true message in Jeremiah’s prophecy.

    Jeremiah encouraged the Israelites to live well while in exile, even if their own plans for a good life would never come to fruition. They were called to worship the true king, work hard even under oppressive rule, to sow gardens they may never get to reap, to build homes somewhere other than their homeland, to marry despite their inward strife, to have children potentially bound to slavery, and to pray for the town and the king they did not choose.

    In Jeremiah 29:11, he adds God’s familiar promise: “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 

    This bit of scripture reminds us that we have many blessings and opportunities to live a fruitful life no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. Our idea of abundance may not match His, but God is good in all situations, seasons, and political regimes, even if His own plans don’t make sense to me or align with mine.

    There is always a greater promise than the earthly plans we make for ourselves, and it will be better than we could have ever imagined. I will worship the king of kings above all else and rely on the hope He promises, regardless of current circumstances and my own faltered plans.

    This piece is inspired by Guadalupe River State Park. We love visiting this park because of the beautiful river running through it, the kid-friendly trails, the discovery room, and the stunning views. Although the river is fun to swim in and quite calm near the banks, the current can surprise you and take control.

    Once, when my husband and I brought our two toddlers to the park, we waded out to the center of the shallow river, each holding one of our little ones , who wore puddle jumper floaties because they were not yet swimmers. As we ventured toward the small ripples in the water, something took hold of us, and we were no longer in control.

    The current slammed our bodies into large rocks underwater, and there was no way to get our footing. We struggled to keep our babies, and even our own heads, above water. As I recognized that we weren’t able to keep our kids and ourselves safe, I screamed, “toss the babies to shore”. With as much might as we could muster, we launched the kids out of the current’s path and prayed they could stand and get to shore. We had to let go and trust that they would be ok.

    Then, we could use our freed hands to swim toward the shore ourselves. It worked, and the kids were safe! Thank God we walked away with just cuts and bruises, as well as a greater appreciation for the forces of nature.

  • Pedernales Falls State Park: Worth the Challenge

    Pedernales Falls State Park: Worth the Challenge

    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 Hike
    Geocaching

    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.

    Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country!

  • The Best FREE State Park in Texas

    The Best FREE State Park in Texas

    In our mission to spend 1000 hours outside this year, we’ve decided to revisit some of our favorite hiking spots and seek out new ones as well. We’ll be sharing our hiking experiences and recommendations with you in our series titled “This Week’s Hike”.

    ✅ Trails for Children

    ✅ Swimming (seasonal)

    ✅ Bathrooms

    ✅ Playground and Sports Fields

    ✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails

    ✅ Stroller-friendly Trails and Bike Trails

    ❌ Reservations needed

    Just an hour or so west of Austin, and down the road from the best wineries in the Texas Hill Country, sits one of our favorite state parks! It checks every box for adults and children alike. We’re excited to share everything we love about the LBJ State and National Park in Stonewall, TX.

    The Museum and Visitor Center

    Taking the Junior Ranger pledge and visiting the Pioneer House and Museum

    Upon arrival, check in at the Visitor Center for a free parking pass. While inside, peruse the gift shop full of locally-made soaps, confectionaries, home decor, jams and butters, as well as educational toys and books. Also, ask for Junior Ranger workbooks for the kids to guide them along both the state park and the national park areas. Just past the visitor center is a small museum and a pioneer house to explore. Then, make your way on to…

    Easy and Interesting Trails

    The “Monster Tree” on the LBJ State Park Nature Trail

    The trails from the visitor center are mostly shaded and easy for all skill/age levels. Amazing trees border the flat trail, and there are plaques with interesting info on local flaura and fauna. Plus, they lead to the best parts of the park….

    The Animals!

    Texas Longhorns!

    After a short walk, you’ll be greeted by huge, gorgeous Texas longhorns, as well as white tail deer, if they’re feeling friendly. You can also follow the trail to see a herd of bison or take an alternate route to the …

    Working Farm with More Animal Encounters

    One of the highlights of this park is that the trail leads you to the Sauer-Beckman Homestead and Farm, where your kids can collect the multi-colored eggs from the chicken coop on a slow day; where the wild turkeys stage a Thanksgiving Day revenge by sneaking up behind you, yelping at the top of their lungs, and then laughing at your expense as they dart up onto the branches of the huge live oaks; where the sheep meander along the walkways; where the hens peck at your feet; and where the hogs put on a muddy show if your olfactory glands can withstand the potent stench of their pen.

    You can also tour the original farmhouse and homestead, often while munching on farm-fresh delicacies prepared in the century-old kitchen that day. After you’ve worked up an appetite, complete your meal at one of the…

    Picnic Areas and Playground

    There are multiple picnic areas with bathrooms nearby and plenty of green space to run around after eating. In one area, there’s an old-school playground with a metal swingset, slide, and see-saw. If you or your kids have more energy to burn, add in additional playtime at the…

    Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, and Baseball Field

    The swimming pool is open during the summer months for a nominal fee, and the tennis courts and baseball field are open year-round. You may want to call ahead to make sure they’re not reserved on the day of your visit. Also, these areas will require you to take a much longer hike or to hop in your car to drive to them. But while in your car, you can add on a driving tour of …

    LBJ’s Working Ranch

    Take a self-guided tour of the president’s family homestead, the working cattle ranch, the small schoolhouse LBJ attended, the cemetery where he’s buried, the Texas White House, and the president’s jet. It’s about a 20 minute drive to see the whole ranch, with opportunities to get out and explore the exhibits mentioned. Bonus: There’s a beautiful winery along the driving trail! To finish up your visit, find a peaceful spot and…

    Go Fishing in the Pedernales

    The beautiful river separates the state park and the national historic site of LBJ’s Ranch. Even if you forget your fishing gear, it’s a peaceful spot to view wildlife like the blue heron and to try to spot large fish in the clear water. Check here for fishing rules.

    Whether you visit LBJ State Park and National Historic Site for an escape to nature, for a little exercise, to see the farm, to view the animals, or to learn the history, you won’t be disappointed. We’ve visited this state park at least five times in the last few years, and each experience has been different from the last. We hope you fall in love just as we have.

    Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country! We’d love to hear about your favorite spots too, and I’d be happy to add them to This Week’s Hike!

  • Guadalupe River State Park

    Guadalupe River State Park

    In our mission to spend 1000 hours outside this year, we’ve decided to revisit some of our favorite hiking spots and seek out new ones as well. We’ll be sharing one with you every week in our series titled “This Week’s Hike”.

    ✅ Trails for Children

    ✅ Swimming

    ✅ Bathrooms

    ✅ Playground

    ✅ Reservations needed

    ❌ Stroller-friendly Trails

    ❌ Free admission

    Just north of San Antonio, east of Boerne, and about an hour from Dripping Springs sits one of our favorite state parks and the location of This Week’s Hike! We’re excited to share everything we love about Guadalupe River State Park:

    The River

    In the summer, it’s the perfect swimming hole. In the winter, it’s fun for skipping rocks and trying to traverse temporary rock bridges without falling in. During any season, this spot on the Guadalupe River is the start of a 5-mile paddling trail for kayakers, tubers, and paddle-boarders. (Check water levels before dropping in though.)

    Easy to Moderate Trails

    On the south side of the River, all the trails are easy to moderate, which is perfect for a family with young children. I would not recommend strollers for these trails. We tried that once, and there was more stroller-carrying than stroller-pushing. Our younger kids could easily handle the Turkey Sink Trail, the Bald Cypress Trail, and the Scenic Overlook Trail. The trails vary in length throughout the park from .2 miles to 2.8 miles.

    The Views

    There are multiple cliffs and a scenic overlook to get great views of the River below and the surrounding Hill Country.

    A Story Walk

    Currently, there is a story walk on the Discovery Center Loop trail. Getting to the next page in the book was a great motivator for my 3-year-old to keep hiking.

    The Discovery Center

    Unfortunately, the Discovery Center is currently closed, but it’s definitely worth visiting when it re-opens! (Pics taken in 2019.)

    More Challenging Trail Options

    The Bauer Unit on the north side of the river, which requires a drive from the state park entrance to another entrance about 6 miles away, offers 8 miles of more challenging/remote trails, as well as a visit to the historic Bauer House.

    Guided Tours

    On Saturday mornings only, guided walks through the Honey Creek State Natural Area are available, and they start inside the park at the Rust House.

    A Small Playground

    Near the bathrooms by the River, there is a small playground with a couple swings, two fireman’s poles, and an old metal slide. It was enough to keep my 5-year-old from wanting to leave the park.

    Clean Bathrooms and Changing Areas

    The park has recently remodeled the bathrooms and changing areas in the river -access parking lot.

    The Wildlife

    Visit the bird blind to check out the many flying Texas species that frequent the area, including the Barred Owl. There are also equestrian trails for horse-lovers and free fishing equipment you can check out from the ranger station. On our recent trip here, an armadillo scurried right in front of us searching for his next dig site.

    Great Towns Nearby

    After a visit to the park, you can take the short drive into San Antonio to stroll the Riverwalk or enjoy dinner at the Pearl District. An even closer option is the cute small town of Boerne where you can do more hiking along a river or enjoy a beautiful evening on one of their local restaurant patios.

    If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit Guadalupe River State Park the next time the sun is shining! Also, if you’re into camping, it appeared that the park has several beautiful spots to pitch your tent.

    Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country! We’d love to hear about your favorite spots too.