✅ 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.
Swimming and summer go hand in hand, but if Mom and Dad are going to put in the extreme effort to pack everything a swim day entails, the pool or splash pad has got to be worth it!
We’ve made a list of our favorite pools and splash pads, including a few we haven’t visited yet. They all made the list because they aren’t too packed (on weekdays); they’re relatively safe for all ages; they’re affordable (often FREE); and they can entertain the kids for hours.
Pools
Deep Eddyin Austin – The shallow area next to a shaded grassy spot makes this pool perfect for moms with littles. However, getting down the steep flight of stairs with all your stuff can be difficult. Be sure to find the ramp that takes you through the back gate. Have your littles wear water shoes because the pool can be slippery on the bottom.
Founders Memorial Park PoolinDripping Springs – The city pool is open to the public most days of the summer. There are resident and non-resident rates, both affordable. We love this pool for families with emerging swimmers. There is a large “baby pool” area roped off with a depth from 1.5 to 2.5 feet, allowing for littles to splash around and play with toys, while older kids swim in the main pool area. Other than this feature, though, there are no bells and whistles at the Founders Pool. Check hours because the swim team meets at this pool.
Lakeway Swim Center – This is one of our favorite places to swim. The non-resident price is reasonable, and the pool hosts several special events throughout the summer. This swim center boasts two water slides, a leap pad crossing, a sports pool, shallow beach entry and small splash area, mini slide, shade umbrellas, lounge chairs, separate lap pool, and a concession stand.
Rock’N River Water Parkin Round Rock – It’s a smaller water park, but with multiple pools, a low admission price ($6–$14), waterslides, and a splash area, it definitely beats the regular neighborhood pool.
James Adkins Poolin Kyle – Formerly named the Kyle Community Pool, this aquatic center has plenty of covered seating, including a pavilion, a shallow baby pool area, a basketball hoop, and dive in movie nights. Check the website in advance for open swim times because the swim team practices and competes at this pool.
YMCA of Austin Pools – There are several locations, and use of the pools requires a membership, but if you have a friend with one, you can be added on as a guest for a small fee (call the location first to confirm), or you can check when the Y is hosting a community day. On community days and open houses, the YMCA pools are open to the public for free. These are usually on the weekends. Another option is to sign on for a summer membership.
Kids + dining out + outdoor play area = win for all.
Kids + dining out + summer heat = dilemma. But maybe not.
The Texas Hill Country is known for restaurants with patios, playgrounds, beautiful views, live music, as well as food and drink menus for every member of the family. The options for spending an evening lingering at the table while kids play freely are endless.
However, when it’s mid-summer, 100 degrees outside, with no breeze at all, where do we take the kids for a dinner out?
The following restaurants are some of our top choices for eating out during the HOT summer months in Dripping Springs and the areas nearby.
Delicious food from fish to pizza, full bar, splash pad, large patio with fans, short walking trail to shaded playground at One Shot Distillery, and in same shopping center as our favorite gift and craft shop, Shabby Wick!
This is a top choice for our family because of the casual and fun atmosphere, great margaritas, live music, misters and shady oak trees, friendly staff, variety of Texas faves on the menu, and room for kids to roam.
Milkshakes, kid-friendly and GF food options, protein bowls and salads for adults, unique playgrounds, big fans, indoor and outdoor seating, and very casual atmosphere that encourages play.
Multiple shaded hang-out spots that are great for gathering with friends and staying a while, enchanting play areas and garden, easy counter food like pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and bottled beverages.
Huge enclosed outdoor patio with several fans, even bigger outdoor space for kids with playground and grassy field, delicious food and drinks, patient and kind staff, and welcoming atmosphere.
Cool and casual restaurant on the lake, fans with misters, game room, live music, and great people-watching.
One of the greatest pleasures in life is to sit around a table with family and friends without feeling rushed or constantly interrupted. These restaurants provide the perfect atmospheres for enjoying good food and good company while the kids can keep themselves entertained, no matter the weather.
We’d love to hear your favorite restaurants for a hot summer day. Please share in the comments below.
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.
Unique trails and play areas make this a great family hiking spot in 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”. Jacobs Well 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
Jacobs Well is on everyone’s summer bucket list as a favorite Texas swimming hole. The depth and mystery of the well add to the draw of this small town destination.
However, during the other seasons, this unique 81-acre park is still a great destination for family hikes and outdoor play.
We’re excited to share everything we love about hiking at Jacob’s Well in Wimberley, TX!
Short but Interesting Trails along Cypress Creek
The trails down to the well and along the dry creek bed are not stroller-friendly or wheelchair accessible, but they are manageable for children and adults of all hiking abilities. There are some steep stairs and uneven ground, but there are some fun surprises along the way, such as bouldering and even crawling within a cavern parallel to the creek. You’ll opportunities to extend your hike on flat, elevated ground too. You can also listen to the audio tour on your phone as you hike.
More Trails
Additional stroller-friendly trails through the woods can be found between the parking lots. They loop around the park, and there are off-shoots (some with uneven terrain), as well as stops along the way to read informative signs, navigate a labyrinth, and watch for winged friends at the bird blind. My kids enjoyed all of these stops, but what they enjoyed most of all was…
Geocaching!
The geocache designers at Jacobs Well take their roles very seriously. These caches aren’t just capsules hanging in a tree. You have to work to find them. If you like treasure hunts and solving clues, you can print the Geocache Brochure ahead of time and use the hints instead of your map to locate the caches.
Once found, you’ll be required to do additional problem-solving onsite to get full access. We found two caches but didn’t even solve one of the puzzles to open it, so we’ll definitely be back to continue the search.
Easy Parking and Access
Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. In the off-season, you can bypass the check-in station and park in Lot C, near the Hays Master Gardeners’ greenhouse. Right next to the parking lot is trail access and a large play area.
Play Area, Nature Center, Gardens, and Restrooms
Leave extra time to explore the gardens, build a teepee, climb the oaks, soar on the swings, scale the spider web net, be a human sun dial, and run in the open field. On selected days, the indoor nature center is also open.
If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything Jacob’s Well Natural Area has to offer, join a guided tour and hike on Saturday mornings in October through May.
Shaded Seating Area/Pavilions
When you need a break from exploring, there are several tables under a covered pavilion, perfect for picnicking or a snack break. There is also a picnic table in the shade on the trail just above the well if you need an additional snack break, as my kids always do.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area is a little over 81 acres.
Jacob’s Well is an artesian spring that releases thousands of gallons of water a day.
Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas.
The source of the water comes from the Trinity Aquifer, which makes its way from an extensive underground cave system.
The deepest part of the cavern system is 140 feet deep. The main cavern length is 4,341 feet and the secondary cavern, which branches off the main cavern, is 1,314 feet in length.
The water temperature stays a constant 68°F.
Jacob’s Well is the headwaters of Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park and feeds into the Blanco River.
More than 200 Native Indian groups populated Central Texas and were collectively known as the Coahuiltecans. Three of the most prominent Indian tribes that roamed this area are the Tonkawa, Jumano, and the Comanche.
Even if you check out the well during its aquatic restoration period (non swimming-season), the well is a wonder to look at and hike around. We always spot fish, and because the water is so clear, we try our best to identify them. It’s also fun just to imagine everything down below in the deep cavern.
Cute Town of Wimberley Just Minutes Away
Another big benefit to making the trip to Jacobs Well Natural Area is that the adorable and vibrant Wimberley Square is just 10 minutes away. If your legs aren’t too worn out from hiking and playing, stroll the square and enjoy drinks, bites, shopping, artwork, and live music.
You definitely want to plan a whole day for your visit to Jacob’s Well and Wimberley, but if you’re too beat to hit the town after your hike, we 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!
Take a hike. Hang out. Picnic. Swim. Play. All in one quiet spot.
In our mission to spend 1000 hours outside every year, we’re sharing some of our favorite hiking spots in this series titled “This Week’s Hike”.
✅ Trails for Children
✅Swimming (when water levels are normal)
✅ Bathrooms
✅ Playground and Open Fields
✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking)
❌ Stroller-friendly Trails
❌ Reservations needed
Camp Ben McCulloch is a local favorite and has been around as a campground and reunion site for many years. It’s the location of an exclusive annual reunion with domino tournaments, picking circles, nightly dances, and lots of late night chats. However, for the rest of the year, this unique parcel of land with Onion Creek running through it is open for public use… for free!
We’re excited to share everything we love about Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood, TX!
Simple Trails along Onion Creek
Access trails from any the roads or campsites on the westside within the campgrounds. Just find an opening in the short fence and head slightly downhill toward the creek. There are no marked trails, but there are paths on the banks of the creek that are obvious and easy to follow. When the water is low, you can explore along the creek bed and do a little easy climbing as well. There are several climbing trees, as well as a few tall oaks with boards nailed in them as climbing ladders. All climbing and hiking is at your own risk! Read warning signs.
Easy Parking and Access
Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You can park for free in designated parking areas or along the roads near campsites. People may be camping, usually in travel trailers, so just don’t disturb them or park in their spaces. There are usually spots open near the pavilion and playground on the east side.
Shaded Seating Area/Pavilions
As mentioned, Camp Ben is used as a meeting place for an annual reunion, so there are several picnic tables under a covered pavilion, as well as several tables under beautiful shade trees, perfect for picnicking. There’s a larger pavilion with bench/pew seating and a stage, which makes this hangout spot especially fun for kids or kids-at-heart with big imaginations.
Playground and Restrooms
You can’t go wrong with a new well-maintained playground near stocked bathrooms.
The Creek!
When water levels in the area are up, Onion Creek is an awesome spot for swimming or just cooling off in shallow water. There is one deep area with a rope swing that’s become a highlight of visits to Camp Ben for many, but the water hasn’t been deep enough to use it in several months. When the water is flowing and the bacteria levels are low, you can find kids flipping off the rope swing, teens floating in tubes, and adults enjoying a cold drink and toes tickling the water while propped up in a camping chair set in the shallow, rocky end of the creek.
BBQ Across the Street
Another big benefit to making the trip to Camp Ben is that Salt Lick BBQ Restaurant is right across the highway. Grab some ribs and brisket to go for your picnic at the pavilion or enjoy the sunset after a full day of play while sitting on the patio at Salt Lick. Other excellent spots nearby include Duchman Winery, Vista Brewing, Hays City Store, and Driftwood Dugout.
The next time you wake up to a beautiful day and no plans, pack a bag, pick up some friends, and head to Camp Ben. If you’re able to go on a weekday, you’ll likely have the place to yourselves. 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!
Take a hike. Then reward yourself with pizza and beer, plus goats!
In our mission to spend 1000 hours outside every year, we’re sharing some of our favorite hiking spots in this series titled “This Week’s Hike”.
✅ Trails for Children
❌ Swimming
✅ Bathrooms
✅ Playground and Sports Fields
✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking)
✅ Stroller-friendly Trails
❌ Reservations needed
Jester King isn’t just a brewery. A few years ago, they added a nature trail, a playground, and an event barn, all of which are beautiful and unique additions to an already fun destination. The trails are open every day from dawn to dusk; the brewery and restaurant are open Monday through Thursday 2-8 pm, Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, and Sunday 11 am – 8 pm.
We’re excited to share everything we love about the Jester King Brewery in Dripping Springs!
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 easy, flat terrain or you can extend the hike to follow the entire 2 mile trail with a few offshoots into the woods.
Easy Parking and Access
Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You can park for free in the parking lot and take the short farm trail that begins at the back of the brewery or start at the trailhead on the other side of the parking lot. There are many options with signs along the loop. Beware that the parking lot can be a bit bumpy with some potholes.
Special Soil
While traversing one of the back wooded trails, check under your feet to see what the soil looks like. On parts of the trail, the dirt is more like clay than sand. Encourage your kids to scoop out a small amount and they can roll the clay-like soil between their palms and fingers to create a ball. Keeping little hands busy while on a long hike can be the trick to keeping their feet moving too.
Interesting Stops
For kids of all ages, there are options to take forks in the trail, run up and down hills, climb a few trees, check out the unique event barn and pretend to dance at a wedding reception, jump atop boulders, and enjoy the views of both wilderness and development for miles around.
The ultimate destinations, though, are the goat barn and the brewery/restaurant. Visit goats of all ages and personalities that will greet you at the fence and show off their talents in the hopes that you’ll book a goat experience and feed them too. Then, there’s the ultimate reward for a strenuous hike or family stroll to look forward to…
Pizza and Beer (or Soda)
After burning calories hiking and exploring, treat yourself to pizza, taste one of the brewer’s unique beers, savor a flavored soda, or delight in dessert. The surroundings are beautiful and relaxed with ample covered and uncovered outdoor seating available. The kids will love play time on the playground or in the huge field as well.
Jester King is an awesome spot to exercise your body, entertain the kids, and enjoy a meal with your friends or family. 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.
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!
Easter is a BIG DEAL in our house. Resurrection Sunday brings so much joy to our family; the promise of new life that the holiday represents puts it up there with Christmas on how we honor it. I highly encourage you to find a church service to go to on Easter Sunday. Most churches have multiple services available. I also encourage you to take advantage of the many fun events in the area to celebrate.
Check out this list of Easter and Spring season celebrations offered in Dripping Springs and nearby areas…
March 23rd, 11 am – 2 pm Take part in a variety of activities, including the annual egg hunt in the pool and outdoors, balloon artist, face painting, games and more! Local non-profit, service and wellness organizations will be available to offer resources, services and information. Registration is required.
March 30th, 9 am Invite your family and friends for petting zoo, food trucks, helicopter egg drop, face painting, and more. at 3701 W Slaughter Ln, Austin.
Head to Burnet April 12-14th for activities sure to please all ages. There’s something for everyone such as live music, a carnival, food, races of all kinds, and lots and lots of shopping.
Sweet Berry Farm is open for fun activities, such as barrel train rides, berry bounce, flower-picking, sand art, and picking strawberries through mid-May.
If all of the events listed above still don’t give you your Easter fill, below is a list of my favorite at-home egg hunt themes. You can make a whole weekend out of egg hunting with these options and keep those kiddos happy for hours on end.
1. Trick or Treat (or April Fools) Egg Hunt... Fill most of your eggs with goodies and trinkets, but reserve about 25% of them for tricks instead of treats. They can be filled with rocks, fake money, dried up flowers, or pieces of paper with chores and dares written on them. The only caveat to participate is that you have to agree to take the bad with the good.
2. Tickets and Prizes Egg Hunt… Instead of filling eggs with tiny toys and candy that you may not want your children to have, put 1-5 tickets in each egg instead. Then, once all the eggs have been found, let kids redeem their tickets for bigger gifts, prizes, and coveted snacks.
3. Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt… Wait until after dinner to stuff and hide eggs that each have a glow stick and a treat inside. (You’ll need the large plastic eggs to pull this off.)
4. Mission Impossible Egg Hunt… Section off your house or yard to hide eggs at varying levels of difficulty. Let hunters begin in an area where the eggs are easy to spot and collect, then move on to an area where they’re hidden a bit more inconspicuously, and finally move to an area where egg-collection requires climbing, crawling, digging, and uncovering.
5. Party-themed egg hunt… If you were to throw a birthday party for your child(ren) this month, what would the theme be? Superheroes? LOL dolls? Mickey Mouse? Sports? Whatever that theme would be, fill the eggs with party favors, balloons, tattoos, stickers, and treats related to it. Add a few confetti eggs to the mix as well.
6. Snack frenzy egg hunt… Buy up all of your kids favorite snacks in individual bags. Then print thumbnail size pictures of the logos of each type of snack (adding up to the total number of bags you have). When they collect eggs and open them, they can exchange their logo picture for the real thing.
7. Good deeds egg hunt… In the spirit of the season, we can all do a bit more for our friends, family, and community. Spread joy with an egg hunt that has ideas for random acts of kindness that can be performed on the days following Easter. Fill several eggs with candy and treats and many others with ideas, like “draw a picture and send to a grandparent”, “drop off coloring pages and crayons in the mailbox of a young family in the neighborhood”, “call a friend you haven’t seen in a long time”, “paint rocks with words of encouragement and drop them along a walking trail”, “create a list of feel-good songs and mail them to a friend, along with an invitation for a face time dance party”, “drop encouraging bits of scripture in all the neighbors’ mailboxes”, “write a thank you note to a hospital ER”, etc.
8. Game Night Egg Hunt… Buy, borrow, or dig out of a closet a few board games, lego sets, or jigsaw puzzles. Hide pieces in plastic eggs and when all are collected and opened, have a family game night. (If you have time to plan ahead, have a puzzle made with your family picture on it.)
9. Arts and Crafts Egg Hunt… Fill eggs with kids’ favorite crafts items, such as googly eyes, pipe cleaners, glue sticks, chalk, play doh or clay, string, poms, mini-paints, beads, erasers, ribbons, stickers, etc. Then, provide empty mason jars to categorize and store all of their new crafting supplies, and let them be creative the rest of the day. This variety pack on Amazon has it all!
Finally, I’d like to add that resurrection eggs are a fantastic way to incorporate worship into your secular celebrations. There are many resources online to make them yourself or you can have them shipped pre-made along with a book.
However you choose to celebrate this very special holiday, I hope it’s an Easter to remember and that it brings the promise of new life and redeeming love to your family. Happy hunting!
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.
