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!
Yummy Mexican food, festive drink options, shaded seating, misters and fans everywhere, mini golf for $5, swings and sand pit for the kids, ping pong, cornhole, grassy play area, and sweet staff.
Covered seating under large pavilion, pickle ball courts, games on TV, relaxed indoor seating, splash pad, minigolf for $10, bocce ball in the shade, and a selection of kid-friendly food.
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.
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.
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 few pumpkin patches we haven’t seen … yet.
Visit the homestead of the founding family of Dripping Springs, and enjoy lawn games, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, live music, animal visits, photo opps, and beautiful picnic spots under the oaks. Also, the Founder’s Park playground is right next door. Admission price is a flat $15 per person (65+ and 0-3 are free).
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. $25/person if purchased online in advance.
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 half-price admission. Sat and Sun visits cost $16/person.
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.
In the beautiful and fun city of Fredericksburg, $14 admission cost gets you Corn Maze, Jump pass, Wagon Ride, Flower Field, Barnyard Basketball, Barnyard Rollers, Barnyard Bubbles, Corn Pit, Tile Maze, Tug-O-War, Roping, Tetherball-m, Peach Mountain and Tunnel, and more. We’ve never been, but we’re excited to check out Jenshke this year.
Save Money with These Alternatives to Austin and Hill Country Hot Spots
There seem to be limitless attractions, trails, swimming holes, museums, playgrounds, classes, farms, festivals, and historical sites in Austin and within the surrounding Texas Hill Country. 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, and we have a lot of time each day to fill with unique learning experiences. The term “homeschool” can often be a misnomer. We don’t really replicate school, and we also don’t stay home all that much. Many 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 help with my own planning (and yours), I’ve made 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.
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)
This museum is my younger kids’ absolute favorite! Their imaginations come alive in the many role play areas, including 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.)
If you’re up for more science-focused exhibits, the Science Mill is a frugal alternative with both indoor and outdoor hands-on experiences. They have many special events throughout the year as well.
Check out animal exhibits, both indoor and outdoor, a frog pond and streams where you can catch tadpoles with your own net, discovery rooms with insect and animal specimens, as well as 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 really, really love zoos like we do, it might be worth looking into a zoo membership for reciprocal discounts at other zoos.
Explore Lady Bird Lake on a kayak or paddleboard and take in the downtown skyline, as well as 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, find cute photo ops, enjoy a picnic or cafe-style lunch, roam free in the great outdoors, and even do a little wine tasting or shopping, this free alternative is the way to go. There aren’t as many play areas specific to children, but this unique spot hosts many fun events with kid-friendly activities, including a Fall Festival on September 23rd with face painting, pumpkin patches, and games.
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 and head downstream a short ways 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)
Frugal alternative: FREE Barking Springs
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 and unique climbing walls at Hill Country Indoor, 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) OR fee-based art classes
Frugal alternative: FREE Art Classes at Buda City Library
This library has several options for all ages, including teen art projects and Adult Art with Inspired Minds, but they have more than just art classes. There are also STEM classes for homeschoolers, come and go crafting, cooking classes, and more.
While Pioneer Farms is a cool place and not that expensive, Sauer-Beckmann Farm and LBJ State Park are completely free, and 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! It’s true that some require more of a drive and maybe a bit more packing or planning, but my family thinks it’s 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, which charges one annual fee per person for free admission into multiple family-friendly places.
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, in our series titled “This Week’s Hike”.
✅ Trails for Children
✅ Swimming (seasonal, rare, and dependent on rainfall)
❌ Bathrooms
❌ Playground and Sports Fields
✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking)
❌ Stroller-friendly Trails
❌ Reservations needed
In the heart of a quiet Austin neighborhood, just a few miles from dozens of popular restaurants and ATX attractions, lies a beautiful hiking trail and climbing spot with options for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. We’re excited to share everything we love about the Gus Fruh “Beach” and Trails! (2642 Barton Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78704-4536 )
Variety of Trails
Whether hiking with tiny tots or solo with climbing gear in your bag, this is the place for you! The trail options are many, from a meandering flat surface that takes you to the (usually dry) creek bed to the rocky paths and large boulders that lead to the popular rock climbing spots.
Easy Parking and Access
Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You can park for free on the street nearby and walk along the sidewalk directly to the trailhead. There’s a sign at the entrance.
Hours of Nature Exploration
While there are no benches or bathrooms, there are many spots along the trails that allow for nature exploration… bouldering, climbing trees, crawling through natural tunnels, collecting rocks, and traversing rocky terrain. The creek bed is easy to get to, so once there, even little ones can explore while their parents take a rest.
Restaurants Nearby
After burning calories hiking, climbing, and exploring, treat yourself to burgers, beer, and ice cream, as well as more play time on the playground, at Phil’s Ice House or enjoy delicious pizza at Pinthouse Pizza | Craft Brewpub | Austin Texas. There are dozens of additional options within 5-10 minutes of Gus Fruh as well.
Gus Fruh is perfect for a quick hike or a full screen-free afternoon with your family. For other family hike recommendations in the Texas Hill Country, check out 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.
As of this school year, I’ve ventured into homeschooling my two younger children. People ask me daily how it’s going, and depending on the day (or even the time of day), they’ll likely get a different answer than I previously gave.
The highs are very high, and the lows can be quite low. I can go from feeling pure joy and bliss to doubting every parenting decision I’ve ever made. However, I’ve come to realize that these feelings occur no matter what schooling decision parents make for their children. We’re so hard on ourselves and tend to let the emotion du jour lead the way.
To counter this whiplash of emotions, I try to engage in meaningful activities with my kids that will fill their cups but also fill mine. I usually find a bit of free time for myself after fully participating in one of the options below because everybody walks away fulfilled.
Most of these incorporate time in nature and/or sensory experiences, which tend to be antidotes to boredom, crankiness, frustration, sibling rivalry, and screen daze for all of us.
I hope that these ideas might allow other parents to break away from the norm and reset those flip-flopping emotions. These 11 easy, free, and meaningful activities have worked well for us. Let me know if any stand out to you!
1. Nature Hike and Journaling
We kept our nature journals really simple and just made them out of cardstock and twine. Anytime we go on an adventure, I carry crayons and pencils. The kids either draw something they see and find interesting, then we research it on my phone to add notes … OR they’ve already drawn and researched something that we then go and try to find, such as certain types of trees.
2. Act Out a Favorite Storybook
Max and Ruby’s Christmas Tree
We choose a favorite or recently-read story book and act it out in real life. We create costumes, find props, and make up character voices. The kids love this activity and often want to act out the same book more than once. We’re hoping to go all out after finishing the Little House on the Prairie series and throw a themed party.
Corduroy Goes to School
3. Lego Challenge
There are a million and one ways to create Lego challenges for kids. You can just type the words and google for a plethora of ideas. I even found some printables for head-to-head Lego challenges. What I love the most about starting one of these challenges is the fact that the kids usually want to continue playing with legos independently for hours or days on end!
4. Create a Wall of Weird
Kids love to find the weirdest things! Whether out on a hike or rummaging through a thrift store, they find something so unique, but often too odd, to want to include it with the rest of the home decor. As a compromise, my kids and I agreed upon a Wall of Weird, which was an idea borrowed from someone much more clever than myself. So, when a little one wants to collect a fallen bird’s nest, an odd-shaped stick, or a dead bug, there has to be room on the Wall of Weird for it to come home with us. (Sometimes, interesting crafts make it on to the wall as well.)
5. Guided Drawing
If you haven’t tried the Art for Kids Hub videos on You Tube yet, you’re in for a fun afternoon! These easy-to-follow guided draw videos are our favorite way to spend a rainy day… and sometimes a sunny one. Some videos are easy enough for a pre-schooler, but many are challenging even for me. This activity may not fit the bill for reducing screen time, but it’s definitely worth the extra minutes (or hours) in our house.
6. Make Shaped Crayons
Any chance you have a few broken crayons in your home? Maybe a few hundred? If so, this activity can keep your kids busy for an entire day. Not kidding. All you needs are lots of crayons and a silicon candy mold. First, have the kids find all the crayons that are too broken to use or are nubby duplicates of newer ones. Have them sort by color. Then they peel off the paper of each one. After that, place the crayon bits into the candy mold shapes. Mix colors if desired. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees until they start to harden. Voila – “new” shaped crayons for the kids to use during guided drawing! They also make great gifts. We’ve printed coloring pages and attached several fun-shaped crayons to create gifts for friends.
7. Fort-building
With older kids or young kids, indoor or outdoor, soft and cozy or challenging and maze-like, forts are always a family favorite! To change things up a bit, we sometimes set up a huge tent in the house (along with other accessories) for indoor camping.
8. Sensory Obstacle Course
When I hear “obstacle course”, my brain tends to immediately picture a ninja gym or gymnastics floor. However, an obstacle course can be set up anywhere! Sometimes, it might look like my kids shooting water guns at a target (or each other), stepping into buckets full of goo, crawling from one end of the yard to another, and ending with a little shaving cream play. Sometimes, the kids just leap over toys, roll under a table, and hop around on different surfaces. Sometimes, they do somersaults, a certain number of jumps on the trampoline, and then dig in the sand to find toys. No matter the location or the props used, obstacle courses always seem to satisfy my kids‘ sensory cravings! They also tend to be prompts for initiating independent play, which allows me a chance to sit down and catch up on a book.
What kid doesn’t love science experiments?! Thankfully, there are hundreds options to copy from Pinterest or Google. The library is also a great resource to check out a book with dozens of ideas. I always look for experiments using ingredients we already have on hand and that can be done in under 15 minutes. What I‘be found is that my kids continue doing the experiment or a similar activity afterward. More independent play time for the win (and usually a bit of a mess to clean up afterward).
It can be any type of gift, any time year, and for any reason whatsoever… my kids love to be secret elves. We just come up with something simple, like a baked good or a funny theme or sometimes an envelope of cash for a friend in need. The kids then work hard on the gift and get to be super sneaky when they deliver it. This usually leads to an over-exaggeration of spy or ninja behavior, but they love leaving a gift somewhere on the porch or in an interesting spot in the yard without that friend seeing them. Occasionally, I will have to send a text to let our friends know to look out for something because it was hidden so well.
Thank you for reading! I would love to hear which activities work best in your home to reset your kids’ emotions. Please share in the comments! Also, if you try any of the 11 listed above, please post on Instagram and tag @DrippingWithKids.
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!
Your itinerary for a weekend in Dripping Springs, TX is righthere!
Just a couple decades ago, Dripping Springs, Texas was practically unknown to the rest of the state. It was one of those small, sleepy towns that attracted songwriters and ranchers but few others had heard of it, despite its natural beauty and proximity to the state capital. But it didn’t take long for it to grow from a vast expanse of ranch land to a booming town, now well-known across the nation.
It seems that our little town was discovered twice… once in 1854 by Dr. Pound and two other families trekking across the Indian-filled frontier… and then again in the early part of this century by the many city-dwellers looking for a taste of country life with all the conveniences of a big city nearby.
Dripping Springs still has that wonderful small town feel, but it’s growing rapidly. Not only has it become a destination for young families, empty-nesters, and young professionals to settle down, it now has a huge tourist draw as well.
You might ask, “What’s the draw of Dripping Springs?” Recently, The Drip has been penned by the Texas Legislature as the Wedding Capital of Texas. Our small town hosts more than 3,500 weddings per year in over 35 unique venues within a 15 mile radius, from rustic barns to a former Vietnamese temple.
We are also home to dozens of micro-breweries, famous distilleries, and family-owned wineries, most of which are kid-friendly and showcase the beauty of the oak trees and rolling hills in this part of Texas.
Dripping Springs is also considered the “Gateway to the Hill Country” because of its easy access to nearby towns that make up this region of central Texas. From DSTX, you can easily travel south to the adorable town of Wimberley for unique swimming holes and a meandering square of shops and art galleries. You can take a scenic drive between rolling hills along back country roads to the historic town of Gruene for some boot-scootin’ and delicious barbecue. Or you can head further west to make your way onto the Hill Country Wine Trail and end up in the quintessential German town of Fredericksburg. In fact, there are dozens of day trips or short road trips easily taken from Dripping Springs that offer a window to Texas’s remarkable history and the variety of cultures in our great state.
But those interesting nearby towns are not the feature of this post. Dripping Springs gets all the glory here, and if you’re looking for an amazing weekend in The Drip with your family, we’ve got your weekend itinerary planned out. Fair warning, though: After a weekend here, you’ll probably want to move to our sweet town too.
Friday in Dripping Springs
Start your afternoon at the shops on historic Mercer Street, and try to find the dripping springs that our town was named after. Hint: look for a hidden staircase among the downtown shops. Read about the town’s history while on the path.
Then, take the kids to one of Dripping’s family-friendly breweries or distilleries to get a taste of the talent that has flocked here from all over the world. Your family could linger for hours at one venue, enjoying the open green space, live music, unique food offerings, and playground. Or you could bounce around to a few before settling in for the night. Just please be careful and designate a driver because our roads are winding, and this is a dark sky community without street lights. (Click the hyperlink above for specific reviews of each of the following.)
Jester King Brewery and Kitchen
Treaty Oak Distilling
Family Business Beer Co
12 Fox Beer Co
Fitzhugh Brewing
Vista Brewing
Dripping Springs Distillery
Quick tip: Be sure to be outside at sunset. The Texas Hill Country boasts some of the best sunsets in the South!
Saturday in Dripping Springs
If you’re visiting the Hill Country, exploring the great outdoors is a must. Two of our most famous natural spots are Hamilton Pool Preserve and Reimers Ranch Park. You can visit both in the same morning as they are just down the road from each other. Hamilton Pool requires reservations, and you may need to verify before you go whether the swimming hole is open. Regardless of whether you get to take a dip, the 50 foot waterfall at the bottom of the natural staircase and the caverns behind it are definitely worth the visit. Bring your camera!
Afterward, head to Reimers Ranch Park for a little bit of easy climbing, cave exploration, hiking, (rocky) beach bumming, and swimming or wading in the Pedernales River.
If Hamilton Pool is booked or if you find yourself with a little extra time, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is another option for a fun and informational guided hike down to a beautiful grotto and limestone cavern. It’s also along Hamilton Pool Road. Call to make reservations before you go.
After all of that hiking and exploring, settle in at Hamilton Pool Vineyards and Farm for a glass of wine and some snacks at the bistro.
For dinner with the kids, stop in at Route 12 Filling Station on Hwy 12 and Fitzhugh Road. In the hot months, which are most of them, there is a splash pad for the kiddos, but the playground and large patio are open year-round. There’s a variety of delicious food for even the pickiest eaters.
Another dinner option in the area is Verde’s Mexican Parilla, which also has a huge covered patio, as well as a playground and fenced-in grass area for the kids to play. The menu is unique, and every single appetizer is worth trying. The food is phenomenal.
Quick tip: If you still have any energy left at the end of the day, check out Hudsons on Mercer for great live music or the Mercer Street dance hall for a little boot-scootin’.
Sunday in Dripping Springs
For those looking for a church option, there are several in town that will welcome any and all guests with open arms. Check out device times online.
For those looking for a relaxing coffee break, make your way to Mazama or Rolling in Thyme and Dough for a relaxing atmosphere and yummy goodies.
Then, head to one of the favorite playgrounds in the area, such as Founders Park, where your kids can enjoy multiple playscapes and view the first homestead built in Dripping Springs by Dr. Pound, as mentioned in the first couple paragraphs of this post.
When you’ve built up an appetite, make your way to a nearby local favorite, Get Along Grill, or try out some famous Texas barbecue at The Salt Lick, known for family-style dining and byob.
Quick tip: Book your next trip to the Hill Country before you leave. You know you’ll be back!
For additional hiking options in the area, check out This Week’s Hike, and to find more ideas on how to make the most of each season in the Texas Hill Country, see our bucket lists!
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 experiences often in our series titled “This Week’s Hike”.
✅ Trails for Children
❌ Swimming (seasonal)
✅ Bathrooms
✅ Playground nearby
✅ Free Admission for Science Exhibits, Play Area, and Trails
✅ Stroller-friendly Trails and Bike Trails
❌ Reservations needed
In the heart of Austin, among the many Zilker Park attractions and trails, lies a unique center with multiple attractions drawing adults and children alike to explore and discover the best parts of nature and the science behind it. We’re excited to share everything we love about Austin Nature and Science Center! (2389 Stratford Drive, Austin, TX)
Unique Museum and Science Center
As you walk through the doors of the Nature Center, you’ll first be pleased to discover that there’s no admission fee. It’s FREE!
But then you’ll soon be mesmerized even more by the opportunities to explore bug and animal skeletons, 3D maps, furs, fossils, and other fascinating artifacts. It might be tempting to stay inside for your whole visit, experiencing the hands-on science exhibits, but make sure you leave time to explore the great outdoors as well.
The Animals!
There are multiple indoor and outdoor exhibits of animals native to Texas, including snakes, fish, amphibians, raccoons, bobcats, and birds of prey.
Dino Pit
If you’re with little ones, this hike will be very slow-moving because there are many stops for kids along the paths. The most popular attraction for my kids is the Dino Pit, where they can dig through a huge sand pit for fossils and random left-behind toys. (If you have a dinosaur lover, add a short trip to Bastrop to your itinerary.)
Beautiful Garden and Splashable Stream
While you might think the trail that goes around the stream is meant to prevent you from venturing into the water, you’d be wrong. I have seen many children with nets in the stream catching tadpoles and water bugs. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna surrounding the water, as well as the little swimmers in it.
About that Hike We Promised…
After taking it slow and exploring everything the Nature and Science Center has to offer, extend your day with a stroll or a run along the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake. You could make the hike as short or as long as you want. There are maps everywhere, guiding you to a path that suits your individual staying power.
There is so much more to do in this lovely pocket of Austin than just what’s listed above. As you wander around, you can’t miss the many opportunities to learn a little history, rent a boat, roll down a hill, or just linger on the lawn. We definitely recommend packing a lot of snacks and a meal or two. Once you get there, you won’t want to leave!
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.
Dripping with Kids 