Whether you refer to it as a fall festival or a pumpkin patch, the month of October isn’t complete without a visit to one… or many!
Is it even Fall if you haven’t taken super cute photos surrounded by pumpkins and funny signs; dirtied your shoes with dust, hay, and dried corn in a big pit; gotten lost in a winding maze; fed some farm animals; sipped sweet tea; and watched your kids bounce, ride, and run to their hearts’ content?
This list includes the festivals we always try to squeeze in, as well as a couple we haven’t seen … yet.
The beloved Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival has moved to Uhland. I’m sure it’ll be worth the drive because the founders always brought more and more family fun each year they were open in Dripping Springs. Now they have more parking and more acreage.
Enjoy lawn games, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, live music, animal visits, photo opps, and beautiful picnic spots under the oaks. Admission price is a flat $15 per person if you purchase online before Sept 26 (65+ and 0-3 are free). Open weekends Sept 27 – Nov 2.
Located in Georgetown, TX, this farm is loaded with the typical fall festival activities, such as a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and petting zoo, but it also has a few unique options. We can’t wait to take another spin on a pedal cart; shoot an apple from a slingshot; climb up a tire hill, then slide down; watch pig-racing; wade in the San Gabriel River; play corn hole, gaga ball, kickball, or tug o’ war; and challenge ourselves on the obstacle course. Prices vary by date, but there’s a 40% discount if you purchase online in advance Open daily Sept 20 – Nov 7.
You can find this farm and pumpkin patch near Austin in Manchaca, TX. Fall festival activities include a pumpkin patch, fall-themed photo-ops, exotic animals, authentic Native American tipi, kids’ swings and playground, kids’ spider web, face painting (only open Saturday & Sunday), jumping pillow (only open Saturday & Sunday), and food vendors. Go on a Thursday or Friday for $13 admission. Sat and Sun visits cost $19/person. Festival runs Sept 27 – Nov 2.
The short drive to Marble Falls is worth it to spend the day on this cute farm with hayrides, two mazes, a huge pumpkin patch with adorable photo opps, face painting, goat-feeding, barrel train rides, scarecrow-stuffing, a funny hayride, and horseback riding (on weekends only). Admission is free, but activities are charged individually. We usually spend about $15/person. Open daily except Wednesdays beginning in mid-September.
In the beautiful and fun city of Fredericksburg, $14 admission cost gets you a challenging corn maze; a jump pad pass; wagon ride; flower field, peach mountain, and pumpkin patch access; several games, and more. We’ve never been, but we’re excited to check out Jenshke this year. Opening mid-September.
$10 admission gets you free games, photo ops, thousands of pumpkins to enjoy, a bouncy house and pad, corn pit, and live music, as well as access to food vendors, professional photographers, and face painting for extra $$. Open daily except Tuesdays Oct 3 – 31.
We hope you enjoy your pumpkin patch visits this Fall. Subscribe to this blog to receive our 2024 Fall Bucket List (coming soon) that includes several other fun ideas for the beloved season ahead, as well as weekly posts about the best of the Texas Hill Country!
Challenge your Family to Climb to the Top of Wimberley, TX
In our mission to spend 1000 hours outside as a family every year, we’re sharing some of our favorite hiking spots in this series titled “This Week’s Hike”. Old Baldy is our latest pick.
✅ Trails for Children
❌ Swimming (during summer only and when water levels are normal)
❌ Bathrooms
❌ Playground and Open Fields
✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking)
❌ Stroller-friendly Trails
❌ Reservations needed
Old Baldy is more of a tourist attraction than a hike, but it’s a fun challenge that you can add on to your next visit to Wimberley.
We’re excited to share what we love about the hike to the top of Old Baldy in Wimberley, TX!
Short but Challenging Hike
The trail is really a climb, and it can be rigorous. However, all of our children, even down to toddler age, made it up the steps to the top. There are well over 100 stairs to climb, so this is not an accessible or stroller-friendly hike, but you’ll find benches and flat landings to take breaks as needed. It will definitely feel like a work out all the way up!
If you want to add on more of a walk, go down and up Old Baldy a second time or walk the short loop in the neighborhood around the park.
The View
Not only will you get the reward of satisfaction and an increased heart rate as you climb Old Baldy, you’ll also get spectacular 360 degree views of Wimberley and the Texas Hill Country.
Picnic Spot
The top of the hill is an excellent spot for a picnic, plus bird- and butterfly- watching. Add on a cooler backpack for a more strenuous hike and a romantic or fun family picnic afterward.
Easy Parking and Access
Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You’ll drive through a small neighborhood to get to the limited parking lot. You must park in the parking lot and not in front of residents’ homes. Go early or on a weekday to avoid a full lot.
Also, be sure to make time for the adorable and vibrant Wimberley Square. You can stroll for hours to enjoy drinks, bites, shopping, artwork, and live music.
We also highly recommend taking in a sensational sunset at Shady Llama on Highway 12. Relax in hammocks, taste a few local beers, order snacks from the food truck, and let the kids challenge themselves on the natural obstacle courses. If you’re really lucky, you might spot the llamas that live on the land.
We never get tired of spending the day in Wimberley with its many beautiful hiking spots, cool swimming holes, unique shops, and lively restaurants, no matter the season. It’s great to know that there are options for outdoor exploring year-round.
For other family hike recommendations in the Texas Hill Country, check out our page, This Week’s Hike.
Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country!
Experience the simplicity of nature on this flat, easy hike in Driftwood, close to Dripping Springs.
✅ Trails for Children
❌ Swimming
✅ Bathrooms (port-a-potties)
❌ Playground and Sports Fields
✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking)
✅ Stroller-friendly Trails
❌ Reservations needed
Beautiful Sunsets
Charro Ranch Park is tucked away off of FM 150 near the heart of Dripping Springs, but it’s rarely busy and allows you to escape into the beauty and simplicity of nature.
Charro Ranch Park is located at 22690 W. FM 150. The 64-acre park was donated to the City of Dripping Springs by Lucy Reed Hibberd in December of 2008 after being in her family for about 50 years. Mrs. Hibberd developed trails, created areas for reflection, and installed signs identifying tree species in order to create a natural setting for passive activities for the community of Dripping Springs to enjoy nature. (website)
The park is free, and gates are open from 5 am to 11 pm.
Easy Trails for Hikers and Bikers
Charro Ranch Park Trail Map
Whether hiking with tiny tots, older kids, or adults, these trails are a great choice! You can take a short hike with a stroller making several stops to check out all of the flora and fauna or you can ride bikes with older kids through the narrower outer trails.
Most trails are dirt or mulch paths and can get narrow in some areas with high grass on either side. They range in distance from .13 of a mile to 1.23 miles, but they’re all connected so you can make your hike as short or as long as you’d like.
Free Parking at Trailhead
Parking lot at entrance
Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You can park for free in the small parking lot. Then, you can choose a trail just steps away from your car. It can become a bit of a labyrinth as your start out, so be sure to have a picture of the trails and their names from the board at the trailhead. Trails are marked by pictographs along the paths.
Interesting Sights and Pavilion
There are a few stops along the trails that allow you to interact with what other nature-lovers have built, such as a human sundial and wooden bridge.
There is also a small pavilion for picnicking and bird-watching. It’s close to the parking lot, so you can leave your food and drinks in the car instead of hauling them with you on the trails.
Charro Ranch Park is a great stop for a no-frills, easy hike right on the border of Dripping Springs and Driftwood.
Let us know what you think after you visit! For other family hike recommendations in the Texas Hill Country, check out our page, This Week’s Hike.
Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country! We’d love to hear about your favorites as well.
I’m the type who likes to make plans. I love to make bucket lists for each season and to-do lists for each day. I love doing projects and watching the development from start to finish. I love planning vacations and family visits. I even plan time for planning.
My brother has explained to me that I compensate for anxiety by making plans. This compensatory skill has become especially helpful in dealing with chaotic and difficult seasons, as well as the unpredictability of parenting.
While on my personal path of looking ahead and making plans, I’ve been picking and choosing what I want to hear from God, the Lord of hope. I’ve been reading scripture that promises that good is triumphant over evil, that we have hope as an anchor, and that the Lord can overcome all struggles. I like scripture that coincides with my plans.
Then, I came across the type of story I was trying to avoid in Jeremiah 27-29.
Jeremiah prophesied that the Israelites would serve under King Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon, his son, and his grandson. They would leave their homeland and submit to the control of a king they distrusted. The Israelites didn’t like this prophesy. Many didn’t want to believe that they would give up freedoms and even die far from home while under King Nebuchadnezzer’s rule. They were told it would be 70 years of oppression. 70 years away from the comfort of home. 70 years living a life they had not planned.
This opened the door to a false prophet, Hananiah, who promised that the people would return to their land and the lives they were used to within two years. It was a promise people could cling to. Hananiah’s prophecy offered hope. The Israelites could make their plans.
But Hananiah was wrong. The Israelites were exiled. Their plans were destroyed… their hope, diminished.
If I lived during the 6th century, BC, who would I have chosen to believe – Jeremiah or Hananiah?
I probably would have listened to the false prophet. His promise would’ve matched my plans. His prophecy would’ve sounded better for my idea of the life I desire for myself and my family. It would’ve offered my version of hope, just as I choose to believe that this political season and economic downturn, full of anger, division, frustration, decline, and violence, will end soon and lead to significant change in our nation. I’m making my plans!
However, it’s not about me and my plans. The hope our Father offers is not related to the leader of this nation or how much money we can save (or spend). I have to remember the true message in Jeremiah’s prophecy.
Jeremiah encouraged the Israelites to live well while in exile, even if their own plans for a good life would never come to fruition. They were called to worship the true king, work hard even under oppressive rule, to sow gardens they may never get to reap, to build homes somewhere other than their homeland, to marry despite their inward strife, to have children potentially bound to slavery, and to pray for the town and the king they did not choose.
In Jeremiah 29:11, he adds God’s familiar promise: “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
This bit of scripture reminds us that we have many blessings and opportunities to live a fruitful life no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. Our idea of abundance may not match His, but God is good in all situations, seasons, and political regimes, even if His own plans don’t make sense to me or align with mine.
There is always a greater promise than the earthly plans we make for ourselves, and it will be better than we could have ever imagined. I will worship the king of kings above all else and rely on the hope He promises, regardless of current circumstances and my own faltered plans.
This piece is inspired by Guadalupe River State Park. We love visiting this park because of the beautiful river running through it, the kid-friendly trails, the discovery room, and the stunning views. Although the river is fun to swim in and quite calm near the banks, the current can surprise you and take control.
Once, when my husband and I brought our two toddlers to the park, we waded out to the center of the shallow river, each holding one of our little ones , who wore puddle jumper floatiesbecause they were not yet swimmers. As we ventured toward the small ripples in the water, something took hold of us, and we were no longer in control.
The current slammed our bodies into large rocks underwater, and there was no way to get our footing. We struggled to keep our babies, and even our own heads, above water. As I recognized that we weren’t able to keep our kids and ourselves safe, I screamed, “toss the babies to shore”. With as much might as we could muster, we launched the kids out of the current’s path and prayed they could stand and get to shore. We had to let go and trust that they would be ok.
Then, we could use our freed hands to swim toward the shore ourselves. It worked, and the kids were safe! Thank God we walked away with just cuts and bruises, as well as a greater appreciation for the forces of nature.
Frugal Travel: Enjoy Charleston without Blowing the Budget
I love Charleston! The previous (and first) time I traveled to Charleston was with my husband only. We did an historic walking tour, visited old mansions, feasted on a variety of delicious cuisines, lingered in lounges, and snapped dozens of photos of the gorgeous homes, especially their front doors.
When we decided to bring our children back to visit, we knew they would not appreciate Charleston the same way we did. It had to include their type of fun… and had to be our type of affordable.
Charleston is a unique city, historically and culturally, and it offers the best of almost every type of vacation. If you prefer to learn about history, Charleston has several Civil War sites, colonial mansions and plantations kept in their original style, historical markers, and museums. If you’re a foodie and want to taste unique cuisines, Charleston will satisfy your palette, from seafood to French bakery and BBQ to vegan. If you want nightlife and live music, that can be found along King Street or at one of the numerous concert venues. And if you want to relax on or by the water, there are plenty of beaches, coastlines, creeks, and marshes just a short walk or drive from anywhere you stay.
With so much to do and see, it’s actually quite difficult to do it all in 48 hours, and it can be even more difficult to stay on a budget. So, we set a goal of giving the kids a glimpse into multiple aspects of Charleston, so that they’ll want to come back again to explore their favorites even further.
Mission accomplished!
Transportation
Airfare – Thankfully, we had reward miles, so airfare wasn’t a big factor in our budget, but even if it was, I love using the Google Airfare search tool to find great fares. All you have to do is type in “flight from _______________ to Charleston” in the Google search bar, and you will be provided a calendar of fare prices for multiple airlines.
We used Rapid Rewards with Southwest, but it would have cost us less that $250 to fly round-trip from Austin to Charleston in the middle of summer.
If airfare isn’t in the budget, the drive to Charleston isn’t too bad from most of the eastern United States.
*Additional Savings Tip: If you want 3 full days for your trip, book an outbound flight first thing in the morning and a return flight late in the evening with 2 nights stay in between. The airfare is usually cheaper at these times, and you get 3 full days while only paying for 2 nights of hotel.
Getting Around the City – Unless you stay in downtown and intend to spend all your time in the heart of the city, it’s best to get a rental car. Street or lot parking in the downtown tourist areas of Charleston costs anywhere from $2 – $8/hour.
Hotel
There are several hotels in the French Quarter and King Street areas that are close to most restaurants, bars, and museums. However, I cannot recommend Embassy Suites in Mt. Pleasant enough! It has a very high review rating, and it’s in a safe, beautiful, and convenient location (if you have a car). The additional amenities are worth the resort fee and $30 for parking. They have a big free breakfast buffet with hot and cold offerings, as well as a free nightly reception with cocktails and snacks, sometimes accompanied by live music in the shaded courtyard. Other bonuses of this hotel are mini fridge and microwave in the rooms, a separate living room and bedroom in the suites, stunning lobby with restaurant and bar (including room service), and fully shaded, well-kept, relaxing yet fun pool area. It is also walking distance to Patriots Point, where the USS Yorktown is docked, to the College of Charleston Athletic Fields, and to the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge. You can get a view of all of these sites, as well as the steeples above downtown Charleston, either from your hotel room or while on a quick stroll outside the hotel doors.
And the best news of all is that we could use our Hilton points to book a 2 nights’ stay at this lovely hotel!
*Additional Savings Tip: When I find a great option at a decent price, I book… but only at the free-cancellation rate. Then, I set an alert/reminder in my phone to go back and check hotels again just before the final cancellation date. I usually re-do my hotel search about 3-4 days before we depart to see if the hotel I love has reduced its price or if there is a comparable option for cheaper.
Food
You can definitely eat your way through Charleston, and in doing so, you can eat away all of your extra cash too. My husband and I splurged on one night out at Coast Bar & Grill. The food was delicious, and we were able to keep costs down by sharing the Surf and Turf, as well as a Ceviche appetizer. There was a very generous amount of shrimp in the app, and we were comfortably full after finishing the steak and salmon in the entree.
For most of our stay, though, we fed ourselves at family-friendly options, such as Jimmy John’s and Playa Bowl, as well as at the hotel restaurant. The kids’ meals at the hotel had large portions, enough to satisfy my teens, and cost $10 or less.
*Additional Savings Tip: Ask locals about the best happy hours. Several of the seafood restaurants along Shem Creek, as well as options on King Street, such as Prohibition, have excellent happy hours that can fill you up for dinner or at least keep you going for a few extra hours of sightseeing.
Total amount of money we spent on food and drinks for the whole 48 hours was $270 for all 6 of us! (We also had snacks from home in a backpack at all times.)
Entertainment and Exploring
Here is a list of my top FREE things to do in Charleston (based on our visit).
Wander the French Quarter and King Street – Visit souvenir shops, cafes, the City Market, and pocket parks, including Waterfront Park and the famous Pineapple Fountain. Be sure to dress in clothes that can get wet bc you can wade in the Pineapple Fountain or let your kids get fully soaked in the fountain at the north entrance. You can also enjoy the porch swings on the pier as you watch for dolphins and sailboats. Continue your walk to Rainbow Row and along the Concord Street water wall.
Splurge: Stop for a leisurely lunch, buy a woven grass basket, or take a last-minute harbor cruise.
Peruse the Fort Sumter Visitor Center– There are free exhibits about Charlestown before and during the Civil War, as well as an observation deck out back.
Splurge: Visit the South Carolina Aquarium next door. If you know your kids cannot pass an aquarium without going in, book tickets online in advance. They cost less the further out you book. We allowed our 17-year-old to walk the aquarium on her own because she was dying to see the otters and experience the touch tanks. It cost $42, and she saw the whole aquarium in a little over an hour.
Stroll Patriot’s Point – This is an easy walk along the waterfront from the Embassy Suites. You can see the battleship and the aircrafts parked on top. The walk will also take you past The Cold War Submarine Memorial and to the Hog Island Lookout Point.
Splurge: Tour USS Yorktown and/or take the ferry to Fort Sumter. You can also buy tickets to a Charleston Battery soccer game if you’re there on the right night.
Check out Outer Banks film locations – You can drive by plantations used as the homes of specific characters, walk or drive across the Ravenel Bridge, stroll down Pitt Street Pier, and go fishing off the Shem Creek Boardwalk. My teens enjoyed pulling up clips of episodes that featured the locations we visited.
Splurge: Rent a paddle board or kayak to paddle through Shem Creek, the location of many of the boating scenes in Outer Banks. It’s also an opportunity to see dolphins in the water with you. My older two and I rented kayaks during “happy hour” (after 2 pm) at Nature Adventures and received a discount for booking later in the day.
Play at the otherWaterfront Park (in Mt. Pleasant)– This is a beloved park right under the beautiful Ravenel Bridge . It was even crowded at 10 am on a Thursday morning. Not only is the park sprinkled with sea-inspired art and historical markers, but it has a unique playground and a 1250-foot pier.
Splurge: Grab lunch at the little park cafe and a souvenir from the gift shop.
Soak up the sun and sand at the beach – You’re on the coast, so there’s definitely a beach nearby! You could check out Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms for saltwater swimming, sand-castle sculpting, and happy hour happenings.
Splurge: Rent bikes to cruise the boardwalks, nature trails, and beaches.
Learn a lot on an Historic Walking Tour – IF your kids love history, interesting facts, and lots of walking, reserve a free walking tour through the heart of the historic district in downtown Charleston. (Be sure to have some cash for a tip at the end.)
Splurge: Tour the Nathaniel Russel House + Aiken Rhett House. If you go to one and decide to go to the other, save your receipt, and the 2nd house will give 1/2 off admission.
NOT free but worth the small entrance fee…
VisitCypress Gardens – You can walk the gardens, view animals from alligators to anacondas, stroll through the butterfly house, play on the playground, and take a canoe ride through the swamp just like Allie and Noah did in The Notebook. These gardens and the swamp are the sites of several scenes in popular movies, like The Notebook, Cold Mountain, and The Patriot, and shows, such as Outer Banks. The canoe ride was a highlight of our whole trip, especially spotting an alligator swimming nearby. We also got to witness an alligator-feeding.
There’s just so much to do in Charleston, and I’m sure I just skimmed the surface. We definitely need to return to check off a few more sights and adventures.
Here is the exact itinerary of our most recent 48-hour trip, and it covered a lot!
Day 1, from 3:30 pm – bedtime:
Browse shops on King Street
Snack at Playa Bowl
Hotel for check in, swimming, and free happy hour reception
Sunset walk around Patriot Point
Room service at hotel
Day 2 (Wednesday):
Huge, free hotel breakfast
Cypress Gardens
Lunch from Jimmy John’s and Wendy’s in Mt. Pleasant
Kayaking at Shem Creek
Milkshakes from Pitt Street Pharmacy in Mt. Pleasant Old Village Historic District
Quick visit to Pitt Street Bridge (“bridge to nowhere”)
Hotel for swimming, free happy hour reception, and live music
Date night at Coast, room service for kids
Day 3, morning – 3:30 pm:
Huge, free hotel breakfast
Quick stop at Waterfront Memorial Park in Mt. Pleasant
Aquarium and Ft. Sumter Visitor Center
Walk to Pineapple Fountain, pier swings at Waterfront Park, and Rainbow Row in French Quarter
Stroll through shops, bakeries, and City Market
Hit the road for Hilton Head
We hope you found a few options here for your visit to Charleston with your family. Our kids truly enjoyed the city and are already asking to go back. They requested that we stay on a yacht during our next visit. We’ll see…
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear “Houston”? Is it NASA and its space shuttles? Or a sprawling cityscape with interstates weaving throughout? The beach in Galveston? The ever-expanding zoo? The medical center?
There’s no doubt that the city of Houston is full of hustle and bustle with endless sights to see and major tourist attractions. Most of the attractions cost a pretty penny or require competing with a crowd, especially during weekends, holidays, and the summer break.
I just took my nephew and youngest son to the Houston Zoo this week (in July) because we snagged free tickets, but it seemed that the number of people at the zoo at 4 pm on a blistering summer Tuesday was greater than the entire population of our hometown of Dripping Springs! The same was true when I took the kids to the Museum of Natural Science last summer.
While these attractions can be a lot of fun for the kids and are worth visiting at least once, I prefer exploring the less-busy and always-free playgrounds and parks that are abundant inside the loop in Houston.
Despite its size and reputation, Houston actually has a lot of green space and unique parks that can even entertain the kids who claim they’re too old for them. You could easily fill several days with parks and never get bored.
Here is a list of our favorite parks in no particular order, as well as our top choice for a nearby restaurant to visit before or after playtime:
Hikes and Natural Play Areas Huge Playground Miles of Hike and Bike Trails Arboretum Playground: Nature-Inspired Indoor Discovery Room (Arboretum)Events and Guided Hikes (Arboretum)
We hope this list can be a guide for your next trip to the southwest side/inner loop of Houston, especially if you’re looking to balance out the cost of tourist attractions often visited in the big city. With over 43,000 acres of green space and 382 parks, visitors can enjoy the slower and natural aspects of Houston while still having a ton of fun.
The trails at Pedernales Falls State Park can be challenging but offer so much reward.
✅ Trails for (Older) Children
✅ Swimming
✅ Bathrooms
❌ Playground and Sports Fields
❌ Free Admission for Park and Trails
❌ Stroller-friendly Trails
✅ Reservations (Day Passes) needed
We are huge fans of the Texas State Parks, and Pedernales Falls is toward the top of the list. We often bring family here when they visit from out of town. While the trails and the bouldering around the Falls can be rigorous and rocky, we’ve managed to enjoy visiting with babies and toddlers, grandparents, and especially with our children at their current ages from 7-17. There is just so much beauty to take in, and the variety of trails makes each visit unique.
Because of its many draws, Pedernales Falls State Park can get busy on the weekends and holidays. We strongly recommend that you get day passes online at least 48 hours in advance. Passes are $6/adult (ages 13+); children ages 12 and under are free. You can also get everyone in your car in for free year-round with a Texas State Park Pass, which has already saved our family a lot of money in the last six months. The cost of a park pass is $70, but that price will increase on Sept 1, 2024, so snag one today! It might encourage you to visit many more state parks or just return to Pedernales State Park often. It’s so close, and we never tire of it!
The park is currently open from 8 am to 10 pm, but the campsites are still being renovated at the time of this publication, so no overnight camping until they re-open in the Winter of 2025. There’s no doubt you could enjoy every one of the 14 hours that the park is open each day with so much to do there.
We’re excited to share what we love about Pedernales Falls State Park and its many trails, located at 2585 Park Road 6026 in Johnson City, TX, only about 30 minutes from Dripping Springs!
Challenging Trails for Exploring and Hiking
As mentioned, there are multiple hiking trails in this beautiful park. One trail leads to the grand Pedernales Falls, where you have no choice but to scramble and boulder to explore the area. Another trail leads you to Twin Falls with a beautiful view. One trail leads to an active bird blind and star theater. Yet another leads you to the clear waters of Jones Springs. There are long trails over 5 miles for an intense workout and gorgeous sights, and there are short hikes with a destination at the end. The park even has an equestrian trail, and most of the trails allow for hiking or biking. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong, and you’ll be eager to try the next one.
The park’s trails are primarily rocky and somewhat challenging. The only one we’ve taken that would be stroller- or wagon-friendly is the Star Theater/Bird Blind Trail. If visiting with children who cannot hike at least 1 mile on their own or handle uneven terrain, bring a backpack carrier or be prepared to hold and lift them as needed. The park indicates that most of the trails are “moderate”, so young children can handle them and will enjoy them as well, but from my personal experience, they will need help.
Although we’ve visited the park several times, there are still a few trails left on our bucket list. Thus far, our favorites are the Pedernales Falls Trail System, Coyote Crossing, and of course, the Swimming Area Trail!
Swimming!
Swimming at the park is in the Pedernales River, so the depth and flow are affected by recent rains (or lack of them) in the area. There’s been water every time we’ve visited. Sometimes it’s a slow, shallow flow meant for wading and playing in the mud. Other times, it’s deep enough for the kids to jump in off of large boulders. Occasionally, you can even ride the rapids or small waterfalls.
All swimming is at your own risk, and the river is subject to flooding. You can check the park’s website or social media pages for updates. Occasionally, swimming is closed due to bacterial levels being higher than normal.
There are signs to the swimming area and a parking lot just at the top of the trailhead. Keep in mind that the trail to the water is steep and a little slippery. The loose rocks and mud can cause you to slip, and the stairway as well as the large rocks can make traversing down to the shore a bit tricky. You will have to carry your towels and swim stuff down. It is not stroller or wagon accessible.
Lower Part of Trail to the Swimming Area
Parking Near the Trailheads
Remember to get day passes in advance when you know which date you’ll head to the park. Google Maps will take you directly to the park entrance., then check in at the ranger station. Be sure to grab a map. Service in the park is spotty at best.
Each trailhead has a decent-sized parking lot, and there’s plenty of signage. You will want to move your car to different lots if accessing multiple trails throughout the day.
Interesting Events
Birding HikeGeocaching
From star-gazing parties to prehistoric hunting to scavenger hunts, this park has so many events for different interests and ages. We’ve participated in a guided bird-watching hike, geocaching, foraging, and a fire-making event. If you can combine your visit with one of the events, I recommend you set aside time to attend. If you can’t make it for an event on the specific date available, the park rangers are often willing to host that event for your private group. Just reach out directly to plan a group event with them.
Your children can also borrow an explorer pack with tools and pick up a Junior Ranger book at the check-in station. The kids can work through the pages while at the park and then can earn a badge at the end of your visit.
Large Grassy Picnic Area
We always plan time to eat and play in the large, shaded, grassy picnic area. Pack a soccer ball, kick ball, or frisbee along with your cooler of food. There are nice bathrooms and several shaded picnic tables, as well as charcoal grills and a large dumpster for trash. It’s located on the same road that takes you to the swimming area. There are two separate parking lots for the two areas.
After eating, we often take all or part of the Coyote Crossing Trail because the trail head is at the back of the picnic area. It’s an interesting hike that can lead you all the way to Twin Falls if you’re in for the long haul. Otherwise, it’s just fun for exploring and then turning around.
Next on our list for exploring Pedernales Falls State Park are tubing or paddling on the river that’s now flowing better than it has in years and venturing out on the Jones Spring Trail to see the stone house ruins and clear springs that tourists flocked to in previous centuries.
We hope you enjoy Pedernales Falls State Park as much as we do! It is near the town of Johnson City, where you can grab a bite to eat afterward or explore another one of our favorite state parks, LBJ State Park and Sauer-Beckmann Farm. If you’re able, make a whole weekend out of it!
Let us know what you think after you visit. For other family hike recommendations in the Texas Hill Country, check out our page, This Week’s Hike.
Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country!
✅ 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.
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!
