Our Review of One of Austin’s Most Anticipated Annual Attractions
Fortlandia, the Wildflower Center‘s annual outdoor exhibit, has long been a favorite for families seeking wonder, adventure, and hands-on fun in nature. This year’s edition, while colorful and imaginatively themed, has left some longtime visitors feeling nostalgic for its past designs—especially those whose children once reveled in the larger, more interactive forts that used to stretch out along the hiking trails.
Forts of Years Past
In the early years, Fortlandia boasted grand, sprawling forts tucked into the natural landscape. The forts felt like an adventure in themselves, inviting exploration, hide-and-seek, and climbing. Kids of all ages, particularly older ones, loved getting lost in these life-size structures.
However, in recent years, the forts have become smaller, moved closer together in the children’s garden, and seem to be geared more toward toddlers and preschoolers. This year’s selection follows that trend, with only a couple of forts offering the level of interaction that used to be standard.
For children over the age of 6, the novelty of the forts seems to wear off quickly. Pre-teens and teens, in particular, who may have enjoyed Fortlandia’s earlier years, might be slightly disappointed by this year’s setup. Young children, though, will surely marvel at the wonder of the creations and be able to fit easily through the crawlspaces, scramble across nets, and climb ladders.
This Year’s Forts
That said, the Wildflower Center remains a beloved destination for many, including our family. While my elementary-aged kids and their friends raced through the Fortlandia exhibits in about half an hour, they spent the next 4 ½ hours happily playing by the waterfall, climbing the other nearby structures, and building their own forts in the surrounding woods. They also loved doing the scavenger hunt we picked up at the front kiosk and then turning their completed papers in for a prize at the gift shop.
As members of the Wildflower Center, we very much appreciate the uniqueness of the Fortlandia attraction, as well as the staff who takes great care of the forts and grounds. Every visit to the Wildflower Center is a positive one, whether there for a special attraction, evening event, or a typical Tuesday. Despite the fact that my kids may be out-growing the recent contributions to Fortlandia, they still beg to go to the Wildflower Center with their friends, and we’re planning another visit soon.
Our membership has been well worth it, and we’ll continue to renew each year for the foreseeable future. We’ll also continue to recommend The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to anyone visiting or living in the Austin area. It has brought so much joy and many fond memories to our family.
During our first year of homeschooling, my two youngest children and I read through the entire Little House on the Prairie series together. I hadn’t read the books as a child, nor did I watch the television series, but the nine books took me back to a wonder of childhood that I never expected was possible. My young daughter was drawn immediately to Laura and the uniqueness of how she was raised, especially compared to our modern life.
My daughter connected to Laura’s stories so much so that her play reflected it on a daily basis. She set up a one-room school house upstairs complete with large chalkboard, McGuffy readers, mini slates, and American Girl doll students. She’s been teaching herself how to sew aprons, bonnets, and shawls. She takes baskets into our geeenbelt to forage and collect flowers. Our picky eater even started to love baking cornbread.
As a part of our homeschooling journey, we do fun celebrations related to a book or series after we finish. Although we had already thrown a Little House on the Prairie party at a local farm, I wanted to find more ways to celebrate my daughter’s love for Laura’s biography, as well as her fascination with that period of American history.
Core childhood memories were being shaped and passions developed, so I was inspired to plan a surprise trip.
If you are also a fan or have one in your household, you might enjoy going back in time into the childhood of Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Grace, as we did. Our itinerary is shared below, as well as additional ideas for future trips for the Laura Ingalls Wilder super fans.
Little House on the Prairie Travel Itinerary: Exploring the Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder
This travel itinerary will take you through key locations in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, where you can learn about Laura’s life, immerse yourself in the history of the pioneer era, and also enjoy some modern-day attractions.
Stop 1: The Gathering Place – Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Journey Begins Start your trip in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by visiting The Gathering Place, a stunning 100-acre park nestled along the Arkansas River. Though not directly related to Laura Ingalls Wilder, this modern marvel offers a beautiful start to your journey, allowing you to experience outdoor beauty in a state that played a key role in America’s westward expansion. Spend some time walking along the trails, enjoying the imaginative playgrounds, and experiencing the park’s interactive art and gardens.
It was recently voted the best city park in the USA, and we could see why. It’s really a botanical garden and huge unique playground combined. Everything is free by the way… free parking, free admission, and free boat rentals! We spent 3 hours there but could’ve stayed longer. If you go, save time to do the scavenger hunts (pick up in the lodge) and grab food from the cute and affordable cafe. There are several places to picnic and feed the koi as well.
Highlights:
Scenic riverfront views
Nature trails and modern playgrounds for all ages
A great starting point for family-friendly fun
Stop 2: Little House on the Prairie Museum – Independence, Kansas
Step into Laura’s Childhood Next, head north to Independence, Kansas, where you’ll find the Little House on the Prairie Museum, located on the original site of the Ingalls family homestead from Laura’s childhood. This is where the story of “Little House on the Prairie” begins, in the log cabin her family built in the 1870s. The museum complex includes a replica of the Ingalls family cabin, a post office, schoolhouse, and various historical artifacts that bring this era to life.
Highlights:
Tour a replica of the Ingalls family cabin
Learn about pioneer life through historical exhibits
Explore the one-room schoolhouse similar to what Laura attended
Stop 3: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum – Mansfield, Missouri
Where the Books Were Born Continue your journey to Mansfield, Missouri, where Laura and her husband, Almanzo Wilder, settled later in life. Here, you’ll visit The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum, where Laura wrote all of her “Little House” books. The museum houses personal belongings of the Wilder family, original manuscripts, and memorabilia that will give you a deeper appreciation for Laura’s life and work. You’ll tour the Wilders’ farmhouse and the Rock House, both of which are preserved as they were during Laura’s lifetime.
Highlights:
Explore the farmhouse where Laura wrote her famous books
Visit the Rock House, a gift from Laura’s daughter, Rose
See manuscripts and personal artifacts from the Wilder family
Stop 4 (Same Day): The Rose Wilder Lane Museum – Mansfield, Missouri
Laura’s Legacy Through Rose While still in Mansfield, take time to visit the Rose Wilder Lane Museum, dedicated to Laura’s daughter, Rose. Rose was an accomplished writer in her own right and played a significant role in shaping her mother’s legacy. This museum celebrates her contributions to literature, journalism, and her influence on the “Little House” series.
Highlights:
Learn about Rose’s life as a writer and journalist
Discover the pivotal role she played in her mother’s writing career
Stop 5: Silver Dollar City – Branson, Missouri
Step Back in Time with a Dash of Adventure End your itinerary with a visit to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, a theme park that captures the spirit of the 1880s frontier and pioneer life. While not specifically tied to the Ingalls family, the park offers a fun, immersive experience with attractions like old-time crafts, blacksmithing, glassblowing, and live entertainment that evokes the pioneer era. You can enjoy thrilling rides, catch a live show, or simply explore the old-timey shops, and be sure to check in for a cave tour. The underground marvel was the original attraction in Branson that eventually led to the boom town we know and love today. The tour is fantastic, and the cave is unforgettable.
Highlights:
Authentic 1880s-themed rides and attractions
Live demonstrations of traditional crafts like candle-making and glassblowing
Family-friendly entertainment, including shows and concerts
Start planning today …
This “Little House on the Prairie” travel itinerary offers the perfect mix of history, literature, and fun for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder. From the historic cabin in Independence, Kansas, to the family home where the books were penned in Missouri, to the charming park in Branson that celebrates pioneer life, this journey takes you deep into the heart of America’s frontier history. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the books or just beginning to explore their magic, this trip will leave you with a greater appreciation for the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the world she so beautifully captured in her writing.
It was the perfect girls’ trip for my daughter, my mom, and me to experience together. I encourage you to pack your bags, embrace the pioneer spirit, and hit the road!
Side note: We were able to plan our trip to include a visit with cast members from the television series during their 50th anniversary tour in 2024. It made our trip extra special. Unfortunately that tour has been cancelled, but you can follow this Facebook page for more opportunities to meet them.
On our Bucket List for Future Travel to South Dakota –
Because we had such a great time at the southern locations, my daughter and I hope to take a future trip up north to De Smet. Here’s a sample itinerary for that trip.
Day 1: De Smet, SD – “Little Town on the Prairie”
Ingalls Homestead – interactive site where the Ingalls family lived. Enjoy hands-on experiences like driving a covered wagon, visiting the replica sod house, and learning pioneer skills.
Surveyor’s House & First School of De Smet – Tour the original buildings from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life, featured in By the Shores of Silver Lake.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society – Visit exhibits and artifacts related to the Ingalls family and Laura’s writings.
Day 2: De Smet, SD
The De Smet Cemetery – Visit the graves of the Ingalls family, including Pa, Ma, and Mary.
De Smet Historical Walking Tour – Take a guided walking tour of De Smet, seeing key locations from the books, such as the locations of the Wilder family store and other historic sites.
We’ll likely plan our visit around one of these annual events for Little House on the Prairie Fans –
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant (July) – Every July, De Smet hosts a live outdoor production based on Laura’s books. The pageant brings to life her stories through performances in the beautiful prairie setting.
Wilder Welcome Weekend (June) – A weekend festival featuring crafts, storytelling, and family-friendly pioneer activities celebrating Laura’s legacy.
Prairie Days (August) – Held at Ingalls Homestead, this event allows visitors to experience life as Laura did, with special pioneer activities like hay-twisting, butter churning, and sewing workshops.
We hope these ideas inspire fellow readers and fans to travel through history and re-ignite your love of the book and TV series. If you know of other opportunities or attractions worth visiting, please comment below.
Fall is on its way! Sometimes I think the ‘a’ in Fall should be changed to the letter ‘u’ because our calendar is so FULL… in the very best way imaginable. There’s just so much to do and so much to love about Fall in the Texas Hill Country.
We’ve already been checking off some of our seasonal to-do list. We decorate for the Fall in September, then add on Halloween for October, and then switch out Halloween decorations for our Thanksgiving tree and decor in November. We already pulled the leaf garland, scarecrows, crafting pumpkins, and wreaths from the attic. These initial decorations stay up for months, and I do the same with Fall activities. We celebrate for 3 whole months and squeeze in as much Fall fun as seemingly possible.
In addition to the Fall decor, I rearrange the kids’ drawer and closets to encourage wearing more plaid, orange, and cute graphic tees. I switch out the candles throughout the house from summery scents to pumpkin vanilla and honey apple. I stock the kitchen with the best fall recipe ingredients, and I even allow my teens to indulge in the sugar-laden, pumpkin-flavored, over-priced coffee drinks when we’re out running errands.
Now, it’s time to tackle our Fall Bucket List with all the places we want to go and things we want to do during this beautiful season of pumpkin patches, cute costumes, cooler temps, colorful leaves, and outdoor adventures. I have my calendar ready as I’m going through this list. Do you?
Texas Hill Country Fall Bucket List (2024)
1. Visit a local farm and pumpkin patch.
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! Thislistincludes the festivals we always try to squeeze in, as well as a couple we haven’t seen … yet.
In addition to this list, there is a new pumpkin patch opportunity at The Therapy Xploriment. They’re hosting their first annual Pumpkin Patch and Pediatric Resource Fair! They’ll have special activities and games all day for the whole family, starting October 4th to November 17th, every weekend (Fri-Sun) from 11am- 7pm. $5-$8/person.
2. Dance in the streets at a local music festival.
Songwriters’ Festival in Dripping Springs: Take in the best local talent on multiple stages, while also enjoying music, food, friendly people, and adorable downtown shops on the weekend of Oct 18th-20th. In my opinion, the highlight of the weekend is the Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning at Hudson’s on Mercer. You can attend the showcases for FREE!
Wimberley Music Fest: On Saturday October 12th from 2 – 9:00 pm, join over 3,000 Texas Music Enthusiasts to welcome hometown music sensations, followed by a Gospel Fest on Sunday, Oct 13th from 1 pm – 6 pm.
3. Wear your fave lederhosen or dirndl to Oktoberfest.
Enjoy German food and brews, live music, games, and competitions. Probst!
WurstFest in New Braunfels: Nov 1-10, 2024 (FREE days: Nov 4-7 after 5 pm, Nov 10 after 3 pm … Must purchase tickets for other days/times.)
4. Get inspired and pick out some Fall decor.
Wildseed Farms: This isn’t only one of our favorite places to shop; it also has fun Fall events. The Fall Festival is coming up on Sept 14th and will include live music, pumpkin patch, kid activities, and wine tasting. Spend time wandering the wildflower trails and butterfly garden also. On Oct 5th, the Monarch Celebration will encourage you to celebrate butterflies and watch them take flight.
Home Depot: Your local Home Depot offers unique woodworking projects for kids on the first Saturday of the month (and the Sat after Thanksgiving). Check with your local store because some require advanced registration. With the project, you can also collect the patch, certificate, and token HD orange apron if you don’t have one yet. Home Depot also has an amazing selection of Halloween/Fall decor or you can pull up some of your pins on Pinterest and collect the materials needed for those DIY projects you’ve saved. Upcoming Kids’ Workshop projects include:
September 7th, 2024: Field Goal Game
October 5th, 2024: Fire Rescue Truck
November 2nd, 2024: Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
November 30th, 2024: Cocoa Ornament
Market Days: Most small towns host a monthly market with local wares, artwork, home decor, food, wine, and so much more. The festivities often include live music and other activities to keep the whole family engaged. Our favorites are the Old Gruene Market Daysand Wimberley Market.
5. Give yourself a little fright.
Blue Hole Haunted Trail: On Saturdays from Oct 12-26, 8-9;30 pm, take an evening stroll… with a twist. Brace yourself for an immersive experience filled with eerie encounters, ghastly surprises, and the rustle of unseen creatures lurking in the shadows, featuring local theater department actors! Only $2 per person. Check out the FREE family festival, BOO Hole Halloween Festival, on the afternoon of Oct 19th at Blue Hole Regional Park as well.
Dripping Springs Haunted House: This experience begins with a hayride and ends with screams. The non-profit organization, supporting Burke Center for Youth, uses young local actors to provide a haunted movie-like production at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park from Oct 4th – Oct 26th.
Pumpkin Nights: Venture out to Pioneer Farms after dark, where a dimly-lit walking path will escort you through fantastical lands and lead you to a festival with expert pumpkin-carvers, music, unique decorations, games, and food. Buy tickets in advance. Open from mid-September until the end of October. During the daytime hours, this living history farm offers guided tours and classes, such as blacksmithing and Texas swing dancing. Visit a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, a German Emigrant Farm, a Texian Farm, a Cotton Planter’s Farm and a rural village called Sprinkle Corner all in one day.
6. Go on a guided hike.
Most of the state parks, as well as other municipal parks, in the area offer day and night hikes during this time of year to learn about night crawlers, nocturnal animals, stars, and geological history. Check out the many events and programs offered at the state parks and/or register for the unique ones we listed here.
Bird and UV Night Walkat McKinney Falls State Park on Sunday, Sept 22nd (FREE with park admission but must RSVP)
Guided Summit Hike at Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg offered on multiple dates (Get a day pass online in advance.)
7. Peep some leaves. (Yes, even in Texas!)
We may be one of the last states in the nation to see the leaves change colors, but it does happen! There are a few locations where you can peep those beautiful brown, red, yellow, and burgundy leaves. Our favorite spots are Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Park, but even here in Dripping Springs, we get a little taste of what New England goes gaga over every Fall. This articleshares additional places in Texas to peep some leaves.
8. Cheer under the Friday night lights.
Most Texans associate Fall with football. I’m sure you have a favorite college and NFL team, but the real (and affordable) fun is at the high school games! Every Friday night, there’s an opportunity to cheer on local students, fill your belly with burgers and popcorn, and enjoy entertaining marching band shows as well as dance performances. Here’s a list of all HS football schedules within the area!
Last but definitely NOT least… There’s one final attraction worthy of this bucket list yet too unique to fit in the above categories: it’s Fortlandia at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! We can’t wait to see the new forts in this highly-anticipated seasonal exhibit. This is a great time to upgrade your admission to a membership for the next 12 months because your kids will absolutely want to return again and again. The forts will be on display from Oct 4th – Feb 2nd.
There’s so much to do in our beautiful part of Texas, and there’s a short window to do it in. I could Fall hard all year long, but hopefully we can make quite a dent in this list before Thanksgiving.
Let us know which events or attractions are your favorites, and be sure to subscribe to this blog so you can maximize your fun and family memories in the Texas Hill Country.
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)
✅ Stroller-friendly Trails
❌ Reservations or Tickets needed
If you’re looking for a short and easy hike that ends with a jump into the water and lounging in the grass, Commons Ford is the place for you and your family. It’s rarely crowded on weekdays and provides the perfect opportunity to spend the day outside. It’s a great place for boating, paddle-boarding, kayaking, fishing, tree-climbing, and playing volleyball too.
The 215 acres allows for several areas to explore and wander, but this post will focus primarily on the trail that leads to the water and picnic area (“lawn”). We’re excited to share what we love about Commons Ford Ranch located at 614 Commons Ford Ranch Rd on the west side of Austin, TX!
Trail Options for All Levels
As mentioned, there are several hiking trails in this large stretch of park land. The trails closer to the water are flat and child-friendly. There are great opportunities for wildflower scavenger hunts and bird-watching along these trails, including signs that inform you on the species you might encounter. We like to take the forks in the trails to see new sights each time we go, with the ultimate goal of ending up at the water’s edge.
Most or these trails are dirt paths and can be a little rocky. It’s possible to push a stroller or pull a wagon, but there will be some uneven terrain that may require lifting or maneuvering around the dips and obstacles.
There are additional trails that lead uphill away from the water. They offer beautiful views and other opportunities for wildlife-viewing, as well as a more significant work out. These trails are more rigorous and not stroller-friendly.
Easy Parking and Access
First parking option on left side of main road with access to picnic area trail across the street or uphill rocky trail in front of the cars
Google Maps will take you directly to the park entrance. You can park for free in the parking areas near the trailheads. The location where we often park only has a handful of spots directly off the main park road. Parallel parking is also an option, as well as additional small parking areas as you drive further into the park.
Trailhead to Picnic Area/Lawn
The trailheads are easily accessible from the main road, and bathrooms are available at the back of the picnic/swimming area as well as near the barn. I recommend having the trail map saved on your phone to find restrooms and landmarks as you venture out onto the other trails.
Interesting Sights
This park is also an historic site. The land was originally settled in 1838 by a man named Dick Preece, who later joined the Texas Rangers. He continued to acquire land in the area and began ranching.
Preece moved off the property at the end of the 19th century, during which it became a popular tourist attraction luring Austinites by steam ships daily to visit and take a dip in the “medicinal waters”.
In the early twentieth century, the land became Resaca Ranch, a working cattle ranch that was sold to the city for the purpose of waterfront park land in 1983.
Today, while visiting Commons Ford, you can see some of the buildings that remain from Resaca Ranch, including a barn, a ranch house, and the caretaker’s house.*
Large Grassy Picnic Area
The hike we usually take leads us right to the wide-open picnic area along the water, labeled “lawn” on the park map. It has a low-grade hill, access to more trails, a volleyball net, some shade, a dock, lots of open grassland, and of course, river access. Bring your own picnic blanket, food, balls, and water toys, as well as plenty of drinking water.
Swimming!
One of the spots to access the water is a wooden boat dock. Keep in mind that this main swimming area on the Colorado River is shared with boats and can be subject to wake. Kids need to be strong swimmers and have life jackets or tubes when in the water.
There is another spot for wading and muddy play in the same picnic area. It’s a shallow inlet that gets deeper as you near the main river. This spot is better for weaker swimmers and smaller children, but keep in mind that there will be natural debris and tree branches or roots in the water.
Commons Ford is in a great location. While it’s tucked back behind residential areas, it’s also very close to a gas station and an Italian restaurant, Patrizi’s. Laura’s Library is also nearby, along with all the other restaurants and shopping options along RM- 2244.
We hope you enjoy Commons Ford Ranch as much as we do! 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!
Inspired by the LBJ Ranch and National Historical Park in Stonewall, TX
I wrote much of the piece below 4 years ago. Now in 2024, we find ourselves caught in another election season, and it seems not much has changed. In fact, the divisiveness and anger may have heightened since 2020.
My older two children are 13 and 10, one in 8th grade and the other in 5th. At our dinner table, there is often an accusation of a crush, followed by “no way” and reasons why that person would never be the object of my child’s affection. Other times, I hear comments about something ridiculous a classmate did or said at school, accompanied by giggles, or I witness my precious children mocking one another.
My kids love to talk about people but not always in a kind way, and no matter how often we adults in the room try to steer the discussion toward big ideas, plans, or life lessons, the conversation reverts back to the gossip du jour or mere mockery.
The discussions held during election season aren’t much better than the childish banter at my dinner table, except that the adults are the ones engaging, rather than stifling, the rude repartee. When I read comments online, listen to a debate on a podcast, or hear the talking points on the news, the issues examined are rarely policy initiatives but rather personal insults about candidates. It seems that we have become a nation that talks about people, often in an unkind way, rather than one that shares ideas and implements them for the good of our country.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
Based on what’s portrayed on the internet and TV, we are a nation of small minds. It’s as if we’ve lost sight of who God created us to be. We are here to build His kingdom, to share the good news, to live by the fruit of the Spirit, and to love first. These are not expectations that can be held for all people, but it’s a standard I would like to uphold for myself, my family, and those who step up to lead communities and a nation.
This is no easy feat. Passing judgment is a common human trait, and gossip flows easily from most mouths. Angry or hateful messages are rewarded with engagement, clicks, and likes. Emotions are held in higher regard than logical thinking, and strong opinions are more interesting than facts. The nature of our society can be ugly and unkind, focused heavily on how other people behave.
So, how do we change course? How do we choose a different path than the masses who have infiltrated social media, the city’s streets, and news outlets with angry words about people who are also loved by God?
Fortunately, I know a place where I can look for answers. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) provides us with this lesson:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
This verse is often repeated and now written in many places in our house. We remind our children of this instruction often when the dinner table discussion veers off course. My prayer for myself, my children, and our nation is that we can use our words to build others up, share ideas, and respect each other, rather than continue to tear down the nation and the people our Father created. Maybe if each of us holds Ephesians 4:29 close to our hearts and draws it from memory on a daily basis, our next election season can reflect the great minds the Lord gave us.
This week’s devotional is inspired by the LBJ Ranch, Texas White House, and LBJ Airport in Stonewall. They are part of a driving tour, which includes a few stops to visit actual sites where President Johnson and other members of government, including President Truman, met to discuss the future of our nation. Many people have strong opinions about LBJ’s presidency, and while I accept and understand those points of view, I think more about the ideas that were discussed and the reasons behind them. I imagine the critical debates held after our nation was rocked by an assassination that left many Americans grieving and sharing theories (for decades) about what happened. I wonder what the chats were like on the porches and behind closed doors at the Texas White House and in what manner they spoke to each other. I also think about how far we’ve strayed from the intent of our founding fathers and whether we’ve ever *truly* been one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Can we ever return to civil political discourse and move away from the online forums with angry, anonymous, amateur analysts? Looking back may be our only way to look forward.
Zoo or Garden Membership? Pogo or City Pass? Theme Park Season Pass? We help you decide.
Several years ago, I was invited to write an article for the Houston Zoo website and newsletter as the Member of the Month. I’ve never been more excited to work for free! When we lived in Houston, we visited the zoo very often, even just for a quick pizza dinner next to the giraffes. Here is an excerpt from my article:
My family has had a membership at the zoo for about 7 years. In the first couple years, I pushed a single stroller with my eager and curious daughter, planning each visit around her favorite animals: the elephants, sea lions, and big cats. Soon enough, I was cruising around the zoo with a double jogger, making sure that each visit included a carousel ride, a trip to the playground, many animal sightings, a crawl (or two or three or thirty) through the tunnel in the Natural Encounters house, and a stroll past the monkeeeeeys for my son.
Now, we go as a family of five with two big kids leading the way and another eager and curious daughter in the single stroller. We never miss the African Forest, which houses my favorite animals, the majestic giraffes. Plus, my husband insists on going through the bug house, despite the terrifying cockroaches, because he was one of the engineers for that exhibit. We all challenge ourselves to see if we can make it to every corner of the zoo. We don’t want to miss anything!
After submitting that article, not only did we add an additional zoo-lover to our family, but it hit me that the zoo truly was one of our family’s happy places, and we vowed to visit zoos all over the country whenever we travel together.
However, zoo admissions continue to increase in cost, and many of them have added extra experiences at prices that will take a big bite into the budget.
There’s good news, though — a zoo membership can make a huge difference! Once we discovered the added benefits of a zoo membership, we took advantage of it as we traveled and as we planned get-togethers with family and friends. It really saved us a lot!
So, we decided to do a cost-benefit analysis of membership and family pass offerings to help decide which one(s) give a family the most bang for its buck. Is the zoo membership the only one that’s worth its weight in gold for a young family? We had to find out.
The four options listed below seem to be the most common, at least in our area, and we’ve tried all of them. Continue reading until the end, though, for our reviews on other memberships and passes.
Membership Options
What is Reciprocal Membership?
Paying for one zoo membership not only gets you in for free at that specific zoo for an entire year, but it also gets you in free or 50% off admission to dozens of other zoos and aquariums across the country. Check out this site to see which zoos and aquariums are included. Make sure your home zoo (or the one at which you buy a membership) participates.
In a two-year span, my family visited the Cameron Park Zoo three times, Houston Zoo at least three times, Fort Worth Zoo, Oakland Zoo, Dallas Zoo, and San Antonio Zoo. Because of our membership benefits, we saved over $400 on zoo visits while traveling, in addition to the savings we were able to pass along to friends through free day passes and inviting them as our guests.
With most botanical garden memberships, you get free access to other gardens in the American Horticultural Society network. You just show your membership pass at the admission gate of the participating garden. However, if you’re planning to bring the whole family, and you have more than 2 children, reach out to the botanical garden you intend to visit in advance. They may have restrictions on how many children are included with your reciprocal admission.
We recently purchased a family membership for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and since our purchase a few months ago, we’ve visited the Dallas Arboretum and Zilker Botanical Garden for free, saving us over $50, not to mention the $100 we saved from visiting the wildflower center with friends where we hold the membership.
The City Pass and Pogo Pass do not offer reciprocal privileges. You must use your pass for specific locations listed.
What about special events or exhibits?
Most zoos and gardens have special events for Halloween (Zoo Boo), the holidays (Zoo Lights), and in the spring or summer (Zoobilee), to which members get free or reduced admission. Many also have free yoga classes, education events for children, opportunities for overnight campouts, and toddler/infant socialization times. Additionally, members often get early access once per month that allows entrance prior to the general public and features specific animal talks or classes. Members also get discounts on carousel or train rides and gift shop purchases.
The City and Pogo Pass usually exclude special events or special exhibits.
Any other benefits?
Your zoo or garden membership can be considered a tax-deductible charitable donation going toward animal and habitat conservation. Saving money on family experiences and taxes too… win-win!
The City Pass and Pogo Pass are not considered charitable donations.
So, Which One is My Best Option?
Well, that depends.
Which attractions are you most likely to visit and how often?
If you think you’ll visit the zoo at least twice and may visit another one while traveling elsewhere, definitely get a zoo membership to the location you’ll go most often. Be sure that it’s a part of the reciprocal membership program. Same for the garden membership.
If you’re not into zoos or gardens but prefer indoor activities and sports games, pick the Pogo Pass and be sure to use a discount code before you purchase the passes. You can usually find them on Groupon, by asking friends, or by searching Google. The discount is often 50%.
Will you be traveling soon and plan to do touristy things?
If you plan to stay in a big city and hit the most popular tourist attractions, the City Pass or Go City Pass is likely your best bet, UNLESS you’re willing to brave the crowds and schedule your visits around the free or discounted days. Many attractions, especially if they receive tax dollars or donations as part of their operating income, offer a free day each week or month with limited hours. Many theme parks and water parks offer discounts for specific days or hours as well. For example, several water parks reduce their price if you go after 5 pm. These free or discount day options will require advanced research and planning for specific attractions.
If you visit a location often and/or like to experience the less crowded play places with your family, look for a Pogo Pass for that city. Some include multiple cities on the pass and can be used for an entire year. Therefore, you can travel to multiple destinations at different times and get free admission to fun activities. For example, there is a Pogo Pass that combines Waco, San Antonio, and Austin locations. That could be three different vacations with multiple options for each trip and only spending $50 per person (cost of the pass on a discount) for entertainment at all three locations.
Other Passes and Memberships
There are so many additional options for memberships and discounts at attractions and venues, several of which we’ve tried but haven’t consistently used for several reasons. Your family may benefit greatly from them, though.
Gym or YMCA
A YMCA membership can be great to have year-round if you plan to enroll your children in the youth programs, camps, or sports and if you enjoy working out at their gyms. The membership can be especially beneficial in the summer because you can take your kids to several different pools throughout the city and even squeeze in a workout while they’re in child watch. We have definitely gotten great value out of a YMCA membership during the summer months.
Occasionally, gyms will run a special promotion that waives the enrollment fee, which really makes the monthly cost worth it. Currently, YMCA of Austin is offering a 7-day trial membership, and Crunch Gym is South Austin is offering an entire month free, plus no enrollment fee. Crunch has babysitting available but no children’s camps/sports or a pool to offer.
DWK Recommendation: Sign up for emails from whichever gym or YMCA you’re most interested in so you can be in the know on specials they run on memberships and when they offer free community days or classes. Often, the YMCA will host community swim days or festivals (membership not required). Just ask to be added to the email list or sign up for a trial membership to get your name in the system.
Museums
We did not include memberships to museums in the list above because we have not found them to be economical choices for our family. However, if you have a museum that your children love to frequent, it may be worth it for your own family.
The memberships usually only include the permanent exhibits, which do not change, and can be a bit tedious for my kids to visit often. Also, while the reciprocal membership option (NARM) offers discounts or free admission to other museums when you travel, there is often a restriction that prevents you from using your reciprocal membership at other participating museums within a 15-mile radius of the institution where you hold your membership. That means that we’d have to pay for admission to the other local museums since most museums are close to each other within a “museum district”.
DWK Recommendation: Just about every museum offers free days weekly or monthly. Otherwise, you can sometimes find discounts available on Groupon or through City Passes. So if there’s a museum we really want to visit, we check out their website to find out which days they offer free admission or search for other discounts online.
Theme Parks and Water Parks
Any theme park or water park offers a season pass, and usually there are multiple levels to choose from. We’ve held Six Flags season passes in the past, and while we saved quite a bit from using it that year, it’s not a place we go to often enough to make it worth it every year. So, again, this is dependent on each family’s interest and ages of their children. We’ve made exceptions and found the season pass to be worthwhile, though, when we planned a birthday party at Six Flags. We brought three extra girls to the theme park, and with the benefits that were offered at the time (significant discounts for season pass holder’s guests) and the free parking, we saved more than we spent on the pass for my daughter. It seems the best time to buy a season pass for most of these attractions is during April or May, prior to the busy summer season, or during holiday promotions that will give you admission for the rest of that year and the year that follows.
DWK Recommendation: If you know your family will visit the theme park multiple times, it’s definitely worth buying the season pass. Otherwise, if we want to go to a theme park, we just look for discounted days or promotions to take advantage of.
Local Pool Pass
Most public pools offer a summer season pass with unlimited admission. They can cost anywhere from $125 – $300 for a family. We bought one when we lived in Houston for a neighborhood pool that we knew several friends would visit often. It was an easy and fun way to spend several summer afternoons, especially since we knew we’d see friends at the pool no matter what day we went.
In Dripping Springs, we found the Springs Family YMCA pool to be the spot where we’d often bump into friends. However, the local city pool was hit or miss, so we have to plan in advance to meet up with friends there. It hasn’t been often enough for us to splurge on a season pass, though, and the city pool doesn’t offer additional benefits such as classes, childcare, the gym, and camp options.
Also, there are so many wonderful, free or affordable pools and splash pads, river access spots, lakes, neighborhood pools where friends live, and friends’ backyard pools that I don’t think we could even get to every single one of them in a summer. Likely, you won’t be able to either.
DWK Recommendation:If your family will be home for several days in the summer and will want to swim in a familiar place with lifeguards, a YMCA membership is a good option. If you happen to prefer the neighborhood or city pool, I would just do a cost analysis and determine how many visits it would require before reaching the total cost of the summer pass. Otherwise, just bounce around and enjoy the variety of swimming options in your area.
With a plethora of passes to choose from, you could potentially end up with too many memberships to take advantage of in a year. We hope this analysis helps you decide where to spend your money in the hopes of saving more in the long run. As always, please feel free to comment and share what works best for your family.
✅ 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.
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.
