Dripping with Kids

Tag: travel to Texas hill country

2025 Holidays in the Hill Country
The holiday season has been starting earlier and earlier each year. I have friends who completed all of their Christmas decorating on November 1st, while I still have scarecrows guarding my flower bed and fall leaf garland adorning my stair railing.

Despite my procrastination, I’m excited for the Advent season and Christmas, and now is a great time to reflect on the events and traditions my family looks forward to every year. I love sharing our favorites with you and hope you’ll let us know what tops your lists as well.

One of our most anticipated Christmas traditions is our Family Advent Calendar. I write down one holiday experience to do for each of the days leading up to Christmas, starting on December 1, These daily activities can be must-do tasks, like addressing and sending Christmas cards, or fun nights out, like meandering through a trail of lights after dinner.

I cling to this tradition every year despite how busy my kids’ schedules become because we connect our participation in our favorite events, activities, tasks, and traditions to the joyful anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus. In addition to a daily activity, I also include a slip of paper with scripture that tells part of the Christmas story so that each day, a little more of the story is being recited. (Luke 1:26-35; Luke 2:1-20)

Our Family Advent Calendar

Below I’ve included a list of some of the at-home activities I’ve hidden in our Advent calendar pockets in years past, followed by our 2024 Holiday Bucket List of events and activities. Use our guide to fill in your own Advent calendar!

TRADITIONS/FUN AT HOME –
- Bake sugar cookies
- Make cards/gifts for teachers, neighbors, coaches, and relatives
- Holiday movie night
- Read the story of St. Nicholas and put shoes outside bedroom doors for a little surprise (Dec 6th)
- “Elf” the neighbors
- Caroling at home and holiday charades
- Decorate the tree(s) or make centerpieces
- Make homemade paper snowflakes and tape them in the windows
- Tell stories of our family’s holidays past, as well as dreams for the future (reminisce over photos, plan vacations, etc)
- Silly game night (minute to win it)
- Make gingerbread houses
HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST –

(Our list is in no particular geographic or date order, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to check out all of the exciting options around the Hill Country.)

Main Street Bethlehem (Burnet)

Dec 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14, 6 pm – 9 pm

Walk through historic Bethlehem to find Jesus

Explore the live nativity, down the narrow streets to faint sounds of ancient music, savoring the sights and smells. Immerse yourself in the din of the marketplace; surrounded by the revelers in the tavern, shouted insults to and from the Roman oppressors, merchants, craftspeople, animals of all kinds, taxpayers, and beggars all seeking money, or position, or revenge.

Western Wonderland (Dripping Springs)

Nov 28 – January 4

Go ice skating, peruse the market, listen to festive music, walk the trail of lights, and/or attend a special event such as story time on the ice. This rink is my kids’ top choice, and it’s one of the biggest temporary ice skating rinks in Texas. Check the link for prices and hours.

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Budafest (Buda)

Now – Dec 24 & Dec 5-6

Stop in the store for a free photo with Santa and a stroll through the store’s holiday decorations. Your kids can also mail a letter to Santa and take home a holiday craft kit. Plus, no visit to Cabela’s is complete without a visit to the dead zoo.

Budafest is the town’s big weekend festival Dec 6th-8th. It will include shopping, games, vendors, music, a lighted parade, Santa, and so much more!

Serve at Brown Santa, Sing to Seniors, or Donate to Toys for Tots

There are so many ways to serve as a family during the holiday season. We love wrapping gifts for families through Brown Santa, dropping off additional gifts in Caliterra for Toys for Tots, scheduling a date to carol for seniors at a local home, and “adopting” a family or child through an Angel Tree at a local school or church.

Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin)

Dec 5 – Jan 3

Enjoy the illuminated trail walk with thousands of lights. Go earlier in the day to explore the forts of Fortlandia. Purchase tickets in advance.

Christmas in Marble Falls

Nov 19 – Jan 3

Just along the water’s edge, there’s a free Walkway of Lights with a variety of themes, as well as daily events to get you in the Christmas spirit, including breakfast with Santa, ice skating, shopping, and a lighted parade on Dec 5.

Lost Pines Christmas (Bastrop)

Nov 28 – Dec 25

Take a short drive to Bastrop for some spectacular holiday events, including a wassail fest, river of lights, a holiday revue at the Opera House, tree lighting ceremony, historic home tour, and a lighted parade on Dec 13.

PEC Lights Spectacular (Johnson City)

Nightly November 29 – Jan 4

The courthouse and downtown area are aglow with thousands of lights. Local vendors set up tables inside and outside the courthouse. Check website for special events, such as lighted parade on Nov 29, a chili cookoff on Dec 13, and a live nativity on Dec 5-13 at the Methodist Church nearby.

Weihnachtszeit – Christmas in Fredericksburg

Nov 19 – Jan 4

Show up on any day of the week for a spectacular holiday light show and events-a-plenty. Fredericksburg is so full of holiday cheer that you may need a few days to take it all in. Check the website for specific activities and lodging options. Our favorites include the lighted parade on the first Friday in December, the Eisbahn ice skating, Kinderfest at the Pioneer Museum on the first Sat of December, and taking pictures in front of the German Christmas Pyramid.

Christmas on Mercer (Dripping Springs)

December 6, 10 am – 5 pm

This fun hometown festival keeps getting bigger and better. Enjoy shopping with local vendors, a trackless train, pony rides, a festive atmosphere, live music all day long, giveaways and games, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and mail it on-site, plus free photos with Santa at Hudson’s. (Tree lighting and movie night in Dripping Springs will take place at dusk on November 29.)

Holidays in Gruene

Weekends in late Nov and all of Dec

Photos with Cowboy Kringle (appointment required), free afternoon shows at historic Gruene Hall, gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town, a new ice skating rink, and unique shops, as well as weekend markets, to complete your Christmas lists are just a few of the ways to celebrate the season in one of our favorite historic towns! The holidays truly kick off with Santa riding into town on horseback to light the night on the evening of Dec 6 at 5 pm.

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop

Nov 29 and Dec 6, 9 am – noon

Visit your local store so your kids can create their own Teddy Bear Ornament (Nov 29), Hot Cocoa Mug (Dec 6), and Tow Truck (Jan 3) for FREE! Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

Christmas in the Parks (Various State Park locations)

Nov – Dec

Texas State Parks have several holiday events, from scavenger hunts to Santa sightings to s’mores and ornament-making. Find a park near you and enjoy the great outdoors this season! Check out the detailed program linked above.

Hill Country Galleria Holidays (Bee Cave)

Nov 14 – Jan 19

Small ice skating rink

The popular outdoor mall will have live music, ice skating, Christmas markets, Santa photos, and unique events most days in December, including a Mario Kart party on Dec 13. Check the link for details.

Mozart’s Festival of Lights (Lake Austin)

Nov 22 – Jan 4

Purchase tickets in advance for this special Austin tradition. Grab a hot cocoa or coffee and enjoy the “dancing lights” set to music.

Emily Ann Theater Trail of Lights (Wimberley)

Nov 29 – Dec 26

Enjoy a FREE walking trail through approximately 8 acres of lighted exhibits, with entertainment provided almost every night. Wander into town afterward to stroll and shop local. There are several other events in the adorable town of Wimberley; it’s worth checking their local calendar!

Maywald Lights Display (W. Austin)

Nov 27 – Dec 25

It’s their last year! Over 120,000 lights are on display at a family’s home in Austin for a good cause: the Make-a-Wish foundation! Walk through the trail of light and leave a donation. (FREE to enter.)

Lights On Festival and Boat Parade (Lakeway)

Dec 6 & 7 at 6 pm

Lakeway’s FREE annual holiday and Christmas celebration is held at the Lakeway City Hall parking lot. This festive event kicks off with the official lighting of the Trail of Lights and will include a visit with Santa, live music, vendors, and family photo opportunities. The Trail of Lights will be lit every night afterward, so if you can’t make the event, you can still walk through on another evening until Jan 1.

On Dec 7th, there will be a lighted boat parade starting at Crosswater Yacht Club.

We hope this holiday bucket list inspires you to enjoy the 2025 holiday season to the fullest! Please share anything your family never misses during the holidays in the comments below. Also, use the calendar on this page to fill in yours!

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November 19, 2025
2025 Summer in the Texas Hill Country: Day Trips, Local Gems & Family Fun
We often get asked what we’re up to during the summer months, and while we have a few big trips planned—including adventures in Japan 🇯🇵, beach getaways 🏖️, and a mountain escape ⛰️—we’re also making the most of our time at home. The Texas Hill Country is bursting with charm and activities, so here’s what’s on our list for a summer of fun and exploration!

🌳 Parks with Swimming Holes

We never miss a summer visit to Blue Hole Regional Park. Located in the heart of the cute town of Wimberley, it’s an iconic swimming spot surrounded by lush cypress trees. It’s the perfect place to cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear spring-fed waters.

A few other natural swimming holes we enjoy each summer are Reimers Ranch, Cypress Falls, Lake Marble Falls, Camp Ben, and Commons Ford.

⛪️ Vacation Bible School (VBS) Favorites

Summer wouldn’t be complete without the classic community vibes of Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs. These week-long camps offer fun-filled mornings of crafts, music, and faith-based activities for kids of all ages, often for free!

🏊‍♂️ Swim Team

One of my kids is looking forward to being a part of YMCA Austin’s Swim Team https://www.austinymca.org/, where they get to learn new skills, make friends, and gain confidence in the pool. As a member, we can stick around for some extra fun in the interactive pool as well.

💦 Local Pools

With the Lakeway Swim Center, Founders Memorial Park, Marble Falls Pool, and James Adkins Pool close by, we can change things up and keep cool this summer with a variety of pool options.

🤠 Gruene Hall & the Guadalupe River

We’re heading to Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, for some live music and good times. There are live shows daily, and most are free. We’ll add in a float down the Guadalupe River, one of the best rivers for tubing and relaxing in the sun, or a visit to the splash pad at Fischer Park.

🌲 State Parks Adventures

We’re big fans of Texas State Parks, and this summer we’re making stops at:
Each park offers hiking, swimming, and plenty of chances to spot wildlife. Several have chlorinated pools as well.

🍹 DS Distilling

For the best happy hour in town, we’ll be visiting Dripping Springs Distilling to enjoy their craft cocktails and scenic patio views. The best deals on food and drinks are found on Thursday and Friday evenings.

🎣 Fishing Fun

We’re excited to join the Free Fishing Day Tournament in Boerne hosted by the Boerne Parks Association. It’s a great way to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing. Adults and children alike can fish in any state park or public waterway without a license on Saturday, June 7th. (Children can fish without a license anytime.)

🧜‍♀️ River Chutes in San Marcos

Nothing says summer like the thrilling river chutes at Rio Vista Park. We’re ready to ride the rapids and soak up the sun. Plus the Children’s Park right next door is a great way to break a sweat before taking a dip.

🏖️ Texas Beaches

We’re making at least one trip to the coast this summer, with stops planned at Port Aransas and Galveston Island for sandy toes, salty breezes, and endless beach days.

📖 Library Adventures

Our family loves reading, and we’ll be attending several of the special summer programs at Dripping Springs Community Library and Westbank Libraries. There’s something magical happening each week!

🏀 Sports Camp

Our crew will also be honing their basketball skills at the YMCA, where fun and friendly competition keep things lively.

🛝 Water Parks

We’re planning some splash-tastic trips to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels and Landa Park Aquatic Complex for slides, lazy rivers, and endless water fun.

💴 Bingo Nights

Bingo is always a blast, and we love taking our chances at the games at Wimberley VFW Post 6441. It’s a fun night out for the whole family! Be sure to bring cash for cards. (BYOB, concession food available)

🐎 Small Town Rodeos

Nothing captures the spirit of the Hill Country like a good ol’ fashioned rodeo! We’re heading to events like Rodeo Wimberley to cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls.

🦖 Dino Exploration

Last but not least, we’re planning to use our membership to check out the animatronic dinos at the Wildflower Center. It’s a great chance to blend nature and prehistoric fun. Then, we might pop over to Zilker Botanical Garden, also free with our Wildflower Membership, for a walk through their prehistoric garden and the woodland faerie trail.

From swimming holes to music halls, Texas Hill Country has endless ways to keep summer magical. What’s on your summer list? Let us know in the comments!
May 31, 2025
Top 10 Museums in Austin and the Texas Hill Country for Families

The Austin area and Texas Hill Country are brimming with enriching museums that cater to families, making it easy to combine fun and education. Whether your children are curious middle schoolers or playful preschoolers, this guide highlights the best museums for every age group.

Below, you’ll find the top five museums for families with kids in 3rd grade and older, followed by the top five museums for younger children. Admission costs, free community days, and links to their websites are included to help you plan your visit.

Top 5 Museums for Families with 3rd Graders and Older

5. Science Mill (Johnson City)

The Science Mill is a hands-on STEM-focused museum housed in a historic mill. It features over 50 interactive exhibits, from exploring virtual reality and robotics to uncovering the inner workings of the human body. This museum sparks curiosity in older kids through its innovative approach to science and engineering.

Admission: Adults $11.50, Youth (3-18) $9.50, under 3 free.

Website: Science Mill

Free Community Days: Check the website for periodic free admission days.

4. Texas Science and Natural History Museum (Austin)

This museum provides an in-depth look into Texas’ natural history, including fossils, wildlife, and ecosystems. Highlights include the Hall of Geology and Paleontology and a fascinating collection of Texas minerals. Older kids will love exploring the museum’s detailed exhibits.

Admission: Adults $8, Children (3-17) $5, under 3 free.

Website: Texas Science and Natural History Museum

Free Community Days: First Sunday of every month.

3. Blanton Museum of Art (Austin)

Home to one of the largest collections of art in Central Texas, the Blanton Museum includes everything from Renaissance paintings to contemporary installations. Their exhibits encourage older children to think critically about visual storytelling and creativity.

Admission: Adults $12, Youth (13-21) $5, under 12 free.

Website: Blanton Museum of Art

Free Community Days: Free admission every Thursday.

2. Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin)

This museum explores the story of Texas through engaging exhibits on indigenous peoples, early settlers, and the state’s role in space exploration. The IMAX theater offers educational documentaries that captivate kids and adults alike.

Admission: Adults $13, Youth (4-17) $9, under 4 free.

Website: Bullock Museum

Free Community Days: First Sunday of each month.

1. National Museum of the Pacific War (Fredericksburg)

Perfect for history buffs, this museum immerses visitors in the events of WWII in the Pacific Theater. Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations bring history to life for older kids, making it a favorite for families.

Admission: Adults $20, Youth (6-17) $10, under 6 free.

Website: Pacific War Museum

Free Community Days: Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Top 5 Museums for Families with Lower Elementary Kids and Younger

5. The Thinkery (Austin)

A children’s museum with a STEM twist, The Thinkery offers hands-on activities, from water play to light experiments. It’s perfect for sparking creativity and curiosity in young children while keeping them entertained for hours.

Admission: Adults and children (2+) $16, under 2 free.

Website: The Thinkery

Free Community Days: Every Tuesday offers free or reduced admission.

4. 7A Ranch Cowboy Museum (Wimberley)

This charming museum celebrates Texas’ cowboy heritage with fun exhibits on ranching, farming, and cowboy life. Children will love seeing tools, wagons, and cowboy gear up close. It’s a small but engaging spot to learn about Texas history in a family-friendly way. Check the website in advance to find out if the ice cream shop is open.

Admission: Free with a stay at 7A Ranch; call ahead for museum-only pricing.

Website: Visit 7A Ranch

Free Days: Free for local residents on select days—check the ranch website for updates.

3. Austin Nature and Science Center (Austin)

Nestled in Zilker Park, this center offers hands-on nature exhibits, live animal displays, and a dinosaur dig area for kids. It’s ideal for young explorers who love animals and the outdoors. Admission is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing.

Admission: Free.

Website: Visit the Austin Nature and Science Center

2. LBJ State Park and Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm (Stonewall)

Step back in time at this unique living history farm, where kids can see costumed interpreters performing daily chores like churning butter and tending livestock. The nearby LBJ State Park offers trails, picnic spots, and exhibits on President Johnson’s life.

Admission: Free.

Website: Visit LBJ State Park and Sauer-Beckmann Farm

1. McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels)

This vibrant museum is designed specifically for younger children, with exhibits like a kid-sized town, an interactive grocery store, and an outdoor water play area. It’s a perfect place for imaginative play and early learning.

Admission: $9.50 per person, Kids under 12 months are free.

Website: Visit McKenna Children’s Museum

Free Days: Occasionally offers free days or special events; check their website for details.

Whether you’re raising future scientists, artists, or history buffs, these museums provide engaging experiences for every age group. Plan your family’s next educational adventure today!

January 26, 2025
4 Faves: From an Australian Beach Party to Ice Skating in a Western Wonderland

Dripping with Kids Four Faves for the Last Month: Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

This past month has been a busy one, and it’s taken me a while to get back to the keyboard. Our month included travel to the biggest Texas cities, a lot of sparkling lights, and celebrations of Christmas around the world. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

What topped our list this month…

1.We celebrated Christmas in Australia with a “Beach Party”.

As a part of our lessons on Christmas around the world, we planned activities related to a summertime Australian Christmas that included sand snowmen, decorating a Christmas bush blindfolded, tasting ginger cookies, learning fun facts about marsupials, searching for Christmas beetles, and coloring nautical ornaments and pictures of Santa on a surfboard. We met friends at the Dripping Springs Sports and Rec Park to take advantage of the sand, the trails for scavenger hunts, and the picnic tables for snacking.

2. We traveled to Dallas and Waco for unique holiday experiences.

We filled 3 days full of adventures and Christmas fun on our road trip to the Big D. Check out this link for our itinerary.

3. We danced beneath beautiful Christmas light displays in Johnson City, Burnet, and Fredericksburg.

And enjoyed other fantastic features of these small towns as well…

There’s no shortage of stunning light displays all over the Texas Hill Country! We visited a couple of our faves and tried a new one too.

The Johnson City Lights Spectacular is mesmerizing, and the town keeps adding more exciting events and displays so you can spend your whole afternoon and evening in the small town.

Also, Fredericksburg has a unique German take on Christmas with dozens of events every weekend and opportunities to explore shops, restaurants, and wineries before experiencing Weinachtszeit. We decided to climb Enchanted Rock before heading into town.

Our newest favorite tradition is visiting Burnet for the live nativity, Main Street Bethlehem, and their Christmas on the Square. The live nativity was amazing, and we really felt like we had stepped back in time to the day of Jesus’s birth. The volunteer actors and historic scenery made the experience truly memorable.

Tip: If you decide to go next year, arrive at least an hour before doors open. The line gets VERY long!

4. We skated for hours at Western Wonderland.

With the largest pop-up ice skating rink in Texas, refreshments, live music (in the evenings), and a short trail of lights outside, Western Wonderland is the place to be in Dripping Springs this holiday season.

4 + 1 More. We enjoyed family and playgrounds in the warm Houston sun.

My kids usually ask to visit the same parks on each trip to Houston. We go often to see family and made a list of the best parks in the southwest part of H-town.

Quick stop for a beautiful hike at Bastrop State Park on the way to Houston.

That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

December 22, 2024
Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 10th – Nov 16th, 2024

This past week included some Texas travel, an out-of-state adventure, and a couple local favorites. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

What topped our list this week…

1. Quick stroll through San Antonio Botanical Garden

After cheering on high school marching bands at the state competition in the Alamodome, my youngest and I decided to get a little fresh air nearby at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. We got FREE entry due to our membership at the Wildflower Center in Austin. The SA Botanical Garden is a 38-acre urban oasis that showcases diverse plant collections, a sensory garden, and immersive nature trails.

Our visit was a quick one, but it was a beautiful stroll that still had unique displays from their Fall events. The staff are now setting up for the 2024 holiday season, which will feature Illuminate that will include glowing tunnels, handcrafted lanterns, and larger-than-life sculptures that blend art, nature, and culture. Illuminate will be open from November 29th through Jan 12th, in collaboration with Tianyu Arts & Culture. For more details and ticket booking, visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s website.

Japanese Tea Garden

If visiting the botanical garden, I highly recommend adding on a visit to the FREE Japanese Tea Garden just a few minutes away. Also in the area are the San Antonio Zoo and Brackenridge Park. All of these stops combined make for a fun and full day trip to San Antonio!

2. Volunteered for Brown Santa

After three years in a row of volunteering for Brown Santa, it remains my kids’ favorite way to serve during the holidays. Brown Santa is a Sheriffs’ Dept program that provides holiday gifts, food, and other essentials to families in need. Volunteers sort donations, wrap gifts, and distribute items to recipients. My kids and I pray over every box we pack before sending them back into the warehouse. Check the link for auction items or to sign up. There are still openings to volunteer in Austin on weekdays until December 11th.

3. Learned Japanese History and Practiced Techniques of Japanese Artists

I cannot recommend Mrs. Suzanne King enough as an art instructor! She teaches art history, painting, and drawing in a way that captures the imaginative and creative spirits of kids and adults alike. The artwork my child has produced since attending Mrs. King’s classes has been colorful, thoughtful, technical, and unique. Reach out to her if you’re interested in group or private art lessons.

4. Kid-free Getaway to Arizona

Time with the kids is amazing, and time without them can also be amazing. 😊 My husband and I are spending a few days in Arizona to celebrate our anniversary! We hiked (more like scrambled up) Camelback Mountain, got an amazing pedicure and spa experience at Becca’s Nails, shopped and ate in Old Town, and visited the Grand Canyon South Rim. This time of year is such a wonderful time to visit; the weather is perfection, which makes hiking much less strenuous. We even got snowed on while walking the South Rim Trail!

If you plan to visit Scottsdale, a great hotel option is Courtyard by Marriott at Salt River. It’s clean, and the staff are kind and helpful. The views are beautiful. The pool area and courtyard are really relaxing. The lobby has great seating, a large TV, a bar and bistro, and hosts nightly events for guests. Most importantly, it’s affordable, making it a good value among many overpriced hotels in the area.

View from Scottsdale hotel

That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

November 17, 2024
Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Nov 3rd – Nov 9th, 2024

This past week, we primarily stayed close to home, but we had a few memorable experiences we’d love to share. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas!

What topped our list this week…

1. We started our Thankful Tree for the month.

In the first week of November, when the sugar rush from Halloween has started to subside, we display a hand-sewn wall hanging made by my mother-in-law, and I unevenly cut leaf shapes out of six fall shades of construction paper. Each family member gets his or her own color, and at dinner (or breakfast) throughout the month, we write something we are thankful for on our leaves. It can be big and abstract, like love or faith, or it can be something as small and simple as pencils and paper, which was displayed on one of my preschooler’s leaves many Falls ago.

I love practicing gratitude with my kids and always look forward to what they’ll write throughout the month. I know the kids love to see what their parents write as well, which always includes compliments about them. If you’ve been wanting to start this tradition but don’t want to DIY it, Amazon has great options.

2. We participated in a kids’ entrepreneurial fair.

My younger two participated in our co-op’s annual kids’ entrepreneurial fair, and they had a blast doing it! I couldn’t quite tell if they enjoyed selling or shopping more.

These events allow young entrepreneurs, often elementary to middle school-aged, to showcase and sell products they’ve created or services they’ve come up with, providing a hands-on experience in business development.

At a typical fair, each child or team has a booth or table where they display their business with signs, products, and decor. The products can range widely, including handmade crafts, baked goods, artwork, toys, jewelry, and 3-D printed characters. Services, if offered, might include things like chair message, target practice (nerf guns or non-pointed arrows), face-painting, hair or make-up, and tutorials on video games.

These markets are so fun, but as a shopper, plan to show up with a heart to give. The kids work very hard on their creations and truly hope visitors will show their appreciation for that work with a purchase.

A few places that host kids’ entrepreneur markets throughout the year are 12 Fox Beer, Suds Monkey, and the DS Library. There is also an opportunity coming up that your child can register to be a part of or just go to shop: The Holiday Kid-Market in Wimberley! Sign up ASAP!

3. The kids spent hours at Urban Air on a discounted ticket.

Urban Air is starting to offer more discounts on their tickets. We were able to get 30% off by randomly checking the website, and they are also offering a discounted family pass right now. If you’re not on their regular email distribution list, I recommend getting on it. An announcement will be sent around Black Friday to be able to get $100 in gift cards for $50. (At least, I’m hoping so, as they’ve done that the last three years in a row.) It makes a great gift or offers an affordable way to take your kids a few times during the year.

4. We built forts and pretended to be pioneers at The Wildflower Center.

Although the forts at Fortlandia haven’t really kept my children’s attention this year, they still love to go back over and over again to play in the fort-building area and sandpit. We camp out there for hours with friends, especially on a beautiful day! The membership is truly worth it.

Senior Night! Plus, we’re looking forward to the State Marching Contest, as mentioned in last week’s post.

That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

November 10, 2024
Dripping with Kids Four Faves from This Week: Oct 27th – Nov 2nd, 2024

This past week, we had so much fun in Dripping Springs, Georgetown, San Antonio, and right at home. Halloween was a blast, but these other four events and activities are what we highly recommend to everyone else. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas!

What topped our list this week…

1. We reached our goal of 1,000 Hours Outside!

The 1000 Hours Outside movement encourages families to spend more time in nature, aiming for 1,000 hours of outdoor activity each year. Founded by Ginny Yurich, this initiative promotes the physical, mental, and developmental benefits of outdoor play as an alternative to excessive screen time. You track your hours outdoors (individually or as a family) to develop a lasting habit of enjoying nature. The movement has gained popularity worldwide, with families using printable trackers and mobile apps to log their progress.

We started tracking our hours outside four years ago. We didn’t make it to 1000 in the first two years, but last year, we hit our goal by mid-December, and this year, the three of us who keep track exceeded 1000 hours before the end of October! 1000 hours may not sound like a lot of time, but it really is a difficult goal to reach.

I highly encourage your family to try it out for 2025! Since doing this, we’ve had significantly less illness, no more sunburns, less sensitive feet (due to being barefoot often), increased tolerance to heat, more risky play, and so much fun together.

You can access various trackers here directly from the official site, and you can check out Yurich’s books about the benefits of outdoor play, as well as recognizing the impact that screen time, anxiety, and our indoor, sedentary lives have on children today.

2. Kid Librarian Winner!

The Kid Librarian drawing at Dripping Springs Community Library is a new program that recognizes young readers’ enthusiasm for books and libraries. Aimed at children over age 8, this award allows recipients to experience the role of a librarian for a day. Winners help with library tasks, recommend books, and participate in behind-the-scenes activities, offering them a unique perspective on library work.

Our 9-year-old was the lucky winner this week, and she was ecstatic to spend the afternoon with Ms. Olivia at the library, along with two friends who were very curious about the program. My happy girl got to do the tour, set up a whole display of recommended reads, shelve books in the children’s library, record a book review for social media, and ask as many questions as she wanted about life as a librarian.

If this is something your kids would be interested in, there’s a slip of paper at Ms. Olivia’s desk in the children’s section of the library where you can input your info and submit it for the drawing done each week.

3. Day Trip to Georgetown: The Theater and Creative Play

The Georgetown Palace Theatre is currently showcasing Charlotte’s Web as part of its Theatre for Young Audiences program. This adaptation of E.B. White’s classic story brings to life the endearing friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, who weaves words into her web to save Wilbur from the butcher.

Our group of kids loved every minute of the play! It kept their attention and tugged at their heart strings. It was such a great way to fall in love with Charlotte’s Web all over again.

Unfortunately, the showing scheduled for Nov 9th just sold out, but schools or homeschool groups may still be able to schedule field trips on weekdays through November 8. If Charlotte’s Web doesn’t work out, though, I’m sure your family would enjoy other performances.

For more information on upcoming productions, visit their Theatre for Young Audiences page.

Before or after the show, the Creative Playscape at San Gabriel Park is a MUST-visit, as well as the Hat Creek in downtown Georgetown. Both have fun playgrounds and space for imaginative play in nature. If you lunch and play at Hat Creek, you can take a very quick stroll downhill to Blue Hole Park to splash, skip rocks, or walk the trails. Definitely plan to make a full day trip out of your visit to the theater.

4. Marching Band Competition

The UIL Area Marching Band Contest was held in San Antonio on November 2, 2024. This contest brought together the regional qualifiers to compete for a spot in the UIL State Marching Band Championship. The competition was amazing, despite a little bit of rainy weather, and featured dynamic performances, intricate marching formations, and outstanding musicality as bands aimed to secure their place in the prestigious state finals.

The UIL State Marching Band Contest will be hosted at the Alamodome from November 11-12th, 2024, and the Dripping Springs Tiger Marching Band will be competing!

If you’ve never attended a marching band competition, you should check one out. The talent on the field is incredible; the performances are unique and interesting; and much of the music will drum up a bit of nostalgia within.

For more details, you can visit the Alamodome’s official event page: Event s | Alamodome.

That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

November 3, 2024
Top 6 Pumpkin Patch Festivals near Austin: 2025

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.

Uhland Fall Festival

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.

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm

Maze at the Sweet Eats Fruit Farm

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.

Indian Springs Ranch Pumpkin Patch

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.

Sweet Berry Farm

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.

Jenshke Orchard

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.

Round Rock Pumpkin Festival

$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!

August 31, 2024
Stunning Views of the Hill Country from Old Baldy

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.

Cute Town of Wimberley Just Minutes Away

If you need more of a hike, check out Blue Hole Regional Park, or make plans to cool off at the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole.

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!

August 29, 2024
Easy, Shaded Hike at Charro Ranch Park

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.

Close to Breweries, Wineries, and Restaurants

Before or after hitting your daily step count, stop by Twisted X Brewing, Salt Lick BBQ, Driftwood or Duchman Winery, Paloma Dining and Events, or Le Muse Coffee Shop. I always love adding on a local hot spot or additional sightseeing when visiting a new hiking trail!

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.

August 14, 2024
Simple, Not Easy
Inspired by Peaceful Porches

So many goals in life are simple to achieve. Connection with family members grows with uninterrupted time together. Wealth comes with spending less and investing the remainder. Weight loss requires eating clean and exercising daily. The instructions seem so basic and simple. However, they are rarely easy.

The instruction I especially find to be simple but not easy is the call for us to live as Jesus did. His life was busy and full, yet he was never hurried and definitely lived simply.

It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

– Galatians 2:20

We are instructed to place all trust in Him and live by faith. We are given stories of the life we’re meant to emulate, the life of Jesus.

I have short, simple phrases on a chalkboard hanging next to our dining table to describe the way Jesus lived as a guide for my family. This is a rudimentary interpretation of how to walk through life like Jesus did:

Go for a long walk. Simple. Love others. Simple. Ask questions and listen for the answers. Simple. Invite others in for a meal or a chat. Simple. Find solitude and rest. Simple.

If the principles are simple, why is it so difficult to implement them?

We are human. We’re sinners. We’re easily distracted and easily charmed by the ways of this world. We enjoy material possessions. We can be manipulated by marketing and advertising. We like to be entertained, even by immoral people and practices. We are stubborn and headstrong. We think we know better about how to live a full life.

Our lives are certainly full. My life, in particular, is full of responding to kids’ needs, cooking, cleaning, gardening, soccer practices and games, errands, calendar planning, homeschooling, friends and social activities, travel, budgeting, investing, reading, writing, and so much more. I’m sure your list is just as long too. We have busy lives, affording little time left over to focus on how to yield to the Holy Spirit and live as Jesus taught us.

The good news is that it’s possible to have both. We just have to prioritize the simple. We have to redeem our time in order to live like our Redeemer. In Jordan Raynor’s book, Redeeming Our Time, the author lays out 7 principles for living a more purposeful, productive, and present life that would emulate the life of Jesus much more closely than how most of us live today. The 7 principles are:
- Start with the Word
- Let your Yes be Yes
- Dissent from the Kingdom of Noise
- Prioritize your Yeses
- Accept your Unipresence
- Embrace Productive Rest
- Eliminate All Hurry
I recommend checking out his book and/or his week-long devotional through the Bible app. It’s a great way to get started on living more simply yet remaining focused on the gifts and purpose the Lord has set for your life.

I’d also recommend finding a place that allows you to separate from the noise of this world, rest and renew yourself, and pray without distraction. Until we intentionally center our lives around the simple, we will continue to let the frenzy of this world lead us away from our purpose. I’m most certainly aware, though, that this is much easier said than done.

When I need to find solitude and a little quiet time to focus, I love stepping out onto my back porch or the porch of any home we stay in while traveling. Although I can hear the sounds of birds, cicadas, cars, and children playing in back yards, I feel a sense of peace as soon as I shut the door and breathe in the fresh air. It’s often where I read, pray, write, and do yoga. That place of solitude is different for each person and at each home, but it’s so essential for embracing the simple side of life. I hope you’ve found yours.

Hyatt Hill Country in San Antonio, TX

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site

The Kendall in Boerne, TX
June 30, 2024
Pedernales Falls State Park: Worth the Challenge

The trails at Pedernales Falls State Park can be challenging but offer so much reward.

✅ Trails for (Older) Children

✅ Swimming

✅ Bathrooms

❌ Playground and Sports Fields

❌ Free Admission for Park and Trails

❌ Stroller-friendly Trails

✅ Reservations (Day Passes) needed

We are huge fans of the Texas State Parks, and Pedernales Falls is toward the top of the list. We often bring family here when they visit from out of town. While the trails and the bouldering around the Falls can be rigorous and rocky, we’ve managed to enjoy visiting with babies and toddlers, grandparents, and especially with our children at their current ages from 7-17. There is just so much beauty to take in, and the variety of trails makes each visit unique.

Because of its many draws, Pedernales Falls State Park can get busy on the weekends and holidays. We strongly recommend that you get day passes online at least 48 hours in advance. Passes are $6/adult (ages 13+); children ages 12 and under are free. You can also get everyone in your car in for free year-round with a Texas State Park Pass, which has already saved our family a lot of money in the last six months. The cost of a park pass is $70, but that price will increase on Sept 1, 2024, so snag one today! It might encourage you to visit many more state parks or just return to Pedernales State Park often. It’s so close, and we never tire of it!

The park is currently open from 8 am to 10 pm, but the campsites are still being renovated at the time of this publication, so no overnight camping until they re-open in the Winter of 2025. There’s no doubt you could enjoy every one of the 14 hours that the park is open each day with so much to do there.

We’re excited to share what we love about Pedernales Falls State Park and its many trails, located at 2585 Park Road 6026 in Johnson City, TX, only about 30 minutes from Dripping Springs!

Challenging Trails for Exploring and Hiking

As mentioned, there are multiple hiking trails in this beautiful park. One trail leads to the grand Pedernales Falls, where you have no choice but to scramble and boulder to explore the area. Another trail leads you to Twin Falls with a beautiful view. One trail leads to an active bird blind and star theater. Yet another leads you to the clear waters of Jones Springs. There are long trails over 5 miles for an intense workout and gorgeous sights, and there are short hikes with a destination at the end. The park even has an equestrian trail, and most of the trails allow for hiking or biking. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong, and you’ll be eager to try the next one.

The park’s trails are primarily rocky and somewhat challenging. The only one we’ve taken that would be stroller- or wagon-friendly is the Star Theater/Bird Blind Trail. If visiting with children who cannot hike at least 1 mile on their own or handle uneven terrain, bring a backpack carrier or be prepared to hold and lift them as needed. The park indicates that most of the trails are “moderate”, so young children can handle them and will enjoy them as well, but from my personal experience, they will need help.

Although we’ve visited the park several times, there are still a few trails left on our bucket list. Thus far, our favorites are the Pedernales Falls Trail System, Coyote Crossing, and of course, the Swimming Area Trail!

Swimming!

Swimming at the park is in the Pedernales River, so the depth and flow are affected by recent rains (or lack of them) in the area. There’s been water every time we’ve visited. Sometimes it’s a slow, shallow flow meant for wading and playing in the mud. Other times, it’s deep enough for the kids to jump in off of large boulders. Occasionally, you can even ride the rapids or small waterfalls.

All swimming is at your own risk, and the river is subject to flooding. You can check the park’s website or social media pages for updates. Occasionally, swimming is closed due to bacterial levels being higher than normal.

There are signs to the swimming area and a parking lot just at the top of the trailhead. Keep in mind that the trail to the water is steep and a little slippery. The loose rocks and mud can cause you to slip, and the stairway as well as the large rocks can make traversing down to the shore a bit tricky. You will have to carry your towels and swim stuff down. It is not stroller or wagon accessible.

Lower Part of Trail to the Swimming Area

Parking Near the Trailheads

Remember to get day passes in advance when you know which date you’ll head to the park. Google Maps will take you directly to the park entrance., then check in at the ranger station. Be sure to grab a map. Service in the park is spotty at best.

Each trailhead has a decent-sized parking lot, and there’s plenty of signage. You will want to move your car to different lots if accessing multiple trails throughout the day.

Interesting Events

Birding Hike

Geocaching

From star-gazing parties to prehistoric hunting to scavenger hunts, this park has so many events for different interests and ages. We’ve participated in a guided bird-watching hike, geocaching, foraging, and a fire-making event. If you can combine your visit with one of the events, I recommend you set aside time to attend. If you can’t make it for an event on the specific date available, the park rangers are often willing to host that event for your private group. Just reach out directly to plan a group event with them.

Your children can also borrow an explorer pack with tools and pick up a Junior Ranger book at the check-in station. The kids can work through the pages while at the park and then can earn a badge at the end of your visit.

Large Grassy Picnic Area

We always plan time to eat and play in the large, shaded, grassy picnic area. Pack a soccer ball, kick ball, or frisbee along with your cooler of food. There are nice bathrooms and several shaded picnic tables, as well as charcoal grills and a large dumpster for trash. It’s located on the same road that takes you to the swimming area. There are two separate parking lots for the two areas.

After eating, we often take all or part of the Coyote Crossing Trail because the trail head is at the back of the picnic area. It’s an interesting hike that can lead you all the way to Twin Falls if you’re in for the long haul. Otherwise, it’s just fun for exploring and then turning around.

Next on our list for exploring Pedernales Falls State Park are tubing or paddling on the river that’s now flowing better than it has in years and venturing out on the Jones Spring Trail to see the stone house ruins and clear springs that tourists flocked to in previous centuries.

We hope you enjoy Pedernales Falls State Park as much as we do! It is near the town of Johnson City, where you can grab a bite to eat afterward or explore another one of our favorite state parks, LBJ State Park and Sauer-Beckmann Farm. If you’re able, make a whole weekend out of it!

Let us know what you think after you visit. For other family hike recommendations in the Texas Hill Country, check out our page, This Week’s Hike.

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

June 26, 2024