Texas Outdoor Family Workshops
Almost every weekend, Texas Outdoor Family workshops are held at different state parks of Texas. Families participate in outdoor activities where they learn camping basics and can experience the beautiful Texas wilderness first-hand. The workshops cost $65 per family — up to 6 individuals — and tents are provided. The events take place all around Texas, so get out with the family and learn about the natural beauty of the South.
For more information, visit them online or call 512.389.8903, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Pedernales Falls State Park
A perfect getaway for hiking, camping or swimming, Pedernales Falls State Park is situated along the Pedernales River in Blanco County. Whether you’re in the mood for horseback riding or bird watching, this family-friendly park has tons of activities to offer for everyone. The highlight of the park is Pedernales Falls, a set of waterfalls that flow over river limestone, which you can view from the northern end of the park. Hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and backpacking trails weave throughout the grounds, which are open seven days a week, all year long, unless otherwise stated by wildlife management.
For more information, visit them online or call (830) 868-7304.
Location: 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636 (map)
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours
The Cypress Valley Canopy Tours were founded by David and Amy Beilharz in 1998. At this Texas Hill Country site, this duo advocate the importance of nature and aim to increase environmental awareness through physical activities and events, all which are family-friendly. The canopy tours were inspired by a trip David took to Costa Rica, where he zip-lined for the first time. For families with children ages 10 and older, the tours include zip-lining and crossing sky bridges, not to mention the opportunity to make lasting family memories. Other activities include the Sunrise Birding Tour and The Canopy Challenge.
For more information, visit them online or call (512) 264-8880.
Location: 1223 Paleface RR, Spicewood TX, 78669 (map)
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Tours
With one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America, what better place to watch them than on Lady Bird Lake. The bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge each evening on the lake, and it’s an amazing sight! Live-Love-Paddle, “the ORIGINAL Congress Bridge Bat kayak group tour company in Austin,” conducts hour and a half long tours for $38.50 during the bat season, which lasts from mid-March through November. Both single and tandem kayaks are available and the tours begin at Joe’s Crab Shack.
For more information, visit them online or call (512) 804-2122.
Austin Steam Train
Experience Austin like they did in the good ol’ days. The Austin Steam Train Association offers train rides almost every weekend and for special occasions for holidays and special events. The most popular of their trains is the Hill Country Flyer, which leaves from Cedar Park and goes through the Texas Hill Country to Burnet. A shorter ride is the Bertram Flyer, which is about three hours round trip. Specialty trains include a Halloween “Whodunit Mystery” in October to trips to the Bluebonnet Festival. Whichever train you decide to board, it’s sure to be a fun experience for the whole family.
For more information, visit them online or call (512) 477-8468.
Location: 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste A-103, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (map)
Eastwood Hill Bed & Breakfast
This Victorian country home features three eras of construction. It’s located in a rural setting at the edge of downtown San Marcos. Guests are treated to a trip back in time with slightly squeaky wood floors, period furnishings, and peace and quiet (TV’s weren’t part of the 1800s). Beds are very comfortable and provide a good night’s sleep, which is saying a lot. There are several outside porches and decks which offer views of the stars, and good ol’ southern cooking. Sometimes, it’s the return to something very simple and quiet that we need to relax.
For more information, visit them online or call (512) 805-0200.
Location: 200 Eastwood Lane, San Marcos, Texas 78666 (map)
Cypress Falls Swimming Hole in Woodcreek
This Wimberley destination is a little gem tucked away in the Hill Country. You’ll unearth this destination and thank us later. It is surrounded by 126 acres of natural forests and native grass fields that have so far escaped the developer’s touch. The Blue Hole is lined by old growth cypress trees that have survived floods, milling and settlers’ needs for building materials. The Blue Hole property possesses what is now becoming a much more rare ecosystem and supports many species of birds, reptiles, insects, amphibians and mammals. It’s a rich destination for swimming, biking, hiking, enjoying nature and much more!
For more information, please visit them online.
Location: Blue Hole Park is just EAST of the Wimberley downtown square on Blue Hole Lane, off Old Kyle Road near junction of FM 3237.