Sometimes you just want a change of scenery. Luckily, there are some really cool places to go in Central Texas that offer a chance to get out of town in a safe, socially-distanced environment. So if you want to pack up for day of adventures outside city limits, here’s a round up of some really fun outdoor art exhibits, gorgeous parks, and sweet family farms to check out this fall.

Of course, please take care and caution anywhere you go and never venture out if you feel sick. Wear your masks, wash your hands, stay distanced from others. Before you plan a trip, please visit the website of each location to review their health and safety procedures.

5 Fun Family Day Trips:

San Antonio Botanical Garden – Origami in the Garden
The San Antonio Botanical Garden recently opened its newest exhibit, OrigamiintheGarden², which will be on display through May 9, 2021. This incredible outdoor sculpture exhibition is created by Santa Fe artists, Jennifer and Kevin Box. You’ll find origami soaring birds, gliding airplanes, galloping ponies, floating boats, and emerging butterflies in this outdoor venue. More info and tickets. 

Marvel at the amazing origami sculptures! Photo from the San Antonio Botanical Museum’s website featuring Painted Ponies by Kevin Box and Te Jui Fu.

Sweet Berry Farm – Pick Flowers & More
Located in Marble Falls, Sweet Berry Farm is a most popular springtime destination for picking strawberries, but the fall also offers so much fun for families! Currently, they are open for a fall festival where you can pick your own zinnias, roam through a Texas-shaped corn maze, paint pumpkins, stuff your own scarecrow, and more fun activities for the whole family! View the full list of activities, pricing and hours.

Pick your own zinnias or enjoy one of the many activities for kids on the farm! Photo from the Sweet Berry Farm Facebook page.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – Hike & Explore
Outdoor lovers can enjoy some quality hiking and rock climbing at this 1,643-acre State Natural Area about two hours outside of Austin. The centerpiece of the park is a massive, 425-foot-tall granite dome that is estimated to be 1 billion years old. Climb for amazing Hill Country views. You can reserve your day passes on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website, but do take note that these book up quickly in advance and reservations are highly encouraged for this popular destination. Read more and reserve your day pass.

Enchanting views await the top of the dome! Photo from the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.

The Dinosaur Park – Walk Among Giant Dinos
Located in Cedar Creek, TX between Austin and Bastrop, The Dinosaur Park is an awesome destination for dino-lovers of all ages! Situated in a woodsy nature trail, you’ll find giant dino replicas among the trees, making it easy to imagine real dinosaurs in a natural environment. Read details about our previous experience taking this little day trip. Visit their website for pricing, hours and more.

Give your little dino fans something to roar about!

Cameron Park Zoo – Engage with Animals
Located in Waco, the 52-acre Natural Habitat Cameron Park Zoo offers kids the chance to unplug for some in-person animal education along the Brazos River. Last time we made a trip to this zoo, we were really impressed! A visit to the zoo will get you outdoors and getting some easy exercise as we you along the trails spotting giraffes, elephants, komodo dragons, river otters, bald eagles, orangutans and more. View the zoo hours, admission, and safety procedures.

Be sure to visit Lemur Island on your visit! Photo from the Cameron Park Zoo Facebook page.

More Day Trip Ideas:

 

Header image courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden