Have you ever found yourself trying to get a day pass to Hamilton Pool only to discover that all the weekend sessions are fully booked? Or maybe you’ve decided this is the year you’re going to drive the kids out to Fredericksburg to climb the beautiful Enchanted Rock, but can’t get a reservation for months? So frustrating.
Friends, we’re chiming in here this spring to give you a reminder about all of the wonderful outdoor adventures in Central Texas so you won’t miss a thing. Go ahead and book a fun family outing to look forward to!
Blue Hole Regional Park, photo by Heidi Okla
— Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley
100 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley
Blue Hole is a popular local swimming hole, just a short 40-minute drive south of Austin in the charming town of Wimberley. Swim season is from May 1 through Labor Day, and weekends in September. Cool off in the refreshing, spring-fed waters shaded by giant cypress trees on an awesome little day trip. The City of Wimberley manages the beautiful natural swimming hole within a 126-acre preservation that also includes trails and picnic areas. Before you pack up the family and head out for a swim, check here to read about our experience at the park. Advanced reservations are required, and you can choose from 2-time slots per day: 9 am – 1 pm or 2 – 6 pm. Admission is $12 for adults; $8 for kids ages 4-13, and free for ages 0-3. Book your reservation.
Photo from the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center Facebook page
— Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain
Westcave is well-known for its gorgeous grotto and educational opportunities like birding and guided hikes. You don’t want to miss the “Walk Through The Grotto” experience where you walk down a 100-foot staircase into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life and waterfalls, along a stunning 40-foot cliff into a grotto pool below. It’s a beautiful site that can only be accessed by a guided hike, with reservations required. Check out the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center website for even more trails and experiences to choose from. Reserve your tour.
Enchanted Rock; photo by Heidi Okla
— Enchanted Rock
16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg
One of the most popular natural treasures of Central Texas is a giant pink granite dome rising 425 feet above the ground just north of Fredericksburg. Enchanted Rock is a favorite destination for camping, hiking, day trips, rock climbing, and stargazing. So what makes it so “enchanting”? Check here to read about our day trip to this fabulous park. To guarantee entrance, you will want to reserve passes online (pretty far in advance for any weekend visits.) Day fees are $8 for adults, and free for kids ages 12 and under. Book your reservation.
photo from the @JacobsWellOfficial Facebook page
— Jacob’s Well Natural Area | *Jacob’s Well is Closed for Swimming Until Further Notice Due to Drought
Though currently closed for swimming, the park is open for hiking (free), and you can check here for the most up-to-date info on when swimming will open again.
Zilker Botanical Garden; photo by Heidi Okla
— Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd.
Situated within Zilker Park, you’ll find the Zilker Botanical Garden, 26 acres of parkland that features a variety of themed gardens, ponds, flowers, butterflies, native plants, and a pretty setting for a stroll, a picnic, or an ideal spot to simply stop and smell the roses and appreciate nature’s beauty. Called “the jewel in the heart of Austin”, The Zilker Botanical Garden is open with a reservation system seven days a week, year-round (aside from major holidays) from 9 am – 6 pm. Ticket prices range from $6 – $8. Check here to read about our experience roaming the grounds at this tranquil oasis within the city. Book your reserved tickets.
Hamilton Pool; photo by Heidi Okla
— Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Road, Dripping Springs
Hamilton Pool is a gorgeous nature preserve just a 45-minute drive from Austin to Dripping Springs. This gem of a pool is actually a collapsed grotto with beautiful blue-green water, surrounded by awesome rock formations, and also boasts a 50-foot waterfall that is the ideal spot to stand under and feel refreshed by cool water washing over you. Hamilton Pool Preserve also has hiking trails to enjoy year-round. It’s an amazing place to check out with the family, which is why reservations book up so far in advance. Hamilton Pool is currently accepting reservations through July 2024, and day passes are $12 online and $8 in person for anyone 13 and older. Please note: swimming is not guaranteed with your reservation and depends on the water and weather conditions of the day. Check here to read about our first visit to Hamilton Pool. Make reservations here.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
— Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave.
Visit the arboretum at the wildflower center to swing under the big trees or go on a nature walk as you spot seasonal wildflowers! The Family Garden also includes opportunities for creative play with natural materials including a grotto with caves and a waterfall, a maze made of native shrubs, and more. Book your entry time.
Emma Long Metro Park; photo by Heidi Okla
— Emma Long Metro Park
1600 City Park Rd.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a large municipal park on the shores of Lake Austin, and it’s a great place to spend a day with the family. It’s open seven days a week and includes a long stretch of lake lined with oak and juniper trees, offers boat access, plenty of room for swimming, a small sandy beach area for kids to play, lots of places to have a picnic, and hiking trails, too. The park entrance fee is $5 Monday through Thursday and $10 from Fridays through Sundays and holidays. Advanced reservations are only available on weekends, Friday through Sunday and you can make yours here. Read about our experience at Emma Long here. Book your reservation.
Inks Lake; photo by Heidi Okla
— Inks Lake State Park
3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet
Inks Lake State Park offers family fun on water and land. About an hour northwest of Austin in Burnet, TX, you’ll want to make a splash in the blue water at this Hill Country favorite. In addition to swimming, it’s great for a day trip because there are miles of hiking trails perfect for the whole family. While reservations are not required for Texas State Parks, day passes tend to go fast for weekend admission, so it’s best to book ahead. Admission is $7 per day per adult; children 12 and under are free. Check here to read about our experience hiking around the Devil’s Waterhole. Book your reservation.
Laguna Gloria; photo by Heidi Okla
— Laguna Gloria
3809 W 35th St.
Laguna Gloria boasts a fourteen-acre outdoor sculpture garden on the shores of Lake Austin, with lush grounds that will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to Tuscany. Here you’ll enjoy the water views and amazing sculptures and gardens at this home to the Contemporary Austin Museum and Art School. Advanced tickets are available, and walk-ups are welcome. Book your tickets.
