Holidays in the Hill Country with kids

We love summer in the Hill Country, but the holiday season here has a special glow. It’s the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor attractions for kid-friendly fun in any weather. To make the most of your family time together, the Science Mill is open extra days during Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break. Combine your visit with some of our favorite holiday outings, linked below—the more the merrier! And because we know it’s a busy time of year, we’ve included gift ideas you can pick up hassle-free from our Science Store (in-person, curbside or online).

Here at the Science Mill, our exhibits team is like a STEM version of Santa’s elves: their workshop is full of imaginative inventions to inspire kids. Explore their creations in 50+ hands-on exhibits, indoors and outside, along with the Science Mill’s big-screen 3D science movies and immersive 4D virtual reality experience. Make your own crazy contraptions at home with these engineering-inspired gifts:

After a day at the Science Mill, stay for Lights Spectacular (Nov. 26-Jan. 2). Our hometown of Johnson City becomes “The Twinkliest Town in Texas” thanks to over 2 million lights. Each night from sundown to midnight, take in the twinkling displays by car or by strolling along Main Street, Memorial Park and the PEC Headquarters. Plan ahead to join one of the special events, such as the Lighted Parade or Grinchmas; visit the event website for current details. You can also catch Johnson City’s final Market Days of 2021 for great local gifts (Nov. 26, 27 & 28).

Holiday lights are an awesome introduction to lots of STEM topics: curious kids can explore how circuits and solar cells work, how computer code runs lighting displays, how wavelengths produce different colors, and more! Nurture that curiosity with these picks from our Science Store:

The changing seasons make November and December an excellent time for outdoor science in the Hill Country. There are numerous great options en route to or from the Science Mill: take a short scenic drive from Johnson City to Pedernales Falls State Park; or, plan a stop along U.S. 290 at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area or Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center; or, if you’re following U.S. 281, make a side trip to Blanco State Park or Guadalupe River State Park. Several sites offer programs and hikes throughout the holiday season, including dino hunting on the guided Canyon Lake Gorge Tour; check websites for reservations and schedules. No reindeer sightings just yet, but you’ll find antelope, elk, camels and more at Exotic Resort Zoo, just a few miles north of the Science Mill. Or experiment with friction and motion at the Eisbahn outdoor ice skating rink in Fredericksburg (Dec. 18-Jan. 2).

Gear up for the great outdoors—or your own backyard—with these nature-themed gifts:

To explore holiday traditions from Texas’s past, head 14 miles west of Johnson City to Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site. Costumed interpreters mirror farm life of the early 1900s, including an annual Deck the Halls event, and the LBJ Tree Lighting will celebrate its 52nd year; see website for current details. And don’t forget the Hill Country’s farm stands and orchards, like Burg’s Corner, Vogel Orchard and Gold Orchards. Many offer gift-worthy jams, jellies and salsas that showcase the summer’s peach harvest, plus delicious home-baked goods and winter produce.

For a gift that helps loved ones make the most of all these Hill Country adventures, go with a Science Mill Membership. All proceeds from Memberships and Science Store purchases support our STEM programs that inspire Texas youth to become tomorrow’s science leaders.