It’s hard to beat the beauty and accessibility of the Texas Hill Country. Located just between two major metropolitan areas (San Antonio and Austin), the Texas Hill Country is a beautiful, unique and fun place for family vacations that blend natural beauty, engaging activities and unmatchable Texas culture.
Whether your family is planning a day trip from Austin or San Antonio, a weekend getaway in the Hill Country, a stopover during a Texas vacation, or an extended stay, the Hill Country provides endless opportunities for fun and learning. Bringing kids on a Hill Country vacation means plenty of fun and exploration. We’ve compiled a list of fun things to do with kids in the Texas Hill Country – here’s to a memorable and enjoyable vacation!
1. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Source: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the perfect Hill Country adventure for families with kids of all ages. Located near Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock is a 425-foot pink granite dome that is a great place to hike, rock climb and camp.
Families can take a turn on one of the trails (ranging from 0.8 miles to 4 miles). and can explore the 1,600 acre Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Young astronomers will love the opportunity to watch a sunset, then stargaze from the area, as it’s an International Dark Sky Park.
2. Hamilton Pool Preserve
Kids will love making a Hill Country splash at Hamilton Pool Preserve. This natural swimming hole is located about 23 miles west of Austin in the Dripping Springs area.
Source Photo by Darrell Miller
Families love the refreshing water, picturesque waterfall and the limestone overhang that keeps the swimming hole cool even during the hottest summer days. There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to explore on a short hiking trail and for young ornithologists to catch sight of native Texas birds.
Reservations are required for this popular location, so sign up in advance to make sure there’s a time/space available for your family to spend a part of your vacation at this Hill Country gem.
3. Science Mill
Located in Johnson City and once owned by the Johnson family, the Science Mill is easily accessible from both Austin and San Antonio and is a Hill Country must-visit for families with kids.
This unique science and STEM-focused museum is housed in a refurbished 1880s mill. Families of all ages can explore interactive exhibits, meet animals (including tortoises and axolotls), and gain knowledge about biology, chemistry, physics, technology and more.
Pack a lunch or purchase lunch from the on-site Lady Bird Lane Café, then enjoy it on the picnic tables in the outdoor science and art park. It’s a perfect stop for your Texas Hill Country family vacation.
4. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Source: Wildlife Ranch
For a unique safari experience, head to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch just north of San Antonio. This drive-through wildlife park has been nominated as one of the best animal encounters in the nation by Newsweek. Families can drive through the ranch and enjoy seeing and even interacting with animals from the comfort (and air conditioning!) of their vehicle.
From zebras to giraffes to antelopes, these up-close animal encounters will be a highlight of your kids’ Hill Country vacation. You can also grab lunch or a sweet in the on-site café and kids can enjoy visiting with many different animal species in the petting zoo.
5. Wimberley Zipline Adventures
Source: Wimberley Zipline Adventures
Parents of thrill-seeking young physicists, your Hill Country vacation needs to include an excursion to Wimberley Zipline Adventures.
This zipline course offers 10 different zipline and miles of breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country. Zipline speeds go up to 30 miles per hour. This course does require participants to be at least nine years old and to weigh a minimum of 65 pounds.
6. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
Source: Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Incorporate a little history into your kids’ Hill Country vacation when you stop in to Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.
You can tour the ranch, talk with period-dressed rangers at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, explore scenic trails along the Pedernales River, and even cool off from the Texas heat with a swim in the Olympic-sized pool. It’s a great opportunity to combine education with outdoor fun during your kids’ vacation.
7. Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is a haven for birdwatching, as well as a great place to explore the river. The park includes several cascading waterfalls and tranquil swimming areas, as well as plenty of space for picnicking, hiking and exploration.
Budding geologists will be interested in the way the river's limestone formations create natural slides and wading pools, as well as enjoying their usefulness when it’s time to cool off on a hot Texas day.
Source: Pedernales Falls State Park
The Texas Hill Country is a perfect place for a fun-filled family vacation that combines education with a love of the great outdoors. It’s a great opportunity to see, taste and explore all Texas has to offer.
If you’re planning your trip to the Texas Hill Country, take stock of what your kids are most interested in, and plan accordingly. At the Science Mill, we have a variety of educational experiences for kids of all ages and of all STEM interests. Check out our list of exhibits, then pack your bags and get ready for an incredible and unforgettable Texas journey!
