Instead of doing a round up of activities in San Antonio for the month of May I decided to switch gears and share some of my favorite summer road trips from San Antonio. These are easy to do in one day, involve lots of water (because Texas y’all) and are kid-tested.
Each summer my nieces and nephews come stay with us (one at a time- I’m not Wonder Woman) and this year, we plan to do some get-a-ways. That means I’ve spent a lot of time searching for fun places to go that we haven’t been to or that we think they’d love. So here’s my round up!
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Free License Plate Game for Summer Road Trips
Now, before we get to the summer road trips, here’s a little freebie for you. My nephew loves the license plate game. you can download it for free on my design site. You are welcome
Summer Road Trips from San Antonio
When compiling this list I wanted to keep it to places you could do in a weekend or a long weekend. This means all of the places are in the central Texas area. I skipped the big cities with the exception of one so you won’t find Dallas or Houston on this list.
New Braunfels & San Marcos
It’s not much of a road trip from San Antonio but New Braunfels is a place we go every summer. See, there’s Schlitterbahn and for Christmas each year, we get our niece and nephews season passes. It’s a great way to beat the heat and they love it. There is also river access there and plenty of places to either tube or sit in the water and cool off.
San Marcos is right next door and for the older kids, the outlet malls are a hit. Gruene is also a part of New Braunfels and has a great market each month.
Natural Bridge Caverns is nearby as well and a cool place to check out if you never have been there.
Places to Stay Near New Braunfels
Quiet Cabin
Adjacent to Schlitterbahn
Boerne
Also not far from San Antonio is Boerne with the Cibolo Center for Conservation, plenty of hiking trails, underground caverns and river access.
Boerne also has plenty of cute shops for older kids. Finally, you can step back in time at the AgriCultural Museum.
Places to Stay Near Boerne
Charming Downtown Escape
Little House in the Hills
Bastrop State Park
If you’re looking for camping, then Bastrop State Park might be for you. There’s river access so you can fish, camp, and swim. They also have cabins if you don’t want to tent camp.
Places to Stay Near Bastrop
Historic House
Pinehaven Luxury Glamping
Wimberley
Wimberley might be one of the cutest little towns in Texas. It has river access (are you sensing a theme?) at Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well is near here as well, although swimming is closed for the well right now due to low water levels.
Also for kids are zip lining and a glass blowing shop. Watch them make cool sculptures with fire and glass! Meanwhile, if nature is what you’re after, hike up Mount Baldy.
You can also visit the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. It hosts events throughout the year that are family friendly. I know my niece loves any place with face painting.
Finally, set into the past at the Pioneer Town. Personally, the ice cream Parlour is reason enough to visit.
Places to Stay Near Wimberley
Chic Caboose
Mt. Baldy Nest
Marble Falls
Marble Falls is another lovely little town with, you guessed it, river access. Be sure to visit Krause Springs for swimming as it’s home to over 32 springs which makes the water nice and cold for the brutal Texas heat.
Inks Lake State Park is also nearby and one of the best places to kayak, swim, and generally beat the heat. Or rent splash boats and head out on the lake.
If you’re on the hunt for something educational in one of these little towns, Marble Falls has the Science Mill with interactive exhibits, games, and programs.
Of course there’s also lots of shops and Ms Lollipop is a cute one for all ages.
Sweet Berry Farm is a unique experience in that you can pick your own strawberries.
Last but not least, there’s a couple of places to take in the nature. Head to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge or the Exotic Resort Zoo.
Places to Stay Near Marble Falls
Painted Sky Inn
Vintage Airstream
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Now, speaking of exotic zoos, I decided this one needed its own callout. This is a fun drive through wildlife ranch where the animals all come up to you. It was a great one to do during Covid as you don’t have to encounter people.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a popular destination in Texas and becoming more popular each year. While it boasts loads of wineries, there’s activities for kids as well.
First up, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a great place to hike and explore with kids. Then head to the Wildseed Farms. It’s free to walk among the wildflowers!
Das Peach House is a great place for kids and adults. While adults can sample the wine, there’s also food samples and sodas for the kids. Have a picnic outside!
Finally, if history is what you’re after, the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Pioneer Museum are great places for learning.
Places to Stay Near Fredericksburg
Cotton Quarters
The Bird Haus
Pedernales State Park
Pedernales State Park is personally one of my favorite state parks in Texas. It has lots of hiking, lots of places to swim and it’s simply unique. If I was going to do summer road trips that I could do there in back in one day, this would be it.
Places to Stay Near Pedernales
Jaw-Dropping Yurt!
Stay in a Tree House
Leakey
We visited Leakey on a summer road trips of our own a couple of years ago over Labor Day and it was so lovely. Anything with access to the Frio is a great place to be in the heat. The Frio is the best river in Texas and Leakey is a cute town with lots of shops.
We spent our time in the water and took my niece with us. Each morning was cool enough for a hike and each afternoon perfect for swimming.
Places to Stay Near Leakey
On the River
Secluded Cabin
Garner State Park
Garner is probably my second favorite state park in Texas and perfect for your summer road trips plan. The hikes are lovely and the Frio is always great for swimming. Plus, it’s dog friendly!
Places to Stay Near Garner
Plenty of Water Here
On the Frio
Lost Maples
I haven’t personally been to Lost Maples but I hear good things. It’s supposed to be great to see fall foliage which isn’t something we get a lot of around here.
Of course there’s water access for fishing, swimming, and general merriment.
Places to Stay Near Lost Maples
Creekside Cabin
Soloman’s Den
Galveston
Now, I’ll be honest, Texas does not have the best beaches, but Galveston is a cute town and great for kids. Plus, you can get to the beach which isn’t horrible. You can do dolphin tours and parasailing if you’re not much for laying on a mediocre beach.
Galveston also has Moody Gardens which is great for kids and another Schlitterbahn (not as good as New Braunfels though!).
If you’re looking for educational things, you’ll also find The Railway Museum, Off-Shore Drilling Museum, and Naval Museum.
Finally, I’m a fan of The Strand, the Main Street in downtown with cute shops and an ice cream/candy shop not to be beat.
Places to Stay Near Galveston
Whimsical Mermaid
Historic Loft
Port Aransas
Another beach town with slightly better beaches than Galveston but not as cute of a town. However, it’s worth a road trip. Visit the USS Lexington Museum, visit Mustang Island State Park, or relax on the beach.
Places to Stay Near Port Aransas
Cutest Cottage
Cozy Condo
Austin
I can’t make a road trip list without Austin. There’s loads to do for every ages but for kids you can find many natural swimming spots, educational activities, and unique shops.
For nature, head to Zilker Park, Barton Springs, or Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center. Walk the park, swim the springs, and wander the wildflowers.
If you’re looking for educational activities, start with the Congress Bridge Bats. It’s free and happens nightly. Then head to the Thinkery Museum for lots of hands-on activities. Finally, finish off with Peter Pan mini golf. I know that might not be “educational” in the traditional sense but it’s been around forever and there’s no reason you can’t learn something while playing.
Shopping is all over Austin, South Congress is my favorite with quirky shops and local favorites but there’s also a few toy shops for the younger kids. Try out Toy Joy, Dragon’s Lair Comics, and Terra’s Toys which is the largest toy store in Texas.
Places to Stay Near Austin
Zilker Serenity
Charming Downtown Casita
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