Great Outdoors
Take the Scenic Route
Great Outdoors
Looking for family-friendly hiking trails in the Texas Hill Country? Stretch your legs and explore beautiful trails, scenic overlooks, and outdoor spaces perfect for families. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk with little ones or a more adventurous hike with older kids, there are plenty of ways to get outside and experience the Hill Country together.
Guadalupe River State Park
Things to Do
This park boasts 4 miles of river frontage and 13 miles of hiking and biking trails. Pack chairs, towels, and a lunch and cool off afterwards with swimming, fishing, and tubing. Ranger programs range from stargazing to geocaching, so there’s a variety of activities to interest the family. This park boasts primitive camping and campsites with water and electric. Updated bathhouses with changing rooms and showers round off this package.
Why Families Love It
The Discovery Center (check with the park for days/times) allows visitors to learn about the local flora and fauna through exhibits and discovery boxes. They have binoculars and a great bird viewing area.
Howdy Kiddo Tip
For day trips to the river, aim to arrive by 10am to claim a shady spot near the river and be sure to bring a net and bucket for kiddos to explore the secrets of the river. Please note: the Guadalupe River flow and depth varies through the year and with weather seasons. Don’t forget the flotation devices for smaller kiddos and weak swimmers as there are deeper areas and current will carry them.
3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
(830) 438-2656
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Things to Do
Enchanted Rock (affectionately called E-Rock by locals) boasts a pink granite dome has been enticing visitors to this area for years. This park boasts a Junior Ranger program, amazing rock climbs, beautiful scenery, and nearly 21 miles of hiking trails (sorry, no biking here).
Why Families Love It
This park has several hiking trails that are less than a mile long rated moderate or below with great opportunities to see geological wonders, an array of wildlife, and beautiful scenery.
Howdy Kiddo Tip
This park frequently reaches capacity, so book your reservation online ahead of time here.
*if you have a state park pass, you can select your pass type at checkout to waive the entrance fee
16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 685-3636
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock
Garner State Park
Things to Do
Boasting a huge variety of camping options (cabins, screened shelters, water/electric sites, and primitive), the refreshing Frio River, activities, and hiking this park will entice even the most reluctant of visitors to have a blast. Don’t miss the summer evening dances (happening since the 1940s) at the park’s concession building. There are paddle boats, kayaks, and inner tubes to rent at the river and a putt-putt golf course operating during busy seasons.
Why Families Love It
Along with the wide range of activities already noted, the Rangers lead programs on geocaching, nature hikes, and volunteers have been known to coordinate hay rides (check out Friends of Garner for info).
Howdy Kiddo Tip
Pack water shoes for rocky riverbed and don’t miss Crystal Cave (a small limestone cave along the trail)
234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838
(830) 232-6132
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner
Los Maples State Natural Area
Things to Do
Fall Colors are the primary draw to this beautiful area. Hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching are the primary activities here.
Why Families Love It
With plenty of trails, campsites, and fishing this scenic park has plenty of options to enjoy. The park has fishing gear to loan and is actually home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. The variety of foliage provides a great opportunity for kids to learn to appreciate the beauty of different trees and see how they change with the cooling temperatures.
Howdy Kiddo Tip
Weather conditions can affect the view, so be sure to check the Fall Foliage report starting in mid-Oct if you don’t want to miss the show.
37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885
(830) 966-3413
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples
Blue Hole Regional Park
Things to Do
The Blue Hole (park’s namesake) iconic swimming area so named for the distinct blue hue boasts crystal-clear waters fed by Cypress Creek. Recreational areas of the park include playgrounds, picnic areas, bike paths, and hiking trails. All areas except the swim area are free and open to the public. Reservations are required for the swim area, which is only open May 1- Labor Day and weekends in Sept. Half day passes can be purchased here.
Why Families Love It
A unique swimming experience along with plenty of other recreational options make this park one of our favorites to visit. Plan to participate in the owl prowl and nocturnal animal hike if your schedule allows.
Howdy Kiddo Tip
It’s an easy .6 mile hike from Cypress Creek Nature Preserve to Blue Hole Regional Park along a shaded and scenic trail of cypress trees. Be sure to make note of operating hours of each park to avoid getting caught behind closed gates!
333 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676
(512) 660-9111
https://wimberleyparksandrec.com/blue-hole-regional-park/
