Dripping Springs is a wonderful destination for visitors of all ages. Families in particular can find a wide variety of things to do enjoy in the area. Whether you’re traveling with young children or bonding with your teenagers, we’ve compiled a list of fun Dripping Springs activities in the area you can experience on a family friendly trip to Dripping Springs!
Learn about the area’s history with a visit to the Jack Glover Cowboy Museum. Fun fact: the namesake of the museum was Will Roger’s cousin. While the kids may not know who Rogers is, they’ll enjoy the exhibits and memorabilia on display. Glover’s museum is a tribute to Old West life in true pioneer fashion. When he was alive, Jack had plenty of stories, but his collection of memorabilia which survives today is like no other.
The country’s presidential past is a big piece of the country’s overall history. Bring the family and step into that past with a tour of the boyhood home of the 36th U.S. president, Lyndon B. Johnson. The home, where Johnson lived from the age five until his 1924 high school graduation, is listed as a national historic park. The home has even been furnished in the style of the early to mid-1920s period and reflects the rural Texas lifestyle Johnson and his family would have lived in. There are daily free guided tours available hourly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a lunch break from the staff at noon.
No matter what time of year you come, historic Mercer Street has many tales to tell. Should your family getaway come during the Christmas season, the street and the buildings and businesses that call it home gets out in Christmas finery. Beneath all the Christmas cheer there is still also plenty of Old West heritage lining the street. Many of the buildings, which house town businesses like the “Barber Shop” bar and Vintage Soul boutique were built between 1870 and 1940.
A well-known Dripping Springs attraction, the beautiful landscape and cool waters of Hamilton Pool draw locals and tourists, young and old alike. The natural wonder was formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed. The result was the unique structure you see today, which includes a waterfall and a grotto. Part of a 234-acre nature preserve, the pool is considered a “gem” among Texas swimming holes. Bring your bathing suit for a dip, though the water may be chilly, sensible close-toed shoes for the hike there and back or pack a picnic to enjoy on the shores. From March through December, you’ll need to reserve a time slot. Time slots are four hours, but only 140 slots are available each day, and each family member will need their own slot.
There are plenty of state parks and public hiking trails in and around the Dripping Springs area. Gather the family, lace up your hiking boots, and set out. There are loops, “out and back” routes, paved routes, and dirt paths appropriate for many ages and ability levels. Take an easy jaunt without much elevation change or challenge yourself with a longer hike or one that offers several hundred feet of elevation change. Take the trails leading to natural wonders like Hamilton Pool or Jacob’s Well and, in the summer months, reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the water. Watch out for bikers or horseback riders as some trails are prime routes for them, too.
Take the short trip into Austin and spend some time at the zoo. Tickets currently are only available for online purchase. Bring your proof of purchase to the zoo gates for admission. Walk the grounds and visit animals like tigers, lions, cougars, bears, wolves, and monkeys. Enjoy Texas wildlife, including the acorn weevil, bronzed crowbird, and northern black-bellied whistling duck.
Once you’ve decided to make Dripping Springs your next family getaway destination, make sure your next step is booking a vacation rental with I Love Dripping Springs. Begin and end every day of your adventure in a private, luxurious rental with all the comforts of home. Choose a small one-bedroom for your smaller family or a six bedroom to accommodate a large family or reunion. Enjoy the privacy of your own room – away from the kids, and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Choose a premium unit for hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, flat screen TVs and more.
Contact us today to start planning your family fun filled trip to Dripping Springs and make memories to last a lifetime!
