Things to Do 2–3 Hours from Austin with Kids
16 kid-friendly adventures about 2 to 3 hours from Austin, nearest first.
- Under 1 hour (47)
- 1-2 hours (22)
- 2-3 hours (16)
- 3-4 hours (43)
About these times. Each estimate is a straight-line measurement from downtown Austin, padded by 17% for winding roads and divided by a 55 mph average — so “about 2 to 3 hours” means roughly that, not a routed time. Traffic, where in Austin you start, and the last few miles of park road can all move it by half an hour. Check a map before you load the car.
about 2 hr drive
Cameron Park
Waco, TX
HikingDramatic blufftop trails and hidden grottos above the Brazos River. Free. Best from about age 4. …
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Vanderpool, TX
HikingStunning fall foliage and limestone canyon trails along the Sabinal River. Paid entry. Best from …
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Lost Maples State Natural Area Camping
Vanderpool, TX
CampingRiverside campsites and hike-in primitive sites at the one Texas park with real fall color, and your …
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Meridian State Park
Meridian, TX
CampingCCC-era lake park with screened shelters and paddleboating. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A …
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Lake Whitney State Park
Whitney, TX
CampingWhite limestone shoreline swimming and easy trails on Lake Whitney. Paid entry. Works from toddler …
about 2 hr 30 min drive
South Llano River State Park
Junction, TX
CampingCrystal-clear spring-fed river for family swimming and tubing near Junction TX - camping under pecan …
about 2 hr 30 min drive
South Llano River State Park Camping
Junction, TX
CampingClear spring-fed river, four bird blinds and dark skies at a quieter western Hill Country campground …
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Lake Brownwood State Park
Brownwood, TX
CampingCCC cabins and swim beach with fishing pier on Lake Brownwood. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A …
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Brazos Bend State Park
Needville, TX
NatureWild alligator viewing from boardwalks and stargazing at the observatory. Paid entry. Best from …
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Garner State Park
Concan, TX
SwimmingLegendary Frio River swimming and summer dances in the Hill Country. Paid entry. Best from about age …
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Garner State Park Camping and Cabins
Concan, TX
CampingCypress-shaded campsites, screened shelters and CCC cabins along the Frio River at the most …
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Huntsville State Park
Huntsville, TX
CampingPine forest camping with lake paddling and a sandy swim area. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A …
about 3 hr drive
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Glen Rose, TX
HikingReal dinosaur tracks in a riverbed plus 20 miles of trails. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A …
about 3 hr drive
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Glen Rose, TX
NatureDrive-through safari park near Glen Rose TX where kids hand-feed giraffes from the car - 1,800 acres …
about 3 hr drive
Rough Creek Lodge
Glen Rose, TX
CampingLuxury family ranch resort with outdoor activities near Glen Rose. Paid entry. Best from about age …
about 3 hr drive
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Austwell, TX
NatureEndangered whooping crane habitat with auto loop and observation tower. Free. Best from about age 3. …