Waco, TX
Cameron Park
Dramatic blufftop trails and hidden grottos above the Brazos River. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours. Dogs welcome.
- Hiking
- Ages 4+
- ~2h
- Free
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 (48)
- 1-2 hours (22)
- 2-3 hours (16)
- 3-4 hours (45)
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
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Vanderpool, TX
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Stunning fall foliage and limestone canyon trails along the Sabinal River. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip.
- Hiking
- Ages 5+
- ~4h
- Paid
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Vanderpool, TX
Lost Maples State Natural Area Camping
Riverside campsites and hike-in primitive sites at the one Texas park with real fall color, and your guaranteed entry in November
- Camping
- Ages 4+
- Overnight
- Paid
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Meridian, TX
Meridian State Park
CCC-era lake park with screened shelters and paddleboating. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.
- Camping
- Ages 2+
- ~3h
- Paid
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Whitney, TX
Lake Whitney State Park
White limestone shoreline swimming and easy trails on Lake Whitney. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.
- Camping
- Ages 2+
- ~4h
- Paid
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Junction, TX
South Llano River State Park
Crystal-clear spring-fed river for family swimming and tubing near Junction TX - camping under pecan groves with excellent wildlife viewing
- Camping
- Ages 3+
- ~4h
- Paid
about 2 hr 30 min drive
Junction, TX
South Llano River State Park Camping
Clear spring-fed river, four bird blinds and dark skies at a quieter western Hill Country campground three hours west of Austin
- Camping
- Ages 3+
- Overnight
- Paid
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Brownwood, TX
Lake Brownwood State Park
CCC cabins and swim beach with fishing pier on Lake Brownwood. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.
- Camping
- Ages 2+
- ~4h
- Paid
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Needville, TX
Brazos Bend State Park
Wild alligator viewing from boardwalks and stargazing at the observatory. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~3h
- Paid
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Concan, TX
Garner State Park
Legendary Frio River swimming and summer dances in the Hill Country. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. Easily a full day.
- Swimming
- Ages 3+
- ~5h
- Paid
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Concan, TX
Garner State Park Camping and Cabins
Cypress-shaded campsites, screened shelters and CCC cabins along the Frio River at the most in-demand family park in Texas
- Camping
- Ages 2+
- Overnight
- Paid
about 2 hr 45 min drive
Huntsville, TX
Huntsville State Park
Pine forest camping with lake paddling and a sandy swim area. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.
- Camping
- Ages 3+
- ~4h
- Paid
about 3 hr drive
Glen Rose, TX
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Real dinosaur tracks in a riverbed plus 20 miles of trails. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.
- Hiking
- Ages 3+
- ~4h
- Paid
about 3 hr drive
Glen Rose, TX
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Drive-through safari park near Glen Rose TX where kids hand-feed giraffes from the car - 1,800 acres of zebras, cheetahs, rhinos and 50+ species
- Nature
- Ages 2+
- ~3h
- Paid
about 3 hr drive
Glen Rose, TX
Rough Creek Lodge
Luxury family ranch resort with outdoor activities near Glen Rose. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. Plan to stay overnight.
- Camping
- Ages 5+
- Overnight
- Paid
about 3 hr drive
Austwell, TX
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Endangered whooping crane habitat with auto loop and observation tower. Free. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~3h
- Free