Bastrop State Park
A surprising island of loblolly pines known as the Lost Pines sits 100 miles east of the main Hill Country pine range and kids find the shady canopy unlike anything else near Austin. Seven miles of trails wind through recovering forest with white-tailed deer and woodpecker sightings along the way. The staffed swimming pool with lifeguards is open May through September and the Junior Ranger program gives curious kids a structured way to explore. Park Road 1C to Buescher State Park is a beautiful 12-mile drive or bike route through the pines.