Burnet

A 1,300-acre Hill Country playground about an hour from Austin where kids can try granite bouldering and rock scrambling on terrain that is genuinely different from the limestone found everywhere else in the region. The mountain bike trails range from a flat family loop around the private lake to more technical routes over the granite formations. Canoeing and fishing on the lake round out the options and the combination of activities makes it easy to fill an entire day without anyone getting bored. Open Wednesday through Sunday so check the schedule before heading out.

One of the best family swimming spots in the Hill Country with a spring-fed lake that stays full even during droughts. The designated swim area has a small sandy beach and the Devil’s Waterhole is a legendary cliff jumping spot that older kids and teens live for. Canoe and kayak rentals are available right at the park and the 7.5-mile trail system offers Hill Country hiking with lake views throughout.

A massive cave system formed by an ancient underground river with cathedral-sized rooms that kids find absolutely thrilling to explore. The guided walking tour covers about a mile through well-lit passages with fascinating geological formations. Unlike most cave tours the path is mostly flat and dry. The CCC-built stone structures above ground are impressive in their own right and the hilltop views of the Hill Country are worth the drive alone.