Rock-Climbing

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.

A world-renowned bouldering destination with thousands of rock climbing problems on massive syenite rock formations that also contain over 3,000 ancient pictographs. Access is limited to protect the rock art which means reservations are required but the experience feels exclusive and special. Guided tours of the pictograph areas teach kids about the people who lived here thousands of years ago. Even non-climbers enjoy scrambling through the natural rock basins called huecos.

A 2,400-acre Travis County park that is the premier outdoor rock climbing destination in Central Texas with hundreds of established routes on limestone cliffs ranging from beginner to expert. Kids who are into climbing can spend an entire day working different walls. The park also has over 18 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and the Pedernales River runs along the southern boundary with swimming access when water levels allow.

One of the only spots in North Texas where families can try real rock climbing on natural sandstone formations at Penitentiary Hollow. The cliffs range from 20 to 40 feet and draw climbers of all skill levels. Beyond the climbing, there is a 646-acre lake for swimming and fishing, a 20-mile rail trail perfect for family biking, and solid campgrounds for an overnight stay. The Junior Ranger and wilderness survival programs give kids something extra to work toward.