Searching for a way to take a family trip without traveling far? You’re in luck. You can plan a wide variety of day trips from Cedar Park. No matter if your family is into nature and outdoor exploration, museums, historic town centers, or anything in between, you’ll discover an easy day trip from Cedar Park.
Crème de la Crème of Cedar Park (Parmer Ln.) put together this list of amazing day trips to get you started. Get ready for a day trip adventure close to home with these unique and exciting destinations in Texas.
Fredericksburg
Just under two hours from Cedar Park sits Fredericksburg — and some of the best scenery in Texas Hill County. The German village makes the perfect place for a family stroll on a sunny day. Head over to Main Street for local shops and restaurants complete with colorful storefronts, the ideal spot for grabbing a bite to eat while you explore or window shop.
If you have some history buffs in your brood, you’ll want to take a detour off Main Street to visit the National Museum of the Pacific War. Artifacts, exhibits, and of course, airplanes, make learning about the Asia-Pacific War interesting for the whole family. A regular adult ticket costs $18, while a ticket for kids between 6 and 17 years old costs $8. Kids 5 and under can enter for free.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
“Hiking Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg, TX” used with permission via Unsplash by jeremyscott
For a magical escape into the great outdoors, make sure you have Enchanted Rock State Natural Area on your list of places to visit. It’s located less than a half-hour drive from Fredericksburg, so you can easily combine the two into one exciting day trip for the family. The area draws in visitors from across Texas and beyond, and it’s easy to reach from Cedar Park, so you can make it into its own day trip as well.
You can’t beat the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area if you’re into scenery and rock formations. The massive pink granite dome is a sure highlight, but you can also fill your day with hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. The entrance fee is $8 for adults, while children 12 and under get in for free.
Georgetown
Even if you don’t have a full day to devote to your adventure, you can pencil a visit to Georgetown into your schedule. This charming Texas city is only about a half hour’s drive from Cedar Park. Local restaurants and shops in historic buildings sell baked goods, antique collectibles, and more, and the gorgeous town square is one of the best in the whole state. In addition to offering the perfect background for family snapshots, the town square hosts various cultural events such as First Fridays in Downtown.
You can also put Georgetown in your plans if you’re looking for an escape into nature. The beautiful lagoon at Blue Hole Park, just a few blocks north of Georgetown’s historic district, features waterfalls and swimming areas. Inner Space Cavern, one of the best-preserved caves in Texas, is sure to delight the whole family, too. You can book tickets for an Adventure Tour for kiddos 4 to 12 years old for $15.95 per ticket. Adventure Tours for ages 13 and up are also available for $21.95.
New Braunfels
Want to jet off on a European vacation without traveling far? You won’t have to drive much longer than an hour to get to New Braunfels. Whether you’re searching for a laid-back place for a stroll around town or an action-packed day at the water, this Texas town has you covered.
The town was founded back in 1845 by German settlers, and it still boasts that traditional flair today. New Braunfels offers a variety of local stores and cultural celebrations that speak to its heritage. The pedestrian-friendly business district and its shady sidewalks make the perfect place to start your day. If you’re looking for artisan crafts and antiques, head over to the Gruene Historic District.
You can’t miss Naegelin’s Bakery while you’re in town. The oldest bakery in Texas, this popular spot in the heart of New Braunfels boasts a mouthwatering array of traditional and German-inspired eats like strudel and pretzels. Naegelin’s Bakery is open 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, so you can easily plan for a tasty treat while you’re in the area.
If it’s an outdoor adventure you’re after, New Braunfels delivers plenty of options. The Comal River runs through the city while the Guadalupe River is nearby. Spend a day fishing, tubing, or just wandering along the banks. Then there’s Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels, a huge water park featuring sections using spring-fed Comal River water. Daily tickets start at $39.99.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs and Hamilton Pool offer yet another amazing day trip for families in Cedar Park. The town of Dripping Springs boasts unique eateries, local shops, and plenty of live music on the weekends. The historic city streets are a great place to explore.
Hamilton Pool Preserve and the surrounding grotto are worthy of a day trip in and of themselves. The grotto boasts one of the best waterfalls in the state, not to mention the ideal swimming spot when you’re looking for a picturesque setting to beat the summer heat.
The popular destination can quickly fill up, especially on weekends, so you’ll need to make a reservation in advance to visit. The per-vehicle fee is $12, and per-person entrance fees cost $8 for adults 13 to 61 years old and $3 for seniors 62 years old and older. Kids 12 years old and younger don’t need to pay an entrance fee. You can book a morning or afternoon slot to visit Hamilton Pool, then use the rest of your day to explore Dripping Springs.All in all, there’s something every member of the family will enjoy close to Cedar Park, so planning a day trip is incredibly easy. But maybe you have a favorite day trip destination that we missed? Let us know your family’s dream place to visit so we can add it!