Back
We all want to keep our kids learning, growing, and (of course) having fun...but sometimes, the wide-open schedule of summer can suck your list of activity ideas dry. After two months of summer, the same old tubing, swimming, and video games routine might feel tiresome and monotonous.
To help you out, we’re adding some fresh ideas to the activity list. Here are 9 places and activities for kids that you maybe haven’t thought of yet...and you might just enjoy them too!
1. McKenna Children’s Museum
Image Courtesy of labastida.wordpress.com
The McKenna Children’s Museum is home to a world of learning. Artfully disguising education as magic and fun, McKenna is a world of creativity, science, and technology, culture, health, and history. To boot, the museum is even available to host themed birthdays for children looking to have a fun and unique celebration. McKenna has developed an environment in which children can explore in a safe place while simultaneously discovering the magic of learning..and hey, parents can even learn a little something too!
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00AM-5:00 PM
Where: 801 W San Antonio St
2. Spring Loaded Trampoline Park
Image Courtesy of Softball Nationals
There aren’t many places that encapsulate the energy-packed-adolescent-dream like a giant warehouse full of trampolines. Spring Loaded Trampoline Park (located just off I-35 next to Texas Ski Ranch) is sure to get the kids off the couch and bouncing into a world of fun. They even offer deals for birthday parties and lowered prices during the week. Here’s your child’s opportunity to practice backflips in a safe environment. Get all the friends together and jump around with the kids!
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:00A M-9:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM-9:00PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Where: 6700 N IH-35
3. Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
Image Courtesy of An American Naturalist Blog
SNAKES! Did I scare you? Nah, you’re an adult. You don’t get scared by snakes...oh you do? Well, this is your opportunity to take the kids to the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo and face your fears once and for all! The Snake Farm is home to some of the most unique and fascinating animals in the world, all available right here in Texas. Exotic animals include primates, alligators, exotic hoof stock, birds, cats, and (you guessed it) those slithery snakes. Bring your camera and a fascination for the animal kingdom.
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Where: 5640 S IH-35
4. Circle Arts Theatre
Image Courtesy of Circle Arts Theatre
Packed with energy, music, and endless amounts of story, stage theater is always a total blast. If your little ones have an affinity for performing, register them for the Circle Arts Theatre's K.I.D. class (Kids in Drama), which starts September 7. Students will prepare to perform the play Peter Pan Jr at the end of the semester.
Hours: Check websites for show times and class times
Where: Circles Arts Theatre, 124 Elizabeth S
5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Image Courtesy of jellystonens.com
Embark on a nostalgic childhood adventure with your kids at the Hill Country’s very own rendition of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. Bring a travel trailer or rent a cabin for a weekend of fun in the sun! A myriad of activities ensures everyone in the family can stay entertained till the end of the day. Classic campground activities like swimming, disc golf, sand volleyball, and craft classes are available throughout the whole summer, while each weekend is also tailored to fit a specific theme. Anything from scavenger hunts to face painting to pancake breakfasts will be provided for all who attend. There is too much going on at Jellystone to list in this blog, so be sure to check the website for the full list of activities. It is a guaranteed good time for the kids!
Hours: See website for event times
Where: 12915 FM 306, Canyon Lake, TX
6. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Kids Camp
Image Courtesy of the Alamo Drafthouse
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s this: the Alamo City loves its movies...and the fine people at the Alamo Drafthouse want everyone to have a special time when they are at the cinema! The Drafthouse offers a kids camp every summer at the “choose-your-own” price of $1-$3...all of which goes to support area nonprofits. In August, Drafthouse will be playing some of my favorites - The Dark Crystal, Fly Away Home, The Lego Movie, The Karate Kid (the one from the 80s…don't worry), among others. Get out and see a flick with the kiddos!
Hours: Check website for movie times
Where: 651 Texas 46 Business
7. Wonderworld Park
Image Courtesy of TourSanMarcos.com
Take a quick drive up to San Marcos to experience the greatness of Wonderworld Park. This local hidden gem features a train ride through Mystery Mountain, guided tours to the Balcones Fault Line, an Anti-Gravity House, 110 Foot Observation Tower, and all the fun of the Texas Wildlife Petting Park! Wonderworld Park is truly educational and fun for all ages. This will surely be a fun way to spend an afternoon enjoying all the Hill Country has to offer.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00AM-5:00PM, Sat-Sun 9:00AM-6:00PM until Aug 31
Where: 1000 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX
8. The Heritage Museum
Image Courtesy of TripAdvisor
The Heritage Museum is open to preserve the historic and culture materials of the Texas Hill Country. Note: If you have kids who love dinosaurs, this place is a must-see! The museum boasts actual dinosaur footprints, as well as fossils of animals from centuries ago. Admission is cheap, and the museum will be a fun and educational way to entertain anyone who visits.
Hours: Daily 10:00AM-4:00PM through Aug 15, 1:00PM-5:00PM after Aug 15
Where: 4831 FM 2673, Canyon Lake, TX
9. Stars and Stripes Drive-in Theater
Image Courtesy of InNewBraunfels.com
Looking for some late-night fun for the whole family? Remix the night with a retro trip to the drive-in movie theater! Stars and Stripes is a traditional, fun take on the classic drive-in, offering double features across three screens for movie fans to enjoy. This week, Ice Age: Collision Course and The Secret Life of Pets is the go-to showing to for families with kids. Tickets are cheap, and the drive-in allows you to bring lawn chairs and outside food to eat in your car (although they provide some pretty good eats there). Check the schedule today!
Hours: See website for movie times!
Where: 1178 Kroesche Ln
