From ziplining to kayaking to descending into a canyon, Central Texas has no shortage of adventurous activities. Our guide is highlighting some of the best.
Summertime in Texas generally means one of two things: Either sticking yourself in the coolest building you can find with the AC on full blast, or getting out into nature and embracing your inner adventurer.
This guide is for the latter mindset. If you’d rather not turn into a popsicle on your couch, we’re taking you through a jam-packed weekend in Central Texas.
A quick note: For the purposes of this itinerary, we’re defining Central Texas as the Austin area (Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties), the Bell County metro of Killeen and Temple, and McLennan County. We won’t be including San Antonio on this particular list, though if you’re looking for things to do there, we’ve got you covered.
It’s not an exact science, but we’re mapping out an itinerary to make this a weekend of adventure that’s reasonably doable. Let’s roll!
Friday evening: Constellation kayak at Pedernales River Nature Park
Location: 404 US-281, Johnson City, TX 78636
The first stop on our Central Texas adventure journey brings us to Pedernales River Nature Park, about 14 miles north of Blanco. It’s a popular spot for fishing, with some seriously impressive catches in store for patient reelers. And the park takes noctourism seriously, with an abundance of activities to enjoy as the sun sets.
Over the summer, Pedernales River Nature Park hosts a constellation kayaking tour for guests to cruise along the water beneath a canopy of stars, led by guides who tell you the ins and outs of the constellations. If you’re like me and can’t tell your Cassiopeias from your Canis Majors, you’ll appreciate hearing the tales of how these constellations came to be.
The waters never get too rough, so it’s a nice way to ease into an adventurous weekend. If you’d prefer to stay dry, the park also has hiking and horseback riding.
Saturday morning: Get your game on at the Texas Toy Museum and Arcade
Location: 312 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Where else can you rock out on guitar, race go-karts, and go hunting all in one spot? The Texas Toy Museum and Arcade appears unassuming from the outside. Inside, it’s a veritable treasure trove of adventure.
The museum is full of antiques from the extensive world of toys and video games. It features an envy-inducing collection of action figures, pinball machines, comic books, and freeplay arcade games, from classics like Q*Bert and Duck Hunt to more recent franchises like Guitar Hero.
Adding to the festivities, the museum also regularly hosts scavenger hunts for visitors. See if you can spot hidden items around the space; if you complete your card, you can choose a prize from the front desk. It’s a nice keepsake for a job well done.
Saturday afternoon: Paddleboard along Lady Bird Lake
Location: Multiple entry spots around Lady Bird Lake
One of the best ways to beat the Texas heat is to cool yourself off in a body of water. And Lady Bird Lake offers a top oasis in the city. Companies like Live Love Paddle, Lady Bird Lake Rental, and Texas Rowing Center offer stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks available to rent. They provide an adventurous ride around the city, whether you’re rolling solo or in a group.
If you’d rather not venture out on the water on your own, most of these spots also host tours. You can cruise along the lake with a guide pointing out iconic sights, the history of the town, and a few other fun facts to impress people at your next dinner party.
As a bonus, if you go for a late afternoon or early evening ride, you may encounter the bats under the Congress Bridge. Some companies run nighttime tours to spot the bats, as well. Seeing the bats soar can be a spectacular sight in the night sky. Just don’t let them onto your board; they’re not very good paddlers.
Saturday evening: Zipline at sunset with Zip Lost Pines
Location: 1760 State Highway 71 W, Cedar Creek, TX 78612
I had my first experience with Zip Lost Pines this summer after not going ziplining for over a decade. Sure, younger and more agile me loved zipping through the air, just letting ropes, pulleys, and gravity do their thing. But modern-day me arrived with a bit of trepidation. Would I still have the same level of enjoyment as I once did? The answer turned out to be a resounding “yes,” and that’s largely thanks to the folks at Zip Lost Pines.
The sunset tour, which begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends with a zipline in almost complete darkness, takes guests on four different ziplines, offering a nice variety of golden-hour views and stunning skies lined with hundreds of trees. The walks between each zipline provide opportunities to spot a few nocturnal creatures like frogs or lizards, and there are several painted rocks cheering you on throughout the journey.
Along the way, your guides will make sure you’re in good hands (and ziplines), as safety is paramount for both veteran and new riders. They also snag some photos of your crew throughout the journey. A relatively new feature is the 360-degree view, where you can bring a camera mounted on a stick with you to capture videos as you zoom down the ziplines. Both content options are available for purchase after your ride, making for wonderful memories of the adventure.
Sunday morning: Hike The Grotto at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Location: 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663
Westcave’s grotto, waterfall, and one-room cave are hidden in a shaded canyon, so they’re a bit of a pleasant surprise when you first come upon them. Those views, plus the scenic trail along the way, are well worth some strenuous morning effort.
The Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center hosts guided tours of the Grotto throughout the day, but we’re trying to beat the heat here and explore without turning into a complete puddle. The hike itself is a little over a mile, though the terrain is uneven, with rocks, roots, and changes in elevation, so it feels more moderate.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the preserve’s geology and ecology, and you’ll get to descend into the canyon through a limestone crevice. Pop out the other side and admire the native plants and wildlife. We’ll understand if an involuntary gasp comes out.
Sunday afternoon: Off-road at Hidden Falls Adventure Park
Location: 7030 E FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Adventure is in the name of Hidden Falls Adventure Park, so you know you’ll get a wide variety of experiences. Whether you’re bringing a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, or utility terrain vehicle, you’ll have ample opportunities to ride around a scenic part of Texas.
When you need a break from riding along the trails, you can light a fire at a campsite or head to one of the shooting ranges to (safely) take fire.
Prefer something a little more subdued for your adventure? You’re right by Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, which sports a smattering of wildlife and birding. Grab a pair of binoculars and discover animals in action, notably the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler.
Sunday evening: Stargaze at the Canyon of the Eagles
Location: 16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet, TX 78611
Canyon of the Eagles offers a bevy of activities year-round. You’ll constantly see folks hiking and biking along the numerous trails, or casting a reel to catch fish in Lake Buchanan. Yet the coolest adventure of all might come after the sun goes down.
Throughout the summer, the park is hosting The Stars At Night at the Eagle Eye Observatory. Astronomer Jim Sheets, who boasts over 65 years of experience, combines his storytelling with high-powered telescopes and advanced imaging technology to turn the universe into an immersive, picturesque show right in front of you. You’ll certainly see why the stars at night are big and bright—clap, clap, clap, clap—deep in the heart of Texas.
And since Canyon of the Eagles has 33 campsites and 23 RV sites, you can easily extend your stay overnight and into the week. That’s how you get rid of the Sunday Scaries and show Monday who’s boss.
