We love this park! There's a huge play area with swings, slides, climbing rails and a few more fun…read moreactivities for kids. There's also a soccer playing field, a hiking trail that leads to secret beach with views so downtown and a shaded picnic area. The picnic area can be reserved for a day through Austin Parks&Rec and can be used for group gatherings or birthday parties.

Wow... the secret beach.. how beautiful. I came from Houston on a day trip. I won't tell everyone…read morespecifics to try and keep this secret as much as possible, but if you're coming here the first time.. it isnt easy to find. I can see how most times people just drive off.. me being the curious person I am just started walking by myself in the woods on a trail. I fortunately just so happen to see one woman walking her dogs and followed her in that direction but i swear to you she was walking fast as to not give this place away hahah! She actually disappeared onto another trail and couldnt find her.. (like Alice and Wonderland and the white rabbit style).. finally I heard splashing! I looked to my right and saw a weird trail that went down a steep side hill. So I followed the noise.. its pretty steep so be careful! After the brush and trees cleared THERE IT WAS! CLEAR, COOL WATER!! It was shallow when I got there and only about 8 people were there at 1pm during a Saturday. As time goes on it gets deeper and the water rises! Also more people start coming too. It feels sooooo amazing! You can grab a chair and just sit in the middle drinking and cooling off. Dog friendly! I spent a few hours with my boy before heading back. I live for finding places like this!

If you've never been to a state park in Texas you don't know what you're missing…read more Texas state parks are super well cared for and are always beautiful and a great time. They are super cheap and if you go regularly you can get a park pass and its even cheaper. If there's a fishing spot often you can go to the park office and borrow fishing gear. Texas Parks & Wildlife is definitely doing something right.

God Bless the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department! They…read morekeep nearly 100 state parks up and running year round, at a low cost to the public. They've got a huge operation going on here. Imagine just how much manpower it takes to keep all those trees trimmed, those lakes pristine, those rivers safe- there's a lot going on here. And the park rangers of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department does it all with a smile! You gotta wonder where the park rangers go when they want to get away from it all? The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also publishes a monthly magazine with fun tips about various parks I'd never heard of, and features pics of other parks that I knew were good to go to. The parks service has always been friendly and encouraged having fun responsibly. I've always had clean restrooms at the parks, with working lights running water and electricity at all the places that were supposed to have it. I've always been so impressed with the efficiency and scope of the Texas Parks and Wildlife system, and am thankful for their ability to take such good care of the parks every time I visit!

When we first heard about McKinney Falls State Park we liked the photos and things to do there but…read morewere generally apprehensive about paying $6 just to go to a park and swim. However, after our time there we can confidently say it's one of the best ways you can spend a few bucks here in Austin. The park itself is in a bit more of a secluded area which is nice because you truly do feel away from things. As a heads up when paying at the entrance they only take card. If you're looking to use tap to pay or cash you have to go inside in order to make that payment. The visitors center is nice though with very helpful park rangers as well as merch, drinks, and maps for you to use. Once you drive to the upper falls parking it's just a short 5 minute walk over to the swimming hole. The walk is cool as you traverse over what looks and feels like moon rock. We chose the upper falls instead of the lower falls because we heard the water here is deeper and there are less kids around. It was definitely the right choice as the water was perfect for a hot day and parts of the swimming hole are definitely 10+ feet in depth. There are a lot of places around to set up blankets and there's multiple rock formations jutting out of the water in case you need a quick break once you're in the water. The coolest part of the swimming hole is the jump you can make off the rock ledge. It's about a 15-20 foot jump and people line up in order to get there. There's also some wildlife around the pool which is cool to see. As a note, they don't allow radios or drinking and everyone was pretty respectful of that. Whether you're a young group of friends looking for a nice swim getaway or a family looking for somewhere to unwind, McKinney State Falls is a great option to beat the heat. Just make sure to layer on some sunscreen.

I've been here several times and have explored it fairly extensively. The family-friendly trails…read moreare varied enough to keep the day interesting and the time spent at McKinney Falls is never wasted. For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, crossing the river takes more thought to avoid getting your feet wet. I've usually found there are 2-3 paths at the river crossing, being careful not to slip on any rocks. The homestead beyond the crossing can be observed and appreciated, but it's off-limits to help preserve what's left. The backcountry trails total about 6 miles and it's usually just the right length for me to get a solid hike in. There is very little elevation change, though there can be a lot of mosquitos during the warmer months. I didn't find any benches to rest at and there is no water source to refill water bottles. Given that McKinney Falls is within Austin's city limits makes this state park a gem. There is also a large day-use area near the campgrounds with about 100 picnic tables and charcoal grills the last time I counted a few years ago. Parking is plenty and the rangers are friendly. Definitely either get there early or make online reservations to reserve a time slot to enter as the park can fill up fast over weekends or holidays. Their gift shop also has a variety of items for sale, and you can get a park passport stamp there too!

This place is a hidden gem. I almost hesitate to write about it because it's so special and I want…read moreto keep it all to myself...BUT, it's so worth it and the people there are so kind...so I will put it on blast for them. A short and not to mention, beautiful drive from Austin, Cook's Canoes is out in the small town of Webberville. The canoe shop itself helps me remember why I moved to Austin in the first place (though as we all know, Austin has lost a lot of its charm along the way). Cook's has character and the folks there (Syd and crew) are so welcoming and nice. I have rented both a canoe with my boyfriend and a kayak solo this summer and both experiences were fun and relaxing. The Colorado River is peaceful and the scenery is stunning. Not to mention, you might spot a few river cows and bird friends along the way. At the end of your river trip, someone will come pick you up...so the convenience factor is definitely there! Especially since Covid, I find it important to discover things that help me feel free and safe. They practice safety protocol there including mask wearing and social distancing and are respectful as can be. I will definitely be back and you should too!

This is a great, out of the way place in Webberville. The setup looks a little odd when you get…read morethere, but Art and his team couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. The transaction was easy through Venmo, and we quickly got in the water. The kayaking was easy and almost totally secluded. It's really a beautiful setting on the Colorado River. I really enjoyed the river trip over some out-and-back kayaking we've done on Lady Bird Lake and others. We had a fantastic three hour trip down the river, and when done, Art picked us up and got us back to our car quickly. I can't wait to go back and do it again.

Zack is the best driver. Can't beat it. Highly recommend. Especially for the price, I highly…read morerecommend.

Yeah, we had so much fun on their boats at the Mozart light festival! Our guide was Chris G. And he…read morewas awesome. All of the lights on Lake Austin were beautiful and I highly recommend!

Met friends at Town Lake also called Lady Bird Lake for the Links Family Health Expo & Walk for…read moreHealthy Living, an uplifting community event promoting wellness. The walk motivated people of all ages to stay active, highlighting the health benefits of simple actions like walking. The expo provided valuable resources from health professionals and focused on family and community well-being. The Links, Incorporated showed strong leadership, addressing health disparities and fostering long-term wellness through education and collaboration. The event was well organized, inspiring attendees to prioritize their health beyond the day.

It is so nice to see the completion of the Wishbone Bridge. So now it will be a smooth transition,…read morewith no interruptions, as you walk the whole trail. I have been walking this trail for a long time and have really enjoyed the views and the many stops along the way. I first started coming with my furbaby. I brought my mom here over the years, and she loved it too. Let's say I have many memories here. But do you know that you can easily exit the trail at so many different spots? I think some people think you have to walk the whole ten miles. Well, let's end that myth! Also, you can start at any point you like, too. I have also started the trail on both sides of the I-35. Also, if you hear someone say "Town Lake," they are speaking of this trail. Another favorite thing about this trail is stopping at the different exits to grab a bite to eat, shop downtown, and hop back on the trail. There's so much to do on this walk, but all in all, this is the most beautiful trail to exercise or take a scenic stroll!

Super welcoming staff! It was helpful that they let us know about a two for one deal before 12pm…read morewhich made for an easy and affordable family group activity. Easy to sign waiver via QR code and lockers were a bit pricy at $5. I would recommend leaving most of your belongings in the trunk if possible. Lovely way to get some fresh air on a spring day.

Weekdays are great time to come to get a great deal. Currently they had a rent one boat and get 2nd…read moreboat free promotion during the weekdays (check website). You can rent a variety of items here. They give you life jackets. I went with my elderly parents and the staff was incredibly accommodating getting them in and out of the canoes.

Are you the adventurous type? I am...within limits. If you want to test your limits, go on a…read morekayak run. The Rowing Dock is a kayaking rental business located along Lady Bird Lake. If you are like me, you probably have this record playing in your head, "What it the kayak cap side, what it flips over and I swallow moss or something else?" Probably just me...the over thinker! Just face your fear and do it! The worst thing that could happen is that you get wet. No big deal! Of course, you should not do any water sports unless you know how to swim. Once you are in the kayak, you can enjoy the beauty and majesty of Lady Bird lake, Austin's skyline and the nearby green space. You can kayak towards downtown or go in the direction of the multi-million homes on Lake Austin. Pro tips: Ensure all valuables in your car have been removed from plain sight. City of Austin highlights an increase in thefts. Also, take a Ziploc bag for keys and other things you do not want to get wet. Renting the equipment was easy and straightforward. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, providing clear instructions and a welcoming atmosphere. The Rowing Dock focuses on all experience levels and offers a range of offerings, from solo kayaks to two-person boats and group activities. The process was smooth and everything went according to plan. The operation was well organized, prices are reasonable, and the experience amazing!

Such a great spot for paddleboard and kayak rentals on Lady Bird Lake! We visited on a Thursday…read morearound noon and had no trouble finding a parking spot in the lot. Super convenient. A few people in our group rented paddleboards and kayaks, and the process was quick, smooth, and easy. Staff were friendly and helpful, and everything felt very organized. If you have your own gear, there's also a small public dock walkable just around the corner for self-launching. The location is perfect for a relaxed paddle with great views of the Austin skyline. Highly recommend for locals or visitors looking to get out on the water!

I love that the trail now goes full circle. This trek to east austin is magical. I've seen turtles,…read morecranes, sailboats, tight rope walkers, fisher people, artistic graffiti and so much more. They now have bathrooms and entrances with coffee shops in case you need to make a stop. Also the trails are wide on this side so you won't get mown over by drunk people on electric scooters or tech bro mountain bikers.

This is easily the best section of the Ann and Roy Butler Trail off Lady Bird Lake. The view of…read moredowntown Austin over the river is beautiful, the trail is well supported and wide, there is plenty of break off points to sit and enjoy the view, and plenty of entrances to get on and off the trail. RIYL: Good vibes and good walks