Kid-Friendly Texas Hill Country Spring Break Options

With lots to see and do for children, parents, and grandparents, the Texas Hill Country has a plethora of spring break options to please even the most finicky of kids! Here are just a few:

1. Llano Earth Art Fest

The Llano Earth Art Fest is the home of the World Rock Stacking Competition, and much more. Go to their website for $10 advance tickets, kids 15 years of age and under get free admission, and there are lots of activities for people of all ages. With lots of stacked rocks and kid-friendly festival fun, you may want to also consider that Llano is a hotbed of great barbecue (so bring your appetites as well)! Running from March 9-12 in the heart of Spring Break, this event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

2. Pick Your Own Strawberries at Marburger Orchard

Photo: Robert C Deming

Marburger Orchard, just south of Fredericksburg on Marschall Creek Road (off Hwy 87 South), has plenty of strawberries ripe for the picking. Kids have a big advantage over adults since they’re so close to the ground! It’s great fun, and you end up with a basket of luscious strawberries to enjoy. Check the website or call ahead for hours and availability.

3. Talk to the Hand at the Science Mill

Photo: Robert C Deming

The Science Mill, in the heart of Johnson City, has a 3-D movie and lots of hands-on exhibits and projects including this giant hand. Check with them for hours and admission charges and the Spring Break Robot Mania the middle week of March. Adults will enjoy this, too.

4. The Rock for All Ages

Photo: Robert C Deming

These kids are about to go on a tour of the domes at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area led by a Texas Master Naturalist, and they are going to have a great experience. Enchanted Rock attracts large crowds, so check the park website before your visit, and know that you may not be able to get into the park some of the time. Entrance fees are $7 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. This is one of the best kid activities in the state.

5. Jacob’s Well State Natural Area

Photo: Robert C Deming

Jacob’s Well is a wonderful place for kids and adults to see the state’s natural beauty at it’s finest! It’s also a great place for pictures, and to learn more about this fascinating water feature.

6. Meet Sarge at the Pacific Combat Zone

Photo: Robert C Deming

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents the Pacific Combat Zone on March 10 and 11, 2018. The explosions and machine guns rock the whole city of Fredericksburg, but they’ll give you earplugs. This program is for both adults and children but kids absolutely love this presentation.

7. Escape Room for the Whole Family

Photo: Robert C Deming

The Hill Country Escape Game in Fredericksburg accommodates entire families! Book in advance for an experience which the whole family can enjoy.

8. James River Island in the Llano River

Photo: Robert C Deming

This island in the Llano River is public property and has this great little beach on the downstream end. From US Hwy 87 at the south end of Mason, turn onto FM 1723 then right on FM 2389 about 8 miles. The James River flows into the Llano River at this point, so it is called James River Island. Pick up some BBQ in Mason for a great picnic meal. Daisy, the border collie, loves this place.

9. See the Mastodon Tusk

Photo: Robert C Deming

Imagine a time when mastodons roamed the Hill Country at the Pioneer Museum’s Vereins Kirche in the heart of Fredericksburg. This small museum has excellent exhibits and no admission charge. Located in the center of the MarktPlatz, there is a great playground for younger kids nearby.