Austin is a city famous for its food, live music scene, and friendly atmosphere. Although many people don't associate the city with natural beauty, there are a number of gorgeous parks and hiking trails in the area. Here are five of the best trails to check out if you're looking to get away from the city for a few hours.

River Place Nature Trail

The River Place Nature Trail offers a 5.5-mile round trip hike. It's a great spot for those looking for a challenging hike that lets you enjoy some impressive scenery. The trail is known for having some steep inclines, but there are some steps and stairways to help you along your ascent. Along the way, you'll pass by several streams and small waterfalls. This trail is located near the River Place…

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With nicknames such as "Bat City", "Waterloo", "City Of The Violet Crown", "The Capital City", "Hippie Haven", "Blueberry in the Red State", "Live Music Capital of the World", and "River City", and with its unique and ever popular slogan "Keep Austin Weird", is there really any reason to vacation any place else? Austin is a one of a kind gem. There's just nothing else like it. Its diverse culture, landscape, events, original and quirky attractions, phenomenal food, and laid-back energy make it an ultimate staycation location for just about any single, couple, or family.

Whether you're new to the area, or were born and raised here, Austin offers so much to see and do. And if you're looking for some Austin staycation ideas to experience on your next…

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When you are a kid, summer is all about fun. School is out, and there is no homework! However, after a few days of just lounging around the house, everyone will be bored and will want something new and different to do. This is where you, as a parent, can score big points by sending your kids to any number of fun camps around the Austin area.

The Austin Parks & Recreation Department has a large number of summer programs for children five to 12 years of age and a few programs for teens. These programs run the gamut from outdoor adventures to cultural activities. The cost of the camps vary, and parents can apply for financial aid. The Austin Parks Summer Playgrounds Program is a free, supervised recreational program that takes place on different…

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Are you looking for somewhere to cool off this summer or just looking for something to do with the kids? Break out your swimsuits and sunscreen, the dog days are finally here and Central Texas is the best place to enjoy the summer sun!

Krause Springs

Take a dip in the blue waters of Krause Springs in Spicewood, a small town only 30 miles from Austin. Visitors can swim under waterfalls, explore coves, and swing into the water on a rope swing. Krause Springs is on private property but tickets are available for a fee of $5 for kids 4-11 or $8 for adults. This summer paradise is the perfect way to beat the heat!

Hamilton Pool

Central Texas has no shortage of pristine natural water holes, as Hamilton Pool Preserve shows. This natural pool was…

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With Mother's Day fast approaching, you may still be stuck on just what to do to express your gratitude and love for all that she has done for you and your family. Sometimes, the standard gift of flowers doesn't seem quite like it touches on the important role she has played in your life. For those who really want to show their mother how much they appreciate them, here are a few ideas to get you started.

  1. Scavenger Hunt
    Let's be honest, regardless of how old you may get, everyone loves a scavenger hunt. You can take this idea and turn it on its head to delight and surprise your mother. Whether you do it on your own or enlist your siblings to help, write down a certain number of notes listing things you love or appreciate about your mother. Then…

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The Austin, Texas area has plenty of restaurants with outdoor dining, perfect for the warmer days ahead. Check out some of the best below.

Dahlia Café

Address: 2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

Price: $$

For Southern comfort specialties, dine at the Dahlia Café. Listen to live music and chow down on some biscuits and gravy, burgers and diner fare. Kids will love the chicken-fried chicken and the chocolate chip pancakes. Eat outside and enjoy the sun.

Oasis Restaurant

Address: 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732

Price: $$

Tex-Mex grub is served up on outdoor decks at Oasis Restaurant. Catch a view of Lake Travis, and get some dishes to split. Nachos and tacos are favorites with all ages, and you can enjoy an adult…

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There's more to hosting a great barbecue than just grilling some meat and putting it on a plastic tablecloth. If you want to create a truly spectacular event, here are just eight tips for hitting it out of the park!

1. Mind Your Menu

Get a good head count and make a little extra. There's nothing worse than running out of ribs in the middle of your barbecue. Thankfully, you can avoid this fate with a well-planned menu! There are even apps and online calculators that can help you figure out quantities, prices, allergies, and nutritional information.\

2. Offer Activities for All Ages

This is what distinguishes a true "family event" from "an event where families happen to be." Whether it's a simple ring toss or an elaborate pool-based obstacle…

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Moving is one of life's most difficult events, particularly for children. To help everyone adapt to the change, there are certain things that you can do in advance of, during, and proceeding the event. This blog contains advice for families moving with kids.

In Advance of the Move

Problems start as you start packing. Communicating is essential. Tell kids what will take place. Include them in the planning to instill excitement. Talk about all of the good aspects of the move and not the people they are abandoning.

On Moving Day

Change is hard on every member of the family. As stressful as it can be, try to stay positive. Your demeanor has a huge influence on your kids and their reactions. The following are a few other things you can do on…

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Easter is fast-approaching on April 1, and with the holiday comes many opportunities for family fun. Here are five things to do in Central Texas to celebrate.

Egg Hunt 2018
Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 7873
Date: March 31, 2018; check-in for the event starts at 8:30 a.m.

Bring your basket to collect those eggs at the Austin Zoo! Show up early to enjoy a yummy doughnut breakfast, and then get hunting for eggs. Once you finish, go visit the animals, including Texas wildlife, amphibians and big cats. Admission is free for zoo members, and $5 for the general public. Advance registration is required for this event.

City of Harker Heights 23rd Annual Egg Hunt
Harker Heights Community Ball Fields
307 Miller's Crossing
Harker Heights, TX 76548
Date: March…

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