Gorgeous weather and beautiful landscape are part of the package when you live in Central Texas. Springtime is the perfect time to explore Central Texas, and there are plenty of ways to get outdoors in the sunshine with the whole family.
Located south and east of Austin, this unique Central Texas park features life-sized replicas of dinosaurs that are sure to appeal to the young and even the enthusiastic adult. The park includes a nature trail with views of each of the replicas and opportunities to locate hidden dinosaur footprints. Families can bring their own picnic lunch and make a day of it. The park is open from 10 AM to 4 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets are $8 for children and adults with free admission for children younger than 23 months.
The boat rental at Zilker Park is located on Barton Creek on the west side of Austin. Barton Creek is a gem in Central Texas for those looking to escape the summer heat or those that are interested in exploring natural areas at their own pace. Boats can be rented for $14/hour or $45/day by cash only. The hours are 10 AM to dusk every day.
Just upstream from the Zilker Park boat rental is the famous Barton Springs Pool. The pool is fed by a spring with stable temperatures making swimming possible year-round. The pool is also home to rare salamander found nowhere else on earth. The springs are closed Thursday to allow for cleaning but otherwise open daily to guarded swimming from 8AM to 8PM for an entry fee ($1 for ages 1-11 and seniors, $2 ages 12-17, $3 ages 18-62, seniors >80 are free) and swim at your own risk for free from 5AM to 8AM and 8PM to 10PM.
Ann and Roy Hike and Bike Trail and Boardwalk
This 10-mile trail is along Lady Bird Lake in the middle of the city. It features scenic views of natural areas and skyscrapers. There are occasional rest areas and cultural features of interest along the trail. The trail also connects to various multi-use trails that can be explored by the adventurous. The boardwalk portion of the trail is open from 5 AM to midnight otherwise there are no restrictions or fees for use.
The skydiving center is unique for its rural location with free-ranging animals and wide open scenery. The center is located about an hour east of Austin in Lexington, Texas. They offer tandem jumps for $199, and solo first jumps with training for $285. Be prepared to invest some time, 8 hours for a solo first jump with the training course, and 3 hours for a tandem jump. The center is open from 9 AM to 6 PM weekdays, and until sundown on weekends.
Whether you live right here in Central Texas, or are just visiting, take the opportunity to get outdoors and experience the sunnier side of what Central Texas has to offer.
Posted by Shane White on
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