Summer! It’s the end of the second week for most of us in the Lake Travis area.
Any parents ready for school to start again?
Just kidding.
Sort of.
Even with planned family vacations, VBS and summer camps, many parents (especially those of young kids) find themselves struggling to fill the long days of summer without breaking the bank. After all, summer is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes planning, endurance and a support system to come out on top.
It’s helpful to balance the craziness and go, go, go with downtime and activities close to home. To help, we’ve compiled a list of ideas in the Lake Travis area that require little planning, packing and preparation. Families can enjoy doing these and spending time together. Best of all, they’re free.
Visit a Library – Libraries are wonderful places to visit over the summer. Not only do they help reduce the “summer slide,” but they’re also air conditioned. Lake Travis Community Library and Bee Cave Public Library both offer story times and other special events throughout the summer. Check them out!
Hill Country Galleria Splash Area – Kids go nuts for this splash pad! Put ‘em in their swimsuits or pack a change of clothes and let them get wet and have fun. Bring a picnic and eat on the nearby lawn. This interactive water area is located right across from the Bee Cave Public Library.
Mr. Will’s Music Class at Whole Foods – Mr. Will’s Monday music classes were so popular they added another opportunity to catch him on Thursdays. Located at The Buzz (upstairs at Whole Foods Bee Cave) Monday & Thursdays in the summer from 10:00am – 10:45 (check the calendar for specifics details).
Free Movies -Lakeway offers free movies in the park every other Friday during the summers. A movie under the stars — isn’t that what summers are for? The Moviehouse & Eatery also offers free summer kids movies on Tuesdays. Check out the schedule here.
Visit a New Park – I know, it’s hot out there. But if you can visit in the morning or evening — or just suck it up — the Lake Travis area offers an abundance of awesome parks to explore for free.
Visit the butterfly garden in Lakeway City Park or check out the art sculptures at Bee Cave Sculpture Park. Watch the Fidos at the dog park area of Bee Cave Central Park or pop by Lakeway Skate Park. Even if you don’t participate it’s entertaining to watch. You could be witnessing a future X-Gamer right in front of you. Kids love to explore parks and summer is a great time to check out a new one.
Last Ditch Effort: PetSmart – You’ve done all of the above, plus visited your community pool so many times your kid’s hair has turned green? Go to PetSmart. I’m not kidding, little kids think it’s the zoo. Reptiles, fish, birds, cats, dogs being groomed? Pretty awesome excursion for a little kid.
What did we miss? We’d love to hear your ideas for inexpensive ways to entertain kids during the summer here in the Lake Travis area. Remember, we’re all in this together.
