Texas Family Road Trip: Hill Country Adventures with Kids & Pup

Day 1

Austin

Denton to Austin: Urban Parks & Nature Trails

Morning Check-in at Residence Inn Austin Northwest - Lady Bird Lake Trail - Afternoon Family Hike - Zilker Park - Sunset Playtime - Dinner at Joann's Restaurant & Patio

Day 2

Austin

Austin Exploration: Science, Nature & Mini Golf Fun

Wake up at Residence Inn Northwest/Domain - Thinkery - Interactive Science Discovery - Easy Tiger - Lunch & Baked Goods - Zilker Botanical Garden - Nature Exploration - Austin Nature & Science Center - Wildlife Encounters - Peter Pan Mini Golf - Retro Fun - Zilker Metropolitan Park - Evening Play & Dog Time - Scholz Garten - Dinner at Historic Beer Garden

Day 3

Austin - San Antonio

Austin to San Antonio: Historic Discovery & River Walk

Residence Inn Austin Northwest - Morning Checkout - Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk - Check-in & Dog Break - The Alamo - Historic Icon Tour - La Margarita Restaurant - Riverwalk Lunch - Hemisfair Park - Family Playtime & Dog Walk - The River's Edge Cafe - Riverwalk Dinner with Patio

Day 4

San Antonio - Fredericksburg

San Antonio to Hill Country: Parks, Nature & Small Town Charm

Wake Up at Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk - Brackenridge Park Family Nature Adventure - The Friendly Spot Ice House - Lunch Break - Hotel Checkout & Load Up - Hampton Inn & Suites Fredericksburg - Check In - Fredericksburg Main Street Exploration - David's Old Fashioned Pit BBQ - Dinner - Return to Hampton Inn & Evening Rest

Day 5

Fredericksburg - Denton

Hill Country Morning & Return Journey Home

Wake Up at Hampton Inn & Suites Fredericksburg - Old German Bakery Breakfast Treats - Love Creek Orchards Country Store Visit - Hotel Checkout & Load Up

Day 1

Jan 10

Austin

Denton to Austin: Urban Parks & Nature Trails

Start your family adventure with a scenic morning drive from Denton to Austin. After settling into your pet-friendly hotel, spend the afternoon exploring Austin's beautiful outdoor spaces - Lady Bird Lake Trail offers easy walking paths perfect for kids and dogs, while Zilker Park provides open green spaces for play. End the day with a relaxing dinner at a dog-friendly patio restaurant.

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Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 304

Estimated Cost

Suggested check-in12:00(1 hour)

20.75km, 23 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours 30 mins(14:00 - 16:30)

Tips: Park at the Mopac Bridge area or near Auditorium Shores for easy access. Bring water for the whole family including your pup! The trail is mostly flat and shaded in many sections, perfect for kids and dogs.

12.12km, 24 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 15 mins(16:45 - 18:00)

Tips: January evenings in Austin are mild (around 50-60°F) - perfect for outdoor play! The Great Lawn is the most dog-friendly area. Watch for joggers and cyclists on the paths.

8.7km, 14 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(18:30 - 20:00)

21.36km, 21 mins

Day 2

Jan 11

Austin

Austin Exploration: Science, Nature & Mini Golf Fun

A perfect Austin day blending indoor educational fun with outdoor adventures. Start with hands-on learning at Thinkery, then enjoy nature at Zilker Botanical Garden and Austin Nature & Science Center. Afternoon fun at the iconic Peter Pan Mini Golf, followed by relaxation at Zilker Park where the whole family (including your pup!) can unwind. End with delicious dining at pet-friendly patios.

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Moderate

Pace Level

USD 465

Estimated Cost

Return to Wake up at Residence Inn Northwest/Domain

14.38km, 18 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours(09:30 - 11:30)

Tips: Saturday mornings can be busy - arriving right at opening (9am on weekends) gives you the best experience. The outdoor areas are great for a quick dog break between exhibits!

5.9km, 9 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour(12:00 - 13:00)

4.91km, 14 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 15 mins(13:30 - 14:45)

Tips: January is perfect timing - you'll catch winter blooms and cooler temperatures. The Japanese Garden is especially magical for kids!

890m, 12 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 15 mins(15:00 - 16:15)

Tips: This is FREE, so take your time and let kids engage with the naturalist staff. The Dino Pit fossil dig is always a hit with kids this age!

8.53km, 13 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 15 mins(16:45 - 18:00)

Tips: This vintage spot is pure Austin charm! Take photos with the colorful characters - it's an Instagram-worthy family memory. Courses are challenging enough for kids but not frustrating.

8.68km, 14 mins

Enjoy fun for45 mins(18:15 - 19:00)

Tips: There are multiple play areas - the Zilker Playscape is HUGE and will keep kids entertained. Bring a frisbee or ball for your dog to burn off energy!

8.97km, 14 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 15 mins(19:15 - 20:30)

19.12km, 18 mins

Day 3

Jan 12

Austin - San Antonio

Austin to San Antonio: Historic Discovery & River Walk

Drive from Austin to San Antonio and immerse yourselves in the city's rich history and vibrant Riverwalk culture. Start with the iconic Alamo, explore family-friendly Hemisfair park, and enjoy the scenic Riverwalk with multiple dog-friendly dining options. The day balances cultural education for the kids with plenty of outdoor time for your pup.

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Moderate

Pace Level

USD 490

Estimated Cost

Return to Residence Inn Austin Northwest - Morning Checkout

144km, 1 hour 34 mins

Suggested check-in10:45(45 mins)

430m, 7 mins

870m, 13 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(12:00 - 13:30)

Tips: Dogs aren't allowed inside the buildings, so take turns - one parent explores inside with kids while the other stays outside with your pup in the shaded courtyard areas. The site is compact, so rotations are easy. January weather is perfect for outdoor waiting!

1.54km, 22 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 15 mins(13:45 - 15:00)

1.73km, 25 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 45 mins(15:15 - 17:00)

Tips: Bring a frisbee or ball for both kids and dog! The park has water features the kids will love, and plenty of shaded areas for rest breaks. This is the perfect mid-afternoon activity to let everyone decompress after morning sightseeing.

1.03km, 15 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(18:45 - 20:15)

430m, 7 mins

Day 4

Jan 13

San Antonio - Fredericksburg

San Antonio to Hill Country: Parks, Nature & Small Town Charm

Start the day exploring San Antonio's beautiful dog-friendly parks with hiking trails and playgrounds for the kids. After lunch, journey into the scenic Texas Hill Country, arriving in charming Fredericksburg. Settle into your cozy Hill Country accommodations and explore Main Street's dog-welcoming shops and German heritage. End the day with authentic German-Texan cuisine on a pet-friendly patio.

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Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 499

Estimated Cost

Suggested check-in07:00(2 hours)

4.2km, 30 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours 30 mins(09:30 - 12:00)

Tips: Look for the park's iconic stone bridges - they make for great family photos! Bring water for everyone including your furry friend, as January mornings can still be active.

8.15km, 12 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 15 mins(12:30 - 13:45)

1.2km, 15 mins

Suggested check-in14:00(45 mins)

78km, 1 hour 45 mins

Suggested check-in16:30(45 mins)

114.6km, 1 hour 28 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 15 mins(17:30 - 18:45)

Tips: Most shops close around 6-7 PM, so arrive with time to explore. Look for Das Peach Haus for amazing peach products and treats the kids will love!

116.02km, 1 hour 31 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 15 mins(19:00 - 20:15)

1.2km, 15 mins

Suggested check-in20:30(2 hours 30 mins)

Day 5

Jan 14

Fredericksburg - Denton

Hill Country Morning & Return Journey Home

A relaxed final morning in the charming Hill Country town of Fredericksburg before the scenic drive back to Denton. Start with a hearty German breakfast, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic Main Street with your pup, and perhaps grab some local treats for the road. The drive home takes you through beautiful Texas countryside, allowing time for reflection on your family's wonderful adventure together.

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Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 300

Estimated Cost

Return to Wake Up at Hampton Inn & Suites Fredericksburg

1.45km, 4 mins

Enjoy foods for45 mins(08:45 - 09:30)

80.56km, 56 mins

Enjoy fun for45 mins(09:45 - 10:30)

Tips: Their apple cider is legendary - grab a few bottles! The outdoor area is perfect for a quick family photo with Hill Country scenery in the background.

8km, 15 mins

Suggested check-in10:45(15 mins)