Texas Hill Country Family Outdoor Adventure Bucket List
Hands down, the best public family-friendly Texas Hill Country swimming hole bucket list. The work is done, your list is here. All you have to do is get in the car and see them. These are the best cool blue water holes to be found in the Texas Hill Country with endless entertainment options for families, all within a day trip’s reach if you are already in the area of course.
Rio Vista Park, San Marcos
It’s at the top of the list for a reason- crystal clear, cool blue water, colossal water features and plenty of beauty to take in. Picnic areas and tables are available and rock-side waterfront to bask and relax on. One of my favorite things to do here is snorkel near the deep rock walls and surf the three rapid water features. Several excellent rope swings are available along the banks as well. A few shallow rock bottom spots are at the end of the recreational area for little ones. Public restrooms are provided. Rio Vista Park is located just off I 35 in San Marcos, and tube rentals are available.
Landa Park, New Braunfels
Landa Park is located in New Braunfels, just around the corner from the Wurstfest grounds, in all it’s blue green lusciousness. Landa Park is what childhood memories are made of. The scenic toy train chugs in and around the perimeter of the park giving joyful rides to families and children. There are trails, wildlife, and educational opportunities throughout the park. The river is spring-fed so the water is abnormally cool and crystal clear and you can even walk over to see the water coming out of the mouth of the spring, depending on the season. This park is a beautiful oasis getaway on a hot Hill Country day. The train requires an admission ticket, and the swimming is free!
Garner State Park, Concan
Garner State Park in Concan, Texas will always and forever be the most authentic Texas family experience. There are endless ways to relax and enjoy the outdoors at this State Park, and it goes beyond the standard activity list for most Parks in Texas. It is starting with snorkeling, a gorgeous tube trip downriver and scenic trails for all levels. There is also paddleboat, kayak and tube rentals, an airstream food truck, a funky gift shop, an outdoor evening dance every night streamed from a vintage jukebox and …. Mini golf! This park is well worth the work and planning it takes to get a reservation here.
James Kiehl Riverbend Park is cool, calm and a lesser known swim hole in the Texas Hill Country. Hidden in the heart of Comfort, Texas, James Kiehl offers cool clear waters, a small wakable tube run, free public camping, outdoor toilet, and hiking trails. There are white rocky beach play areas near the parking lot and several others worth seeing if you venture down the river bank path a bit. This park stays pretty well under the radar so crowds are not found at this one like the others on this list. If you are looking for a quiet trip to the river, this is your spot!
Comal Park at Canyon Lake is crowded but worth it. The water is deep, clear, cool, and the cliffs are breathtaking. Most of the shoreline is made up of these beautiful rock formations that serve as natural diving boards. Just use caution and check your jump spot before you take the plunge! Some other awesome things to do here; bring a tube and a rope to tie off on one of the rocks then cast yourself out into the deeper water to take a nap, natural wave pool experience. Bring your snorkeling gear, the water has excellent clarity, and the rock formations underwater make for awesome fish watching! This park has outdoor grills, a slab bathroom, and get there early for a good parking spot. Enjoy the Texas Hill Country!
