Family Friendly Fun in Bastrop County

Looking for family fun in Bastrop County? From outdoor exploration to hands‑on learning, here’s a curated guide to the best kid‑friendly adventures:

🌲 1. Explore the Great Outdoors

Bastrop State Park & Buescher SP

• Wander over 7 miles of scenic trails, ideal for all ages—kids can even go pine‑needle sledding! (lonelyplanet.com, visitbastrop.com)

• Bring a fishing pole to catch catfish or sunfish at Lake Mina or Lake Bastrop North Shore—no fishing license required for kids.

Dinosaur Park

• Discover life‑size dinosaur replicas along a wooded trail. Includes a fossil dig pit, playground, and picnic spots—perfect for little paleontologists! (lonelyplanet.com)

McKinney Roughs Nature Park & Zip Lost Pines

• Hike, bike or ride horses on miles of trails, followed by the thrill of Texas’s only dual zipline (kids under 16 must be accompanied) (visitbastrop.com).

🚣 2. Water Adventures

Colorado River & Lake Bastrop

• Launch kayaks, tubes or stand‑up paddleboards on the calm El Camino Real Paddling Trail—gentle current great for beginners and families (lonelyplanet.com)

• At Lake Bastrop North/South Shore, enjoy rentals, fishing, mini‑golf, playgrounds, grills and cabins/glamping luxury. (lostpinesshire.com)

Hero Water Sports (Lake Bastrop)

• Tackle inflatable water‑obstacle courses—fun, safe, and affordable (kids: $15, adults: $20) (livelovetexas.com)

🎨 3. Arts, History & Indoor Favorites

Downtown Bastrop & Toad Hunt

• Stroll historic downtown, spotting bronze toad statues in a kid-friendly scavenger hunt (texaslodging.com)

Museums & Sweet Treat Stops

• Visit the Bastrop County Museum in a vintage firehouse and the Lost Pines Art Center (free, with occasional glass‑blowing demos) (visitbastrop.com)

• Let kids indulge at Sugar Shack, a nostalgic candy shop, or enjoy a dine‑in movie at Film Alley—complete with bowling and arcade. (visitbastrop.com)

🎡 4. Family‑Friendly Events & Festivals

Seasonal Celebrations

• Check out the Bastrop River Festival in July—featuring live music, bounce houses, crafts, food, and educational river activities

• Around Christmas, enjoy Lost Pines Christmas events like light parades, craft markets, and Smitty the 20‑ft Gingerbread Man selfies (texaslodging.com)

🏨 5. Resorts & Day‑Pass Escape

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort

• A one‑stop family paradise—with lazy rivers, waterslides, splash pads, horseback riding, fishing, and golf. Day‑passes available without staying overnight (visitbastrop.com).

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

Time	Family Itinerary
Morning	Fossil hunt at Dinosaur Park
Mid‑day	River tubing or paddle at Fisherman’s Park
Afternoon	Ziplining at Zip Lost Pines or water‑obstacle course
Evening	Dinner downtown, sweets at Sugar Shack, movie‑bowling at Film Alley

💡 Tips for a Smooth Family Day

1. Pack smart – Sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, picnic gear.

2. Reserve ahead – Book kayak rentals, ziplining slots, and water‑park passes in advance.

3. Dress in layers – Early spring/fall are ideal; summers can heat up.

4. Balance activities – Mix outdoor time with indoor breaks or water fun for younger children.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Bastrop County strikes the perfect balance between nature and culture, thrill and chill—offering families outdoor adventure, interactive learning, and cozy community charm. Whether building memories in pine forests, paddling the Colorado River, or indulging in candy, Bastrop is a warm and welcoming destination for all ages.

Pack your sunscreen and sense of wonder—your next family adventure awaits!