Family Fun

Looking for family fun? Look no further than Dripping Springs to keep the family entertained. From a trip to the rescue zoo,to the best kid friendly fare at Hill Country Ranch Pizzeria, Dripping Springs is where family memories will last a lifetime.

1. ROLLING IN THYME AND DOUGH

A favorite among families, Rolling in Thyme & Dough specializes in sandwiches, pastries, cakes and coffee. The kiddos will absolutely love the tasty pastries, the patio with trucks to play with and the gorgeous garden where you can see where your food comes from. They also host a weekly BYOB bistro night which is best enjoyed in the gorgeous patio and garden area. Known for using fresh, local ingredients, this restaurant prides itself on being fresh food, not fast.

Two bengal tigers playing with each other

2. AUSTIN ZOO

A non-profit organization dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation of animals of all kinds from lions and tigers to bears...oh my! Located on the southwest edge of Austin, Texas, the Austin Zoo draws visitors from around the world to learn about the rescued animals and to spend quality time outdoors in the Texas Hill Country. With over 300 animals that call the Austin Zoo home, it's as great place to host a birthday party, learn about the mission of the zoo or ride the train, the Rawhide Rocket, that snakes through the property. Stop at the gift shop to pick out a specialty item; all proceeds go towards the care and wellbeing of the animals. The Austin Zoo is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

3. HILL COUNTRY RANCH PIZZERIA

Hill Country Ranch Pizzeria opened in February 2011 as a casual family restaurant centrally located in the HEB shopping center. They offer something for everyone - serving burgers, salads, sandwiches, pasta . . . and pizzas. HCRP has won Best Burger in Dripping Springs three years in a row and have twice been named Best Pizza in Austin. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, a great beer and wine selection, easy take-out and delivery service, sports on TV, and a fun, friendly staff to make your experience awesome.

4. WESTCAVE PRESERVE

If you want to be amazed by nature and also feel like you’ve been instantly transported to a tropical paradise, then a visit and tour of the 76-acre Westcave Preserve is a MUST. The expert-guided tours take visitors from an arid savanna through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the end of the mile-long path, the lush central Texas landscape opens up to the most gorgeous 40-foot waterfall that cascades into a beautiful natural emerald pool.

Once you reached the grotto, you can sit on the rocks, take in the natural beauty, explore the nearby cave, and hike behind the waterfall. The grotto guided tours at Westcave are highly informative and are the only way you can get access to the canyon and the cave. During the summer, tours are offered every Friday from June 7 through August 9 and take place at 10 am and 12 pm lasting about an hour. Tours are also always offered on the weekends. From June 8th-September 1^st, take a guided tour at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm or 2 pm Saturday and Sunday. Tours sometimes fill up fast, so it is best to book online or arrive early to register. Price of admission is $15 adult, $7 child (4-17) or snag an annual pass for $130. While you’re there, hike the Uplands area at Westcave to experience the savanna grassland, or stop by the bird viewing area to see some of the native and migratory birds of Central Texas.