adventureseeker

This is our first trip to Texas (November for 8 days). We're staying in Austin for my husband's work.

We've got 4 days that we're thinking of either doing a day trip over to San Antonio or staying a couple nights at Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera. Should we skip/do the dude ranch since our son is just 5 yrs old?

Is a day trip to San Antonio enough?

Any advice?

Thanks!

leahinsc

We took our son to S.A last year (8 at the time) He loved the Natural Bridge Caverns - they are between S.A and Austin. Also really enjoyed seeing a Spurs game and the IMAX. Try and go to the Witte Museum on Broadway. He was fascinated by all the displays and the HEB treehouse.

J62

Skip the dude ranch, unless you are big time horse riding fans. I think 5yr old is a bit young for anything more than a tethered corral ride, or a short trail ride.

Day one, drive S from Austin to SA, stop in New Braunfels to visit Natural Bridge Cavern then afterwards drive through the wild animal park that sits above the cavern.

After the animal park, drive on to SA. You can stay downtown if you wish, or I would recommend the Hyatt Hill Country resort by SeaWorld. Great place for families/kids. Lazy river pool will still be open and heated, but air might be a bit cool for swimming. 5yr olds and intrepid parents don't care. Use AAA # for discounted rate, and utilize nearby HEB markets (5min away through back roads) for snacks, in room breakfast, etc if you don't want to spend $$ for hotel meals.

Day 2, tour SA, the Alamo, riverwalk (take a boat tour). Stay 2nd night downtown (or at Hyatt - I recommend you do not change hotels, but rather stay put for 2 nights). If downtown, enjoy a nice dinner out on the riverwalk.

Day 3. Drive N to Fredricksburg., then after lunch climb Enchanted Rock. (~30min from Fredricksburg). Evening - drive back to Austin.

adventureseeker

Excellent suggestions!

Thank you both.

J62

Sorry, I forgot. Day 1am, stop at Cabellas' outdoor store in Buda, about 30mi s of Austin.

If DH is outdoor, hunting, fishing, camping buff and has never been to Cabella's, you and son can drive to El Paso, spend a week, and come back to pick him up as he check's out (bring the pickup truck w/ trailer hitch).

leahinsc

Ok, I'm going to weigh in w/ my opinion of what a 5 yr old boy would like...I think he would find the Alamo boring but would think the river cruise was a bit cool. If you are looking for Riverwalk area dining checkout the Rainforest Cafe - they are a chain but vastly entertaining for kids which translates into a better dining experience for parents.

J62

The good thing about Alamo is that you can spend 10min or 1hr. In my book, you don't travel to SA with kids and skip the most recognized historical site in the entire city. There's now way he'll ever remember the Alamo if he never visits. The discovery sheet they hand out to kids can be fun, as well as seeing the museum, battle diorama, etc.

RF cafe depends on eating habits of kid, and what food quality parents will tolerate in the name of kid peace. There are far better restaurants in SA.