Originally written and posted on MySA.com
Texas is well known for its unforgiving summer heat, which leaves much of its landscape dry and barren. But the Texas Hill Country is home to beautiful rolling hills, lush landscapes, and peaceful rivers, making it a spectacular summer destination for the family. At the center of this paradise is Kerrville, a lively community where a family can beat the heat, enjoy all the best parts of summer, and forge memories and traditions that last a lifetime.
Active families looking to make the most of their trip to the Hill Country should head to the Kerrville-Schreiner Park. It is an idyllic setting in which to soak in the summer sun and cool down in the crisp, calm waters of the Guadalupe River. This sprawling 517-acre park offers seven miles of hiking trails. Three of the most popular trails in the park include the River Trail, the Green Trail, and the Orange Loop Trail.
The park also offers countless recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, fishing, and playgrounds for the little ones. On days when it’s scorching hot, Louise Hays Park and Carver Park have splash pads and spray grounds for kids. The best place to end a day of epic summer fun is at a campsite or cabin at Kerrville-Schreiner Park, where the whole family can enjoy s’mores by the campfire and warm nights under the stars.
Kerrville has endless eatery options for families looking to start the day with a hearty breakfast, refuel for lunch, or enjoy a satisfying dinner after a day of outdoor adventures. Billy Gene’s Restaurant serves up the best flavors of Hill Country and has been voted the best all-around food in Kerrville every year for the last decade. If the family is craving something south of the border, Mamacita’s is an excellent destination for great Mexican food and margaritas. Its architecture is a stunning fusion of Persian, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. Finally, no dining experience in Kerrville is complete without a meal at the historic Rails, a Cafe at the Depot. The cafe is located in the fully restored 1915 train depot, allowing you to take in a wholesome meal surrounded by over a century of history. This cozy corner of Kerrville is a winner of the prestigious Texas Downtown Association award for its alluring decor and historical flavor.Keep the family’s summer extravaganza going by enjoying the famous Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park on the Guadalupe River. This theme park and camping resort allow families to spend days jam-packed with great activities and opportunities to relax along the beautiful Guadalupe River. The kids can splash all day in Yogi Bear’s Water Park, play a round of mini or disc golf, or enjoy countless other children’s activities, like fishing, playing on playgrounds, doing arts and crafts, mining for gems, and so much more. The resort has special offers for extended stays at its campsites, RV spots, and cabins to fit every family’s budget. Jellystone Park is not only the perfect destination for your next family adventure but one that is likely to quickly become a family tradition.
The kids might be on summer break, but Kerrville also offers enriching educational and cultural opportunities. The renowned Riverside Nature Center allows families to take in and learn more about the incredible array of Hill Country plants and wildlife free of charge, including a garden with over 100 native trees and 200 species of wildflowers. The Butterfly Garden is a pit stop for the famed monarch butterflies along their extraordinary journey, and more than 90 other species of butterflies have also been observed there.
Kerrville is also home to the Museum of Western Art, which preserves and promotes Western heritage through art. The museum will leave everyone in awe over its spectacular Old West architecture, life-sized bronze statues, and remarkable exhibits by celebrated artists. The museum also includes a children’s art gallery, and the last Saturday of every month hosts family craft activities.
For an entertaining and inspiring experience for the whole family, an evening at The Hill Country Arts Foundation Point Theater is not to be missed. Every summer, the community comes together to put on family-friendly musicals in this splendid outdoor theater on the banks of the Guadalupe River. This venue lets you enjoy dazzling theatrical performances in the cool evening breezes. This year, the community will be performing a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel, Matilda.
From countless outdoor activities to arts and entertainment, Kerrville has something the whole family will enjoy. With its incredible blend of picture-perfect landscapes and small-town charm, you will find it hard to say goodbye when it’s time to head home. It only takes one trip to this delightful corner of Texas to realize why so many come back here every summer.