Category: Attractions

2023 Spring Break Staycation Guide

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions

Enjoy a spring break vacation without leaving town! With this list of incredible ideas and events during the week of spring break, you’re sure to have a blast with all the fun activities and places to go in Leander!

FIND A “STAY” (for Your Staycation)

Holiday Inn Leander

Check out this amazing advance saver rate! By booking 14 days in advance, you will receive the max discounted rate available! Get more info here: Holiday Inn Leander

Marriott Leander

Want to get the hotel experience in Leander? Check out Marriott Leander’s discounted booking link to save more on your stay!

click here to book today!

KOA Leander

Going camping is one of the best ways to spend spring break. KOA Leander campgrounds offer beautiful RV sites, tent sites, lodging, and more. Book your stay now before you miss it! Get more info here: KOA Leander

SHOP LOCAL

Wildfire Park

Shop Local at the Wildfire Park Farmer’s Market for goods, food trucks, and arts & crafts. They hold events every weekend and have a variety of amazing vendors to choose from. Get more info here: Wildfire Park

Ranch Road Jewelry

Need a watch repaired or a personalized experience in picking the perfect piece? You’ve come to the right place! You can trust Ranch Road Jewelry for experienced care and reasonable prices. They have new arrivals every week so make sure to check them out! Get more info here: Ranch Road Jewelry

Sweet Cupfe

This home-based Cupcakery that’s known for delicious Gourmet Cupcakes, Customized Specialty Cakes, and Sweet Treats. Pick between their abundance of flavors taste the freshness! Get more info here: Sweet Cupfe

GET OUTDOORS

Trail of Trains

This Scavenger Hunt is one of the most fun Leander activities to participate in over Spring Break. Use the clues to find all 8 of the 15 trains and be sure to post a picture on Instagram!

Get More Info & Download the brochure Here

Lakewood Park

With so much to offer, Lakewood park is filled with adventures. Enjoy fishing spots, a skate park, kayak rentals, and never-ending trails to explore! Read more about it here.

Cap Metro

Want to explore the beauty of downtown Austin but not deal with traffic? Get on a Metrorail train to downtown Austin for under $4 one-way. Get more info here: Cap Metro

Mason Days

This one hits right after spring break but check it out since it’s FREE! Leander Parks and Recreation is offering tours to explore the historical Mason Homestead on March 24th and 25th.

Adults, enjoy an evening out that is just for the 18+ crowd with food, games, and historical house tours. More info: Mason Days, March 24th.

Bring the family on March 25th to enjoy demonstrations of roping, branding, candle making, planting, and more!  Get more info here: Mason Days, March 25th.

UNLIMITED FUN!

Freedom Fun

Freedom fun is offering 10 incredible deals this spring break. For $299, you can get a bounce house, 10 nerf laser tag guns, and 4 inflatable barricades to keep overnight, They are also offering 2 nights for the price of one or $75 off on outdoor movie screen packages, including delivery, pickup, and setup. Mention you saw it on Visit Leander to get this great price. Get more info here: Freedom Fun

Austin Spurs

Looking to watch a basketball game close to home? Be sure to check out the Austin Spurs at the HEB Center. To access their multigame ticket link for 3/10, 3/15, and 3/16, click the link below.

Ticket link

Texas Stars

Check outdoor other sports teams local to Austin! Check out this schedule to plan your next Texas Stars hockey game! Get more info here: Texas Stars

Fannie’s Farm Friends Mobile Petting Zoo

Spice up kids’ parties with a mobile petting zoo! Get more info here: Fannies Farm Friends

GRAB A BITE

Maggie Mae’s

Looking for local live music? Come to Maggie Mae’s for delicious burgers and sandwiches and specials every night. Check out their Facebook page to see what they have planned!

Visit Leander’s Dining Guide

Check out Visit Leander’s Dining Guide for the best local treats!

Dining guide link

ADVENTURE

Shady Oaks Gun Range

Check out the best gun range in Austin offering pistol, rifle, and shotgun lanes from beginner levels up to advanced. With their state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable staff, Shady Oaks Gun Range is filled with entertainment. Get more info here: Shady Oaks Gun Range

All Aboard for the Leander Trail of Trains Photo Scavenger Hunt

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Visit Leander

This spring, come experience Leander’s Trail of Trains by completing our NEW photo scavenger hunt. You’ll explore Leander while hunting for 8 of our uniquely decorated trains displayed throughout our community. This experience is free and available to everyone!

How to Play

First, you’ll need our Trail of Trains guide available for download here or by visiting the Leander Visitors Center for a paper copy. Come inside during regular business hours, or grab copy from our brochure center outside our front door. The guide includes a full list of all of Leander’s trains as well as clues to find the 8 trains in our scavenger hunt.

To participate, follow the clues to a train, take a photo or selfie with each train you find and be sure to include any prize you get from the business hosting the train. Then post your picture to Instagram and be sure to:

  • Mention @VisitLeanderTX
  • Mention the business or organization you visit
  • Use the hashtag #LeanderIs in your post

When you’ve found all the trains, come by the Leander Visitors Center during regular open hours to claim your final prize for completing the scavenger hunt. Happy hunting!

Fun for Leander Visitors

The Trail of Trains Photo Scavenger Hunt is available year-round and we invite all our visitors to this experience while in Leander. Following our scavenger hunt will lead visitors to all different areas of Leander to explore and you’ll leave with unique pictures from your adventure! Learn more about the area’s rich history and thriving businesses as you make your way around town searching for each train.

Planning Activities for Kids this Spring Break?

The Trail of Trains is a fun activity for all ages! It’s a perfect outing for church groups or kids camps to add to their lineup of Spring Break events, and parents and grandparents will enjoy this unique activity as well.

For kids to try out the Trail, we’re offering a special custom version of our scavenger hunt for kids available during Spring Break. Groups of all sizes are welcome, but we ask groups over 5 participants to contact us so we can plan for your visit and ensure prizes are available!

For group scheduling, contact the Visitors Center at
512-259-1907 or visit@leandercc.org to schedule
and customize your hunt.

Leander Visitors Center

100 N. Brushy St.
Leander, TX 78641

(512) 259-1907

Hours:
Monday-Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

History of Leander and the Trail of Trains

Leander was established in 1882 on land sold by the Austin and Northwestern Railroad Co. The town was named in honor of Leander “Catfish” Brown, one of the railroad officials responsible for the completion of the line. The railroad established Leander, and today it is the only stop outside the city of Austin on the Capital Metro rail.  

To commemorate and honor both our past and future, the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center introduced the Leander Trail of Trains. We commissioned the creation of concrete trains to be displayed throughout Leander by businesses and organizations with the goal to support the community. The hosting business chooses how their train will be decorated and each is unique and trademarked.

Celebrate Your Friends with Galentine’s (& Palentine’s) Day

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Living Leander, Visit Leander

The (slightly unofficial) date to shower those in your life that warm your heart and make it full is February 13. We think friends are worth celebrating, and we LOVE the trend of an entire day dedicated to these platonic bonds! We’ve gathered some of our favorite gift ideas for a day of fun. Let us know how you celebrate in the comments!

A fun day of shopping and pampering might be the perfect way to start your day!

Boutiques & Stores
Salons
Massage

A sweet treat dropped off with a hug is a great way to show you care! Here is a list of great bakeries in Leander we think you will love!

Bakeries

Use our handy Leander Attraction Guide & Leander Dining Guide to find something unexpected to do in Leander or a new favorite food stop!

Dining Guide
Attraction Guide

You can totally send your sweetie flowers on Valentines day as well, but flowers make a thoughtful gift for your friends.

Florist

Who says you can’t get friendship necklaces as adults? Splurge on yourself and your besties with a matching set. We are sure these local jewelers will be able to help you find just what you are looking for.

Jewelers

Central Texas Fall Bucket List

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Living Leander, Visit Leander

We are going to take the slightly cooler temperatures as a sign that fall has officially arrived! We are putting together our ultimate fall bucket list of must-do activities with a printable checklist at the end so that you can join us!

1. Visit the Texas Pumpkin Fest

Do all your favorite fall activities in one place! Rides, pumpkin pics, magic shows, pumpkin smashing, axe throwing, face painting, activities, find it all and more at the Texas Pumpkin Fest, now at their new larger location at the VFW in Leander.

Texas Pumpkin Fest

2. Take the Ghosts and Legends Tour in Granbury, TX

Find out why they say that the Ghosts and Legends tour in Granbury, TX is the show where Texas history never left! While you are there, stop by the wineries and sample their fall treats!

Granbury Tours

3. Go on a Fall Family Scavenger Hike at Lakewood Park

Lakewood park has something for everyone and is the perfect place to collect leaves, take pictures and complete your very own Fall Photo Scavenger Hike. Be sure to see the newly opened Sculpture Garden!

Lakewood Park

4. Walk the “Tricks and Treats” Haunted Forest at Devine Lake Park on October 29th

The Leander Parks and Recreation and the Police Department invite you to enter the haunted forest…if you dare! But fear not! Everyone can wander the path and stop to get candy in the SPOOKTACULAR event. Stick around to watch Hotel Transylvania and take part in the costume contest!

Tricks & Treats Devine Lake Park

5. Brave “Last Stop Haunt” and bring canned goods for HCCM

Bring your bravery (and canned goods to donate to Hill Country Community Ministries) to Last Stop Haunt! Get your fill of fright and fun and maybe pick up some candy too!

Last Stop Haunt

6. Don Your Lederhosen and Celebrate Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg, TX

Founded on its German heritage, you won’t find a better place to celebrate an authentic Oktoberfest event than in Fredricksburg! Make your plans now!

Oktober Fest

7. Attend An ACL Weekend

Nothing is more iconically Austin than the Austin City Limits Music Festival! Get in the spirit and keep Austin weird!

ACL
Visit Leander Blog Header (2200 × 1200 px) (8.5 × 11 in)Download

Let us know when you check an item off the list in the comments! And don’t forget to post your pictures and tag us on our social channels so we can go on your fall journey with you! You can also use the hashtags #leanderis and #visitleandertx in any of your posts and we might repost you!

Plan Your Adults’ Night Out This Weekend

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Bars and Breweries, Visit Leander

Are you looking for a fun, adults’ night out? We have the perfect combo for you! Check out Way Off Broadway Community Players as they put on Venus in Fur at your favorite local distillery, Leanderthal Distilling.

This 21-and-up-only performance is running for the next two weekends! Get your tickets and find out more.

TIckets

More Great Adults’ Night Out IDeas

Find more great bars, breweries and distilleries in the Leander Dining Guide. You can dine and celebrate with wings and daiquiris at the Thirsty Chicken or enjoy live music while you eat before you go out at Sharks Burger (get all the info here).

Head out after you meal and enjoy live music this Friday and Saturday night at Maggie Mae’s Leander. Get more info here.

Next Weekends Adventure

Can’t make it out this weekend? Don’t worry, Way Off Broadway will be at Leanderthal Distilling next weekend, starting August 5, or you can check out the Comedy Showcase at Smooth Village. (Get all the info here.)

Stay Cool (All Day) For The Summer

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Visit Leander

Here in Central Texas things are heating up. We know you can’t wait to hit every activity during your summer break, so join us on our perfect Cool (All Day) summer bucket list!

Sunrise

Start your summer morning off with a sunrise trip to kayak or paddle board at Lakewood Park!

You can bring your own and use the launch or rent your equipment at Lakewood Park.

Check out this blog to get all the latest information on Lakewood Park.

Don’t forget your coffee from Perky Beans on the way. We recommend ICED in this heat! If you want to grab a treat with your morning joe, head over to Casa Costa Bake Shop for Brazilian coffee and baked delights.

Breakfast

Waffles at Mouton’s

After working up an appetite, your crew is going to need food! Time to head to one of the many Leander hotspots for a great bite to eat. You can get breakfast sandwiches at Sharks Burger, brunch at Mouton’s Southern Bistro or Blue Corn Harvest, or try out the new PB Café. Bonus points for finding a patio to enjoy the morning breeze!

Poolside at Noon

Dive In Movies in Leander, featuring The Spongebob Movie on July 22

The best way to unwind after a big breakfast is to head to the POOL! Leander has a great public pool at Robin Bledsoe Park, complete with a diving board. Don’t forget to check for special events like Leander’s “Dive-In Movies” coming up on July 22nd or the “Itty Bitty Beach Party” on the 23rd.

Pool a little out of your depth? Leander also has two public splash pads! One is located at Robin Bledsoe Park and the other is at Lakewood Park. Both are a great way to keep the littles cool all summer. If you happen to be at Lakewood Park on July 8, celebrate National Freezer Pop Day with the City of Leander. They will be handing out cool refreshments starting at 11 a.m. 

Delivery for Lunch

Don’t forget to get your lunch delivered! We have so many great options here in Leander, use this guide to help you narrow it down.

Afternoon Ice Skating

Hot summer afternoons are made for indoor activities, and nothing is cooler than ice skating at a local hangout. We love that the Crossover has a fantastic ice skating rink so close! Use the link for Public Skate times, but the late afternoon is usually available.

Ice skating not your thing? Never fear, the Crossover has you covered either way! Check out their Esports Cave for an inclusive place for all gamers.

Pre-Dinner Icy Sweet Treat

Summer fun calls for something frozen, sweet & refreshing. We suggest a shaved ice from Bahama Bucks or a frozen lemonade from Chick-fil-A to keep the summer vibes on point and extra icy. We think this Shark Attack Sno looks extra…chilling!

If you want something to treat your tastebuds and your health, try Leander Nutrition for a smoothie!

Dinner On THe Patio

Family dinner outside enjoying the late evening break from the heat is the perfect end to this family fun day!

Looking for a Cool Grown-ups Night Out?

The end of a perfect summer day should feel like a party, and we think you’ll agree that dinner at The Thirsty Chicken is just that. Their frozen daiquiris will keep you cool and their wings and atmosphere are always hot!

Then we suggest you head over to Maggie Mae’s Old Town Pub or Leanderthal Distilling after dinner for refreshing cocktails and delicious drinks to end your night.

We hope that we kept you cool all day on this summer bucket list journey through Leander! Did we miss any cool summer stops? Let us know in the comments!

Old Town Street Festival 2022

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Events and Conferences, Visit Leander

Kick off the summer festival season with the Leander Old Town Street Festival on June 4, 2022! From shopping to rides with live performances all day, you will find something for everyone in your crew to do. This fun wine festival also has a wine and craft beer competition with the competitors selling their sippable beverages all day!

As always, you don’t need tickets to attend this free event but downloading your free tickets helps plan for your visit! RSVP to let them know you are coming!

EXCLUSIVE VIP tickets are available for purchase for the Headliner, Lee Roy Parnell! Download your free ticket(s) and purchase your VIP tickets here.

FAQ Page
VIP Tickets
Free RSVP

Saturday, June 4, 2022, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Texas Hill Country is In Bloom in Leander, Texas

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Hill Country, Visit Leander

Spring is in the air, and Leander is in full bloom. Warm weather and rain showers have brought out the full beauty of the wildflower season in the unexpected Texas Hill Country!

Plan your visit using our handy lodging and dining guide!

The iconic Texas bluebonnet is filling fields with waving stalks creating the perfect backdrop for your Texas travel photos. For years, families have searched for the perfect location to take this coveted picture.

Leander is home to both open fields and naturally rolling hills, creating the perfect destination to get your colorful photos.

Spring is host to a multitude of the gorgeous wildflower that Texas is known for. From wine cups to Indian blankets, you can find flowers of all shapes and colors.

Since the TXDOT began its wildflower conservation program, even the highways and roadsides in Texas are covered in these beautiful blooms.

Conveniently situated between FM 1431 and TX-29 along the Texas Department of Transportation’s recommended wildflower drive, Leander is the ideal basecamp for all your favorite wildflower day trips and evenings spent relaxing. 

The Texas Department of Transportation has created this guide to help you identify all the gorgeous flowers you see.

While you are here, stop by the Visitors Center and get your Hill Country Passport and collect your first stamp! Do you love the art work in the header? Be sure to get your photo with Leander’s newest instagram worthy photo-op! Find out all the details here!

Be sure to let us know your favorite wildflower in the comments!

Top 4 (FREE!) Things To Do This Spring In Leander!

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions, Events and Conferences, Visit Leander

Spring in Leander is filled with all the outdoor activities and gatherings that showcase the fun-loving spirit of this community! Check out our top picks for springtime activities!

Mason Heritage Days – Adult Night

Leander Parks & Recreation invites the 18+ crowd to the Mason Homestead Friday evening, April 1st for food, games, and live music! And no, this is no April Fools’ joke! Bring the whole crowd and enjoy Leander trivia, a corn hole competition, food, and see the historic Mason Homestead. This event is free to attend.

You can sign up for the two-person cornhole competition on the Leander Parks & Rec website under the Special Events section. Teams are $50 to register but sign up soon as spaces are limited!

Mason Heritage Days

Come enjoy this FREE family event that has something everyone can enjoy! Take a step back in time at Leander’s Mason Homestead!

You can enjoy food and fun while learning about the fascinating history of the region. This year’s event partners with the Leander Historical Preservation Commission as well as the Williamson Museum to bring history to life. Many booths will have take home activities or hands-on experiences for participants of all ages!

Get more information on the Leander Park and Rec website! This event is free to attend, but may have a cost associated with some things.

Eggstravaganza

The hunt is over for how to fill your basket with fun! Come out to Benbrook Ranch Park on April 10th and see what your favorite bunny has left!

Visit the Leander Parks and Rec page to see the full schedule!

Kite Festival

Let loose at the Leander Kite Festival on May 7th! Activities include kite events, food and craft vendors! While you are there, be sure to look for one of the newest trains on the Trail of Trains! More information on the Trail of Trains can be found here!

See the full schedule and get more information on the Leander Parks and Rec website.

2022 Spring Break Leander Stay-cation Guide

Posted on by Leander Chamber and Visitors Center in Attractions

Staying close to home doesn’t mean missing out on any of the fun! LIVE, LOVE, LEANDER!

Favorites, Classics & New Adventures

We had so much fun gathering our favorite Spring Break destinations last year, that we are making it an annual tradition! We are bringing back your favorite places, enjoying the classic Leander fun, and taking you on some new adventures! So hang tight, we are going to have a blast!

Home away from home

The Leander Holiday Inn Express and Suites

If you are looking to get away from the house, but keep it close to home, there is no better destination than our own Holiday Inn Express and Suites.

Even if you can’t travel far, you can still getaway! With everything you could want from a Grab-and-Go continental breakfast that includes hot options, to reservable gathering rooms for family fun, the Holiday Inn Leander is just the change of scenery you need! 

Shop Local

Check out these local favorites that you can’t find anywhere else!

WildFire Artisans

Have you ever shopped in a vintage AirStream while sipping coffee and eating homemade baked goods? Stop by Wildfire Artisans on a Saturday morning to get the full experience and see why the Wildfire Artisans is your new favorite shop. 

Smooth Village

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can visit Smooth Village and check out the coolest outdoor market in Leander. From food to flowers, this place has it all, and a Leander vibe that can’t be beat.

Lace and Grace Boutique

Lace and Grace is your go-to bridal and formal wear store. They provide a luxury experience at affordable price points. 
Whether you are looking for Prom, a formal event, or your Wedding Gown, they have all the style and accessories that will make you shine!

Amazing Free Activites

Leander is filled with free fun and adventures, so we have gathered some of our favorites for you to explore!

  1. Lakewood Park

    Leander’s newest park could be the ultimate adventure destination! Featuring a skate park, kayak launch and rentals, a huge playground for all ages, fishing spots, and an extensive trail system, there is something for everyone. 



    Check out this blog filled with all the info you need to plan your trip!

  2. Robin Bledsoe Park

    This 16 acre park is home to all the great outdoor activities you love! Whether you are looking for a playground or sports courts, this park has it all! Check out this link to see everything Robin Bledsoe Park has to offer!

  3. The Leander Trail of Trains

    The Leander Trail of Trains continues to grow, and we bet there are some new trains you haven’t visited yet! While on your trail, be sure to stop by one of our newest trains and get some delicious Whataburger!

    Find all the locations and information here on our Trail of Trains page!

  4. Visit the Leander Library

    Did you know our local library has a full line-up of daily activites for all ages that you can participate in? From their Teen Book club and D&D campaign, to adult workshops, to LEGOs in the library, there is granuanteed to be something that calls to everyone! Get all the important details and find your perfect library match here, at the Leander Library home page!

  5. Travel the Hill Country Passport!

    Did you know that Leander is on the Hill Country Passport? With all of the destinations within a days travel, you can make Leander your base camp while exploring all that the surrounding area has to offer! Make it a challenge and see if you can visit them all during Spring Break!

    Collect a stamp at every visitors center you go to, and mail your passport in for a prize! Pick your passport up early to plan your adventure! Read more about the Hill Country Passport here. You can pick up your passport and your first stamp at the Leander Visitors Center at:

    100 North Brushy
    Leander, TX 78641
    (512) 259-1907

Find Your Next Adventure

From Steam Trains to sporting events, find something fun to-do!

  1. Ride the Hill Country Flyer

    Take a ride on the Austin Steam Train and visit the Hill Country

  2. Check out a Texas Stars Hockey game

    TEXAS! STARS! Come to the ice and cheer loud!

  3. Go to an Austin Spurs game

    Come cheer for our Austin Spurs!

  4. Support The Pack

    Visit the Leander Wolf Pack and cheer for our local team!

Bring the Party to You

Looking to stay at your house? Bring the party to you! Check out these mobile options:

Caveman Axe Throwing 

Bring the mobile Axe Throwing Experience to your house or event!

Dani Sue Creations 

Schedule a Basket Weaving class at your house and find a class at her studio!

Fannie’s Farm Friends Mobile Petting Zoo

Gather your closest friends and bring the petting zoo to you!

Freedom Fun USA 


Epic events and party rentals like Laser Tag, Outdoor Movies & More to Your Door!

Sock-Hop Inflatables/Inflatable Wonderland 

Rock walls, carnival rides, inflatables and water slides, available for home, church, school or corporate events.

Yard Bash LLC 



A local choice for Bounce House Rentals, Waterslides, Yard Cards

Te Amo Yard Cards 

Celebrate Spring Break with a fun message to bring the love and smiles to your family!

Frios Gourmet Pops 

Frios loves being the life of the party, bringing you joy, nostalgia, and happiness. Book us for your next shindig, or throw down.

Soulshine Rhythm Experience 

Soulshine Rhythm Experience offers interactive programs that use drums and rhythm as tools for team building, wellness, celebration and connection.  

Fun for the 21 & Up Crowd

Looking for your next night out or cocktail? We have the perfect places! Check out the Leander Bars and Breweries guide! It is filled with our favorite places to grab a delicious adult beverage!

Local eats and Treats!

Looking for more delicious things to do? Check out the Leander Dining Guide! From coffee to treats to eats, find your next food stop!