Central Texas Fall Bucket List

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Stay Cool (All Day) For The Summer

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!

Thrills for the Adventure Seeking

Leander, the placid community right on the edge of Austin, is known for its festivals and family fun, but did you know that Leander tops the Texas charts for adventure? In addition to homestyle restaurants and unique shopping, Leander is the perfect base camp for all your adventures, including one of the top-ranked skateparks in Texas!

When Skate The States was looking at the best skateparks in Texas, Lakewood Park in Leander, Texas was one on the top on their list!

“In typical Texas fashion, the skateparks in the Lone Star State are huge. In fact, Texas actually holds the largest skatepark in the USA! These skateparks are most definitely not lacking in quality either, and Texans should consider themselves lucky to have access to such great concrete playgrounds.”

-Skate the States

Skateparks in Texas may be known for their size, but Lakewood Park is not just Texas sized, it also has well planned amenities! For families seeking fun for teens, look no further than the Skatepark and Kayaking at Lakewood Park. You can read more about all the features of this expansive park in this post, or by visiting the City of Leander’s website here.

Lakewood Skatepark opened in late 2020 and has a unique design that meanders through mature oak and juniper trees. The skatepark features a variety of obstacles including a quarter pipe section, four stair set, flat rail, down ledge, banked manual pad, and a volcano. This is a great technical street plaza suited to skateboarders of all levels.

-Skate the States

Looking to add more thrills to your trip? Check out Zip-lining across Lake Travis on the longest zipline in Texas and other fun adventures here!

Ready to plan your trip? Find dining guides and lodging options on the Visit Leander website!

Lakewood Park

Locals and visitors alike will love the features of this beautiful park. Amenities include a large pavilion with restroom facilities, splash pad, playground, dog park, fishing pier, lakeside pavilions, vehicle parking areas, trails, skate park, basketball and volleyball courts, and kayak rentals.

Location:

2040 Artesian Springs Crossing

Leander, TX 78641

Map

Hours:

Dawn to Dusk

Park Features:

The well thought out amenities of this park are a hidden gem in Leander.

Sports Courts & Outdoor games

Playground

Splash Pad

The Lakewood Splash Park will be open from the first weekend in April to the last weekend in October. Reservations will no longer be required for admission into the splash pad.

Fishing Pier and Boardwalk Overlook

Nature walk & Hike and Bike Trails

SkatePark

Off Leash Dog Park

Canoe and Kayak Rentals and Lake Put-In

Two person Kayaks, stand up paddle boards, life jackets, and oars are available to rent through PaddleEZ. Click here for rental information and lake rules.

Parties and Gatherings:

Any size gathering from a birthday party to a family reunion, Lakewood Park has the perfect space for you to reserve!

Reservable Spaces

Printable Lakewood Park Map

For more information, visit the City of Leander Parks Page here, or call (512) 528-9909.