We are headed into our 3rd and final round of summer adventures at Fort Hood, Texas.
Summer is always our favorite time of year. Sleeping in and staying up late, jumping in every swimming hole we can find, sleepovers any day of the week, and trips to see grandparents are just the highlights of our summer fun.
We try to go on as many adventures as possible at every duty station. And Texas is no exception. (You should see our massive Fort Hood and Texas Bucket List!)
Here are 10 summer adventures you should have if you’re stationed at Fort Hood!
Summer Adventures at Fort Hood
Krause Springs
Located 1 hour and 20 minutes from Fort Hood, Krause Springs is worth the drive. With 32 springs on the property that offers both natural and man-made swimming holes, you’re bound to find water that is cold and clear.
There is a beautiful waterfall, hiking trails, a rope swing, and a gorgeous garden to explore. It truly is a Texas Hill Country oasis. (Check out: 6 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at Krause Springs.)
Lake Days
One of our favorite things to do last summer was spend the afternoon at Belton Lake. A good book, the sun, drinks, snacks, and some floats to play on were all we needed for a fun and relaxing summer day.
One of our favorite spots was Westcliff Park. It’s only $5 for a day pass, so it’s a cheap way to spend the day. There are other parks in the area, including BLORA, which has playgrounds and other facilities. So, find a park and have yourself a lake day.
Float a River
A quintessential Texas summer wouldn’t be complete without a float trip! Find a river, rent some tubes, and spend the day floating your worries away.
Unfortunately, this is one Fort Hood summer adventure that I haven’t had yet. I planned a whole trip, made reservations, paid for it and everything, and then was sent on a ‘deployment’ for work. So, my family went without me.
But this summer, I’m making sure I float the river before we leave Texas! (We’ll likely be headed to the San Marcos River using Texas State Tubes.)
Blue Hole
Just north of Austin in Georgetown is one of the prettiest swimming areas we’ve ever been to. A section of the San Gabriel River is dammed up, creating a manmade waterfall.
Blue Hole Park, while popular, is not overcrowded. It’s also great for toddlers and little kids, as there are plenty of shallow areas to wade in. It’s the perfect place to relax and float the day away. (Check out: 11 Pictures That Prove Blue Hole Park in Georgetown is a Slice of Paradise.)
Chalk Ridge Falls
One of our first hikes in Texas was to Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton. The girls loved that they were able to swim at the waterfall at the end of the hike. And they still talk about crossing the swinging bridge!
Plus, it’s less than 30 minutes away from Fort Hood, so it’s a great summer adventure option! (Check out: 3 Reasons to Add Chalk Ridge Falls to Your Texas Bucket List.)
Go to the Beach
Since we’re from Florida, being stationed in a Gulf Coast state wasn’t that big of a deal. However, if you’re from a landlocked state, don’t miss your opportunity to go to the beach!
Texas beaches aren’t as pretty as our Emerald Coast beaches, but there were a few things that I actually liked better about Galveston than the beaches back home.
Go Fishing
Fishing is one of our favorite summer activities. There’s nothing like watching your kids’ excitement as they reel in a fish!
There are several lakes and creeks in the area to choose from. We have tried fishing from the bank on Stillhouse Hollow Lake and had some luck. So, load up the kids and spend an afternoon wetting some hooks!
McKinney Falls
Austin is a little over an hour’s drive from Fort Hood and there are tons of adventures to be had in the capital city. However, on a particularly hot summer day, a trip to McKinney Falls would be a perfect way to beat the heat.
Not only is it a beautiful park and full of awesome swimming holes, but there are plenty of trails for hiking and wildlife watching. (Check out: 10 Pictures That Prove McKinney Falls is One of the Prettiest Swimming Holes in Austin.)
Visit a Cave
Texas summers are notoriously, swelteringly hot (which is why most of these adventures involve swimming). But who needs a swimming hole, when you can chill out underground?
There are several caves within driving distance from Fort Hood. Longhorn Cavern is about an hour away near Burnet and Inner Space Caverns is located just north of Austin in Georgetown. However, there are several caverns to visit depending on how far you’re willing to drive.
Feed the Animals at Topsey
Looking for an activity that doesn’t involve water? Try feeding the animals at Topsey Exotic Ranch!
We have been several times since we moved here and had a GREAT time EVERY time. The girls love not only seeing the animals but also getting to pet and feed them.
It’s one of our favorite places to take family and friends when they come to visit. Every time we laugh so hard we cry! (Check out: Things to Do at Fort Hood: Topsey Exotic Ranch Edition.)
These Fort Hood summer adventures are sure to make your time in Texas one to remember.
We have 2 of these adventures left to complete and I can’t wait for summer to get here!
