For most grandparents, traveling with their grandchildren is a treasured time of bonding. Grandchildren enjoy it as well, as they collect lifelong memories. The parents may miss their children but can also enjoy some “us” or “me” time, a perfect occasion to travel, get things done around the house or just relax.
“Skip-gen travel” is the latest trend, and a plus for everyone involved. In a nutshell, skip-gen travel means grandparents traveling with their grandchildren, but without the parents tagging along, thus skipping the middle generation. But is there a perfect place that both grandparents and grandchildren will enjoy?
Absolutely. Bastrop, located less than an hour’s drive from Austin and a 3½-hour drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is a charming, small city with all kinds of adventures and activities sure to please visitors of all ages. That’s why we put together this Grandparents’ Ultimate Guide to Exploring Bastrop with Grandkids. Enjoy!
HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT AND SPA
There are hotels, and then there is Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa.
Make sure to book an extended stay as it will take a while to discover all this amazing property has to offer. From exploring the area’s wildlife to paddling a guided raft along the Colorado River, there’s plenty of nature to see and experience like never before. You can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, trap shooting, biking and nature quests, and when the sun sets, gaze at the stars like you never have before. The resort is also home to a variety of restaurants sure to please any taste.
FROM SPLASH ZONES TO ZIP LINES: DIVE INTO ADVENTURE
One of the biggest draws at the resort is the Lost Pines Water Park, located just a short walk from your hotel room. Take a tube along the 1,000-foot lazy river, enjoy the thrills of a two-story waterslide, romp around on the splash pad or chill in the comfortable lounging areas. If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy everything the water park offers by purchasing a day pass.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, McKinney Roughs Nature Park is located near Lost Pines. One of the biggest attractions at the park is Zip Lost Pines, where you can fly through the air as you take in the beautiful views of the Lost Pines Forest and the Colorado River. There are zipping adventures for all physical abilities, and younger riders (ages 2-15) can soar on the Little Zipper lines. Whether you stay for one ride or spend the whole day zipping, you’ll experience one-of-a-kind fun that you won’t soon forget.
BASTROP COUNTY MUSEUM AND VISITOR CENTER
Downtown Bastrop is filled with restaurants, shops and the Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center, your one-stop history and information guide. Step out of the heat and into the air-conditioned museum, where you can learn all about the region’s colorful past and find out about the many attractions in Bastrop. There’s also a free concert featuring budding musicians at noon each third Saturday of the month at the museum.
TOADS IN TOWN
No, Bastrop hasn’t undergone a toad invasion. But you will find special toad statues in various locations around town.
While at the museum/visitor center, pick up an official Toads in Town pack, which will assist your family as you take a self-guided tour in search of these elusive amphibian statues. The sculptures were created by Clint Howard, co-owner of the Deep in the Heart Art Foundry in Bastrop. Besides being a part of a fun treasure hunt, the sculptures were meant to educate the public, as the Houston Toad is considered an endangered species. Once all of the toad statues have been found, head back to the museum and pick up a prize.
LOST PINES ART CENTER
Being exposed to works of art at a young age can foster a love for creativity. The Lost Pines Art Center is an ideal place for grandparents to take their grandchildren, as there are several art galleries, studios and shops, the perfect place to pick out souvenirs for Mom and Dad.
Depending on the season, you might catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing world of glassblowing, immerse yourself in the vibrant creativity of the annual Bastrop Art Fest, or explore a stunning array of 2D, 3D and sculptural works by talented Texas artists. Best of all, Lost Pines Art Center admission is free for everyone.
BASTROP STATE PARK
The 7,400 acres that make up Bastrop State Park are full of activities for any age. Fishing with grandparents is a memory that most grandchildren carry with them throughout their life, and the park makes it easy by lending equipment so you can fish in the half-acre Lake Mina, a community lake where a license is not required. The park also has a spacious pool for swimming, with reservations and a small fee required.
Bastrop was certified as “Bird City Texas” by Texas Parks and Wildlife because of their bird conservation efforts and the fact that more than 350 species of birds call Bastrop home. Bring your binoculars and try to catch glimpses of woodpeckers, flycatchers, catbirds and many more. You can also birdwatch as you hike or bike through the loblolly pine trees, or drive along a 12-mile road, roll down the windows and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Grandchildren love treasure hunts, especially when their grandparents are there to help. Bastrop State Park has hidden a variety of geocaches throughout the area, some easier to find than others. Kids can also learn about nature in a fun way, as the Junior Ranger program includes borrowing an explorer pack with tools for exploring the park. Ask at the park entrance for more information.
SUGAR SHACK
Grandparents love to spoil their grandkids, and what better way than to take them to Sugar Shack. Practically any candy you can think of … Sugar Shack’s got it! They also offer ice cream, cheesecake, candy apples, popcorn, truffles … we could go on and on. Ask what’s on their secret menu, and you’ll find scrumptious cake shakes in several flavors, including chocolate cake and strawberry cheesecake.
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
Ready to explore Bastrop with your grandchildren? You’ll find plenty of information on our website as well as on the Visit Bastrop app, available for both Apple and Android phones. Check out upcoming events, visit the wide range of lodging options available and plan the time of your life!
