Need a lively Central Texas day trip or family-friendly weekend escape? Head to Round Rock! Just north of Austin, Round Rock offers a blend of outdoor recreation, outlet shopping, delicious BBQ, and pro sports fun. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, hitting home runs, or indulging in Texas-sized treats, Round Rock makes for a laid-back Lone Star getaway.
Round Rock, TX Highlights:
- Cool off at Rock'N River Waterpark: Splash, slide, and float in this exciting family-friendly waterpark.
- Explore Old Settlers Park: Enjoy 640 acres of trails, sports fields, picnic spots, and fishing ponds.
- Watch a Round Rock Express game: Catch minor league baseball action at Dell Diamond stadium.
- Shop at Round Rock Premium Outlets: Score deals on name brands at this sprawling outdoor mall.
- Snap a photo at the actual "round rock": Visit the namesake rock in Brushy Creek, a piece of local legend.
When I like to visit Round Rock, TX
The best time to visit Round Rock is in spring and fall (March–May and September–November). These months bring warm but pleasant weather ideal for hiking, festivals, and ballgames. Summers are hot but great for waterparks and indoor attractions.
Tips for getting to Round Rock, TX
- If you are traveling by car: Round Rock is located along I-35, just 20–25 minutes north of Austin and about 3 hours from Dallas or Houston.
- By Air: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the nearest major airport, about 30–40 minutes away by car.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak and regional bus services connect nearby Austin to other Texas cities, with rideshare access to Round Rock.
Where I like to stay in Round Rock, TX
- Kalahari Resorts Texas – Massive indoor waterpark resort with restaurants, a spa, and live entertainment.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Round Rock – Modern suites with a pool, near shopping and Dell Diamond.
- Aloft Austin Round Rock – Trendy, pet-friendly hotel close to tech campuses and eateries.
Best Things to Do in Round Rock, TX
1. Have fun on waterslides at Kalahari Resorts
Boasting 223,000 square feet of space, Kalahari Resorts is one of Round Rock’s most busy and exciting destinations. No matter who you’re visiting with, Kalahari promises a range of adventurous and exciting activities, specifically designed to create positive memories for everyone to look back on. Splash around at the resort’s water park, enjoy a bite of mouthwatering Kalahari Food, hear live entertainment at Redd’s Piano Bar, or go wild at the resort’s 80,000-square-foot adventure park. Other activities to enjoy at Kalahari Resorts include bowling, escape rooms, and even rejuvenating and relaxing massage at the Kalahari Resort’s spa.
Address: 3001 Kalahari Boulevard, Round Rock, Texas 78665, Phone: 877-525-2427
2. Take the kids to all the playgrounds in Old Settlers Park
Old Settlers Park has something for every athlete, including Cricket, disc golf, fishing, football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, hiking, and more. There are also lots of areas for rent to accommodate outdoor parties and activities, as well as festivals throughout the year that are open to the public. Even the kids will have a blast in Old Settlers Park’s seven playground areas! The park is also the Sports Capital of Texas, hosting tournaments in several sports and bringing in teams and spectators from all over to enjoy all Round Rock has to offer.
Address: 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-218-5540
3. Visit Dell Diamond
Dell Diamond isn’t just the home of the Round Rock Express. It is also host to the Austin Elite rugby team, concerts, special events, and more. The stadium offers incredible views from every seat in the house, including from its more prestigious areas: the Intel Club, the pool and spa party area, the Premium Seats behind home plate, and the four Topps tables. Families are encouraged to bring their younger sports fans and take advantage of The Fun Zone near center field, where kids can play, rock climb, and jump the game away. Corporate groups are also invited to visit the stadium and use meeting space in the United Heritage Center on the first base line.
Address: 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-255-2255
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Have summer fun at Play for All Park
Round Rock citizens made their values of inclusion and accessibility for all children quite clear with the construction and recent expansion of Play for All Park. Sitting at an incredible 51,000 square feet, the park has eight “pods” where children of all abilities can engage, learn, and participate in therapeutic activities. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. until midnight, and service animals are allowed on proper leashes. Play for All Park has more than 60 annual donors who continue to support the maintenance and expansion of the pods and play areas, which serve more than 7,000 local children with disabilities.
Address: 151 North A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-218-5540
Fun for Tweens and Teens
5. Head to Rock’N River Water Park
It’s no secret that Texas is hot, and there’s no better place to beat the heat than Rock’N River Water Park in Round Rock. The littlest of little ones can play in Backaroo Pond, while the adventure seekers brave The Lookout waterslides or the wet and wild Splashville. Those looking for relaxation can float around The Lazy R, too. For families planning to stay all day or groups looking for an amazing place to celebrate, Rock’N River rents out their cabanas, pergolas, loungers, pavilions, and other great spaces around the park. Special birthday party packages give the child of the day a little extra, including return passes for a future visit!
Address: 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78664, Phone: 512-218-5540
Where to Eat:
6. Have a family meal at The Salt Lick BBQ
When it’s time to eat in Round Rock, a sure bet for finger-lickin’ goodness is The Salt Lick BBQ. The family-owned restaurant has been serving up slow-cooked barbeque officially since 1967, but the recipes and traditions go all the way back to the wagon trail in 1867, when Bettie Howard seared and slow cooked meat during her voyage from Mississippi to Texas. Her methods are still used today by her great grandson Scott Roberts. Diners can enjoy live music on the weekends, use of the banquet facility, the incredible full bar, and the close proximity of Dell Diamond, right next door.
Address: 3350 East Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-386-1044
7. Grab a snack at Hoody’s Sub Shop
Richard “Hoody” Hood moved to Texas for college from Delaware but has stayed for the long haul. He opened Hoody’s Sub Shop in 1989 as a down home, fresh option for folks who wanted something better than fast food. Hoody uses fresh, delicious meats from Boars Head and only the highest quality fixens for his sandwiches. He argues that his success comes from how he treats his people, employees and guests, as much as it does from the food. Some of his employees have been with him for decades. While the Philly cheesesteak is the community favorite, Hoody’s offers a full array of hot and cold subs that are sure to tickle the taste buds.
Address: 1205 Round Rock Avenue, Round Rock, TX 78681, Phone: 512-244-7166
My favorite local events:
- Round Rock Chalk Walk Arts Festival (October) – Watch artists transform sidewalks into colorful masterpieces.
- Music on Main (Spring/Fall) – Free live concerts in downtown Round Rock on Wednesday nights.
- Frontier Days (July 4th) – Celebrate Independence Day with rodeo fun, parades, fireworks, and more.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Round Rock, Texas:
- Austin (25–30 min) – Live music, world-class food trucks, museums, and the Texas Capitol.
- Georgetown (20–25 min) – Stroll the charming town square, visit Inner Space Cavern, or relax by the lake.
- Cedar Park (15–20 min) – Check out family fun at the H-E-B Center or go hiking at Brushy Creek Lake Park.
- Pflugerville (15–20 min) – Paddle at Lake Pflugerville or cool off at Typhoon Texas Waterpark.
- Granger Lake (30 min) – Enjoy fishing, boating, and birdwatching in this quiet nature escape.
Plan Your Trip