When the Texas sun is shining, there's only one way to do a family weekend: make a splash! Cedar Park is a haven for families looking to cool off through the weekend. We have put together the ultimate family water fun itinerary, packed with a free local splash pad, indoor water playgrounds, and kayak friendly lakes, alongside the best breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ice cream stops to keep everyone fueled up. Before you pack your bags, make sure to lock in your accommodations. Cedar Park features 13 fantastic hotels that put you right in the center of the action. As a major bonus, several of our local hotels offer complimentary breakfast to help you save time and get more bang for your buck. Get ready to dive into the ultimate family water weekend.
Gear Up for A Mega-Summer Cooldown
Before hitting the water, there is massive excitement building around our upcoming retail experience that will make the whole family jump for joy. The highly anticipated SCHEELS is officially opening its doors in Cedar Park later this summer. If your family is looking to stock up on swimsuits, life jackets, goggles, or if you are planning ahead for back-to-school clothes and sports gear, this 240,000 square foot mega store is going to be your absolute go to. It is much more than shopping; it is a full family experience complete with attractions like a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel (rides are only $1!), a massive saltwater aquarium, candy shop, restaurant, arcades, and so much more! Keep it on your radar for your summer and fall planning.
Day 1: Lake Paddling and Indoor Splashing
Your first full day of adventure begins with a relaxed morning. If your hotel home base doesn't include breakfast, make your first stop Morning Sunshine Cafe for coffee and quick breakfast bites or Cedar Park Cafe for diner style breakfast. Both have killer food and coffee, but Morning Sunshine Cafe is for the "get up and go" family while Cedar Park Cafe is for the family who doesn't mind starting their day a little slower.
Once breakfast is in your bellies, head straight to Lakeline Park or Brushy Creek Lake Park for kayaking. Don't worry if you don't have your own, both parks feature a convenient self-service kayak kiosk right by the water. You can easily unlock a kayak with your phone, grab your paddles, and spend a peaceful morning paddling around the lake with the kids.
After working up an appetite on the lake, head over to the Whitestone Brewery and 600 Degree Pizzeria duo for lunch. These two businesses share a space making them a relaxed local staple serving up a mix of on tap brews and fluffy ooey-gooey pizza. They have a few board games up for grabs to play at your table, plus the casual atmosphere means nobody will blink an eye if you are still sporting your lake clothes.
Escape the afternoon heat by heading indoors to the Splash Shack. This is a massive, indoor micro waterpark designed specifically for kids. Think of it as a giant, interactive water playground protected from the harsh midday sun, featuring slides, dump buckets, and splash zones where the kids can run wild while parents enjoy the climate-controlled view.
Wrap up your evening with a relaxed family dinner at Mandola’s. This neighborhood Italian spot serves up incredible paninis, antipastos, massive plates of saucy pasta, and complimentary focaccia bread. Plus, they have a beautiful outdoor playscape for the kiddos!
Don't forget to stop for ice cream at Scoop & Score. This highly rated family-owned spot serves premium Graeter's ice cream, making it the perfect place to try a few scoops of the famous Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip or for the kids a scoop of Cotton Candy topped with rainbow sprinkles.
Day 2: Splash Pads and Serious Swim Time
Round two! Start your morning with famous goodies at Round Rock Donuts. They offer an incredible selection of specialty donuts, classic donuts, cinnamon rolls, and savory kolaches that the whole family won't want to miss. With pastries in hand, make your way to the Brushy Creek Splash Pad for free splashing. This is a favorite among local parents because it is highly interactive, allowing the kids to run through water jets, fountains, and cooling sprayers. When they need a brief break from the water, they can run around a shaded playground right next to the splash zone.
Keep the casual, outdoor vibe going with lunch at The Good Lot. This outdoor picnic beer garden has plenty of food trucks to choose from like Fez Mediterranean, That Burger, Bare Pops, and more. Best of all, they feature an outdoor playground, so the kids can keep playing while parents soak up the free live music or play a round of corn-hole.