Close to Pipe Creek, you'll find a number of activities appropriate for the whole family. We've listed a few of our favorites below. If you'd like to know more about these, and other family friendly activities in our area, feel free to contact us at your convenience.
Cascade Caverns
Address: 226 Cascade Cavern, Boerne, TX
Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Distance from us: 18.5 miles
Cascade Caverns is a live limestone solutional cave just south of Boerne, Texas. The cave is part of the geological formation known as the Glen Rose Formation. Cascade Caverns has been operated as a public cave since 1932.
Inside Cascade Caverns, the temperature range is a constant 60-65 degrees. The main formations in the cave are soda straws (tubular stalactites), which are formed by water droplets regularly falling in the cave. A number of unusual insects can be found in the cave, including cave beetles and cave crickets. It's also home to a rare species of salamander that's only found in Cascade Caverns and nearby Cave Without a Name. And, as you might expect (and fear), bats live in the cave.
Cascade Caverns offers a variety of tours, including one-hour tours, evening flashlight tours, and adventure tours designed for experienced cavers. The tours, except for the adventure tours, are relatively inexpensive, and group rates are available. Note that Cascade Caverns is a cave, requiring crouching, squatting, and twisting to navigate. It is NOT handicapped accessible, and pets are not allowed in the cave.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Reservations required.
Distance from us: 25.3 miles
Cave Without a Name is a limestone solutional cave located a few miles northeast of Boerne, Texas. Part of the cave has been operated as a public cave since 1939. Cave Without a Name has a constant temperature of 66 degrees.
Entering the main areas of the cave requires a 90-foot descent down a stairway. The cave is divided into two areas. One area is open to the public. It's made up of six rooms and extends for a quarter mile. The other main area consists of miles of caverns that form one of the longest caves in Texas. Formations in the cave include stalagmites, stalactites, helictites, draperies, and columns. (One group of stalagmites looks remarkably like a nativity scene.)
Cave Without a Name is home to some unusual residents, including the Kendall County salamander, which is only found in this cave and the nearby Cascade Caverns. And, in the winter the cave is home to a few dozen eastern pipistrelle bats. Cave Without a Name also has unique acoustical properties. Concerts are occasionally held in part of the cave.
Cave Without a Name offers a variety of tours to the general public. Tours last around an hour. Because of the popularity of the attraction, reservations are strongly recommended. The property surrounding the cave also has a number of other attractions. You can enjoy hiking, scavengers hunts, and gem panning, among other things. And you can visit the onsite gift shop to pick up a momento or two.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Distance from us: 13.5 miles
The Bandera Natural History Museum is situated on eight acres in Bandera, Texas. The museum is designed to educate visitors about the world's diverse habits and wildlife.
This is definitely an attraction kids will enjoy. You'll find massive replicas of dinosaurs and ice-age animals, hand-painted dioramas related to the replicas, and a number of educational play stations. The museum also has a large collection of art works and artifacts. Paintings, sculptures, ivory antiques, silverware and furniture are included in the collection. Many are from the Spanish Viceregal period. A model of a Spanish trading shop (Manila galleon) can also part of the museum.
Admission fees to Bandera Natural History Museum are very reasonable, and parking is free
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Distance from us: 13.7 miles
The Frontier Times Museum, located in Bandera, Texas, was established in the 1930s by J. Marvin Hunter. The museum has exhibits featuring western artifacts and relics spanning the time period from the Civil War until the 1890, when the frontier closed. You'll find everything from American Indian headdresses and peace pipes, to branding irons and actual Texas longhorns. The museum also has a huge collection of original western art,
displayed in the Doane Western Art Gallery. Featured artists include F. B. Doane, Peggy Calvert, and Warren Hunter. Other exhibits include the Texas Heroes Hall of Honor, dedicated to the greatest cowboys and cowgirls from Texas , and Stalls of Fame, where Bandera's locat rodeo stars are honored.
Our part of Texas has some of the most interesting small towns in the country. Check out our article on some of our favorites Texas Hill Country small towns.
The Texas Hill Country has the best paved roads for Motorcycle riding that include breath taking views, elevation changes with sweeping curves and twisting roads.
Al's Hideaway is not only Biker Friendly but we also ride, our park was built for Bikers by Bikers.
If you would like to include a guided Motorcycle Tour as part of your stay please contact us at alshideawayrentals@gmail.com
Groups Welcomed
LOST MAPLES STATE PARK
Lost Maples State Park is so vibrant in the fall but it is spectacular year-round. You will see wildflowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. Bring your whole family to enjoy the beautiful vistas.
Stroll Along the San Antonio River Walk
Next up, wander along the San Antonio River Walk. Picture this: a winding path along the river, shaded by lush trees, dotted with charming cafes, and lined with colorful umbrellas. The sound of mariachi music floats through the air, mingling with the laughter of people enjoying this picturesque setting. Grab a seat at one of the riverside restaurants, indulge in some delicious Tex-Mex, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
A Boat Ride Adventure
For a different perspective, hop on a riverboat tour. Gliding along the water, you'll see San Antonio's unique architecture and learn quirky facts about the city from the friendly guides. It’s a fantastic way to relax and take in the sights.
Discover the Wonders of SeaWorld San Antonio: A Must-Visit Destination
SeaWorld San Antonio, located in the heart of Texas, is a premier marine life theme park that offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you're an animal lover, thrill-seeker, or family adventurer, SeaWorld has something for everyone.
Thrilling Rides and Attractions
SeaWorld San Antonio is home to some of the most exciting rides in the region. From the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like the Great White and Steel Eel to family-friendly attractions like the Rio Loco water ride, there's no shortage of fun. The park also features Catapult Falls, a unique water coaster that combines speed and splashes for an exhilarating adventure.
Up-Close Animal Encounters
One of the highlights of SeaWorld is the opportunity to connect with marine life. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and even penguins. Discovery Point offers a chance to swim with dolphins, while the Orca Encounter showcases the beauty and power of killer whales in an educational and awe-inspiring presentation.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
SeaWorld San Antonio hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year. From the Seven Seas Food Festival, where guests can savor global cuisines, to the dazzling Christmas Celebration with millions of lights, there's always something special happening at the park.
Conservation and Education
SeaWorld is committed to marine life conservation and education. The park actively participates in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, helping thousands of animals in need. Visitors can learn about these initiatives and gain a deeper appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Adventure at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Thrill-seekers, get ready to scream your lungs out at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This amusement park is packed with thrilling rides and roller coasters that promise an adrenaline rush. From the heart-pounding Iron Rattler to the dizzying spins of the Pandemonium, there’s something for every level of thrill.
Enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and general wildlife viewing on the half-mile nature trail at The Tunnel State Park. The trail opens daily at sunrise and closes at 5 p.m. Bring drinking water, as no water is available in the park. Picnic tables are available. Restrooms are only open in the evenings during bat season (May to October).
The Bandera Visitor Center, located in the heart of the Cowboy Capital of the World, provides helpful resources for exploring Bandera and the Texas Hill Country. From local attractions, events, and activities, the center is your go-to spot for planning an unforgettable visit.
No matter where you visit in Bandera County you will find clear skies, bright stars, stunning scenery and, most of all, friendly folks just waiting to swap stories and tall tales with you.
Explore the Bandera Natural History Museum in Texas Hill Country, where life-sized dinosaurs, immersive dioramas, and stunning art collections bring history and nature to life. Perfect for families and adventurers, this museum offers a unique blend of education and entertainment.
Cascade Caverns is host to the albino Cascade Caverns Salamander (Eurycea latitans), unique solution domes, "chubby" stalactites, Eastern Pipistrelle bats, cliff and leopard frogs, as well as an underground waterfall and lake. So don’t forget your camera.
The Cave Without a Name is filled with spectacular formations of Stalactites, Stalagmites, delicate Soda Straws, Cave Drapery, magnificent Flowstones, Rimstone Dams, and more. Enjoy a tour of the six major rooms in comfort; 66 degrees year-round, easy walkways, brilliant lighting.
Bandera brewery has a tasty selection of locally brewed and carefully crafted beers. Each of their flavors is hand-picked including familiar tastes, new creations and seasonal favorites.
The Old Forge serves only the choicest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables and their salad bar has only the freshest field greens and vegetables, made-from-scratch soups and baked potatoes. And don’t forget to try one of their fresh desserts
The Old Spanish Trail was used by the Conquistadors, who often followed routes established long ago by Native Americans.
The O.S.T. Restaurant has been serving the dining needs of Bandera since 1921, making it the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Bandera County.
The Bandera General Store building is 108 years old – built in 1907. It has the original wood floors and the original tin tile ceiling. It has been a saddle shop, a feed store, an appliance store (word has it caskets were sold in the basement and during prohibition the cowboys drank beer and played cards on the empty caskets
