Author: bdowdy

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Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Pack the Perfect Summer Picnic

As great as air conditioning is, there’s just something classic about grabbing a few blankets, some tasty food, and cold drinks and heading out to a grassy spot for a picnic. 

 

The term “picnic” dates back to 17th century France, but in the early part of the 20th century, picnics started to catch on in popularity. 

 

Here are some helpful tips to help you plan the perfect summer picnic. 

 

Don’t Forget the Cooler 

 

With Texas temps firmly planted in the 90s during the summer, keeping cool and staying hydrated is a must. You’ll want to bring a sizable cooler to hold both your drinks and any cheeses, dips, deli meats, or other foods that need to be kept cool. 

 

While some premium coolers can keep foods cold for an entire day, others may only keep them cool for a few hours. It doesn’t hurt to toss a few ice packs in there to help make sure everything stays cool and fresh. 

 

Get Comfy

 

A sizable blanket is a must for a good picnic. It keeps you and your food off the grass, gives you an extra barrier against bugs, and, well, it’s just going to make your overall picnic experience that much more comfy. 

 

If you prefer not to sit on the ground, then be sure to bring along a few folding chairs. It also isn’t a bad idea to throw an umbrella in the car if you know you’ll be picnicking somewhere that doesn’t have a lot of trees to provide shade. 

 

Pack Your Basket Right

 

It’s easy to get carried away with packing all the delicious dips, sandwiches, salads, and other picnic foods and forget the other picnic essentials – utensils. The last thing you want is to get your blanket spread out in that perfect spot and open up your basket to find that you forgot to pack plates and utensils to eat with. 

 

A few other essentials to consider packing:

 

  • Napkins
  • Condiment packets
  • A trash bag
  • A small cutting board and knife
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • A bottle opener

 

Picnic Fun for the Kids

 

The food is the highlight of every picnic, but you might as well enjoy the great outdoors to their fullest, right? Consider bringing along a frisbee or ball to toss, and if you have kiddos in tow with you, it doesn’t hurt to bring along bubbles, a kite, or a paddle ball set. 

 

This can provide a nice break to burn off some calories before heading home – or going back for seconds!

 

Bring the Right Foods

 

Some foods just aren’t ideal for a picnic. Foods like chocolate and fried chicken aren’t great because they can quickly get incredibly messy. Instead, opt for foods that travel well and can be easily packed up and taken home if you don’t finish them. 

 

A few classic picnic foods include:

 

  • Pasta salad
  • Fruit salad
  • Sandwiches
  • Empanadas
  • Oatmeal cookies
  • Chicken salad
  • Cheddar cheese straws

 

Now that you know the dos and don’ts of picnic planning, all that’s left to do is find that perfect spot, and there are a number of parks near Kyle that are ideal for an afternoon picnic.

 

If you’d like to learn more about all Kyle has to offer and find the perfect home here, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Ways to Beat the Heat – Without Spending on AC

We’re smack dab in the middle of summer, which undoubtedly means that it’s incredibly hot out. With Texas dealing with a record-breaking heat wave, keeping cool in your home can be a serious challenge. 

 

Here are a few helpful strategies to help you beat the beat without pushing your HVAC into the red.

 

Keep Air Moving

 

Fans are your friend in the summer. Whether you have a ceiling fan or a stationary floor fan, keeping the air in the room circulating will help to move out hot air. 

 

If you have a ceiling fan, be sure it is spinning in the correct direction. You want it spinning counterclockwise during hotter months, as this can help to make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. If you happen to be using a window box fan, set it to blow inwards from the window when it’s cooler out at night, and set it to blow outwards during sunny hours to ward off heat. 

 

And for an extra blast of cold air, try putting a container of ice cubes in front of the fan to disperse cooler air.

 

Cover Windows

 

It can be tempting to open all your windows in the middle of the day with the hopes that a cool breeze will pass through. It’s much more likely, however, that you’ll just be allowing the hot air from outside to flow in and heat your home up even more. 

 

In the middle of the day, it’s recommended that you keep windows closed and have them covered with dark curtains to help block out sunlight. Wait until the sun sets and temperatures cool off if you want to open your windows up for some fresh air. 

 

Ovens Off

 

Grilling out isn’t just a fun summer activity; it’s a great way to keep your home cooler because you won’t be using your stove or oven. Cooking generates a lot of heat, and depending on how much cooking you’re doing, stoves and ovens can have an impact on the overall temperature of your kitchen. 

 

If you do decide to use your oven or stove, turn on the exhaust fan to help move out the hot air. 

 

Keep Doors Closed 

 

Remember when you would leave the front door open as a kid, and your dad would say, “We’re not trying to air condition the entire neighborhood!”? Well, the same can be applied to the inside of your home as well. 

 

Keep doors closed to rooms that aren’t in use. This will help trap the cold air in those spaces that are being used and keep the hot air isolated to other rooms in the house. 

 

Drink More Water

 

Drinking more water on hot days isn’t just a necessary precaution to help avoid heat stroke, but it will help to keep you more comfortable. For an extra cooling boost with the powers of H2O, use ice packs or cold compresses on your neck, wrists, or other pulse points for quick relief.

And when staying in your home simply feels too unbearable, and you need a serious cool down, there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the pool! To learn more about the amenities offered in the Crosswinds community and find a home here, contact us today.

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Blog Homeowner Tips Kyle Texas Tips

Summer Patio Decor Ideas

Maximizing the enjoyment of your time on the patio during the summer doesn’t have to be a huge endeavor; all it takes is a little bit of planning. Here are some patio tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your patio this summer and into the fall season. 

Set Up Your Seating

Good seating is a must whether your patio is huge or on the small side. If you have a grill and want to serve meals on your patio, then you’ll want to go with a dining set that provides seating for everyone in your household and at least a few guests. 

As far as patio furniture material, there are a lot of choices to choose from. Even if you plan on storing your patio furniture indoors during the winter months, you’re going to want furniture made of durable, weather-resistant material. Treated wood, aluminum, stainless steel, rattan, wrought iron, and resin wicker can all be great and affordable options; it all just depends on personal style.

Add Some Lighting

Good conversation and strong libations have a way of keeping people on the patio, and you’re going to need some lighting after the sun goes down. 

String lights are always a popular choice as they’re incredibly cheap and add an element of whimsical charm. They’re also pretty versatile too. You can string them on a trestle to create a lighted wall or outline them around your patio space to create the concept of an open room. 

Solar-powered lanterns, floor lamps, or step lights can also be a great choice and provide a practical and stylish lighting option. 

Fire Features 

While you may not want to gather around a fire pit in the middle of an August afternoon, these patio features are fantastic for those summer nights that stretch into cool fall evenings. 

Fire pits come in a variety of styles, from rustic to sleek and modern, and even portable. The traditional fire pit is wood-burning, but propane fire pits have become increasingly popular in recent years and offer a smoke-free controllable flame. 

Keep it Organized 

If you have young kiddos, there’s a good chance there’s any number of random toys out on the patio and spilling into the backyard at any given time. Help keep them organized with a patio storage box. 

These helpful space savers come in a variety of sizes, and some of them even double as extra seating with a bench on top (it’s a win-win). 

Keep Cool 

Just because you’re outside in the summer doesn’t mean you have to sweat. If your patio doesn’t have any natural shade in the form of a mature tree, then a large umbrella is a must. For some added comfort when a cool breeze is nowhere to be found, consider setting up an outdoor mobile fan. 

And if you find that your concrete patio gets hot enough to fry an egg in the summer sun, try a light-colored weather-resistant rug to help cool things down. 

Many of the homes in the Crosswinds community have thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that are perfect for spending time with friends and family during the summer months. Contact us to learn more about our inventory of available homes.

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Area Attractions Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Texas

July Events For Younger Kids In Kyle

Between summer camps, sports, and trips to the pool, there are plenty of fun activities for kids and teens during the summer months. But what about those children who are pre-K and under and may not be big enough to tag along with their older siblings? 

 

Thankfully, there’s still plenty of fun to be had this summer! Check out these local happenings at the Kyle Public Library that are geared toward the littlest members of the family. 

 

Sensory Storytime – Mondays at 10 AM. This program is recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Incorporating active sensory play and music, the program is open to all toddlers and is great for children who may have special sensory challenges or developmental delays. 

 

Lil Yogis – Tuesdays 10:30 AM. Part yoga, part storytime (okay, mostly storytime), Lil Yogis is a half-hour dedicated to reading, along with some active play through yoga poses to go along with the featured book. 

 

Pajama Storytime – Tuesdays at 7 PM. Head back to the Library after Lil Yogis for more reading, but don’t forget to wear your pajamas. Aimed at children 6 and below, this half-hour of fun will include stories and songs. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a fun summer day before heading off to bed. 

 

Preschool storytime – Wednesdays 10:30 AM. This reading session is all about preschoolers. Designed for children ages 2 to 5, parents are invited to bring their children to the library for a storytime session that is aimed at helping to foster a love of reading and active learning through songs, finger plays, and other activities. 

 

Baby lap-sit – Thursdays at 10 AM. It’s never too early to introduce your children to reading, and this event is all about babies. Geared towards children 0 to 18 months old, parents (or grandparents) will be invited to sit with their children for an hour of nursery rhymes, songs, reading, and maybe even a little bit of active play tossed in for good measure. 

 

Toddler Time – Thursdays at 11 AM. If you have an older toddler in tow, hang around after Baby lap-sit because this program keeps the reading train chugging along in the next hour. Recommended for children 18-26 months old, children will be presented with both new and classic stories that encourage reading and language skills through songs, felt boards, and other activities. 

 

¡Los Cuentos! Bilingual storytime – Fridays 10:30 AM. Designed for young children ages 0 to 5 years of age, this program will present stories in both English and Spanish. There will also be songs, finger plays, and other activities to go along with the stories and help stimulate children’s early language skills. 

 

These are just a few of the many events happening each week at the Kyle Public Library. The local library has something for everyone, with a range of free events, classes, and resources. 

If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and what makes this Texas community such a wonderful place to live, reach out to the Crosswinds team to find out more and discover your Hill Country dream home.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Tips

Summer Activities Other Than Swimming + Playing Outside

Swing by the Crosswinds community pool on a sunny day in the summer, and you’re bound to see people taking a dip. Whether at the pool, beach, or lake – swimming is pretty much essential for summer survival in Texas. 

 

That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t plenty of ways to make the most of the great outdoors in the summer months. Consider leaving the bathing suit at home and adding these outdoor activities to your summer bucket list.

 

Climb a Rock

 

Climbers from around the country come to this part of Texas to refine their skills on the area’s limestone rock faces. If you’re looking for a summer workout, climbing will definitely put your muscles to the test. 

 

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Reimer’s Ranch Park are two popular spots because of the diversity of climbing trails available. If you’re new to the sport or just want to work on your skills, consider signing up for a class or private lesson at Cruck Climbing Center in Austin. You’ll be able to perfect your technique under the guidance of seasoned climbing vets so that when you do tackle that 70-foot rock wall, you’re primed and ready. 

 

Catch a Fish

 

Scaling a 100-foot cliff can certainly help take your mind off the hustle and bustle of modern life, but if you’re looking for something a bit less extreme, fishing can do the trick too. Fishing is an ideal summer activity for families, and whether you plan to keep and eat your catch or toss it back, there’s no shortage of great places in the area to cast a line. 

 

Grab your tackle box and check out these fishing spots near Kyle:

 

  • Red Bud Isle
  • Lockhart State Park
  • McKinney Falls State Park
  • Lake Travis
  • Rebecca Creek
  • Onion Creek

 

Geocaching

 

If you’re unfamiliar with geocaching, it’s sort of along the lines of a treasure hunt using GPS. Individuals and organizations set up caches around a certain area and share the locations of these caches on the internet. 

 

Participants then use the GPS capability on their phones or tablet to locate the coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a reward. There are essentially three rules for a fun round of geocaching: 

 

  1. Take something from the cache
  2. Leave something in the cache
  3. Write about it in the logbook

 

Popular items to leave in the geocache for the next person include buttons, keychains, small toys, coins, or something unique to the area. Geocaching is a super fun way to explore Kyle, and you can even pick up a passport through the city to go on a Kyle GeoTour.

 

Catch a Game

 

The roar of the crowd, the smell of popcorn… there’s nothing quite like catching a baseball game in the summer. Kyle residents are lucky enough to have two teams in the area that they can cheer on. The Round Rock Express is a Triple-A team that plays at Dell Diamond Stadium in Round Rock, and the Austin Weirdos, a Pecos League team that takes the field at Govalle Park in Austin. 

 

Whether you’re a Weirdos or Round Rock fan, a day at the ballpark is always a summer favorite. 

 

With so much to do in the Kyle area during the summer, the question isn’t what should you do, but what should you do next? If you’re looking to explore all Kyle has to offer, check out the inventory of new homes in Crosswinds or contact the Crosswinds team.

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Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips TX

Summer vacation – Travel hacks

If you’re like millions of other folks, you’re probably itching to head out on a summer vacation. Travel industry experts are predicting this to be a record-setting travel season – Memorial Day weekend alone saw over 42 million travelers. 

 

With busy skies and busy highways being a likelihood with so many heading out for vacation, here are a few tips to help make your trip a hassle-free one. 

 

Leave Early or Late – If you’re traveling by plane or train, consider opting for a red-eye ticket. These are often a little cheaper and may be less crowded. 

 

It’s probably not the safest idea to drive through the night, but if you can leave a few hours before morning rush hour, you’ll have less traffic to contend with on the roads. Just be sure to go to bed early the night before so you’re well rested. 

 

Use Alternative Routes – The U.S. interstate system revolutionized travel, but all those six-lane highways can get pretty crowded at times. Consider plugging an alternative route into your GPS that doesn’t take you on the interstate.

 

Often times these alternative routes aren’t that much longer and are less crowded. You may even discover some off-the-beaten-path places worth stopping at along the way.  

 

Flash Your Credentials – Many restaurants, rental car companies, hotels, and even airlines offer discounts based on affinity affiliations. Often times these discounts apply to senior citizens, Triple AAA members, first responders, active or military veterans, students, and even teachers. All you have to do is ask. 

 

Use Social Media to Your Advantage – Follow airlines and hotels on social media before your trip. This way, you’ll be privy to any important announcements or limited-time offers. 

 

The same goes for theme parks. Parks like Disney and Universal Studios also have apps that may be worth downloading to help find a bathroom or locate attractions with shorter wait times. 

 

Bring a Water Bottle – This is a simple one but can be a big money saver. By bringing a reusable water bottle with you, you’ll be able to save on constantly having to buy water bottles, a cost that can add up quickly in airports and theme parks. 

 

Pack Smart – Good organization is key for packing, and packing cubes make keeping everything organized that much easier. Not only do they help with organization, but they work like mini-compression sacks and enable you to cram more stuff in your suitcase. 

 

Block Out the Noise – If you’re going on a long flight or will be bunking with people whose sleep habits you’re unfamiliar with, do yourself a favor and buy some noise-canceling headphones. Trust us; they’re much better at blocking out snoring or loud music than simply shoving tissue in your ear. 

 

Splurge on Lunch – If you’re a foodie who loves to eat at the best restaurants on vacation (and who doesn’t?), then you know that eating out can get expensive. Check if the restaurant you’re eyeing offers a less expensive lunch menu and splurge on your mid-day meal rather than dinner. 

 

As much fun as heading out for a summer vacation is, it’s always great to come back to a home you love and sleep in your own bed. If you’re looking for the perfect home, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about Kyle and our inventory of available homes. 

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Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Texas

4th of July BBQ + Party Ideas

Independence Day may be over a month away, but it’ll be here before you know it, and it’s not too early to start thinking about how you’ll celebrate America’s birthday. If you’re looking to plan the perfect 4th of July for your family and friends, here are a few ideas to make the red, white, and blue celebration a memorable one. 

 

Fireworks Spectacular

 

Independence Day fireworks shows are an American tradition, with celebrations honoring our country’s independence stretching back more than 200 years. Kyle will host its annual 4th of July fireworks show on Tuesday (July 4) at 9:30 PM. 

 

The fireworks will be firing off from Plum Creek Golf Course, so that the area will be closed that day, and residents will have a perfect view of the colorful explosions from the area surrounding the Hays Performing Arts Center. For an added touch of patriotic celebration, you can tune into 88.7 FM for music that will accompany the fireworks show. 

 

Food and Fun

 

While fireworks mark the end of any successful Independence Day, the food and festivities leading up to it are often just as fun. After all, the July 4th holiday is all about classic American recipes and lazy, carefree summer enjoyment. 

 

DIY a Red, White, and Blue Theme

 

Red, white, and blue are to the 4th of July what orange and black are to Halloween and red and green are to Christmas. 

 

Here are a few simple ideas that will help create a festive theme and won’t break the bank:

 

 

All of these DIY decorations will help to give your yard or home a festive touch, and the supplies can be picked up at pretty much any local crafts store. 

 

Good Eats

 

No 4th of July get-together will be complete without a spread of delicious food. The obvious go-to is probably going to be the grill. Whether you’re smoking a brisket and ribs or keeping it simple with just some burgers and hot dogs, you can’t go wrong with firing up the grill. 

 

Be sure to offer your guests who don’t eat meat or simply want some additional sides to snack on a few options. A potato salad made with red, gold, and purple potatoes adds a festive touch, and a strawberry salad can be a colorful and light alternative to heavier cookout offerings like baked beans. 

 

Don’t forget dessert, of course! A berry cobbler is a classic dessert that screams Americana, and red, white, and blue frosted cupcakes are sure to be a hit with the kiddos. 

 

Fun in the sun

 

Because this is Texas, it’s a safe bet that it will be hot on the 4th of July. DIY yard games like sponge darts,  water balloon pinata, or a firefighter bucket race will keep guests cool and have fun at the same time. 

From cookouts to fireworks, there’s nothing quite like celebrating the 4th of July holiday in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about finding your home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Kyle Summer Camps

There’s a good chance that if you have school-aged children, they’re literally counting the days until that final school bell of the year rings and summer vacation starts. The last day of school for students in the Hays CISD is May 25, and schools don’t start back up until the middle of August. That’s a lot of downtime to fill!

 

If you’re looking for something to keep the kiddos occupied for the summer that doesn’t involve a screen, summer camp is the way to go. The City of Kyle’s Summer Camp program is a way for children to stay active and have a whole lot of fun in the process. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

Dates and Registration

 

Kyle’s Summer Camp program runs from May 30 through July 28, with a break in the middle for the July 4 holiday. That’s eight weeks of adult-supervised recreational indoor and outdoor fun, field trips, and new friendships being made. 

 

The day camp’s Voyager program is available for children who have completed Kindergarten through those entering 5th grade, while the older Adventure program is designed for students in 6th through 9th grade. 

 

Camp times for both camps run from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM Monday through Friday, with camp taking place at Wallace Middle School. 

 

There is limited capacity for both camps, so it’s advised that parents register their children for a spot as soon as possible. Camp is $150 per week, and this fee covers a t-shirt, daily snacks, and all camp activities. The camp doesn’t supply breakfast or lunch, so children must bring a lunch and a water bottle.

 

What Campers Can Expect

 

Kids won’t find a couch or an Xbox at summer camp; instead, they will discover some truly awesome activities designed to keep them active and mentally engaged and help develop new skills. We’re talking fishing, archery, bowling, soccer, swimming, crafts, and various other fun activities. 

 

Campers will also be taking the fun on the road with weekly field trips to places such as Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, ZDT Amusement Park in Seguin, and Animal World & Snake Farm in New Braunfels!

 

With daily activities and weekly field trips, Kyle’s Summer Camp program is not only a no-brainer for parents who have to work during the summer but also a fun alternative for kids who otherwise might be stuck at home in front of the television. 

 

Parents can learn more about the ins and outs of camp, what to bring, what not to bring, and more in the 2023 Summer Camp guide. 

The city’s summer camp is just one of the many aspects of Kyle that make it such a great city to live in. If you’re interested in finding a home in Kyle, reach out to learn more about available homes at Crosswinds. This master-planned community offers a variety of resort-style amenities and houses from the state’s top builders.

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Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

A Guide to Creating Unforgettable Memories with Dad this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fathers in our lives. Whether they’re biological fathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, or fatherly mentors, it’s a special chance for us to tell them and show them how much they mean to us. 

 

Here are some ideas that will surely put a smile on Dad’s face – whether they are right here in the Texas Hill Country or miles away. 

 

Keep It Simple

 

There’s nothing wrong with going all out, but often, something straightforward and from the heart is a perfect way to show Dad how much you care. While every father is unique, here are a few gifts that just about any dad is guaranteed to love. 

 

  • Thoughtful card – While Hallmark has some amazing scribes, a personal, heartfelt message is just as special.
  • Book – Ask the dad in your life about a few of his favorite literary genres and grab him one of the latest bestsellers. Who knows, maybe you’ll introduce him to his new favorite author?
  • Framed photo – Give him a framed picture of you two or even of him and his grandchildren.
  • Sports Jersey – Surprise Dad with a top-notch jersey featuring his all-time favorite player’s number. This gift will allow him to enjoy games in style, feeling like he’s part of the action.

 

Take Him Out

 

You don’t need to whisk them off to a foreign destination or even a weekend getaway to show him you care. Take him to his favorite restaurant, treat him to a movie or concert of his choice, or go out for a round of golf together. The important thing is that you find an opportunity to spend time with him doing something he’ll enjoy. 

 

There are some pretty great ways to make Father’s Day special right here in Kyle and the greater Austin area. Pack up all your dad’s favorite snacks in a picnic basket, grab a blanket, and head out to one of the local parks in Kyle for some quality time together. And if you don’t feel like doing the cooking yourself, local restaurants like Milt’s Pit BBQ and Texas Pie Company can put together a perfect takeout plate for your picnic basket. 

 

Get Creative

 

If Dad loves to try new things, consider signing him up for a subscription service. For example, does he enjoy an evening beer? Check out the Beer of the Month Club. The subscription allows you to choose from five different clubs that vary by brewery, country of origin, and beer style to suit their specific tastes. A Beer of the Month subscription is a great way to stretch out the Father’s Day celebration all year long!

 

Head Outdoors

 

There’s a good chance that the father in your life works harder than you realize. Treat him to a day outdoors, whether it be hiking, a bike ride, fishing, or even a local camping trip. No matter what he prefers, it is another great way to spend some quality time together doing something they love!

 

These are just a few of the great ways you can celebrate Father’s Day around Kyle. Prefer to keep your plans within walking distance? Get the whole family together and take in the fresh air with a walk along the trails at Crosswinds. To learn more about this wonderful city and find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

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Area Attractions Blog Education Family Fun Kyle

National Museum Day: Museums to visit near Kyle

Texas is fortunate to have over 1,000 museums open to the public. National Museum Day is May 18, and there are some fantastic museums right here in Central Texas. From the presidential to the downright weird, here are seven museums near Kyle that you should check out. 

 

Blanton Museum of Art: Since 1963, this art museum housed on the UT campus has attracted art lovers from around the state and the world. The museum boasts more than 21,000 works in its collection, spanning a range of artistic mediums and eras. If you love spending an afternoon simply wandering around and getting lost in a museum, the Blanton Museum of Art should be at the top of your list. 

 

Calaboose African American History Museum: Located about 15 minutes from Kyle in San Marcos, this small museum is housed in Hays County’s first jail – a building that dates back all the way to 1873. The museum’s collection includes over 500 items centered around the African American experience. Entry to the museum is free of charge, but it is only open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM or by appointment, so plan accordingly.

 

Memorial Mini Golf and Museum: Part mini golf course, part military museum (you read that right), this Buda golf course/museum aims to provide some fun for visitors and honor the U.S. men and women who served in World War II. With both indoor and outdoor mini golf courses to play, it promises some competitive fun paired with a little bit of military history along the way. 

 

LBJ Museum: The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos commemorates our nation’s 36th president and the role Texas played in molding him to become one of the 20th century’s most regarded leaders. Exhibits include presidential memorabilia, early photographs, local news clippings, and materials from LBJ’s years as a student at Southwest Texas State Teachers College and his time as a teacher in the state before moving into the White House. 

 

McKenna Children’s Museum: Located in New Braunfels, this local children’s museum is all about providing a fun and educational atmosphere that encourages kids to see, touch, and smell the exhibits. With an environment that allows a child’s imagination to run wild, this is one museum where parents will never have to worry about their kiddos uttering that dreaded phrase, “I’m bored.”

 

Museum of Ice Cream: The honor of the “most delicious museum” on our list goes to this Austin museum that promises to help visitors “rediscover” their inner child through the “universal power of ice cream.” It’s not so much a museum dedicated to the history of the frozen treat as it is a space designed for Instagram-worthy photoshoots (think giant tubs of plastic sprinkles). But yes – you do get to eat actual ice cream! 

 

Museum of the Weird: Inspired by the capital city’s “keep Austin weird” slogan, this kooky museum houses all sorts of unusual attractions and curiosities. Once visitors pay the $13 admission, they’ll be welcomed inside to view shrunken heads, the Fiji mermaid, and other “freaks of nature.”

 

 Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids, learn about Texas state history, or simply want to broaden your appreciation for art, there’s a museum in the Kyle area for just about everyone. 

To learn more about Kyle and find your home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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