By Lake Travis Zipline Adventures · Updated June 2026 · 11 min read
Round Rock is one of the best cities in Texas for a reason. Known as the Sports Capital of Texas, it combines world-class family attractions, a charming downtown, excellent outdoor recreation, legendary donuts, minor league baseball, America’s largest indoor waterpark, and easy access to some of the best outdoor adventures in Central Texas. Whether you are a Round Rock resident looking for something new or a visitor making the trip from Austin or beyond, this is the complete guide to the best things to do in Round Rock TX in 2026.
Quick Answer — Best Things to Do in Round Rock TX
The best things to do in Round Rock TX include ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, Kalahari Resorts America’s largest indoor waterpark, a Round Rock Express game at Dell Diamond, Round Rock Donuts, the Brushy Creek Regional Trail, Inner Space Cavern, Old Settlers Park and Rock’n River Family Aquatic Center, the Play For All accessible playground, Round Rock Honey beekeeping tours, downtown Round Rock dining and nightlife, the historic Round Rock landmark at Brushy Creek, Home Run Dugout batting experiences at Dell Diamond, and day trips to the Texas Hill Country.
Why Round Rock Belongs on Your Texas Bucket List
Round Rock is known as the Sports Capital of Texas — home to Dell Technologies global headquarters, Kalahari Resorts America’s largest indoor waterpark, the Round Rock Express AAA baseball team at Dell Diamond, and the legendary Round Rock Donuts since 1926. It is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in Texas for families, safety, and schools. Kids Out and About Austin
What makes Round Rock genuinely worth visiting rather than just passing through on the way to Austin is the combination of world-class family attractions and easy access to the outdoor adventures of Central Texas. Kalahari Resorts alone would put Round Rock on the map. But the city has genuine character beyond the resort — a charming downtown, a legendary donut institution, one of the best minor league baseball experiences in the country, and trail systems that reward outdoor exploration at every level. Here is the complete guide.
#1 Lake Travis Zipline Adventures — The Best Adventure Day Trip from Round Rock
Round Rock sits perfectly positioned for the best outdoor adventure in Central Texas. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is just about 35 to 40 minutes from Round Rock and it is the single most memorable outdoor experience you can plan from the city. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers the adventure of a lifetime — an active outdoor adventure that is fun for people of all ages with a world-class tour offering five ziplines. The last three lines are the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas. Paramount Theatre
Here is how it works. Your group boards a boat that takes everyone across Lake Travis to Zip Island, a private island in the middle of the lake about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Once on the island, your group spends three hours on five world-class ziplines through the Texas Hill Country. The signature Double Barrel Shotgun sends two people side by side down over 2,800 feet of cable at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above Lake Travis. The ziplines range from 250 feet to the longest zipline in Texas at over 2,800 feet. The views from the top platform — crystal-clear blue water, limestone bluffs, rolling Hill Country in every direction — are genuinely jaw-dropping. KVUE
After the ziplines, your ticket includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island. Jump off the boat dock into Lake Travis. Relax in hammocks. Enjoy one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Texas before heading back to Round Rock for the evening. It is the kind of day that Round Rock families plan months in advance and talk about for years afterward.
The Details
- 5-Line Zipline Tour: $138/person, includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island
- Double Barrel Single-Line Tour: $88/person
- Location: About 35 to 40 minutes from Round Rock on Lake Travis
- Best For: Groups, couples, families, corporate outings, all experience levels
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Pro Tip: Summer and spring slots fill up weeks in advance. Book early at laketraviszipline.com to lock in your spot. It is the best day trip Round Rock has to offer and one of the best outdoor experiences in all of Texas.
Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures and experience the adventure of a lifetime.
#2 Kalahari Resorts — America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock is the single biggest family attraction in Central Texas and one of the most impressive resort experiences in the entire country. Kalahari Round Rock features 223,000 square feet of indoor waterpark including 30-plus waterslides, 20 pools, a wave pool, a lazy river, and Tom Foolery’s adventure park with escape rooms and rides. Year-round operation makes it a destination regardless of weather. Kids Out and About Austin
The indoor resort maintains a perfect 84 degrees year-round and features thrilling slides, a giant wave pool, and a lazy river. Beyond the water attractions, Kalahari offers the Tomfoolery Adventure Park, holiday-themed décor, world-class dining, and a spa for the ultimate reset. The Austin Things
Kalahari also has a spa that offers treatments ranging from deep tissue massages to salt therapy sessions that will help you unwind after a day of fun. For families visiting Round Rock, Kalahari is a genuine full-day or multi-day destination that delivers everything under one roof regardless of the Texas weather outside. Tripadvisor
The Details
- Address: 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock TX 78665
- Phone: (877) 525-2427
- Website: kalahariresorts.com/texas
- Best For: Families of all ages, summer and winter visits, corporate retreats, overnight stays
- Pro Tip: Day passes sell out on summer weekends. Book in advance at kalahariresorts.com/texas.
#3 Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond — Best Minor League Baseball in Texas
The Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond is an 11,600-seater stadium home to the Round Rock Express baseball team. Baseball fans are sure to enjoy baseball games from the Round Rock Express’s home stadium. It is a chance to see the minor league baseball team play. Paramount Theatre
Dell Diamond is widely considered one of the best minor league baseball venues in the country. The intimate sightlines, the affordable tickets, the excellent food and drink options, and the genuine community energy of a Round Rock summer evening game make it one of the most enjoyable sports experiences in Central Texas. The stadium also hosts concerts and special events throughout the season.
2026 is also the inaugural season for Round Rock’s new professional women’s softball team at Dell Diamond. The Texas Volts play in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, led by legendary pitcher Cat Osterman as GM. Founding season tickets are available. ATXtoday
Home Run Dugout at Round Rock gives everyone an opportunity to be a baseball star. Located near the center field at Dell Diamond, this innovative batting cage experience is safe and fun for all skill levels. Tripadvisor
The Details
- Address: 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock TX 78665
- Phone: (512) 255-2255
- Website: roundrockexpress.com
- Best For: Baseball fans, families, groups, date nights, anyone who wants a quintessential American summer evening
- Home Run Dugout: Located near center field at Dell Diamond, open year-round
#4 Round Rock Donuts — A Texas Institution Since 1926
Round Rock Donuts has been serving Texas-sized donuts since 1926. The original glazed Round Rock Donut is the size of a dinner plate. It is a non-negotiable first stop for anyone visiting. Lines are long on weekends but worth it. Kids Out and About Austin
Locals and visitors alike line up early in the morning for this institution of the Round Rock dining scene. Opened in 1926, Round Rock Donuts is best known for its famous Round Rock Donut — a Texas-sized confection that will no doubt leave you stuffed. Tripadvisor
This is not optional. You do not visit Round Rock and skip the donuts. The original glazed is the size of a dinner plate and costs a fraction of what you would pay for a smaller inferior donut anywhere else. The apple fritter is the power move for the adventurous. Go early on weekends — the line builds by mid-morning and the best donuts sell out before noon.
The Details
- Address: 106 W Liberty Ave, Round Rock TX 78664
- Phone: (512) 255-3629
- Best For: Everyone. This is mandatory.
- Best Time: Weekday mornings for the shortest lines
#5 Brushy Creek Regional Trail — Best Outdoor Trail in Round Rock
The Brushy Creek Regional Trail is one of the most beloved outdoor recreation assets in Round Rock and one of the best urban trail systems in the Austin area. The trail follows Brushy Creek through Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Williamson County for nearly 20 miles of paved and natural surface trail through native Texas landscape.
The park that gives the city its name — a large round limestone rock in Brushy Creek — was used by early settlers as a crossing marker on the Chisholm Trail. Trail access, creek views, and quiet green space are available minutes from downtown. The trail is stroller-friendly, dog-friendly, and connects to multiple parks along the creek corridor. Early morning walks here in the Hill Country cedar and oak woodland feel genuinely removed from suburban life even though you are in the middle of one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Kids Out and About Austin
The Details
- Location: Multiple access points throughout Round Rock and Cedar Park
- Cost: Free
- Website: wilco.org/departments/parks/brushy-creek-regional-trail
- Best For: Walkers, runners, cyclists, families with strollers, dog owners
- Best Time: Early morning in summer, any time in spring and fall
#6 The Historic Round Rock at Brushy Creek
See the round rock that the city of Round Rock was named after at this local landmark in Brushy Creek. In the town’s earliest history, the rock marks a low point in the creek that provided easy crossing for Native Americans, cattle drives, and wagons. Look close enough and you will see the imprints of wagon wheel ruts that are still visible on the exposed rock. Tripadvisor
It is exactly what it sounds like — a large round limestone rock in Brushy Creek that gave the city its name. And it is genuinely worth seeing. The exposed wagon wheel ruts are a tangible connection to the Chisholm Trail cattle drive era of Texas history and the setting in Memorial Park along the creek is quietly beautiful. It is a free, quick, and genuinely interesting stop on any Round Rock visit.
The Details
- Address: 654 Chisholm Trail Rd, Round Rock TX 78681
- Cost: Free
- Best For: History lovers, families, first-time Round Rock visitors
#7 Old Settlers Park and Rock’n River Family Aquatic Center
Rock’n River Family Aquatic Center is a 150,000-square-foot water park inside Old Settlers Park. Activities include a winding lazy river, crazy water slides, and shallow pool playgrounds. You can climb up the park’s rock wall and jump from its 12-foot platform straight to the cool waters of the pool. Paramount Theatre
Old Settlers Park is perfect for relaxing retreats after days of sightseeing around town. The park has many different sports facilities including cricket, volleyball, disc golf, tennis, and more. Paramount Theatre
Old Settlers Park is one of the most comprehensive public parks in the Austin area — a 645-acre recreation complex with sports fields, trails, picnic areas, a dog park, and the Rock’n River aquatic center all in one location. For families looking for a budget-friendly summer water activity that does not require the full Kalahari investment, Rock’n River is the most obvious and most beloved alternative.
The Details
- Address: 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock TX 78665
- Rock’n River Aquatic Center: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Cost: City of Round Rock prices — significantly less expensive than Kalahari
- Best For: Families, budget-friendly summer swimming, community gatherings
#8 Inner Space Cavern — Georgetown
Inner Space Cavern is just 15 minutes from Round Rock in Georgetown and one of the best summer heat escape activities in Central Texas. The cave offers guided tours of a vast cave system from a standard tour to an exploration of undeveloped sections. Kids Out and About Austin
The cave was hidden for more than 10,000 years before being discovered during highway construction in 1963. The gorgeous formations and prehistoric animal bones contribute to the beauty of this natural wonder which remains at a constant 72 degrees no matter the temperature outside. Tripadvisor
For families with kids who love dinosaurs, fossils, and underground exploration, Inner Space Cavern is an outstanding alternative to the outdoor heat during Round Rock summer afternoons. The Adventure Tour takes groups through undeveloped cave sections with headlamps and hands-on exploration for a more challenging experience.
The Details
- Location: 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown TX 78626 (about 15 minutes from Round Rock)
- Cost: From $18 per adult
- Website: innerspace.com
- Best For: Families, geology enthusiasts, summer heat escape, all ages
#9 Play For All Accessible Park
Play For All Park is a 51,000-square-foot accessible playground for kids with different needs. This one-of-a-kind playground has tons of activities that can develop different skills in kids. Paramount Theatre
Play For All Park is one of the most thoughtfully designed inclusive playgrounds in Texas and one of Round Rock’s most beloved community assets. The park is designed to be fully accessible for children of all abilities, with adaptive equipment, sensory play areas, and inclusive structures that make it genuinely usable and genuinely fun for every child. It is consistently praised by families as one of the best playgrounds in the entire Austin area.
The Details
- Location: Round Rock TX, check roundrocktexas.gov for current address
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Families with children of all abilities, inclusive play experiences
#10 Round Rock Honey — Beekeeping Tours
Round Rock Honey offers a Honey House Tour and Beekeeping Course right here in Round Rock. Looking for a fun and un-bee-lievable outing? This is it. Tripadvisor
Round Rock Honey is one of the most unique and genuinely educational experiences in the city. The Honey House Tour takes visitors behind the scenes of a working honey production facility and the beekeeping courses give participants hands-on experience with actual hive management. For families with curious kids, science enthusiasts, or anyone interested in Texas pollinators and agriculture, this is one of the most underrated stops in Round Rock.
The Details
- Website: roundrockhoney.com
- Best For: Families, food enthusiasts, science education, unique Round Rock experiences
#11 Downtown Round Rock — Dining, Donuts, and Local Charm
Downtown Round Rock’s charming downtown area is full of surprises. Italian and Tex-Mex restaurants stand alongside coffee shops and enticing bakeries like the famous Round Rock Donuts. Browse candy, clothing, and flower stores before enjoying a night out at the bars, saloons, and taverns. Whether you are here when the sun is up or after it has set, you will always find something to experience. Tripadvisor
Downtown Round Rock along East Main Street has been quietly revitalized into one of the most charming small-city downtown experiences in the Austin area. The historic buildings, the locally owned restaurants, the weekend farmers market, and the genuine community character make it worth a proper afternoon of exploration rather than just a quick drive-through.
Round Rock’s dining scene has matured significantly in the last five years. You no longer need to drive to Austin for a genuinely great meal. The downtown farmers market runs regularly with local produce, artisan food, live music, and craft vendors. ATXtoday
The Details
- Location: East Main Street, Downtown Round Rock TX 78664
- Best For: Dining, shopping, browsing, farmers market visits, evening nightlife
- Best Time: Weekend mornings for the farmers market, weekend evenings for dining and nightlife
#12 Rock’n River Family Aquatic Center — Summer Swimming
For the summer months, Rock’n River Family Aquatic Center is Round Rock’s outdoor public aquatic center featuring waterslides, a lazy river, and a splash pad at City of Round Rock prices — much cheaper than Kalahari. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day and family-friendly and well-maintained. Kids Out and About Austin
It is the budget-friendly summer swimming answer for Round Rock families who want a proper water park experience without the full Kalahari resort commitment. The Rock Wall and 12-foot platform jump are the standout features that kids consistently talk about.
The Details
- Location: Inside Old Settlers Park, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock TX 78665
- Cost: City of Round Rock pricing, significantly less than Kalahari
- Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Best For: Budget-friendly family summer swimming
#13 Chisholm Trail Crossing Park and History
Round Rock sits on the historic Chisholm Trail, the legendary cattle drive route that connected Texas ranches to Kansas railheads in the years following the Civil War. The round rock that the city is named after provided a low water crossing for cattle drives and wagon trains. The wagon wheel ruts are still visible on the exposed rock in Brushy Creek. ATXtoday
Chisholm Trail Crossing Park preserves and interprets this history in a free outdoor setting along Brushy Creek. The historical markers, the creek setting, and the visible wagon ruts make it one of the most tangible connections to Texas frontier history available anywhere in the Austin area. It is a quick and genuinely interesting stop that most visitors skip and should not.
The Details
- Address: 654 Chisholm Trail Rd, Round Rock TX 78681
- Cost: Free
- Best For: History lovers, families, Texas history education
The Perfect Round Rock Day
Here is how to build the ultimate Round Rock day.
Morning: Start at Round Rock Donuts on West Liberty Avenue the moment they open. The original glazed is non-negotiable. Then head to Lake Travis Zipline Adventures for the best outdoor adventure within range of Round Rock. Book at laketraviszipline.com.
Afternoon: Return to Round Rock for a swim at Rock’n River Aquatic Center inside Old Settlers Park or a full afternoon at Kalahari Resorts for the family.
Evening: Round Rock Express game at Dell Diamond for one of the best minor league baseball experiences in Texas. Then downtown Round Rock for dinner and a walk through the historic district.
Day Trips from Round Rock
Round Rock’s central location makes it a natural base for exploring Central Texas.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is about 35 to 40 minutes away and the best outdoor adventure day trip from Round Rock by a wide margin. Book at laketraviszipline.com.
Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown is 15 minutes north — perfect for a quick summer afternoon escape from the heat.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg is about 1.5 hours from Round Rock — the best Hill Country day hike within range.
New Braunfels is about 1 hour south for Guadalupe River tubing and Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Downtown Austin is just 20 minutes south via I-35 — the Texas State Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, South Congress Avenue, and the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony all within easy reach.
Frequently Asked Questions — Best Things to Do in Round Rock TX
What is Round Rock Texas known for?
Round Rock is known as the Sports Capital of Texas — home to Dell Technologies global headquarters, Kalahari Resorts America’s largest indoor waterpark, the Round Rock Express AAA baseball team at Dell Diamond, and the legendary Round Rock Donuts since 1926. It is also consistently ranked one of the best places to live in Texas for families, safety, and quality of life. Kids Out and About Austin
What is the best thing to do in Round Rock TX?
The best thing to do in Round Rock TX is a morning at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, just 35 to 40 minutes away on Lake Travis. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers the adventure of a lifetime with five world-class ziplines — the last three lines are the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas. Tickets start at $88 per person. Book at laketraviszipline.com. Paramount Theatre
Is Kalahari Round Rock worth it?
Yes. Kalahari Round Rock is one of the top family attractions in Texas with 223,000 square feet of indoor waterpark including 30-plus waterslides, 20 pools, a wave pool, a lazy river, and Tom Foolery’s adventure park. Year-round operation makes it a destination regardless of weather. It is worth every penny for families who want a full-day or overnight experience. Kids Out and About Austin
How far is Round Rock from Austin?
Round Rock is approximately 20 to 25 minutes north of downtown Austin via I-35. It is well within easy day trip distance from Austin and equally accessible from San Antonio at about 90 minutes south via I-35.
What are the best free things to do in Round Rock TX?
The best free things to do in Round Rock TX include hiking the Brushy Creek Regional Trail, visiting the historic Round Rock at Brushy Creek and Chisholm Trail Crossing Park, exploring downtown Round Rock, Play For All accessible playground, Old Settlers Park sports and recreation areas, and watching Fourth of July fireworks at Old Settlers Park. One of Central Texas’s best Fourth of July fireworks shows takes place at Old Settlers Park — free to attend with live music, food vendors, and fireworks visible from much of the city. ATXtoday
Round Rock Is Worth the Trip
Round Rock has outgrown its reputation as just a suburb of Austin. The donuts are legendary. The baseball is genuine. The waterpark is the biggest in the country. The trails are beautiful. And the best outdoor adventure in Central Texas is just 35 minutes down the road.
Start with what matters most. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures now at laketraviszipline.com before your slot sells out. Then spend the rest of your Round Rock day working through this list.
For more Austin area inspiration check out our guides to the Best Things to Do in Austin TX, Best Things to Do on Lake Travis, and Best Summer Activities in Austin with Families.