It isn’t uncommon for Texas travelers to not know much about Round Rock, and, as a result, they just drive right through it on their way to Austin or Waco. However, this place makes for an eventful road trip stop or even a full-on weekend getaway! Round Rock TX is home to iconic things to do, like the largest indoor waterpark in the country, an underwater themed bowling alley, two-pound donuts, plus an abundance of parks, boutiques, and family-friendly activities!
Now that your interest has been piqued, when you’re on the hunt for fun things to do in Round Rock TX this weekend, you know exactly what to expect. Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide on where to eat in Round Rock to avoid any “hangry” episodes on your next Texas getaway.
P.S. – Don’t forget to check Groupon for the best deals on Round Rock activities
Our newest Texas Travel Guide lets you enjoy an exciting weekend getaway without overspending and with plenty of activities! It quickly pays for itself on your first trip. Prepare to be surprised by the hidden gems, global influences, and quirky attractions scattered across Texas!
Learn About Round Rock’s Namesake
Ever wondered where the city of Round Rock got its name? This weekend, you may have the chance to see a piece of Texas history in the flesh! In the waters of Brushy Creek, across from Chisholm Trail Crossing Park, you’ll find “Round Rock.”
In the 1850s, it was a local landmark for a low-water crossing that was used by travelers leading wagons and cattle across the creek. The rock itself has some wear on it—signs of the years that wagons rumbled over it.
What is Round Rock Texas Famous for?
Round Rock is known for mixing together a bit of everything: its history, sports, strong economy, schools, and fun things to do.
Bowl Underwater
Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill has to be one of the coolest bowling alleys in Texas! This immersive, underwater-themed bowling alley, arcade, and bar is floor-to-ceiling and covered in nautical details. You’ll see marine life hanging from the ceiling, pin setters shaped like crocodiles, sharks, and octopi, and blue lighting that mimics sunlight shining through the water.
A detailed, sunken ship hangs over the bar, surrounded by huge marlins and fish netting leading up to it. Graze on snacks, a fried shrimp basket, a fish and chips basket, or a variety of pizzas and kids’ meals.
There are also large dining rooms that resemble the belly of an elaborate pirate ship, fit for a captain, that you can rent for your next celebration! For even more things to do, you’ll find a Bass Pro Shop right next door.
Take a Dip in a Waterfall
Chisholm Trail Crossing Park itself was undergoing construction when we visited, but we were still able to take a dip in this gorgeous waterfall. Sit on the wall of the waterfall and soak up some rays or cool off in the water above the retaining wall before it flows into the beginnings of Brushy Creek.
Bring a packed lunch or some snacks to enjoy at the neighboring picnic tables. If you’re an avid fisherman, the waters right across the road (Brushy Creek) are shallow and calm enough that you’ll be able to see the fish swimming below.
Take a Pottery Class
You’ll feel at home at Merry’s Mud Pottery House, where you can take pottery classes and treat yourself to coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastries. These classes last a total of 6 weeks, with a class taking place once a week. You’ll get one-on-one instruction from owner Merry Smith since her classes only have a maximum of 7 people at one time. You’ll also be able to store your pottery over the course of the 6 weeks, so there’s no need to worry about transporting your supplies back and forth! If you live in the area, this is a great weekly activity where you can bond with your family, friends, significant other, or meet some new friends!
If you’re just visiting Round Rock for the weekend and are looking to add shopping at Merry Smith’s collection to your list of Round Rock best things to do, keep in mind that the shop’s hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. However, the pottery classes take place outside of these hours.
Shop Around Downtown Round Rock
If you don’t shop around downtown Round Rock’s boutiques and shops this weekend, you’re missing out. There are so many cute downtown shops to visit and support. At Hometown Gift & Decor, you’ll find Round Rock and Texas-themed souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and even a whole room full of the cutest baby clothes!
The Mercantile on Main/Haute Boutique is another local boutique full of clothes, shoes, and even more Texas-themed goods to raise your Southern Hospitality game. They also offer complimentary snacks, drinks, and popsicles!
For even more shopping adventures and the best things to do in Round Rock, pop into Rhae Boutique, Mays Street Boutique, Tammy Kay’s Boutique, and Cristales.
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Visit a Free Splash Pad
Whether you’re in need of some cooling off or the little ones are getting antsy while you’re shopping in downtown Round Rock, you’ll be able to do either at this free splash pad in Main Street Plaza. It’s a great family-friendly activity to add to your list of the best things to do, especially in the Texas heat!
Stay at the Ruby Hotel
This stylish, boutique hotel near downtown Round Rock includes a moody bar hitched to a patio overlooking Brushy Creek, a gym, an outdoor pool, as well as pet-friendly and accessible rooms.
The rooms come in blue or green with a furnished outdoor patio or balcony. Some of the rooms even overlook Brushy Creek for unforgettable views, no matter the time of day! Read about our stay at the Ruby Hotel and learn about how the Ruby Hotel came to fruition.
Taste Award-Winning Coffee
Mi Mundo Coffee is an intimate local coffee shop committed to sustainability. Although seating is limited (so choose the time you pop-in wisely if you plan to stay awhile), the abundance of plants and books will make it hard to leave.
Selling award-winning organic coffee and other local brands like Hempsy and Steer it Up, this Best of Round Rock 2020 winner is the perfect place to grab coffee before conquering your list of the best things to do this weekend.
Their menu includes breakfast tacos from Taco Deli until noon (or supplies last), as well as baked goods from Paige’s Bakehouse like an assortment of muffins, cinnamon rolls, and banana nut bread.
They also have an array of special lattes, including items like a White Blueberry Latte and a Red-Hot Chile Pepper Latte. When you visit Round Rock this weekend, see about them adding some colorful latte art to your morning fuel!
Where to Eat in Round Rock
We were happy to find an array of delicious international cuisine in Round Rock, including Indian, Hungarian and Colombian food. Of course, you can’t forget the famous Round Rock Donuts! Or have a picnic at Round Rock Memorial Park.
Check out our ultimate guide on where to eat in Round Rock for more, including where to find these iconic, Texas-sized donuts!
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Say Goodnight to the Round Rock Bats
Just before sunset, Round Rock’s own family of bridge bats under the McNeil Road and IH35 underpass take flight for the night to hunt. There are several places that you can park, free of charge, for a great view.
One of the best places to park is Holy Cross Coptic Orthodox Church. Visitors are just asked not to park on the church’s lawn and, rather, to park on the gravel road on the north side of the church.
Next door is AB&T Diesel Repair & Performance. Although there is limited parking, this may be a better place if you’re bringing along kiddos since the gravel road at the church is on some train tracks and near the frontage road.
We parked at the old Napa Auto Parts building at 601 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road. Although construction has caused the bats to fly out in the opposite direction, this is an empty parking lot with plenty of space.
Add this to your list of fun things to do in Round Rock for adults this weekend and be sure to bring along lawn chairs or a blanket and head coverings. For some other locations with uninhibited views of the bats, visit the Bats in Round Rock website.
Visit the Country’s Largest Indoor Waterpark
This has to be one of the most exciting things to do in Round Rock. Pack up the family and visit America’s largest indoor waterpark. There are lifeguards on duty throughout, lockers, an on-site bar and restaurant, Zulu Grill, seating spread throughout, cabanas for rent (some even have TVs and private hot tubs), a wave pool with a screen where they play music videos, a lazy river, an abundance of water slides, and even an outdoor pool if you’re looking to get some sun.
If you’re looking for a laid back, but fun getaway with your favorite person, Kalahari Waterpark also has a heated, adults-only swim up bar, with an indoor AND outdoor portion!
No matter who you’re visiting with, you can continue the fun for more than just one afternoon and stay at their on-site resort! You might just want to after you hear that this isn’t all there is to do at Kalahari Resorts Texas!
