Summer in Texas’ Hill Country is a time for music, fireworks, and other delights. In fact, there’s so much going on this summer near Bee Cave and Lakeway that you might just be overwhelmed by your choices. Should you attend a barbecue or go see a live band?

Don’t worry, because your friends at Tomasik Family Dental have you covered with this list of the best summer activities in our area. We’ve narrowed down all the summer possibilities to the most fun and convenient for you and your family.

Family Activities to Try this Summer

Try a mini summer day camp.

Summer day camp can be an excellent opportunity for kids to have fun while learning new skills, and also a welcome break for parents. The Lakeway Parks and Recreation Department has a listing of numerous summer camps. Themes range from intellectual skills, such as coding, to more physical activities like archery.

Prices vary, and each camp session lasts for five days. These are not overnight camps but rather a welcome chance to get the kids out of the house and doing something productive for about three to four hours a day.

Spend a day—or two—at Waterloo Adventures.

Located less than half an hour from Bee Cave is Waterloo Adventures on Lake Travis. This is not your typical water park. Rather, Waterloo Adventures is a floating obstacle course. Challenge yourself, your friends, and family with this awesome activity. Try to get the best time and cool off from the Texas heat all at once.

The course is open to those age seven and older. Also, you will need to make reservations before arriving. Waterloo Adventures only accepts credit cards, no cash or checks.

Go back in time with some big band music.

Come hear some of the best big band tunes around from the Republic of Texas Big Band. The Big Band Bash is held at the Lakeway Activity Center this summer on two dates, July 8th and August 12th. The massive band will feature vocal backing, and admission is free!

You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages, and feel free to join in on the dancing. All ages are admitted, and the doors open at 7:30 pm.

Next year, attend a July 4th parade.

Has summer already slipped away from you? Plan ahead for next year. The pinnacle of your summer fun could be Lakeway’s annual Independence Day celebration begins the morning of July 4th at 8:30 am with a parade down Lakeway Drive, starting at the Live Oak Golf Course. This year’s theme will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, and the grand marshal will be retired astronaut Captain Kenneth Cockrell.

The fun continues with music and a hot dog lunch at the parade’s destination. By the time the parade ends, you’ll still have plenty of time to make it to the next event on our list.

Plan ahead to celebrate America’s birth.

You really shouldn’t miss the Hill Country Independence Day Festival at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave. If you missed it this year, there’s always next year, though. This celebration may well be the highlight of the entire summer in Central Texas. The fun begins at 6:30 pm with live music from four bands. Did we mention that both admission and parking are free?

There’s so much going on at this annual festival. You can expect food, a petting zoo for the kids, and vendors selling handcrafted items. Don’t forget about the carnival games and rides, including water rides (bring swimsuits!). The night concludes at 9:45 pm with the largest fireworks show around.