There’s no better place to enjoy the transition to fall than Round Rock, Texas. Located just 30 minutes north of Austin, this charming city is not only one of the top places to live in the U.S., but it’s also one of the best places to visit. Round Rock has it all, from the country’s largest indoor waterpark to great shopping and live music. Savor delectable food and drink, including world-famous golden donuts made by hand since 1926. Whether you’re saying goodbye to summer and saying hello to autumn, or escaping for some Labor Day fun, Round Rock is the place to be.
1. Combine a Relaxing Stay with Splashy Good Fun at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
A kid’s dream and a parent’s salvation, the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the ultimate family vacation spot. Why? Because along with this full-service resort’s well-appointed rooms, fine dining, and a luxe spa, there’s also the world’s largest indoor waterpark. An overnight hotel stay gives you full access to the park as early as 12 pm on arrival day through the end of the day after check out.
No matter the weather outside, visitors can take advantage of this indoor waterpark’s 22 slides and experiences, from the free-falling Screaming Hyena, a vertical slide that starts 60-feet above the park floor, to the Tanzanian Twister and its 40-mph trip around a funnel flume into a pool below.
Need something tamer? Bob along the lazy river or enjoy the zero-depth-entry water play areas that kids can’t resist. Adults won’t want to miss the Grotto Swim Up Bar, where the setting is as Instagram-worthy as the drinks.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions also features a seasonal outdoor waterpark and Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park, an indoor fun zone chock-full of rides, games, food, and more. Bigger kids will love the chance to flip, spin, and twist on its new G-Force One ride, which swings like a massive pendulum. You’ll find all sorts of surprises around every corner at the zany Hall of Mirrors, where each wrong turn leads you deeper into adventure. There’s endless fun for all ages to enjoy at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.
2. Hear Live Music Under a Texas Sky at Round Rock Amp
Live music, community events, and high-energy festivals abound in Round Rock, and one of the newest and most exciting venues is Round Rock Amp. There’s no limit to the different music genres that hit the stage at this 18-acre site, from rock-and-roll, to hip hop, to alt-country. Take advantage of counter-order dining and a full bar as you listen to your favorite band play under a big open Texas sky. You’ll soon see why Round Rock Amp is the place to be.
3. Test Your Golf Skills at Top Rated Forest Creek Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf smack dab in the middle of beautiful Round Rock at the award-winning Forest Creek Golf Course, recognized as one of the top public golf courses in Central Texas. Known for its quality play, this meticulously maintained 7,147-yard, par-72 course features a periphery of native trees, undulating greens, and soft hills.
Some holes are especially tough, throwing down interesting slopes along with water and sand traps. The birdsong in the background in this lovely setting just might ease the pain of a missed shot! Before your day on the links, get some strokes in at the practice range, complete with a putting green and short-game complex. Afterwards, raise a glass with your crew at the full-service bar and grill.
4. Find Great Deals on Designer Apparel at Round Rock Premium Outlets
Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, Nike, Polo, and Banana Republic are just a few of the stores to explore at Round Rock Premium Outlets, home to 125 retailers, dining, and entertainment options. Pick up the perfect sneakers, a new fragrance, or a boss lady suit.
See a flick and get your nails done. Stroll along the attractive courtyards and fill your shopping bags with fly ‘fits for back-to-school or a fashion-forward look for fall outings. Savor some Tex-Mex at Santiago’s Cantina or recharge your batteries with a specialty coffee from Starbucks.
There’s plenty to keep you busy at this premium shopping experience for days on end.
5. Take Down the Texas Sized Donut at Iconic Round Rock Donuts
A history that spans almost 100 years gives Round Rock Donuts plenty of street cred, but combine that with its distinct yellow dough and famed two-pound Texas Size Donut, and you have the stuff of legend.
Fans line up daily for Round Rock Donut’s finger-lickin’ confections, known for golden-hued dough whose color comes from fresh eggs. Opt for glazed, chocolate iced, or choose another treat from a line-up that includes apple fritters, cinnamon twists, donut holes, cake donuts, kolaches, and more. Everything on the menu is worth a sample, but don’t miss the behemoth Texas-Sized Donut. Many are called but few are chosen to indulge in this pillowy circle of sweetness, which requires two hands for holding. Succeed, and they’ll be calling you “lord of the rings!”
Ease into your Round Rock getaway with a weekend at the stylish new Embassy Suites next to the Round Rock Premium Outlet Mall, or book a relaxing stay at the boutique Ruby Hotel & Bar, whose modern vibe is set against the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek. Friendly people, exceptional attractions, and accommodations for every taste and price range, Round Rock is a fantastic fall-season destination you’ll remember for years to come.