The Best Things to Do in Round Rock, TX With Kids

Seeing a baseball game is one of the best things to do in Round Rock, TX.

Round Rock Express

Taking in a baseball game at Dell Diamond is one of the best things to do in Round Rock, TX with kids, so put it on your must-do list. Their season kicks off in March and goes through September, so there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage.

There’s so much to love about going to these games: the affordable ticket prices, the fact that there isn’t a bad seat in the stadium, the Fun Zone in center field, and fantastic food options like BBQ, pizza, vegan options like a portabella mushroom cheesesteak, Carne Asada fries, and of course, popcorn and other classic baseball snacks.

Kalahari Resorts

Quite possibly the biggest and best indoor waterpark resort in Texas, there is 350,000 square feet of water fun to be had at Kalahari Resorts. Ride the Barrelling Balloon, play ball in the Lost Lagoon, or surf the FlowRider in the indoor park, and enjoy the sunshine, bubble parties, and lazy river in the outdoor waterpark.

Kids will love Tom Foolerys games and arcades area, and don't miss the massive milkshakes at B-Lux Grill & Bar and the gourmet mac and cheese at MACS. Little ones will enjoy the activities and crafts at Adventurers Club, and everyone will love the candy shops, Build-A-Bear, escape room, and mini golf.

There are various types of rooms and suites that work for different types of families, and parking is super easy.

Chisholm Trail Crossing Park

This park is the entrance to the Chisholm walking trail and a great point to see the famous Round Rock. To get a peak at the famous landmark, once marked a safe place for wagon, horse, and cattle crossing, head for the bridge near the Longhorn Cattle sculptures and walk over until can take a peek. If you head in the other direction, you’ll stroll past Brushy Creek Falls down a paved path that takes you along the creek.

The City Arts Center

This free cultural space has rotating exhibits, and many feature local artists. During the holidays, there’s a popular model train exhibit that's especially fun for kids.

Play for All Park

If your kids need to burn some energy and want to enjoy being outdoors, this 51,000-square-foot park is perfect. It’s designed to be accessible to people of all abilities and is divided into different play pods.

There’s a race track, a miniature city complete with sidewalks, an adventure pod filled with climbing nets, a music pod, a playscape with slides, ramps, and balancing elements, a nature pod for connecting with natural materials, and a retreat pod for those who need to practice sensory regulation.

Downtown Round Rock

Round Rock’s downtown has all the charm of a historic Texas city with modern appeal like great restaurants, fun shops, and community events. Grab a bite at Finley’s, Recuerdos, or Backporch Social, and indulge in your sweet tooth at Paige’s Bakehouse or 3 Star Candy Shop.

If the kids are patient enough, browse interesting boutiques like Hometown Gift and Decor for gorgeous kitchenware, jewelry, and locally-made items. Or, explore Unearthed, a cool spot with gems, minerals, fossils, plants, and more.

Music on Main is an ongoing live entertainment series that happens at the Prete Main Street Plaza stage on Wednesday nights. Dine al fresco, and let the kids enjoy face painting and balloon artists. The 2025 season starts in March.

The Best Restaurants in Round Rock, TX for Families

Some of the best restaurants in Round Rock, TX are downtown, like Backporch Social. 

Backporch Social

This restaurant opened fairly recently, and between its downtown location, the incredible open space with lawn games, and the indoor arcade, it’s well on its way to being known as one of the best restaurants in Round Rock, TX to take kids.

Enjoy watching sports on the big screen, grab a table, and order shareable items like loaded nachos, cheese sticks, and chips and queso, or go for hearty entrees like burgers, Frito Pie, and sausage Hoagies. Kids will especially love the frozen Coke when the summer heat kicks in!

Hat Creek Burger

Everyone’s favorite fast casual family-friendly restaurant is ideally located near Dell Diamond and Kalahari Resorts. The combination of yummy burgers, tater tots, adult beverages, and a playground is why it’s a parent’s happy place.

Unicorniverse European Bakery & Cafe

Stepping into this vegan, European-inspired bakery is like walking into a magical dream. The whimsical decor like chandeliers, gold fixtures, and robin’s egg blue banquets and chairs fills the space, and decadent treats like macarons, mousse cakes, cream-filled, house-made croissants are enough to tempt your taste buds, but the afternoon tea, sandwiches, and coffee drinks will put you over the edge. And guess what? Everything is so good, you won’t miss the dairy or eggs.

Finley’s

A classic American-style restaurant with smash burgers, wings, loaded fries, mac and cheese, and salads combined with ample patio space make this downtown Round Rock spot a best-best for families looking for a good meal.

Paige’s Bakehouse

Another downtown destination, Paige’s Bakehouse is the perfect place to grab cookies, baby cakes, and cake pops when a sweet tooth strikes. They also have iced specialty drinks, gourmet rice krispie treats, and vegan cake options.

Recuerdos Tex Mex

If you're craving tacos, queso, fajitas, and enchiladas, this might be one of the best restaurants in Round Rock, TX to get your fix. They are also known for their breakfast tacos, so if you’re up early enough, grab one or 10.

Round Rock Donuts

Okay, this isn't really a restaurant, but you can't visit Round Rock without stopping by their world-famous donut shop! They've been using the same recipe since the shop opened in 1926, and when we say you've never tasted donuts like these—we mean it. 

The Best Hotels in Round Rock, TX for Families

Kalahari Resorts is one of the best hotels in Round Rock, TX for families.

Kalahari Resorts

If you want to go all in on a water park vacation, booking a room or suite at Kalahari Resorts is a must. Your room fee includes entrance to indoor and outdoor water attractions and the various kids’ club activities happening throughout the day. There are so many restaurants and shops here that you could get away with staying at the resort for your entire stay, but with all the fun things to do in Round Rock, TX, you’ll want to venture out a few times.

Room options vary from singles with double, queen, and king beds up to luxe suites with three bedrooms, a living room, and a mini kitchenette. Every room has a mini fridge and a microwave which can help cut down on food costs if you don’t want to eat at the restaurants for every meal.

The Ruby Hotel

This boutique hotel is situated along Brushy Creek and from the gardens to the pool and the 180-degree creek views, it’s one of the best hotels in Round Rock, TX for a charming weekend away. Just four blocks from downtown and just under 4 miles from Dell Diamond, you’ll have proximity to some of the best places to spend time with family.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

This hotel is just one exit from Kalahari Resorts and Dell Diamond, offers free hot breakfast, has BBQ grills, an outdoor pool, a grab-and-go convenience store, suites with a kitchenette and eating space, and it’s pet-friendly!

Staybridge Suites Austin-Round Rock

This hotel in Round Rock, TX is nothing but suites—perfect for families. Enjoy snacks from The Pantry whenever the mood strikes, fill up on a free continental breakfast, enjoy the outdoor pool when the weather is right, and bring your furry friends along for the trip.

All images by the author.