Cedar Park Fun Blog

The title of this blog post demonstrates clearly that I am not a golfer. But after flying home from a trip recently, I watched a group of men lugging their golf clubs from the luggage carousel, apparently very concerned about the state of their clubs after the trip. This was my first clue. I also realized that many hotels and spas advertise golf courses, and since I am involved in promoting tourism in this area, I began to wonder why golfing had not occurred to me previously as a tourist activity.
After a few short conversations, it became very clear that visitors to Cedar Park do bring their clubs and enjoy the 9 public courses within 10-15 minutes of Cedar Park. Included in this list are Avery Ranch, Crystal Falls, Terra Vista, Balcones, Spicewood, Twin Creeks (semi-private) and the three courses in Lago Vista- which include Lago Vista, Highland Lakes, and Point Venture (a 9-hole course). According to the Tourism Advisory Board Chairman, Mel Kirkland, “most of the courses offer great views, including Lake Travis, the Hill Country, Brushy Creek, and glimpses of wildlife, rock formations, and wildflowers in the springtime, native Oaks, Elms, and many other native plants.” For those visitors who didn’t plan on the golfing opportunities in Cedar Park, the Cedar Park Driving Range is another chance to get out practice. The range offers 18 shaded stations with mats (10 with water misting systems), 12 grass practice stations, and over 100 golf clubs available for use free of charge.
As the chairman of the Tourism Advisory Board and owner of Kirkland Consulting, a custom landscaping company, Mel believes it is important to help visitors see the many activities in Cedar Park- many of which may not be traditional tourist attractions, but which offer the visitors opportunities to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and have a good experience overall in our city in between their visits to the Cedar Park attractions. Overall, Mel says that “ in spite of the ongoing drought, the courses are in good shape, are not terribly crowded, have good scheduling systems, and have online offers and discounts that make them attractive to golfers who may be here for business or vacation, and have a moment to get out and play”.
Whether you live in the area, or are visiting, take a moment to check out the area golf courses at Cedar Park Fun Golf.

1. The Austin Steam Train
Come join us on a fantastic journey through the Austin Hill Country. Our Hill Country Flyer and Bertram Flyer run nearly every weekend of the year providing riders with a memorable journey on Austin’s greatest rail adventure! Remember to check our Special Rides for not-to-be-missed theme adventures from Thomas The Tank Engine for the youngsters, to our always popular Murder Mystery night trains. Seating is limited and goes fast, so reserve your spot today. Visit www.AustinSteamTrain.org for more information.
2. Cedar Park Center
Cedar Park Center is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment arena located on the corner of 183A and New Hope Drive in Cedar Park, TX. Legendary country music artist George Strait performed in front of a sold-out crowd at Cedar Park Center’s Grand Opening celebration on September 25th, 2009, and since that time, Cedar Park Center continues to draw popular entertainers, groups, and performers. Home to Texas Stars Hockey and Austin Toros Basketball, the Center is a place you don’t want to miss. Visit www.CedarParkCenter.com for complete schedules and ticket information.
3. Brushy Creek Trail
The Brushy Creek Trail is a 6.75 mile trail with extensive landscaping and scenic views to enjoy. The trail has six parks which lie along it, which provide many different amenities accessible to walkers, runners and bikers. Together, the parks have a collaboration of splash pads, swimming areas, climbing rocks, fishing docks, canoeing and kayaking, disc golf, restrooms and multiple picnic and pavilion areas. For more information, you may view map, or take a look at all parks in the area at www.CedarParkFun.com.
4. Visit Caves
Why not schedule a trip to experience the Cedar Park “Cave Days”? There are over 750 known caves within Williamson County. Visitors will be able to hike several cave preserves, visit and enter Avery Ranch Cave, visit and enter Dies Ranch Treasure Cave and visit a 100 – year old log cabin. You may also see where the local Indians lived! If you can’t make “Cave Days” this year, the Texas Cave Conservancy has placed forty educational signs at the caves located in the Westside Preserve. Signs at each cave have information on endangered species…cave life, plants, and bats that make their home in the caves. Visit these caves year-round during daylight hours to learn more about these interesting features! Visit www.texascaves.org to learn more.
5. Splash in Lake Travis
Just eight miles from Cedar Park you can enjoy nature’s gift to the Hill Country: the Highland Lakes. The Highland Lakes of Central Texas consist of six lakes (Lake Travis is the lake near Cedar Park) along the Colorado River starting 85 miles northwest of Austin and ending in Austin. Whether you are into hike and bike trails, fishing, boating, or just having a good time at the lake, Lake Travis is the place for you.
6. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Located just north of Lake Travis, the primary purpose of the refuge is to conserve the nesting habitat of the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. Visit www.friendsofbalcones.org for events, trail maps, festivals, and hiking guides. Carefully managed hunts, bird watching, and hiking are all available at the Refuge.
7. Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park offers something for everyone! The 8,500 square foot outdoor family aquatic facility includes a large zero-depth (beach) area and playscape with a huge dump bucket for kids. Two lanes to accommodate lap swimmers, and a large dive platform and drop slide add to the fun. Many pavilions are available for rent throughout the facility for groups large and small. The park also features a 5-acre dog park with pond, showers, dog water fountains, and a separate park for small dogs. There is also a Memorial Hill, an amphitheater (rentable), a group pavilion (rentable), and basketball and tennis courts. Veterans Memorial Park is located at 2525 New Hope Drive. For information, please call 512-401-5500

8. Skate Park

For those with a different type of fun in mind- why not visit the Skate Park at Brushy Creek Sports Park? A custom-designed, in-ground skate park features mini bowl, large bowl, and a modern street course. The park is a nicely landscaped, family-friendly location at 2310 Brushy Creek Rd.

9. Williamson County Regional Park

Williamson County Regional Park offers eleven soccer fields, two softball fields, a football field circled by a 400-meter track, eight tennis courts, six basketball courts, a disc golf course, and a playscape. There is also a crushed granite hike and bike trail along the perimeter of the developed parkland for serious exercisers, or, you can take a ride on the Cedar Rock Railroad miniature train to view the landscapes and habitat the park has to offer, (www.cedarrockrailroad.com). Kids can also enjoy the new water splashpad with waterfalls, cannons, and sprays!

10. 1890 Ranch- Shop, Eat, and Relax

Visit the 1890 Ranch complex at the corner of Hwy 183A (Toll Road) and FM 1431 for a complete shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. With everything from spa experiences to movie theaters, restaurants, live music, and ice cream…the 1890 Ranch area provides visitors a variety of entertaining options.

Welcome to Cedar Park! While you’re here, we hope that you will enjoy the many offerings, both locally and regionally, that you can take advantage of for year-round entertainment. With a focus on affordable family activities, Cedar Park is the place to be for sports enthusiasts, or music and nature lovers. Join us in Cedar Park to take advantage of popular concerts, ride a vintage train, or explore our parks. Just check out our exciting calendar of events:
August 3rd: Ke$ha at Cedar Park Center
August 7th: Princess Flyer train ride
August 5th-6th- Monster Truck Jam at Cedar Park Center
August 13th and 27th: Summer Twilight Flyer train ride
August 20th AND September 17th: The Cattleman’s Ball Killing Dinner train rides
September 3rd: Bertram Oatmeal Festival train ride
September 4th: Splash Jam- Elizabeth Milburn Park
September 17th: Cave Day (www.TexasCaves.org)
September 23rd-25th: Day Out With Thomas ™ train ride
September 29th: Tiesto Club Life Tour at Cedar Park Center

While in Cedar Park, you may also enjoy our sport parks, skate parks, lake activities, kayaking, or hiking and biking trails. For a complete listing of all Cedar Park and regional events, online coupons, a restaurant guide, list of attractions, and fun- visit www.CedarParkFun.com. Cedar Park: Your Ticket to Fun in Central Texas!

Don’t forget about our “Stay and Play” Special: Book a room at any Cedar Park hotel and receive a free four-pack of tickets to ride the steam train! So make your hotel reservation now, then call 512-477-8468 ext. 2 and ask for the “Stay and Play” discount. The tickets will be delivered to your hotel.

Whether you are interested in exciting, one of a kind performances at Cedar Park Center, or are a nature lover who would like to immerse yourself in the area, June brings many activities to Cedar Park for locals and tourists alike!

Enjoy themed rides on a Vintage train all summer long! In June, take advantage of the following exciting train experiences and excursions, at www.austinsteamtrain.org:

** Stay & Play Special: Book a room at any Cedar Park hotel and receive a free four-pack of tickets to ride a steam train! The tickets will be delivered to your hotel.

• June 5th: Special Magic Flyer Train Ride
• June 11th: Summer Twilight Flyer Train Ride
• June 18th: “True Grit: An Outlaw’s Downfall” Dinner Train Ride
• June 19th: Special Father’s Day Flyer
• June 25th: Summer Twilight Flyer Train Ride
• Saturday June 18th, Christian rock sensations Hillsong United will perform live at the Cedar Park Center! The release of their newest album, AFTERMATH, reflects a thoughtful collaboration of every season of life and the Christian journey. Tickets can be purchased at www.cedarparkcenter.com.
• Thursday June 23rd through Saturday, June 25th – Join us for the Cedar Park Rodeo at the Cedar Park Center! Get ready for an action-packed evening of bull riding as Professional Bull Riders take part in the Cedar Park PBR Challenge on June 23rd and 24th. Finish out the weekend with an evening of professional rodeo action with the Cedar Park PRCA rodeo on June 24th and 25th. You will not want to miss these three nights of family entertainment!
  
  Visit www.cedarparkcenter.com for ticket prices and information.

  ** NEW! Book an overnight stay at any Cedar Park hotel on June 23, 24, or 25 and receive FREE shuttle service to and from the Rodeo. Save on parking and make your visit to Cedar Park more relaxing and enjoyable.

For a complete listing of all Cedar Park and regional events, online coupons, a restaurant guide, list of attractions, and fun – visit www.CedarParkFun.com.