In the midst of COVID-19, summer waltzed its way into the Guadalupe Valley. Although varying degrees of re-opening have happened, social distancing and limiting patron capacity are precautions still being observed at most places. This has been the cause of many canceled summer festivals and seasonal travel plans, leaving some families wondering what to do instead. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of places your family can visit and things to do in and around the area to help stave off boredom and summertime blues.
ZDT’s Amusement Park, Seguin
ZDT’s is a great, small local amusement park right in the heart of Seguin. GoKarts, the Parachute Drop, and video game arcade and water park area are just a few attractions this family entertainment center has to offer. The park has re-opened to the public with precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their guest such as limited park capacity, sanitation of rides and video games after uses, and reducing the number of and spreading out tables in the eating area. You can find a full list of safety steps being taken, along with more information about the park and attractions on ZDT’s website.
Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre, New Braunfels
Take a step back in time and enjoy an evening under the stars with the family at this modernized drive-in experience with a retro feel. They’ve got your movies snacks covered as well, with concessions at the on-site 50’s Café. Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre is a great way to enjoy open-air, cinematic family fun while easily practicing social distancing. Check out their website or Facebook page for features, showtimes and more information.
The Lynn Theater, Gonzales; The Grand Theater, Yoakum; Cole Theatre, Hallettsville
If you prefer indoor movie viewing, you don’t have to wait for the big, multi-screen facilities to re-open. Check out the smaller movie houses in your area. The Lynn, The Grand and Cole Theatre are all family-owned, historical sites offering great movie experiences and concessions. These local marquee theaters are open for great family fun, showing throw-back features while awaiting new releases from studios. Find them on Facebook for feature times, safety standards being observed, and some interesting tidbits about their origins.
Schlitterbahn and Splashway Water Parks
Schlitterbahn is one of the best-known water parks in Texas, and it’s practically in our own back yard in New Braunfels! They are now open for season passholders, however reservations are required due to limited capacity, so be sure to call ahead of your visit.
A smaller water park in our area, located outside of Hallettsville on U.S. Highway 90-A, 20 minutes south of I-H 10, is Splashway in Sheridan. This family-fun spot offers a water park and campgrounds, including RV and tent sites or cabin and cottage rentals. While Covid-19 precautions are in place, their website assures water park ticket purchases at the gate aren’t a problem for capacity limitations.
Palmetto State Park
Palmetto State Park, located in Gonzales County, boasts being “a little piece of the tropics” with a variety of plant life, including its namesake dwarf palmettos, growing under the taller tree canopies. Swimming, tubing, fishing and canoeing are some wet ways to keep cool at the park. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are also available to rent. Land lovers can find fun adventure on the hike or bike trails. You can even go on a modern-day treasure hunt with geocaching.
As Dorothy Said…
“There’s no place like home.” But having some fun places to visit that are close-to-home may help if you get an itch to get away—even if it’s just down the road, for a day or two. We hope you’ll have the opportunity to check out some of these great places in the area this summer.
Due to COVID-19 updates, changing or new executive orders and other restrictions, information in this article is subject to change. We suggest contacting these locations before heading there for up-to-date policies, procedures or operational changes.
