Need to get your youngsters out on the water? Kayaking is a superb family-friendly exercise that virtually everybody of any age can get pleasure from.
Not solely does kayaking assist develop motor expertise, steadiness, and higher physique power, however it’s additionally a great deal of enjoyable and a good way to discover lakes and rivers.
As sizzling and dry as Texas will be, it’s additionally residence to a stunning variety of family-friendly kayaking spots which can be usually located close to campsites, picnic spots, and delightful parks.
Listed here are ten of one of the best kid-friendly kayaking spots within the Lone Star State.
10 Greatest Locations To Take Your Youngsters Kayaking In Texas
1. Inks Lake State Park
Near Austin is a wonderful physique of water known as Inks Lake State Park. This tranquil, huge lake has an abundance of various kayak routes, together with one which results in the Valley Spring Creek Waterhole—an awesome place to cease paddling for some time and luxuriate in a refreshing dip.
Inks Lake is thought for its majestic sunrises, so if you will get the children collectively early sufficient, a daybreak household paddle could make for a core reminiscence expertise.
2. Ladybird Lake
Turtles, ladybirds, and miles of clean waters are what Ladybird Lake provides households from throughout the US. This mild lake is extensively often known as one of the vital metropolitan locations to kayak in Texas because of its location, proper in Austin.
Simply watch out about spending time round this lake after darkish, because it tends to be a preferred vacation spot for the occasional fruit bat—they received’t trouble you, however some youngsters may discover them unsettling.
3. Mustang Island State Park, Bay Facet
With powdery comfortable sand, crystal-clear waters, and the occasional dolphin pod, Mustang Island State Park ought to be on each Texas kayaker’s bucket checklist. Separated into two sides (the Gulf facet and the bay facet), Mustang Island has loads of house to roam the waters with out bumping into one other paddler for hours.
The one factor to keep in mind about Mustang Island is that the street main as much as it’s fairly rural, so that you’d want entry to a automotive that may deal with a number of bumps.
4. Galveston Island State Park, Bay Facet
Galveston has over 32 miles of seashores, and Island State Park in Bay Facet is without doubt one of the most beloved and well-liked kayaking websites in the entire of Texas. Discovered on the Gulf of Mexico strip, this park is protected by a breakwater and is thought for its shallow, swimming-friendly bay that pulls many households on the weekend.
Due to the breakwater, Galveston’s waters are extraordinarily calm and delicate, making it the right place to show younger ones paddle for the primary time.
You’ll be able to paddle intuitively or comply with the path as laid out by the reserve. There may be additionally a close-by campsite if your loved ones likes the thought of a multi-day kayaking journey.
5. Guadalupe River
Discovered within the middle of Hill Nation, this lovely river is a family-friendly kayaking hotspot that’s well-liked for swimmers, paddle boarders, picnic-ers, and kayakers alike. The crystalline waters are straightforward to see by and splendidly cool to swim in, so be certain that your youngsters convey their swimsuits.
There may be additionally a captivating number of bushes close to the Guadalupe River, together with pine, sycamore, cypress, and even pecan. Quiet down underneath the greens after a tranquil journey throughout the river.
6. Possum Kingdom State Park
With greater than 300 miles of shoreline to discover, Possum Kingdom has a few of the finest kayaking within the US. Its open waters make it extra applicable for older youngsters (12 and up) or households who’ve a bit extra expertise with paddling away from the shore. As a result of scale of Possum Kingdom, there’s additionally the occasional motorboat to look out for, so be certain that to maintain a watch out for any which may cross your path.
Earlier than you set out, it’s a good suggestion to make sure your entire household is aware of the essential guidelines, and Kayak Guru has a wonderful information that may assist with this. This can make sure that you all know what to do to remain secure when out on the water or when encountering boats or different obstacles.
7. Lake Bastrop
Lake Bastrop is a superb place to go if you wish to expertise a couple of outside exercise. The 900-acre lake is surrounded by a wonderful pine forest, which is secure to hike in with youngsters who’ve little expertise with that type of terrain.
With calm, nonetheless waters that a number of fish name residence, Lake Bastrop is a wonderful place to start out your loved ones’s kayaking journey in Texas.
8. Colorado River
One of many longest rivers in America, the Colorado River is famend for providing secure, entry-level kayaking situations that the entire household can get pleasure from. A big, broad river mouth and lengthy, winding path make this river straightforward to navigate and supply loads of pure surroundings to soak up when you paddle onward together with your youngsters. There are nearly no rapids or hazardous spots to keep away from on the Colorado River, making it excellent for youngsters of all ages.
9. Lake Whitney
In 1951, Lake Whitney was created as an overflow for the Brazos River. Over time, it’s develop into one of the vital family-friendly areas, not only for kayaking however for anybody who enjoys watersports and fishing.
One of many prettiest lakes in Texas, Lake Whitney has calm waters and loads of coves, marinas, and seashores. You probably have little ones who’ve by no means kayaked earlier than, it is a great spot to get them began, because the lake is large, and you’ll select a secluded spot with straightforward entry and exit to the water.
10. Lake O’ The Pines
Dwelling as much as its identify, Lake O’ The Pines is a reservoir surrounded by towering pine bushes. The shore is gorgeous and shady, and there are many parks, campgrounds, restroom amenities, playgrounds, and picnic spots dotted across the lake.
There are a number of seashores that make launching light-weight kayaks even simpler and are nice for youths who wish to keep near the shore. The lake has a floor space of 18,680 acres, so that you’ll by no means run out of locations to discover, and there’s good fishing, too, when you and your youngsters wish to attempt to reel in a catch out of your kayaks. The water situations are typically delicate, besides in poor climate when it’s finest to remain off the lake.
Any considered one of these family-friendly kayaking spots is right for taking your youngsters on an unforgettable journey. Maybe it is going to be the primary of many!
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