Wish to get your children out on the water? Kayaking is a good family-friendly exercise that almost everybody of any age can get pleasure from.
Not solely does kayaking assist develop motor expertise, stability, and higher physique power, however it’s additionally a great deal of enjoyable and a good way to discover lakes and rivers.
As scorching and dry as Texas will be, it’s additionally dwelling to a shocking variety of family-friendly kayaking spots which might be typically located close to campsites, picnic spots, and delightful parks.
Listed below are ten of the most effective 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 referred to 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—a terrific place to cease paddling for some time and luxuriate in a refreshing dip.
Inks Lake is understood for its majestic sunrises, so if you may 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 easy waters are what Ladybird Lake affords households from throughout the US. This mild lake is extensively generally known as one of the metropolitan locations to kayak in Texas on account of its location, proper in Austin.
Simply watch out about spending time round this lake after darkish, because it tends to be a well-liked vacation spot for the occasional fruit bat—they received’t hassle you, however some children may discover them unsettling.
3. Mustang Island State Park, Bay Facet
With powdery delicate sand, crystal-clear waters, and the occasional dolphin pod, Mustang Island State Park needs to be on each Texas kayaker’s bucket record. Separated into two sides (the Gulf aspect and the bay aspect), Mustang Island has loads of house to roam the waters with out bumping into one other paddler for hours.
The one factor to remember 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 among the most beloved and standard kayaking websites in the entire of Texas. Discovered on the Gulf of Mexico strip, this park is protected by a breakwater and is understood for its shallow, swimming-friendly bay that draws many households on the weekend.
Due to the breakwater, Galveston’s waters are extraordinarily calm and delicate, making it the proper place to show younger ones how one can 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 concept 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 standard for swimmers, paddle boarders, picnic-ers, and kayakers alike. The crystalline waters are straightforward to see by way of and splendidly cool to swim in, so be certain your children convey their swimsuits.
There may be additionally a captivating number of timber close to the Guadalupe River, together with pine, sycamore, cypress, and even pecan. Quiet down below 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 among the greatest kayaking within the US. Its open waters make it extra acceptable for older children (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 to maintain an eye fixed out for any that may cross your path.
Earlier than you set out, it’s a good suggestion to make sure your entire household is aware of the fundamental guidelines, and Kayak Guru has a wonderful information that may assist with this. This can be sure that you all know what to do to remain protected when out on the water or when encountering boats or different obstacles.
7. Lake Bastrop
Lake Bastrop is a good place to go if you wish to expertise a couple of out of doors exercise. The 900-acre lake is surrounded by a wonderful pine forest, which is protected to hike in with children who’ve little expertise with that sort of terrain.
With calm, nonetheless waters that a number of fish name dwelling, Lake Bastrop is a superb 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 protected, 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 absorb whilst you paddle onward together with your children. There are nearly no rapids or hazardous spots to keep away from on the Colorado River, making it excellent for kids of all ages.
9. Lake Whitney
In 1951, Lake Whitney was created as an overflow for the Brazos River. Through the years, it’s grow to be one of the family-friendly places, 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. If in case you have little ones who’ve by no means kayaked earlier than, this can be a excellent 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 timber. The shore is beautiful 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 teenagers who need 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, in the event you and your children need to attempt to reel in a catch out of your kayaks. The water situations are typically delicate, besides in poor climate when it’s greatest to remain off the lake.
Any one among these family-friendly kayaking spots is right for taking your children on an unforgettable journey. Maybe it is going to be the primary of many!
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