# Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve > Place to go for families in the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos area (TX). Times are Central Time. - When: Trails open daily; weekdays sunrise to sunset without reservation; weekends and federal… - Where: Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 - Ages: all ages - Price: Weekdays free; weekends/holidays adults $5, youth 6–17 $3, ages 1–5 free; fee waivers available - Schedule: Trails open daily; weekdays sunrise to sunset without reservation; weekends and federal holidays by three-hour reserved hiking pass. Visitor Gallery Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m. and 8:30–11:30 a.m. on the first and second Saturday. - Organizer: St. Edward's University Wild Basin Creative Research Center - Official page: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/wildbasinwildernesspreserve/items/310060/?flow=577453&full-items=yes - Last checked: Sat, Oct 24 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 32 metro areas as of Oct 24, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-10-24), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/austin/activities/wild-basin-wilderness-preserve--listing-0479c9f510a6ba1e1a781597 ## About Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve protects 227 acres of Hill Country just off Loop 360 in west Austin and was the city's first nature preserve, set aside in 1976 and now co-managed by Travis County and St. Edward's University. Almost three miles of trails drop from the hilltop Creative Research Center down to Bee Creek, so families can pick their distance: the 0.6-mile Arroyo Vista loop reaches a scenic overlook and suits small legs, the 1.5-mile Creek Loop adds creek crossings, and the steep, rocky Woodland Trail and the nearly two-mile Yaupon Loop are better for older kids. The visitor gallery has interactive exhibits, restrooms and water during its open hours. It is a true preserve rather than a park, so pets, swimming and fishing are not allowed and closed-toe shoes and carried water are a must. Weekday entry is free with no reservation; weekends and federal holidays need a timed hiking pass booked ahead. ## Similar picks in Austin - [Alpaca Pumpkin Picnic at Laura's Library](https://grassyknees.com/austin/activities/alpaca-pumpkin-picnic-at-laura-s-library--listing-05b4dd6ae40a487755ebe180) — Sat, Oct 24 · 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Laura's Library (Laura Bush Community Library) · checked Oct 16. A fall morning on the grounds of Laura's Library with alpacas from Texas Party Animals and pumpkin crafts. From 10:30 am to 12:30 pm families can meet the alpacas, and the Donut… - [Boo at the Zoo Nights](https://grassyknees.com/austin/activities/boo-at-the-zoo-nights--listing-21788f932b2b2b8036df72b2) — Sat, Oct 24 · Austin Zoo · Paid · checked Oct 14. 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