Educational Texas Roadschool Route and Where to Camp
There’s a lot of uncertainty about the upcoming school year, and all types of questions are weighing heavily on parents and their children. Will there be school? What will it look like? Do I want my kids to go or not to go? The questions are endless – but so are the opportunities to help your children continue to learn new things in non-traditional ways through roadschooling. Here the classroom takes place in new destinations as families hit the road and incorporate what they experience into the curriculum.
What is roadschooling?
While it might sound daunting, roadschooling is just combining travel and hands-on experiences with state-regulated curriculum. Instead of learning about the Texas Revolution through an online textbook and fill-in-the-blank worksheets, you could learn about it by touring the Alamo, or visiting a museum. Or take science class outdoors and visit a nearby National Park. Study the plant life and animals you encounter there rather than looking at diagrams.
We’re all hoping that daily life will return to normal soon. However during this strange time, take this opportunity to hit the open road on a family learning experience that your kids will never forget. Whether you’re considering roadschooling for the entire school year or just a week, this Texas route is a great option for all families.
What should my route be?
Pack up your bags and hit the open road – we’ve created a route with campground stays and educational destinations along the way. Whether you’re considering roadschooling for the entire school year or just a week, this Texas route is a great option for all families.
Stop 1: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Guadalupe River in Kerrville, TX
Camping, along with the great outdoors, offers tons of educational opportunities for kids to experience new things. So while you’re in the Texas Hill Country, take advantage of the nearby educational experiences that can be found. And while you’re at the campground take advantage of the convenient Wifi, allowing you to not miss a beat on your lesson plan.
Museum of Western Art: A great opportunity to learn about Western heritage through Western art history. Since its opening in 1983, thousands of visitors have viewed the museum’s galleries and seen the West brought to life through the various pieces of artwork. Exhibits feature cowboys, Native Americans, women of the West, settlers, mountain men, and more.
Cave Without a Name: Take a drive to Cave Without a Name, a natural, living cavern located in the Texas Hill Country. Take a 60-minute tour and see spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites, rimstone dams, delicate soda straws, and more! Plus, it’s only 66 degrees year-round – a great way to beat the Texas heat while learning about geology. Tours can be made by reservation and size may be limited as the destination is putting precautions in place to protect the health of both employees and guests.
Stop 2: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Fredericksburg, TX
Whether you are looking for a roadschool getaway destination or a place to stay while visiting the area, this Camp-Resort offers accommodations and amenities to fit your needs! Located just outside historic Fredericksburg, it’s a great launchpad for a lesson plan in history, geology, and horticulture.
Enchanted Rock: There are plenty of geology opportunities to be had at this pink granite mountain located 17 miles north of Fredericksburg. You can explore nearly 11 miles of hiking trails, rock climb, picnic, study nature, and stargaze. For a guided educational experience, attend a nature hike led by a park ranger, or contact the park for special tours for your group. Or better yet, have your children become Junior Rangers where they’ll receive an Activity Guide and borrow an explorer pack.
Wildseed Farms: A lesson plan in horticulture waiting to be had. With rows and rows of colorful wildflowers at Wildseed Farms, stop by anytime from March through October and you’ll be able to see fields of beautiful wildflowers blooming. You can also buy wildflower seeds during your visit, along with a variety of other options at the live plant nursery.
Stop 3: Blazing Star in San Antonio, TX
This RV Resort combines modern luxury with the picturesque countryside of the Texas Hill Country. Here all cabins and campsites allow for the full vantage point of the scenery. Take your studies outside with a history lesson at the Alamo, followed by a geology lesson at Natural Bridge Caverns.
The Alamo: Though the Alamo is currently closed for tours, while in the area we recommend stopping by just to see Texas’ most visited historic landmark. Home of the famous 1836 battle, the beautiful 300-year-old former Spanish mission turned fortress, there are many important reasons to “remember the Alamo.” You can also check out their online lesson plans before visiting!
Natural Bridge Caverns: Go on a guided adventure at 180-feet below ground and travel through the most extensive caves just 40 minutes away from the campground. Here you’ll find endless opportunities for a lesson in history and science within these unique, natural formations that you’ll learn all about from your knowledgeable guide. Purchase your ticket in advance, capacity is monitored and limited on tours and inside buildings to increase physical distancing opportunities.
Stop 4: Hill Country Cottage and RV Resort in New Braunfels, TX
With 250 RV sites and more than 100 vacation rentals on 32-acres of gorgeous grounds, there’s plenty of room for all. During your stay, take advantage of the campsite amenities, including two pools and access to campground Wifi. If you’re looking for local experiences to add to your curriculum, find historic attractions less than 30 minutes away in Gruene or a biology lesson at the local zoo.
Gruene Historic District: A great experience to explore a historic town with rustic Texas feels. Established by Henry D. Gruene in 1872, this historic district was originally populated by German cotton farmers dating back to before the Civil War. Gruene started becoming a ghost town after the boll weevil plague that hit the small town in the 1920s.
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo: Through hands-on, education, and conservation-based programs and interactive shows, visitors are given the opportunity to make genuine connections that will last a lifetime. Join in on the fun while learning how to protect biodiversity, promote animal welfare, and encourage sustainable living practices.
Stop 5: Oak Forest RV Resort in Austin, TX
The perfect “home away from home,” Oak Forest is located just 10 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. However, you wouldn’t know it by the serene sounds and vistas. Not only is the park an amazing place to get away while staying connected to Wifi, but a great destination for tons of educational attractions to explore nearby.
Capitol Building: Though the capital building is temporarily closed, there are plenty of sites to take in on the grounds. Download the monument guide and explore 22 acres of monuments, historic buildings, trees, and beautifully landscaped lawns. The grounds are a great place to explore, enjoy a picnic, or learn more about the history of Texas.
Bat Watching: Texas’ natural beauty is always a part of everyday life in Austin, with no example more profound than the Congress Bridge bat colony. From mid-March until October, you can find 1.5 million bats taking residence under the bridge. Many emerge to feed at dusk, providing one of the most spectacular sights. To see it for yourself, find a spot on top of the bridge, in the Statesman Bat Observation Center, or from the Butler Trail on the north and south banks of the Colorado River.
This year looks a little different, and so might the classroom with roadschooling! Make it a year they’ll never forget with first-hand learning experiences, campground stays, and educational destinations along the way! Looking to add more destinations to your route? Campspot makes it simple to search for parks and campsites that offer Wifi through a filter when searching for a camping destination.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some activities may be closed until further notice or open with restrictions + limited hours. For the most up to date information, please check the status of each attraction. Please bring and wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth while in any public space.