Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, hosting out-of-town guests, or looking for things to do before or after your event at Settles Point, Central Texas offers a rich mix of outdoor adventure and family-friendly fun. Here are five standout activities within easy driving distance to enjoy this weekend.
Stillhouse Hollow Lake & Parks
- Location: Just minutes from Settles Point, near Harker Heights
- What to Expect: Boating, fishing, swimming, and camping around a 6,430-acre reservoir. Multiple parks like Dana Peak and Stillhouse Park offer everything from swim beaches to volleyball courts and hiking trails.
- Family Friendly? Absolutely! Great for day trips or overnight camping with kids.
- More Info: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Stillhouse Lake
Chalk Ridge Falls Park
- Location: Near Stillhouse Dam along the Lampasas River
- What to Expect: A hidden gem with a scenic waterfall, shallow creek crossings, a cable bridge, and a peaceful 3-mile loop trail.
- Family Friendly? Yes, though water shoes are a plus for kids who want to splash.
- More Info: AllTrails – Chalk Ridge Falls
Cameron Park Zoo
- Location: Waco, roughly 45 miles northwest of Settles Point
- What to Expect: A lush 52-acre zoo featuring over 1,200 animals and shaded paths perfect for summer visits.
- Family Friendly? Extremely. It’s one of Waco’s top attractions for kids.
- More Info: Cameron Park Zoo
Waco Mammoth National Monument
- Location: Also in Waco, ideal for pairing with a zoo visit
- What to Expect: Tour the nation’s only preserved nursery herd of Columbian mammoths, with 25+ skeletons uncovered on-site. Includes walking trails and interactive exhibits.
- Family Friendly? Definitely—a hit with curious kids and dino-lovers alike.
- More Info: National Park Service – Waco Mammoth
Inner Space Cavern
Inner Space Cavern
- Location: Georgetown, about an hour from Settles Point
- What to Expect: Guided cave tours through awe-inspiring limestone formations and prehistoric discoveries, plus above-ground attractions like a zipline.
- Family Friendly? Yes, with kid-friendly tours and a constant 72°F to beat the heat.
- More Info: Inner Space Cavern
Plan Your Weekend at Settles Point
These local attractions pair perfectly with a stay at Settles Point, your Central Texas base for events, reunions, and extended stays. Our spacious accommodations offer a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring, while nearby dining and shopping make it easy to enjoy the best of Harker Heights and beyond.
For more ideas on what to do while you’re here—or to start planning your own special gathering—check out our Events Page or contact us for personalized recommendations.