Leander is a small city tucked into the beautiful Texas Hill Country, located about 30 minutes outside of Austin and an easy drive from Lake Travis. It’s a popular destination because of its captivating landscapes and access to nearby attractions. With so much to explore, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Leander, TX.
1. Discover the Leander Trail of Trains
One of the most well-known attractions around Leander, Texas, is the Leander Trail of Trains. Around the city, there are beautifully painted trains located in front of parks, fire stations, and other businesses. Using clues from the Trail of Trains Photo Scavenger Hunt brochure, your family can identify the trains.
There are prizes for doing the scavenger hunt, but the real treat is that the hunt itself is a great way for you to find out where everything is around the city and discover other things to do in Leander.
2. Enjoy a Morning Pick-Me-Up
For those who want a morning pick-me-up to start their day, there are several favorites. Perky Beans Coffee & PB Café offers delicious coffee drinks like the shop’s signature latte, the Boss. Instill Coffee Co. serves unique specialty drinks with different adaptogenic ingredients.
Casa Costa Bake Shop not only brews quality coffee but also offers pastries and other tasty treats with Portuguese and Brazilian influences to give your morning a flavorful kick.
3. Participate in Leander’s Community Festivities
Seasonal events and festivals are a big part of Leander’s charm. There are a variety of attractions around Leander, from the lively Old Town Street Festival in spring to the patriotic Liberty Fest in summer. There is also the spooky Leander Fall Festival in October, and the festive Old Town Christmas Festival in winter.
These community celebrations often feature live music, local food vendors, crafts, and family-friendly activities. Plan your trip accordingly so you and your family can experience Leander’s small-town vibe at its most festive.
4. Play in a Leander Park
Being set in the beautiful hills of Texas, Leander offers visitors plenty of parks. For those who enjoy playing baseball or just practicing their swing, there is the Benbrook Ranch Park. Hiking and bike trails are also at Benbrook Ranch.
Devine Lake Regional Park has a lake where you can fish. You can even enjoy a ride on the lake in a non-motorized watercraft. For those who want to have a splash in the pool, there is Robin Bledsoe Park, which also offers a basketball court and a walking trail.
5. Explore Historical Sites Throughout Leander
Leander is filled with historic sites worth exploring. Spots to check out include the “Leanderthal Lady” and dinosaur tracks of a possible Acrocanthosaurus.
Other historical attractions in Leander are:
- Bagdad Cemetery: A historic cemetery dating back to the 1800s, known for early settler graves and local heritage.
- Pickle-Mason House: A preserved historic home that reflects 19th-century architecture and early Texas domestic life.
- Leander Presbyterian Church: One of the area’s oldest congregations that offers historic architecture.
Leander’s rich past makes it a great destination for history enthusiasts.
6. Plan Fun Day Trips
One of the most fun things to do around Leander in the summer is visiting Volente Beach. This water park is located in Volente, Texas, a city in Hill Country that’s less than 30 minutes away from Leander.
Grab your family and swim gear to spend the day riding the water slides, letting your little ones splash around the Pirate Ship area, or playing a game of sand volleyball.
For thrill-seekers, the Leander area offers plenty of outdoor excitement just a short drive away. About half an hour south lies Lake Travis, home to Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, which features five ziplines, including the “Longest and Fastest Ziplines in Texas!”
A tour includes a scenic boat ride across the lake, followed by a one-mile hike with great views, and then the main event: soaring down a series of adrenaline-pumping zip lines. After your adventure, you can unwind by the water with a picnic, relax in a hammock, or enjoy lakeside games.
And if you’ve exhausted all you can do in Leander, head over to Austin, the capital of Texas. Just a short drive away, Austin offers a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities, bike tours, and food tours perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends.
7. Grab a Bite To Eat
After a full day of exploring, the dining scene in Leander has some good eats. If you’re in the mood for burgers and shakes, check out Moonie’s Burger House in Leander, which was voted best burger in the Hill Country 12 years in a row.
For something a little heartier and rooted in Southern comfort, Mouton’s Southern Bistro is a go-to for brunch-style dishes like chicken and waffles or eggs Benedict with a Cajun twist. If you’re craving real smoked meats and classic Texas barbecue, stop by Smokey Mo’s BBQ, where the meats are smoked in-house each day and the portions are as generous as you’d expect.
If you’d prefer something with regional flair, Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill serves up Southwestern-inspired plates in a relaxed, lively setting. And when the day winds down and you’re in the mood for something cozy, Bella Sera offers family-style Italian favorites, from seafood and veal to pastas with rich, house-made sauces.
8. Savor the Sips From the Local Distillery & Brewery
Adults looking for things to do in Leander should check out Leanderthal Distilling. This award-winning distillery offers patrons a variety of spirits to taste, such as You May™ Bourbon and Leanderthal® Vodka, as they relax on the patio.
If you’re craving a laid-back beer hall vibe instead, Obsidian Brewery is the place to be. This local favorite pours an impressive lineup of 14 different taps, from the crisp, Italian-inspired Pizza Pils to the delightfully refreshing Beauregarde Blueberry Blonde Ale.
9. Shop the Old Town Leander Farmers Market
One thing many locals do in Leander every Saturday morning is gather at the Old Town Leander Farmers Market in Smooth Village to browse fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. This vibrant market features a variety of vendors offering locally roasted coffee beans, homemade fudge, organic veggies, and more. Food trucks often line the market, serving up breakfast tacos, barbecue, and other treats to enjoy on-site.
The market has become a weekly tradition where neighbors mingle and visitors can experience Leander’s small-town community spirit year-round. In the evenings, Smooth Village often hosts live music under the stars with those same food trucks turning the area into a casual outdoor dining spot.
10. Have a Blast at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park
Just on Leander’s border is the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park. This 800-acre park boasts so many attractions:
- Wide-open sports fields for soccer, softball, and football games
- A track for walkers, joggers, and runners
- Tennis courts for casual rallies or competitive matches
- Basketball courts
- A dedicated cricket field
- A playground for children
The park also includes a network of hike-and-bike trails through scenic Hill Country terrain, so there’s plenty of space to explore or go for a jog. One of the highlights here is the Quarry Splash Pad, a huge splash park open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Another signature Leander attraction at the park is the Cedar Rock Railroad, a charming miniature train that takes passengers on a 15-minute, 1.3-mile ride through the park’s natural areas. Departing from Shady Oak Junction, this quarter-scale train offers a scenic tour that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Children especially love the depot’s play area, which features a train-themed playscape and even a kid-powered hand-crank rail car that little ones can operate on a short track.
Relax With Plenty of Things To Do in Leander, TX
With so many exciting things to do in Leander, TX, you’ll always find a new adventure waiting. And after a busy day, you need a comfortable place to unwind. At Sunset Ranch RV Park, you’ll enjoy the peaceful Hill Country setting while still being close to all the action.
You can settle into spacious RV sites with full hook-ups, stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi, and take advantage of the spotless on-site laundry room. The gated community gives you peace of mind, and the dog-friendly areas make it easy to bring your furry friend along for the trip. Sunset Ranch has everything you need to feel right at home while exploring Leander’s attractions.
So when you’re ready to experience the best of the Hill Country and stay at a comfortable Leander RV park that truly has it all, book your stay at Sunset Ranch RV.