HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT & SPA - Activities

Bastrop, TX
www.lostpines.hyatt.com

The Lost Pines Resort & Spa is full of exciting outdoor adventures and activities taking place all throughout the day.  From golf to archery; hiking to canoeing; and much more; Lost Pines has it all.  And then when it's time to unwind a bit, they offer a beautiful spa retreat where you can leave your cares behind and indulge yourself in an oasis of relaxation.  The possibilities are endless.

During the summer months, the resort caters to families with children and offers a wide variety of free activities sure to keep the young ones entertained all throughout the day.

Our family, along with two other families, visited in mid-July and took advantage of many of the free activities.  When we checked-in we were provided with a full list of diverse activities in order to choose from.  We loved the fact that they offered such variety and always had a plan B in case of stormy weather.  During our 4-day stay it rained every day (probably the only rain that area has seen all summer), but we didn't complain as it allowed for cooler temps, making outdoor activities actually quite enjoyable.

Here's a look at a few of the organized activities we enjoyed during our stay:

Ceramic Painting - FREE!

Leather Art - $5 charge

(A fingernail may or not have been damaged in the making of this art.)

Meet the "Mini" Mascots - FREE!

Creating with Oil Pastels - FREE!

The rain let up this morning and the art activity was able to be held outdoors in it's regular location under a large canopy of shady pecan trees.  

Glow-In-The-Dark Tennis

I'm not sure if this was regularly held outdoors, but regardless of location, my friend and I had a blast!  Playing tennis with our kids, on the other hand, was quite a challenge, but it was still good for a few laughs.

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides w/ tour of the property

S'mores Makin'

*a Hyatt Lost Pines signature event every evening*

And just in case you're wondering if the S'mores are for kids only, check out this mom devouring a delicious treat...

With one in each hand, I'd say she likes it.

Another signature activity of the Hyatt Lost Pines is their evening outdoor movie.  It is located at the amphitheater which features inclined seating on a grassy slope with a great view of the Colorado river.  Unfortunately we were rained out every night, but got to enjoy the movies indoors with free popcorn.  One evening, after the kids were settled in watching Shark Tail, all the adults sat just outside the door and played cards till the kids couldn't keep their eyes open any longer.  It was a win-win for everyone!

Here's a quick list of a few of the things we would have liked to have taken part in, but just didn't have time:  Paper Airplane Competition, Cardio Tennis, Sponge Art, Meet the Longhorns, Glow Painting, Sac Races, Beginner Tennis, Freeze Dance, Wind Chime Art, and Tug-of-War.  And that's just to name a few.  The list goes on!

Of course organized events and activities are fun and take the work of planning off us parents, but every once in a while, what we all need is just some good old fashion family time.  Lost Pines has an extended list of paid activities that are sure to bring the family together so check out their website (link at the top of the page).  

Or just take advantage of the freedom to explore with the ones you love.  Here's how we did it:

Hiking trails begin right out the back door.

Bikes can be checked out for free for the first hour. 

The lazy river awaits all those wishing to float the day away.

 Tennis courts and equipment are provided free of charge.  

(What I did pay for was the beating she put on me since I haven't played in several years.) 

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Whether you're in need of a refreshing spa getaway, a time of family bonding, or an exciting adventure, you'll find it all at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa.

One happy family ready to book a stay for next summer!

*to read my post all about the grounds and property at Lost Pines, click here 

HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT & SPA - The Grounds

Bastrop, Texas
www.lostpines.hyatt.com 

(picture from the Lost Pines website)

Last week I shared with you a family-friendly, affordable Texas vacation at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.  And today ... well today, it's time to step it up a few notches with the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa!

Both locations offer a vast list of activities, water fun, and family atmosphere, but Lost Pines really "brings it" when it comes to service, hospitality, comfort, and grandeur.  With all of that, you will also have to "bring it" in regards to your wallet.  But, you will not be disappointed.

The Lost Pines Resort and Spa is built to impress and it did just that from the moment we entered the front doors.

Impressive lobby at Lost Pines.

Our check-in service was performed quickly and our request for three rooms next to each other was granted (our party included three families).  We were off to a great start.  And once we made it to our rooms and checked out not only the indoor space, but also the outdoor space, we knew this was going to be one great vacation.

Unfortunately I completely spaced on taking a picture of the inside of the room, but you can trust that it was roomy with comfortable beds, had a spacious bathroom, and included all the amenities (if you don't believe me just refer to the website).  Although the room was quite nice, it was the outdoor space that really impressed me.

All the kids enjoying dinner outside our rooms.

The lawn area was a great place for the kids to run around as the grown ups sat on the patio and chatted or while the moms were taking our sweet time getting ready for the day.  Just beyond the lawn area was a beautiful hummingbird garden where the kids could take a leisurely stroll or (more realistically) play a mean game of hide and seek.

Pretty girls at the entrance of the Hummingbird Garden.

Another view of the Hummingbird Garden with our rooms in the background.

Along this path shown above our kids rode scooters, that we had brought along, till their little hearts were content.  Or until this guy below demanded their attention...

It can't be called a ranch in Texas without a Longhorn around.

Just on the other side of the scooter-riding sidewalk was a small pasture with not just this one, but two longhorns, a few alpacas, and a couple of donkeys.  All of us enjoyed watching the animals roam and graze and occasionally stare us down.

When we followed that great scooter-riding path around the bend it led to a beautiful meandering path along the backside of the property where we found sprawling lawns perfect for outdoor games.

We arrived at a fork in the road so we took it!  And it led us to another great path that paralleled the Colorado river.  

Although this picture doesn't show the river, it does show the long, 

winding paths and the start of my daughter's rolly polly collection.

The winding paths throughout the property are all mostly shaded by native pecan trees.  In fact, when the land was being cleared for the resort to be built, only three (maybe four) pecan trees were taken down.  Instead, the resort was built around the trees.  And those fews trees that were removed were used in the building process.  

But back to the path which continues to leisurely wind behind the property until it reaches the pool area.  Just before arriving there, we found this wonderful spot just perfect for taking a moment to sit a spell and enjoy the view…

Shaded rockers overlooking the Colorado River

We didn't necessarily go to Lost Pines though to watch the river. Instead, we wanted the opportunity to ride the river.  And one of the most relaxing spots located at the Lost Pines Resort is on an inner tube floating the lazy river at the Crooked River Water Park.

My sweet girl and her BFF having a great time on the lazy river.

When the kids weren't floating the river, we knew we could find them here on the slide.

They even spent a few minutes at the splash pad.

 And it turned out that just sitting and watching the river isn't so bad after all.

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The grounds alone at the Lost Pines Resort are enough for us to dream of returning for a repeat visit.  But, there is so much more to the resort so be sure to check back soon to read all about the activities that are offered.  

YOGI BEAR'S JELLYSTONE PARK - FEATURING the WATERPARK

Waller, TX
www.campjellystone.com

As I was finishing up my last post on Jellystone Park with tons of pictures of all the fun things we had done, I realized I was running out of room for the best thing that I had saved for last.  So, instead of adding to an already too-long post, I decided to start a new one, specifically featuring the waterpark at Jellystone park.  And here it is!  (If you missed the original post on the park, you can check it out by clicking HERE.)

I like to think of the waterpark in 4 sections and this is the one in which we spent the most time.  Not only are there these two fun slides, but also 2 straight slides on the backside and a huge dumping bucket up top that pours down to the beach-entry area.  With only 18 inches of water, it was easy for my kiddos to splash down one slide and then high-step it through the water, back up the stairs, and down another slide.  At one point during the afternoon there was a short line at the top of the stairs, but nothing too long.  Never did we feel crowded which I can only say must be due to so many other activities being offered throughout the park that not everyone is in the pool at the same time.  

Gotta love it when they are getting along and having a great time together.

The next section of the waterpark is the pool pictured below.  It's nothing spectacular but offers some deeper water and a basketball net.  We didn't spend much time in here as it was over my 4 yr old's head, but plenty of others were enjoying it.  Around both of these pools there are numerous lounge chairs and a handful of large umbrellas which create a good amount of shade.  We never had trouble finding a seat to dump our stuff before we hit the pool.

The newest addition to the waterpark is the lazy river and toddler area.  This section literally opened just days before we arrived and we were so excited to test it out.  Although it was relaxing, I have to say it is the laziest of all lazy rivers.  I'm not sure if it is suppose to be that way or if the jets to create a current hadn't been activated or what.  But there were times I was wishing I had a paddle.  And it was the only time I've ever been happy to see teenagers being rowdy in the pool as they created a small wave pool that pushed us along a wee bit faster.  On the upside of things, there were plenty of tubes to choose from and my preschooler was relieved that there were a few double tubes with one side having a netting on the bottom so she wouldn't fall through.

Grandma enjoying the lazy river in her "funny" swimsuit, as she calls it.  

I'm just glad she's protecting herself from a chance at getting cancer a 4th time.

Toddler area surrounded by the lazy river.

Check out all those toddlers having the time of their lives at the toddler area!!!  Yeah, I don't see them either and unfortunately that's because this area really isn't very toddler friendly.  My 4 yr old is a pretty cautious little kiddo and I felt so bad when I talked her into trying out the orange slide and then she came shooting out the end, flying over the cushioned landing pad, and sliding down a slick mat that basically acted as a slip and slide on concrete.  She was not happy with me.  Eventually I coaxed her into trying the yellow slide where I could hold her hands and she loved that, but I thought my arms were going to be ripped out of socket while trying to keep her from sliding off into the lazy river (only a slight exaggeration but you get the picture).  Anyhow, this area definitely needs some improvement, but certainly has potential to be a lot of fun.

And now...*drum roll please*...our favorite part of the watermark.  Check out these bad boys behind us!

My kid was being a turd and wouldn't smile for the camera.

There are two really fun rides; first, the yellow and blue slide is the Pine Tree Plunge and second, the red and green 4-man tube slide is the Serpent Water Slide.

We tried the Pine Tree Plunge first.  Or, I should say, I tried the Plunge first.  Everyone else was too chicken, but I knew my 7 yr old was going to love it.  So I put my big girl bikini bottoms on and squealed my head off all the way to the bottom to prove how fun it was. 

I wasn't totally crazy about mangling my pedicure since I forgot to bend my knees and instead dragged my toes all the way down, but I did go a few more times and really had a good time.  As for my 2nd grader, I pretty much had to push her off the top (don't worry, she was saying No but I knew she really meant Yes) and then we couldn't get her off this thing for the next 2 days.  

 Here she is racing Grandpa to the bottom.

This is one of those rides that is loved by all ages.  We saw kids as young as 4 (as long as they are 42 inches tall) giggling their way down this slide, as well as grown men totally loving it as they lifted their mat after coming off the second hump in order to catch some serious air.  It was pretty cool!

The Serpent was a slightly more mild ride, but still full of great family fun.  There was virtually no wait for this ride...but I'm pretty sure I know why...

...there's only one way up...

...with this tube on your back.

Carrying this 4-person tube up 5 long flights of stairs nearly put Grandpa into cardiac arrest.  

And if you think he looks tired, you should have seen me and my mom trying to carry this bad boy.  We were so pathetic that the lifeguard actually ran down 2 flights of stairs, stating that we looked like we needed a little help, and then single-handedly muscled it up the rest of the stairs for us.  Moral of the story...bring some muscles with you for this ride and then expect to thank them immensely 'cause it's quite a trek (or look completely helpless and pathetic and hope some fine gentleman gives you some help, but don't count on it).

And then...

 ...enjoy the ride!

And that sums up the waterpark at Jellystone.  

But, there is one more water-filled fun activity to share with you.  And that's the Wet-n-Wild Hey Wagon.  A few days a week, a tractor-drawn wagon arrives outside the activity center to take guests on a ride just as the name implies...Wet-n-Wild!  Guests are encouraged to load up their favorite, high-capacity water gun and join them for a ride around the property.  Campers that remain at their campsites are also encouraged to participate by hooking up their garden hoses to a water source and then taking aim at the wagon riders.  Craziness ensues from there.

Armed and ready.

Soaked from head to toe after the ride. 

The water fun even continued once we got back to our site.

My kiddo had a blast on the Wet-nWild ride.  She was ready to reload and go again!  Grandpa, on the other hand, had his fill of fun and was ready to hit the sack for a nap.

After two days of water-logged fun at Jellystone my kids were begging to return even before we pulled Molly the Motorhome out of the park.  With a location in such close proximity to our home and such affordable prices, we are sure to be back real soon.

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What is your favorite, most affordable vacation?