💦 A free Leander summer outing we’re loving

Parents, consider this your summer reminder: the Lakewood Park Splash Pad is amazing.

We took a little detour there the other day after a doctor’s appointment, and I’ve gotta say, it’s easily one of our top free activities of the summer so far. It’s pretty, a little different from your average splash pad, and the waterfall is a huge hit with the kids.

There are also plenty of shaded tables for parents, which makes a big difference when you’re trying to survive a hot afternoon. And once the kids are done with the water, the park is right there if they want to run around, dry off, or warm up a bit before heading home.

With plenty more hot days ahead, this one is definitely making it into our regular rotation. It’s perfect for those days when you want to do something besides another pool day, but everyone still needs to cool off!

The Gist: Whole Foods Market in Cedar Park is getting a little more breathing room. The store is set to expand by about 8,000 square feet into nearby empty storefronts, adding space for shoppers and behind-the-scenes work. The store will stay open while renovations happen.

Why It Matters: If you’ve ever stopped by on a packed weekend, you know this Whole Foods can feel pretty tight. A bigger store could make grocery runs a little easier, with more room to shop, browse prepared foods, and move through the store without feeling like everyone had the same idea at once.

The Gist: Cedar Park is taking another step toward making Buttercup Creek Boulevard easier to walk and bike. City Council approved a $681,000 contract to design a shared-use path from Lakeline Boulevard to Bell Boulevard, with an added connection between Park Street and Timber Trail. Construction isn’t funded yet, so this is still in the planning stage.

Why It Matters: If you live nearby, this could eventually make the everyday stuff feel a little easier, like walking the dog, biking with the kids, or getting to nearby parks without having to load everyone into the car. It would also help connect the area to the Bell District and other trails, which is a nice little win for anyone who likes the idea of Cedar Park being easier to get around on foot or by bike.

The Gist: New 2026 STAAR results show improvement across high school End-of-Course exams, including Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History. Biology, English I, and English II continued improving and are now above pre-pandemic levels, while Algebra I rose seven percentage points from last year.

For elementary and middle school students, math and social studies saw gains, while reading stayed mostly steady. Science results for grades 3-8 are expected July 31.

Why It Matters: The results point to real progress, but the gains aren’t showing up evenly. High school scores are moving in a stronger direction, while younger students are seeing smaller gains, especially with reading mostly holding steady.

For families, it’s a reminder to look beyond the headline and check their child’s individual score report, because statewide improvement can look different depending on the grade, subject, and student.

Read more here.

A spot like Dau Sushi doesn’t try to impress loudly, it just does. The sashimi arrives incredibly fresh, with chef’s choice selections plated like artwork, accented with citrus, microgreens, and precise knife work that reflects real craft.

The space is modern and warm, service attentive throughout. Specialty rolls like the shaggy dog stand out for texture and balance, making it a strong choice for a special sushi night.

More details here.

Family Barn gives little kids plenty of room to climb, explore, and imagine while parents can relax with a coffee in hand. Designed for younger children, from babies to age 6, it’s the kind of summer outing that feels especially helpful when everyone needs to burn energy without baking in the Texas heat.

The Cedar Park location is new, but the idea is already familiar: thoughtfully designed play zones for different ages, cozy seating, and a café that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a playground snack bar. With themed spaces, climbing areas, and plenty to discover, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here before heading back into the sunshine.

More details here.

🎶 Community Date Night | Lioness Books | Leander | 06/24 | More
Casual evening with live music, wine, and relaxed community connection.

🥕 Fresh Food For All | Rockbridge Church | Cedar Park | 06/25 | More
Free community distribution of fresh produce, eggs, and bread.

🛍️ The Market LHTX | Louine Noble Elementary School | Liberty Hill | 06/27 | More
Local market with vendors, fresh food, live music, and community shopping.

🏊‍♂️ Water Safety Day | One of the Kids | Cedar Park | 06/27 | More
Supportive swim sessions with water safety, sensory-friendly activities, and life jackets.

🎶 Bilingual Sing-Along | Public Library Annex | Leander | 06/27 | More
Interactive family music show with songs, dancing, and audience participation.

🚂 Bertram Flyer: Y2K Train | Cedar Park Depot | Cedar Park | 06/27 | More
Nostalgic themed train ride celebrating early-2000s style and fun.

🎨 Shrinky Dinks | Public Library Annex | Leander | 06/29 | More
Kids’ craft workshop making custom shrink plastic keychains.

🎛️ Synth & Sip | Night Owl | Leander | 06/24 | More
Dance to local EDM sets with cocktails and upbeat vibes.

⚽ World Cup Watch Party | The Fieldhouse | Leander | 06/25 | More
Cheer on Team USA with fellow fans in a lively atmosphere.

🔴 Red, White & Mahj | Apex Pickleball Club | Cedar Park | 06/26 | More
Festive mahjong night with open play, prizes, and community tables.

🏆 Adult Field Day | Milburn Park | Cedar Park | 06/27 | More
Relive recess with playful competitions and community fun.

✨ Reiki Energy Healing Session | Center of Ascension | Cedar Park | 06/28 | More
Introductory energy healing experience open to all skill levels.

🧸 Elmo’s Got the Moves! | ACL Live | Austin | 06/26 | More
Sesame Street live show with music, dancing, and family-friendly fun.

🚗 Dogs in the Drive-Thru | Chick-fil-A Great Oaks | Round Rock | 06/27 | More
Drive-thru treats and surprises for pups riding along in vehicles.

🌊 Learn to Ski Day | Frameswitch Ski Lakes | Taylor | 06/27 | More
All-ages beginner water skiing event with instruction and lake activities.

🕷️ Oddities & Curiosities Expo | Palmer Events Center | Austin | 06/27–06/28 | More
Two-day market featuring unusual art, collectibles, and live sideshow entertainment.

🎤 Pop & Princess Icon Party | Blue Diamond Boutique | Round Rock | 06/28 | More
90s-themed dress-up party with music, karaoke, crafts, and photo fun.

I had way too much fun with last week’s Father’s Day memes, so we’re back for part 2!

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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!