🏥 New VA clinic breaks ground in Round Rock

A little outside Round Rock, but worth keeping on your summer list: Lakewood Park Splash Pad in Leander is a free, easy win on a hot day.

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: Round Rock is getting a new VA outpatient clinic. The Department of Veterans Affairs broke ground on the $44.5 million project, which is expected to open in winter 2027 near University Boulevard and County Road 110. The 63,800-square-foot clinic will offer primary care, mental health services, women’s health, imaging, pharmacy services, and more for Central Texas veterans.

Why It Matters: There are already VA clinics in Cedar Park and southeast Austin, but for many Williamson County veterans, care still isn’t as close or convenient as it could be. A new clinic in Round Rock could mean shorter drives, easier appointments, and more time back at home with family.

The Gist: Round Rock ISD approved a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year, but bigger staff raises may depend on voters this November. If a tax rate election passes, the district says it would fund a 2% raise, bring starting teacher pay up to $58,000, and help address pay gaps for employees across the district.

Why It Matters: The people who keep schools running are the teachers, bus drivers, front office staff, cafeteria teams, counselors, and so many others families see every week. District leaders say the extra funding would help Round Rock ISD stay competitive and keep experienced employees, which matters when kids get to see the same trusted faces year after year.

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.

It’s nice seeing a healthier option pop up for those moments when a sweet craving hits. Opened in May, Lone Star Nutrition has quickly become a go-to for protein-packed shakes, refreshing teas, and colorful açai bowls that make healthy eating feel a little more fun.

The cozy shop has a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of easy grab-and-go treats. Favorites include the banana split shake, Oreo shake, Tropical Bowl, protein waffles, mini donuts, and zero-sugar energy drinks. Whether it’s after a workout or an afternoon pick-me-up, this cheerful spot has already found plenty of regulars.

More details here.

Batcity Toys recently brought its treasure trove of collectibles to Georgetown, relocating from Austin and giving local fans a new place to explore. Shelves are packed with vintage and modern finds, from Transformers and TMNT to Star Wars and Spawn, along with spaces for Magic, D&D, board games, and more.

Friendly conversations come easy here, and the search for that one missing piece often turns a quick stop into an afternoon of nostalgia.

More details here.

🎵 Guns & Oil Live | Purely Provisions | Round Rock | 06/26 | More
Family-friendly live music night in downtown Round Rock.

🎬 Sunset Movie Series | San Gabriel Park | Georgetown | 06/26 | More
Free outdoor movie night with popcorn, activities, and family-friendly films.

🚗 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.

🏃‍♀️ Treat Trot Austin | Pfennig Park | Pflugerville | 06/27 | More
Family-friendly run with medals, swag, and kids’ dash activities.

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

🎶 Mini Music Makers | Penfold Theatre Company | Round Rock | 06/28 | More
Interactive music play session for toddlers and caregivers with songs and instruments.

🦎 The Unhuggables | Public Library | Georgetown | 06/30 | More
Educational wildlife show featuring live animals and science-based presentations.

🎲 Thursday Bingo Night | Tasty Trails | Georgetown | 06/25 | More
Games, music, and easygoing fun with great local eats.

🤠 Watermelon Crawl | Coco Lounge | Round Rock | 06/27 | More
Line dancing, BBQ, and playful country-style contests.

🎶 Deep Peace Kirtan | Flow Yoga | Georgetown | 06/27 | More
Free mantra chanting and guided relaxation meditation gathering.

🎙 Suede Live | Hanover’s Draught Haus | Pflugerville | 06/27 | More
High-energy 80s–90s rock covers with a lively, crowd-friendly night.

🌕 Moonlight Sound Bath | Light & Waterworks District | Georgetown | 06/29 | More
Free outdoor sound meditation under the full moon with calming community vibes.

🧠 Geeks Who Drink | Pixel Palace Arcade and Bar | Round Rock | 06/29 | More
Friendly trivia battles with prizes and arcade fun.

🎤 Ariana Grande Live | Moody Center ATX | Austin | 06/24, 06/26 & 06/27 | More
Three-night pop concert with major hits and high-energy stage production.

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

🌊 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.

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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