Calendar of Events
Looking for events at the Meadows Center?
H-E-B Texas Recycles Day: Free Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Friday – Sunday,
–
- Location:
- 201 San Marcos Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
- Cost:
- Bring a plastic bottle or single-use plastic bag from any retailer to receive a FREE glass-bottom boat tour!
- Contact:
- Meadows Center Spring Lake Education Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment & H-E-B
Celebrate Texas Recycles Day with the Meadows Center and H-E-B’s Our Texas, Our Future initiative. Bring one plastic bag or plastic bottle per person to recycle and receive a FREE glass-bottom boat tour at Spring Lake.
Dates: November 13–15, 2026
Operating hours: 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
Boat tours: First departure at 10 a.m.; last departure at 3:30 p.m.
How to participate: Bring your recyclables to the ticket kiosk and walk up to receive your ticket. No advance registration is needed.
Please bring clean, dry plastic bags or empty plastic bottles. Accepted bags include grocery bags from any retailer, bread bags, and produce bags. Please leave out candy wrappers, pet food bags, frozen food packaging, and compostable bags.
Come explore the underwater world of Spring Lake while helping give plastic a second life!
For more information about H-E-B’s recycling efforts and sustainability commitment, visit https://ourtexasourfuture.com/plastic-bag-recycling/. Click here for more information
more about event
Dates: November 13–15, 2026
Operating hours: 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
Boat tours: First departure at 10 a.m.; last departure at 3:30 p.m.
How to participate: Bring your recyclables to the ticket kiosk and walk up to receive your ticket. No advance registration is needed.
Please bring clean, dry plastic bags or empty plastic bottles. Accepted bags include grocery bags from any retailer, bread bags, and produce bags. Please leave out candy wrappers, pet food bags, frozen food packaging, and compostable bags.
Come explore the underwater world of Spring Lake while helping give plastic a second life!
For more information about H-E-B’s recycling efforts and sustainability commitment, visit https://ourtexasourfuture.com/plastic-bag-recycling/. Click here for more information
- Location:
- 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666
- Cost:
- $45/person (*$5 discount for TXST and military)
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Tours Office,
512.245.7540
springlaketours@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
See Spring Lake in a whole new light—literally! The Meadows Center's Guided Light-Up Kayak Tours provide a unique way to explore the headwaters of the San Marcos River by experiencing an exclusive evening view of Spring Lake while learning about its unique history and the protection of its critical habitat, which supports eight endangered and threatened species.
This tour features a 100% clear kayak equipped with specialized underwater LED lights, offering an uninterrupted view of the wildlife and iconic San Marcos Springs below. Paddlers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including turtles, fish, and aquatic plants, with a trained and knowledgeable guide available to answer questions. The on-water time for this tour is up to one hour.
All gear will be provided. No outside gear will be allowed unless it is pre-approved. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Courses are limited to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants. For larger groups, inquiries should be sent to springlaketours@txstate.edu.
*Military and Texas State University staff, faculty, and students can book the tour for a $5 discount by emailing springlaketours@txstate.edu.
Participant Requirements:
Limited to paddlers aged 12 and up. Participants must be able to paddle their own boat, be comfortable in deep water, and have kayaking experience. All participants must be in good physical and mental health to kayak. View all participant requirements.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that things happen! If you would like to reschedule or cancel your tour and receive a refund, we require 5 business days’ notice. Refunds will be issued to the original credit card used for payment. Participants are limited to one reschedule opportunity. Once a tour is rescheduled, it becomes non-refundable and ineligible for account credit. Tickets purchased 90 days or more before a rescheduled request are non-refundable, but credit for a future program may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Parking Information:
All visitors must display a parking permit to park in the Meadows Center parking lot. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the kiosk in the parking lot, which accepts credit cards only. Click here for more information
more about event
This tour features a 100% clear kayak equipped with specialized underwater LED lights, offering an uninterrupted view of the wildlife and iconic San Marcos Springs below. Paddlers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including turtles, fish, and aquatic plants, with a trained and knowledgeable guide available to answer questions. The on-water time for this tour is up to one hour.
All gear will be provided. No outside gear will be allowed unless it is pre-approved. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Courses are limited to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants. For larger groups, inquiries should be sent to springlaketours@txstate.edu.
*Military and Texas State University staff, faculty, and students can book the tour for a $5 discount by emailing springlaketours@txstate.edu.
Participant Requirements:
Limited to paddlers aged 12 and up. Participants must be able to paddle their own boat, be comfortable in deep water, and have kayaking experience. All participants must be in good physical and mental health to kayak. View all participant requirements.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that things happen! If you would like to reschedule or cancel your tour and receive a refund, we require 5 business days’ notice. Refunds will be issued to the original credit card used for payment. Participants are limited to one reschedule opportunity. Once a tour is rescheduled, it becomes non-refundable and ineligible for account credit. Tickets purchased 90 days or more before a rescheduled request are non-refundable, but credit for a future program may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Parking Information:
All visitors must display a parking permit to park in the Meadows Center parking lot. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the kiosk in the parking lot, which accepts credit cards only. Click here for more information
- Location:
- 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos Texas 78666
- Cost:
- $35 (*$5 discount for TXST and military)
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Tour Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu
512.245.7590 - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Paddle through the crystal-clear headwaters of the San Marcos River on a guided kayak tour at Spring Lake! With water that stays 72° year-round, this relaxed, low-impact adventure offers a front-row seat to a unique ecosystem, vibrant aquatic life, and one of the longest continually inhabited sites in North America.
This tour includes an introduction to Spring Lake's unique history and habitat and a guided paddling tour of the lake. The on-water time for the tour is up to 1 hour.
All gear will be provided. No outside gear will be allowed unless it is pre-approved. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Courses are limited to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants. For larger groups, inquiries should be sent to springlaketours@txstate.edu.
*Military and Texas State University staff, faculty, and students can book the tour for a $5 discount by emailing springlaketours@txstate.edu.
Participant Requirements:
Limited to paddlers aged 12 and up. Participants must be able to paddle their own boat, be comfortable in deep water, and have kayaking experience. All participants must be in good physical and mental health to kayak. View all participant requirements.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that things happen! If you would like to reschedule or cancel your tour and receive a refund, we require 5 business days’ notice. Refunds will be issued to the original credit card used for payment. Participants are limited to one reschedule opportunity. Once a tour is rescheduled, it becomes non-refundable and ineligible for account credit. Tickets purchased 90 days or more before a rescheduled request are non-refundable, but credit for a future program may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Parking Information:
All visitors must display a parking permit to park in the Meadows Center parking lot. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the kiosk in the parking lot, which accepts credit cards only.
- Location:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
- Cost:
- $10/person; children 2 and under are free
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Educational Tour Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Celebrate the rhythms of nature through song and dance with guest music teacher Brittany Arnott, from Wimberley, Texas.
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
more about event
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
- Location:
- 201 San Marcos Springs, San Marcos TX 78666
- Cost:
- Free
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Education Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu
512.245.7540 - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Come celebrate all you are thankful for at our Thanksgiving Celebration Family Fun Day with keepsake crafts and activities!
This event is free and open to the public. Learn more at FamilyFun.MeadowsWater.org.Is your organization interested in joining a Family Fun Day event?
Family Fun Days provide a wonderful opportunity to reach the community! If your organization is interested in hosting a nature-themed activity or booth at Family Fun Days, submit an online vendor application, and we will be in touch!
Click here for more information
- Location:
- 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666
- Cost:
- $45/person (*$5 discount for TXST and military)
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Tours Office,
512.245.7540
springlaketours@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
See Spring Lake in a whole new light—literally! The Meadows Center's Guided Light-Up Kayak Tours provide a unique way to explore the headwaters of the San Marcos River by experiencing an exclusive evening view of Spring Lake while learning about its unique history and the protection of its critical habitat, which supports eight endangered and threatened species.
This tour features a 100% clear kayak equipped with specialized underwater LED lights, offering an uninterrupted view of the wildlife and iconic San Marcos Springs below. Paddlers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including turtles, fish, and aquatic plants, with a trained and knowledgeable guide available to answer questions. The on-water time for this tour is up to one hour.
All gear will be provided. No outside gear will be allowed unless it is pre-approved. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Courses are limited to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants. For larger groups, inquiries should be sent to springlaketours@txstate.edu.
*Military and Texas State University staff, faculty, and students can book the tour for a $5 discount by emailing springlaketours@txstate.edu.
Participant Requirements:
Limited to paddlers aged 12 and up. Participants must be able to paddle their own boat, be comfortable in deep water, and have kayaking experience. All participants must be in good physical and mental health to kayak. View all participant requirements.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that things happen! If you would like to reschedule or cancel your tour and receive a refund, we require 5 business days’ notice. Refunds will be issued to the original credit card used for payment. Participants are limited to one reschedule opportunity. Once a tour is rescheduled, it becomes non-refundable and ineligible for account credit. Tickets purchased 90 days or more before a rescheduled request are non-refundable, but credit for a future program may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Parking Information:
All visitors must display a parking permit to park in the Meadows Center parking lot. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the kiosk in the parking lot, which accepts credit cards only. Click here for more information
more about event
This tour features a 100% clear kayak equipped with specialized underwater LED lights, offering an uninterrupted view of the wildlife and iconic San Marcos Springs below. Paddlers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including turtles, fish, and aquatic plants, with a trained and knowledgeable guide available to answer questions. The on-water time for this tour is up to one hour.
All gear will be provided. No outside gear will be allowed unless it is pre-approved. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Courses are limited to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants. For larger groups, inquiries should be sent to springlaketours@txstate.edu.
*Military and Texas State University staff, faculty, and students can book the tour for a $5 discount by emailing springlaketours@txstate.edu.
Participant Requirements:
Limited to paddlers aged 12 and up. Participants must be able to paddle their own boat, be comfortable in deep water, and have kayaking experience. All participants must be in good physical and mental health to kayak. View all participant requirements.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that things happen! If you would like to reschedule or cancel your tour and receive a refund, we require 5 business days’ notice. Refunds will be issued to the original credit card used for payment. Participants are limited to one reschedule opportunity. Once a tour is rescheduled, it becomes non-refundable and ineligible for account credit. Tickets purchased 90 days or more before a rescheduled request are non-refundable, but credit for a future program may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Parking Information:
All visitors must display a parking permit to park in the Meadows Center parking lot. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the kiosk in the parking lot, which accepts credit cards only. Click here for more information
- Location:
- 201 San Marcos Springs, San Marcos TX 78666
- Cost:
- Free
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Education Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu
512.245.7540 - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Bundle up and embrace the magic of winter at our final Family Fun Day of the year! Winter is the perfect time to take your family outdoors to enjoy the crisp, cool air. Join us as we create holiday treasures to decorate your home this season.
This event is free and open to the public. Learn more at FamilyFun.MeadowsWater.org.Is your organization interested in joining a Family Fun Day event?
Family Fun Days provide a wonderful opportunity to reach the community! If your organization is interested in hosting a nature-themed activity or booth at Family Fun Days, submit an online vendor application, and we will be in touch!
Click here for more information
- Location:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
- Cost:
- $10/person; children 2 and under are free
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Educational Tour Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Celebrate World Wetlands Day by exploring the unique plants and animals that thrive in these remarkable habitats. Discover how wetlands support wildlife, protect water quality, and benefit our communities!
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
more about event
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
- Location:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
- Cost:
- $10/person; children 2 and under are free
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Educational Tour Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
It’s Springtime! That means it’s time to get our hands dirty and learn all about the dirt beneath our feet. Join us for a special look into the secret life of soil.
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
more about event
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
- Location:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
- Cost:
- $10/person; children 2 and under are free
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Educational Tour Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Explore how scientists observe and measure the weather using specialized tools. Young learners will also build a miniature weather station from everyday materials to continue tracking conditions at home!
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
more about event
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
- Location:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
- Cost:
- $10/person; children 2 and under are free
- Contact:
- Spring Lake Educational Tour Office,
springlaketours@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Shell-ebrate turtle nesting season while learning about the freshwater turtles that call Central Texas home. Explore their adaptations, habitats, life cycles, and discover why healthy waterways are essential to their survival!
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information
more about event
Take learning beyond the classroom! Our Monthly Homeschool Program invites K–12 students to get outside, explore nature firsthand, and discover science through hands-on experiences.
⏰ Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.
🎟️ $10 per person; children 2 and under are free
✨ Part of our monthly Homeschool Program series—explore upcoming themes and register: bit.ly… Click here for more information