After an underwhelming stop in New Braunfels—featuring a broken-down RV park and a river tubing experience that was slightly less than lazy river bliss—we were ready for something better. If you have no idea what I’m talking about you obviously skipped the previous stop. Enter Dreamland in Dripping Springs, Texas, a quirky outdoor playground that promised sports, games, and entertainment for all ages.

Of course, nothing on this trip is ever that simple.

First Challenge: The Great Turnaround Debacle

Getting to Dreamland should’ve been easy. The directions were straightforward, and we were excited to arrive. But in true Laverty fashion, we missed the turn and found ourselves trapped in a business parking lot next door. Pro tip: maneuvering a 35-foot RV with a car attached in a tight space is like trying to parallel park a whale.

Cue the detachment process. John the Rockstar Husband breezed through unhooking the car while I directed traffic (read: stood there feeling hopeful) and the business owner grumbled on the side. Once free, we executed a 40-point turn and finally rolled into Dreamland, ready for some well-earned fun.

Welcome to Dreamland: A Playground for Everyone

The first thing you notice when you walk into Dreamland’s clubhouse is the pristine, professional pickleball courts. As it turns out, this place isn’t just about fun—it’s the birthplace of professional pickleball teams in the U.S. Who knew?

Though tempted to dive into a game, we both had work to finish. So, we parked in their massive overflow lot (pro tip: there’s plenty of space for big rigs!) and took the dogs for a stroll to explore the grounds.

And wow, what a place.

We wandered past the 18-hole “Putt and Bounce” mini-golf course, which looked equal parts whimsical and challenging. Beyond that was the “Challenge Course,” a winding path that curled up and around the property. Just when we thought we’d seen it all, we stumbled upon a fenced dog park tucked into the forest and right next to a chicken coop—an absolute paradise for our chihuahuas.

But wait, there’s more! Dreamland also boasts a massive disc golf course that seemed to stretch into the horizon. This place truly never ends.

After walking off the stress of our earlier parking fiasco, we grabbed a quick drink near the splash pad and headed back to The Raven (our RV) to tackle some work.

Dinner, Drinks, and Pickleball Education

Once the laptops were closed, we ventured back out for dinner. Dreamland’s menu is surprisingly robust for a sports complex, with options ranging from classic bites to heartier fare. But the real star? The bar.

John lit up like a kid in a candy store when he saw their wall of draft beers—at least five IPAs made the cut, and he quickly crafted his own flight. We settled into the massive seating area, enjoying our meal while watching pickleball pros in action.

It’s hard to explain, but there’s something hypnotic about pickleball. It’s part tennis, part ping pong, and all fast-paced fun. Watching the games, we realized two things: (1) we had to try it, and (2) it looked way easier than it probably was.

Pickleball Pros-in-Training

The next morning, we bit the bullet and rented a court. Armed with paddles and a healthy dose of confidence, we hit the sun-soaked court ready to conquer the sport.

Spoiler: pickleball is no joke.

Sweaty, sunburned, and slightly humbled, we found ourselves loving every minute of it. The quick pace, the satisfying thwack of the ball, and the occasional rally that didn’t end in disaster—it was pure fun. By the end, we were hooked, vowing to play again throughout our trip.

Leaving Dreamland

The only downside to Dreamland? Having to leave.

Dreamland is more than an outdoor venue—it’s a vibe, a community, and a place where adults can unleash their inner kid. From the sprawling grounds to the endless activities, it’s a destination we didn’t want to leave.

As we packed up and hit the road, we were already planning our next stop—but secretly hoping to find another Dreamland along the way. And yes, we’ll be packing our pickleball paddles.