Budget-Friendly Things to Do at Cedar Creek Lake This Summer!
Looking for low-cost ways to enjoy lake life?
From free pickleball, splash pads, scenic hikes and disc golf courses to BYOB dining and cozy cabin getaways, Cedar Creek Lake offers plenty of ways to play without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a local, weekender, or road-tripping with the family, these budget-friendly ideas prove that the best memories don’t come with a big price tag.
Jump to: 🍉 Top Picks | 🍷 BYOB Dining & Events | 🏓 Pickleball & Outdoor Fun | 🧺 Lake Days
Top Picks from This Week’s Calendar
Find out what’s happening around Cedar Creek Lake this week — and make your weekend plans even better!
🎬 Free Summer Movie Camps at Hometown Cinemas
Beat the heat without breaking the bank! Hometown Cinemas is rolling out free weekday morning movies all summer long—perfect for families looking to keep kids entertained on a budget. Enjoy a new family-friendly flick each week in the comfort of a cool theater. Bring a few dollars for popcorn, or just kick back and enjoy the show!
Check your local Hometown Cinemas schedule to see what’s playing next.
🌿 Nature Activities at Purtis Creek State Park
Purtis Creek State Park offers free ranger-led programs all month long, perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious kids. From Art in the Park and Dutch Oven Cooking to Backyard Birding and Charting the Stars, these outdoor adventures are a great way to unplug and explore—without spending a dime (small park entry fee).
See what’s happening each weekend—and don’t forget the bug spray!
Looking for something unexpected? Let’s lace up for a little more adventure.
Cedar Creek Lake Roller Derby Workshops & Events
Check out Cedar Creek Lake Roller Derby’s beginner-friendly workshops and community events. Whether you’re lacing up skates for the first time or just want to watch a high-energy bout, it’s an affordable way to try something new and meet some awesome locals.
Charting the Stars – Free Night Sky Events
Purtis Creek hosts seasonal stargazing nights with local astronomers. Bring a blanket, telescope (or just your eyes), and learn about constellations from experts under a truly dark sky.
🗓️ Check the official event calendar for upcoming “Charting the Stars” nights, wildlife talks, and ranger-led activities.
BYOB Friendly Spots You’ll Love Around the Lake 🍷
Looking for a way to enjoy a delicious meal without the pricey bar tab? Around Cedar Creek Lake, plenty of local gems let you bring your own favorite drinks and settle in for a great meal.
📝 Tip: Always double-check with the restaurant or venue, as BYOB policies can occasionally change.
First Friday Happy Hour!
🌿 A relaxed way to welcome the weekend.
Join us Friday, August 1 from 5–7 PM for a peaceful evening at the Arboretum. Sip your favorite drink on the shady, fan-cooled patio or take a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Bring your own beverage, bring a friend, and yes—leashed dogs are welcome.
There’s a 50/50 raffle, and signing in helps support the Arboretum’s continued care and growth.
Six Forks Farm: Farm-fresh, wood-fired pizzas in a cozy, rustic setting — and yes, it’s BYOB! Grab your favorite bottle and settle in for an unforgettable pizza night.
Sharkey’s Smashburger: Smash-style burgers packed with flavor, and you’re free to bring your own brew or beverage to pair with it.
Lake Jackson Seafood: Fresh seafood in a laid-back environment, perfect for bringing a cooler and your go-to drinks.
The Eight at Tool Food Trucks: Hungry for variety? The Eight at Tool is quickly becoming a go-to for casual outdoor dining around Cedar Creek Lake. Food trucks are parked and ready, serving up everything from Mediterranean wraps and Indian street food to smashburgers, and Mexican plate. Bring your favorite drink (no glass, please!), grab a shady picnic table, and settle in.
Mabank Food Truck Yards: Where else can you roll up with your own drink, grab a plate of tacos or BBQ, and catch live music — all without paying for parking or pricey tabs? At Mabank Food Truck Yards, it’s all about laid-back evenings under the lights. The lineup of trucks rotates, but you’ll always find something worth trying — think smoky brisket, handmade street tacos, and sweet local treats.
🌽 Insider Tip: Visit on Saturday mornings for the farmers market at Mabank Food Truck Yards — fresh produce, handmade goods, live music, and BYOB-friendly dining all roll together for an easy, affordable way to kick off your weekend.
Explore Farmers Markets
Fri-Yay Wine Down @ Triple N Ranch Winery
📍 Every Friday | 4–6 PM | Trinidad, TX
Kick off the weekend with 5 free wine tastings (normally $15!) at Triple N Ranch Winery—featuring rotating selections from 22 award-winning varietals.
Enjoy vineyard views, artisan pizza from Nan Poli’s, and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe.
Parks, Pickleball & Outdoor Fun
Looking for free and easy ways to get outside? Around Cedar Creek Lake, you'll find pickleball courts, splash pads, sand volleyball, nature trails, dog parks, and shady spots perfect for a lakeside picnic — all without spending a fortune.
Here’s a few favorite ways to get moving, relaxing, and soaking up lake life:
- 🏓 Free Pickleball Courts
- 🏐 Sand Volleyball Courts
- 🐟 Catch-and-Release Fishing
- 🐶 Dog Parks & Play Groups
- 🥏 Disc Golf Courses
Free Pickleball Courts
Pickleball is booming at Cedar Creek Lake — and you don’t need a fancy club membership to jump in. Both locals and visitors are welcome to join drop-in games or just grab a friend and play.
Gun Barrel City Park: Two outdoor courts, weekly meetups, and a fun, friendly crowd.
The Eight at Tool Park: Brand-new courts and easy access to food trucks when you’re ready for a break.
💬 Join the community: Pickleball Cedar Creek Lake Facebook Group
Sand Volleyball at Eight at Tool City Park
Serve, spike, and dive your way through a fun afternoon at the new sand volleyball court at The Eight at Tool. It’s open to the public and perfect for casual games, tournaments, or pickup matches with friends.
Catch-and-Release Fishing Ponds
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just want a relaxing afternoon by the water, you’ll find easygoing, family-friendly fishing spots around the lake:
Gun Barrel City Park: A peaceful catch-and-release pond with a fishing pier.
The Eight at Tool Park: A brand-new fishing pier overlooking a scenic pond — a great place to cast a line and enjoy the sunset.
Dog Parks and Play Groups
💬 Join the community: Gun Barrel City Dogs Playtime.
Two great spots now let your pup run wild (and make new friends). Both Gun Barrel City Park & the Eight at Tool, have an open-play dog area with plenty of room to fetch, chase, and socialize—especially during group meetups like Gun Barrel City Dogs Playtime.
Disc Golf at Gun Barrel City Park
Challenge your friends to a round of disc golf at Gun Barrel City Park’s well-maintained course. It’s free to play, easy to jump into (no special equipment needed beyond your discs), and a great way to add some friendly competition to your day.
Lake Days & Outdoor Play
When the weather’s right, there’s no better place to be than outside by the lake. ☀️
From shady picnic spots and family swimming holes to scenic nature trails and splash pads, Cedar Creek Lake makes it easy to plan a full day of fun — without spending a fortune.
- 🧺 Picnic Spots with a View
- 🥾 Nature Trails and Gardens
- 💦 Splash Pads and Swimming
Ready for a full day at the lake? Grab your cooler and let's dive into all the sunny spots Cedar Creek Lake has to offer.
Picnic Spots with a View
🧺 Tom Finley Park: Pack a cooler, bring a blanket, and picnic right by the water. Wide open spaces, shady trees, and a beautiful view of boat traffic make it a local favorite.
🧺 Butterfly Garden at The Eight at Tool Park: For a quieter spot, head to the butterfly garden and picnic near the fishing pond. BYOB -bring your favorite (non-glass) beverage and soak up the sunset surrounded by blooms, butterflies and a fishing pond.
Nature Trails and Gardens
🥾 Purtis Creek State Park: Explore shaded trails perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and spotting wildflowers. (Entry fee required.)
🥾 East Texas Arboretum in Athens: Wander beautiful gardens, bridges, and forest trails — an easy, peaceful way to enjoy nature close to the lake.
Family Fun: Splash Pads and Swimming
💦 Kiwanis Park (Athens): Free splash pad just a short drive from the lake — fountains, water jets, shaded seating, and picnic tables for an easy family outing.
🏖️ Purtis Creek State Park: A designated swimming area offers calm, roped-off water with no boat traffic — ideal for families wanting to cool off safely and affordably.
Ready to Keep Exploring?
Find even more ways to enjoy life around Cedar Creek Lake:
