There’s something about a first cheer competition that just hits differently. It’s the nerves, the excitement, the early mornings, the glitter and somehow it turns into a full family event whether you planned it that way or not.
We decided to lean into it and turn the weekend into a 3-day family getaway, and honestly it was one of those trips that reminded me you don’t need a huge vacation to make really special memories.
The Plan: Quick & Worth It
We pulled the kids from school at lunch on Friday (no regrets), packed up the car, and headed out for a weekend at Kalahari Resort Round Rock.
The plan was simple:
- Friday: Travel + waterpark fun
- Saturday: Competition + fun
- Sunday: One more round of family time before heading home
Short, sweet, and exactly what we needed.
The Behind-the-Scenes Logistics
Let’s be real, getting out of town with pets is sometimes the hardest part.
We’re so lucky to have amazing neighbors:
- One helped watch our two puppies
- Another took in our outdoor cat, who fully believes she belongs to everyone and lives for cuddles and Squishmallows
It takes a village, and this weekend was a reminder of just how grateful we are for ours.
Road Trip Like a Pro (Ballin’ on a Budget)
You do NOT need to spend a fortune on road trip food.
Instead of our usual stops at:
- Starbucks
- Chick-fil-A
- Whataburger
We packed our own lunch and it was a game changer.
What we brought:
- Hot dogs (prepped and ready)
- Cut fruit and veggies
- Kid-friendly containers
- Our favorite Yeti backpack cooler (they don’t make this exact one anymore, but it’s worth finding something similar)
Why it works:
- Saves money
- Keeps everyone happy
- No waiting in long lines with hungry kids
Coffee + Food Hack You Don’t Want to Skip
Now don’t worry, you’re not completely giving up your coffee.
There are actually two Starbucks locations on-site at Kalahari, which is perfect if you’re like me and need that caffeine boost.
If you have the Starbucks app, check it before you go—you might have a free drink waiting for you. And nothing feels better than a free coffee on vacation.
Before any trip, I always make sure I have my food apps downloaded:
- Starbucks
- Chick-fil-A
- Whataburger
Here’s why: those points don’t just disappear.
I hadn’t used my Chick-fil-A app in forever and still had points sitting there. By the end of the weekend, we turned those into free sandwiches and fries.
Take what you can get as it all adds up.
Why Kalahari is Perfect for This Kind of Trip
Staying at Kalahari Resort Round Rock made everything so easy.
What makes it a win:
- Waterpark access is included with your stay
- The kids always have something to do
- It keeps the weekend fun, not just focused on competition
After a long day, letting the kids unwind in the water was exactly what everyone needed.
Snack Like You Mean It
If there’s one tip I’ll give every family, it’s this:
Pack the snacks. All of them.
Bring snacks for:
- The car
- The hotel room
- The competition
Because once you’re there, everything is expensive and adds up fast.
Dinner Strategy: Go Off-Site
Resort food is convenient, but it can get pricey and crowded quickly.
We made it a point to go off-site for dinner, and it was 100% worth it:
- Better food
- Less chaos
- More budget-friendly
The Part You’ll Remember
Yes, there’s planning. Yes, there’s packing. Yes, there’s budgeting.
But the moment that sticks?
Watching your daughter step onto that mat for the first time, nervous, excited, proud and realizing this is one of those core memory weekends.
Final Takeaway
You don’t need a big, expensive vacation to make something special.
- Pull them from school early (sometimes it’s worth it)
- Lean on your village
- Pack smart
- Use the apps and the points
- Make it fun for the whole family
Most importantly, just go!
Get out for the weekend. You won’t regret it.
Kilometers with Kids 
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