Explore Austin with Kids or without: 12 Exciting Activities to Discover
Exploring Family-Friendly Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its creativity, innovative food trucks, indy shops, murals, and live music scene. But it's not just for grown-ups—this city offers a wealth of family-friendly activities and attractions that combine outdoor adventure, educational experiences, and interactive indoor fun.
Top Outdoor Attractions:
Zilker Park and the Zilker Eagle Mini Train offer a scenic ride around the park, providing beautiful views of Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and Downtown Austin. The train is a classic family favorite, costing $6 per ride, with free rides for children under 2.
Barton Springs Pool, a large, natural spring-fed swimming pool, is a refreshing environment for kids to swim and play. The pool maintains a brisk 68-70 degrees year-round.
Barton Creek Greenbelt offers miles of hiking trails with swimming holes and limestone formations suitable for various skill levels. The greenbelt is perfect for families who love outdoor adventures.
The Austin Nature & Science Center offers hands-on learning, including a dinosaur bone dig pit, blending education with outdoor play.
Pease Park, recently renovated, features interactive water play areas and a modern playground for different age groups, ideal for cooling off in summer.
Alliance Children’s Garden (Butler Park) offers colorful playgrounds with imaginative play structures and a life-sized chess board, encouraging active and creative play.
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum features over 130 touchable sculptures, allowing kids to interact with art in a unique way.
Pedernales Falls State Park, about an hour from Austin, offers family camping, hiking, swimming, and stargazing in natural Texas scenery.
Indoor and Educational Options:
The Central Public Library is more than just books. It features art galleries, a 3D printing makerspace, music stations, and a café. It’s a cultural hub with activities for all ages.
Bullock Texas State History Museum offers interactive exhibits about Texas history, an IMAX theater, and a multi-sensory theater. Admission is free for kids under 5 and on the first Sunday of each month.
Museum of Ice Cream is a colorful, interactive experience including playful photo opportunities, a sprinkle pool, and delicious ice cream treats.
Texas Toy Museum exhibits toys from different eras, including vintage video games and action figures, offering a nostalgic and entertaining experience for all ages.
Texas State Capitol offers educational tours and impressive architecture that families can explore together, enriching kids’ knowledge of local history.
Additional Highlights:
Seasonal special events like bat watching under Congress Avenue Bridge add unique Austin experiences suitable for families. Deep Eddy Pool is an alternative to Barton Springs, with vintage charm, a natural spring-fed pool, and nearby Pool Burger restaurant.
GetYourGuide offers a variety of family-friendly tours in Austin, including foodie adventures and kayaking. The Ice Cream Museum in Austin is another family-friendly activity, featuring vibrant installations and a lot of ice cream.
The Austin Motel and Hotel Saint Cecilia are stylish and iconic stays in South Congress, with retro vibes, vibrant decor, and pools. South Congress (SoCo) is one of the original hipster neighborhoods in Austin, known for its cool businesses, street art, and Home Slice Pizza.
Home exchange is a favorite way to travel, offering affordable accommodations. Pinballz Arcade is an entertainment center with hundreds of pinball machines, arcade games, laser tag, and more. Wonderspaces is an interactive art space featuring rotating exhibits by artists from around the world.
Austin is a family-friendly city with plenty of attractions tailored to younger visitors, making it an ideal destination for family vacations.
- Zilker Park, with its mini train ride and scenic views, and Barton Springs Pool, a cool and refreshing swimming spot, are wonderful family-friendly outdoor attractions in Austin.
- Families can also engage in educational experiences at the Central Public Library, Bullock Texas State History Museum, Museum of Ice Cream, Texas Toy Museum, and Texas State Capitol, each offering unique, interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
