Family Fun and Things To Do In Austin

Zilker Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors seeking outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Facilities include three picnic sites and a shelter available for reservations, along with a playscape and a disc golf course for leisure. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy five reservable volleyball courts, while the Zilker Club House caters to events with rental spaces. The park also hosts the Austin Nature and Science Center, providing educational programs for both children and adults.

Notable attractions within the park feature the Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with a pleasant year-round temperature of 68 degrees, and the McBeth Recreation Center. For those with an interest in horticulture, the Zilker Botanical Gardens showcase the Taniguchi Oriental Garden and the Austin Area Garden Center. The park is also home to the Zilker Caretaker's Cottage and the Zilker Hillside Theatre, which presents a range of performances including the renowned Zilker Summer Musical and Shakespeare in the Park.

Founded in 1983 by a group of Austin parents and educators, Thinkery has established itself as a leading nonprofit children's museum dedicated to reimagining the joy of learning. Evolving from the Austin Children's Museum, Thinkery now spans 40,000 square feet of engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments. Its commitment to the Austin community is evident in its continuous growth and provision of innovative educational and cultural opportunities aimed at children's development through play.

Over the decades, Thinkery has significantly expanded its reach beyond its Mueller museum walls, promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning experiences that are backed by thorough research. Through the STEAM Learning Institute, Thinkery emphasizes the value of inclusive, play-based learning and its critical role in fostering children's ability to thrive. By conducting inclusive research and offering professional development, Thinkery ensures that its mission touches the lives of an even broader audience within Central Texas and beyond, supporting a thriving future generation.

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Nestled in the scenic hills on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, the Austin Zoo presents a unique blend of conservation, education, and recreation. This sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals from a variety of circumstances, providing a safe haven for both native wildlife and exotic species. With an emphasis on animal welfare, the zoo offers an intimate setting where visitors can learn about the importance of conservation and the role zoos play in protecting endangered species. Through guided tours, educational programs, and interactive exhibits, the Austin Zoo fosters a deep connection between its guests and the natural world.

The Austin Zoo's compact yet diverse collection allows for a personal and educational experience, inviting curiosity and encouraging exploration. From majestic lions and playful primates to the tranquil beauty of the reptile house, each exhibit is designed with the utmost care for the animals and the environment. Visitors are not just passive observers but are engaged in a journey of discovery and learning about the intricate connections within ecosystems.

The Hill Country Flyer, a popular 66-mile round-trip train journey operated from Cedar Park Depot, is a signature event offered most Saturdays from January to May and September to November. Departing at 9:00am and returning by 3:30pm, passengers enjoy a 2-hour layover in Burnet for self-guided lunch and shopping. With its inaugural journey in 1992, this ride has remained a favorite, inviting guests to confirm details prior to boarding and advising early arrival for a smooth experience. Security checks ensure a safe ride for everyone, with specific protocol against alcohol onboard.

For dining, the Trailblazer Grille stands out for lunch with a reservation almost a necessity due to its popularity among passengers. Alternatively, Unshakable Grounds offers lighter options with no reservation required. For those willing to explore further, options like Hacienda El Charro and Warehouse BBQ and Meetery beckon with a short adventure. Guests preferring a quieter meal can enjoy a picnic around the Burnet Courthouse. The summer months see the Hill Country Flyer hiatus, making way for the Bertram Flyer and the festive North Pole Flyer during the Christmas season.

On June 14, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the Capitol Mall Amphitheater will host an evening under the banner of Music Under the Star series. The event, set against the scenic venue of the Bullock Museum, promises a family-friendly atmosphere where attendees are invited to bring camp chairs and blankets for a musical night featuring a remarkable lineup of Texas artists. Kamica King, known for her engaging stage presence and a unique blend of folk/soul influenced by jazz and Afro-Caribbean roots, will open the evening, setting the stage for the headlining act.

The Peterson Brothers, masters of a rich Americana mix of Soul, Funk, Blues, and Jazz, will then take the spotlight, showcasing their captivating talent and energetic performance style. With accolades including a GRAMMY® award for Alex Peterson, this Austin, Texas-based duo brings a refreshing homage to classic American music. Parking at the Bullock Museum is available with a fee, whereas members can enjoy this convenience for free with a Music Under the Star parking voucher. Attendees can purchase food and drinks at the venue, though outside consumables are restricted.

The Butler Hike and Bike Trail offers a serene outdoor experience in the heart of Austin. Spanning 10 miles, this well-maintained path is suitable for cyclists, runners, and families looking to enjoy a scenic view of the Austin skyline. With ample access points and parking, it's easy for visitors to customize their journey, whether opting for the full loop or a shorter trek. Highlights include opportunities for a refreshing swim in Barton Springs or Deep Eddy Pool, both nourished by natural springs near Lady Bird Lake.

Maintaining its allure throughout the year, the trail is dotted with convenient amenities like water fountains, restrooms, and shady spots for rest. It also features attractions such as the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue, the Bat Observation Center for a unique wildlife spectacle, and Zilker Park for outdoor leisure. Pedestrian- and cyclist-only bridges enhance the connectivity and safety of the trail, ensuring a pleasant experience for all. Whether aiming for a full 10-mile exploration or a brief escape amidst nature, the Butler Hike and Bike Trail invites all to enjoy the natural beauty Austin has to offer.

Austin Duck Adventures presents an unparalleled experience with its amphibious tours through downtown Austin and Lake Austin. Operating in unsinkable, US Coast Guard-inspected Hydra Terra vehicles, this 75-minute journey encompasses historical landmarks including Historic Sixth Street, the State Capitol Building, and the Governor’s Mansion, before making a splash into Lake Austin. Recognized as Austin's premier tour, it advises securing tickets promptly online due to high demand.

Tours commence near the Austin Visitors Center, with specific departure details provided in the confirmation FAQ. Additionally, Austin Duck Adventures caters to groups and private events, offering an exclusive opportunity to experience the city's sights in a uniquely engaging manner. For those planning events for groups, information on private lake tours is readily available, ensuring an unforgettable adventure through Austin’s scenic beauty and historical sites.

The Alliance Children’s Garden, nestled within Michael Butler Park in downtown Austin, spans 2 acres designed to foster group play, learning, and creativity among children. This innovative play venue is carefully crafted to accommodate a variety of recreational and educational experiences, promoting wellness for families and visitors regardless of age or ability. The garden is segmented into four thematic rooms, each mirroring the distinctive culture and environment of Austin, thus providing a unique and inclusive space for children to explore and engage with their surroundings.

Since its establishment in 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center (ANSC) has been a focal point for nature-based education and recreational activities. Situated on the western edge of Zilker Park, the center is committed to fostering awareness and appreciation for the environment through dynamic, hands-on exhibits and programs. Catering to visitors, educators, and children of all ages, ANSC is a beacon for environmental exploration and learning.

The Center boasts an extensive array of programs tailored for different age groups, including preschoolers, kids, families, and adults, covering diverse topics from butterflies to caving. This enriching environment offers a unique platform for participants to engage intimately with the natural world, enhancing their understanding and respect for nature's intricacies.

Kingsbury Commons serves as the inviting entrance to Pease Park, offering an array of activities suitable for families and individuals alike. Attendees can revel in the park's interactive water feature, explore the distinctive Treehouse Observation Pod, and engage with the natural play area. Additionally, the venue boasts state-of-the-art playground equipment and a regulation-size high school basketball court, enhancing the recreational experience for all visitors.

This meticulously designed park space encourages both leisure and physical activity, making it an ideal destination for community gatherings and outdoor enjoyment. Whether seeking adventure in the treehouse, cooling off by the water feature, or enjoying a game of basketball, Kingsbury Commons provides a comprehensive and enriching park experience.

The Naturalist Workshop at the Austin Nature & Science Center offers a hands-on experience unlike any other natural history museum. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to physically engage with an array of natural collections including fur, rocks, bones, plants, insects, and more. Interactive tables and investigation tools enable guests to explore and learn from the items directly. The exhibit's rotating displays ensure that every visit is unique, inviting return trips to discover new collections.

Additionally, the center provides field guides and a sightings board to enhance the experience of encountering living organisms around the premises. These resources aim to deepen visitors' understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them, making the Austin Nature & Science Center a continuously enriching environment for exploration and education.

Zilker Botanical Garden, located within Zilker Metropolitan Park in downtown Austin, presents a serene oasis amidst the urban landscape. This garden is renowned for its themed areas, such as the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and the enchanting Rose Garden. These areas are seamlessly connected through accessible pathways, making it welcoming to visitors of all ages and abilities. Featuring heritage live oaks, tranquil streams, and ponds teeming with Koi, Zilker Botanical Garden serves as a peaceful haven in the bustling city.

Lone Star Ranch, situated minutes from downtown Austin, stands as a premier destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Texas traditions and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its diverse offerings that far exceed mere trail rides, the ranch prides itself on providing a range of activities that cater to both individuals and large groups. Among these activities are archery, fishing, tomahawk and ax throwing, and for those with a penchant for more exhilarating experiences, custom trap shooting sessions.

Additionally, Lone Star Ranch offers unique encounters like ranch rodeos, ATV guided tours, and dove hunting, all under the expert guidance of their seasoned adventure guides. For visitors interested in authentic rodeo experiences, the ranch delivers private shows with trick roping and steers. It also arranges unusual entertainment like armadillo racing for larger gatherings. Meanwhile, younger guests can enjoy gentler pursuits such as the farm animal petting zoo and pony rides, ensuring the ranch offers something special for every visitor.

Pease Park, the gem of Austin, showcases breath-taking limestone bluffs and shaded trails, encapsulating the essence of the city through its 84 acres. Managed by the Pease Park Conservancy, the park is a testament to Austin's rich ecological and cultural heritage, aimed at preserving and enhancing this green space for community enjoyment. As the city's first public park, Pease Park offers an escape with play areas and a splash pad at the southern end, while the northern trails provide a serene immersion in nature.

The Conservancy's commitment to the park unfolds through dedicated efforts in restoration, maintenance, and fostering sustainable use, reflecting a visionary future for this outdoor oasis. Accessible in the heart of Austin, the park not only serves as a recreational site but also a beacon of the community's shared values and history. To learn more about the transformative work and the team behind Pease Park Conservancy, visit their platform, which elucidates their years of stewardship and forward-looking aspirations for the park.

At The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, visitors experience an oasis of tranquility just five miles from downtown Austin. The estate offers a seamless blend of natural beauty and contemporary art, featuring works from international artists scattered across its serene, wooded pathways. Monumental sculptures and intimate art installations invite contemplation and discovery, making Laguna Gloria a unique cultural haven in the heart of the city.

Laguna Gloria is not just a site for art exploration; it also houses the historic Driscoll Villa, a sought-after location for weddings and events, and the Art School at The Contemporary. The Art School offers courses that foster creativity, visual awareness, and skill development across various media, enriching the artistic community in Austin. With its café, shop, and visitor center, Laguna Gloria provides a comprehensive cultural experience.

Nestled in Austin, the Bullock Texas State History Museum stands as a portal to the past, offering a sweeping view of Texas history through dynamic, interactive exhibits. Across its three floors, visitors encounter the diverse narratives that shaped Texas, from indigenous histories to modern achievements. The museum's rich collections, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities like the IMAX® Theatre, provide a deep dive into the pivotal events and figures that define the Lone Star State.

Dedicated to both preservation and education, the Bullock Museum serves as a vibrant educational hub. It not only showcases Texas's milestones but also celebrates its cultural diversity and resilience, engaging visitors with compelling stories and insights. This sanctuary of history is a haven for enthusiasts, families, and anyone keen on immersing themselves in the compelling tales of Texas. By fostering a deeper understanding of Texas's past, the museum enhances public appreciation for its heritage, contributing significantly to the narrative of American history.

Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas, is a historic site that has welcomed a variety of visitors over the years, including legislators and celebrities like Robert Redford, who learned to swim there as a child. The pool continues to be a popular destination, with visitation numbers reaching almost 800,000 in recent years. It not only offers recreational opportunities with its varying depths and grassy lounging areas but also serves as a sanctuary for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, highlighting its ecological significance. Additionally, the adjacent bathhouse features Splash!, an exhibit educating visitors about the pool, its native species, and the Edwards Aquifer that sustains it.

Pinballz Original Pinball Arcade stands as Austin's largest arcade, offering a nostalgic journey with its extensive collection of vintage arcade games. Classics like Space Invaders, Centipede, and Q-Bert await those eager to relive the golden era of gaming. The arcade prides itself on housing many memorable titles from the past, ensuring visitors can always enjoy a blast from the past.

In addition to its treasured classics, Pinballz Original Pinball Arcade remains at the forefront of entertainment by introducing new and trending games and attractions from around the globe. This dynamic blend of old and new ensures that every visit offers a unique and exciting experience, making it a must-visit destination for both retro enthusiasts and modern gamers alike.

Katherine Fleischer Park (KF Park), a sprawling 22-acre greenspace situated in the heart of the community, serves as a vibrant hub for recreational pursuits. The park boasts an array of amenities including a community center, historic homestead, swimming pool, expansive playscape with pavilion and playhouse, tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball court, baseball field, and the notable Chuck Walters Pavilion. A network of concrete and decomposed granite paths offers seamless connectivity to the broader park system and nearby attractions.

In addition to its extensive facilities, KF Park acts as a gateway to the Wells Branch neighborhood trails, leading adventurers to the disc golf course, Wells Branch Community Library, and Mills Pond. It stands as an ideal venue for hosting gatherings, allowing children to revel in the play areas, or for the simple joys of kite flying. The park's special events page is a testament to its role as a frequent host for complimentary outdoor activities, reflecting its commitment to fostering community engagement and promoting an active lifestyle.

The Zilker Eagle introduces a fresh chapter in Austin's Zilker Park by reviving the 60-year legacy of a mini train, blending tradition with forward-looking innovation. Selected from over 700 name suggestions and approved by more than 7,000 local voters, the Zilker Eagle pays homage to its predecessors—the original Zilker Mini Train and the historical Missouri Pacific Railroad passenger train. The train's distinctive identity, crafted by acclaimed design firm Frank & Victor, encapsulates the unique and welcoming spirit of Austin, ensuring the Zilker Eagle becomes a cherished part of the park's future.

Experience the ultimate cinema experience at Alamo Drafthouse! Indulge in luxurious seating, impeccable wait staff service, and incredible reclining seats while enjoying a movie and treating the kids to dinner. Don't miss out!

Get ready for an amazing playtime experience! Featuring redesigned playsets for 2-5-year-olds and 5-12-year-olds, plus swings, soccer fields, and much more, this shaded play area is a dream come true for kids of all ages!

The Joanne Land Playground in Round Rock's Old Settler's Park is an incredible spot for free family fun! With its enormous climbing towers, slides, tunnels, and more, it's a must-visit destination. Plus, there's a lovely pond and plenty of walking trails nearby!

The Bastrop River Company offers a captivating experience along the El Camino Real Paddling Trail with their Short Paddle Trail excursion. This journey is renowned as their most sought-after kayak and canoe trip, celebrated for providing an exceptional outdoor activity in Bastrop. Participants have the opportunity to explore the scenic waterways, making it a highlight for both locals and visitors seeking adventure and a connection with nature.