Food can be purchased in advance at the Austin Zoo gift shop. Texans are passionate about football, and Austin's University of Texas brings the school spirit every season. Top 20+ Family-Friendly Attractions in Austin, TX - Visit This outdoor museum boasts life-size dinosaur replicas, like a 2-foot-long Compsognathus and an 85-foot-long Brachiosaurus. All Rights Reserved. Plug this into Waze: Looking for a place to picnic or just let the kids run and chase squirrels? In fact, Mount Bonnell is Austins highest point. Ask the waitress about the bell ringing at sundown. Morning The Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail has a hard surface, ideal for strollers. If you have a music-lover in your family, let them delight in the special exhibit on Austins local music scene. If you require inside activities in Austin, head to the museum for a day of play. Top 50 Austin Vacation Rentals | Vrbo.com. The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Get a glimpse of them from the hill by theStatesman Bat Observation Center, which is adjacent to theCongress Avenue Bridge. Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata, Including Cushing Brain Collection, Mammalian Brain Collection, and Brain Museum. McKinney Falls is so close to central Austin, but people tend to forget about it. The Austin City Limits Theater installation highlights the best of the longest-running music program in American television history. CATEGORIESFunny MemesTechnologyApp ReviewsParentingLifePrintablesWords MatterBlogSitemapWeb StoriesInstagram Saves, FOLLOW ON SOCIALFacebookPinterestInstagramTikTokYouTubeTwitter, Copyright 2023 Digital Mom Blog - Delivering the Funny Memes, Parenting and Tech Since 2010, 30 Memorable and FUN Family Things to Do in Austin, TX, Watch a movie, grab a beer (not for kids) and some grub at, Enjoy Nature at theWestcave Outdoor Discovery Center, Try your luck atPeter Pan Mini-golf(an Austin tradition! Web1. WebThings to Do in Austin, TX - Austin Attractions Things to Do in Austin Popular things to do Cultural Tours Self-guided Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Walking Tours Ghost Be sure to add these special winter things to do in Austin to your itinerary, especially if youre in Austin with kids during the holiday season. If you are visiting Austin with kids in the spring, take part in the Texas tradition of Texas bluebonnet photos! It may be easy to ignore the Texas State Capitol for fear that its boring, but that would be a mistake. Whenever you visit Austin with kids, consider family-friendly attractions like The Thinkery, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, or visit the Museum of the Since 1915, patrons have been coming to this storied theater to see performances from legends like Harry Houdini, Duke Ellington, and Katharine Hepburn. Kayak around Lady Bird Lake, admire the waterfalls in the Botanical Garden, ride bikes, fly a kite, take the pups for a frolic, have a picnic on the grassy lawn, or all of the A post shared by Lindsey Rene (@deeronthemoon) on Dec 27, 2019 at 11:46am PST. Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata. If you need to get your kids out and about, try out the childrens museum. Learn more about how the Zilker Botanical Garden is addressing COVID-19 here. Finally, the Embassy Suites Austin Downtown South Congress is centrally located and offers large suites and complimentary breakfast each morning. There is a great food truck park off of South Congress that offers a place to sit and kids can wiggle. Then, Bull Creek District Park is a 48-acre city park in Austin, offering everything from hiking to stunning views of the local creek. Lucille Patio Lounge, Half Step, and The Container Bar are all great places for a cocktail or two. Kayak around Lady Bird Lake, admire the waterfalls in the Botanical Garden, ride bikes, fly a kite, take the pups for a frolic, have a picnic on the grassy lawn, or all of the above. When visiting Austin with kids, be sure to take in some local history at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Science Mill Discover the fun of science at the Science Mill in Johnson City! While the live music and dining scene in Austin is thriving, the city is also home to some great hotels, and who doesn't love enjoying their hotel while vacationing? This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of. If youre looking for great things to do in Austin with kids, weve leveraged the collective wisdom of our Facebook community to compile this list. The capital of Texas is well known for its tasty food scene, iconic live music venues, and general quirky nature. Plus, this kid-friendly attraction is the last true dime museum in the United States. Then, harness the cowboy spirit and giddyup over to nearby Texas Hill Country for a horseback ride around the ranch at Texas Trail Rides, where youll pass by picturesque spring-fed lakes, across Onion Creek and along wooded trails with your new horse friend. Just steps away is the Zilker Botanical Garden, where kids can run free. Located downtown Austin, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum tells the Story of Texas across 3 floors of interactive exhibits. is a must then. Plus, tours generally fill up quickly, be sure to book well in advance of your visit. Where is Graffiti Park in Austin? You can't come to Texas and not try some Tex-Mex cuisine a delicious blend of Mexican classics with Texas twists, found across the state. Bat watching is a unique activity for families in Austin. Outdoor adventures, insightful museums, and one-of-a-kind sites are among My son just didnt know what to think (neither did I!) I love Read more. In fact, it recently won the USA Todays Top 10 Best Public Holiday Lights Displays in the United States! about this bacon donut. There are several things to do in Austin with kids no matter the season! Know of something we missed? Near downtown Austin, the Zilker Botanical Garden is known as the jewel in the heart of Austin. 14 Best Things to Do With Kids in Austin in 2022 - Time Out As you might expect from a growing metropolitan area, Austin boasts top-notch parks, zoos, and the always-necessary childrens museum. Notes, Thinkery also provides up to three hours of free parking in the McBee Street District Garage during regular hours. Watch the bats emerge at Congress Avenue Bridge. When you're planning a family vacation, it's important to pack travel toys that will keep Cruising is a great option for families with babies who want to relax and not Making Memories, Together. A pavilion and viewing deck allow you to rest up before descending. ). There is even a koi pond that they can peer into and discover schools of colorful fish! Who doesnt love food trucks? Laser tag, climbing walls, a ropes course, mini bowling, arcade games, and bumper cars are a few of the attractions, and theres a real cafe with adult options including beer and wine. Sibling MemesFamily MemesApril MemesSpring MemesBirthday MemesWork MemesGood Morning Memes, ABOUTAbout Digital MomPress / Collab / AdvertisePrivacy PolicyContact. Join our vibrantFacebook community, "Families Who Love to Travel,"(where family travelers like you can ask for advice and share tips with other families!). Will its spirit follow it to its new location? From inside activities to hiking to animal encounters, there is a lot to love about visiting Austin! Head to the Naturalist Workshop to touch animal furs, rocks, bones, plants, and insects, as well as inspect them with magnifying glasses to learn more! Last Updated on 7 months by Gunjan Prakash. Here are a few unique things to do in Austin with kids to add to your summer itinerary. Then, Barton Springs Pool is a great place to cool off on hot summer days. Book Austin: Best of Austin Driving Tour with Local Guide through Getyourguide.com which includes a tour of the Texas Capitol! Everyone knows that Yellowstone National Park makes for a classic family vacation. Little ones will delight in wandering through an array of themed gardens spread across 28 acres, including the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and Rose Garden. The chips and salsa (and order the queso with guac!) All tours are free to join. Leave a comment below; this map will be continually updated. A special thank you to our FLT contributor Erin Gray for helping us compile suggestions for this list! Learn more about how the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is addressing COVID-19 here. With more than 19,000 works in the permanent collection, the Blanton is known for its European paintings, modern and contemporary American and Latin art, and a wide range of prints and drawings. The Austin metro area is packed with opportunities for interesting family field trips, memorable adventures, and many places to explore the natural beauty of Central A post shared by 2ND Street District (@2ndstdistrict) on May 19, 2019 at 9:00am PDT. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our privacy policy. A post shared by Austin Kaus (@awesome.couch) on Aug 17, 2019 at 9:48pm PDT. Hardcore dinosaur lovers can savor more than 5 million specimens, including huge dinosaur skeletons and fossilized animals, gems and minerals, and wildlife specimens. 11 of the Best Hotels with Water Parks in Arizona, 12 of the Best Animal Kingdom Quick Service Restaurants, 7 of the Best Water Park Hotels in Branson, MO. Visit the Austin Zoo. Whats the Perfect Length of Time to Spend in Austin, Texas, With Kids? (Its cafes enchiladas are particularly legendary). Take the family for a stroll down South Congress Avenue, where funky shops and bustling eateries create a lively vibe. Hike or bike along the Barton Creek Greenbelt to reach Gus Fruh, a swimming hole (that can get deep after a good rain) that features the famed Urban Assault limestone rock wall thats a favorite of climbers. Afterward, take the kids to nearby Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve to see the peafowl and the different ponds, another of the many fun things to do in Austin with kids! Things to do in Austin: 25 kid-friendly attractions - Curbed Austin A tree-lined path takes you on an educational trek, and the kiddos will also like participating in a fossil dig and playing at the playground. Make it a day trip and pack a picnic to enjoy along the Onion River. Sitting on Lady Bird Lake, with views of the city skyline, Zilker Park is packed with activities. Austin, Texas is an outdoor lover's paradise and a super kid-friendly city, making it the perfect getaway for families with kids of all ages. Take the Mourning Rounds tour and learn about how the staff prepares the aquarium and the animals for the day. Our favorite is in south Austin area. This unique structure in suburban Austin is made up entirely of other people's castaways, and constantly changing. Thinkery has multiple exhibits that allow children to explore and foster their creativity. View their schedule for Zoo Keeper Chats and learn more about the animals that live at the zoo. HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a local landmark. Austin has several food truck parks. Home to almost 900 species of native Texas plants, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of the best summer things to do in Austin with kids! Afterward, venture over to the Mueller neighborhood,just three miles east of Downtown Austin where youll find a farmers marketon Sunday mornings, an open-air retail district and plenty of places to grab a casual lunch, such as Southern comfort food from Colleen's Kitchen or ramen from Marafuku. This family-friendly sightseeing tour will launch you into learning about Austin while embarking by water over Lady Bird Lake and by land through downtown Austin. 41 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Austin - Atlas Obscura 31 Fun Things to Do in Austin with Kids for 2023 (Family-Friendly!) Though seemingly targeting fanboys/girls, the museum is in fact focused on childhood education and also has a lot of hands-on activities, like vintage video games. wants to go to Looking for a family-friendly place to stay when visiting Austin with kids? Active kids will love a day on local hiking trails! Photo: Amanda Ogle is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in travel, food and drink, sustainability, and general lifestyle topics. Here are a few of our favorite Austin restaurants to eat with kids: With numerous locations, Kerbey Lane is perfect for breakfast (dont miss out on their pancakes! Our kids got to ring a huge bell as the sunset they loved it! Austin and the surrounding Hill Country area are home to a number of great distilleries, and many of them have excellent tasting rooms where you can relax and have a cocktail. Austin is known for its live music scene, and Austin City Limits Music Festival, held in Zilker Park, is a must for music lovers. Kids will be fascinated while watching the bats fly out from under the bridge! Specifically: bats. Head to the family section of the events calendar and get ready to expose your little ones to the arts. The famous "I Love You So Much" mural is found here at Jo's Coffee, and Monkey See Monkey Do is a treasure trove of vintage toys and gifts. Nearby, you will also find Splash!, an exhibit where families can learn about the history and biology of Barton Springs. After climbing 102 stairs, you'll be at the top where you can take in breathtaking views of downtown and the 360 Bridge. Additionally, its a fantastic place to visit with kids! Then, head to the domestic animal area and feed the resident goats, llamas, and the miniature donkey. Jester King offers up top-notch farmhouse ales in Hill Country, while Pinthouse, St. Elmo, and Austin Beerworks are just a few of the big hitters in town. This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of. Animals are most active in the cool early mornings, plan to arrive early to catch them at their best. Go Explore! Check out "Old Baldy" while you're here. This is also one of the best free things to do in Austin with kids, as there is no paid admission for individuals and families visiting the exhibits (donations are happily accepted). No doubt you found a variety of things to do in Austin with kids on this list! Recently transformed from a dusty lot to a downtown oasis, Republic Square now boasts a lovely green lawn, lots of shade trees, and a nifty bird sculpture the little ones will enjoy climbing and sitting on. Better yet, take a rented bike or public transportation (there are bike racks available). Families can spend a full morning exploring the grounds and then grab a bite to eat from the on-site Wildflower Caf, offering an array of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and desserts. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The bats fly from March November. This awesome Willie Nelson mural off south congress next to Homeslice Pizza and Jenis Ice Cream (which are 2 definite family things to do in Austin! If youre visiting in the winter, be sure to meander through the twinkling Christmas Lights at Zilker Park, or go ice skating on a rooftop! Visitors and locals alike love this part of the city. Be sure to check the schedule before purchasing your tickets, however, as the garden offers several free days throughout the year. Traveling to Austin in the fall and winter months? Grab a classic bacon, egg and cheese for yourself and an El Nio (bean and cheese on a flour tortilla) for the kiddos. Lake Tahoe ski resorts are among the best in the world, offering world-class amenities, incredible ski slopes, and family-friendly lodging. Tried and true barbecue favorites meet unexpected spices and flavor profiles. Are you visiting Austin during the summer? I love you so much Mural. A post shared by @traveltheworldtogether26 on Jan 11, 2020 at 2:28pm PST. Paddleboard, kayak, or canoe your way across Austin's Lady Bird Lake for views of the skyline and outdoor recreation right in the city. Want to stay a bit? Located within Zilker Parks 358 acres lies Barton Springs Pool. They run every half hour and also only last a half hour, which is great for kids with short attention spans! A post shared by Joe McCaffrey (@j_m) on Oct 7, 2019 at 1:51pm PDT. In one corner: Harry Houdini. A post shared by Tess (@kinda_salty_bitchy_witch) on Mar 7, 2020 at 7:05pm PST. 26 BEST Places to Visit in Austin (2023) - The Broke Backpacker 2. Austin Visitor Center: 602 E. Fourth St, Austin, 78701, Visit Austin Admin: 111 Congress Ave, Suite 700 Austin, 78701. Midday If noise is an issue, our families recommend requesting a room that does not face Rainey Street. With 351 acres of recreation, that includes a family friendly miniature train, your whole family will love this park that is located in downtown Austin. Plan to bring a picnic lunch or snack, as the park offers three picnic sites, including one sheltered area. Here, your family can enjoy a round of disc golf, the Zilker Playscape, and much more. Begin the day with a plate of the special pancakes of the day at Kerbey Lane Cafe. Patterson Park is an outdoor oasis for kids, complete with basketball courts, a mini skate ramp, volleyball courts, picnic tables, multiple playgrounds, and top-notch trees to climb. A post shared by catdraper (@catherinemariedraper) on Jan 19, 2019 at 2:08pm PST, The Wildflower Center is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, but the season when its namesake flowers are abloom is pretty special. It also has a playground, tons of picnic tables under a canopy of giant trees, volleyball courts, and an off-leash dog-walking area. In McKinney Falls State Park, kids can even go geocaching and delight in a modern-day treasure hunt. A portion of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike trail and boardwalk will take you on a 10-mile loop in the heart of the city. ), Where skee-ball meets golf. Learn more about how the Thinkery is addressing COVID-19 here. And its perfect for the mild, sunny days between summers, with hikes of varying length and difficulty. Hike your way up almost 800 feet to overlook Lake Austin. Texas, with its never-ending skies, wide deserts, and even bigger imaginations, takes this idea to thrilling conclusions. In 1985, 20th-century American sculptor Charles Umlauf and his wife Angie Umlauf donated their home, Charles' studio, and hundreds of sculptures to the city of Austin. Here are eight of the most exciting art destinations in the state to inspire your mind and thrill your eyes. Take a hike up the stone steps toMount Bonnell and get a panoramic view of the Austin area, including Lake Austin. Within Austin's city limits is this outdoor oasis that's perfect for unplugging from technology and connecting with nature. Take the family for a stroll down South Congress Avenue, where funky shops and bustling eateries create a lively vibe. 30 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas - Travel + Leisure Sitemap, 16 of the Best Family Hotels in San Antonio, 3 Reasons Why Austin, Texas, Is the Perfect Family Vacation Destination. 17 Fantastic Things to Do in Austin with Kids - Families Love Travel This is a great place to take kids in Austin and sugar them up with an eclectic mix of ice cream flavors and mix-ins. Want to customize a pair of boots to fit your style? On occasion, the capitol also hosts specialty themed tours, some of which are seasonal. Leave a comment and let us know! Grab your seat on this amphibious vehicle and see Austin from a new perspective. First on our list of family things to do in Austin is the BAT BRIDGE. Each year, Whole Foods turns its entire rooftop into a thrilling skating rink for locals and tourists to enjoy. Here, your family can grab food and drinks at Whole Foods, then head up to the rooftop for a round of ice skating. One of the most exciting winter things to do in Austin is skating at the CultureMap Rooftop Rink at Whole Foods Markets downtown location. Austin's favorite swimming hole is definitely Barton Springs, a three-acre pool fed from underground springs. Bonus perk with food trucks even picky eaters can find something that they will like! From hiking to museums to learning about local history, be sure to check out some of these family-friendly activities in Austin during your visit. Austin Zoo Attractions Zoo and aquariums Greater Austin With its underlying mission to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education, No matter what curiosity brings you into the Museum of the Weird, its fair to say this is one of the most unique places to visit in Austin! A post shared by Mars (@marsk) on Aug 7, 2019 at 6:42pm PDT.