Austin, Texas: Fun Family-Friendly Activities in the Live Music Capital of the World

Known as the Live Music Capital of the world, Austin, Texas is as cool as it sounds. But live music isn’t the only draw of this great city. Austin has activities to please every member of the family, from hiking and kayaking to museums and breweries (some with their own farms or playscapes!). And there is no shortage of great playgrounds, both traditional and indoors if you need to cool off on one of those Texas summer days. If you’ve got a trip in the works, check out these family-friendly activities in and around Austin.

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Near the downtown Austin area:

Congress Avenue Bridge bats

Head to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk to see a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge for their nightly feeding. With Lady Bird Lake as the backdrop, this nightly routine is a spectacle that will inspire awe in both adults and children. The best time of year to see the bats come out is between March and October.

Local Tip: The bats tend to come out later on hot days or after wet weather so plan accordingly.

Zilker Park

Across the river from Downtown Austin is a 358-acre park where you can find fun for the whole family. Rent boats, go for a hike, play disc golf, visit the botanical gardens or just run around a playground. Zilker Park is also the location for the iconic Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre pool fed by natural springs that stays around 70 degrees all year.

Austin Nature and Science Center

If you’re looking for free family-friendly activities in Austin, the Austin Nature and Science Center should be first on your list. It’s perfect for animal- and dinosaur-lovers. You can see a variety of rescued animals—birds of prey, reptiles, a bobcat and more—and search for “bones” in the dino dig area. Inside the center, you can see bees making honey, look at all kinds of animal bones, and learn about the environment. There’s also a trailhead on the property, so dress for hiking if you’re in the mood to explore. Rent a carrier or backpack if you think little lets might get tired on the trek.

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Related articles:

• San Antonio, Texas: Family Friendly Activities
• Houston Travel Guide for Families: Things to Do, Where to Go & What to Eat!
• Rent Baby Gear for Stress Free Family Travel

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Fun for the kids:

Thinkery

This children’s museum is a must-see when visiting Austin with kids. There are spaces for babies through big kids, with pretend play, soft play, story corner, hands-on science, water play (complete with aprons AND loaner shoes), and a unique outdoor playground. You can make a day of it, with restaurants and ice cream in the same shopping center and a big public playground across the street. There is a great sea monster sculpture that makes for a great photo op! We love this place so much it made our list of top 12 children’s museums in the US!

Dinosaur Park

East of Austin, near Bastrop, Texas, is an attraction for anyone who has ever loved dinosaurs. The Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek leads you on a walk through the woods to see life-size dinosaurs, from a small compsognathus to a huge diplodocus. Learn about the prehistoric creatures and then have a picnic or play on the playground. 

Indoor Play Places Around Austin

There’s nothing worse than being stuck inside on a vacation because the weather isn’t cooperating. If you’re planning a family trip to Austin, make sure your backup plan includes an indoor playspace. There is sure to be one in the area of town where you’re staying. Most of them include some combination of soft play and toys for crawlers, ball pits, slides, and imaginative play. Some of our favorites include: Playmazing, Little Land Play Gym, Indigo Play, The Coop, Almost Grown Play Café and Mt Playmore.

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Enjoy the Austin outdoors with the whole family:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

This gorgeous botanical garden is the perfect place to spend part of a day. Let the kids get their energy out while taking in the beautiful flowers of Central Texas. From October to January, when the flowers are less vibrant, the garden brings in the perfect exhibit for kids: Fortlandia. Architects and artists design and build forts of all different kinds, and visitors are free to play and climb to their hearts’ content. There’s even a spot for families to build their own forts.

Hiking

With lakes, hills and “violet crown” sunsets, Austin is a great place to take a family hike. Green spaces weave their way through town, making you forget you’re in the middle of the city. If you’re looking to stay near the center of town, head to Barton Creek Greenbelt, St. Edward’s Park or Mount Bonnell for a nearby hike. If you don’t mind driving a bit, McKinney Falls or Inks Lake are some favorites to explore.

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Restaurants and breweries with playgrounds:

Austin has so many great places to eat and drink, and many of them go beyond just tolerating children. These family-friendly restaurants and breweries actually welcome kids and give them space to run and play. Austin Beerworks has a playscape, Family Business Beer Company has a full-blown playground, and Jester King has a farm complete with goats to visit. Lots of restaurants have playgrounds to give you some time to relax while your kids run wild. Mandola’s, Central Market on North Lamar, Phil’s Ice House, Hat Creek Burger Company, and Lucy’s Fried Chicken, just to name a handful. 

There’s so much to see and do on your family trip to Austin, you can’t go wrong no matter what’s on your itinerary. If you can’t fit it all in this time, you’ll just have to make another trip!

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If you’re headed to Austin with babies, toddlers or small kids, and don’t want to haul a bunch of bulky baby gear with you, check out all the gear that the Austin area Quality Providers offer.