Family-Friendly Activities in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, is known as a great outdoor destination, the live music capital of Texas, and the center for all things ‘weird’ in the Lone Star State. Although it may not be renowned for being a family-friendly destination, the reality is that families with kids of all ages will discover that Austin is an exciting and enjoyable place.
Dive into our list of Austin’s top kid-friendly sites, including everything from museums to tours and animal encounters.
1. Play and Explore at Zilker Park
You’d be hard-pressed to do everything in one day at Zilker Park. In addition to a disc-golf course and volleyball courts, the 351-acre park is home to Barton Springs Pool and the Zilker Hillside Theater, which hosts live concerts and shows, like summer musicals and Shakespeare in the Park.
Take the kids to the Austin Nature & Science Center for hands-on natural experiences that will teach children about the environment. Zilker Botanical Garden covers 28 acres and has a lovely array of koi-filled ponds and waterfalls, as well as beautiful gardens with different themes. For instance, the Hartman Prehistoric Garden features plants that existed during the time of the dinosaurs.
2. Get a Mental Workout at Thinkery
As the name implies, Thinkery is a children’s museum that inspires kids to think. The 40,000-sq-ft museum offers indoor and outdoor exhibits catering to children ages 0 to 11.
In the Light Lab, kids learn about the impact of light and how to manipulate color with circuits. The Currents exhibit teaches about the dynamics of water and sound, while the Innovators’ Workshop focuses on making and invention as a means for creative problem-solving. By providing hands-on STEAM programs, Thinkery engages the minds and hearts of your little ones.
3. See Swarms of Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
Located right next to downtown, Congress Ave Bridge is home to a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. They’ve become the largest urban bat population in North America since settling under the bridge in the 1980s, attracting curious onlookers who arrive in the late evening to see them fly away.
The best time to observe the bats is between late March and early fall. They exit the bridge anytime between 7:30 and 9:45 pm, so arrive early for a good spot on the grassy hill of the Statesman Bat Observation area.
Planning tip: Austin Bat Refuge provides suggestions and predictions for the best times and places to catch the show each night, depending on weather conditions. Consider making it an even more unique experience by renting kayaks or canoes and paddling onto Lady Bird Lake to watch the bat show.
4. Tour the Caves at Inner Space Cavern
To see one of the best-preserved cave systems in the US, visit Inner Space Cavern, located right outside of Austin in Georgetown.
A variety of cave tours are available, offering different levels of difficulty. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll encounter magnificent geological formations and even some prehistoric animal bones!
Planning tip: After touring Inner Space Cavern, go above ground to pan for gemstones and fossils, or take a ride on the Saber Tooth zip line for more adventure.
5. Take a Dip at Barton Springs Pool
Located within Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is the perfect spot for a family swim day in Austin. This 3-acre pool is fed from an underground spring and maintains an average temperature of 68°F to 70°F, allowing for year-round swimming.
While there is an admission fee from mid-March to the end of October, it’s free every day from November to spring break. Pack swimsuits and a cooler for a delightful family day.
Planning tip: Barton Springs is open daily; however, lifeguards are only on duty at certain hours, currently from 8 am to 6 pm, except Thursdays when it remains swim-at-your-own-risk. Double-check the official website for details.
6. Practice Your Putting at Peter Pan Mini Golf
Take the kids for a round of Putt-Putt at Peter Pan Mini Golf. This landmark has been around since 1948, offering two 18-hole mini-golf courses adorned with quirky old-fashioned statues, including a gigantic T-Rex and a larger-than-life blue-colored Converse shoe.
Planning tip: Tickets can be purchased online or paid for with cash or contactless credit card on-site. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink, provided you leave any glass at home.
7. See the Sights with Austin Duck Adventures
Get ready for a fun-filled adventure with Austin Duck Adventures. Once you and the kids board the US Coast Guard–tested Hydra-Terra vehicle, it will embark on a 75-minute tour of Austin’s most famous sites—on both land and water.
This tour will inform the family about state capitol, historic Sixth St, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum, while also offering a “dip” in Lake Austin, making it an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
