Austin, the vibrant capital of Texas, is a city brimming with energy, creativity, and a spirit of adventure. Beyond its renowned music scene and delicious food, Austin offers a diverse range of activities perfect for families with children of all ages. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or simply looking for weekend adventures, Austin promises to keep everyone entertained and engaged. From the refreshing waters of Barton Springs to interactive museums and natural wonders, this city truly has something for every child and adult alike.
The Texas capital has no shortage of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. While Austin has plenty to do outdoors (swimming at Barton Springs or playing outdoors at Butler Park are perennial favorites), the city is also home to interesting kid-friendly museums, like The Thinkery and the Austin Science & Nature Center. Whatever your family’s needs are and whether you’re with a toddler or a teenager, Fun Activities for the Kids in Austin, Texas will keep the whole family entertained during your Texas vacation.
Here’s a guide to some of the most exciting and memorable Fun Activities for the Kids in Austin, Texas:
Descend Into an Underground Cavern: Inner Space Cavern
Venture just outside of Austin to Georgetown and discover the captivating Inner Space Cavern, a geological marvel that lies beneath the Texas Hill Country. As part of the Texas Cave Trail, this cavern stands out as the most accessible from Austin, making it a convenient and fascinating day trip. Stepping into the Inner Space Cavern is like entering another world, where the temperature remains a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit, offering a welcome escape from the Texas heat or a warm refuge from the winter chill.
The cavern boasts a variety of tour options tailored to different age groups and adventure levels. The Discovery Tour, an easy one-hour excursion, is perfect for families with young children, offering a gentle introduction to the wonders of the underground. For older, more adventurous kids (ages 13 and up), the Adventure Tour provides a challenging four-hour exploration of the cavern’s deeper recesses.
Address: 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
Phone: +1 512-931-2283
Climb, Splash, and Explore at the Alliance Children’s Garden
Located within Butler Park, the Alliance Children’s Garden is a relatively new addition to Austin’s family-friendly landscape, having opened in the summer of 2021. This thoughtfully designed park aims to be a multigenerational play space, catering to the diverse interests and abilities of young children, older siblings, parents, and grandparents.
The garden’s features are all designed to be interactive and engaging. Children can climb on giant ant sculptures, create melodies on musical columns, and explore a variety of other stimulating installations. Recognizing the importance of staying cool during Austin’s hot summers, the park incorporates ample shade and a refreshing water-spewing area, providing a welcome respite from the heat.
Address: 1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Ride on the Zilker Eagle Electric Train
A beloved Austin tradition since 1961, the miniature train that winds through Zilker Park has delighted generations of children. After suffering damage from heavy rains in 2019, the train underwent a significant transformation, emerging as the Zilker Eagle.
The new train features a fully electric locomotive and a redesigned route that showcases stunning views of the Austin skyline. Depending on the season, passengers may be treated to fields of spring wildflowers or the vibrant fall foliage of the bald cypress trees, making this a truly scenic excursion. The Zilker Eagle offers a relaxing and picturesque way to experience the natural beauty of Zilker Park.
Address: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Take a Plunge at Barton Springs Pool
During the sweltering months of July and August, Barton Springs Pool becomes Austin’s most popular daytime destination for people of all ages. This natural spring-fed pool maintains a refreshing 68-degree water temperature year-round, providing welcome relief from the Texas heat.
For families with children, Barton Springs Pool offers a spacious shallow end and a designated area for floats. The low diving board is perfect for young children, and one of the original springs is located near the landing zone, ensuring a constant supply of cold water. Water shoes are recommended for the shallow end, as the bottom can be rocky and slippery. Lifeguards are on duty, but parents should always keep a close eye on their children due to the pool’s size.
Address: 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Phone: +1 512-974-6300
Play a Round at Peter Pan Mini Golf
A South Austin landmark since 1948, Peter Pan Mini Golf is hard to miss thanks to its iconic giant green Peter Pan statue. This quirky and charming attraction features two 18-hole courses filled with whimsical characters, including dinosaurs, pirates, and whales.
The west course offers a more challenging experience, while the east course is designed for easier, straight shots, often punctuated by celebratory "whoops" from players achieving a hole-in-one. Embracing its retro image, Peter Pan Mini Golf only accepts cash. Adults are welcome to BYOB, adding to the relaxed and fun atmosphere. A picnic area is available for rent, making it a great spot for birthday parties.
Address: 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704-1007, USA
Phone: +1 512-472-1033
Get Little Brains Whirring at Austin’s Children’s Museum: The Thinkery
The Thinkery is a children’s museum designed to stimulate young minds while providing hours of entertainment. The Currents exhibit allows children to explore fluid dynamics through interactive water walls and fountains, so bringing a change of clothes and water shoes is highly recommended. Fortunately, child-sized dryers are available for a quick dry.
The Inventor’s Workshop encourages creativity with hands-on workstations for woodworking, electronics, and other crafts. Story times are offered throughout the day for younger children. The outdoor play area features ropes and a jungle gym, providing a space for active play. The Thinkery is a place where learning and fun go hand in hand, sparking curiosity and fostering a love of discovery.
Address: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723, USA
Phone: +1 512-469-6201
Get Wild at the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary
The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary provides an educational and entertaining experience, housing animals rescued from unsuitable private homes and other settings. This smaller zoo allows for a thorough exploration in about an hour, making it ideal for families with young children.
Must-see animals include the tiger, African lion, and Galapagos tortoise. In the petting zoo, children can feed friendly goats and even a capybara. The zoo also features intriguing animals like hyenas, iguanas, and a coatimundi, a raccoon-like mammal native to Texas but rarely seen in the wild. The Austin Zoo offers a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate rescued wildlife.
Address: 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736, USA
Phone: +1 512-288-1490
Hike at Barton Creek Greenbelt
For families who enjoy hiking, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers miles of scenic trails and unstructured outdoor fun. It’s important to wear shoes with good traction, as portions of the trail involve navigating slippery boulders, especially after rain. Be mindful of off-leash dogs running along the trail. Bring plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen, as much of the trail is exposed to direct sunlight. The entrance to the trail is located in the parking lot of Barton Springs. The Greenbelt provides a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the beautiful Texas landscape.
Address: Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Hunt for Bones at the Austin Nature & Science Center
The Austin Nature & Science Center is a great place to experience some Fun Activities for the Kids in Austin, Texas. The Dino Pit is a popular attraction, where children can dig up reproductions of dinosaur fossils found in central Texas. Informative signs provide insights into ancient creatures and paleontology. Large dinosaur tracks are based on actual tracks discovered during the construction of a nearby building.
The center also operates a wildlife rehabilitation facility, housing recuperating wildlife such as bobcats, hawks, and owls. The Small Wonders exhibit features lizards, fish, turtles, and snakes found in the Austin area. Nature-oriented day camps are available throughout the summer. The Austin Nature & Science Center offers a blend of education and hands-on experiences, inspiring a love of nature and science.
Address: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Phone: +1 512-974-3888
Roam and Run at Mueller Lake Park
Located near the Thinkery in the Mueller neighborhood, Mueller Lake Park encompasses 30 acres surrounding a six-acre lake. The park offers ample open space for children to roam and five miles of gravel and concrete paths for walking and biking. While swimming is prohibited, catch-and-release fishing and duck feeding are permitted. The fenced-in playground features swings, slides, jungle gyms, and whimsical sculptures. Food trucks are often parked nearby, providing options for a convenient picnic. Mueller Lake Park is a versatile space for recreation and relaxation in the heart of Austin.
Address: 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723, USA
Phone: +1 512-703-9202
Trek Up Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, a 775-foot hill overlooking Lake Austin, is one of the most scenic spots in the city. The stairway to the top is manageable for most children, although parents may find it a bit strenuous. The viewing area at the summit offers benches and partial shade but is not designed for extended stays. Most visitors climb to the top, take photos, enjoy a snack, and head back down. In addition to panoramic views of downtown Austin, you can see the city’s abundant green space. Mount Bonnell provides a memorable and rewarding outdoor experience.
Address: Mt Bonnell, Austin, TX 78731, USA
Dive into Lake Austin
While Lady Bird Lake is surrounded by parkland, Lake Austin is primarily bordered by commercial and residential properties. However, public access is available at Emma Long Metropolitan Park, which features about a mile of waterfront, a designated swimming area, and open space for recreation. It’s also enjoyable to watch ski boats cruise by. A small pier is available for fishing. For a more adventurous experience, consider renting stand-up paddleboards, ski boats, or pontoon boats from Keep Austin Wet. Lake Austin offers a variety of water-based activities for families to enjoy.
Address: 1706 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730-4201, USA
Phone: +1 512-974-6797
Shoot Ray Guns at Blazer Tag Adventure Center
Located in a former movie theater, Blazer Tag Adventure Center is a multilevel laser tag facility. Participants choose code names and wear light-sensitive vests that record "shots" from light-emitting guns. The guns have a long range, allowing for strategic gameplay across the arena, including from the elevated Sky Trail. Blazer Tag encourages teamwork, patience, and strategic thinking. An on-site arcade and snack bar add to the entertainment. Blazer Tag is a great place to let kids burn off energy and engage in friendly competition.
Address: 1701 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Phone: +1 512-462-0202
Gawk at Flying Mammals at Congress Avenue Bat Bridge
The Congress Avenue Bat Bridge is home to 1.5 million bats that emerge from under the bridge nightly between March and October. Arriving early and watching from the top of the bridge provides the best view of the emergence and continued flight to the east. The hillside below the bridge offers space for running around or lying down while watching the initial part of the spectacle. Witnessing this natural phenomenon is a truly awe-inspiring experience for children and adults alike.
Address: 100 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Reach New Heights at Mt. Playmore
Mt. Playmore is an indoor playscape featuring one of the largest indoor play structures in town. With climbing features and tunnels large enough for adults, it’s perfect for rainy days. The central seating area allows parents to relax while keeping an eye on their children. Security is prioritized with matching blacklight stamps for children and parents. Mt. Playmore also offers an arcade, a toddler area, and a restaurant. A live reptile show is held every Wednesday for kids who love critters. Mt. Playmore is a versatile and engaging destination for families.
Address: 13609 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78753, USA
Phone: +1 512-989-8886
These are just a few of the many Fun Activities for the Kids in Austin, Texas. With its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and diverse attractions, Austin offers endless opportunities for families to create lasting memories. So pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Texas!
