10 Fun Things To Do in Austin With Kids
Planning a family trip to Austin or just looking for new ways to entertain the little ones on the weekend? You’re in luck—Austin is packed with kid-friendly adventures that are both fun and educational. Whether your family loves exploring nature, splashing in spring-fed pools, or getting hands-on with science and art, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Austin with kids that are sure to create lasting memories.
1. Explore Zilker Metropolitan Park 🌳
Zilker Park is often called the “crown jewel” of Austin—and for good reason. Spanning over 350 acres, it’s the ultimate all-in-one outdoor destination for families with kids. Whether you’re looking for wide open spaces to run around or engaging activities to keep the kids entertained, Zilker delivers.
Start your visit at the Zilker Playground, also known as the Zilker Playscape, which features climbing structures, swings, and shaded areas perfect for toddlers and big kids alike. Right next door is the Zilker Eagle mini-train, a charming miniature train ride that loops around the park and gives kids a fun way to explore while parents take a breather.
For young nature lovers, the Austin Nature & Science Center is a must. It’s free to visit and offers hands-on exhibits, wildlife exhibits with rescued animals, a dino dig fossil pit, and interactive trails that blend education and exploration. It’s a hidden gem that feels like a mini-adventure within the park.
You can also bring a frisbee, soccer ball, or kites and take advantage of the open fields for some good old-fashioned playtime. If you’re planning a full day, pack a picnic or grab snacks from nearby food trucks, then relax under the giant pecan trees that line the park.
Zilker Park also connects to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake, making it easy to take a scenic family walk or bike ride. And during certain times of year, the park hosts special events like the Zilker Kite Festival, Trail of Lights, and Blues on the Green—fun for all ages.
In short, Zilker isn’t just a park—it’s a family playground with endless ways to make memories.
2. Swim at Barton Springs Pool
Tucked within Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin’s most iconic attractions—and a total hit with kids and adults alike. This massive, spring-fed swimming pool spans over three acres and maintains a refreshing temperature of around 68–70°F year-round, making it perfect for cooling off during the blazing Texas summer or taking a brisk dip even in cooler months.
What makes Barton Springs special is that it’s not your typical chlorinated pool. It’s fed by underground natural springs, giving the water a crystal-clear, blue-green glow that feels like something out of a tropical paradise. The grassy hills surrounding the pool provide a great spot for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply watching the kids splash and play.
For little ones, there are shallow areas and steps to ease into the water, and for older kids and teens, there are deeper spots ideal for swimming laps or practicing cannonballs. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours, which gives parents extra peace of mind.
Another fun feature? The diving board! It’s a favorite for kids who want to show off their jumps (or just belly-flop with confidence). And if your crew gets tired of swimming, you can easily walk to other parts of Zilker Park nearby—like the playground or mini train—for even more fun.
Parents should know that Barton Springs does have a small entrance fee for adults (kids under 1 get in free), and certain days of the week offer free swim hours in the early morning and late evening. It’s a good idea to bring towels, water shoes (the natural bottom can be a little slippery), and floaties for younger swimmers.
Whether you’re visiting Austin or you’re a local looking for the perfect family afternoon, Barton Springs is a magical mix of nature, play, and relaxation your kids won’t forget.
3. Play a Round at Peter Pan Mini Golf
If you’re looking for a dose of quirky Austin charm combined with classic family fun, Peter Pan Mini Golf is a must-do. This iconic mini-golf course has been a local favorite since 1948, making it one of the city’s oldest and most beloved attractions for kids and kids-at-heart.
Located just south of downtown, Peter Pan Mini Golf features two 18-hole courses filled with colorful, larger-than-life sculptures and whimsical obstacles. From a giant T-Rex and a towering Peter Pan statue to pirate ships, castles, and even a gorilla, the course is full of fun surprises at every turn. The bright colors and creative decor make it a visual treat and a fantastic spot for family photos.
The course is designed for all ages, making it easy for little ones to play alongside older siblings and adults. Whether your kids are mini-golf pros or total beginners, they’ll love navigating the loops, hills, and goofy challenges—and you might catch yourself getting a little competitive too!
What sets Peter Pan apart is its laid-back, vintage vibe. There’s nothing fancy or high-tech here—just old-school fun in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. And that’s exactly why families love it.
It’s open most days and evenings, so you can swing by after a day of exploring Austin for some affordable entertainment. Just be aware that it can get busy on weekends and evenings, so try to arrive early or plan a weekday visit if you want to avoid the crowds.
Peter Pan Mini Golf is more than just a game—it’s a rite of passage for Austin families and visitors alike. Whether you’re going for a hole-in-one or just laughing at the wild ricochets, it’s the kind of place where fun memories are made (and maybe a few friendly rivalries too).
4. Visit The Thinkery
For a day of hands-on discovery and creative play, The Thinkery is one of Austin’s best spots for kids to learn while having a blast. Located in the Mueller neighborhood, this 40,000-square-foot children’s museum is all about STEAM learning—that’s science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—delivered in a way that feels more like playtime than school.
Every exhibit is designed to spark curiosity and let kids explore how the world works through touch, build, splash, climb, and experiment. Young inventors can tinker with circuits and simple machines, budding artists can create masterpieces in the art lab, and future scientists can dive into physics through interactive displays involving air, light, and motion.
One of the biggest hits with younger children is the Currents exhibit, a giant water play area with pumps, pipes, and whirlpools where kids can get hands-on with the science of flow and motion. (Don’t worry—they provide smocks and hand dryers!) There’s also the Innovators’ Workshop, where older kids can try real tools, build prototypes, and test their creations.
For toddlers and preschoolers, the Our Backyard exhibit offers a safe, enclosed play space that mimics a natural outdoor environment, complete with soft surfaces, sensory activities, and age-appropriate exploration zones.
Parents love The Thinkery just as much as kids do. There are comfortable lounges, coffee spots nearby, and a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages both structured learning and open-ended creativity. The museum often hosts themed events, sensory-friendly hours, and even “Thinkery Nights” for adults (a fun bonus if you’re in town for more than just family time).
With a mix of high-energy exhibits and quiet corners for calm play, The Thinkery is the perfect rainy-day destination—or an escape from the Texas heat. It’s not just a museum—it’s a launchpad for imagination. Just be warned: your kids might not want to leave!
5. Wander Through Zilker Botanical Garden
Tucked within the sprawling Zilker Park, the Zilker Botanical Garden offers a peaceful and enchanting retreat that kids and parents alike will love. Known as the “jewel in the heart of Austin,” this 28-acre garden feels like stepping into a storybook filled with secret paths, themed gardens, and plenty of opportunities to stop, smell the roses, and explore.
What makes this garden especially magical for kids is how interactive and diverse it is. You’re not just walking past plants—you’re walking through a living adventure. One moment, you’re crossing a wooden bridge over a koi pond in the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, complete with waterfalls and stepping stones. The next, you’re climbing rocks in the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, surrounded by life-sized dinosaur sculptures and giant ferns inspired by fossil discoveries made right in Zilker Park.
There’s also a butterfly trail and garden, where kids can learn about pollinators and maybe even spot butterflies fluttering around. The Cactus and Succulent Garden sparks curiosity with its spiky, alien-like plants, and the Rose Garden offers a colorful space perfect for photo ops or a quiet break.
For younger children, simply wandering the winding trails, spotting turtles in the ponds, or playing “explorer” in the shade of the trees can be a memorable experience. There are plenty of benches and shaded spots for snack breaks, plus restrooms and a gift shop with educational toys, books, and nature kits.
The garden also hosts seasonal family events like nature workshops, scavenger hunts, and educational tours that can add an extra layer of fun and learning to your visit.
Zilker Botanical Garden is the kind of place that slows life down in the best way. It’s calm, beautiful, and inspiring—and it just might spark a lifelong love of plants, bugs, and the natural world in your child. Whether you’re wandering aimlessly or intentionally learning about native Texas plants, it’s an Austin gem worth visiting with your family.
6. Connect With Nature at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
If your kids love exploring the outdoors—or if you’re hoping to inspire a little more nature appreciation—then the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the perfect place for a family day out. Located in southwest Austin, this sprawling 284-acre nature preserve is dedicated to native Texas plants and offers a beautiful, peaceful escape from city life that’s also incredibly kid-friendly.
Founded by former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes, the center combines natural beauty with environmental education. It features walking trails, interactive exhibits, gardens, wildflower meadows, and shaded outdoor play areas—all designed to help families connect with the land in fun and meaningful ways.
One of the main attractions for kids is the Family Garden, a thoughtfully designed space with water features, climbing areas, and a maze made of native plants. There’s also a stumpery (yes, a garden of tree stumps!), a creek for splashing, and a giant bird’s nest that kids can climb into—perfect for letting their imaginations run wild.
Families can stroll along easy, stroller-friendly trails that wind through butterfly gardens, oak woodlands, and fields of seasonal wildflowers. Along the way, you’ll find educational signs and nature-themed art, so there’s plenty to learn while you explore. Kids can collect leaves, spot bugs, listen for birds, and even play I-Spy with wildflowers and native creatures.
The center also offers seasonal family programming like storytime, guided nature hikes, and plant-themed scavenger hunts. In the spring, the wildflower blooms (especially the famous bluebonnets) are absolutely breathtaking—and a perfect backdrop for family photos.
Parents will appreciate the clean restrooms, shaded seating areas, and the lovely café with snacks and drinks. Plus, the on-site gift shop is full of educational books, gardening kits, and eco-friendly toys.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center isn’t just a botanical garden—it’s an immersive experience where kids can touch, climb, explore, and truly fall in love with Texas nature. It’s calm, creative, and full of teachable moments—exactly the kind of outing families treasure.
7. Meet the Animals at Austin Zoo
If your kids love animals—and let’s be honest, most do—then a visit to the Austin Zoo is a heartwarming and educational adventure that goes beyond your average zoo experience. Tucked away in the scenic Hill Country just southwest of the city, this 16-acre nonprofit rescue zoo is home to over 300 animals from more than 100 different species, many of which have been rescued from difficult situations and now live in a safe, caring environment.
Unlike large, flashy commercial zoos, the Austin Zoo offers a more intimate and compassionate experience, where the focus is on animal rehabilitation, education, and conservation. It’s a great place to teach kids about empathy, animal welfare, and the importance of protecting wildlife.
During your visit, your family can see a wide variety of animals—from lions, tigers, and bears (yes, really) to monkeys, reptiles, exotic birds, foxes, porcupines, and rescued farm animals like goats, sheep, pigs, and miniature donkeys. Many of the enclosures are designed for up-close viewing, so kids can safely observe and learn about the animals in a more personal way.
One of the highlights for younger children is the petting zoo area, where they can gently feed and interact with goats and deer. The zoo offers cups of feed at the entrance—just be prepared for some excited nibblers and big smiles from your kids!
Educational signage throughout the zoo tells the backstory of each animal, which is a great conversation starter and adds a powerful message of second chances and compassion. Staff and volunteers are often on hand to share fun facts or answer questions, making the experience feel both welcoming and informative.
The zoo is stroller-friendly, with shaded paths, picnic areas, and a small gift shop where kids can pick up souvenirs or books about animals and conservation. You can bring your own snacks or enjoy lunch at the picnic tables under the trees—it’s a low-stress outing that’s ideal for families with younger kids or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
A visit to the Austin Zoo isn’t just fun—it’s meaningful. It gives children the chance to witness the beauty of rescued animals up close and to understand how kindness and care can make a difference. For many families, it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you long after the day is over.
8. Watch the Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
Looking for a truly unique, only-in-Austin experience your kids will talk about for years? Don’t miss the nightly bat show at the Congress Avenue Bridge, where you can watch over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight at dusk in one of the most awe-inspiring urban wildlife spectacles in the world.
From March to October, this bat colony—the largest of its kind in North America—emerges just after sunset in a swirling black cloud that stretches across the sky. It’s like watching nature’s own version of a magic trick, and kids are almost guaranteed to be amazed (and probably a little wide-eyed).
There are several great spots to view the bats. You can:
-
Stand on the bridge itself, especially on the east side, and look down as the bats pour out from underneath.
-
Stake out a spot at the Austin American-Statesman Bat Observation Area, a grassy hill on the south side of the river—great for sitting with a blanket or lawn chair.
-
Or, for an extra-special experience, take a sunset boat cruise or kayak tour on Lady Bird Lake and watch the bats from the water as they fly overhead.
Make sure to get there at least 30–45 minutes before sunset—it gets crowded, especially in the summer—and bring bug spray, snacks, and some water. Most evenings, local vendors set up carts with drinks and souvenirs, which makes the outing feel even more festive.
This outing is not just cool—it’s educational. Before the bats fly out, you can teach your kids a few fun facts: like how these bats help control Austin’s mosquito population, eat thousands of insects every night, and migrate from Mexico each spring.
If your kids love animals, science, or just staying up a little later than usual, the bat show is a must-do. It’s free, exciting, and a perfect way to end a day of family fun in Austin—just be prepared for a lot of “wow”s and possibly a few questions about becoming a bat scientist afterward. 🦇
.
9. Paddle on Lady Bird Lake
For families looking to add a splash of adventure to their Austin itinerary, paddling on Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake) is the perfect way to enjoy the city from a whole new perspective. Calm, scenic, and conveniently located in the heart of downtown, this stretch of water is ideal for beginners and young paddlers alike.
There are several rental spots along the lake—such as Rowing Dock, Texas Rowing Center, and Live Love Paddle—that offer family-friendly rentals including kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and swan-shaped pedal boats. No experience necessary—staff will give you a quick tutorial and make sure everyone is safely equipped with life vests before you head out.
Once on the water, you’ll float past some of Austin’s most iconic views, including the skyline, the boardwalk trail, and lush greenery that feels worlds away from the hustle of the city. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles sunbathing on logs, herons gliding over the water, or even fish jumping in the shallows—plenty of natural surprises for curious kids.
Families with younger children often enjoy the swan boats, which are both fun to pedal and great for photo ops. Older kids may prefer the thrill of paddling their own kayak or sharing one with a parent. It’s a great way to build confidence, get some exercise, and have a ton of fun together as a family.
If you’re visiting in the evening, time your paddle session just right and you might even catch the Congress Avenue Bridge bats flying overhead—an unforgettable double experience!
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles (some rental shops allow you to clip them onto your boats). Most rentals are available by the hour, and early morning or late afternoon are the best times to go, especially during the hotter months.
Whether you’re paddling for just 30 minutes or spending a couple of hours gliding across the water, Lady Bird Lakeoffers the perfect blend of relaxation, nature, and excitement—all within minutes of Austin’s best family attractions. It’s one of those outings where everyone leaves smiling (and maybe a little wet).
10. Play at Pease Park
If you’re looking for a park that blends nature, creativity, and kid-friendly fun, Pease Park should be at the top of your list. Located just west of downtown Austin, this beloved urban green space is more than just a playground—it’s a thoughtfully designed, family-focused destination that invites exploration, imagination, and relaxation.
The crown jewel for families is Kingsbury Commons, a stunning redevelopment of the southernmost part of the park that includes a nature-inspired playground, splash pad, interactive art installations, treehouse-style structures, and wide open lawns for running, picnicking, and spontaneous games of tag or frisbee.
The playground isn’t your typical plastic jungle gym—think climbing nets, boulders, log tunnels, and shady nooks that encourage kids to play creatively and connect with nature. There’s also a multi-level treehouse that winds through the live oaks, complete with slides and climbing features that feel like a real-life adventure.
On warm days, the splash pad offers a fun (and free!) way for kids to cool off. With water jets and gentle fountains built right into the landscape, it’s a hit with toddlers and big kids alike.
But Pease Park isn’t just for high-energy play. The park is also full of quiet moments—shaded walking trails, cozy benches, native plant gardens, and the peaceful sound of Shoal Creek flowing nearby. You’ll often find families having picnics under the trees, reading books on the lawn, or simply lying back and enjoying the breeze.
Pease Park is also known for its community events and festivals, including music in the park, nature workshops, and even the occasional pop-up play event or kid-focused yoga class. It’s the kind of space that grows with your child—there’s something here for toddlers, school-age kids, and even teens looking for a little space to hang out or toss a ball around.
And for parents? There’s free Wi-Fi in some areas, clean restrooms, and plenty of shaded seating—making it a relaxing place to spend an entire morning or afternoon.
In a city filled with amazing outdoor spaces, Pease Park stands out as a modern, magical space where kids can play freely and families can truly unwind together. Whether you’re local or just visiting, it’s a must-see stop on your Austin family adventure.
Bonus Ideas:
-
Take a tour of Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center or zipline across Lake Travis
-
Try indoor adventures like iFLY (indoor skydiving) or the Austin Bouldering Project
-
Grab kid-friendly bites from local food trucks or dine lakeside at County Line BBQ (ducks included!)
Family Tips:
-
Go early to popular spots to beat the crowds and the heat
-
Pack sunscreen, snacks, and water bottles
-
Mix indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone happy and avoid meltdowns
Austin isn’t just for live music and tacos—it’s also a family-friendly paradise filled with wonder, creativity, and plenty of space to play. No matter your kids’ interests, you’re bound to find something they’ll love in the capital of Texas.
