By Guest Blogger Julia Garza
Heading to Austin with the fam? Don’t miss out on these fun top 10 family activities in Austin Texas!
Austin is an amazing city known for good food, live music and (mostly) great weather. But the best part is that it’s also super family friendly. Checking out all of the tot hot spots with my toddler son has been a blast! Here are our top 10 family friendly activities in Austin, Texas:
1) Thinkery: This is Austin’s children’s museum, with exhibits for kids of all ages. Infants and toddlers can cruise around Bloom, a garden-themed space, while preschoolers splash around in Currents and tweens tinker in Space 8.
2) Zilker Park: Zilker is Austin’s backyard. There’s the expected picnic tables and playscapes, plus the Zilker Zephyr (a miniature train), botanical gardens and a sculpture garden. Barton Springs Pool, fed by natural springs and open year round, is the crowning glory. There’s almost always something going on at Zilker, but my favorite is the free summer musical series, when you can catch a performance of a Broadway play while sitting on the hillside under the stars.
3) The Domain: A great place to shop, an even better place to take little ones who need to run and climb. The Domain has a handful of playscapes nestled amongst the shops, plus large, partially-covered, astro-turfed lawn (located in front of the iPic movie theater). Food trucks are often parked nearby, and on Sunday evenings there’s a farmer’s market from 3-6. It’s a great spot to grab a bite or just get the wiggles out.
4) Toybrary: Toybrary offers a unique solution to the overflowing toy box. Instead of buying toys, you can rent them! Even non-members can take advantage of Toybrary’s “stay and play” option: $5 per child for all the fun you can handle. It’s a great spot for kiddos 6 months to 5 years.
5) Austin Zoo: This isn’t your typical zoo. Many of the animals were rescues (can you imagine having a kangaroo as a pet?), so while you won’t find the huge variety of animals you might normally see at a zoo, it’s still worth a visit. Since the zoo is on the smaller side, toddlers and preschoolers (and their parents!) won’t get worn out long before the exit sign and you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the animals (even lion and tiger!). There’s a train that will take you through the scenic hill country, plus goats, deer, llamas and sheep to feed.
6) Quarry Splash Pad: There are a dozen splash pads all over town, but this one (technically in nearby Leander) gets my top vote because of the size, plus the added bonus of a sandpit and plenty of shaded spots along the perimeter to get out of the sun for a bit. Admission is $1 per person, easily paid at a self-service kiosk.
7) Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail: Lady Bird Lake has long been a popular destination for all manner of hiking and biking. In 2014, a newly constructed boardwalk closed a gap in the trail, making it possible to meander for a whopping 10 miles along the shore of Lady Bird Lake. There are several access points, and it’s a great place to go for a family stroll while observing the action on the lake.
8) The Arboretum Cows: The Arboretum is another popular shopping center, but the real draw is the public art tucked behind the shops. Five life-size sculptures of cows (by artist Harold F. Clayton) are nestled amongst the trees. Not surprising, kids love to climb all over the cows (each made from 4 tons of marble!). It’s a relatively quiet, shaded area with picnic tables available. There are a few nearby restaurants, plus Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s within a mile or so. Head over to the much beloved local chain Amy’s Ice Cream after dining al fresco and bonding with the bovines.
9) Lake Pflugerville: Austin’s neighbor to the north boasts a man-made lake that’s a perfect spot for family fun. Little ones enjoy playing in the sand, feeding the ducks and mastering the climbing ball.
10) Texas Military Forces Museum: Many kids develop an obsession with “things that go,” and this museum is a great spot to indulge that interest. Located on Camp Mabry, the museum houses a plethora of former military vehicles and aircraft, including tanks, a helicopter and jeeps.
While Austin’s got plenty to keep you busy, don’t forget to take some time to kick back and enjoy the tacos (or barbecue) and live music.
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Julia lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and son, E (born December 2013). Before becoming a mama, she was a portrait studio photographer, a public librarian, and a freelance writer (among other things). Julia blogs at In the Afternoon whose name was inspired by both a song she likes to sing to E and what is often the longest part of the day, when nap is over and bath time isn’t yet on the horizon.
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