Best Playgrounds in Lakeway and Bee Cave
Let’s face it, playgrounds are a parent's best friend. In the never-ending quest to figure out new ways to expel our kiddos’ energy, playgrounds are the MVP, and for good reason! They’re free, allow you to enjoy the great outdoors, and are the perfect neutral territory for playdates. I used to compare notes with friends on the coolest new restaurant or happy hour spot, and now we share our latest playground find. I’ve compiled a list of the best playgrounds in Lakeway and Bee Cave area to help you switch up your park routine and discover somewhere new whether you live in the area, close by, or are looking for a West Austin area adventure.
Where is Lakeway/Bee Cave in Relation to Austin?
The city of Bee Cave is about ~25 minutes (17 miles) west of the downtown Austin area with easy access from both Southwest Parkway and Highway 71. It’s home to the Hill Country Galleria, the expansive shopping and dining venue that acts as a hub for the area in terms of entertainment and retail. Pro tip: the Galleria doesn’t have a playground but it has a huge astroturf open area in the center of all of the shops that’s perfect for getting the wiggles out before (or who am I kidding, during!) an al fresco dinner at one of the many restaurants located in the vicinity. I highly recommend getting an outdoor table at The League located directly in front of the open area for both ambiance and proximity to watching the kiddos run and play.
Lakeway is a bit further out from downtown Austin, ~30 minutes (22 miles), with access off of Ranch Road 620. The two small cities are so close that as a Lakeway resident, I am in and out of Bee Cave pretty much daily with my 4-year-old and 5-month-old. I dedicated an entire post to the Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Lakeway, so definitely check that out for an in-depth list of kid-friendly spots to check out.
How I Researched The Best Playgrounds in Lakeway and Bee Cave
Word of mouth is everything when it comes to finding the best playgrounds and hidden gems in your area. Park playdates are one of the best ways to find new ones in your parks since other parents usually know about a spot or two you haven’t discovered yet. I hope this post is like the virtual version of that for you! Most of these parks I have been visiting for years with my daughter and/or discovered with the help of other mom friends. With the help of google maps, I was able to check out a new me park in the Falconhead neighborhood.
Best Playgrounds in Lakeway and Bee Cave
Lakeway City Park
The crown jewel of Lakeway is the newly renovated Lakeway City Park. Completed in March of this year, the new lower playscape is my daughter’s absolute favorite park in the area. We even had her fourth birthday party there! It features two playscapes, a jungle gym, a large swing set, and a music area with chimes and a drum. Overlooking Lake Travis, the playscapes both have coverage but on a super sunny day, you’ll want to layer on the sunscreen as the park isn’t very shaded. There are picnic tables scattered around the park's perimeter under tree coverage for the perfect snack or picnic lunch set up.
The upper playscape remains unchanged and there is a ton to do beyond the playscape at this particular park, check out my older post for more details on those amenities.
Parking: Parking lot
Public restrooms: Yes
Shade coverage: Poor- load up on the sunscreen!
WEBSITE | 502 Hurst Creek Rd, Lakeway, TX 78734
Dragon Park
This is a hidden gem and because it has ample tree coverage, we’ve been spending a lot more time here during these extremely hot summer days. Dragon Park has two playscapes, a newly renovated swing set, and plenty of picnic seating. It also has a giant athletic field for a game of tag, a basketball court, and a gravel trail for a quick jog or slow toddler nature walk opportunity. If you’re looking for a quieter neighborhood park without too much action going on, this is the place for you!
Parking: Parking lot
Public restrooms: Yes
Shade coverage: Good
WEBSITE | 702A Dragon, Lakeway, TX 78734
Community Park
Community Park is located in the Falconhead neighborhood in Bee Cave. This is one of those parks I never would have known about if it weren’t for one of my good mom friends who introduced me to it on one of our first playdates. It has a covered pavilion with picnic tables, and two covered playscapes, and the entire park area is fenced making it the perfect place to wrangle multiple kiddos who like to run in different directions. It’s located smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood but has a wonderful view of open green space and trees making it the perfect backdrop for a hot cup of coffee while your littles run free.
Parking: Street parking
Public restrooms: No
Shade coverage: Good
Directly across from 4429 Vail Divide, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Falconhead Neighborhood Park
This was new to me park I found during my park research, and it’s a fabulous find! There are two playscapes; one larger for older kiddos and one smaller that’s perfect for toddlers. The larger playscape has four slides (!!) and a climbing wall. Next to the smaller playscape, there is a big kid swing as well as a baby swing. The best part about this park is the entire area is completely shaded by both playscape cover and trees. We visited for the first time around mid-morning in July when it was a balmy 90 degrees and were plenty comfortable with all of the shade. There are tons of picnic tables and benches for snack breaks and parking is a breeze with ample street parking.
Parking: Street parking
Public restrooms: No
Shade coverage: Full shade
14901 Swallow Tailed Kite Dr
Mansfield Dam Park
This is the only park on the list that requires an entry fee, but I promise, it’s worth it! The cost is $5/person but children under the age of 12 are free. Perched upon a slight hill, this playground has two playscapes with covers as well as a merry-go-round and rock climbing wall. You’ll love the beautiful views of Lake Travis and the public “beach” area across from the playground that’s perfect for exploring with kiddos. We love to check for ducks, skip stones in the water, and watch boats pass by.
If you’re lucky, you might see a seaplane take off and land, too! This park has a couple of paved trails making it perfect for a scooter or bike break. Since it’s $5, definitely get your use out of the day pass and make it a day of it with all of the amenities this Travis County Park has to offer.
Parking: Parking lot
Public restrooms: Yes
Shade coverage: Good
WEBSITE | 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd., Austin, TX 78732
Bee Cave Central Park
Bee Cave City Park is a stone’s throw from the Hill Country Galleria. Located on a spacious 50 acres, this park has play equipment and ample space for a ton of family-friendly activities. Located right at the entrance of the park is the larger playscape area that is perfect for older kids (4+) with climbing structures, a swing set, and a traditional playscape with a slide. Directly next to this area is a covered pavilion with public restrooms and picnic tables.
Towards the very back of the park and parking lot, you’ll find a smaller playscape that is more suited for younger kiddos. There is a small covered pavilion with public restrooms in this play area.
The park itself is wide open with tons of green space, and trails for walking, biking, or scootering. We love to take our scooter once my daughter is bored of the playscape to help burn off some extra steam! It’s perfect for strolling with a baby, too. Along the paved trail, there’s a mini-amphitheater area with chimes and bells that is always a hit with the kiddos. It’s the perfect snack break spot with plenty of stone benches to relax on. This park also has an off-leash dog park if you want to bring your furry family member to join.
This entire area will be transformed in the coming years with The Backyard at Bee Cave, a planned entertainment area directly behind the parking lot so be aware that you’ll encounter some construction noise and dust on your visit!
Parking: Parking lot
Public restrooms: Yes
Shade coverage: Poor- load up on the sunscreen!
WEBSITE |13676 Bee Cave Parkway, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Bee Cave Sculpture Park
To round out great playgrounds to take your little ones in this area, I had to mention the Bee Cave Sculpture Park. While it is not a traditional park with playscapes, it is definitely worth a visit! Located right in front of the Bee Cave Police Department and across from the Galleria, the park showcases tons of sculptures and statues that are perfect for capturing little imaginations. There are some great Instagram photo-op opportunities with the juxtaposition of art and nature. The setting is beautiful overlooking a large pond with tons of tree coverage and greenery. There is a gravel trail (not stroller friendly so bring a carrier for babies!) leading you to all of the different art installations.
Parking: Parking lot
Public restrooms: No
Shade coverage: Good
WEBSITE | 13333-A Hwy 71 West, Bee Cave, TX 78738
I hope this was helpful for you whether you’re new to the area or looking to explore the greater West Austin area with your kids in tow. If you have a favorite park in the area that I missed, share the wealth and let me know in the comments below! For more ideas on what to do with toddlers in Austin, check out 20 Things To Do With Toddlers (2022 Edition).
Leslie Palmer is a ten-year Austin area resident who loves baking, her Peloton, exploring the city with her little one, and reading. She lives in Lakeway with her husband Bobby, two young daughters, and her beagle mix, Miller.