Easy Family Hikes Near Austin (Kid-Tested Trails!)
Looking for an easy family hike near Austin? I get it! I love being outdoors with my kids, but I don’t always want to commit to a long trek with steep climbs, tons of stairs, or rocky terrain.
The good news is there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes near Austin that I've explored with my two boys. All of these hikes are short, scenic, and perfect for little legs (and for parents who don’t want to carry a 40-pound toddler half a mile back to the car!).
Whether you’re after shaded trails, creeks for splashing, or stroller-friendly paths, these are some of my favorite easy hikes around town.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelsey Kennedy is a native Texan and a local Austin author, photographer, and blogger with a serious obsession for all things Austin. As the creator of four Texas-focused travel websites, her work has reached over 12 million readers in 38 countries, all searching for the coolest things to do in the hottest cities in Texas. For more insider tips on the capital city, check out her bestselling travel book, Austin Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite and Libation at a Time.
6 Easy Hikes For Kids In Austin
1. Mayfield Park and Preserve
This is always my first recommendation for families because there are real life peacocks at Mayfield Park!
Also it doesn't hurt that the trail is less than a mile, shady, and flat, which means my kids can wander around without me worrying they’ll get too tired. (Pro tip: bring a picnic and eat at one of the tables after your walk, or pair this activity with an afternoon at Laguna Gloria, which is right next to the park and free on Thursdays.)
Mayfield Park Website | 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
2. Walnut Creek Metro Park
You can pair hiking + a playground here! I love Walnut Creek Park because there are a ton of trail options, but you don’t have to commit to the long loops. The creek is shallow in spots, so my kids like to wade in and look for minnows. It’s also dog-friendly, so it’s a win if you want to bring the whole family, pups included.
Mayfield Park Website | 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
3. McKinney Falls State Park
Check a Texas State Park off your list without even leaving Austin!
McKinney Falls is one of my favorite family-friendly hiking spots in town. The Onion Creek Trail is an easy, flat loop that’s perfect for kids, and it leads to some of the prettiest views in the park.
If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t forget swimsuits — the falls make the best post-hike swimming hole.
McKinney Falls Website | 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
4. Barton Creek Greenbelt (Twin Falls Entrance)
The Greenbelt in Austin is a bit robust, but the Twin Falls entrance is one of the easier spots to navigate with kids. I mean, the entrance is literally right of Mopac Expressway! It's so convenient to get here.
It’s a short walk down to the water, and if it’s flowing, it’s absolutely beautiful. And if it's not, it's a fun place to let the kids climb on rocks.
Put this address into you maps app to get to the parking lot: 3918 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746
5. Downtown Hike and Bike Trail
Ok, this one’s not a “hike” in the traditional sense, but I can't tell you how many times I took my babies on this trail for a stroller with friends! I love the stretch near Auditorium Shores - the skyline views are so pretty, and there’s usually enough going on (kayakers, paddle boarders, dogs) to keep the kids entertained.
Psst: head to Alliance Children's Garden after your hike. It's one of the best playgrounds in Austin.
Park at 676W W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78701 (paid parking lot) or 2350 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746 (free parking lot).
6. Emma Long Metro Park
Emma Long feels like a hidden gem for families. There are easy little trails near the lake that don’t take long, plus big grassy fields for running around. Honestly, though, the best part is the fun swimming area for after the hike! It's like a little beach with all the sand and the waves from the boats going by.
Since it's part of Lake Austin, you don't have to worry about the water seasonally drying up like the swimming holes in the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Psst: it gets CROWDED on holidays! Avoid those if possible. Weekdays are usually pretty empty.
Emma Long Website | 1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Getting outside with your family doesn’t have to mean an exhausting day-long hike. Austin has so many easy, kid-friendly trails that are perfect for an afternoon adventure. Whether you’re chasing peacocks at Mayfield Park, splashing in the creek at Walnut Creek, or taking in the city views at Lady Bird Lake, these easy hikes near Austin are proof that simple outdoor fun is sometimes the best kind. (Plus it helps the kids sleep REALLY well at night, which is a win!)
If you’re planning a family trip to Austin, you might also enjoy these articles on The Austin Things:
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