27 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Austin (That Locals Actually Love)
I'm an Austinite who is raising my family here, and I'm constantly running around doing fun things with my kids in ATX! Here are my top picks for the best things to do in Austin with kids.
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.
And if you you're hungry, here are the best kid-friendly Austin restaurants and some cool Austin breweries that have playgrounds.
Best Things To Do In Austin With Kids
Zilker Eagle Mini Train
The Zilker Eagle is a newly renovated mini train that takes you on a fun 20-minute ride through Zilker Park—tunnel and all! Tickets are just a few dollars, no reservations needed, and once you’re done, you can stick around to play at the Zilker playground or head over to Barton Springs Pool for a swim.
zilkertrain.org | 2131 1/2, William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Austin Nature & Science Center
I've done this one so many times! The Austin Nature & Science Center, located on the west side of Zilker Park, is a completely FREE activity where kids can dig for dinosaur bones, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s perfect for a morning adventure before it gets too hot, and packing a picnic to enjoy after your visit makes it even better.
austintexas.gov | 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
The Congress Bridge Bats
From late March through early October, you can watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk from the Congress Avenue Bridge—the largest urban bat colony in the world! It’s a family-friendly activity that kids (and adults) love, and while it’s especially popular with visitors, locals like me still think it’s a magical Austin experience. For the perfect evening, grab tacos and queso from Veracruz All Natural’s walk-up window at The Line hotel (right next to the bridge) and enjoy dinner while you watch the sunset and wait for the bats to take flight.
132 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
The Thinkery Children's Museum
The Thinkery, Austin’s interactive children’s museum located across from Mueller Lake Park, is packed with indoor and outdoor activities, hands-on play, and rotating exhibits that kids adore.
My boys' very favorite part is the outdoor custom playscape and stream to climb and splash in—don't miss it! (And remember a dry change of clothes for the ride home!
thinkeryaustin.org | 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
Austin breweries With Playgrounds
There’s a certain brewery culture in Austin, Texas: many of the craft breweries in Austin have massive properties with playgrounds and plenty of open space for kids to run around.
The adults can enjoy a delicious glass of craft beer in the Texas Hill Country, the kids can enjoy a fun play space, and everyone can eat pizza or burgers or bbq. Here's a complete guide to all the Austin breweries with playgrounds, but if it's your first time here, start with Meanwhile, Jester King, or St Elmo - Springdale.
Waterloo Greenway in Downtown Austin
Waterloo Greenway is a new and BEAUTIFUL public park in Austin, consisting of walking and biking trails, playscapes, open green spaces, and a flowing creek.
My kids love the wide variety of natural and cultural areas throughout the Waterloo Greenway, from butterfly gardens and winding paths to the creek that connects them.
waterloogreenway.org | 1111 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Laguna Gloria
Just five miles from downtown, The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria feels like an escape from the city and is one of the best kid-friendly gems in Austin. The short 0.4-mile trail is perfect for bird-watching, hiking, and exploring, and kids can run around while you relax on a bench and take in the peaceful water views.
For an extra perk, admission is free all day on Thursdays!
thecontemporaryaustin.org | 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Kayak in Lady Bird Lake
If your kids are 8 or older, renting kayaks on Lady Bird Lake is a fantastic way to spend a few hours in Austin. The lake is always buzzing with paddle boards, kayaks, and boats (you can even kayak in winter!), and on hot days it’s an especially fun way to cool off. T
I've rented from the Rowing Dock and had a good experience. The free parking is a nice perk.
rowingdock.com | 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Barton Springs Swimming Pool
Barton Springs is one of the best things to do in Austin with kids—a massive, spring-fed pool in south Austin that stays a refreshing 68 degrees year-round. Kids can splash in the shallow areas while older ones swim and dive in the deeper sections, and admission is inexpensive (or free if you go early in the morning!). After your swim, head down Barton Springs Road for some delicious BBQ at Terry Black’s.
austintexas.gov | Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Central Austin Library
The Austin Central Library is one of the best free things to do in Austin with kids—and it’s even been named one of Time Magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places. We've spent dozens of hours exploring the children’s wing, climbing the floating staircases, enjoying the rooftop butterfly garden, and grabbing a bite at the café. Don’t miss weekly story times, thousands of kids’ books, and the screened-in children’s porch with gorgeous views of Lady Bird Lake.
library.austintexas.gov | 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Kids Rock Climbing at Crux Climbing Center
Rainy day in Austin? I often take the kids to an indoor climbing center. Crux Climbing Center has a dedicated kids’ room with its own rock climbing walls, completely separate from the main gym and designed just for little climbers. A day pass gives your family a few hours of fun and activity, making it an especially great option for a rainy day in Austin.
cruxclimbingcenter.com |121 Pickle Rd #100, Austin, TX 78704
Alliance Children's Garden
The Alliance Children’s Garden near downtown is one of Austin’s best free spots for kids, featuring turf-covered mounds, cement slides, climbing walls, swings, and a sand pit. It’s right by the Liz Carpenter splash pad, perfect for cooling off on hot days (don’t forget a change of clothes!). Afterward, walk across the street to Terry Black’s BBQ for some of the best barbecue in Austin.
1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Bob Bullock Museum
The Bob Bullock Museum in central Austin (next to UT) is a surprisingly fun spot for kids, with a WWII airplane, a miniature Alamo, and plenty of Texas history artifacts. The IMAX theater is always a hit, and don’t forget to check out the gift shop for Austin souvenirs!
Bob Bullock website | 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, Austin’s tallest “mountain” (technically a hill), is a must-visit for kids thanks to its breathtaking views of the Colorado River. A quick five-minute climb up the stairs brings you to the top, making it one of the most beautiful and accessible hiking spots in Austin. It can get crowded during peak hours, and toddlers may need extra help on the climb.
3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in south Austin is a must-visit for kids who love nature. Home to over 900 native Texas plants, it offers youth classes, summer camps, and weekly “nature play” activities where kids can explore, run around, and learn about the outdoors. Don’t miss the children’s garden stream—bring a change of clothes so your little ones can wade and play on the way home!
wildflower.org | 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
Bowling at Westgate Lanes
Westgate Lanes is such a fun, old-school bowling alley. I love taking my kids here! It’s nothing fancy, just good old-fashioned fun. They’ve got bumpers, little bowling balls, and even ramps so my boys can actually roll the ball down the lane without me doing all the work for them. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon together.
westgatelanes.net | 2701 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745
Cedar Rock Railroad
One of the most underrated things to do with kids in Austin (in my opinion!) is the Cedar Rock Railroad. It’s a quarter-scale train that takes you on a super fun 1.4-mile ride through fields and woods, and it’s great for all ages. It’s just a little north of Austin off Sam Bass Road, and you can even book a private trip for birthdays or family celebrations. Such a sweet way to spend the day together!
cedarrockrailroad.com | 390 Borho, Leander, TX 78641
Catch Air
It took me way too long to find this place, but Catch Air in northwest Austin is such an epic indoor playground for kids (perfect for ages 2–8). It’s full of tunnels, slides, and climbing structures, plus there’s a separate toddler area for the 4-and-under crew so they don’t get run over by the big kids. I also love that you can just bring your own socks instead of being forced to buy their branded ones. Admission isn’t bad, and it’s seriously one of the best rainy-day activities in Austin with kids.
catchairparty.com | 13450 N Highway US183, STE107
Deep Eddy Pool
If you’re in Austin with little kids, I honestly think Deep Eddy is an easier alternative to Barton Springs. It’s a cement-lined pool with a beach-style entry, so it’s way less slippery than Barton Springs’ rocky bottom and perfect for babies and toddlers. Like Barton Springs, it’s spring-fed and stays cold year-round, which feels amazing on a hot day. And the best part? Pool Burger is right across the parking lot—walk over after your swim for burgers, fries, and cocktails.
Deep Eddy website | 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703
Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Austin with kids, right in the heart of Zilker Park downtown. Families can explore the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Riparian Streambed, all connected by streams, waterfalls, and ponds filled with colorful koi fish. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place for parents to enjoy while kids run around, explore nature, and burn off some energy.
zilkergarden.org | 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Peter Pan Mini Golf
One of my husband’s go-to Saturday morning moves with our boys is taking them on a mini golf date to Peter Pan—and it’s easy to see why! Peter Pan Mini Golf is one of the quirkiest and most fun things to do in Austin with kids.
This iconic spot (you can’t miss the giant T-Rex towering over Lamar and Barton Springs!) is a true “Keep Austin Weird” experience and perfect for families of all ages.
WEBSITE | 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Blue Hole in Wimberley
Just 45 minutes from downtown Austin, Wimberley’s Blue Hole is a stunning spot for a family day trip. My boys, ages 3 and 5, even managed the rope swings, and they begged to go back every day that summer! Make a morning or evening reservation to splash in the cool water, swing from the ropes, and create unforgettable memories with your kids.
wimberleyparksandrec.com | 333 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676
Splash Shack in Cedar Park
This is one of my kids' FAVORITE things to do in the Austin area! Splash Shack is a small indoor water park in Cedar Park, and it's so much fun. It's a lot cheaper than Kalahari Water Park and Resort in Round Rock, and it's a really fun activity for a few hours of splashing, water slides, and fountains.
WEBSITE | 1801 Clover Ln, Cedar Park, TX 78613
The Austin Zoo
Austin Zoo is a non-profit focused on rescuing animals and promoting conservation and education, making it a meaningful and fun spot for kids. Ok, the Austin Zoo isn't going to wow you like the San Diego zoo will...but it's still a cute thing to do with kids in Austin! Located out in the Hill Country, it’s a great stop to pair with a playground or brewery visit. You can get up close with rescued animals and spend time outdoors.
austinzoo.org | 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
Round Rock Express Baseball Game
We don't have an MLB team here, but the Round Rock Express is our minor league team and their games are so fun! They have lots of kid-friendly elements (postgame fireworks, Express kids club, and plenty of baby changing stations and dedicated lactation rooms) so it's an excellent family-friendly activity in Austin.
mild.com/round-rock | 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
Kalahari Waterpark
Not gonna lie, it’s SO expensive…but it’s a really fun splurge! Kalahari Waterpark in Round Rock is one of the world’s biggest indoor waterparks and an epic spot for families. This 223,000-square-foot water wonderland has 30 waterslides, 20 pools, a wave pool, kiddie areas, waterfalls, whirlpools, and even an adult swim-up bar. Every time I take my boys here they ask to go back the very next day, ha!
There are multiple eateries onsite, including a pizza spot inside the waterpark, and if you stay overnight at the resort, you get free waterpark access on both check-in and check-out days.
kalahariresorts.com | 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
The Peacocks at Mayfield Preserve
Mayfield Preserve park is such a sweet place where I love to bring my toddler and let him wander around! It's a dedicated historic preserve where guinea fowl live and roam freely and kids love seeing them up close!
Leisurely trek to Lake Austin and enjoy a view of the water. I like to bring food and drinks for a quiet picnic lunch.
Mayfield Park website | 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
See a Kids Movie at Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse is our beloved movie theater chain here in Austin, and they have dedicated kid-friendly movie screenings. It's so nice to bring my boys to a movie and not have to worry about keeping them quiet...because every parent is there with their own kids!
(Just don't go to one of these kid-specific movie showings if you want a quiet movie watching experience! There will be chattering!)
drafthouse.com | multiple locations
One more thing: Austin Texas has some incredible playgrounds!
If you're like me, every time you travel you try to find really cool playgrounds for your kids.
Here are the 12 Best Playgrounds in Austin (ranked by my kids, lol) and I know your kids will love them, too!
When you're looking for fun things to do with kids in Austin (or any city!), you'll most likely want to have some criteria in place. You’ll want the adventures to be age appropriate (duh), most likely ending earlier in the day if your children are young, and activities that will hold your kids’ attention for as long as possible.
A tip for visiting Austin with kids: Almost any time of year is a good time to visit Austin with kids. Summer is obviously one of the most popular times for families to take vacations, but if you can swing a fall or winter trip, the cold weather months are actually a great time to visit Austin. Why? It’s less expensive and less crowded, and Austin has pretty mild winters.
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Holy cow, thank you so much for this extensive list!