55 Fun Things To Do In Austin With Kids (2024)
Austin Texas is an AMAZING city that’s full of sunshine, food, music, and good times. And if you’re visiting Austin with kids and looking for family-friendly activities in Austin, I've got ya covered! I'm an Austinite who is raising my family here, and I'm constantly running around doing fun things with my kids in ATX!
About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheWacoThings.com!
Whether you're an Austin local looking for creative things to do with your family or you're visiting Austin with kids and need some ideas, I really believe this guide will help you out!
And if you need the best places to enjoy Austin food with kids, here are some fantastic kid-friendly Austin restaurants (that actually have good food), and here's a map of all the Austin restaurants with playgrounds. Oh, since I love bringing my kids to breweries with me, here are some fun Austin breweries that also offer food menus...because my kids love visiting breweries, but they'd better have some pizza on the menu!
55 Fun Things To Do In Austin With Kids
1. Ride The Zilker Eagle Mini Train
The Zilker Eagle is the newly renovated mini train that runs through Zilker Park. Like...it literally goes through a tunnel in the middle of the playground at the end of its journey through Zilker Park!
It just costs a few dollars to ride the 20-minute train ride. No reservations required; just walk up and get tickets.
After your ride, you can stay and play at the Zilker playground, or walk over to Barton Springs Pool and jump in for a swim.
WEBSITE | 2131 1/2, William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
2. Austin Nature & Science Center
A visit to the Austin Nature & Science Center is a must if your kids love exploring the great outdoors. Bonus: this place is completely FREE!
The ANSC is devoted to the study of the natural environment and it’s located on the western edge of Zilker Park. It’s great for a morning of fun leisure activities (like digging for dinosaur bones in a shaded sand pit!) and interactive educational exhibits.
I love heading here early in the morning while it's still cool outside and letting my children run around and burn some energy! We often pack a picnic lunch to enjoy afterward.
WEBSITE | 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
3. See The Congress Bridge Bats
The largest urban bat colony in the world resides right here in Austin Texas, and every evening at dusk you can watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge for their nightly feeding!
Kids love to watch this (because bats are so cool!) and it’s a fun, family-friendly activity to do in Austin because it’s also really fun for adults. Note that this only happens in the summer months, from late March-early October.
I'm a local and I think it's really fun to bring my kids to see the bats, but it's especially popular among Austin tourists. I wrote this article about exactly how to see the Austin bats.
It’s really fun to get some tacos at Veracruz All Natural (there’s a walk-up window at The Line hotel, which is next to the Bat Bridge) and enjoy tacos and queso for dinner while you wait for the bats to come out of their hiding spot and watch the sunset.
WEBSITE | 132 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
4. Visit The Thinkery
My family always enjoys learning and laughing together at Austin's interactive children's museum, The Thinkery. Located across the street from Mueller Lake Park, this is Austin's very own kids science museum, and it's AMAZING!
There’s never a shortage of indoor and outdoor activities, hands-on play, and special exhibits for your children here.
We love to learn about fluid mechanics and the relationships between water and sound at Currents' interactive water activity stations, or encourage the kids to maintain a healthy living at Fresh! Farmers' Market! If you want to explore the beauty and effects of colors, light, and shadows, go with Light Lab.
There’s also a super fun outdoor playground where you can play in a small stream with stones or climb around on the custom-designed playscape. It's EPIC. (Bring a dry set of clothes for each child for the car ride home!
WEBSITE | 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
5. Visit a Dripping Springs Brewery (+ Playground!)
There’s a certain brewery culture in Austin, Texas: most of the craft breweries in Dripping Springs (a short 20-minute drive from Austin) have massive properties with playscapes 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 map of all of the breweries in Dripping Springs that have playgrounds, but if you’re new to the area, Jester King is a great place to start. It's one of the most award-winningest breweries in the country, and they have amazing wood-fired pizza, a playground for kids, and even a little goat farm that you can visit on site!
JESTER KING WEBSITE | 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
6. Take a trip to Waterloo Greenway
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.
Your kiddos will definitely love the wide variety of natural and cultural areas that they’ll find throughout the Waterloo Greenway, from butterfly gardens and winding paths to the creek that connects them.
WEBSITE | 1111 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
7. Visit Laguna Gloria for the Afternoon
This is such a gem and one of the best things to do in Austin with kids if you want to get away from the crowded, touristy areas! Although it's only five miles to downtown, visiting The Modern Austin - Laguna Gloria truly makes you feel as though you’ve left the hustle and bustle of the city behind.
The 0.4-mile out-and-back trail is fun, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit on a cool, sunny afternoon.
Laguna Gloria is perfect for outdoor activities that kids love like bird-watching, hiking, and walking. If your kids are old enough to run around a bit on their own, you can rest here on a bench, look out over the water, and just feel the calming surroundings.
Bonus: it’s free to enter all day Thursdays if you don't want to pay an entrance fee!
WEBSITE | 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
8. Kayak in Lady Bird Lake
If your kids are a bit older (maybe 8+), this is a fun way to spend a few hours of time! The central body of water in Austin is called Lady Bird Lake, and it’s constantly busy with kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and cruise boats going up and down the river to see the bats at the Congress bridge.
(And yes, you can even kayak in Austin in the winter months!) If you’re visiting Austin with kids, renting a couple of double kayaks is a really fun thing to do in Austin with kids on this super hot days we get here.
The Rowing Dock is a great place to rent kayaks and canoes. They have a free parking lot, and you can rent kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and pedal kayaks by the hour or by the day.
WEBSITE | 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
9. Jump In Barton Springs
This is one of the BEST things to do in Austin with kids! Barton Springs is one of our incredible local swimming holes. It's a 3-acre pool in south Austin that’s naturally spring-fed, so it remains 68 degrees year-round.
It feels amazing to jump into that cold water on a hot summer day in Austin. Admission is very inexpensive (even free if you go super early in the morning) and there’s a very shallow area where young ones can walk around, as well as a much deeper area where big kids can jump in and swim.
When you’re done, head down the road and get bbq at Terry Black’s on Barton Springs Rd.
WEBSITE | Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
10. Kids Rock Climbing at Crux Climbing Center
Crux Climbing Center has a kid-friendly rock climbing wall in Austin.
They have a specific room that's very safe and secluded from the rest of the gym. It’s actually a completely separate room that's just for kid!.
You can get a day pass at Crux and visit with your kids and enjoy a few hours of activity. Psst: this is a great thing to do with kids in Austin on a rainy day!
WEBSITE |121 Pickle Rd #100, Austin, TX 78704
11. Central Austin Library
Want to check out one of the best FREE things to do in Austin? Visit the Austin public library!
We’re lucky to have an incredible central library (that’s been called one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places by Time Magazine.) You can spend a full morning climbing the floating staircases, exploring the children’s wing, walking on the rooftop butterfly garden, and even eating in the indoor library cafe.
Check out the website for weekly story times, browse the thousands of kids' books, and pack a picnic lunch to eat on the outdoor screened-in children’s porch that overlooks Lady Bird Lake.
WEBSITE | 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
12. Play at Alliance Children's Garden
If you’re looking for FREE things to do in Austin with kids, the Alliance Children’s Garden is one of our crown jewels! It’s a beautiful playground and park near downtown, and it’s seriously so cool.
It has turf-covered mounds (the “hill country”), super fun cement slides, a sand pit, all sorts of cool climbing walls, and lots of swings. It’s next to the Liz Carpenter splash pad, so if you’re in Austin on a hot summer day you can bring a change of clothes and let the kids run through the fountains.
Lunch tip: when you're done playing at Alliance Children's Garden, walk across the street to Terry Blacks BBQ for some of the best barbecue in Austin. I love this spot!
WEBSITE |1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
13. Go To The Bob Bullock Museum
Yes, it’s a museum…but it’s actually really fun! The Bob Bullock Museum is in central Austin (adjacent to The University of Texas) and it tells the story of Texas. They have a WWII airplane, a miniature version of the Alamo, and all sorts of artifacts from Texas’s history.
And there’s an IMAX theater, which is always a kid-favorite thing to do in Austin. Be sure to stop at the gift shop for some Austin souvenirs!
WEBSITE | 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
14. Climb to the Top of Mount Bonnell
Kids love this one because the view is SOOO cool! Mount Bonnell is Austin's tallest “mountain” (ok, not really a mountain…but this is Texas so we’re going to call it a mountain) and it’s an excellent place to take the kids in Austin. It's one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Austin.
Climb stairs for about 5 minutes and you’ll reach the top, which offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River.
It can get a little crowded during peak hours because this is a very popular spot for tourists in Austin.
Also, keep in mind that if you’re climbing Mount Bonnell with very little ones (toddlers and young kids),
WEBSITE | 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731
15. Visit Rodeo Austin (March)
Rodeo Austin occurs every single March! It happens during spring break, so it’s a great kid-friendly Austin activity to do while school is out.
It has live music with world-renowned artists, a competition, an epic carnival and fair, and lots of food. Both the carnival/fair and the rodeo portion are both very fun for kids of all ages!
WEBSITE | 9100 Decker Lake Rd, Austin, TX 78724
16. Go to ACL Festival (October)
If you’re in Austin during the month of October, Austin City Limits Music Festival is a must-do with kids! It’s actually free for kids 8 & under if they go with an adult with a wristband. If you're going this year, here are my top 10 tips for ACL Fest.
Of course, it’s a totally different experience to do ACL with kids versus just going alone as an adult, so be sure that you’re up for treating ACL Fest as a family affair.
But if you decide to take the kids, there’s the Austin Kiddie Limits portion of the festival with kid-friendly performances, food, and other activities.
WEBSITE | 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
17. Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream (that giant pink building located at the Domain NORTHSIDE in north Austin) is a must-do activity for your kids in Austin! It’s a multi-sensory experience that’s all about ICE CREAM! Eating it, playing with it, learning about its history, and so much more.
Not to be missed: the enormous pool with lots of huge sprinkles, a diving board, and a slide.
Of course, you can’t visit the Museum of Ice Cream without eating some ice cream! They have tons of ice cream flavors throughout the experience, and it’s always an unforgettable experience for your kids in Austin.
WEBSITE |11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128, Austin, TX 78758
18. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, located in south Austin but owned by The University of Texas at Austin, is one of the BEST places to bring kids in Austin. Yeah, it's kind of far south, but it is 100% worth the drive.
The botanical garden features more than 900 species of native Texas plants in both garden and natural settings and is home to a breadth of educational programs and events.
For kids who are interested in learning about nature and the outdoors, the Wildflower Center has youth classes and events.
Their informal weekly "nature play" activities, summer camps, and formal classes are all part of their environmental education. It's just a FUN place where kids can run around in nature and be kids!
Pro tip: there's a little stream in the children garden where my kids love to wade...so if yours are anything like mine, be sure to bring a dry set of clothes for the drive home!
WEBSITE | 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
19. Bike Around The Lake
Don’t feel like renting a kayak or a canoe? Just go on a bike ride or walk around the lake! The Hike & Bike Trail is a totally customizable trail. I've enjoyed many beautiful mornings and afternoons with my little ones just wandering around the lake, biking on the trail, or enjoying a quiet stroller walk.
You can park underneath the Mopac Bridge or in the parking lot at Auditorium Shores and walk pretty much any length between ½ a mile and 10 miles, depending on which bridge you use to cross the water and make your own loop.
The trail around Lady Bird Lake offers a beautiful view of the Austin skyline, and it’s a fun, popular place to spend time in Austin on the weekends. Here's a list of places you can rent bikes and bike around the trail!
Parking Lot Address: 2222 Stratford Drive
20. Bowling at Highland Lanes
Highland Lanes is a terrific place to have a good time with your kiddos in Austin. It's one of those old/vintage bowling alleys in Austin that just provides some good old fashioned fun!
If you’re visiting with your kids, they offer pumpers, small bowling balls, and even “ramps” for the really young ones who aren’t big enough to roll the bowling ball down the lane.
WEBSITE | 8909 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
21. Catch Air
It took me way too long to discover this place (it's pretty far northwest Austin), but Catch Air is an epic indoor playground for kids around ages 2-8. Add this to your list of rainy day activities in Austin!
There are all sorts of tunnels, slides, and climbing structures. I love that there's a designated play space for little toddlers 4&under so they won't get pummeled by the big kids.
I also love that you can bring your own socks here and you don't have to buy overpriced branded socks like a lot of places make you do. You still have to pay for admission, but it's nothing too crazy. And this is a really fun way to spend a rainy afternoon in Austin with your kids.
WEBSITE | 13450 N Highway US183, STE107
22. Jump In Deep Eddy Pool
If you’re in Austin with very young kids, Deep Eddy is a better alternative to Barton Springs. And if you want even more ideas, here are 15 of the best Austin swimming holes.
Deep Eddy has a beach-style entry on one side, and it’s a cement-lined swimming pool (Barton Springs has a dirt/rock floor with some plants growing from it’s very slippery in certain spots) and Deep Eddy is just a bit easier for families with babies/toddlers.
Just like Barton Springs, it’s spring-fed and stays nice and cold all year round! After you swim, be sure to stop at Pool Burger (it’s just across the parking lot - you can walk there from the pool) to grab some burgers and fries, and cocktails for lunch.
WEBSITE | 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703
23. Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden is located within Zilker Metropolitan Park in the center of downtown Austin…that’s why it’s sometimes called “the jewel in the heart of Austin”.
It’s a really beautiful garden, and if you enjoy visiting Botanical gardens in various cities around the country, be sure to check this one off your list! Visit the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Riparian Streambed, and the stunning Rose Garden.
All of these gardens are also connected by streams, waterfalls, and ponds filled with lots of Koi...it’s a great place for kids to release some energy and run around for a bit.
WEBSITE | 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
24. Spend A Morning At An Austin playground
There are dozens of playgrounds in Austin where your family can bring picnic blankets and your favorite breakfast/lunch tacos, coffee, burgers, or sandwiches. From Round Rock all the way down to Circle C, there are incredible public parks in Austin.
Since some of the big, popular playgrounds (Waterloo Greenway, Alliance Children's Garden, Circle C Metro Park) often get really crowded, especially on weekends I created this map of fun playgrounds in Austin. Click around and find something near you!
One great option? Go to the Roy G. Guerrero playground. This park has giant green space, a fenced-in playground area, and lots of free parking. Whichever location you choose, visiting a playground in Austin is one of the best things to do with toddlers and young kids. And it’s free!
25. Peter Pan Mini Golf
Peter Pan Mini Golf is a famous spot in Austin where you can see a giant T-Rex that’s watching over Lamar and Barton Springs. The park has developed a reputation as an excellent spot for families and kids of all ages to enjoy a very Austin-y day!
It’s one of those “keep Austin weird” types of spots. Also, if you want a private golf course for your family, you can rent their East Course for two hours. After you’re done eating, walk down the street to Terry Black’s for some Austin bbq.
WEBSITE | 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
26. Go Out For Pizza at Homeslice
Homeslice is a pizza restaurant in SoCo that offers some of the best New York-style pizza in Austin. It’s kind of iconic, and it’s definitely a very kid-friendly thing to do in Austin.
Both the SOCO location and the north location have a spacious patio in the backyard and indoor seating. Their New York-style pizza has a crisp, stone-baked crust and it’s served in giant slices that are so big that diners usually fold them down the middle so they can eat it...in the typical NY-style way.
Worth note: the SOCO location is much more iconic, but the North location has an outdoor playscape, which is great if you’ve looking for a kid-friendly Austin restaurant experience.
WEBSITE | 501 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
27. Inner Space Cavern
Inner Space Cavern is the best-preserved cave to explore in Texas! It’s also one of the most comfortable caves to explore, with easy-to-see pathways and a constant temperature of 72 degrees (keep in mind that it can sometimes feel like 80 degrees with the humidity).
It was hidden for more than 10,000 years, but it was found by a core drilling team from the Texas Highway Department.
It’s actually only been public since 1966! But since then, tens of thousands of people have walked through this cave. The cave features stunning formations, spacious halls, and prehistoric animal bones.
Note: it’s not good for strollers, so plan this Austin kid activity for little ones who can walk on their own.
WEBSITE | 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626
28. Visit An Austin Swimming Hole
When it comes to swimming holes in Austin, you will never go wrong with anything on this list. These splashy swimming holes provide a great way to cool off here in Austin, thanks to Mother Nature.
Visit one of the top swimming holes in (and near Austin), you can escape the summer heat. Check out gems in Austin like the magnificent Blue Hole, which is just outside of Wimberley, 45 minutes south of Austin.
And of course, the Barton Creek Greenbelt's Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls sections (which are kept as local secrets).
Of course, Barton Springs and Deep Eddy (spring-fed pools in the middle of Austin) are always fun, but if they’re a bit crowded, branch out a bit!
WEBSITE | 1601 Spyglass Dr
29. Eat at One of these Kid-Friendly Austin Restaurants
One of the best things about Austin? There are tons of kid-friendly restaurants to choose from. But it can be really hard sometimes to decide where to go (especially when your kids are already hungry and having a tantrum.)
Here are some of our top choices: Sour Duck Market, which offers a huge outdoor area and incredibly distinctive farm-to-table Austin cuisine. Another one is Patrizi's, a family-run food truck that serves some of the city's best homemade pasta and is located in a spacious area where kids can play.
Also, you can’t go wrong with Easy Tiger East since there’s a big open, grassy area there, along with several picnic tables that are shaded and a ton of yard activities like big Jenga, cornhole, and ping pong, plus some of the tastiest food menu for kids…and an awesome list of craft beers for you!
Or just use this guide + map to the best kid-friendly restaurants in Austin to find one near you.
WEBSITE | 1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
30. Austin Duck Adventures
Start your day with Austin Duck Adventures! You’ll start at the Austin Visitor Center before boarding the amphibious bus, which takes you around Austin.
You’ll get a chance to have a 75-minute sightseeing experience, which includes Lake Austin, the Governor's Mansion, Historic Sixth Street, and the State Capitol.
Tickets for kids start at $25.50 (children under 2 are free) and go up to $39.50 for adults, with some discounts offered to students, seniors, and members of the armed forces.
WEBSITE | 602 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
31. Get Tickets To The Austin Zoo
Since Austin Zoo is a non-profit zoo, its main goal is to help animals in need via conservation, education, and rescue.
Austin Zoo is located pretty far out in the hill country (pair this trip with a visit to a Hill Country brewery + playground!) where you and your kids can visit to learn about animals up close, spend some time outdoors with cute animals, and have fun.
Be aware that at some times not all species are placed in their designated areas since the well-being of these rescued animals is the top priority of the Austin Zoo management.
But you can still buy your tickets and be surprised at what animal you can meet at that time. 
WEBSITE | 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
32. Watch a Round Rock Express Baseball Game
The Round Rock Express is the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and a Minor League Baseball team in the Pacific Coast League.
They have their home games at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas. These games are typically about three hours long…but you can leave at any time, which is the beauty of bringing kids to a baseball game.
However, on some nights, after the game, there’s a gorgeous fireworks displays and live music, so do some research before you get your tickets to see if it’s a firework game.
WEBSITE | 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
33. Kalahari Waterpark
One of the world’s biggest indoor waterparks is Kalahari Waterpark, located in Round Rock, TX. This 223,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is jam-packed with family-friendly entertainment. A wave pool, an adult swim-up bar, private cabanas, a waterfall, and a kiddie pool area are among the 30 waterslides, 20 pools, and available whirlpools.
There are plenty of other fun things to do here with your children, including Tom Foolery's Adventure Park and Themed Adventure Escape Rooms where your family can enjoy the difficulties of each room and try the puzzles.
Kalahari has multiple restaurants and eateries, including a pizza restaurant that’s located inside the waterpark. If you stay overnight at the resort, you get free waterpark admission on both your check-in day and your check-out day!
WEBSITE | 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
34. Pikopye’s Town
Pikopye's Town is the most darling imaginative indoor play "town" in South Austin and Lakeway. Your little ones can gather here to play and imagine a child-size town that has an immersive play experience with a restaurant, hair salon, car repair shop, bakery, and so much more.
Parents can unwind, work, and enjoy refreshments. Another fun perk to this place is both the store and play area have eco-friendly and non-toxic toys (so you don’t need to worry about your babies/toddler chewing on the toys.)
There are also options for semi-private or private play here. Throughout the day, time slots can be allocated for two-hour sessions...and they book out really early, so make those reservations far in advance!
The toys are cleaned and sanitized before they’re put back in their spaces for the next session. They also offer a lot of healthy snacks here to choose from (plus coffee and nitro cold brew!!)
WEBSITE | 2919 Menchaca Rd Suite 205, Austin, TX 78704
35. Ride The Cedar Rock Railroad
The wonderful quarter-scale Cedar Rock Railroad transports passengers on a very fun 1.4-mile train ride through the park's lush fields and woods. It’s suited for all ages and will definitely give you a memorable experience! It is located approximately north of FM 1431 on County Road 175 (Sam Bass Rd. ), so just a bit north of Austin
If you want to have a birthday party or private activity with your family, you can book a private trip with them! It’s a fun way of throwing any kind of celebration, or even just a simple day of family bonding.
WEBSITE | 390 Borho, Leander, TX 78641
36. Shop and Story Time At Bookpeople
Bookpeople is the biggest independent bookshop in Texas that has been a mainstay of Austin since 1970.
Local Austinites absolutely adore this shop, and it’s a popular place for authors to do book signings on national tours. The store features two stories full of books, magazines, and fun little souvenirs and presents.
There’s a kid's section upstairs with a beautifully curated selection of children's literature. They even do storytime at the BookKids amphitheater upstairs!
WEBSITE | 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
37. Pinballz
This old-school arcade in Austin is always a winner with groups of kids! There are actually a few locations now, but the original arcade in central Austin is definitely where it’s at.
You can do this on a hot summer afternoon when you need some air conditioning, or on a colder winter day when you need some indoor activities to do with kids in Austin.
WEBSITE | Original Pinballz, 8940 Research Blvd
38. Take Them To A Restaurant With A Playground
It might be challenging to eat out with young children if the restaurant atmosphere isn't kid-friendly. On certain days, we just want to let the kids go crazy while we *actually* get to enjoy a leisurely meal outside. One of the best parts about living in Austin with kids is the abundance of awesome Austin restaurants with playgrounds! There are sooo many restaurants in Austin that offer unique playgrounds that kids will enjoy, plus yummy food like burgers, fries, pizza, and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Be sure to try Garbo’s, Hat Creek Burger, Central Market, or Whole Foods Domain or Downtown.
WEBSITE | 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
39. Say Hi to the Peacocks at Mayfield Preserve
Explore the Mayfield Preserve park and its surroundings to meet their beautiful peacocks freely roaming around the area.
Leisurely trek to Lake Austin and enjoy a view of the water. If you want to bring food or drinks, there are covered picnic tables here. Bring the kiddos, take a hike, and enjoy your meal while viewing the fascinating peacocks. This is a great FREE thing to do in Austin.
WEBSITE | 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
40. visit A Coffee Shop With A Playspace
Yep, Austin has a bunch of amazing coffee shops with playgrounds or indoor play spaces! Here's a map of them so you can find one near you.
If you're both exhausted and, head to one of these cute coffee shops where you can treat yourself to an iced latte while the little ones run around.
41. Family-Friendly show at ZACH theater
ZACH is a nonprofit company that provides intimate theatrical experiences to spark the imagination, uplift the soul, and involve the neighborhood. It’s a professional producing theater with over 250 performers, musicians, and designers that create and present a diverse show and a lot of family-friendly shows, plays, and musicals.
Check out their Family Series for totally kid-friendly productions. These shows are shorter than their Mainstay Series, so little ones won’t get too fidgety. And they’re fun and engaging for all ages. Definitely a bucket list of items for things to do in Austin with kids.
WEBSITE | 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
42. See a Kids Movie at Alamo Drafthouse
Seeing a movie at Alamo Drafthouse is the perfect summer activity for kids in Austin! These movie theaters are located all over Austin (and beyond!) and have really comfy chairs, a yummy food menu that’s delivered straight to you during the menu, and local craft beer for the adults.
Alamo even offers special age-friendly showings (look for those when you're buying your tickets) the tallow for kids to be noisy in the theater.
And they offer special $5 movie showings every summer on select days so that everyone can create memories at the theater with their family. Because those movie tickets add up when you're purchasing for a whole family!
Make sure to check their sites to know the list of movie shows and schedules.
WEBSITE | 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
43. Drive to Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
A visit to Sweet Eats Fruit Farm, located in Georgetown (30 min north of Austin) is an excellent thing to do near Austin with kids.
It's a terrific spot for families because there are so many family-friendly activities here! Horseback rides, zip lines, pumpkin toss slingshots, hay rides, a petting zoo, etc., all of which are appropriate for all ages. In the spring and summer, you can pick your own fruit (paying only for what you take).
It’s a great spot to visit year-round! Events include the Fall Festival, Christmas Festival, Sunflower Festival, Easter Egg Hunts, plus other non-holiday events.
WEBSITE | 14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626
44. Get Ice Cream at Amy’s
Iconic Austin kid-friendly activity here! Amy's Ice Cream serves mouth-watering homemade ice creams, and they’ve been an Austin staple since 1984.
Currently, they have over 13 branches in Austin, one of which is at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport! Kids love it for all of the flavors and mix-ins (there are thousands and thousands of variations available.)
Try Amy's famous Mexican Vanilla ice cream (it tastes like cake batter) and add your favorite candy cookie or fruit to any more than 350 flavors!
WEBSITE | 1301 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
45. Go Hiking at Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock is a must-do bucket list item for families in Austin. The route is lovely to explore at any time of the year (and it’s open all year!) Note that it’s a little bit of a drive from Austin, but once you get there, the average hiking time at Enchanted Rock is 49 minutes. So it’s not too long of a hike. Simple paths like Frontside Trail and Interpretive Loop are great for kids.
Enchanted Rock is a very popular place to visit in Austin with kids, so be prepared to run into lots of other people while exploring.
WEBSITE | Austin, TX 78726
46. Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress
One thing’s for sure: every kid loves candy… who can resist??
One of the BEST things to do on South Congress with kids is to bring them to the historic Big Top Candy Shop.
Let them enjoy the vintage soda fountain and indulge in the 300+ varieties of bulk candy and 2,000+ varieties of wrapped candy being offered in the shop.
WEBSITE | 1706 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
47. Watch Some Improv at Hideout Kids
You and your kids will both adore the wonderful improv shows that Hideout Kids has to offer!
The Family Maestro, which has been performing for both children and adults for 27 years (it's the longest-running Maestro in the WORLD!) with actual children performing alongside the adults. It’s funny and interactive and a wonderful way to spend the afternoon with your kids in Austin.
WEBSITE | 617 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
48. Eat Some Austin BBQ
Listen: if you’re going to visit Austin with your family, you absolutely must check out one of our iconic barbecue restaurants!
Getting some BBQ is a great kid-friendly thing to do in Austin because, quite frankly, it's just delicious for all ages.
From legendary spots like La Barbecue and Franklin to newcomers like LeRoy and Lewis and Interstellar, there are so many amazing places to get some Texas brisket, pork ribs, and delicious sides like mac n cheese, slaw, and banana pudding. Check out the best bbq restaurants in Austin here.
WEBSITE | 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
49. Indoor Skydiving at iFly
At iFly Austin, you can let your kids experience how the free fall feels! Without a parachute or an airplane, kids can actually safely experience the thrill of skydiving.
You can "fly" indoors thanks to the vertical wind tunnel that lifts you. They’ll figure out how to float in the air after just a few "flights," and they’ll be able to move independently. (It’s very fun to watch.)
Of course, a trainer is on-site to assist your children if they need it. This is a fun, CRAZY experience to have in Austin and kids absolutely love it.
WEBSITE | 13265 US-183 Hwy Suite A, Austin, TX 78750
50. Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is a beautiful sculpture garden in the middle of Austin. The American sculptor Charles Umlauf's artistic creations are the focus of this museum and outdoor sculpture garden.
If you’re looking for things to do in Austin for slightly older children, Umlauf could be an excellent option. (It’s not quite as carefree as something like the Nature and Science Center where you can just let the kids run around and go crazy.)
However, Umaluf does do a good job of trying to make this experience as kid-friendly as possible.
For instance, kids 12 & under are free, and they offer storytime for little ones. Also, all of the statues are lightly waxed in case the kids want to (gently) touch them.
WEBSITE | 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704,
51. Hike to Twin Falls and Go Swimming
If your kids love adventure and water, this needs to be on your list!
Twin Falls is a swimming hole in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. If you park at Barton Creek Greenbelt Trailhead at Mopac and 360, it’s just about a ½ mile (downhill) hike to get there.
Keep in mind that the water is typically flowing and lovely in the late spring/early summer months, but it can be completely dried up in the late summer/fall months.
52. Mt Playmore
This is the largest playscape in Texas! A playground is always a great spot to take the kids, but on the hottest and coldest days of the year, you might want an indoor option.
Mt Playmore is the perfect thing to do in Austin with kids. They have a HUGE "Texas-sized" playground, a toddler room, a kid-friendly restaurant, and even an arcade.
If you need things to do with kids in Austin on a rainy day, Mt Playmore is for you. {Photo: Mt Playmore}
WEBSITE | 13609 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78753
53. See A Drive-In Movie at Blue Starlite
This is such a fun thing to do in Austin with kids! A drive-in movie theater experience is incredibly fun (compared to today's traditional theaters) because it’s a very different experience.
Blue Starlite Drive-in is the first and only little urban drive-in in the world! It’s where independent movies, cult classics, and family favorites are shown on a big screen.
This is not your average mega-sized drive-in theater; instead, it offers a cozy, Austin-inspired atmosphere with only 15 to 20 parking spaces. This is definitely an Austin summer activity you’ll want to do again and again.
WEBSITE | 2015 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723
54. Horseback Riding
Do your kids enjoy riding horses? One of the most enjoyable kids' activities in Austin is definitely horseback riding! Maverick Horseback Riding features lessons, trail rides, and more. They even have a children’s intro to horsemanship class!
WEBSITE | 5766 Balcones Drive Austin, TX 78731
55. Chaparral Ice
Ice skating is a super fun thing to do in Austin with kids!
Chaparral Ice is one of the best family-run ice rinks in Austin, offering hockey and figure skating lessons as well as party packages for all age groups.
WEBSITE | 2525 W Anderson Ln. #400, Austin, TX 78757
56. Blazer Tag
South Austin is home to the locally owned and family-managed entertainment venue Blazer Tag.
It’s the biggest laser tag arena in Texas, as well as a fully equipped arcade with more than 60 games, including both old favorites and brand-new favorites.
Of course, it can’t be a kid-friendly activity in Austin without pizza…so yes, you can order your typical event-space pies here.
WEBSITE | 1701 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
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!