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Unique
●●●Austin Public Library Special Events - Throughout the summer, the Austin
Public Library sponsors many interesting programs including storytellers,
singing zoologists, puppets and other themed activities.
●●●Austin Rock Gym - Austin's only
dedicated indoor rock climbing facilities offers the most comprehensive
climbing lessons and services available. They have two large indoor rock climbing
facilities as well as full service indoor climbing lessons, a portable rock
climbing wall and full service outdoor guided climbing trips. Both our
North Gym and South Gym facilities have climbing for all ages and experience
levels. Whether you want to boulder, lead climb, top rope, want to have a Cool
Birthday Party, take a class, climb outdoors, or need to buy climbing gear,
Austin Rock Gym is your one-stop climbing destination.
●●●Ceramic Bayou - a paint your
own pottery studio in Austin, Texas. Ceramics Bayou is great entertainment for
the entire family - all ages are welcome! Voted one of the top five family
outings in Austin!
●●●Gardenheads
●●●Gattiland or Gattitown
- Located both
in Oak Hill and in Round Rock. In addition to the pizza buffet, salads,
soups and pasta du jour, a large game room with entertainment for all ages
including bumper cars and a carousel.
●●●Inner Space Caverns - Explore Texas'
most accessible cavern, where Ice Age animals were around amid fantastic cave
formations. Located just 20 miles north of Austin. The 1 1/4-hour
tour is easy to walk in a pleasant 72 degrees year round and covers
three-fourths of a mile. With $1 off coupon: Adults: $13.95 Children 4 -
12: $8.95 Children 3 and under Free
●●●Radijazz - a unique children’s indoor
playground, like an outdoor playground but cleaner with more fun & less heat,
humidity, rain, dirt, bugs, broken glass...etc. Bring your children to play,
have fun & let their bodies & imaginations run wild! Cost:
$6/ child $3/child under 1 Older children are welcome when
accompanied by a sibling under the age of seven.
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Museums
●●●Austin Children's Museum
Austin Children's Museum provides innovative, participatory exhibits, programs,
and resources which encourage curiosity, creativity, appreciation, and learning
for children. Your child will run from the moment he/she arrives until you
finally pull him\'her from the museum, all the while participating in
educational values. Note, the museum does not have a snack bar, or
cafeteria, so either bring a picnic lunch to eat along Town Lake, or make a
lunch stop at Spaghetti Warehouse!
Hours:
Monday: (Baby Bloomers: Ages 0-3) 9am - Noon
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Wednesday Nights - 5pm to 8pm, admission by donation
Sunday Noon to 5pm, (4pm - 5pm FREE)
Admission: $5.50 per person. Children 12-23 months are $3.50. Children
under 12 months are FREE. Parking is $4. Monday Baby Bloomers is for
children 0-3. $3 per person.
●●●Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
- year-round - contains 34,000 square feet of permanent exhibits
featuring over 700 artifacts on loan in constant rotation as well as many
original, exciting media features. There is also a 7,000 square foot temporary
exhibit hall featuring rotating exhibits, the Destination Texas History Texas
Museum database, and much more.
●●●Texas Memorial Museum - the Memorial
Museum is almost a museum piece itself: dim, cool, hushed, a proper dowager in a
world of upstart interactives. The small scale is a plus; even a toddler can do
all four floors with aplomb, from basement dinosaurs to glowing gem room.
Cost: free
●●●Texas State Capital - Free Texas Capitol tours are available daily and
feature information about the Capitol, Texas history and the Texas legislature.
To begin a tour, visit the Capitol Information and Guide Service, located in the
restored Treasurer's Business Office on the first floor of the Capitol. Tours
are generally 45 minutes in length.
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Laser Tag
●●●Blazer Tag - Laser
tag is a high tech form of hide-and-go-seek and tag for everyone from age 7 to
97. Players wear a light-weight vest and carry a futuristic phaser to "tag"
opponents with a visible laser light beam and score points. At the end of the
game, each player gets a computer-generated scorecard that shows his or her
score, hit-to-shot ratio, rank and winning team.
●●●Main Event - Our 75,000 Square Foot, Our Family Entertainment Center
Features Bowling, Billiards, Laser Tag, Giant Arcades, Glow Golf, Rock Climbing
and Main Street Cafe
●●●Austin's Park n Pizza
- At Austin's Park 'n Pizza you'll find more than 22 acres of fun-filled
attractions, event areas, an interactive game pavilion, laser tag and a delicious,
all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet!
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Ice Skating / Roller Skating
●●●Chaparral Ice Skating -
The Ice Rink at Northcross Mall is open again! Now Austinites can enjoy
recreational ice skating any and everyday of the week. Ice Skating is good clean
fun and it's good exercise too.
●●●Millenium Youth Entertainment
Complex - Experience a state-of-the-art entertainment complex. Bowl, Roller
Skate, see a Movie, play Arcade games, enjoy the children’s Soft Play area and
eat in the Millennium Café! Have a Birthday Party, a 70’s Theme Corporate Fun
Day, a Wedding or a Quincenerá!
●●●Playland Skate Center -
Playland Skate Center offers the finest in skating entertainment with an
impressive light show, fog machine and state of the art sound system playing a
wide variety of music. Our extra large skating floor at 27,500 square feet is
Austin's largest.
●●●Skate World Austin - Roller skating
rinks available for birthday and private parties. Also offers hockey and figure
skating programs.
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Inflatable Playlands
●●●Inflatable Wonderland - An indoor inflatable playland inside Lakeline Mall
next to Sears, for children 12 and under. Cost: $10/child
Discount Days: Tuesday and Thursday $5/ child plus tax
●●●Pump It Up - Inflatable chutes, slides, ladders, and rooms filled with jumpy
castles sound like a dream come true and the perfect place to plan a party. The
friendly Pump It Up crew does almost all of the work for you; just let them know
what you want, and voilà. With locations in Austin and Round Rock, this
"inflatable party zone" is a fun-filled adventure, not to mention good exercise
for kids of all ages.
●●●Ready, Set, Play -
15,000 square feet of inflatable jumpers, slides and obstacle courses.
This location has comfortable couches for parents, an eating area and party
rooms.
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Bowling
●●●Interstate Bowling -
Discount Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Bowling games all day long for just $2.50
per person. Regular shoe rentals are just $2. Cafe Specials including $1.25
fries, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and $1 large fountain drinks. Prices
do not include tax
●●●Main Event - Our 75,000 Square Foot, Our Family Entertainment Center
Features Bowling, Billiards, Laser Tag, Giant Arcades, Glow Golf, Rock Climbing
and Main Street Cafe
●●●Westgate lanes - Westgate Lanes
Offers 40 Synthetic Bowling Lanes, Automatic Bumpers, User-friendly automatic
scoring system, Home of the 13th Frame Sports Bar, Gus's Grill, Arcade Room with
various video games and an air hockey table, "Rock-n-Bowl" on Friday & Saturday
evenings @ 11:00pm, 75 capacity Conference Room
●●●Union Underground - located on UT campus, has 12 bowling lanes with
state-of-the-art automatic scoring. Shoe rental is available. Glow in the Dark
bowling is available.
●●●Highland Lanes - Features
Bumper bowling for younger children, Automatic scoring, "Electric Bowl", Full
Service Lounge, Highland Grill, 40 Lanes, Pro Shop
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Mini Golf
●●●Lunar Golf - a glow-in-the-dark golf course located in Lakeline mall.
Cost: 6-12 is $6, 5 and under is $3. Groups of 6 or more are $5/ child or
$3 for under 5
●●●Main Event - Our 75,000 Square Foot, Our Family Entertainment Center
Features Bowling, Billiards, Laser Tag, Giant Arcades, Glow Golf, Rock Climbing
and Main Street Cafe
●●●Millenium Youth Entertainment
Complex - Experience a state-of-the-art entertainment complex. Bowl, Roller
Skate, see a Movie, play Arcade games, enjoy the children’s Soft Play area and
eat in the Millennium Café! Have a Birthday Party, a 70’s Theme Corporate Fun
Day, a Wedding or a Quincenerá!
●●●Peter Pan Mini Golf - opened in 1948 and still has many of its original
figures and obstacles. It features two 18-hole courses
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Theaters
●●●Paramount Theatre - Touring performers make appearances, but this exquisite
elegy to the silver screen is better known for its runs of old classics - from
Casablanca to A Clockwork Orange.
●●●Regal
Free Family Film Festival - Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each
Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is
limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun
and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.
Films and dates to be announced
●●●Imax
- Come to the only IMAX Theatre in Austin at The Bob Bullock Texas State History
Museum! Innovative IMAX technology creates the ultimate film experience,
capturing breathtaking images of unsurpassed size and impact on a screen more
than six stories tall, accompanied by wraparound digital sound. With both 2-D
and 3-D capabilities, this larger-than-life theatre features films that are both
entertaining and enlightening.
●●●Austin Summer Musical
for Children - Dates and times to be determined. All tickets are
first come, first serve. We strongly urge our patrons to arrive early to pick up
their tickets for the show they wish to attend. Remember, Scottish Rite has a
total capacity of 250 for each show. Lines for tickets have been forming as
early as 2 1/2 hours prior to the show and tickets are distributed quickly.
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●●●Austin's Park n Pizza
- At Austin's Park 'n Pizza you'll find more than 22 acres of fun-filled
attractions, event areas, an interactive game pavilion and a delicious,
all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet!
●●●Austin
Symphony Children's Day Art Park - Wednesdays in June and July - Children can experience the magic of the
arts at Children's Day Art Park. This exciting summer program features local
musicians, dancers, storytellers, magicians, mimes and crafts people. Youngsters
can visit the Instrumental Petting Zoo (where they can see, touch and try to
play the instruments), talk to symphony musicians and hear them play their
instruments, see a Ballet Folklorico, hear a country western band, follow a real
pied piper along the Lemonade Trail to the Magic Oak Tree and try their hands at
different art projects under the Art Tent. Admission is 50 cents per child
and parents are free. Concerts are Wednesday mornings in June and July
beginning at 9:30. This place fills up quickly, so arrive very early!
●●●Austin Nature Center - Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, the
Austin Nature & Science Center is dedicated to the exploration of the the
natural world. When you come by for a visit you will be able to meet a
coyote and red-tailed hawk in our Wildlife Exhibits. You can follow the path of
Texas fossil hunters and un-cover evidence of pre-historic life in the Dino Pit.
You can explore natural science specimans and add to your own collection through
the Naturalist Workshop and Trade Counter. Cost: free, but donations
are accepted
●●●Austin Zoo - At Austin Zoo, adults and
kids alike can enjoy the great outdoors and experience a close-up look at
animals from around the world...all in family friendly environment.
Austin Zoo offers a shady picnic area , a perfect place to hold a child's party,
a family gathering or a company event. Children will love riding the
Rawhide Rocket, a small train that takes a 1.5 mile trip through the hill
country. Bring a picnic basket full of treats, as the zoo only has a small
concession stand that is open only in weekends during the summer. The best
times to attend the zoo are fall and spring, as the summer is too hot for both
animals and visitors.
●●●Blackberry Picking at Sweet Berry
Farms - May - June - Enjoy family fun by picking your own fresh
blackberries at this farm just outside Marble Falls. Mid-June is the best time
for the blackberries, but you can come as early as May. There will be a
spring hay-field maze in May and June while the blackberries are at their peak.
The location also has goats and horses for petting. Sweet Berry Farm now has two
locations. The original farm is located in Marble Falls, which is nestled in the
Texas Hill Country north-west of Austin. Sweet Berry Farms now has a location in
Lexington, Texas, a tucked-away hamlet east of Austin.
●●●Boggy Creek Farm Market Days
- Every Wednesday and Saturday, from 9 AM to 2
PM, visit the farm stand market under the massive live oak tree, wander the
gardens and visit the Hen House. Kids may enjoy playing in the dirt pile under
the shady pecan tree, so have them dress accordingly.
●●●Disc Golf -
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs,
however, players use a flying disc, or Frisbee. Disc golf can be played from
school age to old age, making it the one of the greatest lifetime fitness sports
available. Austin has 5 disc golf course available to the public:
Bartholomew District Park, Circle C Ranch, Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan
Park, Pease Park, Zilker Metropolitan Park
●●●Kiddie Acres - Since 1979, this
amusement park has been a top spot for families with young children. Rides
include the classic Ferris wheel and carousel. Families can also enjoy miniature
golf. Parking is free and there is no cost for admission. Discount Day is
every Wednesday and Grandparent's Day is every Sunday. All rides and golf
tickets sold at group rate, ($0.95 per ticket) on these special days.
●●●Lady Bird Johnson's Wildflower Center
- Visit the "Little House", a special place just for little ones; open during
the spring season (beginning March 16th), or participate in BloomTime, a
nature-based story time complete with themed stories,
activities, and a short hike.
●●●Letterboxing -
Letterboxing is growing hobby that combines elements of hiking, treasure hunting
and creative expression into an activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Participants seek out hidden letterboxes by following clues that are posted on
the Internet, and then record their discovery in their personal journal with the
help of a rubber stamp that's part of the letterbox. In addition, letterboxers
have their own personal stamps which they use to stamp into the letterbox's log
book. Currently, there appear to be over 30 letterboxes hidden in and around the
Austin area parks.
●●●Peach Picking in the Hill Country
- May - June - Nestled in the hills southwest of Austin off FM 1826 are acres of
peach trees. You can stroll through rows of June Gold, Texas Royal, Dixieland,
and other varieties picking the perfect peaches. Taste test the available
varieties (it changes throughout the season) then head for the appropriate
orchards to fill your basket at $1.40-$1.60 per pound.
Barsana Peach Orchards,
●●●Summer Playground Program - 2007 marks the 80th Summer Playground Program of
the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The program offers a
wide variety of recreation activities to children 6-12 years old and 12-15 years
old, and it's all free! With neighborhood sites throughout the city, Playground
Leaders create safe, supervised and fun-filled environments with activities
including sports, games, arts and crafts, nature activities and cook-outs.
●●●Wild Connections Butterfly Farm
and Nature Center - a working butterfly farm dedicated to educating our
youth about our native plants and animals. Wild-Connections is located on 56
acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country. The farm features a rock-bottom creek,
several small wet-weather creeks, open fields, and wooded areas. Each offers you
the opportunity to explore the habitat of our native plants and animals. Slow
down, poke around, and discover the many wonders of nature!
●●●Zilker Botanical Garden - features
a number of different gardens, including the two newest: the Hartman Prehistoric
Garden, installed in the area where dinosaur tracks were found in 1992, and the
Green Garden, with areas planted by different local designers with native and
well-adapted plants that thrive in Austin's challenging soils and climate.
●●●Zilker Eagle/Zilker Park Train
- It's a quiet kind of summer giddy that contents both child and adult alike as
the Zilker Eagle rounds the bend and pulls into the station. The lemonade is
perfect, the crossing bell chimes, and the conductor issues the "All Aboard" to
signal that it's time to take the tickets! The old Amtrak replica we love so
well is off on another perfect day. Finish the day on the multi-age
playscape next door to the train.
●●●Zilker Canoe Rentals - Paddle away
to experience a rarefied view of Austin's watery cityscape. Relish the passing
cypress and pecan trees as the Capitol City hustles and bustles in the
background. Cost: $10 per hour
●●●Umlauf Statue Garden
More than 130 sculptures by Charles Umlauf, a prolific and internationally known
sculptor, are on display both inside the new museum and outside in a xeriscape
garden. Umlauf's work varies from the realistic to the abstract, his materials
from wood and cast stone to bronze and marble. Both the museum and the garden
are accessible to the handicapped. Museum brochure available in Spanish. Museum
video is captioned for the hearing impaired.
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●●●Austin Duck Tours - This water/land
tour vehicle was designed to take people on a land tour of downtown Austin,
followed by a water tour of Lake Austin in the same vehicle. Daily tours leave
from the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau at 201 East Second Street. Tickets
can be purchased inside the Visitors Bureau from 9am-5pm. The price of an Austin
Duck Adventure is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under thirteen years
of age. Senior and student tickets are $13.00. They accept cash, traveler's
checks, MasterCard and Visa.
●●●Austin Farmer's Market -
Saturdays, Spring - December - Support local (within 150 miles) farms, ranches,
dairies and nurseries and have a hoot of a time while you are doing it in our
beautiful site in downtown Austin! There are plentiful prepared foods,
farm products turned into jams, salsas and honey, and hand-made crafts. Chef's
demos, children's activities, and live local musicians make supporting local
growers fun!
●●●Austin Steam Train
- Escape from the
21st Century and relax with us on a ride through American railroading’s romantic
past. Let the rivers and ranches of the Texas Hill Country, or the historic
neighborhoods and lush parks of the heart of Austin, slip by your window as you,
your family and friends share the delights of an adventure on Central Texas’
very own vintage passenger train! Tickets are around $20 per person, but
children's fares are available.
●●●Central Market
Live Music - live music every Friday and Saturday on the patio. Join us for
dinner and enjoy an evening of great music. The music is 6:30 to 9 pm (unless
otherwise noted) and there's never a cover charge. See why Austin is called "The
Live Music Capital of the World." Central Market also has a wonderful
wooden playscape for the children.
Kaleidoscope Toys Friday Family Fun Night -
●●●Round Rock Express -
April - August
- The Dell
Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express minor-league baseball team, has been
named the top ballpark in Double-A baseball. In October, the Express
signed a $10.5 million deal to bring a Triple-A baseball team from Canada to
Central Texas. The ball park has an enclosed playground area for children to play
(while parents keep their eye on the game, a wide bern area, for young children
who would rather run along the grass than sit in a seat for two hours and a
variety of refreshments. An inexpensive and enjoyable event!.
April 18th is the teams home opener.
●●●Congress Street Bats
- One of the most amazing sights in Austin takes place every evening from March
to early November, when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from their
roosts under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Late July through mid-August is the
best time to see impressive flights, as new born pups first begin to forage with
their mothers.
Capital Cruise is home of the Largest Electric Paddle Wheel Boat in the
Country and the now famous Sunset Bat Watching excursion. The best way to
watch Austin's Famous Bats. Simply arrive at the boat dock 20-30 minutes before
sunset.Reservations are recommended. $8.00 - Adults, $6.00 Seniors, $5.00
Children (4-12) Monday - Wednesday Bat Cruise for only $6.00 per adult or
$4.00 for children.
●●●Jourdan-Bachman
Pioneer Farms
Travel back in time at Central Texas' premier living history
museum, where your journey begins on three historic farmsteads and in unique
history programs. The museum features three historic farmsteads and an
entry village, plus acres of prairie pastures, farmyards and wildlife. Each is
interpreted just as life would have been in the 1800s on Central Texas’ Blacklands
Prairie.
Hours: Sundays 1pm to 5pm, Fridays 10am - 2pm, First Saturday of each month for
a special program 1pm to 5pm
Admission: $6 child / $8 adult
●●●Lone Star Riverboat - This ol'
paddlewheel gently takes passengers for a one-and-a-half hour cruise up and down
Town Lake. Sunset and bat-watching cruises are popular faves. Call for times,
rates, and seasonal schedule.
●●●Scottish
Rite Children's Theatre - As a non-profit
organization, our mission is to provide year-round, quality, fun and affordable
family entertainment in Austin’s oldest surviving theatre. SRCT promotes only
wholesome plays for children, hoping to foster an appreciation for live theatre
and to share the legacy of our historic site. Dates and times to be announced
●●●Zilker Hillside
Theater - Located just across from Barton Springs Pool in beautiful Zilker
Park, the natural amphitheater is nestled among a grove of giant 100 year old
Pecan trees and is home to numerous locally produced musical and dance oriented
events. On any given starry Summer evening this Austin institution has
performances ranging from The Austin Symphony or the Austin Civic Orchestra to
the annual Summer Musical and Shakespeare in the Park. Admission as always is
free but a $3.00 parking fee is charged.
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There are so many parks in and around Austin. These are just a few
favorites.
●●●Auditorium Shores - Though the free concerts and AquaFest are a thing of the
past, Auditorium Shores is still one of Austin's most popular family spots for
walking, biking, and picnics. The gazebo is on the east end and the statue of
Stevie Ray Vaughan is on the west end. Go on -- take a hike!
●●●Blunn Creek Nature
Preserve - 40 acres of streamside and upland woods and meadows. The
spring-fed creek and the hackberry/elm woods support resident wildlife and offer
refuge, rest and food for migratory species. Older remnants of the Preserve
feature mature oaks and old native Texas persimmon trees. Geological features
include two lookout areas, one of which is composed of compacted volcanic ash,
deposited in the late Cretaceous Age. The core of the old volcanic eruption is
beneath the Main Building of St. Edward's University.
●●●Bull Creek
District Park - Doggie paradise - one of the best dog parks in Austin,
but also a great place to splash around in the water, take a hike, or just
relax! A few miles west of urban Austin is a place where a creek flows through
stunning wooded canyons and rocky hills. Golden-cheeked warblers nest in the
oak-juniper and there have been bobcat sightings in the hills. This area,
known as the Bull Creek Watershed, is a unique landscape of graceful waterfalls,
soaring limestone cliffs, moss and fern covered seeps and enchanting hilltop
vistas. Today, parts of the watershed are a reminder of how western Travis
County looked hundreds of years ago.
●●●Dick Nichols
Park - This district park is a neighborhood favorite with hike and
bike trails that wander throughout, a pool, and a nice large playground.
●●●Karst Nature Preserve
- 10 acre preserve situated over the Edwards Recharge Zone has several karst
features including caves, sinkholes and honeycomb outcrops. Gently winding, one
eighth mile, 20 minute trail. Karst originally referred to a limestone plateau
in Germany, now it is used to mean any area with limestone rocks, deep
fractures, caves which feed rain water directly into underground lakes and
streams.
●●●Mary Quinlan
Park - located on the upper reaches of Lake Austin. This small, moderately
visited park offers 5.8 acres of rolling hills with 200 feet of shoreline
access, including the only public boat ramp for several miles. Because of the
narrow width of Lake Austin in this area, Mary Quinlan Park preserves much of
the feel of the original steep-sloped Colorado River bottoms.
●●●Mt.
Bonnell - Austin's Mount Bonnell is one of Austin's oldest tourist
attractions being documented as far back as 1850. It is the highest point within
Austin City Limits at 785 feet, but is actually smaller than Mt. Larson directly
across from Mt. Bonnell but located in West Lake Hills. A wonderful place to
picnic in the sun, Mt. Bonnell contains views of Town Lake and the Pennybacker
or 360 Bridge as well as wonderful vistas of downtown. The area is a short hike
from the road and there is no entrance fee.
●●●San Gabriel Wooden Playground in Round Rock - a large wooden playground with
limited entrance and exits. Bring some bread and a picnic lunch to feed
the ducks in the nearby river afterwards.
●●●Stacy Park
- A long and slender greenspace, Stacy Park runs along the Blunn Creek Greenbelt
for a total of 23 acres. Hoops, tennis courts, and picnic tables lurk on the
north end (near Sunset Lane); the year-round Big Stacy pool is on the south end
(near Live Oak). The pool is open M-F, 6am-8pm, weekends, noon-7pm (weekend
hours increase during the summer).
●●●Veloway -
The Veloway is southwest Austin's first trail exclusively for bicycles and
rollerblading. Located on more than 100 acres in the Slaughter Creek
Metropolitan Park, the Veloway is a 3.1 mile paved asphalt loop 23 feet wide. It
is totally free of motorized traffic. Riders ride in a one-way clockwise
direction. Helmets are highly recommended and required for kids. The trail is
open from dawn to dusk. The trail can be accessed from Loop 1 Mopac, about a
mile south of Slaughter Lane, or from Bowie High School on Slaughter during
non-school hours.
●●●Wild Basin Preserve - enjoy 2 1/2
miles of hiking trails that pass through woodland, grassland, and streamside
habitats. These habitats are home to threatened and endangered species, and
hundreds of native plants, animals and birds. Special events include
"Story walks", star gazing and "making magical memories program".
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●●●Barton Springs
Pool - Three acres in size, the pool is fed from under ground springs and is
on average 68 degrees year round. Moss makes the bottom a bit slippery for
young children and non-swimmers.
●●●Blue Hole Park
in Georgetown - Not to be confused with Blue Hole near Wimberley (see below),
this park is on the San Gabriel River a few blocks north of the courthouse
square in Georgetown. The north bank of the river is a sheer cliff; the south
bank is a new park with picnic tables and port-a-potties. The city has really
spruced up this scenic area, changing it from a makeshift hangout to a
first-rate community park. The one-way road through the park offers a peek at
the conditions and a small unloading zone. Parking is at the lot at Third and
Rock Streets. No camping and no glass beverage bottles larger than a quart are
allowed in the park. The small dam makes a great waterfall. From the courthouse
take Austin Avenue (US81) north, turn left on Third St. just before the South
San Gabriel River bridge and take a right on Rock Street.
●●●Brushy Creek
Sprinkler Park - Brushy Creek Lake Park is a 90-acre park that offers active
and natural resource-based recreational opportunities. Facilities include: A
Playground; water playscape; hike and bike trail; nature trail; exercise
station; three pavilions; picnic tables and BBQ grills; sand volleyball court;
canoe/kayak launch; fishing pier; wildlife observation area; labyrinth;
restrooms; parking area; and a 38-acre lake that was constructed in 1965.
Bull Creek District Park - An often overlooked greenbelt, Bull Creek in North
Austin is one of the nicest parks outside of the central city area. An
alcohol-free park. Access to the creek is from a hike and bike trail that
follows much of its winding course. The park is between FM2222 and Spicewood
Springs Road along US360, and the main entrance is off FM2222 at the end of
Lakewood Drive. Day use.
●●●Camp Ben McColloch:
Near Driftwood in Hays County. In addition to being a prime swimming hole
with a rope swing, the scenic park on the banks of Onion Creek off FM 1826 in
northern Hays County hosts the Old Settler's Music Festival this weekend, April
19-21. The 15th anniversary of the festival offers a winning combination of a
great musical lineup, creekside camping, and world-famous Salt Lick barbecue in
a relaxed environment that the whole family can share and enjoy.
●●●Deep Eddy Pool. The huge shallow end, cool water, and massive cottonwood
trees make this place a family favorite. Lap swimmers have their own pool, so
the kids can frolic to their heart's content without getting in the way of the
serious swimmers. From May 24 to August 10, adult lap swimming will be available
from 8am to 10am. Recreational swimming and lap swimming available from 10am to
9pm. Admission: $2 for adults, 75 cents for ages 12 to 17 and 50 cents for 11
and under. Call 472-8546. Located west of Mopac, north of the river at 401 Deep
Eddy Drive.
●●●Emma Long Beach -
located 6.2 miles off FM 2222 on City Park Road. The park is on the shores of
Lake Austin, and consists of a total of 1150 acres, 70 of which are developed.
Emma Long Park has a designated swimming area in Lake Austin and has a large
sandy beach. A nice hike begins right outside the park alongside Turkey
Creek.
●●●Hamilton's
Pool - Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole which was
designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner's Court in 1990. Located
3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek
spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it
plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely
dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle. However, the pool's water
level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought. Note:
this pool is not recommended for young children due to the long walk, slippery
sides and steep sides
●●●Lake Georgetown
beach - April - August - Russell Park on the lake has a washed pebble
beach with ten shelters. The lake also has hiking trails, group shelters and
camping. Lake Georgetown is located about 3 miles west of
Georgetown, Texas.
●●●Lakeway Pool
- a public pool with a large slide, lily pads in the pool, and a children's frog
slide.
●●●Micki
Krebsbach Pool in Round Rock - a perfect pool for young children with a huge
mushroom waterfall, animals that squirt water, and a cement beach. For older
children, there is a water slide and an obstacle type course. $2 for adults and
$1 for kids. (non Round Rock residents add .50)
●●●Rock N River Family Aquatic Center - A new pool in Round Rock, this swim
center includes a fun water plascape, two large slides (for those over 48 inces),
a baby area and a lazy river with tubes. Most areas are are less than 4
feet, so this is a great place for younger children!
●●●Scott P Mentzer
Pool in Pflugerville - The pool features a slide and other interactive water
features. Other amenities at the park include a hike and bike trail, basketball
court, bocce ball court, sand volleyball court, picnic shelter, barn, pond and
nature trail, and an orchard
●●●Stacy Pool.
This is the place to swim during cold weather. Heated by a natural warm spring,
this pool has been around since it was built by the Works Progress
Administration in the 1930s. It's not big, and there's not a lot of shade, but
it's still popular, particularly with lap swimmers. Open 6am to 8pm during the
week and noon to 7pm on weekends. During the week the pool is reserved from 6am
to 8am for adult lap swimming and from 8am to 10am for swim team practice. Run
by the city's aquatics department (476-4521). Admission is free. Located at 800
E. Live Oak.
●●●Tubing down the Guadalupe or
Comal River - There is not much better than floating down the cold Guadalupe or
Comal river as the sun bakes your skin. Tubes are inexpensive and can be rented
at a number of establishments along River Road. Tube rentals include a van
ride back to your car after your 2, 4 or 8 hour tube ride. Make sure you
buy and extra tube for your cooler of refreshments. Tubes with bottoms
attached may be rented for younger children. Before planning your trip,
you may want to research to verify that draught has not temporarily closed the
river to tubing. The Guadalupe river flows through central Texas, and also
has white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Note: this activity
is not recommended for children under 5 years of age.
●●●Volente Beach - A water park that
is great for children, it is smaller than Schlitterbahn, but also considerably
closer. The park includes several large water rides, a children's activity
pool, picnic area, and a sandy beach on the lake.
●●●Westlake Beach This privately owned
park has a shaded picnic area, marina, concession stand, diving platform,
playground, showers, and beach and water volleyball. Great place for family
reunions or birthday parties. From Tom Miller Dam off Lake Austin Boulevard,
take Red Bud Lane to a right on West Lake Drive and follow it around to park.
Day use only. Fee. 2509 Westlake Dr. 327-9004. Entrance Fee: $8 adult, $5
child (under 11) Hours: 1pm-7pm on Wednesday-Friday 10am-7pm on Saturday
11am-7pm on Sunday CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday, and for private parties.
Please CALL ahead of time to ensure the availability of the park. (512) 327-9004
Also look for our “Kids Free” daily
specials.
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●●●Aquarena Center
- The Aquarium with an Endangered Species Exhibit, the floating Wetlands
Walkway, Glass Bottom Boat tours and Hillside Nature Trails combine to give
visitors a unique experience of the San Marcos Springs and the diversity which
it creates.
●●●BlueBell Creameries -
Year-long, but closed on weekends - this factory offers
guided plant tours with a tasting of ice cream at the end!
●●●Blue Hole in Wimberley - Located on Cypress Creek one quarter mile east of the town
square, this privately owned campground/swimming area attracts people from all
over Central Texas. Rope swings hang from the huge cypress trees that line the
spring-fed creek. Admission for a group of up to five costs $50 for a seasonal
membership plus $1 per head; for more than five people, admission is $3 per
person plus the seasonal membership. Day use hours are 9am to 7pm. No pets are
allowed for day use. No minors without parents. No glass. Camping is available
with fees starting at $15 per night, plus a weekly membership for an additional
$15. Kid friendly. Call (512) 847-9127.
●●●Cameron Zoo in Waco -
Nestled in one of the largest undeveloped municipal parks in the country and
adjacent to the Brazos River, Cameron Park Zoo encompasses fifty two acres of
lush native vegetation. Winding paths leas to splashing waters cascading down a
waterfall, a picturesque lake and ponds. And in the midst of all this beauty,
visitors see that the wild ones not only survive, they flourish.
●●●Capitol
of Texas Zoo in Bastrop - See many wonderful native and exotic animals,
birds, and reptiles while at this amazing zoo that also offers animals shows and
educational programs
●●●Crowe's Nest Farm in Manor -
March - October - an organization dedicated to fostering public appreciation,
knowledge, and wise stewardship of both agricultural and wildlife resources of
Texas through hands-on interaction with the wildlife and habitats found on our
100-acre working farm. The farm is open to large groups and schools;
however, families may use the webpage to contact the director to set up an
appointment to view the farm
●●●Cypress Valley Canopy
Tours - a thrilling eco-adventure, where you fly through the canopy of old
growth cypress trees, some up to 100 feet tall. A new world unfolds as you glide
on steel zip lines a series of cables that extend from one tree to another or
from tree to ground that allow individuals to slide down using technical
trolleys. See zip line and canopy tours in the United States for more
information from platform to platform high in the treetops. Renew your
experience of nature on our exhilarating Canopy Tour in Spicewood, Texas USA,
the daring Canopy Challenge in Austin, Texas USA, or an overnight stay in the
trees in our new tree house, The Lofthaven. Children must be at
least 10 and weigh 80 pounds.
●●●Dinosaur Park outside
Bastrop - Opening
Summer 2005 - Travel back in time as you walk along six life-size dinosaur
replicas on display throughout landscaped nature trails. These statues range in
size from the 6-foot long Velociraptor to the 40-foot long T-Rex; with
additional Dinos to come in the future! Other activities include a dino-dig,
playground, picnic areas, and a wonderful DinoStore stocked with a variety of
gifts sure to please any dinosaur fan
●●●Dinosaur Valley State Park - Located in Glen Rose, the park features models
of a 70-foot Apatosaurus and a 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as the Paluxy
River, preserved dinosaur tracks and more. 5 per day, per person 13 and
older, staying for day use only
●●●Enchanted
Rock State Natural Area consists of 1643.5 acres on Big Sandy Creek, north
of Fredericksburg, on the border between Gillespie and Llano Counties. The
Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground,
1825 feet above sea level, and covers 640 acres. It is one of the largest
batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the United
States. Visitors can enjoy primitive backpacking, camping, hiking,
technical and rock climbing, picnicking, geological study, bird watching, and
star gazing (minimal light pollution).
●●●Fiesta Texas, Six Flags - a 200-acre
theme park located in northwest San Antonio
●●●Granite Beach at Lake
LBJ - The waterpark features a water Slide, water Trampoline, floating
Picnic Areas, In-water Stage Area, Waterfall, Grassy Amphitheater, Sandy Beach,
Lifeguards, The Iceberg, Luxury Cabins, Beautiful Beach and Volleyball
●●●Houston Aquarium - Year Round
- See exhibits of fully themed environments in the 500,00 gallons of underwater
tanks. Entertaining and educational tours through exciting exhibits, video
and audio presentations and "Discovery Rig", a fully interactive area.
Owned by the Landry's restaurant company, the giant fish bowl gives an up-close
look underwater in a carnival atmosphere.
●●●Krause Springs:
34
miles west of Austin in Spicewood, is possibly the most beautiful swimming hole
in the state. Situated on a bluff overlooking Cypress Creek, Krause Springs is
actually two swimming holes in one. As the rolling ranch land begins its rapid
descent to the creek and Lake Travis, the Krause home sits at a high point with
the parking lot. At the next level below the house is the spring-fed swimming
pool and below that is the creek, lined with towering cypress trees and a
waterfall coming over a cliff covered with ferns.
●●●Landa Park, New Braunfels: offers picnic facilities under the shade of
giant, ancient oak trees. Walk or jog on the parks special trails, or ride a
miniature train that chugs around the 196-acre park. An excursion on a paddle
boat is one of the best ways to see the Comal Springs and Landa Lake. Why not
take in a round of miniature golf, relax at the playground or enjoy the flora
and fauna on the Panther Canyon Nature Trail? Don’t forget to enjoy the walking
arboretum tour with over 70 species of trees! Landa Park has it all: rope
swing, zip line, long water slide, very challenging cargo net, dock, kiddie area
and cold, cold water. This pool is formed from the spring at the headwaters of
the Comal River.
●●●Longhorn Cavern State Park -
Located in Burnet, this park features Longhorn Cavern, a Texas Hill Country
wonder created over thousands of years by the dissolving and cutting action of
water on the limestone bedrock of the area. Fossil remains show that many Ice
Age animals once occupied the cave. Adults: $10.95 Children (ages 2-12): $5.95
●●●LoveCreek Orchards in Medina
- Come to the Texas Hill Countryi n August and September and discover the
freshest tree-ripened apples in Texas! What's second best to a fresh
apple? Fresh Apple Cider! Have a free sample! We serve it hot, ice cold, slushy,
as a Cidercicle or whipped into cream to create the best apple ice cream you've
ever tasted.
●●●McKinney Falls State Park - McKinney Falls State Park in Travis County, in
south Austin, is a 744.4-acre park near the headquarters of the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, road biking, picnicking,
fishing, and wildlife observation are activities in the park. Swimming is now
allowed in Onion Creek; call 512/243-1643 for current creek conditions.
●●●Moody Gardens - Visitors
crossing the causeway to Galveston Island will surely see the pyramids rising on
the western side of the island. Those pyramids are just part of magnificent
Moody Gardens. With attractions that include several aquariums, an IMAX theatre
and even a rainforest, Moody Gardens is a must see for Galveston visitors.
$40 per visitor
●●●Natural Bridge Caverns -
so much more than one of the most treasured natural attractions Texas has to
offer. This beautiful and historical cavern system offers an experience that is
high energy, educational, fun and family oriented. Whether you are a first
timer, an avid caver or someone in between, Natural Bridge Caverns awaits with a
once in a lifetime experience you'll never forget. Pan for precious
stones, take the ultimate leap of faith from the Watchtower, experience caving
on one of our adventure tours or simply learn something new on our most popular
North Cavern Tour. Bring your family, your church group or your classroom. With
so much to do, see and learn, once you've experienced Natural Bridge Caverns, we
promise you'll be coming back for more. Natural Bridge Caverns is
located 30 minutes north of downtown San Antonio $16.95/adults $9.95/child
●●●Natural Bridge Wildlife
Ranch - Visit Africa – in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Home to over
50 species of animals from all over the world, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
allows you to explore the wilds of many continents a little closer to home.
●●●Pedernales Falls State Park - Activities include camping; picnicking;
hiking; river swimming; tubing; wading; mountain biking; fishing; bird watching
(checklist available); and horseback riding (Customers must bring their own
horses and no overnight equestrian camping is allowed.) River recreation is in a
limited area beginning at the Youth Group Camping area and down river to the
park boundary. Bee Creek is a hidden gem inside Pedernales State Par with
water cascading down the hill and spilling into a series of deep holes. Hike a
mile into the primitive camping area to get to it. At the bottom is a deep
lagoon with a cliff you can jump off of. It's best after a rain.
●●●Prince Solms Tube Chute: New Braunfels The City Tube Chute is located on the
Comal River, offering exciting family water fun, picnic areas, showers, dressing
rooms, lockers, tube rentals and lifejackets.
●●●Ragan Blueberry Farm -Saturdays between June 4th - 25th - a very small family
farm; pull up and park in the driveway, walk down the hill a little way and
pick. If the kids get tired there are swings, slide and playscape in the
side yard in the shade. If you are thirsty you can drink the well water (our
house water) free or there will be bottled water and soft drinks in the fridge
on the back porch for .25.
●●●Schlitterbahn - April - September
- In New Braunfels;
65 acres of slides, pools, inner tube floats, an uphill coaster, kiddie parks,
and high-tech water rides, all located on the banks of the spring-fed Comal
River. Voted America's Number One water park for three years straight.
●●●Texas Apple Festival in Medina -
Saturday, July 30th, 2005 - Features many fun activities for kids of all ages.
There will be a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, jumping castles, obstacle
courses, face painting, pony rides and more. Also included are stick horse races
and apple float. Fun activities include apple pie eating contest, stick horse
race and apple float.
●●●Sea World San
Antonio - March 5th - November 30th - Spend the day with whales, dolphins,
high divers, acrobats, water effects and much, much more. Sea lions, otters and
walruses cavort with human trainers. There is a penguin habitat featuring 200
polar birds and a feed-and-touch dolphin pool. After you have seen the animals
head for the rides or the kids' waterpark.
●●●Sunrise Exotic
Ranch in Dripping Springs
Over 200 animals representing over 60 species. Zebras, Camels, Gazelles,
Chimps and other Primates, Llamas, Buffalo, Gemsboks, Oryx, Macaws and other
exotic birds, as well as numerous other species. In addition, this ranch is a
retirement site for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus Primates
who are incredibly entertaining! This ranch no longer provides tours, but
it does accommodate overnight scouts and church groups for an absolutely
wonderful experience.
●●●Vanishing Texas River Cruises -
●●●WonderWorld in San
Marcos - The unique attractions here are entertaining and educational for the
whole family. Enjoy guided tours through the nation's only earthquake-formed
cave. Exit by elevator and catch a breathtaking view of the fault line's
drop-off point from atop the Tejas Observation Tower. Play in our crazy
Anti-Gravity House and take a train ride through the waterfalls of Mystery
Mountain to meet and feed the friendly animals in the largest petting park in
Texas! Tickets Include: Guided tours of the Balcones Fault Line Cave, 110 ft.
Tejas Observation Tower, The Topsy-Turvy world of the Anti-Gravity House, Train
Ride, Texas' Largest Wildlife Petting Park and Mystery Mountain and Waterfalls.
Complete Guided Tour Time: 1 1/2 hours Adults: $17.95 Children: $12.95, 5
and under: free Any size group of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts in uniform
(five or more) will be admitted for only $6.95 each!
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Add
Stillhouse Hollow Nature Preserve
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Goat Cave Karst Preserve
Sangre Del SOl Fire Dancing
Eagle Eye Observatory
Lone Star Riverboat
Exotic Resort Zoo - zooexotics.com
Wild Animal Orphanage in San
Antonio
Bella Vista Ranch in Wimberley
Events
Wild Basin Moonlighting Tours
REI Passport to Adventure
Paramount Theater
Flying Theater Machine (flyingtheatermachine.com)
ginatchess.org - Wooldridge Square
Park
The Biscuit Brothers
austinsyphony.org
Peter and the Wolf -
secondyouth.com
Family Music Festival -
austinsymphony.org
Texas Bison Festival -
calendar.lbj100.org
Brenham Maifest Celebration
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