Austin Things to Do

Fun Places in Austin

Letterboxing

Contact me

1 ●●● Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole located 3/4 mile upstream from 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

We like to start off with a hike out to the Pedernales River, and then spend the rest of the day hanging out by the pool.

Call 264-2740  before going, as the bacteria level in the pool sometimes gets to high and they have to close the pool. Also, it frequently gets full in weekends over the summer.  $8 per carload

Link to Hamilton Pool

2 ●●● Check out the diving board at Garrison Pool

Another new place for us, but rumor has it that this is one of the few pools in Austin with a diving board.  Also, it sounds like it has some nice shade, a nice playground and isn't overcrowded.  We'll check it out and see what we think!

3 ●●● Fishing at Southeast Metropolitan park

Never been here, not even sure where it is, but Kyle is dying to go fishing, and i think someone told me that this lake is stocked, and we should have a good fishing day here.

4 ●●● Letterboxing or Geocaching

Letterboxing is a combination of treasure hunt and hike.  Each letterbox has a locations, and then clues on how to find it.  What better way to get the kids outside and active, while having them practicing their puzzle solving and reading skills!  I have listed many letterbox sites that located at some of my top places to visit.  But, to get the whole list of letterboxes, and an overview of how it all works, go to letterboxing.org.

Geocaching is very similar, but you need a GPS (though iPhone has an app that works!)  Go online to find a location, and then head out!

5 ●●● Butler Park

Butler Park is located right behind the Dougherty Arts Center.  It has fountains that displays programmed morning, afternoon and evening water shows, an observation hill overlooking Lady Bird Lake, a children's garden and a meadow. 

link

6 ●●● Austin Nature and Science Center

Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, the Austin Nature & Science Center is dedicated to the exploration of the the natural world. The Center includes a Dino Pit for digging up fossil recreations, wildlife exhibits with rescue animals, a pond for fish feeding and many paths to explore. 

This is one of my all-time favorite places to go!  We  plan for early summer, as this place gets *hot* in the sun.  The kids and I bring items for the Naturalist Trade Counter and quarters to feed the fish.  After exploring the dino pit and little wonders, eat a picnic lunch, and then hit the back woods for a hike and search for some letterboxes!  Free but donations are accepted

The Trade Counter is open from 10am to 1pm Wednesday - Friday.

Link to Austin Nature and Science Center

7 ●●●  Take the Texas Nature Challenge

I just came across this year, but it looks like a lot of fun.  It officially started on April 2nd, and goes through mid-July.  Throughout parks in and around Austin, there are various missions designed for family fun and nature exploration. 

Link to Texas Nature Challenge

8 ●●●  Visit the Blanton Art Museum

My son's first grade class headed here this year for a field trip, and I must admit, I was prepared for a chorus of "I'm bored".  But the kids really loved it. There is an exhibit with a floor full of pennies, and lots of "bizarre" art that seems to fascinate them.  While it isn't hands on (and thus may not be appropriate for very young children), I think any school age kid is going to enjoy it!  Go on Thursday, and the museum is free.  What do you have to lose?

link

9 ●●●  Austin Symphony's Children's Day Art Park

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 Instrument Petting Zoo (where they can see, touch and try to play the instruments), talk to symphony musicians and hear them play their instruments.

Link to Children's Day Art Park

10 ●●●  Friday Nights at Central Market

We haven't made it yet, but what a great way to spend Friday night.  The kids can play on the awesome wood playscape or feed the ducks in the small lake, while we can enjoy some live music.  Maybe this summer we'll actually make it down there at least once!

11 ●●● Cypress Valley Canopy Tours

The Canopy tour includes three sky bridges and six zip lines - with one over 350 feet long.  This summer they have a special where one child will fly free mid-week, when accompanied by an adult.  Children should be over 10 and 70 pounds (so it might be a year or more before we can make it here!).

link

12 ●●●   Peter Pan Mini Golf

Peter Pan mini golf has been open since 1948, with two different courses and lots of old style mini golf holes.  While some might call the course outdated, I find it very nostalgic.  And finishing the 18 holes with a snowcone in the shade makes it the perfect day!

13 ●●● Footloose at the Zilker Hillside Theater

Thursdays - Sunday, July 9th - August 14th.  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. 

Link to Zilker Hillside Theater

14 ●●● Krause Springs

Krause Springs is a well-known camping & swimming site located in Spicewood, Texas approximately 30 miles west of Austin. There are 32 springs on the property, and several feed the manmade pool and the natural pool which flows into Lake Travis.

We haven't been in two years, and I know the kids would enjoy going back.

Link to Krause Springs

15 ●●● Sweet Berry Farms

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.

We will probably head out early, pick blackberries, feed the horses, enjoy the home-made ice cream and the visit

Link to Sweet Berry Farms

16 ●●● Visit a Cavern

There are many local options for caverns, Natural Bridge and Inner Space.  But my favorite is Longhorn Cavern. Located in Burnet, this park features 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.

Link to Longhorn Caverns

$13 per adult, $8 per child

17 ●●● 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.

Both boys love this place, so I figure I'll gather up my two for one coupons and spend one hot afternoon letting the boys blast each other. 

Link to Blazer Tag

18 ●●● Camp Ben McCulloch

Located near Driftwood in Hays County, this privately owned campground hosts a prime swimming hole with a rope swing.  After a rainy season, the river flows pretty quickly, so bring a raft and play by the river.  The camp also has a nice playscape and tables for a picnic lunch

Entrance is free

Link to Camp Ben McColloch

19 ●●● 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.

A nice outing for the heat of the summer, as the museum is cool and air conditioned... as compared to many of the other places we want to go!  Follow with lunch at Spaghetti Warehouse

Adults and Children: $5.50, Parking: $5

Link to Austin Children's Museum

20 ●●●McKinney Roughs Adventures

McKinney Roughs has a bunch of adventures that look like a lot of fun.  They have several different raft and kayak tours, including a moonlight float trip that looks like a fun.  They also have a ropes course (both low and high).  Unfortunately, due to their week-long summer camps, it looks like the only summer option is a Saturday night moonlight float trip :o(  During the fall, they do sponsor community days, which are open to non-camp goers.

21 ●●●  Bowling at the Texas Union

There are lots of places to go bowling in Austin, but one of our favorite locations is at the Texas Union.  THe kids love the black lights and disco ball. Plus the lanes seem reasonably priced, as does the air hockey table.  And it is frequently not very crowded.

Link to Texas Union

22 ●●●  Cathedral of Junk

We've not yet done this one.  I think it is now open and I'd love to take the boys this summer!

The sign outside states, "The Cathedral of Junk was begun in 1989 by artist Vincent Hannemann. Hubcaps along the fence grew with donations until it formed the ultimate backyard fort. 32 feet high and weighing 80 tons, with multiple upper levels, visited by 10,000 Earthli...ngs a year, featured in Spy Kids 3D, a Bank of America commercial, included in guidebooks, used for weddings, birthdays, plays and music. Plugged by the city in many ways, all seemed well. The Cathedral reached its zenith in March 2010 at which time Code Enforcement issued a notice of violation. It took 3 lawyers, 2 engineers, 1 architect, 100's of volunteers, and the removal of 40 tons of junk to get lega. The number of visitors is limited to 30 'carloads' per week. For an appointment call 512-299-7413 or knock on door

23 ●●●  Ice Cream Tour

There are two places to tour ice cream factories here in Austin.  The first is Austin's local Amy's Ice Cream. Tours can be set up ahead of time for their Lamar locations.  The tour is $1.50 per child, and includes a trial scoop of ice cream.  Children can play on the nice playscape afterwards.  You can also tour the Blue Bell plant in Brenham for a larger scale operation.

Link to Blue Bell tour

24 ●●● Rent a canoe or kayak or try paddleboarding

There are a variety of places that rent canoes on Town Lake, Lake Austin, and even Brushy Creek in Cedar Park.  The boys and I tried canoeing last year and had a blast.  I recently had a chance to try paddleboarding, and they might enjoy that even more!  A chance to get wet and get some exercise!

25 ●●● UT Tower Tour

The University of Texas has opened up their tower for tours.  We went up for the first time last year and had a great time!  The view is wonderful!  Reserve ahead, as the tours sometimes fill up!

26 ●●● Aquarena Center in San Marcos

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.

I have been wanting to do this for years, and have never made it.  Maybe this year is the year! 

Boat Tour: $8 adults, $6 children

Letterbox:
San Marcos Salamander Letterbox

Link to Aquarena Center

27 ●●● Mount Bonnell

Always a fun and free thing to do - climb the steps at Mount Bonnell,  take a quick hike along the ridge and enjoy one of the best views in Austin (though, admittedly, not as good as it use to be, since construction of the house beside it!)

28 ●●● Brushy Creek Lake Park

Brushy Creek Lake Park is a 90-acre park located in Cedar Park that offers active and natural resource-based recreational opportunities. Facilities include a playground and  water playscape, hike and bike trail and a 38-acre lake. 

One day this summer we will pack up the bathing suits and bikes and head down to the Brushy Creek Sprinkler Park and let the kids splash around. 

Link to Cedar Park Water Playscape

29 ●●● Go to the Beach

While the Gulf is probably too far a drive to visit for the day, there are a couple of lake beaches in Austin.  While they tend more toward gravel or mud then sand, they still are perfect for a hot day!

Westlake Beach This privately owned park has a shaded picnic area, marina, concession stand, diving platform, playground, showers, and beach and water volleyball.  Link

Lake Georgetown Beach - Russell Park on the lake has a washed pebble beach with ten shelters. The lake also has hiking trails, group shelters and camping. Link

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.  Link

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.  Link

30 ●●●  Visit the Zoo

There are plenty of zoos in and around Austin.  There is the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, and the Capitol of Texas Zoo in Bastrop which are both fairly short drives.  Slightly longer drives will bring you to the San Antonio Zoo and the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco.

Letterboxes:
GO SPURS GO! (San Antonio Zoo)
Cameron Park Zoo (Waco)

Link to Austin Zoo
Link to Capital of Texas Zoo
Link to Cameron Park Zoo
Link to San Antonio Zoo

31 ●●● Austin Rock Gym

Austin's only indoor rock-climbing facility has up to 30 foot-tall textured climbing walls featuring fun, thought-provoking routes for every ability. With almost 10,000 sq./feet of climbing, a large lead climbing area and a huge bouldering cave. There is plenty of climbing for all ages and all experience levels.

Link to Austin Rock Gym

32 ●●● Dive into Barton Springs Pool

Three acres in size, the pool is fed from under ground springs and is on average 68 degrees year round. With all the beautiful trees, clear water, and diving board, this is certainly a favorite!  Be sure to bring a mask and snorkel to check out all the fish life.  Moss makes the bottom a bit slippery for young children and non-swimmers. 

Link

33 ●●● Check out a free movie

Both Alamo Drafthouse and the Regal Entertainment Group theatres offer free mid-week summer movies. 

Link to Regal Free Family Movies

34 ●●● Schlitterbahn

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

35 ●●● Visit the Texas Memorial and LBJ Museums

The Memorial Museum on the UT Campus is almost a museum piece itself: dim, cool, hushed, with four floors from basement dinosaurs to the glowing gem room and the top level dioaramas.  Check out the dinosaurs, rocks, and digging area.  Best of all, this museum is free!

Across the street is the LBJ museum.  We visited this for the first time this year, and I was surprised how much my older son enjoyed it.  Perhaps not as hands on or interesting for little ones, but it is still worth a visit!

Link to Texas Memorial Museum

36 ●●● Check out the Library Program

Every year, the Austin Public Library has a great summer program, full of puppet shows, story times, mad science and more. 

37 ●●●  Dinosaur Park in Bastrop and Lake Bastrop

Travel back in time as you walk along twelve life-size dinosaur replicas on display throughout 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!

The visit to the park only takes an hour or so, so we will probably follow it with a Swim and Picnic Lunch at Lake Bastrop South Shore

$5 per person

Link to Dinosaur Park in Bastrop

38 ●●● Chapparal Ice Skating

Visit one of the few (maybe only) ice skating rinks in Austin Texas.  Chapparal Ice is a family-owned business that seeks to share their passion for ice-skating with the Austin community.

Link to Chapparal Ice Skating

39 ●●● Take a Trip into the Past

Pioneer Farms, in North Austin, has five themed historic areas to explore: an 1840s Tonkawa Encampment, an 1860s German Immigrant Farm, an 1870s Texian Farm, an 1880s Cotton Planters Farm and an 1890s Sprinkle Corner rural village.  They have many scheduled activities, so check out their calendar.

Sauer Beckmann Farm, about 50 miles west of Austin, is a living history farm where costumed interpreters carry out the day-to-day activities of a turn-of-the-century Texas-German farm family. 

We checked Pioneer Farms a couple of times, and the boys have always had a great time.  We went to Sauer Beckmann Farm on a field trip, and were a little disappointed.  For the long drive, I don't think they have as much as Pioneer Farms, but if it is on your way, it is definitely worth a stop!

Link to Pioneer Farms

Link to Sauer Beckmann Farm

40 ●●● Veloway

The Veloway is southwest Austin's first trail exclusively for bicycles and rollerblading, making it the perfect place for young bikers.  No worries about cars pulling out, and if you have two children who ride at different speeds, it is pretty easy to coordinate a hook-up (there are multiple length routes, the longest is 3.1 miles) 

41 ●●● Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Wildflower Center features amazing wildflowers, incredible native plant gardens, award-winning architecture and beautiful Hill Country trails.  Run up the observation tower, for a great view of Southwest Austin, stroll through the butterfly garden, or explore a forest trail. 

42 ●●● Round Rock Express

Grab a cheap seat on the berm, let the kids play at the playground, and schedule your trip on a night when they have fire works.  Throw in some cheese fries, and it sounds like the perfect evening!

43 ●●●  Congress Street Bats

The bats under the Congress Street Bridge are always entertaining.  Bring a blanket, and enjoy the dusk show.

For a longer distance (but more natural) bat visit, we'd like to get down to Mason Texas, where the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve is located.  During the summer they have tours Thursday through Sunday from 6pm - 9pm.

Also, every year Austin hosts the Austin Bat Fest on Saturday August 21st featuring children's activities, arts and crafts, music and, of course, bat watching.

44 ●●● Red Bud Isle

If you have dogs, this is a great place to go.  The island is an off-leash dog park on a small Town Lake island, just below Tom Miller Dam in Austin, Texas.   There are numerous open play areas, lots of shade and plenty of paths to the water where dogs can access the lake to swim.   Strolls through the woods are common, along with dogs running, people kayaking and fishing.

45 ●●● West Creek Preserve

46 ●●● Rock n River Aquatic Pool in Round Rock

47 ●●● Giant Chess at Woolridge Park

Every Saturday from 12:30pm - 3:30pm, giant chess is available for play at Woolridge Park.  Since both of my boys love chess, what better way to play then outdoors!

link

48 ●●● Explore Zilker Park

Zilker Park has a wonderful large playground, complete with a fire engine to climb on.  It also has the Zilker Zephyr, a mini train that takes tours around the park.  Located on the premise is Barton Springs Pool, some of the coldest water in Texas!  Also in the park is the Austin Nature Center Splash exhibit, with a quick walk-though hands on demonstration about the Edwards Aquifer.

Although the kids are getting a little too old for the Zephyr, they still enjoy the playground and they also love playing in the water's edge outside Barton Creek Pool (more than the actual pool, go figure!)

49 ●●● Disc Golf

Austin currently has 4 dics golf parks, with some more in surrounding towns.  This is a great way to spend an early morning or evening.  Pick up a few discs at a local sports store, find the nearest park, and enjoy.  Because so many of the holes are so long, we usually make a "kid's box", for the boys to shoot from, otherwise they get discouraged...

Link

50 ●●● Wild Connections Butterfly Farm

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!

Dinosaur Tracks in Leander

There isn't much cooler than seeing actual dinosaur tracks along a riverbed. And a short hike off the road in Leander can bring you to some pretty clear tracks - not roped off or anything - just lying there smack in the middle of a creek bed! There is one set of fossilized dinosaur footprints on the downstream side of the bridge, and another on the opposite side of the creek.  The one set of tracks are from a sauropod, and the other is speculated to have been from a very rare carnivorous dinosaur called an Acrocanthosaurus. Only four sets of this dinosaur’s skeletal remains have ever been found and they were in Texas and Oklahoma. They probably traveled in packs, but these tracks in particular don’t indicate that.

These dinosaurs are thought to have walked by the creek bed in Leander more than 100 million years ago.

Other top things
Crowe's Nest Farm
Zilker Botanical Garden
Ceramic Bayou
Texas State Capital
Peach Picking
Cathedral Falls
Enchanted Rock

Letterbox:
Endangered Species of Texas: Barton Springs Salamander
Zilker-Hike and Bike

Splash Party at Deep Eddy

Enjoy family movies and take a dip in the pool on a hot summer night. All movies begin at dusk and take place at Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave

Check out the Night Sky

Austin has a number of opportunities to check out the stars or moon.  The Austin Astronomical Society holds monthly star parties open to the public. 

McKinney Roughs also has a stargazing program.

Wild Basin also hosts star parties open to the public. On nights with a full moon, they host a moonlighting tour.  Check their calendar for details

Austin Astronomical Society Link

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Go on a Nature Hunt at Mayfield Park

Known for the many peacocks wandering the property, this park also features art installations, hiking trails, and a historic cottage that can be rented for parties.  We've never been.

link

Austin Summer Musical for Children

Pirates of Pedernales - July 31 - August 1 and August 7 - 8 - The cast features a talented, costumed amateur group, performing stories and music that children are sure to enjoy. Ten free public performances, produced for children ages 3-10, will allow 1500 children in Central Texas to have the chance to experience live musical theatre.

A great and inexpensive way to introduce children to musicals.  We missed last years, but the year before the kids really enjoyed this.  I'd like to make it this year!

Link to Austin Summer Musical

Take a Hike

There are so many wonderful places to hike in Austin.  Below are a few favorites:

Bull Creek - in Central Austin is a dog friendly park, take a walk along the stream and enjoy

McKinney Falls State Park in Southeast Austin- camp, hike, mountain bike, swim in Onion Creek, and enjoy being outside.

Mt Bonnell - in Central Austin is a popular tourist area that offers views of downtown, Town Lake, and 360 Bridge. 

Pedernales Falls in Johnson City stretches along both banks of the Pedernales River for 6 miles and for an additional 3 miles along the south side of a rugged and picturesque gorge known as the Pedernales Falls.

Red Bud Isle - an off leash dog park on a small Town Lake island, just below Tom Miller Dam. There are numerous open play areas, lots of shade and plenty of paths to the water where dogs can access the lake to swim. Strolls through the woods are common, along with dogs running, people kayaking and fishing.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve - 3 miles of hiking trails through woodland, grassland, and streamside habitats. Wild Basin also hosts a variety of family events, concerts, adult workshops, children's and school programs.

  New Braunfels

Visit the McKenna Children's Museum and put your child on the road to discovery at the McKenna Children’s Museum and watch the transformation begin. Exhibits include: Lend-A-Hand Ranch, the Grocery Store, Outside the Lines Art Studio, the Tot Spot, Destination Space and many more.

Landa Park offers picnic facilities under the shade of giant, ancient oak trees a miniature train that chugs around the 196-acre park, paddle boats on the  Comal Springs and Landa Lake, miniature golf, a playground, Panther Canyon Nature Trail and a walking arboretum tour with over 70 species of trees!

Museum: $5.50 per person, Train:  $2.25 per person, paddle boat: Boat: $3 per person per 30 minutes,

Letterbox:
Picnic in the Park
Ein Prosit!
Guided Oak
Schlitterbahn

Link to McKenna Children's Museum
Link to Landa Park

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.  Evening in Summer they show a movie for a fun experience! Link

Garrison Pool - Includes a shallow area for young children, a 12 foot diving board and lanes for lap swimming.  Link

Lakeway Pool - the city of Lakeway has a nice pool with a large water slide, lily pad crossing and shallow area for young children

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.  Link

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. Link

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.  Link

Exotic Zoo Ranch in Johnson City

A one of a kind preserve where several endangered species of animals have a chance to increase their numbers and at the same time allowing people to enjoy their beauty and company. More than 1/2 of the wild animals in the park at one time or another were listed on the endangered animal lists and nearing extinction.

40 miles from Oak Hill, so a bit of a haul -- but it seems like a fun trip!  Maybe combine with a trip to Pedernales Falls...

$10.95 for adults, $8.95 for 12 and under for the tour and petting zoo

Link to Exotic Zoo Ranch