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Awesome Austin Spots for Families with Kids
Austin is a great city for families with kids. It has plenty of attractions and activities that will keep everyone happy. And, as a bonus, it’s also one of the most affordable cities in the country! Here are some of our favorite spots to enjoy with your family:
Zilker Park & Barton Springs
Zilker Metropolitan Park is the epicenter of all things outdoors in Austin – not only does it host numerous events throughout the year, but it has fantastic amenities like bike rentals, volleyball courts, restaurants, and picnicking! You can also enjoy swimming at Barton Springs Pool, which encompasses 3 acres of naturally fed water that stays a lovely 68 degrees all year round.
The Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is one of Austin’s most popular attractions – it spans more than 7 miles along the Colorado River, making it easy to enjoy biking, hiking, and picnicking on your trip! You can also take advantage of plenty of swimming pools, natural springs, and even limestone “caves” that have formed along the way.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden is a great place to visit for family fun! This 36-acre garden has plenty of activities for families, including an impressive play area complete with a rock-climbing wall, a miniature train ride, and plenty of picnic tables for lunch.
The Thinkery
The Thinkery is an excellent place to visit with kids! This children’s museum has lots of hands-on play activities perfect for keeping little ones busy (and learning). You’ll even find classes like the Superhero Science Workshop where your kiddos can learn what it’s like to be a superhero!
Elisabet Ney Museum
The Elisabet Ney Museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in art and history! This museum pays tribute to the first professional woman sculptor in Texas, who also happened to be a “real character.” Stop by and enjoy the many exhibits, like her impressive granite work, complete with Confederate soldiers!
Hula Hut
Hula Hut is a fantastic outdoor eatery on Lake Travis where you can enjoy tasty margaritas and delicious food – including vegetarian options. Kids will love the games like checkers set up outside (and don’t miss checking out the cool public art on the walls).
Mount Bonnell & Covert Park
Mount Bonnell is a great place to enjoy some family fun – with sweeping views of downtown Austin and the Colorado River, there’s no end to what you can discover! You can also make your way down to Covert Park, where there are beautiful trails to explore (and don’t miss the Japanese Garden on the property).
Zilker Botanical Gardens & Nature Preserve
Zilker Botanical Gardens is a great place to spend an afternoon! Not only will families be able to enjoy everything Zilker Park has to offer, but they can also visit this nearby preserve for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
The Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals on 50 acres of land! There’s plenty to see (and do) with kiddos at this zoo, including camel rides, carousel rides, and even an indoor playground for some fun when it rains!
Austin Nature and Science Center
Austin’s Nature and Science Center is a great place to enjoy nature, science, and technology all in one! There are tons of exhibits that will keep your family busy, like an impressive collection of live animals and this awesome treehouse. Make sure to check out the summer camps here, too – they’re tons of fun!
Summary
If you’re looking for some fun, family-friendly activities in Austin, TX, look no further than the spots mentioned above! From outdoor activities to indoor attractions and animal encounters, there’s something here for every member of your crew.