Austin is becoming well known as a traveler’s playground. As one of the fastest growing cities in nation, this destination is full of new and exciting things to do for kids of all ages. Traveling to this booming Texas town with young travelers is a breeze, with attractions that cater to their fresh sense of adventure, curiosity and fun. In fact, there are so many great places to visit in ATX, you’ll have to plan well to see them all in just one trip.
Mayfield Park and Mount Bonnell: Take your trip with the kids to new heights
Vibrant peacocks are just one of many highlights that kids will enjoy at Mayfield Park
Experienced travelers agree that one of the best things to do is visit the highest point of a new destination. When traveling to Austin with kids, Mount Bonnell in Mayfield Park is a highlight that will make your trip extra special. The highest point is 775 feet, offering panoramic views perfect for taking photos with the entire family. The 23-acre urban park also has scenic hiking trails where you’ll find peacocks strutting around with their colorful feathers on display for all to see.
Zilker Botanical Garden: Connect with peaceful gardens in the center of town
Take a break from the city rush at the peaceful exhibits of Zilker Botanical Garden. Dogs are invited to come along, too!
In the heart of downtown Austin is an outdoor utopia known as Zilker Botanical Garden. Full of heritage live oaks, the 28-acre attraction also features a Japanese garden, prehistoric garden, rose garden and a bubbling stream. Kids between the ages of 3 and 17 can enter for half off the ticket price. Plus, you’ll want to look out for free days once a month. If you happen to be traveling with both the kids and your family pet, you’ll be happy to know that dogs can also enjoy the garden if they are kept on a leash.
Republic Square and the Auction Oaks: Hang with locals at the birthplace of Austin
Take the kids to meet up with Austinites at Republic Square located in the Warehouse District. Less than a mile from the Texas Capitol, this public square is host to popular events that draw both locals and out-of-towners, including a Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and outdoor movie showings. During your visit you can show the kids the historic Austin Oaks, the original site where the first lots of the city were sold at auction in 1839. Fun fact: The original name of Republic Square was Hamilton and was changed in 1976 to honor the Republic of Texas.
Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake: Get a “Bird’s-eye” view of downtown
Views of downtown Austin are one of the highlights you’ll find on the Boardwalk along Lady Bird Lake.
If you have time to enjoy just one attraction in Austin, Lady Bird Lake is a great option to show the kids the best the city has to offer. With seven viewing areas looking across the Colorado River, you’ll get to see an inspiring cityscape of downtown skyscrapers and neighborhood attractions along the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk. What’s more, there are 36 bronze sculptures integrated into the railing of the Boardwalk highlighting the lyrics of Texas’ most coveted and respected singers and songwriters.
Congress Avenue Bridge: See a spectacular flight of visiting bats
Every summer, you and the kids can see over a million bats take flight over the Congress State Bridge near downtown Austin.
A truly one-of-a-kind Austin experience to give your kids is to watch an enormous flight of bats at sunset. At the height of their migration from late March through November, over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats from central Mexico descend on the city to live underneath Congress Avenue Bridge, which crosses the Colorado River just south of downtown. What’s more, there’s a Statesman Bat Observation Center where you can set up chairs and blankets to see the flight. Interesting fact you can share with the kids is that the bats are mostly all female.
Austin Toy Museum: Visit a special place for kids of all ages that never gets old
Toys make kids happy, no matter how old or young. View the Austin Toy Museum’s collection from today to the early 1920s.
No matter what age you are, young or older, you’re bound to enjoy a visit to the Austin Toy Museum. Located close to downtown Austin on East Cesar Chavez, this unassuming attraction is full of toys that are guaranteed to bring you back to the best moments of childhood. There are over 20,000 toys on display, including Barbie Dolls, G.I. Joes, the original Game Boy and toys dating back to the early 1920s. Admission is affordable and includes freeplay on all arcade games and access to interactive exhibits.
Dinosaur Park: Walk among lifelike prehistoric giants
Kids get the chance to stand next to the giants of the prehistoric age at Dinosaur Park. Photo Credit: The Dinosaur Park
Journey back in time with the kids to visit prehistoric fossils at Dinosaur Park. Less than 30 minutes from Downtown Austin, this unique attraction isn’t just another display of dino skeletons. This attraction features made-to-scale figures complete with skin and color variations that look like the dinosaurs are towering above you in real life. Take a photo in front of the longest dinosaur to have ever lived, stretching across an impressive 123 feet. Then treat yourself and the kids to a fossil-dig, playground and Dinosaur Store where you can purchase your kids’ favorite dinosaur plush as a fun take-home souvenir.
Thinkery: Full STEAM ahead with learning
If your kids like interactive games and puzzles, Thinkery is a great way to spend the day in Austin. Focused on STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), this popular children’s attraction will keep you and the kids busy discovering all kinds of new and interesting scientific knowledge. The Innovator’s Workshop, Light Lab and Our Backyard are just a few of the many exhibits, and when the learning is done, venture into Mueller neighborhood for a sweet treat at Lick Honest Artisan Ice Cream.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf: Putt your way into an Austin family tradition
Peter Pan Mini-Golf is a cherished family outing on the Austin scene with two 18-hole courses to choose from. Photo Credit: Peter Pan Mini-Golf
When in Austin, take part in a local tradition that’s been around since 1948. Located close to downtown just across the Colorado River, Peter Pan Mini-Golf has welcomed families from all over the world to enjoy their two 18-hole mini-golf courses. There are challenges along the way that test your putt-putt skills by maneuvering your ball through a loop-di-loop and underground tunnels. Plus, larger-than-life figures line the courses, from Peter Pan greeting you at hole #1 on bended knee to a towering T-Rex, piggy bank and Converse sneaker.
Austin Aquarium: Get up close to sea creatures and endangered species
Enjoy the rare chance to see endagered ring tail lemurs playing at the Austin Aquarium. Photo Credit: Austin Aquarium
Venture with the kids into the underwater world of Austin Aquarium, and you’ll soon find out there’s more to experience than just fish. The attraction features a rain forest that is home to hundreds of reptiles, including coatimundis and endangered ring tail lemurs, which the state of Texas only allows to be cared for at the Austin and San Antonio Aquariums. Go birdwatching at the lorikeet and parakeet aviary and learn about ocean ecosystems and corals while cold water and colorful tropical fish calmly float by.