We love Austin, Texas, for the sheer volume of kid-friendly places to visit. From water parks to museums to outdoor adventures, Austin has it all — but that doesn’t mean everything is worth your time. We’ve gathered our top picks for the very best things for families to do in Austin that are 100% worth every minute.
Inner Space Cavern
4200 I-35, Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 931-2283
innerspacecavern.com
Thinkery
Through a variety of hands-on, interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) exhibits and programs, Thinkery is fun and educational for newborns through eleven. It’s a great place to visit multiple times; kids never seem to get bored. Many interactive exhibits including light and water – don’t forget to pack a second set of clothes so your kids won’t need to worry about making a mess.
1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX
(512) 469-6200
thinkeryaustin.org
Pease Park
As one of Austin’s most-loved outdoor spaces, Pease Park is a can’t-miss — especially in the spring and summer. Every Spring, Austin celebrates Eeyore’s Birthday here, and the party is unlike anything you’ve experienced. In the Summer, kids will love the splash pad and wide variety of swings, which can be found by Kingsbury Commons, the official entrance area. You’ll also find a basketball court and picnic tables. Up the trail a bit are a baseball field, volleyball court, and an interactive art installation called Yippee Ki Yay! by artist Patrick Dougherty.
1100 Kingsbury St Austin, TX 78705
(512) 974-6700
austintexas.gov
Austin Nature & Science Center
Located in west Zilker Park, this free museum is beloved by Austinites for it’s vintage vibe and hands-on nature exploration. Kids are encouraged to touch everything, which is a relief for any parent weary of the refrain, “look with your eyes, not with your hands.”
301 Nature Center Dr Austin, TX
(512) 974-3888
austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Park is loaded with activities and boasts a gorgeous view of the city. Kids will love the 20-minute miniature train ride around the park, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, and swimming in the Barton Springs pool. And don’t miss the Umlauf Sculpture garden, where kids will dig trying to find over 200 of Charles Umlauf’s sculptures and artworks, which are placed throughout the garden and museum.
2100 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6700
zilkerpark.org
Austin Bouldering Project
If your kids need to burn off some energy, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind rock gym right up their alley. Unlike traditional rock climbing, bouldering is done on small rock formations, so it doesn’t require harnesses. Kids of all ages will love climbing and scrambling over the walls in the world’s largest bouldering gym, which is a whopping 50,000-square-feet of awesome.
79 Springdale Rd #150
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 645-4633
austinboulderingproject.com
Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary
Leave your guilt at the door when you visit the Austin Zoo; unlike any animal attractions, the animals here are rescues. The zoo is on the smaller side and doesn’t have the variety of animals you might find at the Houston Zoo, but you can get close to the animals and learn all about how they ended up at the Sanctuary. The view from the hillside facility doesn’t hurt either.
10808 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX
(512) 288-1490
austinzoo.org
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
If you love old-fashioned fun, this mini-golf spot is perfection. Built in 1948, there are two 18-hole mini golf courses with a variety of old-school characters.
1207 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 472-1033
peterpanminigolf.com/
Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is one of the unique spots that “Keeps Austin Weird.” Hiding in the backyard of a suburban home, this oddball roadside attraction is invisible from the street. Built in the 80s by Vince Hannemann, the Cathedral of Junk is one part clubhouse, one part garbage – and though it might look small from the outside, there’s a ton to explore. Your kids will love the novelty!
4422-4424 Lareina Dr
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 299-7413
roadsideamerica.com
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Austin
If you’re looking for local events and activities, don’t miss our Austin events calendar, which has all the best story times, seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches, and Christmas tree farms, and more – hand-picked by parents like you.
