We’re not kiddin’ around when it comes to having fun in town. From major attractions like the Thinkery to hidden gems like the Dinosaur Trail, there’s something in the Capital City for children of all ages.
You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 31 kid-friendly activities around the 512.
All about the arts
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum | Family memberships available | This outdoor sculpture garden is filled with 200+ whimsical bronze sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Kids will remember partaking in sculpture searches on family days.
Hideout Kids | Both adults and children perform in this comedy theater’s “Family Maestro” improv show. Kids will remember contributing ideas to help build the scenes.
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria | Kids can roam the museum’s expansive outdoor grounds while taking in sculptures and natural beauty. The museum also offers free art workshops each month. Kids will remember gazing up alongside this Tom Friedman statue.
The Art Garage | Let the kids tap into their creativity by painting pottery, creating a mosaic, or attending an art workshop. Kids will remember getting to customize their ceramics.
Great outdoors
Zilker Botanical Garden | Family memberships available | Keep an eye on this Downtown garden’s events calendar because they often host kid-centered activities. Kids will remember watching fish swim in the koi pond.
Austin Nature & Science Center | Your kiddos will be able to participate in hands-on activities related to nature and the environment, plus, admission is always free. Kids will remember digging in the Dino Pit.
Pease Park | Between the trails, playground, and basketball court, there’s plenty for families to do in this central Austin park. Kids will remember the treehouse and its floating net.
Inner Space Cavern, Georgetown | Walk through 10,000 years of history at this cave, which features rock formations and prehistoric animal bones. Kids will remember the Saber Tooth Zip Ride.
Austin Duck Adventures | Bring the kiddos on a 75-minute tour of Downtown + Lake Austin via an “unsinkable” aquatic vehicle that splashes into the water from the road. Kids will remember seeing the city from a new perspective.
Animal encounters
Austin Zoo | All animals at the Austin Zoo — which include tigers, foxes, monkeys, and reptiles — were rescued. Kids will remember taking the zoo train.
Bat watching | Partake in a classic Austin experience on Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge by seeing the world’s largest urban bat colony emerge Downtown. Pro tip: learn more about these critters and plan your visit using our guide.
Texas Trail Rides | See the Texas Hill Country the most Texas way possible: on horseback. Instructors are available for adults and kids alike, regardless of their skill level. Kids will remember the relationships they create with the horses.
Tiny Tails To You | Bring a petting zoo to the playdate — or any location you choose. Children will love meeting the bunnies, hedgehogs, chicks, blue-tongued skinks, tortoises, guinea pigs, bearded dragons, and miniature chickens. Kids will remember which animal was their favorite.
Educational activities
Texas State Capitol | Take a walk through Texas history — tours of the Texas Capitol building are free to the public. Kids will remember the view of the dome.
Bullock Texas State History Museum | Little ones can take a break from touring Texas history exhibits at this museum’s IMAX theater and Texas Spirit Theater. Kids will remember the museum’s landmark star out front.
BookPeople | Keep an eye out for kid’s book readings on this store’s events calendar. Kids will remember participating in story time.
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms | Tour 19th-century spaces, or learn new skills like archery, banjo, or blacksmithing at this north Austin gem. Kids will remember feeling like they’re in the 1800s while walking through the old town.
Indoor adventures
Thinkery offers 40,000 sqft of indoor + outdoor educational activities.
Photo by Michael Gail Photography via Thinkery
Thinkery | Family memberships available | This children’s museum offers hands-on exhibits related to kinetics and electricity. Kids will remember letting loose in the backyard playground.
Museum of Illusions | Museum of Illusions offers ~70 mind-bending exhibits. Kids will remember the rotating, light-up tunnel room.
Cidercade | Skip the tokens and enjoy unlimited play at this arcade with 150+ games, which is kid-friendly during the day and transforms into an adults-only bar by night. Kids will remember playing games with parents and friends.
Splash around
Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool — it stays 68-70 degrees year-round.
Photo by @ginna_smith
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions | Soak up the sun in the outdoor waterpark or avoid the rays at its indoor counterpart. Kids will remember this resort’s 80,000-sqft arcade.
Barton Springs | This natural wonder is between 68º and 70º year-round, making it a perfect pit stop on a hot Austin day. Kids will remember watching Austinites jump off the diving board.
Deep Eddy | The oldest swimming pool in Texas ranges from zero to eight ft deep and is surrounded by a grassy lawn. Kids will remember the gradual decline from shallow to deep.
Get moving
Trex the T-Rex is a great cheerleader. | Photo by Ted McCoy @_t__e__d_
Peter Pan Mini-Golf | This family-owned spot has been a staple on Barton Springs Road for more than 70 years. Kids will remember the larger-than-life animal sculptures at every hole.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, Volente | Thrill-seekers will love riding on the longest zipline in Texas — make sure to spend some time on the beach when you visit. Kids will remember the view while flying through the air.
COTA Karting, Del Valle | Kids 12 and under can participate in “Kiddie Karting,” but big kids will enjoy an adult race around 15 high-speed corners. Kids will remember their first time getting behind the wheel.
Austin Bouldering Project | Kids are welcome to unleash their energy at the massive indoor climbing centers, which also offer educational “Adventure Days” and after-school clubs. Kids will remember their first time making it to the top of a climb.
Hit the trails
Mount Bonnell | This short hike is considered to be one of the city’s oldest tourist attractions. Kids will remember the incredible view at the end.
The Dinosaur Park, Cedar Creek | Watch out: you just might see a life-sized dinosaur on these trails. Kids will remember walking among these great lizard statues.
McKinney Falls State Park | Take a dip, explore an early Texas homestead, and walk along limestone ledges at Travis County’s only state park. Kids will remember jumping in the water.
Ready to visit these local attractions, but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
