We’re not kiddin’ around. 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, 605 Azie Morton Rd. | Family memberships available
This outdoor sculpture garden is filled with 200+ whimsical bronze sculptures, paintings, and drawings.
Hideout Kids, 617 Congress Ave.
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, 3809 W. 35th St.
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.
The Art Garage, multiple locations
Let the kids tap into their creativity by painting pottery, creating a mosaic, or attending an art workshop.
Great outdoors
Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. | Family memberships available
Keep an eye on this Downtown garden’s events calendar because they often host kid-centered activities.
Austin Nature & Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr.
Your kiddos will be able to participate in hands-on activities related to nature and the environment. As a bonus, admission is always free.
Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St.
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, 4200 S. I-35 Frontage Rd., 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, 602 E. 4th St.
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.
Animal encounters
Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trl.
All animals at the Austin Zoo — which include tigers, foxes, monkeys, and reptiles — were rescued.
Bat watching, Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge
Partake in a classic Austin experience 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, 9606 Farm to Market Rd. 1826
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.
Tiny Tails To You, multiple locations
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.
Educational activities
Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave.
Take a walk through Texas history — tours of the Texas Capitol building are free to the public.
Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave.
Little ones can take a break from touring Texas history exhibits at this museum’s IMAX theater and Texas Spirit Theater.
BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
Keep an eye out for kid’s book readings on this store’s events calendar.
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.
Tour 19th-century spaces, or learn new skills like archery, banjo, or blacksmithing at this north Austin gem.
Indoor adventures
Thinkery offers 40,000 sqft of indoor + outdoor educational activities.
Photo by Michael Gail Photography via Thinkery
Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. | Family memberships available
This children’s museum offers hands-on exhibits related to kinetics and electricity.
Museum of Illusions, 11010 Domain Dr., Ste. #100
Museum of Illusions offers ~70 mind-bending exhibits. Kids will remember the rotating, light-up tunnel room.
Museum of Ice Cream, 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. #128
These colorful, treat-inspired exhibits will inspire playfulness in kids of all ages.
Cidercade, 600 E. Riverside Dr.
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.
Splash around
Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool — it stays 68-70 degrees year-round.
Photo by @ginna_smith
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock
Soak up the sun in the outdoor waterpark or avoid the rays at its indoor counterpart. You won’t want to miss this resort’s 80,000-sqft arcade, either.
Barton Springs, 2201 William Barton Dr.
This natural wonder is between 68º and 70º year-round, making it a perfect pit stop on a hot Austin day.
Deep Eddy, 401 Deep Eddy Ave.
The oldest swimming pool in Texas ranges from zero to eight ft deep and is surrounded by a grassy lawn.
Get moving
Trex the T-Rex is a great cheerleader. | Photo by Ted McCoy @_t__e__d_
Peter Pan Mini-Golf, 1207 Barton Springs Rd.
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, 14529 Pocahontas Trl., Volente
Thrill-seekers will love riding on the longest zipline in Texas — make sure to spend some time on the beach when you visit.
COTA Karting, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle
Kids 12 and under can participate in “Kiddie Karting,” but big kids will enjoy an adult race around 15 high-speed corners.
Austin Bouldering Project, multiple locations
Kids are welcome to unleash their energy at the massive indoor climbing centers, which also offer educational “Adventure Days” and after-school clubs.
Hit the trails
Mount Bonnell, 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd.
This short hike — which is considered to be one of the city’s oldest tourist attractions — ends with an unforgettable view.
The Dinosaur Park, 893 Union Chapel Rd., Cedar Creek
Watch out: you just might see a life-sized dinosaur on these trails.
McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.
Take a dip, explore an early Texas homestead, and walk along limestone ledges at Travis County’s only state park.
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.
