Bat watching boat cruise on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas.
Looking for things to do in Austin with kids? I’ve lived here since 1994, and while I’ve seen it change a bunch, I wanted to share some of my current favorite things to do with kids throughout the year. Whether you’re an Austin native or visiting from out of town, I recommend the following places to visit. So grab your camera & your kids to explore all year long…
Johnson City Science Mill
JANUARY – Visit Museums!
In January, the weather may be iffy, so it’s a good time to explore some indoor options. Some of our favorite museums in Austin (and nearby) to visit with kids include:
Thinkery – Austin’s children’s museum.
Hill Country Science Mill – located in Johnson City, TX. Great hands-on science experience (and their cafe has A+ mac and cheese)
DoSeum – located in San Antonio, TX. We spent over four hours there recently.
St. Edwards Park
FEBRUARY – Go on a Hike!
In February it’s not too hot to be outside (like over half the year in Austin). So take this opportunity to go on some hikes with your family. Kid friendly hikes can be found at each of the following:
St. Edwards Trails – also fun to visit in the summer to splash in the water, but lovely throughout the year.
Bull Creek– also popular in summer for swimming
Balcones Park – also good later in Spring for wildflowers
Emma Long Park – multiple trails, small stretch of beach on the shores of Lake Austin
Common Ford Park – nice dock for fishing, scenic old barn good for photo backdrops
Sweet Berry Farm strawberry, Marble Falls, Texas
MARCH – Pick Strawberries!
Spring is a great time to go pick your own fruit. Some farms we really like include:
Sweet Eats Farm – in Georgetown. Also fun to visit in the summer to pick peaches, wade in the river and ride the ziplines or to visit in the Fall for Pumpkins.
Sweet Berry Farm – in Marble Falls. Also fun to visit in the Fall for Pumpkins, pick your own flowers and Corn Mazes.
There are also loads of kid-friendly events during SXSW over Spring Break.
Mix of different colored bluebonnets
APRIL – Bluebonnets!
The wildflowers are out – go visit the Wildflower Center and admire all the bluebonnets, indian paintbrush, primrose, poppies and all the other Texas natives in bloom. And it’s tradition to get your photos taken in the flowers.
Rock the Park drawing
MAY – Listen to Music!
See a show at Central Market, North Lamar or KUTX Live at Mueller Park. You can also check the Austin Chronicle for local music listings.
Rock’N River waterpark in Round Rock, Texas
JUNE – Pools are open!
Lots of favorites to visit with kids:
Deep Eddy Pool (make sure to get a Jim-Jim’s water ice while you’re there)
Barton Springs Pool (the fastest way to cool down in a Texas summer)
Rock’n River (multiple slides, lazy river and splash areas at only $10/ticket for kids)
Veterans Memorial Pool (slides, jumping platform, rope bridge, etc.)
El Salido Pool (great diving board)
Quest ATX Waterpark (must be 7 years old)
Krause Springs, Spicewood, TX
JULY – Keep swimming!
It’s still blazing hot – check out these swimming holes just outside of town:
Krause Springs (go early to avoid the crowds – pretty much my life philosophy)
Hamilton Pool (you need a reservation)
Blue Hole Georgetown (go early to avoid the crowds)
Blue Hole Wimberley (you need a reservation)
Bats over Lady Bird Lake
AUGUST – See Bats! On Boats!
It’s still hot but being on the water is always nice. Try a Bat-watching boat tour on Lady Bird Lake. We got tickets to the Lone Star Cruises – and it was a hit with all ages. Cost is $12/adult; $7/kid; $10/seniors. The tour lasts about an hour, runs from March – October, but if you go in August, the bat colony is a real sight to see. You can also rent a kayak or canoe and hang out under the bridges at sunset.
Or you could take a Glass-bottomed boat tour in San Marcos.
Austin Central Library
SEPTEMBER – Learn something new!
In celebration of Back to School – Visit the Downtown Central Library. The kid’s area is amazing. Board games to play, books to read, toys to play with and lots of computers. I also want to try their Cookbook Cafe with rotating cookbook menus.
Pumpkin Patch at Barton Hills Farm
OCTOBER – Pick Pumpkins!
Sure you could go to the grocery store and spend under $20 on a fresh pumpkin – but what’s the fun in that? Get dressed up in your costume, drive a bit out of town and explore nearby farms – and then buy your pumpkin.
Barton Hills Farm (45 minute drive from Central Austin)
Sweet Berry Farm (1 hour 15 minute drive from Central Austin)
Sweet Eats Farm (40 minute drive from Central Austin)
Volunteering with Generation Serve
NOVEMBER – Volunteer!
It’s time to Give Thanks and Give Back. Sign up to volunteer with your kids through Generation Serve.
Zilker Tree
DECEMBER – Celebrate the Holidays!
Spin under the Zilker Holiday Tree
Make gingerbread houses at the Thinkery
Drive around and look at lights
More holiday ideas
—-
For even more ideas of things to do in Austin with your kids, visit Do512 Family, Free Fun in Austin and Austin City Mom’s blog.
And if you want your family photos taken doing any of these things, please let me know.