I'm a native Austinite and raised my children here. Here are some great things to check out around town.
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Free (or Cheap) Things to Do With Kids in Austin
Outdoor Activities
Will definitely make you feel like a kid again!
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Austin is home to one of North America's largest bat populations. At sunset they all leave their bridge home to go eat.
Bat Watching in Austin, Texas | Bat Fest & Sunset Tours
This is a natural spring-fed pool that is 68 degrees all year round.
Barton Springs Pool
A giant troll made by a Danish artist from recycled wood.
Pease Park's Troll
There are food trucks *all over* this city. Often they congregate into “food truck parks.” Google for people's opinions of the best ones.
Food truck parks
Really cool cave that stays cool in the summer.
Inner Space Cavern
Lots of hotels will offer a day pass for their pools for the general public.
10 Austin hotel pools with day passes
This would be a fun way to explore the city!
Austin Adventure Bucket List
Restaurants
There are a ridiculous number of excellent restaurants in this town.
There are multiple locations around town. This is authentic Japanese ramen and it's SOO good. Plus it's served very quickly because the broth has been simmering for days, so they just need to add your noodles and toppings.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Seriously the BEST beef fajitas you will ever have. Hand made tortillas, the works. Definitely ask for the mexican butter because it usually only comes with the chicken fajitas. It puts the beef ones over the top! This is where we go for birthdays since it's definitely on the pricier side.
Pappasito's Cantina
Local sub shop where everything is made fresh daily. Their pickles are really good!
ThunderCloud Subs
Local favorite for great tex-mex! Try the Chuychanga with deluxe tomatillo sauce!
Chuy's
Austin original. They do a great brunch and their queso is my favorite!
Kerbey Lane Cafe - South
Historic Austin favorite with a great patio!
Matt's El Rancho
Opened in 1946, still going strong!
Sandy's Hamburgers
You're not allowed to leave Texas until you've had some chili. It's the law.
Texas Chili Parlor
It's a texas favorite. Number 2 with cheese, please!
Whataburger
Yes, it's in a gas station. Trust me, you will be blown away. Get the extra-moist brisket.
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
You've got to get a steak when you're in Texas!
ALC Steaks
Unique local sandwhich shop. I love the original, but I add chicken in addition.
Schlotzsky's
Everything here is great. They also do a really nice brunch.
Jack Allen's Kitchen Oak Hill
This is my husband's favorite because he loves their salsa.
Tacodeli
I love their mesquite-grilled chicken so much!
Serranos
Other Food & Drinks
Historic local favorite!
Lammes Candies at Airport Blvd
Quaint little bar selling its own cider plus a small selection of other things. It sits on ten acres, so it's really quiet with large shade trees and there are board games available.
Texas Keeper Cider
Arts & Entertainment
Buc-ee's is a whole thing. It's a gas station, but also a mall, but also a restaurant. And they have the cleanest restrooms EVER. You cannot leave Texas without going to Buc-ees. The closest one is 45 minutes away, unfortunately.
Buc-ee's
We've got professional soccer now!
Austin FC
Free (or Cheap) Things to Do With Kids in Austin
There's hiking trails and a beach. Boats can make waves, so be mindful of that.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
There's a free play area inside the store where kids can have fun while parents shop.
Living Spaces
Lots of stairs, but it's a lovely view at the top!
Mount Bonnell in Austin
At Camp Mabry. There's also a track where you can get up close to helicoptors.
Texas Military Forces Museum
This place is great! They've got animals, digging for dinosaur bones, and you can trade fossils that you find at home for cool things in their store.
Austin Nature & Science Center
The largest toy store in Texas! Great way to spend an afternoon when it's hot outside.
Terra Toys
Free on Tuesdays!
Blanton Museum of Art
Not very large, but it's fun to explore.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum
Tours are free!
Texas Capitol and Extension
Peacocks and a small hike!
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Exotic pet store that doesn't mind people just looking around.
Zookeeper Exotics
Minimal entry fee for unlimited play.
Cidercade Austin
Very cool, small museum.
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Austin has some really fun playgrounds!
The Most Unique Austin Playgrounds
Kids LOVE riding this little train. $6.
Zilker Eagle
Splash pads are *fantastic* places to take kids. The kids are happy, they wear themselves out, and they're free.
