12+ things to do in Austin (with kids or without)

Last updated on December 22, 2024

Austin has to be one of the coolest cities in the USA if not the world. There’s
creativity on every corner, from innovative food trucks to indy shops and cool murals.
And that’s not to mention the live music scene that it’s best known for.

Our most recent trip to Austin was as a family, and it proved to be a great place to
visit with kids. While much of the evening entertainment is off limits, there’s plenty to
entertain families during the day and it gave us a chance to see a different side of
the city (the last time we were there it was for SXSW!).

Here’s our guide to the best and most fun things to do in Austin with kids, from the best
Austin family attractions to the most fun places to eat and stay.

And if you’re travelling more in the Texas Hill Country, also see our guides to San
Antonio, Bandera and Fredericksburg. Plus we also have a full Texas road trip itinerary.

What’s Austin like?

If you had to choose one word to describe Austin, it’d be ‘cool’. It’s a city that takes
pride in its slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” and you’ll feel that spirit everywhere – from
the eclectic shops on South Congress to the food trucks dotted around the city. With
a thriving music scene, outdoor spaces, and a creative culinary culture, it’s an
exciting place to be. It’s the kind of place I could live (if it weren’t so hot!).

Is Austin good for kids?

Absolutely! Austin is a very family-friendly city with plenty of attractions tailored to
younger visitors. Outdoor adventures, interactive museums, and kid-friendly
restaurants make it a great choice for a family trip. There’s a relaxed vibe that makes
exploring with little ones easy, and you’ll find ample things to do, whether you’re
staying for a weekend or longer.

Things to do in Austin with kids

Pease Park

We love Pease Park! This sprawling green space is perfect for family outings, with
shaded trails, limestone bluffs, and playgrounds. Don’t miss Malin’s Fountain,
affectionately known as the Pease Park Troll, which is an impressive wooden
sculpture that kids (and adults) love. And also go to the Pease Park Treehouse,
another cool sculpture with a big suspended net you can relax on among the trees.

Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is one of my favourite things about Austin. Located within Zilker
Park, the spring-fed 3-acre pool is a refreshing spot to cool off year-round. The water
stays a brisk 68-70 degrees, and the surrounding grassy areas make it ideal for
picnics and hanging out. It costs around $5 to enter, and they have changing rooms
and showers to use.

Deep Eddy Pool

Deep Eddy Pool is a good alternative to Barton Springs. While it isn’t as picturesque
as Barton Springs, it has a different sort of vintage charm. In fact, it’s Texas’ oldest swimming pool. Like Barton Springs, it’s fed by a natural spring and maintains a
refreshing temperature year-round. Pair your trip there with a meal at Pool Burger for
those American teenage movie vibes.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Between late spring and early fall, head to Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to
watch 1.5 million bats take flight. It’s a magical and uniquely Austin experience that
will captivate kids and adults alike.

Duck Adventures Tour

This is peak tourist behaviour, but joining an Austin Duck Adventures Tour is
definitely a fun way to see the city and is good for keeping kids entertained. You do a
little tour on the roads of the city centre, before entering the water and cruising
around Lake Austin where you get see some of the city’s most wealthy residents’
homes. Duck Boats are known for their comical guides, and ours was no different in
Austin. Personally, I probably wouldn’t do one of these tours without kids (I’d rather
join a food tour), but with little ones, it was fun.

Thinkery

The Thinkery is a hands-on children’s museum designed to spark curiosity and
creativity in young kids. It’s typical of the USA’s children’s museums (not a concept
with have in the UK), and I love the whole idea of it.

With exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, and art, it’s an inspiring
place where learning meets play. You can easily spend a couple of hours there.

BookPeople

Texas’ largest independent bookstore, BookPeople is a must-visit for book-loving
families (so we obviously had to go!). The kids’ section is huge, and has books and
toys for all ages. They also often host storytime events. It’s a great spot to cool off
while discovering new reads.

Wonderspaces

Wonderspaces is an interactive art space featuring rotating exhibits by artists from
around the world. We’ve been to a few of these around the world, and while
Wonderspaces were fun, they didn’t have the same wow factor as places like Hopscotch
in San Antonio. I think that’s partly because Wonderpaces felt more like a pop-up, so
it didn’t have the same scope.

Pinballz Arcade

For a nostalgic dose of fun, Pinballz Arcade delivers with classic pinball machines
and modern games. Kids and parents alike will enjoy the games and lively
atmosphere, and there’s something to suit every skill level. It’s not far from the Ice
Cream Museum.

Ice Cream Museum

We didn’t have time to visit the Ice Cream Museum, but it looks like a fun family
activity in Austin. The whimsical museum is a sensory delight with vibrant
installations that look as though they were designed for Instagram. And, of course,
there’s a lot of ice cream and the chance to indulge.

South Congress (SoCo)

We loved staying in the South Congress neighbourhood. It’s one of the original
hipster neighbourhoods. And while it’s a bit more bougie these days, it still has a lot
of cool businesses. Plus I love the setting, looking down onto the Austin cityscape.
There’s a lot of cool street art around here and fun shops to browse. The kids loved
Home Slice pizza, so I recommend stopping in there for a snack.

Join a friendly tour

There are a lots of fun, family-friendly tours to join in Austin, from foodie adventures to kayaking. Get You Guide have lots of options, including these below.

Where to eat in Austin with kids

There are so many good places to eat in Austin with kids that I’ve written a whole
separate post on it. Head over there for our best recommendations.

Where to stay in Austin with kids

Austin Motel

We stayed at The Austin Motel, which is an iconic and stylish stay in the heart of
South Congress. With its retro vibes, vibrant decor, and a pool that screams vintage
cool, it’s the epitome of the SoCo area and Austin’s retro vibes.

Perfectly positioned for exploring South Congress, it’s a playful and unique choice for
families and anyone seeking a fun, memorable stay.

Check the latest availability and prices now.

Other kid-friendly hotels in Austin

A few other places that are run by the same company (Bunkhouse Hotels) also come
highly recommended for families…

Hotel Saint Cecilia – luxurious rooms and an exclusive poolside vibe. Its design-
forward aesthetic makes it a treat for parents too. It’s run by the same people. Check the latest availability and prices now.

The Carpenter Hotel – near Zilker Park, The Carpenter Hotel blends industrial
charm with family-friendly amenities. It’s a great base for exploring Austin’s outdoor
attractions. Check the latest availability and prices now.

Map of things to do in Austin

Found this useful? Share it on Pinterest!