Austin kids: Austin Zoo | Austin, TX

14 Best Things to Do With Kids in Austin in 2022

Photograph: Courtesy Visit Bastrop

From zoos, ice cream museums and theaters, to dinosaur parks and book stores, these are the best things to do with kids in Austin

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Austin is absolutely packed with awesome activities to keep kids and adults alike entertained; it’s a city that boasts not only ample outdoor spaces, but also almost year-round good weather to make the most of them on. Even when the heat is deemed ‘unbearable’ by folk from the north, it’s nothing an iced beverage and Barton Springs pool can’t fix, and during those rare storms, the indoor spaces more than suffice in keeping y’all amused.

It’s safe to say Austin will appeal to visitors and locals of all ages and all tastes. Whether you’re looking for fascinating museums to inspire and educate those curious minds; parks to bask in the sunshine and let them play; or you just fancy treating the whole clan to some yummy eats with a twist of silliness, there’s absolutely no need to leave the kiddies at home. Here are some of the most fun family activities in town.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin

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1. Austin Nature & Science Center

• Attractions
• Zoo and aquariums
• Rollingwood

For kids who like to get their hands dirty, a trip to the Austin Nature & Science Center is educational and hands-on. A few of the areas located in the western corner of Zilker Park are indoors, but most of the center’s activities—designed for people of all ages—are outside, with the goal of helping visitors ‘increase awareness and appreciation of their natural environment’. Check out all the programs, relating to biology, astronomy and paleontology, among many other subjects.

Photograph: Courtesy Austin Zoo

2. Austin Zoo

• Attractions
• Zoo and aquariums
• Greater Austin

With its underlying mission to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education, the Austin Zoo is a fantastic choice to give the kids an up-close encounter with a wide variety of critters and feel good about it.

Your nominal admission price goes directly to efforts to save endangered species and the care of the zoo’s animals. Check out more than 300 animals of over 100 different species while exploring the 15-acre expanse of beautiful hill country. For the most scenic tour, take the 20-minute train ride and see some longhorns, alpacas and emus along the way.

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Photograph: Courtesy Visit Bastrop

3.

 Dinosaur Park

• Attractions
• Theme parks

Though it’s technically 12 miles east of Austin, near Bastrop, the local Dinosaur Park is a hotspot you won’t want to neglect if your little peeps are Prehistorically inclined. Unlike a traditional dino museum, this park features full-scale statues on a mile-long trail depicting the creatures as they were when they ruled the Earth, plus a Dino Dig for unearthing some life-size ‘fossils’.

On a nice afternoon, it’s an ideal site for a birthday or picnic. And if it’s the right season, the grounds offer up a fantastic lesson in local wildlife; you can often spot lizards, wild rabbits, large stick insects and roadrunners as you traverse the path.

Photograph: Courtesy Thinkery

4. Thinkery

• Attractions
• Libraries, archives and foundations
• Rmma

Thinkery is the ultimate space for families to discover a plethora of ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ using fun, scientific and physical experimentation.

The innovative building houses countless hours’ worth of activities: Peering through microscopes or learning at the Animation Station in the Innovators’ Workshop; practicing concepts of aerodynamics with the object launcher in the Spark Shop; drawing with light or freezing shadows in the Light Lab; uncovering the link between water and sound in the Currents exhibit; or settling in with a wide variety of picture/story books in the cozy Story Nook.

And if the weather’s right, don’t forget to visit the outdoor area complete with space-age playground and a stream stocked with buckets and sieves for aquatic antics. 

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Photograph: Museum of Ice Cream

5. Museum of Ice Cream

Ice cream lovers rejoiced when the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) opened at The Domain in 2021, and its since continued to play reward destination for kiddos who behaved themselves all week long. As you’d expect, the pink building is dedicated to the sweet stuff and its history across 12 multi-sensory installations.

You can jump in their famous sprinkle pool, ride the animal cookie carousel, and of course, there are ice cream breaks throughout the experience to stop and refuel at. MOIC also has Night at the Museum tickets for big kids aged 21+; it’s where the space transforms into a party with grown-up games and boozy ice cream tastings.

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Photograph: Courtesy BookPeople

6. BookPeople

• Shopping
• Bookstores
• Market District

With three floors, a cozy café and plenty of quirky Keep-Austin-Weird decor, it’s no wonder that BookPeople—the largest bookstore in Texas—has been voted the capital city’s best bookstore year after year.

One of its most beloved sections is the kids area, which features a colorful, carpeted mini-amphitheater perfectly suited for weekly story times held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday morning. No matter what tale they tell, you can count on the store’s staff to send your kids home with a smile—they even occasionally bust out their ‘preposterous puppeteers’ for special sessions on the weekend.

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Photograph: Courtesy Peter Pan Mini-Golf/Mike Dismukes

7. Peter Pan Mini-Golf

• Attractions
• Bouldin

It’s probably safe to say we’ve all visited some pretty lame mini-golf courses, but South Austin’s Peter Pan Mini-Golf hasn’t lost its edge since opening in 1948. For just a few bucks, you and your young’uns can conquer two courses complete with plenty of iconic challenges, including the Giant Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Whale, the Old Mill, the Turtle and of course good ol’ Pan himself.

Free party/picnic reservations are available and there’s a huge bonus for (responsible) parents/guardians: Peter Pan is BYOB (just no glass, please).

Photo Courtesy of Kirk Tuck, ZACH Theatre

8. ZACH Theatre

Are your kids into song and dance? We’ve got you covered. The ZACH is Austin’s top non-profit, theatrical experience that brings together the best local talent for showstopping musicals, plays and the like. In 2022, calendar highlights include The Sound of Music and The Rocky Horror Show, and during the school holidays the theatre hosts camps to help youngsters find courage connectivity and connection.

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Photograph: Courtesy Austin CVB/Bruce Lemons

9. Zilker Park

• Things to do
• Rollingwood

As the home of the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Trail of Lights, the Blues on the Green concert series, and dozens of other outdoor activities, Zilker Park is an Austin institution.

You and your kids can explore the sprawling playground, stroll through the stunning Umlauf Sculpture and Zilker Botanical gardens, rent a canoe or kayak the tranquil waterways, including Lady Bird Lake. Don’t miss out on a cool-off at Barton Springs Pool during the hotter months.

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10.

 Mt. Playmore

• Things to do
• Playgrounds
• North Austin

Millennial parents may remember Discovery Zone as the perfect alternative to dirty, hot, outdoor playgrounds (or Pandamonium Playland if you’re Austin born-and-bred), but these days it’s all about North Austin’s Mt. Playmore.

As Central Texas’s biggest indoor playscape, it’s an ideal spot for hours of supervised, spatial fun. Better yet, if your underage urchins prove exhausting, there are plenty of comfortable couches in a central seating area where it’s easy enough to keep close watch. There’s also an arcade and restaurant to complete the party package, plus a toddlers-only area if you’re toting tykes on the younger side.

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Photograph: Shutterstock

11. Mayfield Park

• Attractions
• Camp Mabry

It’s common to witness a plethora of peacocks strolling casually among people at West Austin’s Mayfield Park and Preserve. You and your young ones can picnic or explore the gardens while watching the full mating and life cycles of this fascinating, nonaggressive avian family. whose original descendants were introduced in 1935. Primetime is late winter (February) through Spring (April/May), when the males begin fanning their elaborate plumage to court the females. 

12. The Contemporary Austin: Laguna Gloria

• Things to do
• Camp Mabry

• price 1 of 4

It’s a case of more than than meets the eye at the Contemporary Austin. For starters, it’s one institution with two locations and the 14-acre Laguna Gloria site is incredibly kid-friendly.

Not only does its expansive grounds allow children to wander around the pieces untethered (and without fear of screaming too loud in a quiet museum room), but families are encouraged to attend on Second Saturdays, when hands-on workshops are offered. They also offer kid-friendly backpacks stocked with art supplies, just in case inspiration strikes when touring the grounds.

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13. Cherrywood Coffeehouse

• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Upper Boggy Creek

If you’re among Austin’s countless transplants, here’s a music-focused weekend activity that might’ve skirted under your radar. Every Sunday, you can grab your coffee fix while entertaining the kids at East-Central Austin’s uber-chill Cherrywood Coffeehouse during brunch hours, which feature special live music performances just for children.

Each weekend hosts a different act and often things move around depending on festival season, so be sure to check their events page ahead of visit.

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Best Things to Do in Austin with Kids

Austin, Texas has enough live music, breakfast tacos, and barbecue joints to keep its visitors toes tapping and bellies full for days on end. Its a vacation plan I heartily endorse: eat, dance, eat, sleep, repeat. You cant go wrong. These are the best things to do in Austin with kids.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

Things to do in Austin TX with kids

1. Learn about STEAM at The Thinkery

Austin new childrens museum, The Thinkery, takes hands-on exploration to the next level. The museums exhibits revolve around STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).

Theres a Kitchen Lab where food meets chemistry, a Light Lab where children can explore color, light, and shadows, and Spark Shop where families discover aerodynamics. Its the perfect spot for children to learn through play.

2. Explore Zilker Park

Zilker Park is a must visit destination for families. The park covers over 350 acres in the middle of the city and offers endless outdoor adventures. Theres a hiking/biking trail, an outdoor pool fed by a natural spring (Barton Springs Pool), kayaks and canoes for rent, and even a miniature train (the Zilker Zephyr).

Photo: Creative Commons

Zilker is also home to a botanical garden, Austin Nature and Science Center, a sculpture garden, and theatre. Plan on spending half a day at the park.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids, no trip is complete without a swim in the icy cold water of Zilker Parks Barton Springs! A three-acre recreational pool created by floodgates along Barton Creek, this natural water pool remains a chilly 68 degrees year-round.

Kids will love swimming at Barton Springs natural pool.

3. See the bats under Congress Avenue bridge

Austin boasts the largest urban bat colony in the world. On summer evenings, tourists and locals alike line the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to watch an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge in search of food.

The bridge is the best place to spot the bats.

Bats usually emerge from under the bridge most evenings and create quite a scene (this is weather and time of year dependent).

If you choose to base yourself near the bridge near nightfall, bring something to protect yourselves from falling guano. Other options are a kayak tour on Lady Bird Lake, riding a Segway, or taking a boat ride to see the bats from a different point of view.

4. Learn about government at the Texas Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is a sight to behold as it is the sixth tallest state capitol in the U. S. and larger than the capitol in Washington, D.C.. Inside is just as stunning and free tours are offered daily, departing every 30 to 45 minutes.

Photo: Creative Commons

Its the perfect way to introduce older children to the legal system as they have an opportunity to view the Supreme Court and the Senate and House chambers. Bring your camera to take in the beautiful architectural details inside and out!

5. Soak up the local culture with a South Congress Avenue stroll

South Congress is perfect for strolling, eating, and getting a taste of Austin character. Kids will love the Big Top Candy Shop with treats from floor to ceiling, playing outdoor games at TOMS shoe and coffee shop, and playing dress up at Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds (a costume shop).

Dont miss Big Top Candy Shop!

Of course there are plenty of fun spots for mom and dad too, like Allen Boots (a chance to grab the perfect Texas souvenir) and Jos Coffee Shop with its delicious coffee and prime location for people watching.

6. Hit all the best Austin food spots

Of course I need to mention South Congress has some of the most amazing food options in the city. Kids will love Home Slice for its massive pizza slices, Torchys Tacos (an Austin staple), and Hopdoddy Burger Bar (where the lines always seem out the door and down the street).

For sweet treats, theres a food trailer park just down the street from Home Slice called Hey Cupcake! and the other direction is Amys Ice Cream where everyone makes their own ice cream creations.

So many decisions…

Food trucks are quite popular in Austin, so dont miss the ones on South First, including Mellizoz Tacos, Little Thai Food, and Gourdoughs (doughnuts).

If you want traditional Texas staples try Franklin Barbecue (frequently voted one of the best BBQ in Austin), Terry Blacks BBQ, or Lamberts Barbecue. For Mexican food head to Chuys, Fonda San Miguel, or Lichas Cantina.

7. Try a street art scavenger hunt

If you or your kids love street art, Austin is the place to be. From the Greetings from Austin mural to the Before I Die wall where kids can write about their hopes and dreams, its a fun place to get a map and go searching for all the spots! My friend Rebecca at R We There Yet Mom, has a wonderful post that shares exactly where the popular murals can be found. Check it out here!

Kids love this!

8. Head up to Mount Bonnell for sunset views

Mount Bonnell is the perfect spot for a panoramic view of Austin and the surrounding area. It takes about 10 minutes to climb to the top, but seeing the city from this perspective is stunning. Head over close to sunset before heading out for a bite to eat. The entire experience shouldnt take more than 10 to 15 minutes.

Photo: Creative Commons

9. Take a swim in the natural pools of Hamilton Pool Preserve and other outdoor spots

About 45 minutes from the city is this beautiful natural lagoon that has become quite popular. You have to make a reservation to visit Hamilton Pool and wear the right shoes because its a 10-15 minute walk to reach it.

An easy hike to the collapsed grotto and waterfall at Hamilton Pool Preserve is sure to delight the entire family. Small children enjoy wading along the pebble beach, and braver big kids can venture further into the depths of natural water for a swim.

Just be advised that there are no lifeguards and swimming is at your own risk. Reservations are now required during the busy season, May through September, due to the preserves immense popularity.

Also west of Austin, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center offers guided weekend tours of the preserves lush canyon. Be sure to arrive early as tours fill quickly. You wont want to miss exploring a small cave and seeing a 40-foot waterfall!

Blue Hole Regional Park Photo: Creative Commons

Other natural swimming spots to consider are Krause Springs in Hill Country with 32 springs and two swimming pools and Blue Hole at Wimberley, a section of Cypress Creek perfect for swimming, located in the Hill Country as well.

10. Visit the essential museum of Texas history, The Bullock Texas State History Museum

The Bullock Museum tells the history of Texas through its collection of artifacts, photos, and hands-on experiences. Kids will love the IMAX movie theatre, the La Belle shipwreck exhibition, and ability to trace the states history through interactive exhibits. The museum also features rotating exhibits on the history of other subjects such as computer gaming and a collectors gallery.

Photo: Creative Commons

11. Inner Space Cavern

If youre looking for a unique excursion that will make a lasting impression, take a guided tour of Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown. Explore caverns and natural wonders underground, then head up to the Inner Space Mine and pan for gemstones.

12. Head to the Austin waterparks

Austin has two awesome waterparks close by, both of which are worth the drive. Head south to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, a 70-acre outdoor water park along the banks of the Comal River which boasts 40 attractions for all ages and heights. Parking and coolers are free, so pack a picnic and plan to stay for the day.

Photo: Heidi Gollub

Or, head north to Typhoon Texas in Pflugerville, and enjoy a day of play at the combined water and adventure parks. Youll be glad you did!

If youre bringing kids to visit The Lone Star State capital, and are feeling adventurous, strike out and explore beyond downtown Austin. You will be amazed at the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, and your kids will love it too!

Where to Stay in Austin with Kids

We stayed at the Embassy Suites Downtown which has a convenient location and great free breakfast, other places to consider are the Four Seasons, Omni Barton Creek, and Fairmont Austin.

Hopefully, youve found more than enough ideas to entertain everyone during a weekend in Austin with kids, but dont miss these other things to do in San Antonio, San Antonio at Christmas, and the best weekend getaways from Dallas.

Travel Tips
Book Your Flights
You can find discounted fares using sites like Momondo or Skyscanner. If you want to keep an eye on discount fares, we suggest signing up for Scotts Cheap Flights, a daily newsletter with flight sales around the world.

If you travel frequently, consider investing in a Priority Pass for airport lounge access. Its nice to have a space where you can relax before your flight.

Book Your Accommodation

We regularly use Hotels.com and Expedia.com to find lodging when we travel. Its a great way to compare vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts.

If your family knows they want to stay in a vacation rental, we recommend looking at VRBO and Plum Guide.

Book Your Transportation

For rental car agencies, try Rentalcars. com. We tend to use Hertz simply for the quality of service.

Book Your Tours and Travel Photos

We regularly used companies like Viator and GetYourGuide to book tours when we travel. Both have great communication and a large variety of activities that work for all ages.

If youre visiting a city with multiple attractions, be sure to check out a discount pass, such as CityPASS or Go City. Tiqets is another place to purchase tickets for attractions.

Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational based activities. The former teacher in me loves their tours.

One of our favorite things to do annually is take photos with Flytographer. They have photographers around the world and weve used them on four separate occasions. This is our favorite travel souvenir.

Dont Forget Travel Insurance

With the state of travel these days, its important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threat or cancellations. We always travel with insurance and would recommend SquareMouth, Travelex, or Medjet as good options. And if you want to compare different insurance options, use Travel Insurance Master to find the best policy for your group.

O`stin kids in Cherepovets, Leningradskaya, 1: phone numbers, working hours

O`stin kids is working at Leningradskaya, 1 in Cherepovets. Main activity: “Children’s clothing”. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-20:00. Working phone for communication: +7 (8202) 20‒10‒57.

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Opening hours

Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00, Sun 10:00–20:00

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
10:00–21:00	10:00–21:00	10:00–21:00	10:00–21:00	10:00–21:00	10:00–21:00	10:00–20:00

We recommend calling +7 (8202) 20‒10‒57 to find out the opening hours and how to get to the address: Leningradskaya, 1 .

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Ekaterina Koloskova

1 review

2 months ago

Satisfied with assortment, dimensions, quality and price

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Natalia

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3 month ago

I love this particular Austin kids, the sellers are polite, they will always tell you about promotions, they will serve you quickly.

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Leo Worker

63 reviews

9 months ago

Almost everything is for sale: from socks to down jackets! As you know, they have a good assortment, and in the “off-season” they sell everything that was not bought earlier.