Things to Do in Austin With Kids (Fun Kid-Friendly Activities)

Things to Do in Austin With Kids

12/15/2023

Austin, a unique and vibrant city and capital of Texas, not only caters to the tastes of its adult residents and visitors but also ensures that the younger members of the community have a blast. Often hailed as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin's not just about its renowned music scene and eclectic food culture. Families with children will discover an abundance of kid-friendly activities that make the city an ideal destination for all ages. Get ready to embark on an adventure filled with smiles and laughter as you uncover the family-friendly wonders of this darling Texan gem.

Read on to learn some of the best things to do in Austin with kids.

Shopping

Big Top Candy Shop

This huge candy shop is the stuff your sugary dreams are made of! Big Top Candy Shop has walls and walls of sweet treats for the whole family.
Location: 1706 S Congress Ave.

BookPeople

BookPeople, a large bookstore in downtown Austin boasts two floors and thousands of books. They regularly host talks with authors and, my favorite part, they have a huge children's section with places for the littles to sit and play.
Location: 603 N Lamar Blvd.

The Happiest Little Turtle at the Austin Aquarium

Indoor Activities

Thinkery Children's Museum

Your young children are sure to stay busy at Thinkery. With a light lab, a farmer's market, train town, and so many other interactive exhibits, your little kids will love learning through play!
Location: 1830 Simond Ave.

ZACH Theater

The oldest continuously active theater company in Texas, ZACH Theatre performs shows like A Christmas Carol, The Little Mermaid, and The Prom. Give your kids the gift of the fine arts!
Location: 202 S Lamar Blvd.

Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol offers daily tours, as well as a wide array of educational events.
Location: 1100 Congress Ave.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Exploring the history, land, peoples, cultures, and technology of Texas, the Bullock Texas State History Museum features an IMAX theater and both permanent and temporary specialty exhibits and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is one of the best places to learn about Texas history.
Location: 1800 Congress Ave.

Museum of Ice Cream

A summertime favorite, the Museum of Ice Cream features unlimited ice cream, plus places to play and learn. Here the history of ice cream and "swim" in a giant pool of candy sprinkles. Younger kids and older kids alike will love the vibrant colors and fun exhibits. Escape the hot summer day with a cool treat (or two!).
Location: 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 128

Austin Aquarium

Feed the ducks and rays, pet a lemur and other mammals, and see the fish and amphibians at the Austin Aquarium.
Location: 13530 US 183, Suite 101

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Outdoor Activities

Mount Bonnell

Also known as Covert Park, Mount Bonnell is a high point that offers gorgeous views of the City of Austin, Lake Austin (AKA the Colorado River), and the Hill Country beyond. Please note that once you park, you'll need to climb the 102 stairs to the top.
Location: 3800 Mount Bonnell Dr.

Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail

Walk or bike along Lady Bird Lake on the hike and bike trail for an afternoon of family fun. The kids will enjoy running out their wiggles!
Location: 2 Robert T. Martinez Jr St.

Lady Bird Park

Cross the Colorado River and walk along Lady Bird Park. Make sure you walk out to the end of the peninsula to the John Zenor Picnic Pavilion for scenic views. Lady Bird Park is such a great place to let the littles run off some wiggles.
Location: 1820 S Lakeshore Blvd.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

This peaceful arboretum and botanical garden at the University of Texas at Austin offers another great way to let the kids work out their wiggles in nature. With over 900 species of Texas plants, the Wildflower Park is also a great place for worldschooling families to teach the kids a little native botany.
Location: 4801 La Crosse Ave.

Austin Boardwalk

Another nice walk is along the Austin Boardwalk on the south side of the Colorado River.
Boardwalk Entrance Location: 700 1/2 E Riverside Dr.

Austin Zoo

Your little ones will giggle with glee seeing the over 300 animals at the Austin Zoo. The zoo is a nonprofit rescue zoo with over 100 species of animals, from mammals and primates to reptiles and amphibians. What an excellent place to spend a pleasant morning!
Location: 10808 Rawhide Trail

Austin Duck Adventures

Offering a land and water tour of Austin, Austin Duck Adventures is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Get quackin'!
Location: 602 E 4th St.

Peter Pan Mini Golf

Peter Pan Mini-Golf is an adorable putt-putt golf course that has been operating since 1948. With a giant T-Rex, Tinkerbell, dog, shoe, and much more, this whimsical miniature golf course offers fun for the entire family!
Location 1207 Barton Springs Rd.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Kids of all ages will enjoy spending time outdoors at the Zilker Metropolitan Park. Featuring a Disc Golf Course, the Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Barton Springs Municipal Pool, a unique, spring-fed pool, Zilker Metropolitan Park is a 351-acre urban oasis and the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family.
Location: 2201 Andrew Zilker Rd.

COngress Bridge Bats

Your little kids may not love this, but your older kids may think it's cool to see the huge bat colony living under the Congress Bridge.

Austin Mural Selfie Tour by Pedicab

Even your teens will think this Austin Mural Selfie Tour is awesome. The pedicab takes you to various popular selfie spots at the best Austin murals.

Food

Food Trucks

One of my favorite things about Austin is the food, and it's no secret that Austin's food truck scene is where it's at! We love food trucks parks because the little guy can run and play and have fun while we enjoy a hot meal. Check out The Picnic Food Truck Park at 1720 Barton Springs Road or Arbor Food Park located at 1108 East 12th Street.

Rainey Street Historic District

Rainey Street Historic District is a whole vibe. You'll find live music, great food, and (for the adults) strong drinks, if you're so inclined.

Whether you're exploring the wonders of Zilker Park, diving into the educational fun at the Thinkery, or enjoying live performances at family-friendly venues, Austin is a city where the spirit of creativity and playfulness is woven into every corner.