family things to do in austin

Austin is a fantastic city to explore with family, offering a wide range of fun and exciting activities for all ages. Here are some ideas for family-friendly things to do in Austin:

1. Visit the Austin Zoo: The Austin Zoo is a popular attraction that’s home to over 300 animals, including tigers, monkeys, and reptiles.
2. Explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: This beautiful botanical garden features stunning wildflowers, hiking trails, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
3. Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool: This natural spring-fed pool is a refreshing spot to cool off during the summer months.
4. Play at Zilker Park: This 351-acre park offers plenty of space for picnics, playgrounds, and outdoor games.
5. Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum: This interactive museum tells the story of Texas through exhibits, films, and artifacts.
6. Take a stroll along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail: This scenic trail offers beautiful views of the lake and the Austin skyline.
7. Go on a tour of the Texas State Capitol: Learn about the history and politics of Texas on a guided tour of the Capitol building.
8. Visit the Thinkery: This children’s museum features interactive exhibits and activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
9. Attend a festival or event: Austin hosts a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Austin Kite Festival, Austin Reggae Festival, and Texas Book Festival.
10. Visit the Natural History Museum: This museum features exhibits on Texas’s natural history, including dinosaurs, mammals, and gems.
11. Go on a hike: Austin has plenty of hiking trails for all skill levels, including the Greenbelt, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and McKinney Falls State Park.
12. Take a trip to the McKinney Falls State Park: This park features stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
13. Visit the Austin Nature and Science Center: This center features exhibits on local wildlife, including bats, birds, and reptiles.
14. Go to a farm or petting zoo: There are several farms and petting zoos in the Austin area, including the Sweet Berry Farm and the Austin Petting Zoo.
15. Take a cooking class: Learn to make some delicious Texas-style dishes on a family-friendly cooking class.

Some seasonal activities to consider:

• Spring: Attend the Austin Kite Festival, visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, or take a hike to see the wildflowers in bloom.
• Summer: Cool off at Barton Springs Pool, visit the Natural History Museum, or attend an outdoor festival or event.
• Fall: Visit the Thinkery, go on a hike, or take a tour of the Texas State Capitol.
• Winter: Attend the Texas Book Festival, visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum, or take a trip to the McKinney Falls State Park.

Remember to check the opening hours and any admission requirements for each activity before heading out!