Things to Do with Kids in Austin

Austin's premier children's museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits designed for kids from infants through early elementary. Features a massive outdoor water play area, a kitchen lab, a light and shadow studio, and rotating exhibits. Baby Bloomers hours on Friday and Saturday mornings (8-10am) are reserved for kids under 4. Free community nights on Tuesdays 3-7pm and Sundays 3-5pm.

A natural spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Park that stays a refreshing 68-70 degrees year-round. The three-acre pool has a shallow wading area on one end that's great for younger kids, plus a diving board for older ones. Open daily except during Thursday cleaning hours. Early morning swim (5-8am) is swim-at-your-own-risk with no lifeguards; guarded hours 8am-10pm.

A free nature center inside Zilker Park with live animal exhibits featuring rescued wildlife (birds of prey, reptiles, small mammals), a fossil dig pit, nature trails, and hands-on science activities. Kids can see non-releasable hawks, owls, and other native Texas animals up close. Camps and special programs cost extra, but general admission and the exhibits are always free.

A miniature train ride through Zilker Park that's been an Austin family tradition for decades. The 15-minute ride loops through parkland near Barton Springs. Tickets are purchased at the train depot on a first-come, first-served basis; both cash and credit accepted. Children under 2 ride free on a parent's lap.

Austin's striking modern central library is a destination in itself, with a dedicated children's floor featuring free storytimes, craft programs, and STEM activities. Weekly storytimes serve ages 0-5 including Spanish-language sessions. The rooftop garden and reading porches are great for families. Free underground parking available.

An Austin institution since 1946 with two 18-hole courses filled with colorful characters, obstacles, and surprises. The whimsical course is great for younger kids, while the challenging course tests older kids and adults. After sunset, it's BYOB (cans only, no glass) for a more grown-up vibe. Cash and credit accepted.

A free splash pad in the heart of central Austin, open seasonally from May through October. Water runs 8am-10pm daily during the season. Surrounded by upgraded restrooms, a playground, and an amphitheater, making it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon. Part of the beautifully renovated Pease Park with shaded trails along Shoal Creek.

A free park where peacocks roam freely among two acres of cottage gardens, water lily ponds, and walking trails. Kids love spotting the peacocks displaying their tail feathers (best viewing February-June). The adjacent nature preserve has easy walking trails through wildlife habitat. A great quick outing or longer picnic destination.

An interactive aquarium where kids can touch starfish, feed sharks, and meet stingrays in hands-on touch tanks. Features tropical fish, reptile encounters, and rotating special exhibits. Plan for 2-3 hours to explore at a comfortable pace with younger kids. Children 2 and under are free.

A family-friendly botanical garden in Zilker Park with themed gardens including a Japanese garden with koi ponds, a dinosaur trackway with real fossilized footprints, and a children's garden with a scavenger hunt available at the gift shop. Kids can explore streams, waterfalls, and stone pathways throughout. Children 2 and under are free. Very affordable for Austin residents.

Three floors of interactive Texas history from prehistoric times through the space age, plus an IMAX theater and a 4D special effects theater. Kids engage with over 500 artifacts and hands-on exhibits. Free admission on the first Sunday of every month (H-E-B Free First Sunday). Children 3 and under are always free. IMAX and 4D shows cost extra.

The largest university art museum in the country, located on the UT Austin campus with nearly 21,000 works. Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' — a stunning freestanding stone building with colored glass windows — is a must-see and mesmerizes kids with its light. Free admission every Tuesday. Children 5 and under are always free. Family-friendly gallery guides available at the front desk.