Austin, TX is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole United States. Thousands of people flock through the state of Texas every year to see some of its incredible sights, unique attractions, and unforgettable music, restaurants, and culture. Once you’ve been to Austin, you will never want to leave!
Going to Austin with younger visitors?
Here are some of the best things to do in Austin with kids, including kid-friendly things to do in Austin this weekend and things to do in downtown Austin with kids.
Is Austin a Good City for Kids?
Yes, Austin is one of the best cities to visit if you have younger visitors with you on the trip. Many people would even say that Austin is one of the best cities that a family could possibly stay in — but you’ll have to ask some of the locals in Austin for more about that!
The great city of Austin can be a great vacation destination or weekend trip. Believe the hype when you hear that there’s something for everyone in the city of Austin — if you include just the right things for your itinerary, you bet that nobody in the family could get bored with so much out there to do.
For parents with kids, some of the best activities for you and the children can sometimes be found right in your hotel room. Hotels have many kid-friendly and youth-specific activities that happen in or around the hotel area; some even have programs that can keep the kids busy with activities while parents are out doing something else around the hotel!
If you want to know what else there is to do in Austin for families with kids, take some suggestions from the rest of this article and line up some great activities for the whole family — and check which of these activities are closest to your hotel, since it can be a great money-saver when you’re on vacation!
Austin, TX can be one of the best holiday or weekend destinations for people with kids.
It’s up to parents to choose the best activities that their kids will enjoy.
Unique Things to Do in Austin with Kids
Austin can be called a melting pot of different music, culture, and food. The good news about this is that there are plenty of unique things to do in Austin that you will only ever get to see right here. Here are some of the best unique, fun things to do in Austin with kids.
Evergreen Farms
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One of the things that you could say Austin is most famous for is the wonderful farmlands you can visit all across the city. If you go just outside the official borders of Austin, you and the kids can take a well-needed trip into nature and connect with your roots.
Austin Zoo
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Austin Zoo is one of the largest and most famed zoological gardens in the whole of the United States. If you and the kids want to know more about the natural world, the Austin Zoo is one of the best places you can go. On some days, they even have special events and guided tours of the zoo.
Casa Neverlandia
If you have got the time to pull over next to the side of the road and enjoy the sights, there are several great roadside attractions to be found all over Austin. As you cruise through the city, pull over and stop by xxx for possibly the most fun you’ll have on the entire trip.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Austin This Weekend
Staying in Austin for a weekend getaway instead of a longer five-day trip? Here are some of the best kid-friendly things to do in Austin if you’ve only got a weekend’s worth of time to spare.
Filming Locations
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
If the only time that you have to experience Austin is a two or three-day weekend, take a look at the official state website for Austin, TX, and visit some of the most famous filming locations that are located all over Austin. Tours can give you a prime view of locations from your favorite series and movies.
The Domain Mall
If you have a vacation spending budget, you can visit some of the great malls and stores located across Austin so that you and the kids can experience the fun of retail therapy. Want to make sure that kids don’t overspend? Go with gift cards, or allocate kids their amount of spending money for the trip.
See Local Shows
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If there’s one more thing that Austin is almost definitely famous for, it’s the assortment of live music venues. While not all of them are kid-friendly, call ahead to places.
Things to Do in Downtown Austin with Kids
Downtown Austin is one of the best areas in the entire city, and it’s where the hustle and bustle of the city really manages to come alive. It can be fun for kids just as much as the adults on the trip. Here are some of the best things to do in downtown Austin with kids.
Restaurants
Downtown Austin isn’t just about the nightlife, there’s plenty you can experience here if you and the kids are fans of great food. Visit some of the great restaurants in Austin like Fixe Southern House and Koriente Restaurant to give the kids a dining experience they will never forget. Most restaurants, including these, have kid-friendly menus.
Austin Park N Pizza
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If you have more active kids on your trip to downtown Austin, make a trip to the fun park. They have great activities that can occupy the whole family — and if you plan ahead, then you might want to find out which special events are hosted and when.
Fun Things to Do in Austin with Kids
Want to know about even more activities you can take on if you have a group of busy kids with you on vacation? Here are some of the best fun things to do in Austin with kids, including a visit to some of the most famous museums and filming locations.
Austin Nature & Science Center
Natural history museums are always a great, exciting bet for kids — and the Austin Natural History museum has a whole catalog of exhibits that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Some days are special events, reduced admission, or free for kids.
Austin Zoo
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The zoo is still one of the best local attractions in Austin, especially if you have a group of kids with you and you’re not sure what to do.
Austin Park N Pizza
Austin is home to several great parks that are exciting, beautiful, and kid-friendly. If you want to spend a day out getting closer to nature without it ruining your budget, visit some of the great large or small local parks you can find across Austin.
Things to Do in Austin with Toddlers
If you have younger kids or toddlers on vacation, it might take just a little bit more planning to make sure your vacation is packed with fun and appropriate activities for the kids. Check out some of the best things to do in Austin with toddlers.
Austin Zoo
If you have toddlers with you on vacation, there’s almost nothing better than a day trip out to the zoo. Austin Zoo is one of the most famous, fun zoos in the entire United States — and they have activity programs suited to almost every age, from toddlers to teens.
Movies
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Okay, so the experience of “going to the movies” has become overshadowed by streaming entertainment. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any traditional movie venues left. Visit XXX in Austin for a great day out that doesn’t cost too much.
Things to Do in Austin with Teenagers
We haven’t forgotten about you if you happen to have any older kids as part of the family trip. Need activities that will keep any teen too busy to think about everything they’re missing at home? Here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Austin with teenagers.
IHOP, Austin
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If you’ve got a teenager who has trouble getting going, you could always just take them straight to the Austin branch of the International House of Pancakes. What’s better than steamin’ hot pancakes when you’re on vacation? Very, very few things!
Go Racing
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Austin is home to some of the greatest amateur racing locations in the United States. Go Karts are still as popular as ever – and you get to challenge the kids to a race!
Free Things to Do in Austin with Kids
Going out and having fun doesn’t always have to be the kind of trip that breaks the budget or empties out your wallet. Sometimes you just want to go out and have some fun. Here are some of the best reduced-admission and free things to do in Austin with kids.
Walking Trails
If you are pulling off your vacation on a lower budget, walking trails have reduced admission fees — and you can spend the majority of your day out getting to see some of the most incredible sights in town.
Admission-Free Events
Museums and parks all across Austin have days where they host admission-free or reduced-admission days — especially for kids and younger visitors. Always check into some of the cheaper things to do when you’re in Austin with kids!
Indoor Kid Activities Austin
If your kids aren’t huge fans of the outdoors, then take a look at this list of great indoor kid activities you can find all over Austin. While Austin has great hiking trails and nature parks, some of the coolest activities around can also be found indoors.
The Escape Game in Austin
If you and the kids have never taken on a traditional Escape-the-Room mystery game, visiting Austin might be the most perfect time to do it. Can you solve the puzzle and escape the room? There’s only one way to find out!
Ice Rink
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Even though Austin, TX is known for hotter temperatures, the good news is that you can still stop by one of the ice rinks for some cooled-down fun. If you aren’t sure how there are on-site lessons with experts for both kids and adults!
