Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas

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Austin is one of those cities that just pulls you in with its mix of live music, outdoor fun, great food, and a quirky vibe that’s totally its own. Whether you’re traveling with family, on a weekend getaway, or just passing through, there are so many things to do in Austin, Texas, that it’s almost impossible to fit them all into one trip. The good news? You really can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.

We rented a house just outside Austin and had the best time really getting to explore it all. We did a little bit of the downtown scene, but our favorite activities were spent in nature. Tubing down the Comal River (the tube chute was so fun!) was one of our favorite things, along with seeing the bats at the Congress Ave. bridge. I compiled this list of the best things to do in Austin. There’s sure to be something for everyone on this list.

Where to Stay in Austin

Austin has a lot of family-friendly resorts and great Airbnb options to choose from. When we visited, we opted to stay in a house rental for the first part of our trip. We were right on the river, and spent a ton of time jumping in, kayaking and fishing. It was easy entertainment right in our backyard.

If you prefer to stay in a family-friendly resort in Austin, these are some of my favorite.

• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa: Located just outside of Austin in Bastrop, this resort offers a wide range of family-friendly activities including horseback riding, hiking trails, a water park with a lazy river and waterslides, and a kids club.
• JW Marriott Austin: Situated in downtown Austin, this luxury hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and convenient access to attractions such as the Austin Children’s Museum and Lady Bird Lake.
• Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa: Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, this resort offers golf courses, swimming pools, a spa, and lots of activities for kids including scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and outdoor movies.
• Lakeway Resort and Spa: Overlooking Lake Travis, this resort offers water sports rentals, a kid’s club, a spa, and multiple swimming pools with a waterslide and splash pad. Plus it has access to Lake Travis for even more fun on the water.
• Horseshoe Bay Resort: Located about an hour’s drive from Austin, this expansive resort offers golf courses, water sports, a spa, and a kids’ club with supervised activities.

Be sure to check out my full list of the best Austin family resorts for more information about each of these.

Top Things to do in Austin, Texas

Explore Lady Bird Lake

One of the most iconic spots in Austin is Lady Bird Lake, and it’s perfect for both relaxation and adventure. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even take a guided boat tour to see the city from the water. There’s also a hike-and-bike trail that loops around the lake, great for a family stroll, jog, or bike ride with the kids.

Check Out the Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is not only beautiful but also free to visit. Families can take guided tours or just explore the grounds on their own. It’s a great way to learn a little history while also snapping some memorable photos in front of one of Austin’s most recognizable buildings.

Dive Into Austin’s Music Scene

Austin is called the “Live Music Capital of the World” for a reason. You’ll find live performances just about everywhere—from big venues to cozy coffee shops. Families will especially enjoy checking out outdoor concerts at places like Zilker Park, where kids can run around while parents soak up the music.

Barton Springs Pool – One of the best things to do in Austin, Texas with kids

If you’re visiting when the weather is warm (which is most of the year in Texas!), Barton Springs Pool is a must. This natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park is refreshing and fun for all ages. Kids love splashing in the shallow areas while adults float and enjoy the view of downtown Austin in the background.

This 3-acre pool is fed from underground springs to stay a constant 68-70 degrees year-round. There’s plenty of space to spread out and maybe even take a plunge from one of the diving boards. Lifeguards are on duty daily, except Thursdays.

Eat Your Way Through Austin – One of my favorite things to do in Austin, Texas

Food is a huge part of the Austin experience, and there’s something for everyone. For families, food trucks are a great choice—casual, quick, and delicious. Don’t leave without trying some authentic Texas barbecue (Terry Black’s is a local favorite) or breakfast tacos from spots like Veracruz or Torchy’s.

Visit the Austin Zoo

Unlike some big-city zoos, the Austin Zoo is a rescue zoo, which makes it extra special. Kids will love seeing the animals, and parents can feel good knowing their admission helps support rescued wildlife. It’s a smaller, more relaxed zoo, perfect for a family outing.

Float on a River

There are several rivers you can float on near the Austin vicinity. This is a fun and relaxing way to cool off in the Texas heat. We floated down the Comal River and enjoyed the New Braunfels Tube Chute–a combination between a river rapid and a waterslide. Crowds can be busy during holiday weekends and college spring break time.

South Congress Avenue

South Congress, or “SoCo” as locals call it, is full of shops, murals, and fun restaurants. Families can grab ice cream at Amy’s, snap photos in front of the “I love you so much” mural, and browse quirky shops. It’s a fun, walkable area that really captures Austin’s personality.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats – One of the best free things to do in Austin, Texas

One of the most unique things to do in Austin is watching the bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. From March to November, over a million bats emerge each evening—it’s an unforgettable sight. Families can watch from the bridge itself or take a boat tour for a closer look.

Day Trip to Hill Country

If you’ve got a little more time, Austin makes a great base for exploring Texas Hill Country. You can visit small towns like Fredericksburg for German food and wineries, or head to Hamilton Pool Preserve for a stunning natural swimming hole.

Top Things To Do in Austin With Kids

1. Zilker Metropolitan Park: This massive park has a lot to offer, including a playground, a train ride, paddle boats. Plus it’s home to one of the crown jewels of Austin: The Barton Springs Pool.
2. The Barton Springs Pool: As noted above, the Barton Springs Pool is one of the best things to do in Austin with kids.
3. The Thinkery: A hands-on children’s museum with interactive exhibits covering science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
4. The Schlitterbahn Waterpark – Located about an hour outside of Austin, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark is dubbed as the World’s Best Waterpark. It’s basically four waterparks in one–and it should be on every family’s bucket list when they visit the area. Complete with not-so-lazy rivers, swim-up bars, waterslides, wave pools and more, there is truly something for everybody here. And for an even better experience, consider staying at the Resort at Schlitterbahn.
5. Austin Nature & Science Center: Explore nature trails, wildlife exhibits, and interactive displays that teach about the natural world.
6. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Kids can enjoy exploring gardens, nature trails, and participate in family-friendly events and workshops.
7. Austin Zoo: A smaller, more intimate zoo where kids can see a variety of animals up close and even participate in feeding sessions.
8. Peter Pan Mini Golf: A funky mini-golf course featuring colorful obstacles and sculptures.
9. Austin Aquarium: Kids can marvel at marine life, feed stingrays, and even interact with some of the animals.
10. Austin Park and Pizza: Go-karts, bumper boats, arcade games, and mini-golf–it’s perfect for a day of family fun.
11. Mount Bonnell: A short hike up to Mount Bonnell offers stunning views of the city and the Colorado River. It’s a great spot for a picnic and some outdoor exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to do in Austin, Texas (with or without kids)

There are so many things to do in Austin that it’s hard to squeeze them all into one trip—but that’s just a good excuse to come back. From outdoor adventures and live music to family-friendly attractions and incredible food, Austin really does have something for everyone.

For more ways to see the city, there are also several tours you can choose from. Also, take a closer look at our Texas spring break itinerary for more ideas of exactly what to do and where to stay with kids.

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