Are the kids out of school? Is camp over? Are your kids telling you they’re bored? Are you out of ideas? Don’t worry, there’s plenty to keep them busy right here in Austin on those long, lazy days. Check out these five fun summer Austin activities.
Zilker Park
Blessed with a spectacular view of the Austin city skyline, this 350-acre park is located on Lady Bird Lake. The park offers a wide variety of activities for kids both young and old, including:
- A ten-mile relatively level running and bike trail
- The three-acre Barton Springs Pool to swim and cool off
- The Zilker Botanical Garden
- Boating opportunities, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing
- A “touchable” sculpture garden and museum
- The Zilker Park Train gives a 25-minute ride around the park
The park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Road. Check out all the amenities at their website here.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Check out this whimsical mini-golf course that has been in business since 1948. You’ll know you’re there when you see the iconic Peter Pan statue at the entrance. Peter Pan Mini-Golf offers two eighteen-hole courses, and lots of brightly-painted, funky characters. Feel free to bring a cooler! The mini golf is located at 1207 Barton Springs Road. Sometimes they close in bad weather, so always check their website first.
Austin Aquarium
When the heat becomes overwhelming, spend a little time at the Austin Aquarium. With thousands of species and three dozen exhibits, your kids won’t have time to be bored. They can even “feed” the fish, including sharks and rays, as well as the birds in the Lorikeet Aviary. The aquarium is located at 13530 US 183 #101. Check out their daily schedule of activities at their website here.
Austin Nature & Science Center
Located on the west side of Zilker Park, this indoor museum is a great place to cool off. It’s not a staid museum, either, as children are encouraged to touch and interact with the exhibits. It includes an outdoor “dino-pit” where budding archaeologists can play. Best of all: It’s free. Located at 2389 Stratford Drive. Access the website here.
Playland Skate Center
The largest roller rink in Austin, the Playland Skate Center is a great place to cool off while your kids zoom around over 27,000 square feet of boards. The music is loud, the lights are awesome, and there’s even a fog machine. Take your kids and pretend it’s 1975 again. The rink is located at 8822 McCann Drive. Check out their schedule here.
