The broiling days of summer are finally over! With temperatures and humidity dipping into the comfort zone, winter is one of the loveliest times of the year in Austin, Texas, offering up a host of outdoor and indoor family entertainment. This year, enjoy the season by indulging your kids and yourself in some of Austin’s best attractions.
Go Ice Skating
Located in downtown Austin, Whole Food’s flagship store hosts an ice skating rink right on their rooftop! For just $10, which includes the cost of renting skates, you can spin and whirl to your heart’s content. Just be sure to check first for closures due to private events or special holiday hours. Open through January 21st, 2019.
Take A Hike
The best time to exercise outdoors is when the day is temperate with just a touch of a chill. Enjoy nature while letting your kids burn off some extra energy at the Barton Creek Greenbelt which has twelve miles of trails to explore. If the day grows warm, you might even catch a swim.
Play Pinball
If the weather outside gets frightful, check out Pinballz Arcade on Research Boulevard. Your kids will lose themselves in the 13,000 square feet of a classic arcade experience. Admission is free and all games work on tokens or quarters. Adults can play, too, or relax with a beer.
See A Show
Check out the kid- and family-friendly entertainment at the Hideout Theater. The troupe specializes in “improvised theater,” by involving the kids in the audience, asking for plot suggestions, and allowing the play to evolve, often hilariously. Prepare yourself for a magical afternoon.
Spend President’s Day With LBJ
Learn about national and Texas political history at the LBJ Presidential Library, and then wander the beautiful University of Texas campus. Bonus: On President’s Day, museum admission is free!
Fly A Kite
Craft a kite and then work on your kite-flying skills at Zilker Park in preparation for the 90th Zilker Park Kite Festival.
Go Geocaching
What is Geocaching? It’s a worldwide phenomenon, a family-friendly scavenger hunt that involves deciphering clues and looking for buried treasure. Your kids will love exploring, discovering caches, and diving into the adventure!
When you’re done with your kid-friendly adventures, consider warming up with Japanese Ramen at Ramen Tatsu-Ya, homemade soup at The Soup Peddler, or a gooey S’more at Halcyon Coffee+Bar+Lounge.
