By Lake Travis Zipline Adventures · Updated April 2026 ·
Austin is one of the best cities in the country to visit with kids. Between the spring-fed swimming holes, free museums, outdoor adventures, bat colonies, waterparks, and the most unique outdoor experiences in Texas, there is genuinely no shortage of things to do as a family in the Live Music Capital of the World. This is the complete guide to the best family friendly activities in Austin TX in 2026.
Quick Answer — Best Family Friendly Activities in Austin TX
The best family friendly activities in Austin TX include ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, swimming at Barton Springs Pool and Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach, exploring the Thinkery children’s museum, watching the bat colony emerge from Congress Avenue Bridge, hiking at Zilker Park and the Lady Bird Lake Trail, visiting the Austin Nature and Science Center, riding the Zilker Zephyr miniature train, and kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. Austin has something for every age group and most of the best family experiences are either free or very affordable.
Why Austin Is One of the Best Family Vacation Cities in America
Austin has it all when it comes to family travel. The weather is warm for most of the year, the city is built around outdoor living, and the culture here is genuinely welcoming to families of all ages and sizes. You can spend a morning at a world-class children’s museum, cool off in a natural spring-fed pool at lunch, watch 1.5 million bats fly at sunset, and end the day with the best tacos of your life, all without leaving the city.
The outdoor scene is what really sets Austin apart for families. Within 30 minutes of downtown you can be ziplining over Lake Travis, swimming in spring-fed Hill Country swimming holes, or kayaking with the Austin skyline in the background. There is no other city in the country that combines this much variety of outdoor adventure with this much urban energy and great food. Here is everything worth doing with your family in Austin.
#1 Lake Travis Zipline Adventures — The Best Family Adventure in Austin
If you are bringing the family to Austin and you want one experience that every single person from the kids to the grandparents will talk about for years, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is it. This is the most unique family outdoor experience in Austin and one of the most memorable things you can do with your family anywhere in Texas.
Here is how it works. You board a boat that takes the whole family across Lake Travis to Zip Island, a private island in the middle of the lake accessible only by water, located near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on the north shore about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Once there, the family spends three hours on five world-class ziplines through the Texas Hill Country, including the signature Double Barrel Shotgun, two side-by-side lines stretching over 2,800 feet at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above the lake. The views from up there are absolutely jaw-dropping for kids and adults alike.
What makes Lake Travis Zipline Adventures especially great for families is what happens after the ziplines. Your ticket includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island, where everyone can jump off the boat dock into Lake Travis, relax in hammocks, and enjoy the Hill Country lake at their own pace. The guides are consistently praised for being funny, encouraging, and genuinely great at getting even the most nervous kids off the platform with confidence.
The Details
- 5-Line Zipline Tour: $138/person, includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island
- Double Barrel Single-Line Tour: $88/person
- Duration: 3 hours for the full tour plus full-day lakefront access after
- Location: Near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on Lake Travis, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin
- Best For: Families with kids who meet the weight requirements, all experience levels welcome
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Pro Tip: Spring and summer slots sell out weeks in advance. Book early and check laketraviszipline.com for seasonal promo codes that can save real money on your family tickets.
Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures before family slots sell out.
#2 Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach — Best Family Waterpark on Lake Travis
Right near Lake Travis Zipline Adventures on the north shore of the lake, Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach Resort is one of the best family spots in the entire Austin area. It is part restaurant, part waterpark, and part lakeside bar set on over four acres of Lake Travis waterfront just 25 minutes from downtown Austin.
The waterpark features four slide attractions, two pools perfectly sized for younger kids, a private beach swim area, and a dock where you can pull right up by boat. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the day which gives parents peace of mind, and the enclosed pool areas are ideal for little ones who are not quite ready for open lake swimming. The restaurant serves genuinely good food including burgers, chicken tenders, wings, and a solid kids menu, and the lakefront setting makes everything taste better.
The Details
- Address: 16107 FM 2769, Austin (Volente), TX 78641
- Website: beachsidebillys.com
- Best For: Families with young children, waterpark fun, lakeside dining
- Live Music: Fridays and Saturdays
Pro Tip: Pair a morning at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures with an afternoon at Beachside Billy’s for the ultimate Lake Travis family day. Both are located near each other on the north shore and together they make for an unforgettable full day on the lake.
#3 Barton Springs Pool — Free Natural Spring Swimming
Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin’s most beloved institutions and the best free swimming experience in the city for families. A naturally spring-fed pool inside Zilker Park in South Austin that stays at a constant 68 degrees year round. It spans over three acres, has lifeguards on duty, and has been a gathering place for Austin families for generations.
The grassy banks surrounding the pool are perfect for picnicking, the water is clean and refreshing, and the whole vibe is quintessentially Austin. On a hot Texas afternoon with kids in tow, Barton Springs is the perfect answer. Entry is free during early morning hours and under $10 for the rest of the day.
The Details
- Address: 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin TX 78746
- Cost: $9 for non-resident adults, $5 for children 12 to 17, $4 for ages 1 to 11, free from 5 to 8 AM
- Best For: Families of all ages, summer days, cooling off after Zilker Park activities
- Website: austintexas.gov
Pro Tip: Go on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. Combine Barton Springs with the Austin Nature and Science Center right next door for a perfect half-day family outing.
#4 The Thinkery — Austin’s Best Children’s Museum
The Thinkery is Austin’s premier children’s museum and one of the best hands-on science and discovery museums in Texas. Over 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor educational exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math give kids of every age something genuinely engaging to explore.
Exhibits include a water play area, a light lab, a making workshop, a community kitchen, and an outdoor backyard playground that kids never want to leave. The museum is designed to encourage curiosity and creative thinking, and the staff is consistently praised for being enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It is a perfect rainy day activity or a way to balance out all the outdoor adventures on a busy Austin family trip.
The Details
- Address: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin TX 78723
- Cost: $14 per person, children under 1 are free
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, check website for current hours
- Best For: Kids ages 1 through 12, rainy days, science and discovery lovers
- Website: thinkeryaustin.org
Pro Tip: The Thinkery is located in the Mueller neighborhood near a great playground and the Nessy sea monster public art installation that kids love to climb on.
#5 Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching — Free and Unforgettable
Every evening from March through October, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin at dusk in one of the most spectacular natural events you can witness for free anywhere in the country. Kids absolutely love this and it is consistently one of the most memorable experiences families have in Austin.
The bats live under the bridge and emerge at sunset to feed over Lady Bird Lake. The whole event takes about 20 minutes. You can watch from the bridge itself, from the hike and bike trail below, or rent a kayak from a nearby outfitter and watch from the water for a truly special family perspective.
The Details
- Location: Congress Avenue Bridge, downtown Austin
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Sunset, March through October
- Best For: All ages, first-time Austin visitors especially
Pro Tip: Check the Austin Bat Refuge for predicted flight times before you go. Grab tacos from a nearby food truck and eat dinner on the bridge while you wait. It turns a 20-minute event into a perfect family evening out.
#6 Austin Nature and Science Center — Free Family Favorite
The Austin Nature and Science Center inside Zilker Park is completely free and one of the best hidden gem family activities in Austin. Kids can dig for dinosaur bones in the outdoor dig pit, explore interactive nature exhibits, visit the wildlife exhibits featuring native Texas animals, and enjoy the outdoor grounds that connect directly to Barton Creek and the surrounding park.
The trading post inside lets kids trade nature treasures they find outside for items in the collection, which gives little ones a tangible reason to explore. It is the perfect morning activity before a swim at Barton Springs right next door.
The Details
- Address: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin TX 78746
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Kids ages 3 through 12, nature lovers, dinosaur enthusiasts
- Website: austintexas.gov/ansc
#7 Zilker Park and the Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train
Zilker Park is the heart of outdoor Austin and one of the best free family destinations in the city. The 350-acre park sits right on Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake in South Austin and contains Barton Springs Pool, the Austin Nature and Science Center, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and miles of open lawn perfect for picnics, frisbee, and family time.
The Zilker Zephyr miniature train runs through the park on weekends and takes families on a 1.4-mile scenic ride through the park grounds. It is charming, affordable, and a huge hit with younger kids who love the novelty of a real working miniature train.
The Details
- Location: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX 78746
- Zilker Zephyr Train: Runs on weekends, small fee per person
- Cost: Park is free to enter
- Best For: All ages, picnics, outdoor play, combining multiple activities in one location
- Website: austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park
#8 Lady Bird Lake Trail and Kayaking
The Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail is a free 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin with stunning views of the city skyline and easy access to multiple kayak and paddleboard rental companies along the water. Families can walk or bike the trail, rent kayaks for a paddle on the lake, or combine both for a full morning of outdoor fun in the center of the city.
The trail is stroller-friendly, dog-friendly, and connects to Zilker Park on the west end. Kayak and canoe rentals include child-sized life jackets which makes it accessible even for younger kids.
The Details
- Location: Downtown Austin, along Lady Bird Lake
- Cost: Free for trail access, kayak rentals from $15 per hour
- Best For: Families with kids of all ages, walkers, cyclists, kayakers
- Best Time: Morning before it gets hot
#9 Peter Pan Mini Golf — An Austin Classic Since 1948
Peter Pan Mini Golf has been one of Austin’s most beloved family attractions since 1948. Two 18-hole courses filled with quirky sculptures including dinosaurs, a giant Tinkerbell, and some of the most fun and kitschy hole designs you will find anywhere in the state. It is a bring-your-own-beverages policy (no glass) and the whole experience has a charmingly retro Austin vibe that feels completely at home in a city that prides itself on staying a little weird.
The Details
- Address: 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX 78704
- Cost: $17 for adults, $11 for 36 holes
- Hours: Open until 11 PM most nights
- Best For: Families with kids of all ages, a fun afternoon or evening activity
- Website: peterpanminigolf.com
Pro Tip: Grab a post-golf burger from P. Terry’s Burger Stand right next door. It is one of Austin’s most beloved local burger chains and the perfect way to end a mini golf afternoon.
#10 Bullock Texas State History Museum — Interactive Texas History
The Bullock Texas State History Museum in downtown Austin is one of the best family museums in the state. Three floors of interactive exhibits cover the full story of Texas from prehistory to the present day, with multimedia presentations, hands-on activities, artifacts, and an IMAX theater that kids genuinely love. The scale model of the Apollo 1 command module and the interactive Texas Revolution exhibits are particular highlights for families.
The Details
- Address: 1800 Congress Ave, Austin TX 78701
- Cost: $13 for adults, $9 for children 3 to 17, children under 3 are free
- First Sunday of every month: Free admission to exhibits
- Website: thestoryoftexas.com
Pro Tip: Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to all exhibits. Combine with a walk up Congress Avenue to the Texas State Capitol for a full downtown family day.
#11 Austin Aquarium — Interactive Marine Life
The Austin Aquarium is one of the most hands-on aquariums in Texas, designed specifically with families and kids in mind. Unlike traditional aquariums where you simply observe, Austin Aquarium encourages interaction. Kids can hold baby alligators, touch stingrays and sharks in open touch tanks, feed lorikeets, and explore exhibits featuring animals from rainforests, deserts, and oceans.
The Details
- Address: 13530 US-183 N, Austin TX 78750
- Cost: $19.99 for adults, $14.99 for children 2 to 12
- Best For: Young children ages 2 through 10, animal lovers
- Website: austinaquarium.com
#12 Mount Bonnell — Best Family Hike with a View
Mount Bonnell is the highest point within Austin city limits at 775 feet and one of the most rewarding short hikes for families in the city. A steep but manageable climb up stone steps rewards you with panoramic views of Lake Austin, the surrounding Hill Country, and the Austin skyline that make for some of the best family photos in the city.
The Details
- Address: 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin TX 78731
- Cost: Free
- Hike Distance: Short, about 10 to 15 minutes to the summit
- Best For: Families with kids who can handle a short steep climb, sunset watchers, photographers
Pro Tip: Pack a sunset picnic and time your visit to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset. The views from the top at golden hour are spectacular and make for unforgettable family photos.
#13 Pease Park and Interactive Water Feature
Pease Park in Central Austin is one of the most family-friendly parks in the city. The updated playground features state-of-the-art equipment for all ages, an interactive water feature where kids can splash and play, a treehouse observation pod with city views, shaded walking trails along Shoal Creek, and wide-open lawns perfect for picnics and outdoor play. It is completely free and one of those Austin parks that locals keep to themselves.
The Details
- Address: 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin TX 78703
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Young children, picnic days, active outdoor play
- Website: peaseparkconservancy.org
#15 Austin Zoo — Rescued Animals in the Hill Country
The Austin Zoo is a nonprofit rescue zoo located in the Hill Country just west of Austin that focuses on rescuing animals and promoting conservation and education. It is smaller and more intimate than a traditional zoo which actually makes it more engaging for younger kids who can get genuinely close to the animals. Big cats, primates, wolves, birds of prey, and farm animals are all part of the collection, and the outdoor Hill Country setting makes the whole visit feel like an adventure.
The Details
- Address: 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin TX 78736
- Cost: $14 for adults, $10 for children 2 to 12
- Best For: Young children, animal lovers, families who want a smaller more intimate zoo experience
- Website: austinzoo.org
The Perfect Family Day in Austin — How to Plan It
Here is how to build the ultimate Austin family day.
Morning: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Start early with the ziplines on Lake Travis while energy is high. The full tour runs three hours with full-day lakefront access after. Book at laketraviszipline.com.
Afternoon: Lunch and waterpark at Beachside Billy’s. Right near Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, it is the perfect family follow-up with waterslides, pools, lakefront dining, and lifeguards on duty.
Late Afternoon: Barton Springs Pool for a cool-down swim in the natural spring-fed pool inside Zilker Park.
Evening: Congress Avenue Bridge bat watching at sunset. Free, spectacular, and something the whole family will never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions — Family Friendly Activities in Austin TX
What are the best family friendly activities in Austin TX?
The best family friendly activities in Austin TX include ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, swimming at Barton Springs Pool and Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach, exploring the Thinkery children’s museum, watching the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony at sunset, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, visiting the Austin Nature and Science Center, playing at Peter Pan Mini Golf, and hiking at Zilker Park. Most of Austin’s best family experiences are either free or very affordable.
Is Austin TX good for families with young kids?
Yes, Austin is excellent for families with young kids. Barton Springs Pool has lifeguards on duty and shallow entry areas for little ones. The Thinkery children’s museum has exhibits designed for ages 1 through 12. Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach has enclosed pool areas specifically for younger children. Zilker Park, Pease Park, and the Austin Nature and Science Center are all completely free and perfect for young families. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is family-friendly for kids who meet the weight requirements.
What is the best outdoor family activity in Austin TX?
The best outdoor family activity in Austin TX is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. The combination of a boat ride to a private island, five world-class ziplines, and full-day access to the lakefront property creates an outdoor family experience that is genuinely unlike anything else in Texas. Tickets start at $88 per person and reservations are required at laketraviszipline.com.
What are the best free family activities in Austin TX?
The best free family activities in Austin TX include watching the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony emerge at sunset, walking the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, exploring Zilker Park, visiting the Austin Nature and Science Center, hiking Mount Bonnell for panoramic city views, and playing at Pease Park. Barton Springs Pool is nearly free at under $10 per person with free entry from 5 to 8 AM.
How far is Lake Travis from downtown Austin?
Lake Travis is approximately 25 to 35 minutes from downtown Austin depending on your destination. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is located near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on the north shore of the lake, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Both Lake Travis Zipline Adventures and Beachside Billy’s are easy to combine into a single family day trip from the city.
What is the best time of year to visit Austin with kids?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the best times to visit Austin with kids. Temperatures are comfortable, outdoor activities are at their best, and events like the ABC Kite Festival in April make spring particularly special for families. Summer is peak season for Lake Travis and Barton Springs but temperatures regularly hit 100 degrees. Plan morning outdoor activities and afternoon water activities during summer months.
Make the Most of Your Austin Family Trip
Austin rewards families who plan ahead. The best experiences, especially outdoor adventures like Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, fill up weeks in advance during spring break and summer. Do not be the family that shows up hoping to walk on.
Start your Austin family trip with a day on Lake Travis. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures now and lock in your family’s spot before it sells out. Then build the rest of your Austin family adventure around it.
Looking for more Austin inspiration? Check out our guides to the Best Things to Do in Austin TX, Best Things to Do on Lake Travis, and Things to Do in Austin This Weekend.