9 Best Outdoor Family-Friendly Activities In and Around Austin
Austin is known for live music, incredible food, and a booming business scene, but what I love most is how family-friendly it truly is. As a mom and a Realtor here in Central Texas, I can tell you firsthand, this city makes it easy to get outside, unplug, and actually enjoy time together.
Whether you’re already raising your crew here or thinking about making Austin home, these outdoor spots are perfect for memory-making with kids of all ages.
Here are some of my favorite family-friendly activities in and around Austin.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX
This is one of Austin’s crown jewels. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and exploring, all tucked into shady trees and limestone cliffs. It feels like you’ve escaped the city, even though you’re still right in the middle of it.
The lower trails are great for little ones, while the upper trails give older kids a bit more of an adventure. And when it’s warm, nothing beats cooling off at Twin Falls or Sculpture Falls. Nature, exercise, and fun all in one spot.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Austin, TX 78746
If you ask most locals where they take their families, Zilker is always near the top of the list. Wide open fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of room to run, fly kites, or just lay out a blanket.
Between the Zilker Botanical Garden, outdoor shows at the Hillside Theater, and the always-popular Zilker Zephyr train ride, there’s something here for every age. It’s one of those places that makes you grateful to live in Austin.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX
This iconic spring-fed pool stays cool year-round, which is a total blessing during Texas summers. It’s family-friendly, refreshing, and one of the most beloved places in the city.
What I also love is that it doubles as a learning opportunity. Barton Springs is home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, and the nearby Splash! exhibit makes it easy to turn a swim day into a mini science lesson.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX
This is classic Austin. Peter Pan Mini-Golf has been around since 1948, and those giant Peter Pan and T-Rex statues are practically landmarks.
It’s laid-back, affordable, and perfect for a casual family outing. You can even bring your own food and enjoy a picnic after a round or two. Sometimes the simplest activities create the best memories.
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX
If you want a little adventure mixed with education, Westcave is such a hidden gem. About 45 minutes outside Austin, guided tours take you through beautiful limestone crevices to a stunning grotto and waterfall.
Kids learn about conservation, wildlife, and the unique environment of the Hill Country, without ever feeling like they’re in a classroom. They also host stargazing nights and bird-watching programs that are perfect for families who love the outdoors.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX
This place is peaceful, beautiful, and incredibly family-friendly. The Family Garden has giant nests, small caves, and a shrub maze that kids love to explore.
Seasonal events like Fortlandia or Luminations make every visit feel special. It’s one of my favorite spots for slowing down, reconnecting, and letting kids experience nature in a fun, hands-on way.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Austin, TX
This 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake is one of the best ways to enjoy Austin outdoors. It’s flat, scenic, and easy enough for families with strollers, bikes, and even leashed pups.
Whether you go for a full family bike ride or a short evening walk, the skyline views, water, and greenery make this trail a favorite for locals.
The Natural Gardener
8648 Old Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX
More than a garden center, The Natural Gardener feels like a little outdoor classroom. Kids can explore the butterfly garden, walk the labyrinth, see farm animals, and learn about organic gardening.
They also offer workshops on composting and growing your own food, which is such a fun way for families to learn together. It’s one of those unexpected places that turns into a favorite.
Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX
The Austin Zoo is a rescue-focused zoo that gives animals a second chance while teaching kids about conservation and care. With over 300 animals, a petting zoo, and a train ride through the property, it’s both entertaining and educational.
If you have animal lovers in your family, this one is always a hit.
Embrace the Austin Lifestyle
One of the things that makes Austin such a special place to live is how easy it is to get outside as a family. From trails and swimming holes to gardens and wildlife experiences, there’s always something to do together.
If you’re thinking about making Austin your long-term home, I’d love to help you explore neighborhoods that fit your family’s lifestyle, whether that’s Barton Creek, Westlake, Cedar Park, or somewhere in between.
I am here to help you find not just a house, but a community where your family can truly thrive. Let’s start your next chapter right here in Austin.