Whether you are visiting Austin for the first time or are still getting acquainted with the area, a bucket list is always a great place to start for making the most out of exploring a new city.
We’ve broken it down for you…from the best eats in town, to experiencing Austin culture, to our vast water activities around town…Austin has it all!
Eats & Drinks
With Kids:
- Amy’s Ice Cream – Better than Bluebell. Yeah, we said it. Get the Belgian Chocolate or Dreamsicle (if in season).
- South Congress Food Trailers – Some of the best trailers in town!
- Whole Foods – Austin’s flagship store (6th and Lamar) is a straight-up paradise for any Whole Foods fan. The desserts and homemade caramels are divine…well, go ahead and get one of everything!
- Farmer’s Markets… try them all! {Hill Country Galleria, Barton Creek Mall, the Triangle}
- Freddie’s Place – Let the kids play, listen to live music, and play washers while waiting for (and eating) your food. They price everything in cents!
- Gourdough’s – Both the Public House and the trailer are great! An extravagant spin on the traditional donut…yum!
- Nutty Brown Cafe – Check out their Free Concert Series…live country music!
- Phil’s Ice House – Great burgers and family atmosphere. They offer a “parent recess”…they GET us moms.
- Shady Grove – If you’ve been to Austin, you’ve probably been here…a classic must-visit. Music/Drinks/Austin Period.
- The Oasis – Kill two birds with one stone by getting one of the best views of Lake Travis while experiencing an iconic Austin restaurant.
- Jack Allen’s – Uses all local ingredients and creates a menu to cater to seasonal specialties. Any and everything on their menu is a party in your mouth.
Great for Date Night:
- Moonshine – A classic Austin spot…hometown comfort food, hip and family-friendly atmosphere (love the patio), and occasional celeb sightings. An Austin favorite for brunch and dinner!
- Driskill Grill – Upscale, delish, historic downtown restaurant
- Uchi – Best sushi in town…hands down.
- Paggi House – Check out the courtyard inside…unexpected perk of the whole ambiance. Great service to boot!
- Eastside Cafe – Ingredients from their backyard (and chickens too) make for original, fresh, and eclectic dishes perfect for the Austin palate.
Stay Cool {Indoor Fun}
- Alamo Draft House – Get waited on restaurant-style while watching the newest box office releases, old classics, or check the website to see which sing-a-longs are coming up (think Wizard of Oz and Grease)!
- Hoppin’ House – One of the great jumpy houses around.
- iPlay Austin – South Austin jumpy house with a full candy and concession bar. Great for parties or just relief from the heat.
- Austin Aquarium – Sharks, Stingrays, Octopuses, OH MY!
- Shop and let the kids play at IKEA!
- Millie and Mox – Darling children’s boutique specializing in clothes, toys, and books from around the world.
- JumpoLine Park – Trampolines…need we say more? Show your family that double back flip you used to do!
Get Wet
- Hawaiian Fall Water Park – A family-centered water park in Pflugerville…brand new and exciting new addition to central Texas!
- Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels – The Hottest, Coolest Time in Texas! A must-do/must-see if you’re in the area. They even have Christmas-themed events, so the fun extends year-round!
- Volente Marina and Beach – Lake shore fun, pools for the little ones, volleyball courts, waterpark, and more!
- Lake Travis-Just For Fun Watercraft Rentals – Best place to rent jet skis and party boats…right next to Carlos’N Charlie’s.
- Lakeway Resort & Spa – A great getaway spot for the weekend. Water sporting and activities, world-class spa, yoga, and being one with nature!
- Barton Springs – Spring-fed pool in Zilker Park, the chilly water is ideal for those scorching summer days! Another iconic Austin must-do!
- Deep Eddy Pool – Oldest swimming pool in Texas built during the Depression, let the kids enjoy the toddler area/splash pads, and movie nights!
- Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk (newly opened) – Amazing views of downtown Austin. Run/walk/bike the entire 10 mile trail if you want to exercise like a local Austinite.
- Congress Avenue Kayaks –
Kayaking and Standup Paddleboards at it’s finest. Rent at the boathouse next to the Congress bridge. Experience beautiful Austin from the water!
Culture, Music, & Arts
- Texas Memorial Museum
- The Texas Capitol
- Blues on the Green (Zilker Park)
- Moody Theater (Austin City Limits)
- 360 Amphitheater
Become One With Nature
- Wildflower Center – Family adventure exploring nature, animals, caves, waterfalls, and more. Beautiful in the spring!
- Pace Bend Park – Plan your family camping trip at this lakefront park, complete with cliffs, coves, hiking trails, and the best views of Lake Travis.
- Austin Zoo & Sanctuary – Explore your wild side and open your heart to animal conservation, as all the Austin Zoo animals are rescues. Our favorites are the tigers…such personality!
- Cabela’s – People come from states away to visit this outdoor mecca. The children especially love seeing the aquarium hall and the safari animals. Make sure to sample some fudge, too!
- Krause Springs – Primitive camping (RV’s welcome) and swimming just west of Austin. Try to discover all the 32 springs on the property and watch the kids frolic in the butterfly garden.
- McKinney Falls State Park – A state park virtually within the city. Just minutes east of I-35, check out the upper and lower falls of the park, and make sure to pack a lunch, as the kids won’t want to leave. Great photo ops here!
- Botanical Gardens – Another popular photo op location because of its beauty and diverse botanical species. The kids will love the Dinosaur habitat!
Exploring Beyond Austin
- Take a steam train Hill Country ride up to Burnet with Austin Steam Train
- Family weekend getaway to Fredericksburg
- Zipline in the Hill Country
- Wine tasting in Gruene at Gruene Vineyard
- Family golf, horseback riding, spas, and river fun at Hyatt Lost Pines resort (Bastrop)
Hawaiian Falls is in Pflugerville — not Cedar Park.