Plan your family’s next retreat to a year-round warm climate full of sun and fun. Make sure the fun is extra big when you set your sights on Texas . Zero in on the capital city of Austin for all the fun and excitement with plenty family-friendly things to do in Austin for the littlest vacationer all the way up to the adults of the group.
Capitol
Austin is the capital city of Texas, which means it plays host to all the government buildings needed to maintain everything that keeps the state running smoothly. The capitol building that stands today was completed and dedicated in May of 1888. For visitors who have also been to the U.S. capitol in Washington, DC, you may feel like the Texas capitol building is bigger.
You’d be right, because everything is bigger in Texas, including our capitol building! In fact, the Texas capitol building in Austin is 14.64 feet taller than the U.S. capitol, based on measurements taken from the ground to the top of the Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. capitol and from ground to the tip of the Goddess of Liberty on the Texas capitol.
Texas Military Forces Museum
Wander and take in everything in the 45,000-square foot facility while you explore the history of the Texas militia and volunteer forces dating back to 1823 – before Texas joined the United States! Permanent exhibits include samples of uniforms, weapons, equipment, soldiers’ personal items, film, music, and other items that reflect life in the military at various times in history. The museum also hosts several “living history” programs, in addition to battle reenactments and other special events. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Austin Aquarium
Meet the wildlife that make their home below the waves. Encounter sting rays, sharks, tropical fish from around the globe, as well as koi fish, and many others. Learn about coral reefs and how they help to nourish the underwater environment and provide shelter or watch sharks as they swim silently through their tanks. Once you’ve gotten to know some of the aquarium’s inhabitants, schedule a special encounter where you can feed stingrays, tortoises, and even sharks for an unforgettable experience this spring.
Austin Zoo
Spend some time outdoors this spring and wander the zoo while you get to know its residents. Meet lions, tigers, cougars and other cats. Marvel at majestic mammals like North American black bears, wolf hybrids, or the unique coatimundi – a member of the raccoon family that lives 7-15 years, with adults weighing up to 17 pounds!
Friends in the primates’ area include the ring-tailed lemur and a variety of monkeys. The zoo showcases the native wildlife of Texas, too, such as the Texas leaf-cutting ant and the eastern fox squirrel. Wrap up your visit with domesticated animals like longhorns, miniature donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, and even llamas!
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
A great way to see and experience Austin with the family is to get out and get right in the middle of it. Lace up your walking shoes or hop on a bike and head to the Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake and the surrounding area.
The low-grade, paved trail is the perfect path for pedestrians and cyclists alike, as it winds its way through downtown. You’ll get a beautiful view of the Austin skyline while you’re at it.
Because of its location, the ten-mile loop is dotted with parking and access points so you can create an adventure that takes in just a little bit or even all of the route. Make use of available restrooms, water fountains, foot showers and other conveniences. There are boat launches into the lake, and a pedestrian/cyclist-only bridge over Lady Bird Lake.
6th Street
It’s the place to be in Austin! There’s almost nowhere else in the city that captures the city slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” than this bustling, eclectic area. There are a variety of restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and more, including the Museum of the Weird. The museum houses many curiosities and oddities. The stop is often included on organized sightseeing tours of the city.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Fun and relaxing for the whole family, the garden was created in the 1950s in a part of Zilker Park in Austin. The garden is over 30 acres of land that plays host to hundreds of plants that thrive in Austin’s arid southwestern conditions. Wander the garden or take part in any of its many special community programs, including wellness programs, the Woodland Faerie Trail, Music in the Garden, Dog Days, and more. Since it’s part of Zilker Park, the garden is close to the open areas of the park, as well as the children’s playground.
Breweries & Distilleries
The adults can enjoy some adults-only time on a visit to Austin. The city is home to a variety of breweries and distilleries. Grab something to eat and wash it down with brews from companies like Austin Beerworks, Austin Craft Brewing Company, Treaty Oak Distilling, Still Austin Whiskey Co., and several others. You may even be able to buy some to bring back to your rental to enjoy with your next home-cooked meal.
Austin Mural Tour by Pedicab
While you may think the “Greetings from Austin” mural is the only mural you’ll want to get a family selfie at, you’d be wrong. Austin is full of murals and street art, each perfect for a photo op. The tour includes stops at the famed “Greetings from Austin” mural, as well as other popular murals like the “I Love You So Much” mural, “Willie for President” mural, and many others throughout the area.
Treaty Oak
You may be wondering how an old oak tree is a landmark your family must see on a visit to Austin. This particular tree is a 500+ year old tree that is the last marker of the boundary between Anglo and Native American territory. At one time there were a total of 14 trees that marked the area where Comanche and Tonkawa Native American tribes held meetings. The tree that stands today was poisoned in 1989, and after an effort to save the tree, it is now protected by a chain fence.
The Driskill
Walking into the hotel is like walking into a piece of Austin history. Opened in 1886, it was considered “One of the Finest Hotels in the Whole Country” by the Daily Statesman. The hotel was built for approximately $400,000 at that time, an equivalent of over $92 million today. The hotel hosts a variety of rooms, including suites, rooms, and handicap accessible accommodations all keeping in the vintage style and feel of the historic hotel in its heyday.
Fishing
Not many people think of the relaxed activity of fishing when they think of a busy city like Austin. But there are a number of ponds and lakes within the city and nearby that offer the activity. Stop by Kingfisher Pond and Bullfrog Pond in Travis County East Metro Park, or McKinney Falls State Park. Cast a line into Lady Bird Lake while you’re there enjoying its other activities, or find your way to Lake Austin, Walter E. Long Lake, or Red Bud Isle for some of Austin’s best fishing.
Cap City Comedy Club
If you and your family are looking for a laugh during your Austin retreat, Austin is just the place to find it. Now located in The Domain shopping center, the club is celebrating 35 years of providing comedic relief to the city’s residents and visitors. The club features two state-of-the-art showrooms hosting a number of national acts, local comedians, and up-and-coming talent. Choose from a wide variety of food and drink offerings while you enjoy the show.
Visit their website to see who’s on stage and make sure the show is appropriate for all ages in your group.
Museum of Ice Cream
It’s the perfect place for the kids and kids-at-heart in the group. Learn all about the delicious frozen treat and its history across several multi-sensory exhibits or play in the world-famous “sprinkle pool.” In addition to all the fun, enjoy your pick of unlimited treats in nostalgic flavors across five different ice cream shapes and forms. There’s also an indoor play space where you and the kids can climb, slide, or even ride replica iced animal cookies!
Shopping
Shopping knows no age limits! The are a variety of shops, boutiques, and malls to explore with the family. Many malls and outlets offer national brands like Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Bath & Body Works, and more. Local shops and boutiques offer items that are unique to Austin. No matter where you shop, you’ll find a sweet Austin souvenir to remember your trip.
Dining
From national chain restaurants to local eateries, Austin has a delicious food scene. Local flavors you don’t want to miss include Stella San Jac, Corner Restaurant, Moonshine Grill, La Barbeque Austin, and Magnolia Cafe. Those are just a few of the delicious dining options you’ll have to choose from during your Austin retreat. Select restaurants offer smaller portions or children’s menus for smaller bellies.
Thinkery
Everyone can stretch their minds at the museum. It features nearly a dozen separate rooms where you can learn about motion, light, electricity, and more. Take some time at the Innovators’ Workshop – a mix of art and science to challenge your skills and imagination for building and inventing. Settle in and hear a story in the story nook, or head to the Move! Studio or Bloom where kids can run and play to their heart’s content.
The Escape Game Austin
Escape rooms have become a popular activity for fun for nearly all ages. Work together with your group members to solve a series of clues and puzzles and break out in 60 minutes to win the game. There are different themed rooms to choose from, with varying degrees of difficulty. Choose the topic, age recommendation, or difficulty that’s right for you and make sure to book in advance. Book your time at the downtown Austin venue and choose from themes like Gold Rush, The Heist, The Depths, Playground, and more.
Texas Music Museum
Learn about the Texas music scene and its history and development through the years. The museum collects and preserves various artifacts, documents, and other reference material related to the diverse traditions of music in Texas with items displayed in a variety of presentations and exhibits. The museum also offers educational programs, as well as performances and music festivals highlighting the achievements of Texas musicians.
Pinballz Arcade
Perfect for the kids and kids at heart, the arcade hosts over 80 pinball machines, along with dozens of “modern” games, video games, and more. The arcade has a BYOB policy (available on website). They also host various events such as trivia nights, tabletop gaming nights, karaoke, and more.
Texas Trail Rides
Get a chance to go on a trail ride like the Texas cowboys of the past. Book a group horseback riding lesson and explore the Lone Star Ranch trails in South Austin. Riders will be fitted with all the proper safety gear, then led across the scenic creek and into beautiful open nature of the ranch, all within Austin city limits. Rides take place rain or shine, unless it is deemed to be unsafe.
Please note Lone Star Ranch is a working ranch and trail rides are by appointment only. Please book online, bring a water bottle and trail snacks for yourself, and cash (no credit or debit cards).
Ultimate Family-Friendly Accommodations for an Ultimate Stay in Austin
When you stay in a vacation rental in Austin provided by Renter’s Club, you’ll enjoy easy access to the many area family-friendly activities, attractions, shopping, dining, and more to make a spring respite to remember for everyone. We offer one-bedroom units for a more intimate stay, all the way up to a ten-bedroom unit for a unique retreat to Austin with all your entire family.
Prepare the family’s favorite meal in the fully equipped kitchen and enjoy it in a spacious dining area. Afterward, spread out in an open living space. Enjoy a private balcony or patio or spend some time near a private pool.
Contact us today!
