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Things to Do in Austin with Kids
Austin is built for families who like to be outside: a lake you can paddle in the middle of downtown, a spring-fed pool that stays cool all summer, and a bridge where a million bats fly out at sunset. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged along the way.
We run a donut tour on South Congress, one of the city's most fun streets, so we've included our favorite ways to pair it with the rest of a family day.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Lady Bird Lake trail, the Congress Avenue Bridge bats, the Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park, Mueller Lake Park
- Rainy day picks: Thinkery, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Inner Space Cavern
- Sweet treat: Our Austin donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Austin, by neighborhood
Downtown and Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
FreeA shady 10-mile loop around the lake, flat enough for strollers and scooters, with rentals for kayaks and paddleboards along the way.
Congress Avenue Bridge bats
FreeFrom spring through fall, a huge colony of bats pours out from under the bridge at dusk. Kids talk about it for years.
Parent tip: Late summer brings the biggest flights. Arrive before sunset and watch from the bridge or the lakeshore.
Texas State Capitol
FreeTaller than the U.S. Capitol, with free tours, a whispering rotunda and big lawns for a picnic.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Rainy day pickHands-on Texas history, from shipwrecks to cowboys, plus an IMAX theater.
Parent tip: Get on the water early. Kayaks and paddleboards on Lady Bird Lake are best in the morning, before the Texas heat kicks in.
Zilker Park and South Congress
Zilker Park
FreeAustin's big backyard, with playgrounds, wide lawns and the Zilker Zephyr miniature train.
Barton Springs Pool
A three-acre pool fed by natural springs that stays cool all year. A summer must with kids who can swim.
Austin Nature & Science Center
FreeLive animal exhibits and a Dino Pit where kids dig for fossils, right next to Zilker Park.
South Congress Avenue
Colorful shops, murals and treats with a view of the Capitol, and home to our Austin donut tour.
Parent tip: Our South Congress donut tour is a short drive from Zilker Park, so it pairs well with a picnic and playground time.
North and East Austin
Thinkery
Rainy day pickAustin's children's museum in Mueller, with hands-on science, building and water play for kids from babies to tweens.
Mueller Lake Park
FreeA lakeside park with a great playground and paved paths, a few steps from Thinkery.
Austin Zoo
A rescue zoo in the Hill Country outskirts, with a train ride and plenty of shade.
Day trips kids love
Inner Space Cavern
Rainy day pickGuided cave tours in Georgetown, about 30 minutes north, and a cool escape on a hot day.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Big cave tours plus outdoor adventure areas, between Austin and San Antonio.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
A swimming hole under a collapsed grotto west of town.
Parent tip: Reservations are required, and swimming depends on water quality, so check before you go.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our South Congress Donut Tour walks one of Austin's most fun streets, with stops for creative donuts and local sweets, and plenty of Austin stories along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which is a big help with little ones.
Taste Austin's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Austin guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Austin covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: South Congress and Zilker
- Morning: donut tour on South Congress.
- Picnic and playground time in Zilker Park.
- Ride the Zilker Zephyr.
- Swim at Barton Springs Pool in warm months.
Day 2: Downtown
- Kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake.
- Free tour of the Texas State Capitol.
- The Bullock Museum after lunch.
- Watch the bats fly out at sunset (spring to fall).
Day 3: Play and explore
- Thinkery when it opens.
- Lunch and playground time at Mueller Lake Park.
- Austin Zoo in the afternoon.
- Or swap in a cave tour for a hot or rainy day.
Austin with kids by season
Holidays
- Trail of Lights at Zilker Park: a December tradition with a walk-through light trail and the Zilker Holiday Tree.
- Texas State Capitol: a lit Christmas tree and holiday decorations in the rotunda.
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar: a long-running holiday market with local makers and live music.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Austin.
The rest of the year
- Spring: bluebonnets along the highways and the start of bat season.
- Summer: hot. Plan mornings outside, afternoons at Barton Springs or indoors, and evenings at the bat bridge.
- Fall: warm days, Austin City Limits festival crowds in October, and great patio weather.
- Winter: mild days that are perfect for the Capitol, museums and walking tours.
Austin with kids FAQ
Is the Austin donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is a walk along South Congress, and guides set the pace for families. Kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Austin with kids?
Lady Bird Lake's trail, the Congress Avenue Bridge bats, Texas State Capitol tours, Zilker Park, the Austin Nature & Science Center and Mueller Lake Park.
When can you see the Austin bats?
Roughly spring through fall, at dusk. Late summer usually brings the biggest flights.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
Thinkery, the Bullock Texas State History Museum or a cave tour at Inner Space Cavern.