Discover the best family friendly things to do in Austin — Barton Springs, Lake Austin boat days, Zilker Park, museums, and kid-approved restaurants. A parent's guide.
Key takeaways
What to know
- Family friendly things to do in Austin include Barton Springs, Zilker, museums, and captained Lake Austin pontoon days.
- Captained pontoon charters need no boating experience — captain handles everything; kids swim in coves with life jackets.
- Thinkery and Bullock Museum cover rainy or hot afternoons; SoCo tacos work for picky eaters.
- Book daytime lake charters — family trips are not party boats.
Family friendly things to do in Austin mix water, parks, and museums without requiring a car for every outing. This parent-focused guide covers outdoor activities, indoor backups, kid-approved food, and age-specific tips — including a captained Lake Austin pontoon day that works for families who have never been on a boat. For the broader activity umbrella, see things to do in Austin.
Outdoor Family Activities in Austin
Barton Springs Pool (Family Swim)
Spring-fed pool in Zilker Park — 68–70°F year-round. Life jackets allowed; shallow end suits younger kids. Cash/card entry; arrive early on hot summer weekends.
Zilker Park and Kite Festival
Open lawns for frisbee, kites, and picnics. Seasonal events include the Zilker Kite Festival. Adjacent to Barton Springs and the trail to Lady Bird Lake.
Lake Austin Family Boat Day
A captained pontoon boat rental Austin is one of the easiest family water days — no license needed, captain anchors in calm coves for swimming, lily pad time, and photos. Daytime charters (not party boats) work best for kids. See Lake Austin boat rentals and captained boat rental Austin for capacity and inclusions. Pack using what to bring on a Lake Austin boat rental; swim spots in best swimming coves on Lake Austin.
Barton Creek Greenbelt (Kid-Friendly Sections)
Flat trail sections near Zilker access work for younger hikers; skip steep or muddy segments after rain. Always carry water and sun protection.
Museums and Indoor Family Activities in Austin
Thinkery Children's Museum
Hands-on exhibits for toddlers through elementary age — strong rainy-day option in Mueller. Book timed entry on busy weekends.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
IMAX theater and Texas history exhibits — engaging for school-age kids and teens. Downtown location pairs with Capitol walk.
Natural Science Center
Dinosaur exhibits and outdoor wildlife — northwest Austin location; plan drive time from downtown hotels.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Austin
Home Slice Pizza, Torchy's Tacos, Kerbey Lane Cafe, and food halls (Fareground) tolerate kids and varied tastes. South Congress has casual lunch spots after Zilker mornings.
Day Trips from Austin for Families
Inner Space Cavern, Hamilton Pool (reservation required when open), and McKinney Falls add variety beyond city limits. Each needs a car and half-day block.
Family Activities in Austin by Age Group
Toddlers and Young Kids
Thinkery, Zilker playground and picnic, Barton Springs shallow end, short Lady Bird Lake walk. Avoid long restaurant waits — pack snacks.
Tweens and Teens
Lake Austin pontoon with swimming, Bullock IMAX, Greenbelt hike to a swimming hole, kayak rental on Lady Bird Lake, and live music venues (with parents) on early shows.
Tips for Visiting Austin with Kids
- Book daytime lake charters — cooler, calmer, and family-appropriate.
- Sunscreen, hats, and water bottles non-negotiable May–September.
- Soft-sided coolers on boats — no glass; confirm life jacket sizes with operator.
- More outdoor ideas: [outdoor things to do in Austin](/blog/outdoor-things-to-do-in-austin).
A captained Lake Austin pontoon is one of the easiest family water days in Austin
No experience needed — captain handles everything. See pontoon boat rentals in Austin.
Frequently asked questions
Boat Bros
Ready for your Lake Austin day? Book a pontoon, wake boat, or sunset cruise.