Family Fun in Austin, Texas

Austin was named #1 on the list of "Best Cities for Relocating Families" last year by Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation, and with good reason.  There is so much fun stuff for families to do here.  With thanks to my beautiful wife, who helped me compile this list, I wanted to give some examples in order to illustrate the diverse fun things to do with your kids if you are visiting or moving to the Austin area:

 

Austin Children's Museum 

A fun, educational stop for the whole family.  Regular science and cultural exhibits on the level of small children through tweens.  Admission is low-priced, and is free on Wednesday nights from 5-8pm.

 

Zilker Park

This is located on the southern edge of downtown Austin, and it is our version of Central Park.  Has a lot to offer for free or cheap for families.  Barton Springs pool, sculpture garden, mini-train, sculpture garden, soccer fields, and more.

Austin Symphony Orchestra Website for Children

A website from Dell and the Austin Symphony Orchestra to help kids learn about music and musical instruments.

Austin's Park and Pizza

A one-admission-price fun zone with bumper boats, video games, two mini-golf courses, batting cages, kiddie rides, laser tag, rock-climbing wall, go-karts and a buffet.

Austin Zoo

The Austin Zoo is a sanctuary for rescued animals.  Wear sturdy shoes to walk on the steep gravel paths, and bring your own water (no water fountains.)

Deep Eddy

The oldest swimming pool in Texas, Deep Eddy was once a resort.  The bathhouse is being restored to its former glory, but in the meantime, you can take your kids to see a movie in the pool on Splash Nights during the summers in Austin.

 

 Inner Space Caverns

One day, while building Interstate 35 north of Austin, Texas Department of Transportation drillers found this cave when their drill bit fell into it.  Now, you can explore the unseen beauty that lies beneath us all.  Carved out by years of water erosion, and decorated with many beautiful limestone deposits, Inner Space Caverns is a fascinating tour.  Lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.

 

 Bob Bullock Texas History Museum and IMAX Theater

This fairly new museum tells the "story of Texas," and features an IMAX theater with 2-D and 3-D capabilities. If you enjoy history, it is easy to spend an entire day exploring here.

 

http://www.austinboredkids.com/

This website contains many first-person reviews of Austin-area family attractions.  You can check here if you want to know whether a new spot is worth the visit.

Boggy Creek Farm

Farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, eggs, ice cream, and even tofu are featured at the market days at Boggy Creek Farm.  Teach your children where food comes from, and learn what produce is available seasonally in Austin.

 Alamo Drafthouse

At these four Austin-area theaters, when children's movies are shown, kids are allowed to come in and eat while watching a movie.  Call ahead to verify that kids can come to a certain showing; this establishment normally serves alcohol.

Austin Nature & Science Center

This educational center features many biological specimens (butterflies, rocks, fossils, shells) and exhibits, such as the "Dino pit," where kids can unearth concrete "dinosaur skeletons" from a sand pit.  It also has a few animals that have been rescued and cannot be returned to the wild.

 

The Dino Park

This park features many huge models of dinosaurs, a playground, and picnic areas.

Main Event

With bowling, laser tag, glow golf, video games, pool tables, and rock climbing, there is something for everyone at this family fun center.

 

 Radijazz is an "indoor playnasium" with a "lavascape," (pit filled with foam cubes, volcano playscape, and riverscape area, with lots of padded foam boats, ducks, and bridges to climb on.  Everything is nice and padded (even the pillars that support the roof) to make it safe for energetic little ones.  Radijazz is for children age 7 and younger, but older kids can participate if they are accompanying a younger sibling that is 7 or younger.  See their web page for pricing and hours.

 

Texas Memorial Museum

This museum on the University of Texas campus has a lot of good natural history and science exhibits, many of which would interest children.  There are rocks and minerals, insects, dinosaurs, many dioramas of Texas wildlife.  You'll have to pay to park on campus, so plan on it.  It will be much easier to find parking when classes are not in session.

 

Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

If you and your kids like flowers, the Wildflower Center has many nature trails and garden exhibits.  Lots of beauty here!

 

 

Ice Bats

Did you know that we have hockey teams, even in Texas?  You and your kids can go see an Ice Bats game, and enjoy the frosty hockey experience, even in the midst of our 100-degree heat.

 

Round Rock Express

This is the Round Rock minor league baseball team.  Be a fan and cheer for our team.  It's a great place to take the kids, too!  My son loves these games.

 

Hill Country Flyer

All aboard the Hill Country Flyer steam locomotive from Cedar Park to Burnet, Texas!  Teach your kids the true meaning of "choo-choo" when they hear that powerful steam engine. 

 

Please feel free to call me at 512-796-7653 or email me at jason@austintexashomes.com.  You can search the Austin MLS at our site at www.austintexashomes.com

Copyright 2007   Austin Real Estate     Jason Crouch   All rights reserved

 
This post has been included in Texas Information Travis County, TX Information Austin, TX Information
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38 Comments on Family Fun in Austin, Texas

Jason, no wonder Austin got named such a great city for relocating families.  You've got a great selection of fun family activities in this post and I'm sure that families relocating to the area will appreciate the information.  And maybe it will entice some others who were considering Austin.  

10/31/2007 06:34 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


Jason, I've been to Austin once with my husband and it was just lovely!  We had a wonderful time and the nightlife (something we don't do much) was great.  I hope to get out there again some day.

10/31/2007 06:36 AM by Irene Morales Ward, Realtor, ABR, e-Pro Northern Virginia Real Estate (REMAX Absolute)


Jason, this is a fantastic post, not only for Localism, but for anyone thinking about visiting Austin. My good friends moved to Austin in May and I am going to send them a link to this post (and probably more of yours). They will appreciate it so much. Thanks

10/31/2007 06:43 AM by Eugene Oregon Real Estate ~ Bridget Armstrong (Oregon Real Estate Properties)


Jason,

After reading your Posts on Austin, You made an easy sale to me!! Sounds Great.

Tom Weiss

10/31/2007 06:43 AM by Thomas Weiss (Thomas R. Weiss)


Jason - this post should be an indication for Austin buyers and sellers of the kind of research and marketing you do. I can only imagine what you can do for their homes.

I am not moving, but you make it very tempting.

10/31/2007 06:55 AM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


Crouch - The Alamo Draft house sounds like my cup of beer, er, tea:-)

10/31/2007 08:06 AM by Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker (First Choice Equity Group Inc.)


Jason-You've made it clear why so many are drawn to Austin.  It offers everything under the sun. Great post and I'm sure your locals will love the one stop place to search for fun.

10/31/2007 08:22 AM by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City)


Jason - I love Austin! Great music, great food and an all-around cool place. I proudly have a "Keep Austin Weird" sticker on my rear window.

10/31/2007 08:31 AM by Tom Plant - Murrieta Real Estate Expert - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


Jason,

By the way, Your Posts Look Great!!!

Tom Weiss

10/31/2007 09:43 AM by Thomas Weiss (Thomas R. Weiss)


Jason, great post with informative information on your area. It is nice to read post like this.

10/31/2007 10:28 AM by Danny Thornton (Home America Mortgage, INC.)


The caves and wildflower house sound great! Then a final stop at the Drafthouse for a cold one. Remember that when I'm next in town!

10/31/2007 10:42 AM by Portland Oregon Real Estate Broker * Jennifer Bukaty * (RE/MAX equity group, inc.)


BRIAN - Thanks for commenting on this one.  I hope it does entice and/or help potential relocating families.  I appreciate your continued willingness to comment on my Localism stuff.  Have a great day!

10/31/2007 11:24 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason - Not surprised that Austin is the top city to relocate! Wow--I'm ready for a field trip with excursions each day starting with the Main Event and Austin's Park and Pizza then wrap up the day with Deep Eddy on Splash night and catch the movie!  I'm in, oh wait, I need some kids to hang with!!

10/31/2007 11:27 AM by Gilbert Arizona Real Estate - Candace Robinson (HomeSmart )


IRENE - I can certainly relate to that.  With three kids, we rarely get to experience nightlife these days.  Thanks for commenting!

10/31/2007 12:15 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


BRIDGET - Thanks for your continued support.  Yes, please send this to your friends.  I truly appreciate it.  Have a Happy Halloween!

10/31/2007 12:21 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


TOM WEISS - Thanks for your compliments (both comments).  Glad that you liked the content and the design for this post.  Have a good one, buddy!

10/31/2007 12:22 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


FAINA - Thanks for your kind words.  Yes, this one took quite a bit of research.  Please let me know if you ever have anyone moving this direction, and I will certainly do the same for you.  Have a great time with your "Chinese rock star" tonight.

10/31/2007 12:34 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


SARDI - The Alamo Drafthouse is a lot of fun (dinner and a movie at the same time - does it get any better than that?).  Thanks for your comments, my friend.

10/31/2007 12:37 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


JULIE - Thanks for your great comments.  It's funny that you said "everything under the sun", since Austin averages 300 days per year of sun.  Talk to you soon!

10/31/2007 12:39 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


TOM PLANT - It's funny that you mentioned "Keep Austin Weird" as I was considering writing a post about that phrase.  Thanks for your comments, buddy.

10/31/2007 12:40 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


What???? That's Portland's motto! How did that get hi-jacked???

10/31/2007 12:42 PM by Portland Oregon Real Estate Broker * Jennifer Bukaty * (RE/MAX equity group, inc.)


DANNY - Glad you liked this post.  Thanks so much for commenting on it.  Have a great day!

10/31/2007 12:48 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


JENNIFER - Sounds like a fun day.  Sardi is also interested in the Drafthouse.  Could be a fun time for all involved...

10/31/2007 12:58 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


CANDI - My kids are available for a day like that.  Let me know when you want to pick them up.  Thanks for commenting!

10/31/2007 01:44 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


JENNIFER - I guess Portland (and others) hi-jacked the phrase from Austin.

This came from Wikipedia:

Austin's message of support for local businesses has inspired similar movements in other cities, including Portland, Oregon; Tampa, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; Louisville, Kentucky; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Santa Cruz, California; Missoula, Montana; and Boulder, Colorado.[4]

10/31/2007 01:45 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


AH!!! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes..... Well, I stand corrected then! [Geez... me wrong??]

p.s. It will be! Better bring your videocam along ;-) 

10/31/2007 05:07 PM by Portland Oregon Real Estate Broker * Jennifer Bukaty * (RE/MAX equity group, inc.)


JENNIFER - I actually had no idea that other cities had adopted this phrase.  I guess Austin is a trendsetting city!  I have a nice video camera.

10/31/2007 05:15 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason, Seems like a lot of fun stuff in Austin.  I really do have to try to visit!

10/31/2007 10:39 PM by Roberta LaRocca - REALTOR® Las Vegas (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace)


ROBERTA - Come on down!  You will not be disappointed.   Thanks for commenting!

10/31/2007 11:43 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason- How far away from San Antonio is Austin?  It does seem to be  a lot of things for kids to do in Austin Texas. Katerina

11/01/2007 01:42 AM by Nestor & Katerina Gasset, Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.)


KATERINA - It depends on which part of Austin, but figure about an hour and a half.  If you are going from south Austin to north San Antonio, probably closer to an hour.

11/01/2007 01:54 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


What a great way to provide a flavor of the variety and fun of your community!  I had not idea Austin was so interesting.

11/01/2007 08:56 AM by Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit (RE/MAX at the Lake)


DIANE - Thanks for your comments on this post.  Yes, Austin is a pretty cool place to live.  I appreciate your compliment.  Have a terrific day!

11/01/2007 10:06 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


My wife is watching Grey's Anatomy, while I read this to her on a commercial....I swear if I move to Austin, you are selling me a home.

Seriously.....

11/01/2007 11:57 PM by Bill Nazur (Nazur Enterprises, Inc. & BAMG)


BILL - You are awesome, man.  Come to Austin!  It was good talking to you the other day.  Someone told me earlier that they read my blog as a group in her office.  Very flattering!

11/02/2007 12:08 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


KATERINA - It would also be about an hour and a half from Boerne to Austin.  Although Boerne is more north than San Antonio, it is also a bit to the west, so you would have to travel east, then north in order to hit the quicker roads.

11/02/2007 09:54 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason, WOW! What fun! It sounds like Austin Texas is a great place to raise a family... especially if fun is a priority. This explains why you have so many great posts about the fun you are having with your family.

12/22/2007 09:01 PM by Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe (LivingInGreaterBirmingham Team of Powell Properties)


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Real Estate Agent: Jason Crouch, Broker -  Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate
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