Family-Friendly Adventures in Austin, Texas!

6th Street

Why Visit?

Welcome to 6th Street in Austin, Texas, a vibrant hub of culture, cuisine, and live music! This thrilling day is designed for families ready to explore the best of what 6th Street offers.

Morning: Breakfast and Street Art Tour

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Easy Tiger at 709 E. 6th Street. Enjoy freshly baked pastries and artisan coffee. After breakfast, head out on a self-guided street art tour; iconic murals like the "Greetings from Austin" sign at 1st and Annie Streets offer perfect family photo ops. The murals are an easy walk from breakfast, providing a colorful glimpse into Austin’s creative soul.

Midday: Museum Visit and Lunch

Next, walk over to the Museum of The Weird at 412 E. 6th Street. Just a 10-minute stroll from Easy Tiger, this unique venue showcases oddities and classic sideshow attractions that will amaze the kids. After exploring, grab a casual lunch at Voodoo Doughnut, famous for its eclectic variety and kid-friendly treats, just a few steps from the museum.

Afternoon: Esther’s Follies and Scavenger Hunt

A block down at 525 E. 6th Street, catch a matinee show at Esther’s Follies, a vaudeville-inspired performance combining magic, comedy, and music, appropriate for older children and teens. Post-show, engage the kids in a historic scavenger hunt starting at the Driskill Hotel. This historic landmark offers a glimpse back to 1886 and is a treasure trove of stories.

Evening: Dinner and Stroll

Conclude your day with dinner at Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar. Located at 606 Trinity Street, just off 6th, it’s a family-friendly spot with classic Tex-Mex dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll down 6th Street; the early evening is family-friendly and the street performers are sure to delight.

This family-friendly itinerary on 6th Street lets you experience culture, history, and fun, all wrapped in the unique vibe of Austin!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Driskill Hotel (The Driskill)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary at The Driskill Hotel, Austin

Day 1: Discover The Driskill

- Morning: Start your day with breakfast at the 1886 Café & Bakery located inside The Driskill. This historic café offers a delightful menu that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

- Late Morning: Explore The Driskill itself, which was built in 1886 and is one of the oldest hotels in Austin. Don’t miss the grand lobby and the beautiful stained glass dome. Ask the front desk for a brief history tour - they often have fascinating stories that bring the hotel’s past to life.

- Afternoon: Take a short, scenic walk to the Texas State Capitol, approximately 10 minutes away. Free guided tours provide an educational experience about Texas history and politics, which is engaging for older children.

Day 2: Austin’s Attractions

- Morning: Head to the Austin Zoo, a 20-minute drive from The Driskill. It’s a rescue zoo which provides a sanctuary for displaced animals.

- Afternoon: After returning to downtown, spend your afternoon at the Thinkery, located in the Mueller area, about a 15-minute drive from The Driskill. It’s an interactive kid-friendly museum focused on science and technology, perfect for curious minds.

Day 3: Outdoor Fun and Farewell

- Morning: Grab a quick breakfast and check out of The Driskill. Drive over to Zilker Metropolitan Park, about 10 minutes away. Spend the morning exploring the park, riding the Zilker Zephyr mini train, and if weather permits, paddling on Lady Bird Lake.

- Afternoon: Conclude your trip with lunch at one of South Congress Avenue’s family-friendly restaurants, just a 5-minute drive from Zilker. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and maybe some live music before heading home.

Each of these destinations is easily accessible by car from The Driskill, and public transportation options like buses and rideshares are also available. This itinerary blends a mix of historical intrigue, educational experiences, and outdoor fun, perfect for a family trip.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lady Bird Lake

Why Visit?

Lady Bird Lake, nestled in the heart of Austin, Texas, offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and city life, perfect for a family outing. Here’s a delightful itinerary for your family visit:

Morning: Paddleboarding or Kayaking

Start your day with a fun water activity — paddleboarding or kayaking on the serene waters of Lady Bird Lake. Head to the Texas Rowing Center located on the north shore of the lake at 1541 West Cesar Chavez Street. They offer rentals for all ages and skill levels. As you glide over the water, keep an eye out for turtles sunbathing and the occasional splash of fish. It’s a refreshing way to engage with nature and a great workout!

Midday: Picnic at Zilker Metropolitan Park

After your water adventure, take a short walk to Zilker Metropolitan Park, an expansive 351-acre park known for its lush greenery and scenic views. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under the shade of tall oak trees. The park is also home to the Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs Pool, where the kids can splash around while adults relax in the natural spring water.

Afternoon: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

Post-lunch, venture onto the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a 10-mile trail that loops around Lady Bird Lake. You can rent bikes from one of the many rental stations along the trail if walking isn’t your preference. This scenic route is stroller-friendly and offers numerous stops with benches to rest and enjoy the city skyline views.

Evening: Watch the Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge

Conclude your day with a visit to the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to watch over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge in a spectacular display. It’s a unique natural phenomenon that fascinates both kids and adults alike.

Each of these attractions is conveniently connected via walking paths around Lady Bird Lake, making it easy to navigate from one activity to the next. Enjoy your family day out at this beautiful Austin landmark!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Barton Springs

Why Visit?

Welcome to your family-friendly adventure at Barton Springs, a beloved natural gem nestled in Zilker Park, Austin, Texas! Here’s a delightful itinerary to ensure your family enjoys every moment of this enchanting place.

### Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start: Kick off the day early by arriving at Barton Springs around 9 AM to beat the crowds and the heat. Parking is available on-site for a small fee, but spaces fill up quickly, so it"s best to get there early. Alternatively, use Austin’s public transport, or ride a bike along the scenic Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Activity: Begin with a refreshing swim in the clear, cool waters of Barton Springs Pool. The pool maintains a year-round temperature of about 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for a revitalizing dip. It"s not just any pool; it"s a natural spring-fed pool with a rich history in Native American culture, often called the "Soul of Austin."

### Midday: Picnic and Play

Next: After swimming, dry off and enjoy a family picnic in the grassy areas of Zilker Park. Pack your favorite snacks and a blanket. Post-picnic, explore the park’s large playground, where kids can swing, climb, and slide.

### Afternoon: Educational Fun

Visit: Walk over to the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center, located just north of the pool, around 2 PM. This small but engaging center offers fascinating insights into the ecology of the Edwards Aquifer, from which Barton Springs emerges. It’s perfect for curious minds, with interactive exhibits about the region"s wildlife and natural resources.

### Late Afternoon: Canoeing on Lady Bird Lake

Conclude: Cap off the day with a canoe or kayak trip on Lady Bird Lake. Rentals are available at several spots around the lake, just a short walk from Barton Springs. Paddle along and enjoy the stunning Austin skyline, wrapping up your day with serene views and maybe even a glimpse of the famous Congress Avenue bats in flight during sunset.

Enjoy the natural beauty and fun activities Barton Springs and its surroundings have to offer, creating lasting memories for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

LBJ Presidential Library

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to LBJ Presidential Library

Morning Arrival

Start your day at the LBJ Presidential Library, located at 2313 Red River Street in Austin, Texas. Arriving in the morning helps avoid larger crowds and gives your family ample time to explore. Parking is available nearby, and the library is also accessible via Austin"s public transportation.

Exploring the Library

Upon entering, head straight to the Oval Office replica. Kids often marvel at the detail, and it’s a fantastic spot for family photos. Don"t miss the animatronic LBJ, where President Johnson tells stories in his own voice—an engaging experience for all ages.

Educational Exhibits

Next, explore the interactive exhibits. The Social Justice Gallery, featuring civil rights and education reforms, can provide older children with a strong sense of history and the impact of President Johnson"s legislation. For younger visitors, the "Telephone Stories" exhibit, where they can listen to recordings of President Johnson"s conversations, is both educational and entertaining.

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a break and enjoy a picnic at Eastwoods Park, just a short walk from the library. It’s perfect for letting the kids play and for parents to relax a bit.

Afternoon Activities

Return to the library to catch a documentary screening about LBJ’s life and presidency available in the on-site theater. Check the schedule upon arrival for show times.

Gift Shop

Before leaving, stop by the gift shop for educational books and unique presidential memorabilia—a great way for kids to remember their visit.

Departure

Plan to wrap up your visit by late afternoon, leaving time to discuss all the new things you"ve learned and enjoyed.

Enjoy a day full of learning and fun at the LBJ Presidential Library, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.