Kid-Friendly Austin

Description:

Embassy Suites Austin-Downtown/Town Lake is perfect place for both the leisure and business traveler. Situated in downtown Austin, it is minutes away from quite a few attractions. Each of the two-room suites include a living space and a bedroom, along with other facilities like a microwave, fridge, alarm clock, phone and television. When you want to unwind or rejuvenate, take a dip in the on-site pool or work out at the fitness center. It also has 16 studio rooms, eight of which are designed for the physically challenged. It is what you would call home!

Our Local Expert Says:

Though any time at the capitol is awe-inspiring, seeing the Texas State Capitol during the holiday season is magical. Be sure to traipse through the vibrant green grounds—this is a perfect spot for a super cheap but utterly romantic date.

Description:

The Texas State Legislature meets only once every two years, so if the cavernous building seems oddly deserted, the legislature is probably not in session. Considered one of the nation's most distinguished state buildings, the Texas State Capitol, with its strong red granite facade and Renaissance Revival architectural style, sits regally on a hill overlooking Congress Avenue. Largest of all state capitols and only second in size to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Texas State Capitol anchors the north end of downtown, just four blocks south of the University of Texas at Austin campus. Free tours of the capitol building cover Texas history, fun facts about the 17 monuments on the 22-acre, park-like grounds, and information about the Texas legislature, or take the self-guided tour to explore at your own pace. You'll need to go through a quick security check at the entrance, including having your bags scanned by a metal detector.

Our Local Expert Says:

The intended audience might be children, but the young at heart will also enjoy the Austin Children's Museum. Great spot for a birthday party.

Description:

Local children and visiting tykes experience hands-on learning through fun, interactive exhibits at the Austin Children's Museum. The bright green building is hard to miss. It's located on the eastern edge of the Second Street Retail District, which is convenient for adults looking to do a little shopping at a trendy boutique after the visit. The nonprofit organization houses several permanent interactive displays in its 12,500-square-foot space, including an Austin Kiddie Limits stage (modeled after the famed Austin City Limits television show) complete with TV monitors playing back performances, a fake but functional dairy cow and a tri-level construction zone. The bilingual En mi familia/In My Family exhibit celebrates the region's Hispanic culture, through music, dance and cooking demonstrations. Two to three touring exhibitions rotate through the Austin Children's Museum annually, providing an array of new learning opportunities. Creative camps and seasonal workshops as well as special programs fill the museum's calendar of events.

Description:

Sandy's is one of those all-American cafes. This one has been around for two decades, its neon custard cone its trademark. So, if you want a bit of classic Americana, drive through and pick up a meal or sit at one of the picnic tables. The menu consists of mouthwatering cheeseburgers and its famous custard cones. Everything on the menu is affordable here.

Description:

The pristine habitat of Spring Lake gives Aquarena the unique opportunity to teach people of all ages the importance of preservation and conservation. Aquarena Center's educational tours seek to engage people in activities that will give them the ability to recognize Spring Lake as an unique freshwater ecosystem and in turn encourage the audience to understand the interconnections between all living things and water.

Our Local Expert Says:

Simply the best place to be on a hot summer day. Cool water, shade trees and guitar-playing hipsters.

Description:

The water in Barton Springs swimming pool hovers around 68 degrees year-round, which means that it feels cool -- even cold -- in the heat of summer. It feels relatively warm in winter, though, and a few rugged souls swim there every morning, regardless of the weather. If you're more into lounging than exercise, there's a part of the massive pool dedicated to floats and floaters. On the hillsides surrounding the pool, you will see a snapshot of Austin culture. There's usually a group of twentysomethings kicking around a hacky-sack ball, a sixtyish man doing yoga, and (kid warning) a woman of indeterminate age without her top. Occasionally, a drum circle forms at the top of the hill. Guitars are almost as common as smart phones. On summer days when the temperature can soar above 100 degrees, this is the only reasonable place to be.

Our Local Expert Says:

In the summertime, the outdoor area hosts Unplugged at the Grove on Thursday evenings. This weekly concert series showcasing local musicians draws quite a crowd.

Description:

Sit at a patio table under the huge oaks and you will discover why this spot is called Shady Grove. One of the best patios ever created is reason enough to stop by, and the consistently tasty, crowd-pleasing food is a great bonus. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A menu standard is the Hippie Sandwich, a concoction of sautéed vegetables, cheese and a sub-style roll. Add a chicken breast and you have got the Hippie Chick. Kids love the chicken fingers and the burgers are great, too. Plus, this place has personality - just check out the bathroom (housed in an old Airstream trailer).

Description:

It has been cloned now, three times, but the original location of this Austin icon is still the best place to eavesdrop in town. Its wonderfully diverse menu makes vegetarians and non-vegetarians go happy and healthy. The vegetables are homegrown and pesticide-free, and the beef and chicken are free-range. Breakfast features omelets, pancakes and great breakfast tacos. Prices are on the inexpensive side. The restaurant is open 24 hours, every day. No wonder it is an institution here. There are three other locations in the city: 2700 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (+1 512 445 4451,) 13435 Hwy 183 N, Suite 415, Austin, TX 78750 (+1 512 258 7757) and 2606 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 (+1 512 477 5717.)

Description:

The Austin Steam Train Association has created a little slice of history. Take a railroad ride on a turn-of-the-century locomotive pulling restored city streetcars. Passengers can choose an air-conditioned Pullman Car (more expensive, but worth it in the heat of a Texas summer!) or one of the open-air cars for a more authentic experience. The River City Flyer takes passengers around the city of Austin for about two hours, with a guided tour of Austin's most historic neighborhoods and landmarks. The train boards at Plaza Saltillo.

Description:

Enjoy a hill country setting in a family environment. This privately owned home originally started with a small selection of farm animals and has now grown into a wild animal sanctuary and zoo. See Bengal tigers, lemurs, a butterfly garden and more! The picnic areas are perfect for a birthday party or company event.

Our Local Expert Says:

The sprawling wooden deck just off the cafe draws multi-tasking mothers who mingle and eat while keeping an eye on the children's playscape.

Description:

Whether it's a quick lunch or leisurely dinner on the deck, this cafe goes way beyond expectations for a grocery-store eatery. As Central Market is no ordinary grocery store, so Cafe on the Run is no pedestrian deli. Soups, salads and sandwiches are all executed with creative flair; for instance, the roast beef sandwich is dressed up with brie, and the turkey with havarti. Dinner entrees such as pecan-crusted trout could make you swear off cooking completely. Ingredients are fresh, and most of them are available at the adjacent grocery. And if you don't want to exercise your sweet tooth, stay away from the bakery case. The creme brulee and Italian Cream Cake will tempt you every time. A second location, minus the child's playground, can be found at 4477 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78745 (+1 512 899 4300.)

Description:

After being sealed for over 10,000 years, this cave was discovered in 1963 when a group of workers were digging to build a highway overpass. Daily tours are available and last just over an hour. The cave stays a comfortable 72 degrees Farenheit year-round, and features not only beautiful rock formations but also the remains of prehistoric mastodons, saber-tooth cats and other ice age animals. After your tour, enjoy the shaded picnic area with a playscape for children. Its located 24 miles north of Austin on IH 35, exit 259.

Description:

Not only is Chuy's popular with current Austin residents, it's often the first place that visiting University of Texas alums want to go to when they're in town. So it's crowded, almost always. Grab a swirl margarita (with a dollop of cherry flavor) and a seat in the large bar area, and enjoy top-notch people watching while you wait. There's also a free chips and salsa bar to tide you over until mealtime. The margaritas plus the gaudy decor -- shiny hubcaps, cartoon fish, an Elvis shrine -- can make you a little dizzy, so drink it all in slowly. The Classic Tex-Mex Enchiladas are a favorite of many Chuy's regulars. For serious appetites the "big as yo' face" steak burrito with green chiles (very spicy) may cause you to channel Elvis (in his chubby years).

Description:

Embassy Suites Austin-Downtown/Town Lake is perfect place for both the leisure and business traveler. Situated in downtown Austin, it is minutes away from quite a few attractions. Each of the two-room suites include a living space and a bedroom, along with other facilities like a microwave, fridge, alarm clock, phone and television. When you want to unwind or rejuvenate, take a dip in the on-site pool or work out at the fitness center. It also has 16 studio rooms, eight of which are designed for the physically challenged. It is what you would call home!

Description:

Located 30 minutes from downtown and offering boat rentals, cruises, and parasailing. Enjoy the on-site restaurant or park your boat after a long ride. The new Water Park plays host to numerous water slides and swimming areas.

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Galaxy Cafe prides itself on exceptional friendliness and customer service. They serve their patrons quickly and efficiently at the order counter but also provide service beyond that of a traditional counter service restaurant. For a quick bite or a leisurely meal, they let their customers set the pace. Galaxy's atmosphere is hip, welcoming, innovative and inclusive. Perfect for a delicious breakfast, quick lunch, an afternoon coffee and dessert, or a casual leisurely dinner with a glass of wine. Other locations: 4701 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78751 (+1 512 323 9494) and 9911 Brodie Ln Suite 750 Austin, TX 78748 (+1 512 233 6000.)

Our Local Expert Says:

Mount Bonnell is one of Austin's most obviously romantic spots, so if you're planning something super special, aim for less popular hours, which tend to be late afternoon and, of course, sunset.

Description:

Known for its beautiful, unobstructed view of the Austin area since the mid-1800s, Mount Bonnell hosts family photos, sunset picnics and romantic marriage proposals on a regular basis. Visitors park at the base of the hill and work their way up nearly 100 stone steps -- a 190-foot elevation gain -- to the wide open outcropping overlooking the southern side of the city and Lake Austin below. It's a fairly easy climb, but elderly relatives might find it challenging. A short gravel trail leads slowly downhill and to the left, offering up quiet spots for personal reflection with a clear view of the massive Pennybacker Bridge. Look left from Mount Bonnell to find the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas Tower on the University of Texas campus. A number of nearby radio towers detract from the beauty of some of the views. At night, the towers' red lights give the spot an otherworldly feel.

Our Local Expert Says:

Stargazers flock to this secluded sanctuary for occasional viewing parties and clear glimpses of the full moon. Check the Preserve's website for the next get-together.

Description:

Founded by seven women, this area was used as an outdoor laboratory for science classes and teacher training. Located on 220 acres of land it offers 2 1/2 miles of trails reserved for pedestrians. No bikes or pets are allowed; neither is picnicking or camping. This is a true wilderness preserve, and many bird watchers come to catch a glimpse of the Black Capped Vierus or Golden Cheek Warbler.

Description:

Located on Barton Springs' row of restaurants, this popular eatery serves gourmet pizzas, whole or by the slice, along with salads and pasta dishes in a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. An individual pizza ranges in price depending on the number of toppings (goat cheese is recommended) and a bottle of house wine from the full bar is affordable. Lunchtime can occasionally be crowded, as Pizza Nizza offers an express lunch deal, but dinnertime is generally more low-key. Delivery is available to a limited area.

Description:

Over 200,000 fans supported Austin's ice hockey team by attending games last season. Founded in 1996, the Ice Bats play at the Bat Cave at Travis County Expo Center (7,000 capacity); their official colors are yellow, red and blue. The team is a member of the Central Division of the International Hockey League.

Description:

Embassy Suites Austin-Downtown/Town Lake is perfect place for both the leisure and business traveler. Situated in downtown Austin, it is minutes away from quite a few attractions. Each of the two-room suites include a living space and a bedroom, along with other facilities like a microwave, fridge, alarm clock, phone and television. When you want to unwind or rejuvenate, take a dip in the on-site pool or work out at the fitness center. It also has 16 studio rooms, eight of which are designed for the physically challenged. It is what you would call home!

Description:

This is comfort food to please adults and children alike, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will wait for a table, especially on weekends, but the wait only serves to sharpen the appetite for breakfast tacos and gingerbread pancakes, fajitas and burgers, grilled chicken and vegetarian entrees. The kid's menu is vast, offering burgers, black bean and chicken tacos and breakfast items. The atmosphere is relaxed and homey. A second location can be found at 1920 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704 (+1 512 445 0000.)

Our Local Expert Says:

Before beginning your tour of the three levels of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, purchase your tickets for the popular IMAX Theater. Six shows run at any one time so the lines can get long just before the show.

Description:

With a grand facade that includes a 35-foot-tall bronze star, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is hard to miss. The three-story museum, open since 2001, turns the fascinating and sometimes sordid history of the state into imaginative interactive exhibits for the enjoyment of all ages. Meet the state's first occupants on the first floor, hear Stephen F. Austin announce the Texas Revolution on the second and peruse the third level for an understanding of how big business -- mostly cotton, cattle, and oil -- has played a part in the making of the Lone Star State. Located just south of the University of Texas campus, a stone's throw from the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art and a short walk from the Texas State Capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum also features Austin's only IMAX theater as well as the Spirit Theater, a 200-seat multimedia special effects theater with history-based shows.

Our Local Expert Says:

Wednesday evenings after 6pm are swamped when starving students on a budget come for the two-for-one burger special. Also favorites: the daily blue plate specials available from 11 a.m. to close.

Description:

The menu may be broader than the burgers, but the burgers are what set this place apart. There are 20 varieties in all, based on a thick, juicy patty medium cooked. Burgers range from the simplest one-patty version to a double-meat buffalo burger with all the trimmings. As for sides, the onion rings are delicious. For those who want their beef sans bun, they offer savory chicken fried steak, cooked tender with gravy that's not too thick and not too drippy. Whatever you order, be sure that you ask for lots of napkins.

Description:

When the children need to work off some of their energy, nothing is better than a playscape in the great outdoors. This playground offers a miniature locomotive you and your children can ride around the park in together. You will also find a fire engine here, perfect for climbing, along with a playscape full of bridges, ramps, chutes and slides. Picnic tables are close by, along with beautiful Barton Springs Pool, which maintains 68-degree waters year round.

Call for pool and train hours, which are seasonal.

Our Local Expert Says:

Catching the bats emerging from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is an exhilarating experience. For the best view, get there at least 30 minutes before dusk and wait on the southeastern side of the bridge, just over the water.

Description:

Though it may look like your average overpass, Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge houses one of Austin's natural wonders -- the world's largest urban bat colony. Small spaces in the expansion joints on the underside of the bridge are just the right size for little bat condos -- very crowded bat condos. From March through September, approximately 1.5 million bats make this simple structure their summer home. The Mexican free-tailed bats take flight nightly at dusk, consuming nearly 20,000 pounds of insects with each evening meal. As they emerge and head eastward, it looks like a ghostly dark river in the sky. Just 10 blocks south of the Texas State Capitol and a mile north of the popular South Congress Avenue shopping district, this fascinating sight draws thousands of onlookers to both sides of the bridge, as well as just below on the southeast bank of Lady Bird Lake (previously known as Town Lake.) There's a free parking lot near the bridge, but it fills up fast, so get there before sundown.

Description:

Neon beer signs and vintage clocks line the walls of this Austin institution, a gas station-turned-restaurant that also offers up live music. If comfort food is your pleasure, this is the right place, and if you like your vegetables, you will be in heaven. Whatever the entree, seconds on vegetables come free. Pork roast and fried chicken are great, but the chicken-fried steak is not to be missed. The San Antonio squash will please even those who turn up their noses at the vegetable. And of course, the mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas are heavenly. Rich, crumbly cornbread and white-flour rolls stave off hunger pangs while you wait for your hot meal. Check out the South Austin location at 301 W Riverside Drive Austin, TX 78704 (+1 512 472 9304.)