Parent's Guide to Family-Friendly Activities in Austin
Making the Most of Austin's Family Scene
Austin is not only for music and food lovers, but it's also a family playground. Being a local parent, I have found many ways to keep children entertained while sneaking in some education along the way. Whether you are new in town or just visiting, Sparkly Maid Austin can help you keep your home spotless while you explore these exciting attractions with your family.
Educational Adventures
The Thinkery is Austin's only children's museum, blending play-based learning with STEAM-rich concepts throughout 40,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space designed for inquisitive young minds. Hands-on experiences for newborns through eleven years old include investigations of processes in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and innovative thinking. Offering insights into nutrition and chemistry, even the museum's Kitchen Lab gives kids a chance for fun cooking experiments, while at the Light Lab, young explorers will learn, through creative play, some fascinating physics of light and shadow.
Outdoor Explorations
Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin's 351-acre outdoor family hot spot for fun7. Some of the attractions to be found in this park include:
The Zilker Eagle, an all-electric mini train
The Austin Nature and Science Center
A dinosaur bone dig pit.
The famous Zilker Playscape
Before you head out for a fun-filled day of outdoor activities, consider booking a move-out cleaning so that when you return, it will be to a fresh, clean house.
Unique Entertainment Venues
Peter Pan Mini Golf has been an Austin institution since 1948, featuring quirky sculptures and two different 18-hole courses that are perfect for some family fun and competition. If the weather isn't cooperating, then the Austin Bouldering Project offers a world-class indoor climbing experience for any age thanks to padded floors to make sure that even the youngest can join in on the fun. Rounding out the indoor activities is the Pinballz arcade, featuring over 150 pinball machines across three locations and offering classic and modern arcade games.
Water Activities
From water activities to family-friendly activities along its shores, Lady Bird Lake is an aquatic playground for Austin. The 10-mile hiking and biking trail offers great views ideal for family walks. Take a bat-watching cruise for a different perspective on about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging at sunset. Typhoon Texas Waterpark in Pflugerville is a fun avenue with water slides, a lazy river, and even a zip line.
Cultural Experiences
The Bullock Texas State History Museum entertains families with interactive exhibits and such a great IMAX. Free tours of the Texas State Capitol show visitors state history through guided access to the historic building, while the Austin Scottish Rite Theatre, in the 1871 building, conducts enriching programming specifically prepared for young audiences, one example being summer camps covering such subjects as acting, puppetry, and stage combat.
Indoor Adventures
When the weather in Texas becomes inclement, these indoor facilities give one a great avenue for entertainment:
The Art Garage offers creative summer camps based on more than 20 unique themes, projects, and activities in mosaics, glass fusion, and painting.
Central Market North Lamar combines grocery shopping with live music and a connected playground park.
Inner Space Cavern Operating inner space adventures, it accommodates both the discovery of human and animal fossils and educational tours.
Planning Your Family Adventures
Timing is everything for the ultimate family experience in Austin. When possible, visit attractions during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, and take advantage of seasonal activities such as the summer musicals offered by Zilker Theatre Productions. Many venues offer annual memberships, which can save you money if you visit often. Be sure to check websites for special events and hours of operation. Sparkly Maid Austin will help you keep your home clean while you are out making memories with the kids that will last a lifetime.
Whether you are looking to explore some educational museums, have outdoor adventures, or even discover some of the area's best cultural treasures, Austin can be a place of endless family fun. You can surely find activities that will appeal to and excite each member of your family with proper planning and such various options available.
