Slow summer schedules have given us lots of time for hanging out in parks, enjoying picnics and plenty of opportunity to test out the area’s splash pads and play structures. One of our favorite go-to parks is tucked into the Mueller neighborhood — Mary Elizabeth Branch Park. Situated in the midst of towering new construction projects, and adjacent to restaurants such as Kerbey Lane Cafe and Rebel Cheese and the many spots on Aldrich Street, Branch Park has so much to offer.
On most weekday visits, we find this park to be fairly quiet and an easy place to spread out and play. However, as the new home to the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on Sundays, you can count on weekends to be much more packed and bustling with visitors.
If you haven’t been to this little park before, be sure to bring along some towels for a fun time in the water feature, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Here’s what we love about this green space:
Water Play: The little ones in your family will love getting wet in the splash pad. Designed to emulate the way water flows in Central Texas, you’ll find water jets shooting out in various sections of limestone, giving you an easy place to cool down. Above the water feature, you’ll find a super grassy hillside to relax on, too.
Airplane Playground: Kids can take turns climbing into the airplane structure to pretend to soar high into the clouds! You’ll also find plenty of additional climbing elements along with swings, too! Our kids love the “ant hills” for something unique to jump around on.
Amenities for All Ages: While the playground is super cute for young kids, one thing to note about Branch Park is that it offers plenty of space for play for teenagers and adults, and even doggies, too. You can utilize the sand volleyball courts as well as plenty of open green space for games such as Bocce or throwing a Frisbee around. There’s also an enclosed dog area for the pups.
Little Library: One of the cutest little free libraries we have ever seen is located in Branch Park. This inviting structure will have you browsing the collection of books, magazines, and other reading materials left to share.
Texas Farmers’ Market: The Pavilion at Branch Park is now home to the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller where you can sip, stroll and shop local food on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine! Voted Austin’s favorite farmers’ market via Austin Chronicle for the past seven years, TFM at Mueller is a great place to enjoy fresh foods from local vendors and farmers.
We hope you enjoy this little park! Of course, while you’re in Mueller, you can also take a short stroll down the Mueller Lake Park, where you’ll find an additional playground, lots of ducks to feed in the water, and plenty of more room to play.
We hope you have fun playing in Branch Park!
