When was the last time you took the kids to explore downtown Austin? Sometimes it’s nice to branch out of our own neighborhoods and go enjoy all that our city has to offer. We recently set aside a full day to walk around the downtown area, and it was SO FUN! There’s plenty to do in the heart of Austin.
Top 20 picks for things to do with the family in downtown Austin
— Browse the Austin Central Library.
Everyone in the family will love a visit to this super cool library. You can find plenty of places to read and play with the family on the six floors of this large building. Enjoy the fresh air and awesome views from the children’s porch or the rooftop. (Read our page for details about this public library.)
— Rent Watercraft on Lady Bird Lake.
Enjoy nature and picturesque downtown views of Lady Bird Lake from a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard! There are plenty of places to rent watercraft in Austin. (Read our round-up of where to go when you’re ready for some paddling fun.)
— Explore the Texas State Capitol.
Take a little family field trip with the kids to visit the Capitol! Enjoy a close-up look at one of the most impressive buildings in Texas. Plus, the Capitol sits on wonderful park-like grounds that are great for a picnic and running around and rolling down hills. (Read our page about visiting the Capitol.)
— Play in Waterloo Park.
Waterloo Park features 11 acres of green space that includes a cute little playground, plenty of walking paths, picnic spots, and food trucks, as well as the Moody Amphitheater which hosts an amazing lineup of live performances. (Read our page about Waterloo Park.)
— Search for Ghosts at the Driskill Hotel.
The beautiful, historic Driskill Hotel is known to be one of the most haunted spots in Texas. A stop in the lobby is worth your time just to view this great historic location, but if you’re curious, you might wish to wander the property in search of mysteries. (Visit the Ghost City Tours website for much more info.)
— Indulge in Over-the-Top Treats at Voodoo Donuts.
You can get donuts almost anywhere in Austin, but if you’re downtown, your kids are going to want to make a pit stop at Voodoo. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Voodoo Doughnut became famous for being weird. So naturally, they opened up a doughnut shop right here in Austin on 6th Street. Voodoo serves up creative and wacky options including their signature Voodoo Doll doughnut, filled with raspberry jelly and topped with chocolate frosting and a pretzel stake for poking. (website for more info)
— Visit a Museum.
There are many downtown museums to choose from with exhibits ranging from art, history, science, and culture. You can pop by the Blanton, Bullock, Jones Center, Mexic-Arte Museum, and more. Visit each website for the latest info about exhibits, hours, and admission. (Browse our list of when to enjoy free admission days.)
— Shop for Silly Things at Toy Joy.
We feel like a stop into this classic Austin toy store is a “must do” when you’re in the 2nd Street District. You’ll find so many weird and quirky toys, plus the adjoining store, Yummy Joy, is packed with fun candies and ice cream, too! (website for more info)
— Skate at House Park.
Take your skateboard over to House Park (also known as Heath Eiland and Morgan Moss BMX Skate Park). Perfect for beginners and experts alike, there are small ramps, curbs, mini half pipes, ledges, and even a humongous bowl if you feel brave. Don’t forget to wear your protective gear! (website for more info)
— Be a Foodie at Fareground.
Visit this fun food hall that offers a wide range of cuisines all in one place. Everyone in the family can order something different to suit their taste at this downtown destination that features over 120 dishes inspired by global fare. (Read our post about the Fareground food hall.)
— Go Bowling at Punch Bowl Social.
Punch Bowl Social is geared toward grown-ups (21+ after 10 pm), but if you go early in the day, the kids can enjoy all bowling, arcade games, and a great lunch right on Congress Ave. (website for more info)
— Pose For Pics in Front of Colorful Street Art.
Austin is full of public art installations, from sculptures to bright murals, you can enjoy viewing free art all over the city. (Check out our full round-up of where to find awesome Austin street art).
— Shop for Healthy, Local Goodies at the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
Open every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm in Republic Square Park, the FSC market has tons of fresh produce and delicious locally-made food, as well as live music and activities for the whole family. (website for more info, and check here for more local Farmers’ Markets)
— Take a Stroll On the Boardwalk Trail.
Walk along the waterside on the Boardwalk Trail, an impressive stretch of paved walkway with many viewing areas. It’s a fun place to view the city skyline and stop for a photo. (Read our page about the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail.)
— Score a Hole-In-One at Peter Pan Mini-Golf.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf is such a classic Austin establishment. It’s been an Austin tradition since 1946! You can’t help but love being surrounded by such an assortment of giant, whimsical, brightly-colored sculptures. It’s great for all ages, affordable, quirky, and totally fun. (Read our page about playing Peter Pan.)
— Play at the Alliance Children’s Garden.
Located by Lady Bird Lake in Butler Park, this beautiful playground sits on 2-acres of land with gorgeous skyline views and lots of exciting play structures for all ages. It’s also located directly next to a small pond where you can spy turtles, and it’s adjacent to the Liz Carpenter splash pad. (Read more about this great playground.)
— Attend a Family-Friendly Play or Concert.
Check out the list of upcoming family-friendly shows at one of these special venues: The Paramount Theater, ZACH Theatre, Long Center, or Austin Scottish Rite Theatre.
— Have a Picnic.
One unique place to stop for a picnic is near the Seaholm District. Pick up some food in one of the restaurants in that area and then spread out at a long table that’s part of the Art in Public Places program. Named “Open Room Austin”, it features a 24-foot-long table with a “delicate” lace tablecloth, benches, and lighting structures, all made of powder-coated aluminum. (website for more info about the Seaholm area)
— Solve Your Way Out of an Escape Game.
Do your kiddos love the thrill of an escape game adventure? There are two very popular spots for this type of family fun for you to check out downtown: The Escape Game (405 Red River Street) and Austin Panic Room (1205 Rio Grande).
— Spend a Day in Zilker Park.
Did we save the best for last? Maybe! Zilker Park is our beloved space to enjoy coldwater swims, trails, gardens, sprawling lawns, rock gardens, festivals, and so much more. This park is such an essential part of Austin culture and one of the big reasons why our unique city is such a great place to call home. Read our list of 100 things you can do in Zilker Park.
What else do you love to do and see in downtown Austin?
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