Situated within Zilker Park, you’ll find the Zilker Botanical Garden, 26 acres of parkland that features a variety of themed gardens, ponds, flowers, butterflies, native plants, and a pretty setting for a stroll, a picnic, or an ideal spot to simply stop and smell the roses and appreciate nature’s beauty. Called “the jewel in the heart of Austin”, The Zilker Botanical Garden is open to the public with a reservation system. We love roaming the grounds at this tranquil oasis within the city!
The gardens: We love the diversity of plant life found in this park. You’ll find a cactus and succulent garden, the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, and a Butterfly Garden that is full of butterfly-attracting plants so you can look for some fluttering as you walk through. Our kiddos’ favorite gardens are the Japanese Garden which features streams, waterfalls, and Koi-filled ponds as well as the Prehistoric Garden which recreates a local dinosaur habitat where kids can spy man-made dino tracks and statues. At the Zilker Botanical Garden, you’ll also find a Pioneer Village featuring a display of plants used by early settlers, a replica of a blacksmith shop, and an old schoolhouse and cabin built in the 1800s. Take a look at the map before you go to get a lay of the land.
Picnic spots: Our family loves to pack a picnic to take to the Zilker Botanical Garden because it’s such a special setting for a leisurely outdoor meal. You’re welcome to bring in your own food and drink (no glass or alcohol is allowed, of course). You’ll find a pretty view of the city and grassy patch to set up a picnic behind the Garden Center, or plenty of space to lay out a blanket at the bottom of the Rose Garden. You’ll also find several picnic tables in the Oak Grove. If you want to bring your pups along, the Zilker Botanical Garden is pet-friendly as long as dogs are kept on a leash (and you clean up after them).
Hours & Admission: The garden is open to the public 7 days a week, year-round (aside from major holidays) from 9 am – 6 pm. Admission prices are:
- Free for ages 2 & under
- Youth ages 3-17: $4
- Adults ages 18-61: $8
- Seniors ages 62+: $7
Free Days for 2024: April 28, July 14, September 7, November 11, December 26.
Visit zilkergarden.org for more info, activity guides, virtual tours, and a schedule of upcoming events.
