It’s the perfect time of year to get outside for some fall family photos.  We’ve made it through a long, hot summer and it’s finally time to wear some fall-ish clothes and capture sweet and silly family moments during the golden hour or magical lighting for photos.  Here are our recommendations for where to snap some cute pics this fall.

Fall is a great time to snap those family photos for future holiday cards! @maysfamilytravels; photo by Kara Fields

Please note: *Professional photographers will need to get permission and pay fees before using venues with locations marked with asterisk.

Park Settings

  • Brushy Creek Park | This 90-acre park in Cedar Park offers plenty of trails and a lake for a natural setting.
  • Mayfield Park* |  You’ll find peacocks, small ponds full of lily pads, and flowering gardens at this popular Austin park.
  • Laguna Gloria* | Part of the Contemporary Austin art museum, this location includes the Driscoll Villa, beautiful grounds, sculptures, and views of Lake Austin.

Laguna Gloria, photo by Heidi Okla

  • Commons Ford Ranch | This city park on Lake Austin offers plenty of scenic waterside views for a pretty photo.
  • Texas State Capitol |  The grassy, shaded grounds of the Capitol are great for kids to run and play.
  • 360 Bridge | The Pennybacker Bridge is a classic Austin landmark that can also serve as a beautiful backdrop to your family photo.

360 Bridge, photo by Heidi Okla

  • Old Settlers Park | This Round Rock park offers lots of space to run and play for great action shots.
  • Mueller Lake Park | Located next to the Thinkery, the pond full of ducks offers a nice waterside view.
  • Zilker Park |  Austin’s beloved park offers many various settings including Barton Springs, the Zilker Botanical Gardens, and the Austin Nature & Science Center.

Zilker Botanical Garden, photo by Heidi Okla

McKinney Falls State Park, photo by Heidi Okla

  • Lake Pflugerville | Northeast of Austin, the area around this 180-acre reservoir includes a 3-mile trail, playground, boat launch, and beach area.
  • Mills Pond | Within the Wells Branch subdivision, you’ll find trails, a fishing pier, and a floating boat dock.
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center* | With gardens and sweeping meadows, this is a beautiful landscape for fall photos.

Wildflower Center, photo by Roger Ho

Urban Settings

Boardwalk Trail; photo by Roger Ho


More to explore: