Top 20 Places to Take Kids In and Around Austin - 2019

Discover the fun of science at the Science Mill in Johnson City! This family destination offers an exciting, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge exhibits, games and programs, the non-profit science museum expands understanding and appreciation of science in everyday life. Housed in an historic 1880s mill, the Science Mill features more than 50 hands-on, world-class exhibits, a 3D theater and an on-site café. Visit sciencemill.org for information on hours, special events, birthday parties, field trips and camps.

The Thinkery is an evolution of the Austin Children’s Museum. It’s Austin’s sparkling new home for “why” and “how.” A place where science and families play side by side. Where people connect with ideas by doing, making and experiencing.

Of course, the libraries in the Austin area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #3 in best places to take kids this year!

The Center’s gardens display the native plants of the Central Texas Hill Country, South and West Texas, while the Plant Conservation Program protects the ecological heritage of Texas by conserving its rare and endangered flora.

At Sea World, you can experience up-close animal interactions, dive into the world beneath the waves on thrilling rides like the Great White coaster, and enjoy awe-inspiring shows. Check out Discovery Point, where you can experience dolphins through nose-to-bottlenose encounters. Their all-new Sesame Street Parade features everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends, 10 themed floats, contemporary tunes including Sesame Street favorites, and two show-stopping performances throughout the parade route.

The mission of Austin Zoo is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education. Austin Zoo is a rescue zoo providing permanent homes to unwanted, abandoned, neglected and abused animals. 

The ANSC provides hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, they are dedicated to the exploration of the natural world.

Pioneer Farms is where history comes alive. Step into the past at five themed historic areas, including an 1899 village, three homesteads, and a Tonkawa camp. Explore on a self-guided walking tour or learn from a costumed guide. Special programs and classes offer opportunities for hands-on learning for children and adults. And don't forget to say hello to the animals! Longhorns, donkeys, horses, and chickens add character to our historic landscape.

The Dinosaur Park features a unique outdoor museum setting. While most museums have dinosaur skeletons, our realistic life-size dinosaur replicas show skin and color variations to give kids a better understanding as to how they looked when they were alive. The Dinosaur Park is an educational and fun experience where everyone can learn about the majestic animals that ruled our earth for over 150 million years. Other activities include a fossil-dig, playground, picnic area and a wonderful Dinosaur Store stocked with a variety of gifts that are sure to please any dinosaur fan!

Catch Air is the best indoor play and party center for children ages 0-12 with 2 locations (Round Rock and Austin) filled with obstacle courses, wacky slides, ball pits, bounce houses and more for an adventurous and safe play day. Our large play structures and light-up dance floors provide hours worth of interactive and fun activities for everyone! We have soft play areas designed specifically for toddlers to keep your littlest ones safe. With security at the entrance and exit, you can have peace of mind knowing your children are safe. 

Follow us on Facebook (Round Rock / Austin) to find out about our fun monthly events, current promotions and discounts! 

The Thinkery is an evolution of the Austin Children’s Museum. It’s Austin’s sparkling new home for “why” and “how.” A place where science and families play side by side. Where people connect with ideas by doing, making and experiencing.

With a host of new activities and special events planned, this year's Pumpkin Patch will be bigger and better than ever. Come spend the day making memories searching through our corn maze, taking a hay ride, and picking out that perfect fall pumpkin for your family. 

The Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, provides high-quality family friendly entertainment at Dell Diamond. Every Sunday home game is Kids Day where children can enjoy free inflatables and train rides outside the ballpark before the game as well as run the bases postgame. Other nightly promotions include $1 hot dogs and sodas on Monday games and $2 tacos every Tuesday game, as well as postgame fireworks every Friday home game. From princess and wizarding theme nights to dog-friendly games and concerts, the Express has something for everyone during the 70-game home schedule running from April through September.

The Y is dedicated to building programs for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility that promote strong families, character values, youth leadership, community development and international understanding. The Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive by providing supportive and inclusive environments that nurture the potential of every youth and teen, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.