Top 20 Places to Take Kids In and Around Austin - 2021
Austin's favorite places to take kids for 2021
There are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in Austin! Each year, we survey Austin parents to find out where they love to take their kids. 2021's results are below. And make sure to sign up for our fantastic FREE weekly newsletter with dozens of ideas each week for local stuff to do with kids, many of them free.
1. Austin Aquarium
This Aquarium has so many fish and animals! Sharks, Stingrays, Giant Pacific Octopus, Lorikeets, Macaws, Reptiles, and Amphibians. Plus, new mammals like kinkajous and Lemurs. The best part is you can pet and feed them all. If you come in to visit you might even spot a Mermaid or Princess!
2. Austin Zoo
The mission of Austin Zoo is to help animals in need through rescue, conservation and education. Embark on an adventure in a Hill Country setting where children and adults can enjoy an up-close experience with our rescued animals. You will be able to see lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Austin Zoo has a robust Education Department, offering Virtual Education Programs, Saturday Camps, Summer Camps, Homeschool Day, Homeschool Nature Series and much more! Celebrate a birthday with us, plan a field trip or inquire about a scout program. Come and see us!
3. The Georgetown Palace Theatre
Since 1926, The Georgetown Palace has served as the entertainment center for Central Texas, Georgetown and Williamson County. In the late 1990’s, a group of community members began an effort to save and refurbish this historic movie house. Today, as a result of their efforts, The Palace Theatre is a thriving nonprofit organization that continually produces a live main stage theatrical season of musicals, dramas and comedies. In addition, The Palace Education Program offers year- round after school classes and professional level training for adults and students in grades 1 – 12, as well as student shows and summer camps.
4. Science Mill
Discover the fun of science at the Science Mill in Johnson City! This family destination offers a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge exhibits and educational programs, the museum expands understanding and appreciation of science in everyday life. Housed in an historic 1880s mill, the Science Mill features more than 50 interactive, world-class outdoor and indoor exhibits. Visit http://sciencemill.org to learn more and plan your visit.
5. Sweet Berry Farm
A pick your own Strawberry farm in the Spring and a Pumpkin patch in the Fall. Loads of family fun.
6. The Thinkery
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.
7. Peter Pan Mini Golf
Family owned and operated since 1948, Peter Pan Mini Golf is a local Austin landmark. All ages can enjoy our two 18-hole courses, which are filled with a variety of characters, obstacles, and surprises.
8. Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum in downtown Austin, Texas, tells the “Story of Texas” with three floors of interactive exhibits; special effects shows in the Texas Spirit Theater; and Austin's premier IMAX Theatre.
9. Indigo Play
Indoor play center for children 0-10 with huge world-themed playscape, toddler area, role play space, sensory room and sport court. Cafe and European vibe for adult enjoyment. Open for drop-in play, birthdays, camps, field trips, and classes.
10. Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Family-owned and operated, Schlitterbahn Waterparks has been a leader in family water entertainment since 1979.
11. Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered "Austin's most-loved park." This 351-acre metropolitan park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities, facilities and special events for individuals and families.
12. Austin Nature & Science Center
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.
13. Austin Parks
The Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is a non-profit organization devoted to building public/private partnerships to develop and maintain parks, trails, and open space in Austin and Travis County.
14. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
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.
15. Round Rock Express
The Round Rock Express are a Minor League Baseball team of Triple-A West and the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. They are located in Round Rock, Texas, and play their home games at the Dell Diamond.
16. Austin Bat Cave
Austin Bat Cave is a creative community. Our creative writing programs reach hundreds of students a year and we work with dozens of schools, community partners, and other nonprofits. Check out our website to learn about our summer camps, virtual classes, and to pick up a copy of our latest anthology of youth writing.
17. SeaWorld
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.
18. My Local Library
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!
19. Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park Austin is the eighteenth location of the Altitude family offering high-energy and exciting entertainment activities such as a foam pit, rock climbing wall, gymnastics tumble tracks, a kid zone, basketball dunking lanes, dodge ball and group fitness. The park is approximately 23,000 square feet of interconnected wall-to-wall trampoline attractions!
20. Zilker Theatre Productions
Zilker Theatre Productions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has provided award-winning, free admission entertainment since 1959, boasts an audience of over 50,000 for the beloved Zilker Summer Musical.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in several categories. Here were their choices.Top Arts Educator
Figment Creative LabsWhether you’re looking to develop your toddler’s fine motor skills, expand your grade-schooler’s creativity or build your young artist’s self confidence, we’ve got you covered. Figment Creative Labs features a kid-friendly art studio, STEAM-centric maker-space and creative pre-school. Just off of Brodie Lane in Austin, Texas! We also offer one-of-a-kind Art Birthday Parties, Toddler Art Playgroups, Home Visits, and Camps.
Top Sports Educator
Topgolf AustinTopgolf Austin features 102 bays over 3 floors, an amazing rooftop terrace, lively bars and a golf game concept that is sure to blow you away!
Top STEM Educator
Science MillDiscover the fun of science at the Science Mill in Johnson City! This family destination offers a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge exhibits and educational programs, the museum expands understanding and appreciation of science in everyday life. Housed in an historic 1880s mill, the Science Mill features more than 50 interactive, world-class outdoor and indoor exhibits. Visit http://sciencemill.org to learn more and plan your visit.
