David Go
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its eclectic culture, live music, and stunning natural landscapes. For families looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature, Austin offers an abundance of outdoor recreation areas perfect for all ages. From serene state parks with cascading waterfalls to lively urban greenbelts and interactive gardens, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting. This guide explores some of the top family-friendly outdoor spots in Austin, ensuring memorable experiences for everyone.
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park offers a refreshing escape into nature within Austin’s city limits. Families can enjoy picturesque waterfalls, perfect for splashing around or simply admiring the natural beauty. The park boasts numerous trails ideal for hiking, biking, and exploring, alongside opportunities for fishing in Onion Creek. Don’t miss the chance to see ‘Old Baldy,’ a magnificent 500-year-old cypress tree that stands as a testament to the park’s enduring charm. With well-maintained facilities and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s a premier spot for camping, picnics, and creating cherished outdoor memories with your loved ones. The park is dog-friendly and offers wheelchair accessibility for parking and entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors.
Type
- ✔ State Park
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Step into a tranquil oasis at Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, a stunning 21-acre gem known for its serene walking trails, lush gardens, and most notably, its free-roaming peacocks! This unique preserve offers families a quiet escape where children can delight in spotting these majestic birds while exploring the picturesque grounds. The historic cottage and vibrant water lily ponds add to the enchanting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, nature photography, or a peaceful picnic. With free parking and wheelchair accessibility, Mayfield Park provides an accessible and unforgettable experience for families looking for a blend of natural beauty and wildlife observation.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Credit Card
- ❌ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
River Place Nature Trail
For families seeking a more adventurous outdoor experience, River Place Nature Trail offers a picturesque and challenging hiking area. This riverfront park boasts a popular forested trail featuring waterfalls and abundant wildlife, providing an immersive nature experience. While the trail includes steps and inclines, making it a more rigorous hike, the reward is stunning natural beauty and a great workout. It’s a fantastic spot for families with older children who enjoy a good trek and spotting local flora and fauna. Dogs are welcome, allowing the entire family to enjoy the lush landscapes and the sounds of flowing water. Free street parking is available, but note that wheelchair access to the entrance is not provided.
Type
- ✔ Hiking Area
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free street parking
Accessibility
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a beloved urban natural area offering a myriad of outdoor activities for families. This expansive green space is a haven for adventurers, featuring miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. During wetter seasons, the greenbelt’s swimming holes, like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, become popular spots for families to cool off. Rock climbing opportunities also draw thrill-seekers. The lush environment, combined with the sounds of Barton Creek, creates a refreshing escape from city life. It’s a dog-friendly park, encouraging all family members to enjoy the natural beauty. While parking is free, visitors should note that wheelchair accessibility for parking and entrance is not available.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Credit Card
- ❌ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Mueller Lake Park
Mueller Lake Park is a lively hub of activity, making it a fantastic destination for families in Austin. Centered around a large lake, the park offers a wonderful playground with a big slide, ample walking paths, and even an amphitheater for community events. It’s renowned for its vibrant farmer’s market, which provides a fun and engaging experience for all ages. Dog-friendly spaces and nearby food trucks add to the park’s appeal, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With a variety of parking options, including free and paid, and excellent wheelchair accessibility, Mueller Lake Park is designed for convenience and enjoyment, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Paid parking lot
- ✔ Free street parking
- ✔ Paid street parking
- ✔ Paid garage parking
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Cash Only
Pease District Park
Pease District Park is a cherished urban park that has been revitalized to offer an incredible experience for Austin families. Beyond its traditional trails, picnic spaces, and sports courts, the park features a standout attraction: the Pease Park Treehouse. This unique, artistic play structure, along with a splash pad, clean restrooms, and ample green space, makes it an ideal spot for children to explore and play. Dog-friendly and with free parking options, Pease Park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities, ensuring comfort and fun for visitors of all ages. Its relaxed, peaceful atmosphere, coupled with artistic installations, provides a truly unique outdoor adventure.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Has Restroom
- ✔ Yes
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Free street parking
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Cash Only
Austin’s
For families seeking an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure, Austin’s is the ultimate destination. This sprawling amusement park offers a fantastic array of attractions, including thrilling go-karts, exciting bumper boats, challenging mini-golf courses, and even a rock-climbing wall. Beyond these outdoor pursuits, the entertainment center boasts arcade games, laser tag, and a bowling alley, ensuring endless fun regardless of the weather. With options for takeout and delivery, plus convenient amenities like restrooms and Wi-Fi, Austin’s is designed for family comfort and enjoyment. Its extensive parking and excellent wheelchair accessibility make it a welcoming venue for everyone, promising a day full of laughter and excitement.
Type
- ✔ Amusement Park
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Offers
- ✔ Takeout
- ✔ Delivery
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Has Restroom
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ✔ Yes
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Free street parking
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
- ✔ NFC
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell offers families one of Austin’s most iconic outdoor experiences: panoramic views from the city’s highest point. At 785 feet, or 106 steps up, reaching the summit is a manageable ascent for most families, rewarding them with breathtaking vistas of Lake Austin, the Colorado River, and the Austin skyline. The park features stone picnic tables and trails leading to various overlooks, making it an ideal spot for a scenic picnic or to capture stunning family photos, especially around sunset. Dogs are welcome to join the adventure, and with free parking readily available, Mount Bonnell is a must-visit for a dose of natural beauty and incredible city views, though it’s important to note there is no wheelchair accessible entrance.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Free street parking
Accessibility
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Credit Card
- ❌ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Bull Creek District Park
Bull Creek District Park offers a tranquil and undeveloped natural setting, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a genuine outdoor experience. Located along the serene Bull Creek, this park features a cool creek for wading, refreshing swimming holes, and small waterfalls that add to its scenic charm. The park boasts a variety of dog-friendly trails, catering to different hiking abilities, and plenty of shaded picnic areas. It’s a perfect spot for families to explore, enjoy a picnic by the water, or simply relax amidst nature’s beauty. With wheelchair accessible parking and entrance, Bull Creek District Park is a welcoming natural retreat for everyone.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Credit Card
- ❌ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a sprawling greenspace along Lake Austin, offering families an array of recreational opportunities. With 12 miles of forested trails, it’s a fantastic spot for hiking, nature walks, and exploring the serene environment. The park provides several swimming areas in Lake Austin, perfect for cooling off on a hot day, along with boat docks for those who wish to venture further onto the water. Families can enjoy the convenience of BBQ pits and picnic areas, making it ideal for a full day out. A dedicated off-leash trail ensures that furry family members can also enjoy the park. With both free and paid parking options and excellent accessibility, Emma Long is a cherished spot for active Austin families.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Paid parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden offers a delightful blend of education and natural beauty, making it a wonderful outdoor destination for families. Spanning 31 acres within Zilker Park, the garden features an impressive collection of plants, serene ponds, and winding trails. Families can explore various themed gardens, including a prehistoric garden with dinosaur statues, a tranquil Japanese garden, and a vibrant butterfly garden. Educational programs designed for children provide engaging learning experiences. The garden is dog-friendly and equipped with restrooms and excellent accessibility, including wheelchair accessible parking, entrance, and restrooms. Although parking is paid, the rich botanical experience is well worth the visit for families seeking both beauty and knowledge.
Type
- ✔ Botanical garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Restroom
- ✔ Yes
Parking options
- ✔ Paid parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a massive public park, widely recognized for its extensive system of hiking and biking trails that cater to all skill levels. This dog-friendly park is a true gem for active families, offering vast open spaces, shaded picnic areas, and a popular playground for younger children. The presence of a municipal pool also adds a refreshing option during warmer months. Whether your family enjoys a leisurely stroll, an invigorating bike ride, or a fun afternoon at the playground, Walnut Creek provides a vibrant and engaging outdoor setting. With free parking and excellent accessibility, it’s a convenient and beloved spot for North Austin families.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Credit Card
- ❌ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Butler Metro Park
Butler Metro Park offers a beautiful urban green space with winding paths and breathtaking city vistas, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy the outdoors with a scenic backdrop. This popular park near the shore provides enjoyable trails for riverside exploration, alongside a fantastic playground for children. A night-lit fountain and a serene pond add to the park’s charm, making it perfect for both daytime play and peaceful evening strolls. It’s a dog-friendly park with good accessibility, including wheelchair accessible parking and entrances, ensuring that every family member can partake in the enjoyment. With a mix of free and paid parking, Butler Metro Park is a convenient and visually stunning option for family recreation in the heart of Austin.
Type
- ✔ Park and Garden
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Good for Children
- ✔ Yes
Allows Dogs
- ✔ Yes
Has Wifi
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Paid parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Cash Only
Austin truly shines as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially families. With its diverse range of parks, trails, and unique natural attractions, there’s always a new adventure to be had. Whether you’re seeking tranquil moments amidst nature, exciting physical challenges, or simply a beautiful spot for a family picnic, Austin’s family-friendly outdoor recreation areas promise unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. Pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and explore the natural beauty that makes Austin so special.
