Things to do with parents in Austin are plenty.
When planning a trip with your parents to Austin, Texas, you won’t be disappointed.
From the historic Texas State Capitol to the scenic overlook of Mount Bonnell and the bats of the Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin has something to offer for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed day at the park or an educational experience at the museum, you’ll find something that appeals to all ages.
In this blog post, I’ll explore some of the best activities and attractions and activities you can engage in with parents in Austin.
This information will help you make the most of your trip.
From the Blanton Museum of Art to the Moody Theatre and beyond, there are plenty of things to do with your parents in Austin.
So, get ready to explore, learn and have an unforgettable experience with your family in the “Live Music Capital of the World”.
Things to Do with Parents in Austin
Visit Nearby Distilleries
Austin is a unique destination with plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.
One of the city’s hidden gems is its collection of distilleries, offering visitors a unique experience and a chance to learn more about the local craft.
From bourbon to gin and vodka, Austin is home to a variety of distilleries with something for everyone.
Take a tour of Treaty Oak Distilling to learn about their award-winning spirits.
With their full range of spirits, you’re sure to find something you like.
Don’t forget to take a bottle home with you!
If gin is more your style, head over to Still Austin Whiskey Co. and sample their unique gin-based cocktails.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, check out The Austin Reserve Distilling Co.
Their small-batch spirits are hand-crafted using locally sourced ingredients.
Stop by their tasting room to sample their signature cocktails and learn more about their production process.
The next time you’re in Austin, make sure to factor a visit to one of its nearby distilleries into your itinerary.
With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
From bourbon to gin and vodka, Austin’s distilleries are sure to please.
Indeed, visiting the nearby distilleries is one of the best things to do with parents in Austin, Texas.
Explore the Outlying Communities in Austin like San Marcos, Wimberley, Bastrop, Fredericksburg
Austin is an amazing city that has many attractions for you to explore.
But have you ever considered exploring the outlying communities around Austin?
From San Marcos to Wimberley, Bastrop to Fredericksburg, there’s a lot of amazing things to see and do.
San Marcos is one of the oldest cities in Texas and offers plenty of attractions, including the Aquarena Springs and the Wonder World Park.
Wimberley is a small, picturesque town surrounded by rolling hills and the Blanco River, and is home to the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens.
Bastrop is a small town with a rich history, featuring the Bastrop State Park and the Colorado River.
On the other hand, Fredericksburg is a charming little German town with numerous stores, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants.
Additionally, there are many wineries and the Pacific War National Museum that you can visit with your parents and learn more about the state’s history.
So, take some time to discover the outlying communities and experience all that Texas has to offer.
Exploring these outlying communities is definitely among the best things to do with parents in Austin.
Austin Bats at the Congress Bridge
Apart from the other common attractions, the city is also well-known for its fondness for certain nighttime winged creatures that emerge at sunset.
Those are Mexican Free-Tailed Bats.
The Congress Avenue Bridge was transformed into an ideal bat cave during a 1980 renovation, drawing migrating Mexican free-tailed bats.
Decades later, Austin’s bat population has exploded, and residents have welcomed the lovable animals as neighbors.
The bats gladly handle the city’s bug mitigation while providing an incredible nightly show.
The Austin Bats under the Congress Bridge are quite a sight.
Gather around the Congress bridge at dusk between March and November to witness over a million bats fly south.
This is a fantastic free activity. Before you exclaim, “YUCK! BATS!” – you should consider this activity as among the best things to do with parents in Austin.
Visit the Many Restaurants
Austin, Texas is a great destination for foodies.
With a wide variety of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, there’s something for everyone.
From upscale Italian restaurants to casual Mexican eateries, you can find something that fits your taste.
Whether you’re looking for a special occasion meal or just something to snack on with your parents, you’ll find plenty of delicious options in Austin.
For a unique experience, check out the food trucks located around the city.
They offer a variety of delicious options from tacos to barbecue to crepes.
For those looking for a more traditional dining experience, there are plenty of restaurants that offer a variety of dishes from around the world.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, Austin has plenty of fine-dining restaurants. From seafood to steak, you can find something to satisfy your cravings.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something a little more casual, there are plenty of restaurants that offer a laid-back atmosphere.
Exploring the food scene in Austin is definitely among the top things to do with parents in Austin.
Visit the Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Refuge
Many natural Texas wildlife and plants can be found at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.
It was created especially to protect the nesting grounds of the endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler.
Visitors can easily explore the refuge by taking a self-guided auto tour or by hiking one of the many trails.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing day out in nature, the Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Refuge is the perfect spot.
You’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the canyonlands, spot some of the local wildlife, and maybe even catch a fish or two.
So if you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure, be sure to visit the Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Refuge.
You can also attend the Birds Festival at this destination.
Exploring this amazing destination is definitely among the best things to do with parents in Austin.
Visit the Zilker Botanical Garden
The Zilker Botanical Garden is located within Zilker Metropolitan Park in central Austin.
Every year, nearly 500,000 people explore Zilker Botanical Garden.
The Austin Area Garden Society maintains this urban oasis, exemplifying the garden’s goal to “promote the education and love of gardening among people of all ages.”
With just one stroll through here with your parents, you’ll be inspired to plan your next home gardening assignment.
Will your parent’s new favorite flower, however, grow where your folks live? To find out, you’ll have to get in touch with a volunteer.
The Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and Rose Garden are all linked by paths for people of all ages and abilities.
The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday.
Admission is $1 for children ages 3 to 12, $2 for Austin resident adults ages 13 to 61, $3 for non-resident adults ages 13 to 61, and $1 for elders ages 65 and up.
Visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is an amazing place to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a botanic garden in Austin, Texas.
It is dedicated to the conservation and promotion of North American native plants and their habitats.
The center includes a variety of garden spaces, walking trails, and educational exhibits that showcase the beauty and importance of native plants.
Lady Bird Johnson, the former first lady of the United States, founded the center in 1982, and it has since become a popular destination for both visitors and researchers.
The Wildflower Center also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase native plant seeds and other native plant-inspired gifts.
The Center, which has green roofs, rainwater harvesting, art shows, and a café, can also accommodate your wedding.
Indeed, this amazing center should feature among the best things to do with parents in Austin.
Visit Texas Capitol
The Texas State Capitol in Austin is an iconic landmark and the perfect destination for a family outing.
Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol, which include exploring the chambers where debates take place, the Texas Flag Room, and the Governor’s Reception Room.
The Capitol also offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits on Texas history, government, and culture.
The Capitol grounds are also home to a variety of statues and monuments, as well as a beautiful garden with a reflecting pool.
Whether you’re looking for a history lesson or just want to enjoy the beauty of the Capitol, a visit to the Texas State Capitol is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Visiting the Texas State Capitol should feature among your top destinations to visit with parents in Austin.
Visit Elisabet Ney Museum
An unusual structure stands on the outskirts of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood.
Despite being constructed of abundant local Texas limestone, the neoclassical portico and two-story tower stick out in a neighborhood of Victorian homes and Craftsman bungalows.
This building is the Elisabet Ney Museum.
The Elisabet Ney Museum contains the world’s biggest collection of this extraordinary woman’s work.
The exhibits span from the 1850s to her death in 1907 at the site, as well as furnishings and memorabilia.
It also features modern artists in the building and on the grounds.
This includes a Historic Landscape Restoration that recreates what Elisabet Ney discovered and fell in love with when she arrived in 1892.
The Elisabet Ney Museum is accessible Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The Museum remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The museum does not charge any fees.
Cool Off at the Barton Springs Pool
One of Austin’s crown treasures is located within Zilker Park’s 358 acres: Barton Springs Pool.
The three-acre pool is supplied by underground springs and has an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, making it perfect for year-round swimming.
The Springs is a nationally protected habitat that is home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander.
The pool’s depths vary from 0′ to 18′, with lawns near it for guests to lounge on.
Splash, an instructional exhibit adjacent to the pool bathhouse, educates visitors about the history and biology of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer that feeds it.
Barton Springs Pool’s cold spring water is one of the greatest weapons against Austin’s summer heat.
The park charges admission fees.
Regular and seasonal passes that include parking can be obtained on their website.
Enjoying the waters at this park is one of the best things to do with parents in Austin.
Grab a Meal at Magnolia Cafe
Magnolia Cafe, on the other hand, demonstrates that adage is incorrect.
It’s everything everyone needs it to be, whether you’re 10 or 70, coming in at 9 a.m. or 9 p.m., craving queso or a vegetable plate.
The restaurant is open 24/7.
Magnolia Cafe is without a doubt one of the finest restaurants in Austin.
The nachos and salsa (and the queso with guac!) are delicious.
Meals for both children and adults are reasonably priced.
If you visit the South Congress location, eat outside to allow your children space to move and play.
Magnolia Cafe is a local favorite, so go during the off-season to prevent a wait.
But the delay will be worthwhile!
Their morning tacos are delicious, as is their french toast!
Head over there with your parents and experience the best food in Austin!
Hike Up Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is a great location to start your outdoor adventures and experience some of the city’s incredible views with your parents.
Mount Bonnell Trail is situated in Covert Park.
The trail is open to the public and even has free parking.
Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular from the summit!
Fortunately, the trail is available daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can come early to secure a spot for the scenic show.
Climbing steps or reaching the peak via a gravel trail are required for the Mount Bonnell hike.
While the path is accessible to some, it is not paved and involves a quick 200-foot elevation increase to reach the peak.
This is a fantastic place to explore while in town.
Indeed, hiking here should feature among the top things to do with parents in Austin.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do with Parents in Austin
Things to Do with Parents in Austin is a great way to explore the city and have fun with the whole family.
From visiting the Texas State Capitol to exploring the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats, Austin has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a history lesson or a fun activity, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, if you’re looking for an exciting and educational place to spend the day with your parents, Austin is the place to be.
Come explore the city and all it has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!