Ah, Austin—a city full of live music, weird art, and enough queso to make you reconsider your lactose tolerance. If you’re dragging your kids along, congratulations! Your carefree days are over, and now your weekends revolve around playgrounds and sticky fingers. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with both kid-friendly activities and some “creative” ways to escape those little goblins for some much-needed adult fun.
Let’s dive in.
Part 1: Actual, Respectable Things to Do in Austin with Kids
(Yes, I know, you have to pretend to enjoy these things. Try to look interested. The kids will notice if you’re dead inside.)
1. Zilker Park – Let Them Run Wild Like Free-Range Chickens
Take your kids to this massive green space where they can burn off energy while you sip an overpriced cold brew and pretend to care about their rock collection. There’s a playground, a train ride, and even a natural spring pool (Barton Springs) where your child will scream, "IT’S TOO COLD!" before immediately begging for ice cream.
2. Thinkery – Where Kids Learn While You Zone Out
Thinkery is Austin’s children's museum, designed to trick kids into learning under the guise of "fun." There are interactive science exhibits, an indoor water play area (great for creating tiny, damp monsters), and a space where kids can build things, aka break things in a socially acceptable environment.
Parent Hack: Bring earplugs and fake an urgent “work call” in the corner.
3. Austin Zoo – It’s Not Fancy, But Neither Are Your Kids
Austin’s zoo is a rescue zoo, which means the animals here have seen some things. It’s a great spot to teach your kids about animal conservation while they repeatedly ask, “Can I pet the tiger?” No, kid. We like you alive.
4. Barton Springs Pool – Cold Water, Hot Takes
A giant, spring-fed pool that stays a crisp 68°F year-round, perfect for cooling off in Austin’s hellish summer. Warning: You will see at least one shirtless old hippie floating on his back, communing with nature. We do not claim him.
5. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail – Force the Kids to Exercise
Strap those little freeloaders into a bike or a paddleboard and make them earn their chicken nuggets. This trail offers killer views of downtown Austin, plus you get to wave at kayakers who are just one wrong move away from flipping into the water.
6. Peter Pan Mini Golf – Let the Kids Talk Trash
Austin’s OG mini golf spot has been around since 1948. The holes are quirky, the statues are questionable, and you can BYOB (yes, really). Nothing says “quality family time” like openly mocking your child's terrible putting skills.
7. The Domain – Bougie Family Time
Think of The Domain as "Austin’s other downtown," where moms drink Starbucks in yoga pants and dads cry at the Lululemon prices. There’s a splash pad, toy stores, and plenty of overpriced food options to make you question your life choices.
Part 2: How to Ditch the Kids and Have a Real Austin Experience
Listen, parenting is hard. You deserve a break. I’m not saying you should abandon your children, but if you happened to “forget” them with Grandma and Grandpa for a night, well… accidents happen.
1. Esther’s Follies – The Best Kind of Comedy Your Kids Can’t See
If you want a night full of magic, satire, and political jokes sharper than a Texas-sized steak knife, head to Esther’s Follies. This legendary comedy show is part vaudeville, part magic act, and 100% NOT for kids. Seriously, leave them at home. They don’t need to hear the jokes about Texas politics that will make you question your residency.
2. Sixth Street – The Land of Regret and Tequila
Look, Sixth Street is not a "family-friendly" attraction. But if you get a sitter, this is where you can relive your poor life choices from your 20s. Bars, live music, and the occasional guy in a cowboy hat doing something deeply stupid—it’s all here.
Parent Tip: You will see a bachelorette party crying in the street. It’s an Austin tradition.
3. Deep Eddy Cabaret – Oldest Dive Bar in Austin
This bar is cheap, old, and full of characters who have definitely seen some things. Bring cash, order a Lone Star beer, and enjoy an evening where no one is calling you “Mom” or “Dad.”
4. Midnight Tacos – Regret in the Form of Food
Austin’s best food comes from trucks, and the best time to eat it is after midnight when you are slightly inebriated and full of bad decisions. Head to Las Trancas or Veracruz Tacos and let the queso cure your questionable life choices.
5. The "Accidental" Hotel Stay
If your kids are just young enough to believe a white lie, tell them there’s “a bug problem at home” and that you have to stay at The Driskill or Hotel Van Zandt. Boom. Instant adult vacation.
FAQs (Because You’re Not the Only One With These Questions)
Is Austin kid-friendly?
Yes! But so is Disney World, and you know how that goes.
What’s the best thing to do in Austin with kids?
Anything that wears them out so they fall asleep before you do.
Is Esther’s Follies okay for kids?
Nope. Unless you want your kid repeating political satire jokes at school. (Actually… that might be fun. But still, no.)
Is it illegal to leave my kids at home while I go drink margaritas.
Look, I’m not a lawyer, but let’s just say it’s frowned upon. Call a babysitter.
You Can Have It All (Mostly)
Austin is a city where you can technically have a great time with your kids. But let’s be honest—your best memories here will be the ones where you’ve found a way to sneak out for some adult fun.
So take your kids to the Thinkery, let them scream about ice cream, and then strategically schedule a night at Esther’s Follies. Because if you can survive a weekend with kids in Austin, you deserve a margarita. Or three.