Austin, Texas, is a great place to visit with family. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone busy and engaged. These tips will help you plan an Austin, Texas, family vacation filled with fantastic memories.
Why Should You Plan a Vacation in Austin, Texas, for the Family?
There are many excellent reasons to plan a family vacation to Austin. The city is home to awesome attractions, including many free and inexpensive activities for kids of all ages.
The great year-round weather appeals to people from all walks of life. Summers can get hot in Austin, but the warm winters are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. That warmer weather makes Austin a migratory stop for many animals.
Austin offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and downtown RV parks, which offer cost-effective, family-friendly options.
Is Austin, Texas, a Good Place for Families?
Absolutely! There are so many fun and exciting things to do you may need a vacation to recover from your visit! Be sure to schedule time during your vacation in Austin, Texas, for the family to visit some of these iconic spots.
The State Capital Building
As the state capital of Texas, Austin is filled with historic and educational activities. You can take a self-guided tour of the massive domed capital building — the largest capital by square footage in the U.S. — and spend an afternoon wandering around its 22 manicured acres. This is an excellent choice for homeschool families who want to encourage active exploration.
Outdoor Activities
Your Austin vacation for your family could begin with this uniquely Austin outdoor activity that kids of all ages find fun: viewing the bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge. During the summer months, the city is home to some 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Head down to the bridge around sunset from March through October to watch the bats take flight, searching for their nightly meal.
Bat viewing is entirely free, but you’ll get the best vantage point from out on the lake. Consider renting a kayak to make it a truly memorable experience. More great outdoor adventures await you at:
- Alliance Children’s Garden
- Lady Bird Wildflower Center
- McKinney Falls State Park
While you are planning, leave some downtime to enjoy some of the more relaxing places, such as Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs Pool.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Museums abound in the Texas Capital. Plan a day at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, where you can experience the story of Texas through three floors of exhibits. The Bullock Museum also has an IMAX theater with a rotating selection of educational movies.
If you prefer natural history, take the kids for an afternoon at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. The Museum tells the story of 600 million years of changes to the Texas landscape and animals. You can also check out some really cool fossils found throughout the state.
The Thinkery children’s museum is packed with hands-on fun for families, including the Light Lab, Fresh!, and Our Backyard. It also has special events, such as Baby Bloomers, a dedicated time for the littlest visitors up to three years old.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Austin
There are plenty of other family-friendly things to do on an Austin, Texas family vacation. The Central Library is an awe-inspiring space that offers much more than books. You can attend story times, teen activities, and tours for all ages.
On days when you want to take it easy, stroll through downtown to admire the iconic murals adorning Austin’s buildings. The visitor center offers suggested tour paths for these iconic murals.
An Austin vacation for families wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one or two of the city’s celebrated eateries. Enjoy Texas BBQ, Tex-Mex staples, and breakfast burritos, then swing by Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop for a sweet treat to finish the day.
Many of the local breweries welcome guests of all ages, including Meanwhile Brewing in South Austin which has a backyard play area and soccer field. Other local tap houses with kid-friendly features include:
- Austin Beerworks
- Fast Friends Beer Co.
- Jester King Brewery
- Vista Brewing
Families who want to try something different will have no trouble finding great food in Austin. Plus, the city is undeniably casual, so you never have to worry about what to wear.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Austin, Texas?
For most people, the best months to plan an Austin, Texas, family vacation are in the fall and spring. March, April, October, and November are the most popular choices.
However, those seasons can be difficult for families who don’t want to disrupt their kids’ school schedules. The great news is that there is something for families to do in Austin, no matter when you visit.
A winter vacation in Austin, Texas, allows the family to take advantage of cooler weather and budget prices. Because it isn’t peak tourism season, you can often find great deals on hotels and activities in January and February.
If you decide to visit Austin in the summer, be prepared to manage the Texas summer heat. A little planning can help you make this the perfect time to visit. Look for water-based fun and indoor activities to keep everyone busy in the A/C during the hottest parts of the day.
Is Austin, Texas, Expensive To Visit?
Like many other major cities, Austin can be expensive for families to visit. However, you can be proactive and take steps to manage travel costs.
Visiting in off-seasons like the winter and summer is a great way to save. You can also find tons of discounts and promotions at area attractions. If your dates are flexible, avoid planning your Austin, Texas, family vacation during one of the city’s many festivals. Prices for food, lodging, parking, and transportation are usually highest during those.
One of the biggest expenses you’ll find is in lodging. Austin hotel rates tend to run high. However, some of the best RV parks in Texas are right in or around the city, making that a great way to keep costs lower. RV rates are not only less expensive than downtown hotels, but you also have the convenience of a kitchen and your own bed.
Plan Your Austin, Texas, Family Vacation
Austin RV Park offers great rates for short-term stays. Our spacious sites with full hookups, laundry facilities, and clean bathrooms make us a top choice for Austin, Texas, family vacations. Ready to plan your Austin adventure? Contact us today to book your stay.