Itineraries for Your Trip to Austin
3 Days in Austin for Families
While I now live in Los Angeles, I completed my undergraduate studies in Austin, and the city remains one of my all-time favorite family destinations. Quirky, easy to navigate, full of history, and with attractions that appeal to everyone, it's an easy place to love.
For young kids, the Thinkery children's museum is excellent, and for older kids, the Bullock Texas State History Museum is good. It is also easy to explore the outdoors, especially on a bike—an easy and fun way to see the city. Consider swimming at Barton Springs and kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. However you decide to spend your time, you will find fun right around the corner.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Lady Bird Lake for its beautiful scenery and a peek at Austin's bat population.
Bring extra water for the hot, sticky summer and a jacket for the cold winter days.
Zip around the city on a bike tour to see places like Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol, Congress Avenue Bridge, and more. When you get hungry, grab a migas tacos lunch (an Austin fusion food specialty) at Veracruz All Natural (multiple locations).
Austin has a fantastic food scene. Exploring the city through your stomach will take you through historic neighborhoods, and culinary stories and help you understand what makes up a proper meal in Austin. (Hint: It's barbecue, migas, queso, and breakfast tacos.)
Explore the history, architecture, and political intrigue with a tour around the Texas Capitol. Check out the Bullock Texas State History Museum to round out the experience.
Get out on the water by kayak on Lady Bird Lake for a new view of the city and the chance to see Austin's urban bat colony. Bats fly out by the thousands from underneath Congress Avenue Bridge, a celebrated phenomenon that can be seen from the bridge.
The outskirts of Austin, along the Colorado River, is full of fun and interesting places to see. These include Mount Bonnell, where a short hike leads to a great city view; Mayfield Park, a peaceful refuge with peacocks; and Laguna Gloria, a 12-acre sculpture park on the water.
Just a little further northwest lies Lake Austin, just outside the city boundaries. This popular destination is a world away from the city, full of easy breezes, relaxation, and beauty in spades. After a boat ride, grab lunch or dinner at one of the many casual waterfront dining establishments.
