family hikes
Hiking is a way of life in Austin and something everyone of any age can enjoy , although we don ’ t recommend it at the height of summer when temperatures can reach a hot and humid 97 degrees . Mayfield Nature Preserve : These shaded trails give you some reprieve from the heat , and the winding paths through ponds and gated gardens lead to a historic cottage that gives inquisitive kids a goal to trek to . Along the way , you ’ ll encounter the famous peacocks and peahens , plus plenty of turtles , frogs and fish . Barton Creek Greenbelt : This is a favorite spot for locals on the weekends as there are so many different things to do . On any given day , the creek welcomes mountain bikers , hikers , family groups , dog walkers , rock climbers and swimmers . Hamilton Pool Preserve : Boasting the title of the one of the most photographed spots in Central Texas , the Hamilton Pool Preserve is ideal for anyone who loves to get wet and messy ( honestly , who doesn ’ t ?). A quartermile trail drops down to a scenic 50-foot waterfall flowing into a natural pool that was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago . Nowadays , it is surrounded by limestone slabs and mossy grottos , with stalactites hanging from cave ceilings . If you listen carefully , you ’ ll hear the sound of the endangered goldencheeked warblers that live in the Ashe juniper trees . Be sure to make a reservation during the summer ( at least two weeks in advance ) and pay the $ 15 entrance fee .
zilker park
Self-proclaimed as “ Austin ’ s favorite park ,” 351-acre Zilker is full of delights . Little guests can ride the famous train — the Zilker Zephyr — around the park , or the whole family can rent a boat and hit the water . The gaming opportunities are boundless , too … play volleyball and disc golf , clamber on the Zilker Playscape , then hunker down at a picnic site to refuel or cool off in the naturally-fed Barton Springs Pool afterwards . Once the sun sets , the Hillside Theatre hosts jazz and country concerts , and is also home to the Summer Musical Festival and Shakespeare in the Park .
NLand surf park
Austin might be land-locked but that doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t go surfing . What better way to beat the summer humidity than riding some ( man-made ) waves ? The NLand Surf Park caters to everyone from beginners to experienced surfers missing the ocean and
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 46 SUMMER 2018 ready to tackle steep , high performance waves . Group or private classes teach the basics ( are you regular or goofy ?) and kids as young as five can ( wet ) suit up to surf . Pretend you really are at the beach by feasting on fish tacos and poke afterwards . Adults can grab a pint at the brewery , where the motto is “ surf first , drink later .” The Summer Surf Camp offers three hours of instruction a day plus presentations from acclaimed competitors , athletes and professional BMX riders . lady bird johnson wildflower center
Located at the University of Texas in Austin , this botanical garden was founded by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes in 1982 to preserve America ’ s native plants and natural landscapes . You can wander freely by yourself or take a guided tour to get educated on Texas ’ local plant life . Whichever option you choose , be sure to take a break at the Texas Arboretum and rest under a giant oak tree . The 4.5-acre Luci and Ian Family Garden connects children to the natural world through interactive and educational features made of natural materials . You can also get lost in the shrub maze , climb on giant tree trunks , walk through the Fibonacci spiral , play maththemed hopscotch or step in dinosaur footprints by a flowing creek . After all that action , stop by the Wildflower Café for food as fresh as the exhibits . The Kids ’ Menu includes tempting offerings such as The Screech Owl Grilled Cheese , The Coyote Hot Dog and the Ladybug PB & J .
driskill hotel
You don ’ t have to stay at the Driskill Hotel to appreciate its historic splendor . Opened in 1886 as the showplace of cattle baron Col . Jesse Driskill , the landmark hotel is located in the heart of downtown on Sixth Street . It simply oozes rich Lone Star State history , from the magnificent columned lobby to the wood-paneled Driskill Bar with intimate nooks for a private drink as you sink into an overstuffed leather sofa . The main restaurant serves the five-star dining experience and Texas-sized steaks you ’ d expect , but the 1886 Café and Bakery is an unexpected delight . Sweet recipes passed down through generations are transformed into Austin ’ s finest cakes , pastries and even Texas-shaped waffles by Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone . We highly recommend you make time for their famous Afternoon Tea before leaving town ! The Driskill is rumored to be haunted by a number of ghosts — a little girl who bounces her ball down the grand staircase , two “ suicide brides ” in Room 525 , and even Col . Jesse Driskill himself , who still enjoys a cigar in his namesake hotel . thinkery
Thinkery describes itself as Austin ’ s “ why ” and “ how ,” where science and families play side by side . If you believe there is nothing more fun than learning , then this is the place for you as Thinkery aims to inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers . The Innovators ’ Workshop melds the best of art and science with the Stop Animation Station , Little Learners ’ Lab , Painting on Glass and Simple Machines Wall . Other exhibits rotate , such as Currents , a watery science where guests can get really wet — but don ’ t worry , smock and Crocs are provided . Kitchen Lab combines a traditional kitchen space with a science lab , while the Light Lab investigates the impact of color and light by letting little guests freeze shadows , manipulate circuits and build light structures with magnets and LEDs . peter pan mini golf
An Austin institution since 1948 , Peter Pan takes players back to the glory days of mini golf with two 18-hole courses featuring old school obstacles such as dinosaurs , a widemouthed killer whale , playful Dalmatians , a giant sneaker and a very scary clown . There ’ s a shaded picnic area for lunch and birthday parties , and group rate deals whether it ’ s for kids or college students armed with coolers of beer . But the real reason the gently sloping , well-manicured greens hold a special place in the hearts of Austinites is the authentic family connection of an attraction that ’ s been handed down for generations . Oh , and the giant statue of “ Peter Pan ” playwright J . M . Barrie , of course .
getting around
There are plenty of options for making the 10- mile trip from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport ( AUS ) to downtown Austin . A taxi fare should be less than $ 30 , and now ( after being banned two years ago ) Uber and Lyft are back operating there . If you ’ d prefer to drive yourself , Enterprise , Avis , Budget , Dollar and Alamo all operate rentals out Austin-Bergstrom . On the public transport side , Capital Metro ’ s 100-AirportFlyer bus runs to and from the airport every 30 minutes and costs $ 1.25 to get downtown , or the SuperShuttle drops off at numerous locations . Once you ’ re downtown , check out the Capital Metro or MetroRail Systems — or just hop in a pedicab and enjoy the view .