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.