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Austin blogs coming soon!
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kid-friendly austin eats:
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Okay, I had to start my list with The Salt Lick because it is the BEST. You can head to either location for incredible bbq and a playscape for the kiddos, but if you want ambiance that is to die for, grab some cash and your favorite BYOB and head on out to Driftwood. Kids under 3 eat FREE with an adult family-style purchase. Expect a wait, so come early to enjoy live music and play on the Kid's Ranch playground. Let me just say, "You're welcome." |
SoCo is an absolute must when visiting Austin. With an incredible view straight down South Congress Ave all the way to the Texas State Capitol, this location is vibrant and fun with tons of food truck options, from tacos to Thai and from crepes to cupcakes (hit up Hey Cupcake! for yummy dessert as well as an adorable photo op). After you eat, be sure to stop by the super fun Big Top Candy Shop. |
Quintessential Austin vibe + tasty comfort food + outdoor fun, washer pits and playground + beautiful location under shady trees + great Happy Hour specials. This is an Austin MUST with kiddos! |
Three words: Frito Pie Burger. Three more words: Fried Avocado Burger. No? How about two words, then: Parent's Recess. "Bring the kids, let them tire themselves out and put your feet up," (their words!) from 3:00 to 5:30 at any of their three locations with discounted beer and wine. Sounds good to me! Especially with that Frito Pie Burger, and then finished with Austin's own delicious Amy's Ice Cream (diet starts AFTER the trip). |
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Several locations
Waterloo was our go-to breakfast spot when my first WanderLittle was a baby. You wouldn't normally think of an Ice House for breakfast, but their blueberry pancakes are a-mazing (hubby always went for the breakfast tacos), and then you can enjoy your coffee while the littles play on the playscape. Not every location has a playscape, but most do, and the North Capital of Texas highway location has a fun sandpit as well. |
Did someone say Family Movie Night by the lake with FREE S'MORES? Waterfront location, playscape, and kid-friendly fare. Check their Facebook page for movie night info. Closed during winter. |
kid-friendly Austin activities:
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This famous Austin park has it all. From the Zilker Zephyr (a cute train ride) to the Austin Nature and Science Center (with a Dino Pit for petite paleontologists), and including a playscape and plenty of people (and dog) watching, Zilker deserves every accolade it receives.
Back in the day, I wrote a list for Austin Moms Blog of all the ways I love Zilker. I hope you and your family love it, too!
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Technically part of Zilker Park, Barton Springs deserves its own section, simply because it is that cool. Both literally AND figuratively. A natural spring, this pool is COLD. But super fun and an Austin Landmark. |
Another "cool pool," Deep Eddy is a great place to splash around and be a part of history: it's reportedly the oldest swimming pool in Texas. It's also pretty chilly, so let your little ones warm up on the toddler playground before heading to the wading pool. Bring a few $ for admission. |
Take your little Batmen and Batgirls down to the Ann W. Richards Congress Ave Bridge about half an hour before sundown from March to October to see 1.5 MILLION bats emerge into the Austin night air. Park at the Austin-American Statesman office for $6, or in the free lot next to the South 1st Street bridge, about 1/4 mile to the west. |
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An offshoot of the former Austin Children's Museum, here you will find exciting exhibits such as "Light Lab," "Space 8," "Our Backyard," and more. Fun + Education. What more could you ask for?? |
BookPeople is the largest independent bookstore in Texas and an Austin landmark. Check their website for BookKids story times and events, or just pop on in for some cool AC and good reads. Grab lunch afterwards at the flagship Whole Foods across the street. And did I mention there is an Anthropologie next door?? |
Texas Military Museum
Oh, boy. Or girl. Or man or woman, for that matter. This place is pretty amazing. Imagine seeing military history up close and personal with artifacts like a 1901 horse-drawn wagon to tanks and planes and more. Admission is free but donations are welcome. The museum is located at Camp Mabry so all adults must have government-issued id. |
Tour Austin by land and by sea (or lake, as the case may be). They claim to be Austin's most kid-friendly tour, so check it out and let us know. 75 minutes takes you around town from the Austin Visitor Center to the Texas State Capitol and other sites such as Historic Sixth Street and the Governor's Mansion. |
Kid-friendly austin hotels: |
Scroll down for information on Austin vacation rentals.
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The Four Seasons is not just a luxury brand hotel in an incredible location in the heart of Austin. It is also incredibly kid-friendly, offering such amenities as playpens, thermometers, jogging strollers, toys books, even complimentary baby toiletries and child-sized bathrobes. For real. |
With a fantastic location, this Omni hotel boasts its "Sensational Kids" program that provides a fun activity-filled backpack upon check-in, and milk & cookies the first night. Also ask about the fun Sensory Suite (connects to adult room) and Summer Saturday program with big-screen movie, popcorn, lemonade, etc. |
Did someone say Kids Club? Children ages 6 months to 8 years are welcome to enjoy activities at the Kids Club such as arts & crafts, storytime, puzzles, and more while you enjoy the spa, the pool, the golf course, or even just some alone time with your spouse! ($15/hour for one child + $5/hour for each addl child). For fun with the whole family, the resort also offers a fun mini golf course, scavenger hunt, and nature trail. Speaking of nature, though, this resort is a bit of a trek from Austin city central (about half an hour), so don't expect to be super close to the sites.
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vacation rentals:
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For vacation rentals, there are a plethora of options on homeaway.com and vrbo.com. We will be bringing you specific property reviews soon! For now, let us steer you to these specific neighborhoods (although you really can't go wrong in Austin!).
Downtown South Congress South Lamar Barton Hills Travis Heights Zilker |
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general tips:
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Request a free visitor's guide
If you have time to plan, you may prefer a printed Austin Visitor Guide which you can request for FREE from the Austin Visitor Center. |
Links we love
Click on over for more info about kid-friendly Austin! http://do512family.com/ http://austin.citymomsblog.com/ http://freefuninaustin.com/ |
before you go
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Connect. |
Ask questions, share tips, give advice about visiting Austin with kiddos!
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