Known for “keepin’ it weird,” Austin is a family-friendly city and all-around great place to travel! However, if you’re looking to sidestep the usual tourist trails and experience Austin like a local, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got the inside scoop on the hidden gems and local favorites that will make your family fun in Austin truly unforgettable. Get ready to eat, play, and relax like true Austinites.
Where to Eat: Tacos, Treats, and Room to Roam
Austin’s food scene is legendary, and yes, you can absolutely enjoy it with kids! Here are a few spots that are big on flavor and family-friendliness, without the tourist crush. The Great Austin Moms Network even has a blog (with a google maps link!) of all the restaurants in Austin that have play spaces for kids!
- Central Market (North Lamar): This isn’t just a grocery store; it’s an Austin institution. Grab a delicious, freshly prepared meal from their extensive café, and then head out to the sprawling patio and playground. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch where the kids can burn off some energy.
- Hat Creek Burger Company: With several locations around Austin, this is a go-to for families. Their burgers are top-notch, but the real draw is the fantastic playscape at each location. You can relax with a beer and a burger while the little ones make new friends.
- Phil’s Icehouse & Amy’s Ice Creams: This dynamic duo is a match made in family heaven. Enjoy delicious burgers and sandwiches at Phil’s, and then treat everyone to a scoop (or two) of Amy’s famous ice cream. The best part? Many locations have a playground.
- Black’s BBQ: You can’t come to Central Texas without trying true Texas barbecue. While there are many famous spots with daunting lines, Black’s BBQ (the Austin location of the Lockhart legend) offers world-class brisket, ribs, and sausage in a casual, family-friendly setting. The straightforward, by-the-pound service makes it easy to customize a feast for the whole family without a long wait.
Where to Stay: Finding Your Family’s Home Base
Skip the generic downtown hotels and opt for a neighborhood with a more local feel. Renting a house or staying in a smaller, family-friendly hotel in one of these areas will give you a taste of real Austin life.
- Mueller: This newer, master-planned community is a fantastic option for families. It’s incredibly walkable, with a central lake, numerous parks and playgrounds, and the excellent Thinkery children’s museum right in the neighborhood. You’ll find a mix of modern rental homes and a family-friendly hotel.
- South Lamar (SoLa): For a funky, eclectic vibe, look for a rental in the South Lamar neighborhood. You’ll be surrounded by unique shops, delicious restaurants, and a more laid-back atmosphere than the tourist-heavy South Congress area.
Where to Play: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Ready for some fun that you won’t find in every guidebook? Austin is full of unique experiences for the whole family.
- The Thinkery: Located in the family-friendly Mueller neighborhood, The Thinkery is Austin’s premier children’s museum and a paradise for curious minds. This isn’t your typical quiet museum; it’s a hands-on wonderland where kids are encouraged to touch, build, and experiment. From a vibrant water-play area to an innovative light lab and a fantastic climber that stretches to the ceiling, there’s something to engage children of all ages for hours.
- Alliance Children’s Garden: This 2-acre, multi-level playground located downtown next to Palmer Events Center is a dream come true for kids. It’s not your average set of swings and slides. Imagine giant, climbable rock walls, a musical “sound garden,” a sand pit, and a grassy hill perfect for rolling down. The park is designed with different “rooms” to cater to various age groups, making it a fantastic and free destination for the whole family to explore. Bonus! There is also a splash pad on site (Liz Carpenter Splash Pad) that’s open year round!
- Zilker Metro Park: This park is often overlooked by tourists heading straight for Barton Springs, it packs so many opportunities for families! There’s a mini train (Zilker Eagle), an expansive play structure, the Nature and Science Center (where you can dig for dinosaur bones and take a nature walk through the woods), and a large open field (home to Austin City Limits Music Festival)!
Parent’s Night Out: Reconnecting, Austin-Style
When it’s time for the grown-ups to have some fun, Austin offers plenty of unique options beyond a standard dinner and movie.
- Two-Step at The White Horse: Leave the kids with a sitter and head to this East Austin honky-tonk for a true Texas experience. Don’t know how to two-step? No problem! They offer free lessons most nights.
- Sips and Stars at a Local Brewery: Austin is famous for its craft beer scene, and many breweries have a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Head to a spot like Austin Beerworks or Meanwhile Brewing for some delicious local brews and good conversation under the Texas sky. Check out this blog to see which ones are family friendly!
- Enjoy a Fancy Ranch-to-Table Dinner: For a special night out, book a table at Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantil. This East Austin gem offers a sophisticated yet rustic “ranch-to-table” dining experience right on the Colorado River. Enjoy elevated Southern classics, craft cocktails, and a romantic atmosphere on their outdoor patio—it’s the perfect way to have a grown-up meal in a setting that is pure Austin.
Read more travel inspiration from The Local Moms Network:
Local Moms Network Travel Guide: Summer in the Hamptons
Why I Travel with My Little Kids (Even Though They Won’t Remember It)