Children's Activities

Everyone living in Austin, young or old is really just a kid inside, or so they say. Proof to that effect can be claimed in the multitude of activities in the Austin area that cater to a child’s heart, imagination and sense of adventure.

Explore :     Educational Adventures  |   Child Artists  |   Outdoor Delights

Educational Adventures

Austin Children’s Museum
Dell Discovery Center, 201 Colorado St.
(512) 472-2494
ACM is a 19,000 square foot playscape brimming with learning opportunities for toddlers to teens. Exhibits include gallery art, hands on displays, technologically interactive work centers and even a tube slide from the third story to the first floor. The museum offers special evenings where the $5.50 admission is free and there are numerous camps and special programs throughout the year. A visit to the Austin Children’s Museum is an absolute must and highly recommended. Admission is $5.50 for adults and children; $3.50 for children 12–13 months; infants under 12 months are admitted free.

Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria
3809 West 35th Street
(512) 458-8191
Children under 12 are admitted free, and just the grounds alone are worth going to see. The museum offers art classes for children and also sponsors an annual family show where kids are encouraged to create their own special works. In the summer, weekly classes are held for ages 4 ­ 14.

George Washington Carver Museum
1165 Angelina Street
(512) 472-4809
The first African American neighborhood museum in the state of Texas, the George Washington Carver Museum has evolved into a center for community involvement and education. The museum hosts the annual "A Smile on my Face workshop" where children from all over Austin are taught the art of photography and are also given an opportunity to learn how to use a darkroom. Call for admission and scheduled programs.

The Republic of Texas Museum
510 East Anderson Lane
(512) 339-1997
Dedicated to the years 1836 - 1846 when Texas was a Republic, this museum offers many exhibits specially designed for the minds of children. Run by The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the museum exhibits include Great Grandma’s Backyard, where children can touch 19th century tools and household items used by families of the era. There’s even a child’s museum scavenger hunt that acts as an interactive guide through the museum. Admission is only $2.00 for adults; $1.50 for seniors; $1.00 for children.

Austin Nature and Science Center
301 Nature Center Dr.
(512) 327-8181
A perfect introduction for children about the wonders of nature surrounding Austin, the Austin Nature and Science Center offers several unique experiences kids will love. Located in the Zilker Park Nature Preserve, the center gives kids the opportunity to learn about dinosaur digs, native plant life, native insects, native wildlife and even lets them get an up close look at over 20 native species of small animals. There isn’t any excuse not to visit this fun and educational place because admission is free.

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm
11418 Sprinkle Cut Off Road
(512) 837-1215
You’ve just entered a time warp when you step onto the grounds of this old family farm just north of Austin. Originally a 2,000- acre cotton farm, the land is now a living history museum complete with guides in late 19th century clothing, and with period correct farm implements, crops and food. It’s a definite hands on experience on Sundays where visitors get to learn how to milk a cow, churn butter, bake bread in a Dutch oven and even blacksmith. Call for family day program schedules and hours of operation. Admission is $5.00 for adults, and $4.00 for children.

Inner Space Cavern
I-35, Exit 259, Georgetown
(512) 863-5545
If you’re ever in the area and you have about 75 minutes to kill… then this is an experience you don’t want to miss. Found in 1963 by workers building the interstate, this still developing cavern is estimated to be over 100 million years old. At a cool temperature of 72 ­ 74 degrees all year round, a summer trip into the cavern is a treat for the whole family. You’ll see Inner Space Cavern’s stalactites, stalagmites, the Lake of the Moon, the Flowing Stone of Time, bones of prehistoric animals embedded in the cavern and more. Call for tour times and admission prices.

T.S. Painter Hall Observatory
UT Campus at 24th and Speedway
(512) 232-4265
Kids love outer space, and here is where they can get up close and personal with the stars. Open to the public on school semester Saturday nights by the Astronomy Department of the University of Texas, weather permitting Astronomy students will lead families on a star gazing adventure using a 10 inch diameter telescope built in 1932. Admission is free and the evening celestial festivities usually begin at 8:30 PM. Please call to confirm.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
605 Robert E. Lee Road
(512) 445-5582
Never thought of taking children to a sculptor’s showplace…well, why not? Just make sure and get the treasure hunt map upon entry and your child will love finding and learning about Charles Umlauf’s wonderful sculptures. They can even touch them, and since its outdoors they are also free to laugh and talk loudly about their excitement without getting shushed. Call for hours of operation and admission prices.

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Child Artists

Dougherty Arts Center Summer Programs
1110 Barton Springs Road
(512) 397-1458
This facility offers age specific programs on a year round basis and in a summer camp form designed to introduce and enhance children’s experience with both the visual and the performing arts. Classes are taught on everything from computer animation, drama, movement, music to even claymation and cartooning. Call for scheduling and a list of programs.

Kids Acting
The Acting Studio, 5811-B Burnet Rd.
(512) 458-5437
Designed for children ages 4 ­ 18, Kids Acting offers classes and camps in variety show, singing, dancing, improvisational comedy, screen acting and play production. Kids can even learn to write, cast, costume and perform their own play. Kids Acting also performs a full scale musical productions during the year where they cast children of all ages.

Zachary Scott Theatre
1510 Toomey Road
(512) 476-6378
This well known and well loved Austin institution offers one of the best outlets our young thespians have to cultivate their talents. Its called the Zachary Scott Performing Arts School. They offer half day, full day and even week long instruction and workshops. For those who prefer being in front of the stage rather than on it, Zachary Scott’s two performance troupes put on shows geared for children throughout the year.

The Magic Camp
7306 Scenic Brook Drive
(512) 288-1596
Abra Cadabra and Presto Change-o, you now have a magician in the family. Full day camps are offered for children ages 5 ­ 18, with lessons ranging from introductory to performance level. Local magician Kent Cummins is the founder and operator of this exciting company, which teaches magic tricks, juggling, puppetry and performance.

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Outdoor Delights

Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Road
(512) 928-0014
Located in Zilker Park, this natural spring fed swimming pool maintains a cool 68 degree temperature year round. Lifeguards are on hand during regular operating hours, please call for details.

Zilker Park Playscape and Train
2100 Barton Springs Road
(512) 472-4914/478-8286
Located next to Barton Springs Pool, this section of the 400-acre Zilker Park holds a special place for the smaller kiddies. After playing on the playscape and riding the train, be sure to walk down to the waters edge and feed the ducks.

Austin Zoo
10807 Rawhide Trail
(512) 288-1490
Just like Austin itself, this zoo is low key and laid back. The Austin Zoo is easy to get around because it is so small. You’ll find Bengal Tigers, Emus, Wallabies, Antelope, African Lions, Potbellied Pigs and more.

Butler Pitch and Putt Golf Course
201 Lee Barton Drive
(512) 477-4430
Complete with short clubs just the perfect size for kids, this is a great course to learn the game of golf. Butler is a short drive nine hole course complete with water hazards, rough and just a hint of frustration. Open 7 days a week, weather permitting.

Peter Pan Mini Golf
1207 Barton Springs Road
(512) 472-1033
Childhood just isn’t complete without your first miniature golf course experience. Children, teens and adults alike can enjoy the two 18 hole courses available at Peter Pan.

Slaughter Creek Metropolitan Park and Veloway
4103 Slaughter Lane
No Phone Available
Located next to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center, this park boasts a 3 mile smoothly paved veloway for inline skaters and cyclists. There is also a playground and nature trails to explore.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
805 N. Loop 360
(512) 327-7622
Austin’s beautiful hill country terrain laid out for you to enjoy in a 227-acre preserve. Open during daylight hours, you can explore this park on your own or take a guided tour.

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