Austin's Adventurous Family Excursion: 4 Days of Fun

Discover family fun in Austin's vibrant heart.

19 July 2023

Embark on a delightful family-friendly trip to Austin, Texas, where a vibrant blend of culture, outdoor activities, and delectable cuisine awaits. Explore the city's iconic landmarks, from the towering State Capitol to the beloved Barton Springs Pool, perfect for swimming and picnicking. Discover interactive museums like the Thinkery, and end the day with a mouth-watering barbecue feast at one of the city's legendary smokehouses.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Snacking and Splashing

  • Check into the kid-friendly Hotel Ella, a posh historic mansion turned cozy retreat.
  • Start your Austin adventure with a visit to Zilker Park, a lush oasis perfect for picnicking and frolicking.
  • Beat the Texas heat at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed marvel that's like swimming in liquid sunshine.
  • Take a sweet detour to Gourdough's Public House for epic donut creations that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
  • Immerse yourselves in the vibrant art scene of South Congress Avenue, where colorful murals and quirky boutiques await.
  • Treat your tiny travelers to Amy’s Ice Creams, a melting pot of scrumptious flavors that will have both kids and adults screaming for more.
Day 2

Music and Moonlit Strolls

  • Explore the Live Music Capital of the World starting with a visit to the iconic Broken Spoke, where you can two-step the day away.
  • Feel the rhythm at the Austin City Limits (ACL) Moody Theater, an iconic venue where stars have graced the stage.
  • Get a taste of Texas BBQ heaven at Franklin Barbecue, where the succulent meat will make you weak in the knees.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the tranquil Lady Bird Lake Trail, illuminated by the romantic glow of the moon.
  • End the night with a trip to the Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Watch as they take flight, like a spooky yet stunning aerial ballet.
Day 3

Nature's Playground

  • Venture to the enchanting Hamilton Pool Preserve, a natural swimming hole nestled in a collapsed grotto.
  • Channel your inner Indiana Jones at the Inner Space Cavern, a mesmerizing underground labyrinth of awe-inspiring rock formations.
  • Grab a slice or two at Homeslice Pizza, where thin crust perfection gets an Austin twist with creative toppings.
  • Get a bird's-eye view of the city from the top of Mount Bonnell, a staircase to divine panoramas that will leave you breathless.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth at Voodoo Doughnut, a quirky establishment with unconventional pastries that are pure edible art.
Day 4

Funky Fun and Farewell

  • Throw on your best thrift store finds and explore the quirky shops on South Congress Avenue, where eclectic treasures abound.
  • Discover the weird and wonderful exhibits at the Museum of the Weird, where bizarre artifacts will make your jaw drop.
  • Indulge in the internationally-inspired menu of Odd Duck, where farm-to-table flavors dance on your taste buds.
  • Embrace your inner adventurer and hop on a Segway tour of Austin, zipping through the city on two wheels of funky fun.
  • Bid farewell to Austin with a visit to the iconic Pennybacker Bridge, and let the serenity of the reflecting waters leave you with a sense of peace and wanderlust.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Austin by plane is to fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is located just 5 miles outside of the city. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United all fly into this airport from various cities across the United States.

Car

Driving to Austin is a popular option, especially if you are coming from within Texas or a neighboring state. Major highways such as I-35 and US-183 connect to Austin, and there are several car rental agencies at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Austin. The closest Amtrak station is in San Marcos, about 30 miles south of Austin. From there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach Austin.

Boat

Since Austin is located in the center of Texas, there are no direct boat routes to the city. However, there are several nearby lakes and rivers that you can explore by boat, including Lake Travis and the Colorado River.

Bus

Taking a bus is a great option for getting to Austin from other major Texas cities such as Houston or Dallas. Greyhound and Megabus both operate in Austin, with a station located in the heart of downtown.

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