Austin Nature And Science Center
Austin Nature & Science Center
You wont want to miss the Austin Nature and Science Center.
While it offers family-friendly fun that can be enjoyed by all ages, it holds a special kind of magic for children.
Maybe its because of the wildlife center that houses everything from birds to bobcats.
Maybe its because of the dino pit where little paleontologists can dig up their own rocks, fossils and gemstones.
Maybe its just the fact that the Austin Nature and Science Center makes learning fun.
It isnt a dull place where you have to listen to tour guides drone on and on about things that you dont care about.
At this destination, you can enjoy education and entertainment all rolled into one, so it should please parents and kids alike.
Address: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746, United States
Visiting other parts of Texas? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Galveston & things to do in Fort Worth!
Check Out The World Famous Congress Bridge Bats
View the Congress Bridge Bats is Austin’s most popular tourist attraction for a reason. It’s simply a marvel. Watch as 1.5 million bats pepper the sky in their nightly departure from Congress Bridge in their relentless and appreciated pursuit to rid us of mosquitoes. There are a lot of ways to view the bats. Use the button below to learn about 4 fun ways to check them out.
/ Chill At A Coffee Shop
Maybe its so nasty out that the thought of doing anything involving movement seems like a chore. If you want to curl up with a good book while you sip a delicious latte, then you have options.
Coffee shops are a big part of the Austin culture, and rain is one of the best reasons to spend a few hours in one of them. Do you get distracted by the Internet? Maybe check out one of our coffee shops without WiFi, like Cuvee.
Do you have work to do, but you cant bear to do it any longer in your house or your apartment? Go to one of the many WiFi-supported coffee shops.
Feel free to pull a Jonas by starting with coffee to get the work flowing, and then switch to a local beer for the tail-end. Halcyon downtown is a great choice, as is the location at Mueller. Theres a good chance youll find me at Wright Bros. Brew and Brew on the east side.
A post shared by Halcyon on Apr 29, 2019 at 4:33pm PDT
Relax, cozy up, and let life slow down at a coffee shop. Austin offers so many quality choices, and you can always check out our coffee roundups for inspiration.
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Cathedral Of Saint Mary
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Originally built in the 1800s, the Cathedral of Saint Mary is one of the oldest churches in Austin, and it has a deep, rich heritage thanks to its Irish Catholic roots.
It doesnt shy away from those roots, either.
Every holiday season, the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas hosts a concert that brings together hundreds of Irish and Scottish musicians.
Its a noted cultural event in both Austin and the Irish Catholic community.
You dont have to wait for Christmas to enjoy the cathedral, however.
It still holds mass regularly, and its gothic architecture includes many features to gawk at, including towers, spires, crosses, rose windows, interior domes and stained glass fixtures.
Consider a trip to the Cathedral of Saint Mary if youre looking for awesome things to do in Austin.
You dont have to be Catholic to feel moved by its beautiful design, long history and cultural significance.
Address: 203 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Guss World Famous Fried Chicken
Guss World Famous Fried Chicken, Austin TX
Its tough to live up to a name like world famous, but Guss World Famous Fried Chicken rises to the challenge.
Originally based in Memphis, Tennessee, its expanded to several other southern states, and its converted thousands to its menu.
Whats so special about Guss?
For starters, its a southern buffet through and through.
Whether youre craving coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad or fried okra, you can find some finger-licking goodness on the menu.
Its also completely devoted to fried chicken.
It doesnt serve any other kind of meat, and it refuses to bow to customers who want things baked or steamed.
At Guss World Famous Fried Chicken, you go greasy or you go home. Thats the Texas way.
If you want to experience it while youre in Austin, look for a red rooster on the outside of a brown brick building.
Address: 117 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, United States
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The Best Things To Do In Austin Texas With Kids
Austin, Texas is internationally renowned for its acclaimed music scene, quirky nature, tasty food, and first-rate events. Its also rich in things to do for people no matter their age, making it an excellent destination for your next family vacation. So if you plan to take your next vacation here, here are 18 of the best things to do in Austin, Texas, with kids.
Enjoy An Outdoor Performance
Enjoy free shows in beautiful outdoor settings around Austin. The annual Zilker Summer Musical offers live theater from July-August on an outdoor stage at the Hill Country Galleria. ACL Radio and the Long Center have teamed up to present a free, weekly outdoor live music series. The Drop-In will showcase a diverse lineup of Austins favorite and emerging artists from May September in the heart of downtown.
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Austin Nature & Science Center
301 Nature Center DrAustin, TX 974-3888
Why Youve Got to Go: Austin Nature & Science Center is a good place to visit with family. The museum offers several hands-on experiences that make it fun for kids to learn more about the states natural history.
What to Do: Explore the center and try your hand at the different exhibits. What I love about this center is that kids can touch things, as opposed to the policy imposed by most other museums!
For: Ages 3 and up
Recommended Hotel Nearby:The LINE Austin
Obtain Tickets To The Bullock Texas State History Gallery
Seriously, when was the last time you went right here that wasnt for a 5th quality school trip? Theres something magical regarding exploring the museums that you went to as a youngster and seeing them with fresh eyes. (Or maybe you didnt mature in Texas as well as this gallery is brand-new to you! In either case, worth a checkout.
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Take A Brewery Excursion
There are dozens of breweries in Austin that use tours and tastings. A few favorites: ABGB, St. Elmo, Jumps and also Grain, Zilker Developing, as well as Lazarus. If you cant locate a brewery tour on your rainy day in Austin, simply look into a new brewery, attempt a flight, and socialize with your pals inside for a couple of hrs! .
Circuit Of The Americas
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If you feel the need for speed, theres no better place to get the wind whipping through your hair than Circuit of the Americas.
Though it was built as a professional racetrack, its expanded to include an amphitheater, observation tower and various sports facilities, so its easily one of the top destinations in Austin.
Plan a trip in the spring to enjoy the IndyCar Classic.
Visit in the winter to watch the Formula One Grand Prix.
Go anytime to marvel at the glass floors and ceilings of the observation tower, or check their schedule to see when theyll be hosting concerts, rugby matches, motorsport events or go-kart races.
Theres always something exciting to do at Circuit of the Americas, which is why its one of the most fun things to do in Austin.
Address: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617, United States
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Take A Splash With Austin Duck Adventures
One of the first tours to show visitors around town and the only land and water tour available, Austin Duck Adventures is one of the most popular tours in town. The tour starts at the Austin Visitor Center at the corner of 4th and Red River in downtown Austin. It drives along 6th street, up Congress where you get great views of the Texas Capitol and then on to Lake Austin where you drive straight into the water and float around before heading back. Tours run 7 days a week.
Greetings From Austin Mural
Start your vacation right with the Greetings From Austin mural.
Located in the heart of the city, its a painted wall that resembles a cheerful, life-sized postcard, and its the perfect selfie spot for tourists.
The mural contains images of iconic Austin landmarks such as the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas Tower.
Its free to visit and take photos, so you can pose with it as many times as youd like to get an Instagram-worthy photo.
When youre done, step sideways into the Roadhouse Relics studio.
The owner is the one who painted the mural, and he makes all kinds of signs and art prints that can be purchased as souvenirs.
Address: 1720 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, United States
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Go To The Midnight Cowboy On 6th Street
6th street is not for anyone who is pregnant or over the ripe old age of 30. As I roamed the wild streets that were filled with drunken college kids, deafening music, and horse poo I realized that I am no longer one of them. I have matured to a point, where I wanted to feel like I was on vacation and not on spring break in South Padre Island.
As I ate my mediocre street pizza, likely my third slice of the day, I pondered what the hell I was doing here. Seriously, someone in a bikini just walked byoh nothat was her actual top for the evening. *sigh* as I looked down at my maternity Mumu covering my ever-growing pooch, I needed more pizza to handle this.
There was a respite for my weary old pregnant soul though. In the midst of the sea of bachelorettes and frat brothers, there is a secret bar hidden away called the midnight cowboy.
This bar is truly unique as it doesnt have a sign outside and you can only access it by being buzzed in. There is a red light outside that will come on if they have tables available.
After you are buzzed in you magically enter another world. You have been transported into a vintage speakeasy that offers handcrafted cocktails and is serene enough for you to have a conversation with those around you.
No loud music, no loud drunks and they had cozy booths to sit. Sitting is highly valued and revered to the pregnant. Everyone got amazing cocktails made tableside and they were even able to whip up an enticing non-alcoholic spritzer for yours truly.
Blue Cat Cafe: A Fun Indoor Thing To Do In Austin Texas
I know what you are thinking, seriously a Cat Cafe?! Who wants to grab a coffee in a place that smells like
day-old kitty litter and cat urine! That is not the case my friends. While slightly hokey this place is a must-stop on any cat lovers itinerary. Not only are some proceeds going to support your furry feline friends, but you can also adopt some of the cats as well.
Please note that the cafe does not stink. However, if you have cat allergies stock up on the Zyrtec before entering. Otherwise, you will look like Will Smith in Hitched.
Be sure to pick yourself up some amazing cat earsyou should never leave home without them!
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Have The Ultimate Bowling Experience
Taking your taste buds on an adventure is just one of the many Austin indoor attractions. Bowling is another way you can make your time at Austin worthwhile without having to go outdoors. Austin is home to some of the best bowling alleys in the whole of Texas. The University of Texas Union Underground will give you a hip bowling experience with its glow in the dark bowling alley. If you are looking for something that is a lot more traditional and family-friendly, the Highland Lanes may be just what you are looking for. Highlands Lanes is rumored to have the best burger in the whole of Austin. So, if you are an international tourist looking to enjoy the American experience, there is nothing more American than a night of bowling and burger!
/ Go To An Art Museum
Get lost in Blanton Museum of Art, both its permanent and rotating exhibitions.
Have children with energy? The Thinkery, a.k.a. the Austin Childrens Museum, could be just the thing.
Have fun, learn, appreciate the arts, and help your kids burn off energy. The museums of Austin serve all purposes when you need a break from the weather.
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Break A Sweat In Our Indoor Trampoline In Austin
Another amazing indoor activity that you can engage in during your time in Austin, Texas is trampolining. Austin is home to several trampoline parks that provide a safe environment for both adults and kids to have a great time without going outside. This makes it a perfect indoor activity for both adults and kids. These trampoline parks have a variation of obstacle courses, slides and bounce houses that will ensure that you break a sweat enjoying yourself.
Taste And Tour Texas Hill Country Distilleries
Get to know Austin’s Hill Country with a distillery tour in Dripping Springs. You and your crew can take a private ride from your location in Austin to three celebrated distilleries: Dripping Springs Distilling, Treaty Oaks Distillery, and the Desert Door Distillery. Maybe take some notes on how to make your own hooch in case prohibition circles back to the new America. Or just enjoy drinks at each location and soak in the views. The guys at Austin Tour Company make it fun, safe, and legal to let go a little. It’s a great idea for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just a group get away.
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Dont Let A Little Rain Stop You Ms Adventure
Ms. Adventure tries indoor skydiving. Photo: Flickr user Groupon, CC licensed.
Were willing to bet that you outdoorsy, adventurous types are feeling more than slightly stir-crazy. Dont let Mother Nature steal your thunder! There are plenty of indoor Austin activities that you can do to expend some of your pent-up energy and experience that adrenaline rush youre dreaming about.
Want to go skydiving? Its totally possible inside, thanks to iFly, a company who uses wind tunnels and aerodynamic flight suits to simulate the exhilarating feeling of true skydiving. Youll experience a similar rush if you spend a day at one of Austin Rock Gyms two facilities. For $15, you can learn bouldering at the North gym which regulars affectionately refer to as the NARG or classic indoor wall climbing at the SARG. Make sure to factor in $12 for gear rental into your adventure budget unless you have your own climbing shoes, harness, and belay device.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
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If youre going to hurl yourself through the air at 30 miles per hour, you might as well book the best, and thats Lake Travis Zipline Adventures.
They boast the longest and fastest ziplines in the entire state of Texas!
Their lines arent the only things that they have going for them, however.
They also offer food, lodging and transportation for guided tours through the beautiful scenery of Austin.
Whether youre looking to rent a cabin for the weekend or just lounge on a private beach for the afternoon, this company can arrange everything for you.
Do you dare to fling yourself off the tree tops?
Do you dream of sunbathing on a quiet, unoccupied stretch of sand?
You could be having an exhilarating near-death experience as early as this weekend!
Address: 14529 Pocohontas Trail, Volente, TX 78641, United States
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Indoor Things To Do In Austin On A Rainy Day Or A Sunny Day
We educate children so that one day, they can make our ideal world a reality.
Austin Petting Zoo educates about the importance of wildlife conservation. What we know about animal behavior. health and reproduction, we are sharing with kids and adults in our programs and in our indoor petting zoo.
Indoors and out of the weather! Austin Petting Zoo specializes in baby farm animals and exotics animals.
Our goal is to influence peoples attitudes, emotions, knowledge, and behaviors about wildlife. This is done through the efforts of our educators , who use a variety of techniques, methods, and assessments to reconnect people with the natural world, making it fun and educational at the same time.
We are licensed and inspected by the USDA and our animals are under regular veterinary care and inspection. We offer a variety of services in our facility.
Austin Petting Zoo offers a stationary or mobile petting zoo and animal shows. We service all of Texas making our company the largest educational programs in the state. We offer different programs and petting zoos for birthday parties, corporate events, churches, school, assisted living facilities, living nativities, photos shoots and a lot more!
What type of animals will you find at Austin Petting Zoo? Wallabies, Kangaroos , Bunnies, Miniature Pigs, Dwarf Goats, Kids Goats, Lambs, Zebu Calf, Llama and Alpaca Crias, Patagonian, Cavies, Capybara, Mini Horse, Mini Donkey, Baby Deer , Baby Antelope, Reptiles and many more!
