Are you staying in Austin this Spring break? Or are you visiting a family in the Hill Country for a few days? When the kids are looking to you to make spring break 2022 like no other, we’ve got you covered! There are plenty of amazing ways to keep the kids busy throughout spring break, from unique museum days to food trucks to epic outdoor hikes. We’ve got all the things to do with your family during spring break in Austin, Texas.
Austin Spring Vacation Holiday Ideas
Go to a local farm.
Farms usually provide a fun place for any family outing! Kids will enjoy seeing chickens, cows, donkeys, pigs, and other farm animals. Additionally, farms offer so many learning activities, as well.
Children can connect with Mother Nature and get a better understanding of where our food comes from and also the importance of sustainable living.
Play a round of mini-golf
Mini-golf is one of those things to do that is enjoyable for all ages. No matter if you are good at putting or just out there giving it your best, it’s ideal for the entire family.
Explore nature and take a hike
Go for a hike or a nature walk with your family. A family hike could differ from quick, leisurely nature walks by means of woodsy trails, or even through your own neighborhood, or as large as steep climbs up Hill Country trails or day trips to Texas State Parks.
Check out a drive-thru zoo.
Go on a wild journey without leaving your own car. With one of the many drive-thru zoos within Central Texas, you can feed live exotic animals from your very own car window.
Play tourist in your own community at a “classic Austin” location.
Visit and enjoy the views from Mount Bonnell, go on a kayak journey on Lady Bird Lake, get breakfast tacos, discover famous street art, and much more!
Enjoy the sand.
Nothing beats the peaceful feeling of a beach holiday.
But when there’s no time or budget to head to the coast, you can improvise right here in the Austin area. Just use a little imagination, and these nearby destinations can give you those beachy feelings.
Spring Vacation Holiday Destinations in and around Austin
Zip Lost Pines
1760 State Hwy 71 W
Cedar Creek, TX 78612
(512) 761-2323
Memorable Experiences are their Specialty. The Zip Lost Pines mission is to ensure 100% ear-to-ear smiles, leaps in confidence, plus complete joy. Their side-by-side zip line tours are a one-of-a-kind adventure for everybody. So, soar through the treetops in McKinney Roughs Nature Park and try their unique side-by-side zip line experience so you and your kid can ride next to each other. Their staff will undoubtedly guide you as you take in views of the forest, canyons as well as Colorado River valley below. ziplostpines.com
Pioneer Farms
10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.
Austin, TX, 78754
(512) 837-1215
At Pioneer Farms, you will discover themed historic areas to discover: a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, a German Emigrant Farm, a Cotton Planter’s Farm, a Texian Farm, the Chisholm Trail, a Republic-era overlook, and a rural town known as Sprinkle Corner, as well as three other developing interpretive sites. You can see authentic Texas heritage on their more than 90 gorgeous, wooded acres in each location and discover fascinating, memorable ways to experience Texas’ past with your family. Do not miss the Scarborough Hvalp, where you can get up close with your favorite farm animal buddies! pioneerfarms.org
Thinkery
1830 Simond Ave,
Austin, TX 78723
(512) 469-6200
Austin Children’s Museum was established in 1983 by a grassroots group of parents and educators who desired local children to get more educational and cultural opportunities. In those days, they were a “museum without walls”- their founder drove tabletop exhibits all around town in her station wagon and presented some activities and programs in schools, libraries, parks and, even malls. In 1987, they settled into their first brick-and-mortar home- a 5,000-square-foot building on W. 5th St. For the next ten years; they presented exhibits, experiences, and educational programs for nearby kids and families. During this period, they developed exhibitions that traveled to other children’s museums around the country, gaining a significant reputation. thinkeryaustin.org
Pinballz Arcade
Various Locations
Mixing Texas’s largest selection of traditional pinball and video games with the best modern games and destinations, Pinballz is the perfect family amusement destination this coming spring break. With locations in Buda (Pinballz Kingdom) and Austin (Pinballz Calotte and Pinballz Lake Creek), every Pinballz boasts the best in old-style gaming fun while offering unique location-specific attractions. Test your skills in a vast outdoor arena along with Inner Soldier Laser Tag at Pinballz Kingdom. Participate in sci-fi-inspired team-vs-team action with Galaxy Wars Laser beam Tag at Pinballz Lake Creek. Or battle zombies, robots, werewolves, and more in Pinballz Lake Creek’s multi-sensory thrill ride, the 7D Dark Ride Theater. With the vast collection of classic and modern gaming options, additional attractions, and full pub and restaurant service (Pinballz Kingdom and Pinballz Lake Creek only), Pinballz is the gold standard in family leisure and enjoyment. https pinballzarcade.com
Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
(512) 264-2740
The Texas Hill Country is filled with hidden gems such as Enchanted Rock to luxurious freshwater pools that people head to during the hot summer days; Central Texas has some of the most magnificent spots to visit with the family. Just a quick hike down to the grotto, and you feel as if you have entered a sunny rain forest. You can hear the beautiful sound of the waterfall before you see it, which heightens your thrills to get there. Once the clearing opens up, you also see the gorgeous blue of the pool. In addition to swimming, guests can climb down behind the waterfall, clamber on the rocks, sun themselves on the rocky beach, or discover more of Hamilton Creek across the trail that runs next to it. You can easily spend the entire afternoon here. traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve
Longhorn Cavern State Park
6211 Park Road 4 S
Burnet, TX 78611
(512) 715-9000
Another hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country is the Longhorn Cavern State Park. It is a fantastic location to take the family for the day. Longhorn Caverns is one of the few river-formed caverns you can visit in Texas. The park’s highlight is the Caverns, developed thousands of years ago by the circulation of rushing water and the limestone, over-abundant in the area. There are many tours to choose from to explore the caves with. The hour and a half tour with the help pf of a professional tour guide is an exciting glimpse into the past, with stories of Indian Council Meetings, a Texas Ranger assisted kidnapping rescue, and 1920’s “nightclub” dances. Along with the enjoyable stories, your guide highlights unique structures, such as the Queen’s Watch Dog, Menneskeabe Lincoln’s face, or an occasional bat. visitlonghorncavern.com
Cameron Park Zoo
1701 N 4th St.
Waco, TX 76707
(254) 750-8400
Set on the edges of the Brazos River in Waco, Cameron Park Zoo has a distinctive backdrop filled with rich vegetation as well as waterfalls. This immense wildlife has more than 1700 creatures, representing 300 species. From black bears to giraffes and Komodo Dragons to elephants, this zoo offers plenty of animals to please every age. Numerous shaded, winding walkways led to the different shows, permitting a slow meander and peaceful visit. For being in a ‘smaller’ Texas city, the Cameron Park Zoo is well-founded. It is maintained as a “large” zoo with excellent habitats for all the animals; however, it has a relaxing belief that is sometimes missed at the more prominent zoos. There are many different play areas for your kids too. Cool off through splashing in the water, checking in with your animal encounter, or climbing in a giant snake’s head at Grammy Nell’s. Explore Jungle Jim’s Playground at the Asian Forest. The actual Cameron Park Zoo has so much to explore. This zoo is worth seeing many times. They always have fun events and host special events like sleepovers at the zoo and birthday parties. cameronparkzoo.com
