Touring with teenagers may be difficult—you want actions cool sufficient for them however not so chaotic that you just lose your thoughts within the course of. Fortunately, Austin delivers on all fronts. From bizarre museums to wild donuts, pickleball, paddleboarding, and artwork installations, there’s no scarcity of issues to do with youngsters within the Reside Music Capital of the World.
Right here’s a go-to checklist of the very best teen-approved issues to do in Austin, Texas—together with every thing we’ve personally examined and cherished. Should you want much more take a look at our Austin With Youngsters: What to do, What to see, and The place to eat.
1. Museum of Illusions
Tackle: 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
This mind-bending museum gives interactive displays, optical illusions, and immersive rooms that’ll have your teen’s digicam roll stuffed earlier than you even hit lunch.
2. Barton Springs Pool
Tackle: 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
A pure spring-fed pool that stays cool year-round. It’s the final word strategy to escape the Texas warmth and a terrific intro to Austin’s laid-back outside scene.
3. Cathedral of Junk
Tackle: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745
This yard artwork set up is as bizarre as Austin will get. Constructed totally out of discarded gadgets, it’s a unusual picture op your teenagers will really love.
4. Texas State Capitol
Tackle: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Even when your youngsters fake to hate historical past, the grandeur of the Capitol is spectacular. Take a free guided tour and see what number of occasions you’ll be able to spot the Texas star.
5. Zilker Park
Tackle: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
An enormous inexperienced area good for lounging, kite flying, or beginning your day earlier than hitting Barton Springs or kayaking on Girl Fowl Lake.
6. Kayaking or Paddleboarding on Girl Fowl Lake
Tackle: 2101 Andrew Zilker Rd, Austin, TX 78746 (Zilker Park Boat Leases)
It’s low-key journey with skyline views. You’ll really feel outdoorsy with out really having to camp.
7. Austin Nature & Science Middle
Tackle: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Excellent for curious minds. Free admission and hands-on displays make this an underrated gem for teenagers into wildlife, geology, or simply cool rocks.
8. The Modern Austin – Jones Middle
Tackle: 700 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
This contemporary artwork museum has rotating displays which might be thought-provoking with out being too stuffy. Bonus: it’s proper in the course of downtown.
9. Holey Moley Golf Membership
Tackle: 807 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
Mini golf such as you’ve by no means seen it earlier than. Wild, wacky holes, vibrant neon décor, and a enjoyable vibe that doesn’t really feel like a “kiddie” exercise.
10. Upstairs Circus
Tackle: 234 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
A DIY workshop meets cocktail bar. Teenagers 15+ (with a guardian) can create every thing from leather-based keychains to wall artwork whereas sipping mocktails. Sure, actually.
11. Butler Pitch & Putt
Tackle: 201 Lee Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78704
An old-school 9-hole golf course that’s quick, informal, and walkable. It’s a relaxed strategy to let teenagers follow their swings with out the stress of a full sport.
12. Punch Bowl Social
Tackle: 11310 Area Dr, Austin, TX 78758
Bowling, arcade video games, karaoke, and nice meals—principally every thing your teen needs in a single spot. It’s situated at The Area, so procuring is close by too.
13. Bouldin Acres
Tackle: 2027 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Meals, drinks, and pickleball. It’s teen-friendly, dog-friendly, and probably the one place the place you’ll have enjoyable competing towards your teen with out dropping horribly.
14. Jo’s Espresso & the “I Love You So A lot” Mural
Tackle: 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Nice lattes for fogeys and iconic murals for selfies. Attempt the Pecan Pie Latte or the White Sands Latte for one thing unforgettable.
15. Pins Mechanical
Tackle: 4323 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
This place is considered one of our favourite issues to do in all of Austin. They’ve duckpin bowling, ping-pong, and a ton of different video games you’ll be able to play. They solely serve drinks however there are meals carts you’ll be able to seize meals from.
16. Loudmouth Pizza
Tackle: 3503 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Large, tacky slices and scrumptious burrata make this a best choice for pizza lovers. Fast, informal, and surprisingly elevated.
17. Guero’s Taco Bar
Tackle: 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Probably the very best Mexican meals in Austin. Guero’s is energetic, genuine, and nice for late lunch or dinner when everyone seems to be ravenous.
18. Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
Tackle: 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
This Asian-Texas fusion spot delivers artistic flavors with a chill environment. Teenagers will rave concerning the smoked brisket and crispy potatoes.
19. Gordough’s Massive Fats Donuts
Tackle: 1503 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Donuts greater than your face and topped with every thing from bacon to brownies. They’re messy, outrageous, and an absolute should.
20. East Austin “Locals Know” BBQ Tour
Tackle: Tour beginning factors range (examine supplier information, e.g., Austin Detours or native guides)
Skip the lengthy strains and dive straight into smoked brisket heaven with a locals-only BBQ tour. Teenagers will love sampling ribs, sausage, and sides whereas studying the surprisingly cool historical past behind Texas BBQ tradition. Bonus: you get to seem like a genius for avoiding Franklin’s notorious 4-hour wait.
21. Bat Watching Tour at Congress Avenue Bridge
Tackle: 305 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Each night from March via October, about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Hop on a bat-watching boat tour or stake out a spot by the bridge at sundown for a very distinctive—and kinda magical—expertise teenagers will really speak about later.
22. Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Tackle: 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
This old-school mini golf spot has kitschy statues, neon lights, and 18 holes of quirky enjoyable that teenagers really love as a result of it’s so unapologetically retro. Bonus: It’s BYOB for fogeys.
23. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Tackle: A number of places
Not only a movie show—this can be a full dinner-and-a-movie expertise with quirky pre-show leisure, themed occasions, and a zero tolerance coverage on telephones (cue parental joyful dance).
24. iFly Indoor Skydiving
Tackle: 13265 US-183 Hwy Suite A, Austin, TX 78750
For the adrenaline-junkie teen who isn’t fairly prepared to leap out of a airplane, iFly simulates the fun of free-fall in a vertical wind tunnel. It’s unforgettable and surprisingly beginner-friendly.
25. Unchartered Adventures Smash Rooms
Tackle: 3950 Jonestown Rd, Leander, TX 78641 (simply exterior Austin)
Smash TVs, dishes, and electronics in a secure, managed room. Sure, teenagers can legally break issues right here. Therapeutic? Perhaps. Enjoyable? Completely.
26. Austin Bouldering Mission
Tackle: 979 Springdale Rd #150, Austin, TX 78702
An enormous indoor mountain climbing gymnasium that gives bouldering (climbing with out ropes) in a cool, industrial area with chill vibes and enjoyable challenges for all ranges.
27. Pinballz Arcade
Tackle: 8940 Analysis Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
A retro arcade crammed with pinball machines, VR video games, laser tag, go-karts, and even axe throwing. It’s overstimulation in one of the simplest ways potential.
28. The Escape Sport Austin
Tackle: 405 Purple River St, Austin, TX 78701
Put your teen’s puzzle-solving expertise to the take a look at with immersive escape rooms that includes themes like jail break, gold rush, and secret missions. Surprisingly good teamwork-building, too.
29. Blue Starlite Mini City Drive-In
Tackle: 2103 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723
See cult classics and new releases at Austin’s beloved boutique drive-in. Teenagers love the retro vibe and privateness of watching from the automobile (or truck mattress with blankets).
30. Boardwalk Path at Girl Fowl Lake
Entry Level: 1820 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
A scenic, simple stroll that winds over the lake and gives skyline views. Nice for chill mornings or snapping just a few Instagram-worthy photographs.
31. Buying at The Area or South Congress
Addresses:
- The Area: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
- South Congress: S Congress Ave between W Riverside Dr and Oltorf St
Whether or not they need funky classic finds or upscale manufacturers, Austin has one thing for each type. Allow them to browse, attempt on, and snap mirror selfies to their coronary heart’s content material.
Professional Tip: Should you’re visiting Austin in the summertime, plan your outside adventures for the morning or night and save the museums and ice cream spots for noon when the warmth peaks. Hydration and tacos are key to retaining the peace.
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