Things to Do Outdoors with Kids in Austin

By Danno Wise

Texas Travel Expert, about.com

Austin offers a number of great outdoor activities for the entire family. Boating, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, sailing, and camping are just a few of the outdoor activities that the family can enjoy while spending time in Austin.

1.  Paddle Lady Bird Lake

Formerly known as Town Lake, Lady Bird Lake is located smack dab in the heart of Austin. The lake was renamed in honor of Lady Bird Johnson a few years ago, but most locals still call it by its former name, Town Lake. The water is calm along this dammed-up stretch of the Colorado River, so no skill is required to paddle around and enjoy the scenery. Birds and turtles abound, and you'll also get a nice view of the downtown skyline from the water.

2.  See the Congress Street Bat Colony

[post_ads]The South Congress Street bridge is home to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. The bat family apparently likes to be close, very close. By day, they squeeze into spaces in the expansion joints on the underside of the bridge. From March to September, they emerge around sundown, creating what appears to be a black river in the sky as they head east in search of bugs to eat. The exodus is nearly impossible to photograph, however; just sit back on a picnic blanket beneath the bridge and enjoy the spectacle.

3.  Visit Inner Space

Inner Space Cavern is a limestone cavern located in Georgetown, Texas, just a short distance from Austin. The cavern was discovered in 1963 by a highway work crew drilling through the limestone. Upon exploration, Inner Space Cavern was found to have some of the most intricate stalagtite and stalagmite formations in the state. Addtionally, the remains of several prehistoric animals have been discovered at the site.

4.  Hike in Colorado Bend State Park

Located on the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan, Colorado Bend State Park offers visitors some of the best river swimming in the state, as well as hiking, camping, fishing, birding and mountain biking. 

5.  Swim at Barton Springs

Located in Austin's famed Zilker Park, Barton Springs was formed when Barton Creek was dammed. Since its inception, Barton Springs has become one of the most popular swimming holes in the state. The City of Austin has operated Barton Springs as a park since 1917. Several improvements have been made to the Barton Springs "pool" over the years, but it remains a spring fed, natural water "swimming hole." 

6.  Go Boating on Lake Travis

Stretching over 60 miles, Lake Travis offers fishermen, sailors and water sport enthusiasts plenty of room to spread out. Impounded in 1941, Lake Travis is located on the Colorado River, approximately 20 miles above Austin. Since filling, Lake Travis has been one of the most popular water sport destinations in the Lone Star State. Scenic, hilly shorelines and deep, clear waters afford the perfect backdrop for sailing, diving, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing and more. 

7.  Explore McKinney Falls

[post_ads]Austin is certainly one of Texas' most scenic cities. And, as compared to other cities its size across the country, Austin offers residents and visitors an ample array of outdoor recreation venues. But, perhaps none of these are as surprisingly scenic and "wild" as McKinny Falls State Park. Located within the cities of Austin, McKinney falls is home to its namesake waterfall, as well as the confluence of Onion and Williamson Creeks, numerous bald cypress trees and a massive amount of limestone hills and cliffs. These elements conspire to enrich the state park's natural beauty. The fact it is located within one of the nation's largest cities is simply amazing -- and convenient.

8.  Look Around Longhorn Caverns

Longhorn Caverns are a Hill Country wonder that have housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, and outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours and educational programs. Hiking and sightseeing are the primary activities within Longhorn Caverns State Park. The cavern itself is the main attraction, although there are plenty of trails topside as well. Historical and nature study are popular reasons for visitors to stop by Longhorn Caverns State Park.