Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From IH-35 (Southbound): Exit 240 and follow signs for US-183 South. Turn east/left on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (go past Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At the stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From IH-35 (Northbound): Exit 231 for TX-71/290 toward Bastrop. Take exit for FM 973. Turn North/left on FM 973. Cross FM 969 and in 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Road. At the stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From Hwy 290: Turn South on Decker Ln., turn east/left on Decker Lake Rd., turn south/right on Blue Bluff Rd..
From Hwy 183 (Southbound): Turn east/left on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (pass Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd. NOTICE! Your GPS may direct you to turn east/left on Loyola, however it is closed due to construction on US-183. Use next exit for FM 969/MLK Blvd.
From Hwy 183 (Northbound): Turn east/right on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (pass Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At the stop sign turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From TX-130 Toll: Take Exit 444 toward FM 969 West (MKL Blvd. W). Turn north/right on FM 973; west/left on Decker Lake RD. At the stop sign turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
GPS: N 30.277617, W -97.611735
When planning a family holiday, your priorities likely involve finding accommodation, activities and attractions ideal for families and kids. The great thing about visiting Austin, Texas, is you don't have to look too far when searching for family-friendly places to stay and things to do. With beautiful sights, thrilling outdoor activities and intriguing indoor attractions, Austin is an excellent destination for traveling families. To help make your vacation planning more seamless and enjoyable, we've compiled a list of 14 kid-friendly things to do in Austin.
Thinkery combines learning and fun, offering numerous play-based STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities for kids. Some of the exhibits at the museum include the Story Nook, Fresh! Farmers Market, Train Town, Light Lab and Notion of Motion. It's ideal for kids of all ages, including elementary and preschoolers, and offers a designated baby area.
With affordable entry prices, kids can enjoy a lot for less and stay entertained for a long time. You can also enjoy free parking and ice cream from the shop next door. Plus, you often have the freedom to leave and return as needed, as tickets are usually valid for the day.
Peter Pan Mini Golf is an excellent Austin family activity. The colorful and fun golf course offers two courses for adults and kids, featuring a life-size Peter Pan and other classic landmarks like a Tyrannosaurus rex. Try out one — or both — of our 18-hole courses for yourself, and then book a picnic site and enjoy a meal after your game of golf.
Zilker Park is an excellent choice if you're looking for ample space with many kid-friendly activities. The park boasts bountiful sites with lots of greenery, surrounded by a crystal-clear blue lake. Spend the day picnicking on the lawn among other families and furry friends. With boundless space, kids can play, throw a frisbee and have a fantastic day outdoors. You can also enjoy the Zilker Botanical Gardens, go swimming, or try kayaking and canoeing on the gentle lake water. Zilker Park also hosts music festivals and concerts and is a fantastic outdoor family excursion.
Exploring the trails around Lady Bird Lake is a popular Zilker Park attraction and activity. Bike or hike around the lake with a tour guide, taking in all the sights and attractions and learning the history of Austin, Texas. The bike trail offers beautiful scenery and is a fun and exciting way to explore the city. The trail is appropriate and safe for kids, providing an enjoyable and memorable experience.
For another educational and fun family activity in Austin, Texas, visit the Austin Zoo — the zoo houses numerous animal species, including lions, birds, tigers, monkeys and zebras. What makes the Austin Zoo special is that it's a sanctuary for rescued animals. Kids and adults can learn about conservation and their favorite animals through virtual and on-site educational programs.
For an exceptional and once-in-a-lifetime experience, take your kids bat-watching at Congress Avenue Bridge. Austin is a seasonal pitstop for Mexican free-tailed bats. These creatures settle under the Congress Avenue Bridge in the fall and, when the sun sets, fly out in flocks to gather food. This site is visible from the bridge, especially between April and May.
You can find a spot on the bridge and witness the bats fly off. It's an experience kids will love and a wonderful memory for the whole family. This excursion is safe — the bats do not fly at people — and you'll want to get there early because this famous attraction draws in the masses, and bridge space can fill quickly.
Taking trail rides around Lone Star Ranch is another fun outdoor activity with kids in Austin. The trail boasts scenic landscapes and wooded routes ideal for exploring on horseback. Whether your kids are experienced or first-time horseback riders, they can enjoy a gentle ride with a trained wrangler through a tranquil creek. And you can also ride on one of the many well-groomed and cared-for horses, providing a fun family activity! You'll learn about the ranch and horses from knowledgeable, courteous wrangles and staff.
Aside from taking trail rides, you can also go kayaking, try your hand at archery, go fishing or take a guided ATV tour.
Whether you have younger or older kids, the Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offer an exhilarating experience for all. There are day tours with five different ziplines, varying in difficulty and height. You'll get access to the appropriate equipment and professional tour guides to ensure the tour is safe, smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
You and your kids can enjoy thrilling zips across crystal blue waters and plenty of greenery, take in scenic views, and have a great day in the sky. The Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is an outing that'll have you returning time and time again.
The Inner Space Cavern offers guided tours through caves, showcasing historical ice age formations. The cave is extensive and an intriguing sight for young and old. The tour lasts one hour and is led by a guide who takes you through geological history and stories about the Ice Age. You can even see prehistoric animal bones preserved in the walls of the caverns. The caverns are an informative and exciting experience for kids.
The Magics Theater provides a unique treat and experience for older kids between 14 and 18. The museum features all things magic, from wall posters of famous magicians like David Copperfield to magic history archives. Plus, you can enjoy a memorable and intimate magic show by John Magic and his team, who will leave you in awe from start to finish. The show is an enthralling experience for teens and adults and a must-see in Austin. Check the reservation calendar to secure your tickets!
Bullock Texas State History Museum is a fun family activity near Austin, Texas, aimed at educating visitors about history. The museum provides many rotating exhibitions, such as Texas History Galleries, Sharks, Texas Oil and Gas, and Becoming Texas. The Sharks exhibition offers life-size models of these sea creatures and takes you on a journey through shark history. The Texas State History Museum also has an IMAX® film theater. It's an engaging outing for kids and adults!
Mayfield Park is one of Austin's hidden gems. The park provides a vast and beautiful nature area and relaxing walking trails. The main attraction, however, is the pride of peacocks that fill the lawns, gardens and ponds. These multicolored birds appear in their masses, parading and showing off their beautiful feathers. Mayfield Park is a quick stop worth adding to any family holiday itinerary.
Stop by Barton Springs Pool for a refreshing dip in deep blue, clear and calm water after a hike, bike or outing. It's a great place for kids and families to swim, play, relax and get relief from the heat. The spring pool offers picturesque views and is ideal for unwinding and family time. The swimming hole in Zilker Park is close to many surrounding activities and food options to enjoy before or after your swim.
The Austin Nature & Science Center is an interactive and engaging museum for kids. It provides plenty of fun and educational activities, including living animal exhibits, a dinosaur dig area and an indoor reptile exhibit. The center is hands-on and allows kids to touch nature and other displayed items, providing a truly immersive and stimulating experience.
If you're visiting Austin with kids, you'll need family-friendly accommodation. Austin East KOA Holiday provides camping and lodging options perfect for families and kids. You can enjoy a comfortable stay with on-site recreation for kids and adults, including playgrounds, a swimming pool and club-house games. We also offer group and themed activities like pinata parties, family cook-offs and live music.
Whether you camp in a tent, an RV or a Deluxe Cabin, you can enjoy selected amenities to make your stay more relaxing and comfortable. Our campground is close to numerous kid-friendly outdoor and indoor attractions, like Lady Bird Lake, Thinkery, the Austin Zoo and Zilker Botanical Gardens.
Make an online reservation to reserve your spot at Austin East KOA Holiday today!
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