Austin Parks and Playgrounds

Use this guide to find parks and playgrounds in Austin where parents and kids can play and spend time outside together. Browse practical details to help you choose a place for your next outing.

Parks and playgrounds

  1. Springs + big park dayZilker Metropolitan ParkBarton Hills · Barton Springs + major attractions
  2. Lake beach + campingEmma Long Metropolitan ParkLake Austin · Designated Lake Austin swim beach
  3. Trails + broad recreationMary Moore Searight Metropolitan ParkFar South Austin · Six miles of park trails
  4. Creek shade + recreationGivens District ParkEast Austin · Tannehill Creek shade corridor
  5. Pool + disc golfBartholomew District ParkWindsor Park · Texas's oldest operating disc-golf course
  6. Loop trail + park circuitDick Nichols District ParkOak Hill · 1.08-mile shared-use loop
  7. Destination play + waterPease District ParkOld West Austin · Treehouse pod + interactive water
  8. Gardens + peafowlMayfield Park and PreserveTarrytown · Historic ponds and free-roaming peafowl
  9. All-ages imaginative playAlliance Children's GardenBouldin Creek · Four themed play rooms
  10. Creek trails + explorationWalnut Creek Metropolitan ParkNorth Austin · Concrete spine + 10-mile natural network
  11. Short shared-use circuitsDove Springs District ParkDove Springs · Two official park-trail options
  12. Quiet play + poolSpringwoods Neighborhood ParkAnderson Mill · Neighborhood pool beside trails and play
  13. Hill Country falls + Junior RangerPedernales Falls State ParkJohnson City · about 30 miles west of Austin · Limestone falls, river recreation, short nature stops, and a Junior Ranger activity

Wildlife to look for nearby · July

These are examples of wildlife parents and kids may notice in parks and natural areas in and around Austin.

  1. Young birds and wildlifeShort flights or a young animal waiting near cover · Observed quietly from ordinary public paths
  2. Warm-season batsFast silhouettes feeding on flying insects · Open sky after sunset
  3. Summer pollinatorsBees and butterflies moving between blooms · Sunny flowering gardens and prairie edges
See the seasonal nature calendar

Explore more in Austin

Find more family-friendly ideas and local guides for your city.

See Austin guides