Curator’s statement
Spring is a great time to visit Texas since the weather is warm, but not too extreme as it can be in the summer. Here’s a breakdown of how to get the most out of one week in Austin and San Antonio with the kids. We spent four nights in Austin and three nights in San Antonio and felt that was a good way to divide up the trip. Get ready for some delicious barbecue, craft beer and outdoor fun!
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Where to stay in Texas
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Things to do in Texas
Austin activities
Rent bikes and ride around Lady Bird from Barton Springs Bike Rental & Tours.
Tip - Head out in the morning to avoid the crowds on the bike path and enjoy cooler weather, too.
Rent kayaks from Austin Rowing Club.
Tip - Grab a drink/snack before or afterwards and enjoy the view from their outdoor deck.
Cidercade - Enjoy cider (alcoholic version or not for the kids) while playing video games with a view of the water.
Watch bats at sunset flying above Congress Avenue Bridge.
Stop at the Austin Public Library - This place has much more than books! They have a cafe and art gallery and a rooftop to see a beautiful view of the city.
Tip - This can be a stop off when you rent bikes.
Look at the wall murals on South Congress - Popular murals include Love from Austin, Willie for President and Won’t You Be My Neighbor - Mr. Rogers Portrait.
Tip - Look at a map and plan out which murals you want to see before you head out. Although some are right on South Congress, there are others that are in different directions.
Visit Zilker Botanical Garden.
Tip - Check the website for events such as family yoga or pilates classes onsite.
Barton Springs Pool - Cool off by taking a dip in the water or relaxing on the grassy area.
Peter Pan Mini Golf - If you need to burn off some energy with the kids, this is an iconic spot with some funky sculptures. There are two 18 hole courses.
Tip - It’s BYOB so feel free to pick up some drinks beforehand.
Take a guided tour of the historic Texas State Capitol.
San Antonio activities
The Alamo - Book a guided tour to learn about this historic site.
Tip - Check out the Battle of the Alamo diorama before the tour and listen to Phil Collins give the narration.
Riverwalk - Stroll along the pathways to check out stores and restaurants along the way.
Tip - Take a river cruise at sunset so you can see the lights along the water.
The Saga - This is a light show that is projected on the San Fernando Cathedral. The show starts at 9 pm and is 24 minutes long.
Natural Bridge Caverns - About a 30 minute drive from downtown, you’ll find this underground beauty!
Tip - Wear comfortable clothes so you can do the ropes course afterwards.
Brackenridge Park - Pick from many options including the Witte Museum (natural history museum with dinosaur fossils), San Antonio Zoo and the Japanese Tea Garden.
Tip - Take the train, which circles the park and makes stops at all three sites mentioned above.
The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum - This a very Texan place in my opinion. It’s free to walk around in the saloon area where you can see all the taxidermy on the wall. If you want to learn more about the history, you can purchase a ticket to enter the museum.
The Pearl Brewery - A former brewery turned into a combination of living area, restaurants and shops. There is a food court onsite and a lot of outdoor space to enjoy your meal.
Tip - Check out the farmers market on the weekend.
Places to eat & drink in Texas
Austin eateries
BBQ - Terry Black's (famous spot in Austin) or Iron Works BBQ across the street from The Fairmont Hotel was also good and convenient if you’re staying downtown.
Punch Bowl Social - Restaurant chain with two locations in Austin serving American food. Perfect if you want a break from the sun. They have duckpin bowling, foosball, ping pong and an arcade to keep the kids busy.
El Mercado - Tex-Mex restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Next to the patio, there is a small playground.
Tip - This is a 10-minute walk or two-minute drive from the “I love you so much” mural.
Loudmouth - Pizza/Italian place with picnic table benches outside for seating and an area on the side for kids to play (large building blocks and other similar toys).
Sour Duck Market - Delicious bakery with sandwiches too if you want a full meal. Lots of outdoor seating and there is a trailer that has turned into a kids' spot where they can write on the chalkboard. They also have a great happy hour including $6 burgers.
Phil’s Icehouse - A burger place with three locations in Austin, two of which have playgrounds (Burnet and South Lamar).
Food truck parks - If you can’t decide what to eat, check out one of these spots: The Picnic (near Barton Springs), Arbor Food Park (east side) or Thicket Food Park (has a playground).
Austin breweries
Jester King Brewery - Set on a beautiful ranch, the kids will love seeing the goats onsite.
Meanwhile Brewery - Lots of outdoor space to spread out with a playground in the shade and a soccer field to kick the ball around. They also have a stage for bands to perform outside.
Lazarus Brewing Co. - If your kid likes pirates, you’ve gotta go here! There is a pirate ship playground onsite to get their energy out.
Austin Beerworks - At their new Sprinkle Valley location, kids can play under the shade at the playground or try frisbee golf. They also have an indoor section with arcade games and pinball machines.
San Antonio eateries
Camp - Fun atmosphere with a modern indoor and outdoor seating area. Yard-size Jenga and cornhole for the kids to play with plenty of space to move around.
Tip - They are known for their rotisserie, so I recommend getting the chicken.
Sugar Factory - Located right on the Riverwalk, the kids will love the menu full of colorful treats!
Tip - Make a reservation, since this place fills up quickly.
The Pigpen - BBQ option with outdoor seating and a playground for the kids.
Tip - Go before or after visiting the Witte Museum since it’s located just across the street.
Savor - If you can get a babysitter for your kids, enjoy a meal at the Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio location in the Pearl district.
Tip - Another option is to bring the kids to their bakery to taste one of their treats.
Tycoon Flats - Relaxed casual spot for burgers and shakes with both indoor and outdoor seating.
San Antonio brewries
Kunstler Brewing - Has a patio and playground for the kids to run around. Beer is a mix of German and Texan style.
Roadmap Brewing - Downtown brewery with large indoor space. Cornhole, large Jenga and board games for the kids.
Gather Brewing Company - Great beer with delicious Korean food and a kids' meal on the menu. Outdoor space set aside for kids with foam blocks and giant Connect Four.
Back Unturned Brewing - Indoor space with a make-your-own pizza option on the menu that will please the kids.
Tip - Walking distance from the Riverwalk.
Need to know
Rainy day activity in Austin: Check out the original Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Travel Advisor
Grace Grenker
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