Things to do in Austin, TX?

[MissStache]

Hi All!

 I'm going to Austin to visit my sister and family in October.  She just moved there and doesn't have a lot of experience, so I'm wondering if you can suggest some fun things for us to do?  We are actually going to be outside of Austin (Marble Falls), but will have a rental car to get into the city or further out in the countryside.

 My Niece is almost 6, so some family-friendly stuff would be great.  I'm particularly interested in:

1.  Pretty/interesting Nature Stuff
2.  History/Museums
3.  Quality BBQ

Do you have any favorite Austin spots that are can't miss?

[GizmoTX]

Near Marble Falls: parks around Lake LBJ (part of the Lower Colorado River)
Downtown Austin: "Duck" tour of downtown & Lake Austin in an amphibious vehicle--fun! See the video: http://austinducks.com
Bullock Texas State History Museum, Texas State Capitol building
Southwest Austin: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

BBQ: Franklins has been rated the best in the USA, not just Austin. Located south of downtown on S. Congress but you have to get there early or they run out of food.
Another good one in that area is Green Mesquite, at 1400 Barton Springs Rd., near Zilker Park (also fun to roam)

[I'm a red panda]

My favorite hiking spots around Austin were Hamilton Pool, the Barton Springs greenbelt, Pedernales Falls State Park, and Enchanted Rock (a bit of a drive to get out there- but you could enjoy an afternoon in Fredricksberg; also great for camping.) Enchanted Rock is my favorite.  I think Inks Lake is in Marble Falls and that is a nice area,

If you wanted to go to some caverns/caves Longhorn Caverns (this is in Marble Falls), Innerspace Caverns or Natural Bridge caverns are nice options.

For BBQ- I would say a trip to The Salt Lick is a must but maybe too long of a drive to Driftwood from Marble Falls.


It's been so long that I've lived there I can't think of museums. There is a new aquarium your niece might enjoy.  Is 6 too old for the children's museum? They have a great one.

[bacchi]

Don't go to Franklin Bbq unless you want to waste almost half your Saturday (~6am-noon). Go to Terry Black's or John Mueller.

For a less commercial caving experience, there are caves at E-Rock, at the top near the back. Bring a few headlamps (and backups) and crawl around. It's not as spectacular as the others but it's fun and a nice way to cool off after the hike to the top.

[I'm a red panda]

For a less commercial caving experience, there are caves at E-Rock, at the top near the back. Bring a few headlamps (and backups) and crawl around. It's not as spectacular as the others but it's fun and a nice way to cool off after the hike to the top.

I've done that a few times, but occasionally we got in some rough situations, and I wasn't sure about that with a 6-year old.

[GizmoTX]

I'd save Enchanted Rock for a tween/teen.

Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown has an Adventure tour that is fun for all ages. Our son first did this at age 5 & loved it. There's a cable car that does a quick descent into the cave, then you walk with a guide. Recommend sturdy walking shoes & a light sweater or jacket if you get cold.

[Financial.Velociraptor]

Go somewhere with a view of the Capitol Street bridge at dusk.  Roughly two million Mexican Freetail bats live under that bridge and they make quite a spectacle leaving for the evening hunt.  Note: it doesn't start "raining" as they leave, they answer nature's call first thing in the morning same as you.  Cover your food...

[GizmoTX]

Go somewhere with a view of the Capitol Street bridge at dusk.  Roughly two million Mexican Freetail bats live under that bridge and they make quite a spectacle leaving for the evening hunt.  Note: it doesn't start "raining" as they leave, they answer nature's call first thing in the morning same as you.  Cover your food...

This is a neat experience but by October most of them will have left for Mexico & return in April. There are inexpensive boat cruises you can do that show you the Austin downtown skyline from Lady Bird Lake before sundown & then get into position by the bridge for the best view.

[MissStache]

Thank you all for the input!  I'm very excited to visit.  I've spent time in Corpus Christi and San Antonio before, but I'm looking forward to exploring a new area.  This area is on the shortlist of places to go when I RE, so I'll be paying close attention.

[Wings5]

Depending on how warm it is, check out www.supatx.com. We went paddleboarding with them a few weeks ago and they also have kayaks. The views are beautiful.