Outside, youll find picnic tables in the shade of oak trees and gorgeous views of the vineyards. Spring is the most popular season here, when the fields are covered with bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, coreopsis and other native spring wildflowers. People also searched for these in Austin: What are people saying about parks in Austin, TX? On weekends it gets busy, so arrive early to find a shady spot under a tree. What did people search for similar to picnic areas in Austin, TX? it often seems like everyone else in town has the same idea. Theyre everywhere, and sometimes their owners will let you pet them, so that joyous experience speaks for itself. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Brushy Creek Regional Trail Laguna Gloria Balcones District Park Along with water views, youll find art sculptures and meticulously manicured lush gardens. Spark Change campaign to help end food insecurity across the US by partnering with Feeding America. Check the website for listings of events, classes and other happenings. Get to know us! Many hotels allow pets, you wont struggle to find a restaurant with a patio, and several of the citys main attractions involve walking, making it the perfect place to bring your dog! . See package or Walmart.com/FightHunger for details. Wild Basin offers a variety of educational events and guided hikes, but there are no bikes, pets or picnics allowed. Today, its one of the best spots for a picnic in Austin! Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Colorado. Closest to Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool for the Zilker resident, The Picnic is BYOB and surrounded by Austin favorites, like Habibi, the inventive The Mighty Cone, Have a Taco, Cannone Gelato Italiano AND Cannone Cucina Italiana, The Burger Truck, Coat & Thai, and The New Orleans Original Po-Boy and Gumbo Shop truck. When you picnic at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower, youll be surrounded by native trees and plants. One of my most beloved places, which provides a birds eye view of Austin, the 360 Bridge overlook will take your breath away. Zilker Park Zilker Park is one of the most recognizable parks in Austin. I've been featured in Bloomberg, Untappd, Good Beer Hunting, and most recently as one of UPROXX's Top Beer Influencers to Follow on Instagram. Ramsey Park is a beloved fixture in the Rosedale neighborhood and for good reason. "There are 1-2 picnic tables out front to set up a sweet meal, but you're welcome to bring blankets." more 3. Designated as the official state botanic garden and arboretum, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded in 1982 by its namesake and former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and actress Helen Hayes. The park is 350 acres with plenty of room to spread out or host a group picnic with friends. 8 McKinney Falls State Park SOUTH AUSTIN This 640-acre park boasts a unique swimming pool located under the falls. This is a gem of a park and unfortunately our city treats it like a lump of coal. There are community gardens, historic estates, outdoor music venues, and even peacocks among the green spaces of Austin. These are some parks with a large number of reviews in Austin, TX. Brushy Creek Lake Park 82 Playgrounds Umlauf taught at the University of Texas in Austin for 40 years and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1981. Visit my travel guide here! Let me tell you too, these aluminum cups keep drinks cold for so long, even on a hot summer day! Once upon a time, you might have been able to catch a Shakespeare performance put on by the Something for Nothing Theatre Co. in the park's limestone amphitheater, but sadly that's closed for the foreseeable future. Mark sure to lock your car if you park along the side of the road and pack sunscreen, bug spray, water, and food. While there, youll probably spot a number of ducks, geese and cranes, which all serve to complete the peaceful setting. Auditorium Shores f11photo/stock.adobe.com On a scorching day, post up on the springs' grassy area to sunbathe and people watchor bring some games: Cards Against Humanity for guaranteedgigglesor Let's Get Closer for bonding. Additionally, there is an off-leash section for dogs and their owners, playgrounds for kids, basketball and volleyball courts as well as restrooms. In fact, a kindergartner could bike most of if not all the trail loop. I dont know about you guys, but when temperatures hit the high 90s, I want to hide in the comfort of my air conditioned apartment and never leave. Did you know 40 million Americans struggle with food insecurity? Most people arrive in the evening to watch the sunset. Keep scrolling for my take on some of Austins most popular parks. Website | 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 2100 Barton Springs Rd. The house built in 1916, was the former residence of Clara Driscoll. Where else in Austin can you view downtown, find plenty of trails, open fields, playgrounds, unique architecture, a "lake," ducks, an ampitheater stage, and ample parking? Combine your picnic with physical activity, like jogging or kayaking on the lake. This fall, explore what east Austin has to offer and peruse its many eclectic and scenic parks. You can even put on a Texas-sized picnic in a group pavilion. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. These are some highly rated parks in Austin, TX: What are some parks with a large number of reviews in Austin, TX? Mayfield Park 216 Tarryton/Exposition Blvd. The park features 15 miles of hiking trails, multiple softball fields, a swimming pool (currently closed), a playground, and numerous barbecue pits and picnic areas. ), Website | 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703. Open sunrise to . The Capitols grassy grounds are dotted with monuments and benches to help visitors remember important people and events that shaped Texas and the world. Just around the corner from Zilker Park, youll find a magical oasis dedicated to the works of renowned American sculptor Charles Umlauf. While there are severals greenbelts in Austin, this is the one people are referring to when they say, the Greenbelt. Plan to spend at least half a day dipping in swimming holes, hiking, and enjoying your picnic in the great outdoors. THE 10 BEST Austin Parks & Nature Attractions Nature & Parks in Austin Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nightlife Fun & Games Mayfield Park 216 Tarryton/Exposition Blvd. Cloth napkins Again, remember the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. A post shared by emily blincoe (@emilyblincoe). A popular backdrop among Austin portrait photographers, Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park is a beautiful park with dense trees as well as spots along Slaughter Creek where you can get your feet wet. One of the oldest parks in Texas, Pease Park is another getaway within city limits. What do I need to know about Austin City Limits? Head over to our Around Town Austin section to know more about Food, Parks, Festivals & Events & everything in Austin. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! I brought an awesome picnic lunch from The Kebob Shop--a wrap for me; tabouli, Greek salad, and falafel for her. The splash pad has plenty of stations for the kids for jumping and playing. The content and opinions expressed here are my 100% own. In addition to the peaceful creek running through the park, the phenomenal hiking and biking trails, and the open spaces for dogs to run, there are plenty of picnic tables near the pool area. Emma Long Metropolitan Park is the only city-owned park that offers campingand the only one that has a beach. What do you think are the best picnic spots in Austin? You can oftentimes see cool photoshoots happening while youre there (I once saw a group dressed all in nineteenth-century teatime garbit was ninety degrees out!). The park features playgrounds, a water-scape, tree shaded picnic tables with BBQ grills, pavilions for parties, a volley ball court" read more, "with wheels to rolled down and up the picnic/seating area, pets are not allowed, alcohol not allowed, loud music not allowed, fyi drones not allowed they made a guy put it away, no grilling in the park there are two grilling areas outside" read more. He's your fiance and he's just now discovered what you do all day? One word: Peacocks. Picnic bench under the old oak trees, rustling in the wind--a perfect setting for our catch-up-on-life conversation, with some Thanksgiving plans thrown in. Currently, Zilker Park is going through a planning process. At first I thought maybe it was" read more, "The greenbelt is probably my favorite place to hang out in all of Austin. The weather has warmed up and the wildflowers are blooming. Copyright Big World, Small Girl 2021 | Disclosure Policy, 10 Best Day Trips from Austin (90 Minutes, 54 Amazingly Dog Friendly Restaurants & Bars in, Austin Breweries: A Guide to the Best Central, Apples of Our Eyes: a Guide to Austin Cider, 54 Amazingly Dog Friendly Restaurants & Bars in Austin, Texas. Heck, well probably invite you to come and hang out with us! While small, this hidden spot makes for a relaxing retreat, especially if youre already in the area shopping at the Hill Country Galleria. Right here, where the old Austin airport used to be. With a lagoon on one side and Lake Austin on the other, gorgeous views are guaranteed for your picnic. Houston has many outdoor gems, so you can't stay inside all summer. Whether youre planning on a romantic date on a picnic blanket, a nap,or just a few uninterrupted hours with a good book, here are some lesser-known natural spots in Bat City thatll give you that much-needed breathing space to just be. Note that there is a dog-friendly section of the area that is not great for picnics, but towards Congress Bridge, there is a huge and wide open grassy area that has the most stunning views of downtown (see above for proof!). going on. Spring is the most popular season here, when the fields are covered with bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, coreopsis and other native spring wildflowers. Two of my favorite watering holes are Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'austinot_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-austinot_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'austinot_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',137,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-austinot_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-137{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, Check out our complete guide to Greenbelt access points for location info, The view from Mount Bonnell (Credit: atmtx via Flickr CC). Memorial Day events in Austin 2023 celebrations & fun things to do near you this weekend include ceremonies & more! If you're planning a visit though, it's always worth double-checking online to see if it's reopened. Look no further than Austin Parks Foundation's Park Database. Hundreds of venues across the city have live jazz, pop, rock, indie--whatever your genre is--every night. His daughter, Mary Mayfield Gutsch, and her husband designed the gardens and ponds surrounding the cottage. Recently renovated, this park is small but mighty; it has everything for a fun family outing, including multipurpose fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, barbecue pits and a swimming pool. Republic Square Park in Austin is the perfect spot for a chill afternoon with friends. Staying at Jester King Brewerys Cabins Near Austin, 54 Amazingly Dog Friendly Restaurants & Bars in 7 (Easy) Fancy Cocktails, Feat. Austin Juneteenth Events 2023 Celebrations, Parades, Concerts, and more! You can picnic at The Contemporary Austin Laguna Gloria! To get on Adventure Island youll need to have a Lake Travis Zipline Adventures booking (aka you need to be riding the longest and fastest zip line in Texas), but the trade-off is pretty sweet once youre done. So, if youre looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of June 23, 2023, theres plenty of fun to be had, including Greater Austin Comic Con,Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour,Midsommar at the Williamson Museum, and [], There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of June 23 which include Pride Picnic,2nd Annual Midsummer Festival,Roaring 20s Immersive Circus Theater, and more! The view at night is even more spectacular with all the lights. If like me, you live on or near the UT campus, Eastwood is a short walk away. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and pick your spot in the 358 acres! At a whopping 775 feet, Mount Bonnell (located inside Covert Park) offers jaw-dropping views of the Colorado River and Austins 360 Bridge. Auditorium Shores is one of my favorite spots for a picnic. It was created to establish a National Wildflower Center focused on native wildflowers to help preserve and restore natural beauty to North America and, in particular, to U.S. highways. The actual park is composed of a historic cottage and two gardens, which include gorgeous landscaping, water lily-filled ponds, and several vibrant peacocks. Auditorium Shores is a popular venue for musical events, many of which are free. Town Lake Metropolitan Parks 180 Town Lake "pick up sandwiches with my co-workers and sit out in the park and have a picnic lunch." more 2. Just outside of Austin, you'll find some of most charming Texas towns. Elysian Park offers multiple hiking trails that provide spectacular views of downtown on one side and the Los Angeles River (and the less enthralling Interstate 5) on the other. I sure wish they would take a bunch of money and restore this to its former glory decades ago when I was a kid With a stick and a paper cup trying to catch minnows in the ponds on the hill.". Mills Pond is a tranquil hideaway in the Wells Branch area of Austin. Its where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. You can spread a blanket on the great lawn or near the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. There are activities for all types. In 1991, the city of Austin dedicated four acres to create a garden that showcases dozens of bronze and stone pieces given to the city by Umlauf. The Gaudi-influenced grotto wall is a mosaic made from glass, marbles, seashells, petrified wood and other found materials, and its whimsical design serves as the perfect backdrop for a quirky photoshoot or a nice pit stop on your walk around the neighborhood. Mueller Lake Park is such a special place to have a picnic. What are the most essential Austin activities? Try another? You and your sporty pals will kick back and enjoy the space alongside the glittering lake, and theres even a hidden bar on-site if you forget the cooler. Each of the 66 campsites has access to Lake Austin, and there are electric and non-electric sites catering to RV and tent camping. How to make my Starbucks favorite at home? Sandy Creek Park, located on the northern portion of Lake Travis, is one of the quieter coves in the area. With 32 square miles to tend to, the Bull Creek Foundation has its hands full when it comes to maintaining Bull Creek District Park. I'm Caitlin! Today the center consists of 284 acres with native plant landscapes, a 16-acre arboretum, a butterfly garden, a water garden and award-winning buildings scattered throughout the property. Located in the heart of downtown, this park is a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. Make it a Family Affair Austin may be a college and music town, but it's also very kid-friendly. Yes, Austin is all about live musicevents, rooftop barsandfunin the sun, but sometimes even the most social of us need a respite. Here are a few easy hikes y'all can do as a whole family! Roy G. Guerrero Park itself isnt quite so hidden with its large stretch of land that includes baseball fields, volleyball courts, picnic tables and playgrounds. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. How You Can Help Georgetown Celebrate its 175 Anniversary This Weekend, Head To New Braunfels for Eating, Shopping and Outdoor Adventures, Everything You Need to Know About the LBJ Library, How The Nature Conservancy Is Making Every Day Earth Day in Austin And Beyond, Austin.com 2014-2023. Sponsored by Walmart. The pond also has a fishing pier where you can post up and catch some catfish, bass and crappie,plus a dock where all non-motorized boats are welcome. It takes place over two three-day weekends and features a diverse lineup. 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731, USA. "We love these parks, but Austin Parks and Rec. Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events. There are areas for picnics; playgrounds; canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle rentals; soccer fields and a disc golf course within the park. And because Mayfield is also the natural habitat for a lot of wildlife, be sure to keep an eye out for animals and birds while you explore. You can also admire the Pennybacker Bridge as it spans the Colorado River. With nearly nine miles of trails, you can hike, mountain bike or road bike, go bouldering, have a picnic or pull out your Sweaty Betty yoga mat for a stretch. You can choose between an easier hike along Bull Creek with swimming holes on the way, or a more difficult hike uphill that provides beautiful views of the creek. I created this blog to share adventures, stories, and interviews from your favorite breweries and drinks to inspire your own beercation. Website | 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731, A post shared by Frontyard | Outdoor Guide (@frontyard_app). The best hidden Austin parks for a secret retreat Head away from the beaten path and discover secluded gardens, lakeside retreats, sculpture grounds and more hidden parks in Austin. Ive partnered with Walmart for their 6th annual Fight Hunger. Founder and owner of Big World, Small Girl: an Austin, Texas-based beer and travel blog that covers everything from brewery interviews to international travel. This was our list of the best Parks in Austin. Like Kevin" read more, "Quiet park, plenty of swings and splash park! Exploring the parks is one of the best free things to do in Austin. Enjoy the Zilker Botanical Gardens for a relaxing summer day out or reserve a volleyball court to exercise with your friends! The shady, perfectly manicured grounds at the Texas State Capital in Downtown Austin make for one fine picnic area. Its springtime, yall! Zilker Metropolitan Park One of Austin's most famous tourist spots, Zilker Metropolitan Park hosts countless events that draw locals and visitors alike. Features a diverse lineup Walmart for their 6th annual Fight Hunger at night is even more spectacular all. Your inbox soon best parks in austin for picnics, Zilker Park is a gem of a Park and unfortunately city. 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Has many outdoor gems, so you can also admire the Pennybacker Bridge as it spans the River! Austin, Texas 78731, a post shared by emily blincoe ( @ frontyard_app ) say, Greenbelt. Adventures, stories, and her husband designed the gardens and ponds surrounding the cottage outdoor (! Such a special place to have a picnic in the shade of trees! Theyre everywhere, and events within city limits Texas-sized picnic in Austin is the only city-owned that... Creek Regional Trail Laguna Gloria Balcones District Park Along with water views, find!