Spring Break is the time for quick getaways. It calls for us to take a break from our daily routine. For most Houstonians, that means taking a short trip to one of the surrounding cities. Austin, without question, is a city filled with beauty and wonder. But what do you do when you find yourself traveling with the little ones? We’ve compiled a list of things to do while visiting the capitol of the Lone Star State.
Where to Stay?
Families could stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin. They charge no additional fee for children 18 years of age and younger staying in the same guest room as their parents or guardians.
Photo Credit: The Four Seasons
They offer many amenities for families with children. Children aged two to nine enjoy complimentary kid’s snacks in the hotel’s restaurant during lunch and dinner. The mini-snacks vary daily to offer a different selection. The hotel also offers a baby-sitting service. With a 24-hour notice they can arrange reliable babysitting services to take care of your children. They will do whatever possible to accommodate requests with shorter notice. Four Seasons only refers experienced and bonded babysitters. Please note that there is an hourly fee for this service and a minimum of four hours is required.
Photo Credit: The Four Seasons
Before your stay, simply provide the hotel with the names and ages of the children in your party so that they can be prepared with: child-size bathrobes, complimentary baby toiletries, and children's menus in their restaurants and In-Room Dining. Upon request, and subject to availability the hotel may provide: complimentary use of playpens, thermometers and jogging strollers; complimentary use of toys, books, board games and movies; complimentary disposable bottles, diaper pails and diapers; and cribs and/or rollaway bed(s), at no extra charge.
Where to eat?
There are many dining options that families could choose from. If children are taken to these restaurants, it’s guaranteed that they will have a blast.
Phil’s Ice House – one of Austin’s hotspots for playing while eating. Their menu features childhood delicacies like burgers & fries. Playground areas at each location are what makes these restaurants big contenders for children. They can expend their energy while eating great food.
Photo Credit Phil's Ice House
Amy’s Ice Creams – After satisfying your hunger with Phil’s, you could head over to Amy’s. It is the home of the world famous Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream. Amy's crafts artisan super premium ice creams, dairy-free fruit ices and frozen yogurt! They have over 350 flavors in rotation. Every visit is a new flavor to try. They are conveniently located right next to every Phil’s Ice House location in Austin.
Photo Credit: Amy's Ice Creams
Midway Food Park – the food park is a location that has several local food trucks in a park setting. They feature actual picnic tables, a playground for the kids, and restrooms and parking. The Midway Food Park opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and stays open through the evenings, until the food trucks close up. The Midway often has live music on weekends, and this makes it even more of a good time out with the family.
Photo Credit: Midway Food Park
Where to go?
Texas Capitol – Since Austin is the capitol of Texas, it’s no wonder that the first thing to see is the capitol building. Take a tour, free of charge, and see the history and legislature process of Texas.
Lady Bird Lake – Take your family to visit the second best thing about Austin, Lady Bird Lake. There are people canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, and tubing. This would be a great chance to soak up some sun and feel the cool breeze. This would keep any children occupied for a whole day.
Photo Credit: Lady Bird Lake
Enchanted Rock – Although this gem is about two hours away, it is not to be passed up. Enchanted Rock is a pink granite dome that rises above ground. It provides immaculate views of the natural beauty of Texas. There you can hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, picnic, study nature, and stargaze.
Photo Credit: Enchanted Rock
Congress Street Bats – Hundreds of people gather to see the world's largest urban bat colony emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin. Up to 1.5 million bats glide into the summer night skies, Austin now has one of the most unusual and fascinating tourist attractions anywhere. Statesman Bat Observation Center was constructed adjacent to the Congress Bridge and it gives visitors a designated area to view the spectacle. It is estimated that more than 100,000 people visit the bridge to witness the bat flight.
Photo Credit: Congress Street Bats
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