Pease Park is one of Austin's most beautiful parks. Full stop! It has been thoughtfully designed…read moreand enjoyable green space to frequent. Stretching along Shoal Creek, the park offers a mix of shaded walking and biking trails, open lawns, and beautifully restored natural areas. It is hard to believe when you are in the park that you are in the heart of central Austin. The park is especially family friendly, with a large playground, splash pad, treehouse style observation area, and plenty of seating. While we were at the park a school was hosting a picnic for its students. The northern portion of the park is even more quiet and scenic, with winding trails, limestone bluffs, and creek views. It's a great area for dog walks, leisurely strolls, picnics, workouts, or just relaxing under the trees. The park is well maintained and welcoming to all ages. This park is very special.

Such a gem of a park. Big, beautiful, and genuinely fun for all ages. The giant troll made from…read morenatural and recycled materials alone is worth the visit -- it's impressive and so unique. The stream nearby adds a peaceful touch, and the overall design of the park feels really intentional and creative. Kids will go crazy for the massive playground and all the interactive installations. The hanging net sphere is a must, you can lie inside and bounce around, and honestly the adults were just as into it as the little ones. There are also food vendors including ice cream, so you can easily spend a whole afternoon here. One of the most well-done parks I've been to. Highly recommend.

Barton Springs Pool I heard from movies, hippie vibes and just general word of mouth content over…read morethe years in regards to what is in the Austin area. So I wanted to make sure we made a stop here while we were in Austin as it seemed essential for having a good city experience here. Barton Springs is open every day but Thursdays so plan accordingly for that. I am told it's a day where they clean the pool. It took a little bit of navigating to get to the pool as we had to plan to come here on a hot day as opposed to a rainy day which we were encountering here on our trip but it worked out fine. We landed on a warm day and got pool time. And Barton Springs is perfect to come to on a hot day. The temperature is between 68-70 degrees which makes it great swimming all year round here. The bottom of the pool has plant life and it's not all concrete and polished at the bottom so be aware of that... it's definitely has a natural look. There are also signs not to touch the rocks at the bottom as it is the home to some rare amphibians I believe. But aside from that as long as you follow the signs you're good. The water is extremely refreshing and invigorating and even after leaving the pool and you are on your way you still feel for a while thise sensations which added more to the impressive experience we had here. Parking fees and entrance fees to the pool are reasonable. It's $5 if you are a resident and $9 if you aren't. I highly, highly recommend making a stop at Barton Springs if you are in Austin... it definitely helps complete the city experience here.

Cool water, hot sun, and the very specific Austin ritual of pretending 68 degrees isn't actually…read morefreezing. Barton Springs Pool is one of those places where you walk in confident, dip a toe, and immediately reconsider every life choice that led you here. The setting is undeniably gorgeous -- big open lawn, limestone edges, and that classic "everyone here looks like they do yoga at sunrise" vibe. Once you're in, though, it's great. The water is clear, refreshing, and shockingly consistent year‑round. It's the kind of cold that first feels like punishment and then suddenly feels like therapy. The crowd is a mix of locals who swim laps like it's their religion, families trying to convince their kids the water isn't that cold, and visitors who clearly didn't know what they were signing up for. Logistics-wise, it's Austin, so parking can be a mild adventure depending on when you go. The grassy areas fill up fast, and you'll definitely see at least one person sunbathing in a spot that makes you wonder how they got there. But the place is clean, well‑maintained, and big enough that you can usually find your own little corner of summer. If you're expecting a warm, lazy pool float afternoon, this isn't it. If you want a classic Austin experience that shocks you awake and then chills you out, Barton Springs delivers every time.

Deep Eddy Pool is an Austin institution! I spent many years at deep Eddie pool with family, friends…read moreand colleagues. It's nothing like swimming on a hot summer day. Your first impression of the pool will probably be wow it's large with so many lanes and many areas where you can just swim or float to your hearts content. Another impression might be and it was especially for me the bright blue water of the pool. It looks refreshing, cool, and inviting. Deep Eddiy pool has a oblong shape typical of large pools of its size. The pool has architecturally clean lines with precise corners. When you stand on the pool platform the vastness of the pool rushes to the forefront. Everytime I stick my foot in the water of the Deep Eddy pool, that cool refreshing feeling envelopes my body. Entry fees are very reasonable and can beas low as $2 per day. Paid parking is available in front of the pool and on the street. Nice relaxing self-care day...

Ok if you're desperate for some water…read more The water was crisp and cool even on a 99° day in August Half the pool is designated for swimming laps. There are no lounge chairs so bring a blanket for the ground and expect it to get dirty because people have to sit in the grass/dirt. There are a few trees for shade. No alcohol or food/drink allowed. I brought in my water bottle and no one said anything so I guess water is ok There is a parking lot but you must pay to park and it gets filled quickly Bike trails lead up to it Locker rooms are half indoor/half outdoor and rather dingy. Several lifeguards on duty. periodically they make everyone get out of the pool for 5 min (one an hour?) There needs to be someone skimming the pool throughout the day..there's a ton of bugs/leaves that get in the water. Also, since people lounge on the dirt lawn, everyone's feet are dirty when getting in the pool. The pool ropes had some sort of black sludge caked into them. It was pretty gross. $5 for an adult. Free for veterans.

Love this is right in downtown and provides an escape from the city. This has been under…read moreconstruction since I move here two years again and what a pleasure to get to see the finished product! The map gave insight to current path as well as the projected expansive up to the Moody Center. The path is quite and scenic with lots of wildlife and amazing plants. There was a lot of shade in the morning from building and overall and easy walkway with alternate routes for this that cannot take stairs or bikes. Since the path is free, you can't beat that value. Seeing the police on horses was an added bonus!

Great park area for adults, children, and dogs ... the original section near the amphitheater and…read more12rt/Red River. The section just opened is on 4th (supposedly) and poor or no signage and entrance off 6th street was blocked off, and we saw no entrance on 4th. Oh well ... Easy to spend an hour or so at the original section. Lots of flowering plants, shade, places to sit, and a small slide and climbing area. Nice place to walk a dog ... but on leash.

We love this park! There's a huge play area with swings, slides, climbing rails and a few more fun…read moreactivities for kids. There's also a soccer playing field, a hiking trail that leads to secret beach with views so downtown and a shaded picnic area. The picnic area can be reserved for a day through Austin Parks&Rec and can be used for group gatherings or birthday parties.

Wow... the secret beach.. how beautiful. I came from Houston on a day trip. I won't tell everyone…read morespecifics to try and keep this secret as much as possible, but if you're coming here the first time.. it isnt easy to find. I can see how most times people just drive off.. me being the curious person I am just started walking by myself in the woods on a trail. I fortunately just so happen to see one woman walking her dogs and followed her in that direction but i swear to you she was walking fast as to not give this place away hahah! She actually disappeared onto another trail and couldnt find her.. (like Alice and Wonderland and the white rabbit style).. finally I heard splashing! I looked to my right and saw a weird trail that went down a steep side hill. So I followed the noise.. its pretty steep so be careful! After the brush and trees cleared THERE IT WAS! CLEAR, COOL WATER!! It was shallow when I got there and only about 8 people were there at 1pm during a Saturday. As time goes on it gets deeper and the water rises! Also more people start coming too. It feels sooooo amazing! You can grab a chair and just sit in the middle drinking and cooling off. Dog friendly! I spent a few hours with my boy before heading back. I live for finding places like this!

I took the beginner bungee class Cata (sp) and had the best time! Highly recommend! Lots of laughs,…read moresome sweat and time just flew by.

This place is AWSOME for anyone 6+!…read more Sky Candy has very diverse classes and is good for adults and children alike. I love all the different props you get to use and lessons you get to take. Very organized and always has someone to greet you and tell you where to go at the front desk. My fav thing to do is the silks. I've only been a few times, but have already learned a lot and love going!

This is my favorite boat rental for canoe/kayak in Zilker Park. I have been here throughout the…read moreyears and service is always quick and great. *** You need your ID! & a card on file & need a waiver signed *** I always keep this in mind when going & it saves me time The rental prices is $21 per hour Usually 1 hour is enough and it is a great time

Super welcoming staff! It was helpful that they let us know about a two for one deal before 12pm…read morewhich made for an easy and affordable family group activity. Easy to sign waiver via QR code and lockers were a bit pricy at $5. I would recommend leaving most of your belongings in the trunk if possible. Lovely way to get some fresh air on a spring day.

Met friends at Town Lake also called Lady Bird Lake for the Links Family Health Expo & Walk for…read moreHealthy Living, an uplifting community event promoting wellness. The walk motivated people of all ages to stay active, highlighting the health benefits of simple actions like walking. The expo provided valuable resources from health professionals and focused on family and community well-being. The Links, Incorporated showed strong leadership, addressing health disparities and fostering long-term wellness through education and collaboration. The event was well organized, inspiring attendees to prioritize their health beyond the day.

It is so nice to see the completion of the Wishbone Bridge. So now it will be a smooth transition,…read morewith no interruptions, as you walk the whole trail. I have been walking this trail for a long time and have really enjoyed the views and the many stops along the way. I first started coming with my furbaby. I brought my mom here over the years, and she loved it too. Let's say I have many memories here. But do you know that you can easily exit the trail at so many different spots? I think some people think you have to walk the whole ten miles. Well, let's end that myth! Also, you can start at any point you like, too. I have also started the trail on both sides of the I-35. Also, if you hear someone say "Town Lake," they are speaking of this trail. Another favorite thing about this trail is stopping at the different exits to grab a bite to eat, shop downtown, and hop back on the trail. There's so much to do on this walk, but all in all, this is the most beautiful trail to exercise or take a scenic stroll!