we are planning on going to austin for memorial weekend with our 4 and 1yr old...want to know if it's a nice family place to go to and what all can you do there with your kids and if there is a better place than austin if anyone knows where we could relax and the kids could have fun. Should be 4 to 5 hours drive from Dallas.
Inner space caverns is just north of Austin in Georgetown. Last time we went we had a 2 yo & 6 yo. They really enjoyed it. They also have a few activities outside for the kids. There are some really great parks in Austin. Have fun.
3 and 1/2 hours from Dallas. Lots of outdoor activities. Beautiful Hill country. The state capital can be fun. I haven't been in years but if you can still just walk in I'd pick a quiet time. There are lakes, parks. Picnics would be fun. Even walking the University of Texas could be fun.
There is a Hyatt Hill Country Hotel near San Antonio with a lazy river kids will love. It's man made and goes in a large circle you can float around. Perfect for your kids ages. I have heard the Great Wolf Lodge between Austin and Houston is fun too. Fiesta Texas is like Six Flags and Sea World are in San Antonio too.
Zilker Park is a lot of fun, and has a wide range of activities and attractions -- botanical gardens, kids' playground, natural science museum, sculpture museum, boat rentals, miniature train, Barton Springs pool...
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm
Also, in May the bats under the Congress St. bridge should be pretty active. That's always fun to see. Go about an hour or so before dusk and park in the Austin-American Statesman lot. There is a grassy area where you can sit on a blanket (usually safe from bat droppings!). Or, you can stand on the bridge to see the bats coming out from below. It's like you can reach out and touch them (but DON'T!).
http://www.io.com/house/bats.html
Take the kids to Amy's for ice cream, and go to the state capitol building - I remember feeding squirrels there as a kid.
http://amysicecreams.com/#/home/
http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/CVC/home/home.html
Enjoy your trip. Austin is one of my favorite roadtrips! It's actually only about 3 - 3.5 hours from D/FW (depending on I-35 traffic). Very family friendly, excellent food, lots of interesting things to see. Check out this website for other things that may interest you: www.austincityguide.com
call the chamber of commers of Austin, they will give you all the info you need
There is tons to do in Austin. Be sure to bring hats, sunscreen and sunglasses.
You have been given great suggestions.
Here is one link, they will send you info for free.
www.austintexas.org/
Do not forget the The Dell Children's Museum
Lady Bird National Wildflower center, great trails and a children's center.
It should be in full bloom at that point.
There is also Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels (only 20 minutes from Austin). It is the largest and highest rated water park in the United States. They have many, areas, pools and water rides for young families.. The best part? You can take your own cooler and meals! (no glass allowed).
http://www.schlitterbahn.com/nb/
