1.Zilker Park

Zilker Park, one of the most iconic parts of Austin, is home to ACL, Blues on the Green, and SXSW. When it’s not being used as a center for music festivals, Zilker Park remains just an ordinary park used by all. Bring a frisbee, a lunch, and a blanket, and you are set for the whole day. Wide open spaces and lots of trees for shade offer perfect sitting areas to admire the skyline of Austin. Best of all, it’s free! Over the years, however, Zilker Park has been suffering from soil degradation and deforestation brought on by the overuse of its land for massive music festivals. So it’s best to go sooner than later to truly take advantage of Austin’s natural beauty.

Age range: All

Traffic: Mild

Popularity: Medium

2. Castle Hill Graffiti Park

A mandatory Instagram destination, the Castle Hill Graffiti Park is a world of its own. Rappers, hippies, and preppy boys frequent the Graffiti park to experience an extreme sight that offers a vivid contrast to the distant skyline of Austin. The Graffiti Park is a designated concrete playground for people to add their own touch to an ever-changing world of art. Bring a can of spray paint if you want to leave a mark along with everyone else. The Graffiti Park is one of the few places that can change dramatically in a short period of time. One day there may be a mural of NASA’s logo, and the very next it may be painted over with the Illuminati pyramid. There is a reason why so many Castle Hill pictures show up on Instagram and Facebook: the sheer awesomeness that the park exudes.

Age range: 13+

Traffic: High

Popularity: High

3. Mount Bonnell

Picture perfect Mount Bonnell is located in the hill country of Austin and is known for its aesthetic scenery.  Arrive around 7:30 to catch a glimpse at some of the best sunsets over Austin. Surrounded by sloping hills, Mount Bonnell looks picturesque enough to be put on a postcard. In no way is this mountain wheelchair friendly however;  in order to reach the peak of the hill one must climb 102 steep steps that will ruin anybody with hip or knee problems. Million dollar mansions are scattered throughout dense forestry, and the wide Colorado river stretches far into the distance. Mount Bonnell is the tallest point in Austin and offers breathtaking views that truly represents why Austinites call this city their home.

Age range: All

Traffic: Low

Popularity: Medium

4. Blanton Art Museum

Free to the public every Thursday, the Blanton Art Museum is as much a learning experience as it is an adventure. With countless corridors to get lost in and paintings and statues lining every wall, be prepared to spend longer than intended at the Blanton Art Museum. The Blanton is one of the oldest, most extensive holder of Latin American art collections. Around a corner one might encounter a piece representation of the Spanish Inquisition or a Native American Quipu. Even a non artist can find it easy to spend the whole day wandering the massive rooms in awe at the sheer number and quality of the works. While you are there make sure to check out Cildo Meireles’ Missão/Missões, one of the Blanton’s most beloved exhibits (shown above). When we spend each day at school we sometimes forget just how much a trip to the museum can teach us.

Age range: 6+

Traffic: Mild

Popularity: Low

5. Barton Springs Pool

Spring-fed waters with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, Barton Springs allows for year round swimming in one of Austin’s crown jewels. A popular spot for families, this communal pool always carries a welcoming and upbeat vibe. Every Thursday the pool undergoes a vigorous cleaning to keep it in proper condition for visitors and wildlife alike. With wide open areas of shade to relax on, and the giant expanse of pool water, there is something for everyone.

Age range: All

Traffic: Low

Popularity: High