12 Fun Things To Do in Austin with Kids

"Austin has a series of farmers’ markets throughout the city. The most central, in Austin’s Republic Square, sets up on Saturday mornings, but it’s worth taking a Sunday-morning excursion to the one in Mueller, in northeast Austin. Once home to Austin’s original airport, this neighborhood is a planned housing development that has attracted families for its pedestrian-friendly streets, community pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds. Critically acclaimed restaurants have now followed, as well as independent shops and a wonderful children’s museum. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that this farmers’ market is particularly family friendly. Along with fruits and vegetables from Austin-area farms, there are great prepared foods; don’t miss the pork-and-cabbage dumplings from Steamies, drinkable yogurts from Mother Culture, and fruit popsicles at Mom & Pops. You can set up your spread on a picnic blanket in one of the grassy lawns surrounding the stands. Kids will also love the pony rides (this is Texas, after all) and the petting zoo, a small penned area filled with bearded dragons, bunnies, and chicks. There’s also live music, as well as the occasional face-painting and balloon man." - Stirling Kelso