Zilker Park is an Austin treasure.
In 1917, Andrew Zilker donated 350 acres of land that has since become our beloved space to enjoy cold water swims, trails, gardens, sprawling lawns, rock gardens, festivals and so much more. Zilker Park is such an essential part of Austin culture and one of the big reasons why our unique city is such a great place to call home.
Because we're so enamored with this beautiful piece of public land, we're sharing 100 things you can do at it! To be honest, we're sure this list could go on and on even further, but we'll stick to a nice manageable 100. Get out there and have some fun!
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ACL Fest / PHOTO: Roger Ho
100 Things To Do in Zilker Park
- Take a refreshing dip in Barton Springs Pool
- Ride the Zilker Eagle mini-train
- Go for a jog on the Hike & Bike Trail
- Dig for dino bones at the Austin Nature & Science Center
- Stop and smell the roses at the Zilker Botanical Garden
- Check out the art collection at Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
- Climb around on Rock Island
- "Drive" the antique firetruck at the playground
Firetruck at Zilker / PHOTO: Roger Ho
- Listen to tunes at Blues on the Green
- Explore the SPLASH! exhibit in the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center (temporarily closed until summer 2025)
- Check out the owls, skunks, snakes and other wildlife at the Austin Nature & Science Center
- Have a dang good picnic
- Let your doggo run in the off-leash area, (or just get your cute puppy fill for the day)
- Enjoy the best of the fest experience at Austin City Limits Music Festival
- Peek into faerie houses on the annual Woodland Faerie Trail
- Listen to a random DJ set
- Welcome the new year by jumping into Barton Springs New Year's Day at the Polar Bear Splash
- Learn about the endangered Barton Springs Salamander
- Embark on a prehistoric scavenger hunt in Hartman Prehistoric Garden (Inside Zilker Botanical Garden)
- Have fun at the annual ABC Kite Festival
Annual Kite Festival / PHOTO: Roger Ho
- Take a hike through the Zilker Nature Preserve
- Study the details of one of Austin's public landmark's, the "Philosopher's Rock"
- Play volleyball
- Throw a Frisbee
- Play soccer
- Ride bikes
- Canoe
- Kayak
- Peddle Kayak
- Stand-up paddleboard
- Soak up some sun
Barton Springs / PHOTO: Roger Ho
- Meet friends
- Watch Shakespeare in the Park
- Send the kids to Nature's Way Preschool
- Bring a sketchbook and draw.
- Sign kids up for summer camp at Austin Nature & Science Center
- Grill some burgers & hot dogs
- Blow bubbles
- Look for butterflies
- Check out native plants
- Play kickball
- Play hacky sack
- Learn about TX history in the Pioneer Village at the Botanical Garden
- Spin under the Zilker Tree in December
- Enjoy the holiday glow of the annual Trail of Lights
- Enjoy a night under the stars at the annual Umlauf Garden Party
- Sign up for a gardening club at the Botanical Garden
- Put your toes in the little creek at the Austin Nature & Science Center
- Learn how to do AcroYoga.
The Zilker Zephyr Mini-Train / PHOTO: Roger Ho
- Celebrate butterflies and trees at the Roots & Wings Festival in the Botanical Garden
- Rent out the Zilker Clubhouse
- Play a card game
- Take a yoga class in the UMLAUF garden
- Go bird-watching
- Fly kites
- Attend Austin Nature Day at the Austin Nature & Science Center
- Go for a run on the Violet Crown Trail
- Play a game of Spikeball
- Play Glow-in-the-Dark Ultimate Frisbee at night
PHOTO: Roger Ho
- Practice yoga
- Hula hoop
- Travel the Woodland Faerie Trail by moonlight
- Swing on the playground
- Take the dogs for a swim
- Play Quidditch
- Slackline
- Throw a football
- Look for turtles
- Skip stones
- Go snorkeling in Barton Springs
- Squad up for a fam photo
- Find the waterfall in the Botanical Garden
- See what natural treasures you can find at the Trade Counter at the Austin Nature & Science Center
- Check out the koi fish in the Taniguchi Japanese Garden
Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Photo: Do512 Family
- Listen to a concert by the Austin Civic Orchestra on the Hillside Theatre
- Howl at the moon during a Full Moon Swim in Barton Springs
- Join in on a drum circle
- Feed ducks
- Dance
- Do some people-watching
- Read a book under a shady tree
- Save your pennies and visit Barton Springs when it's free.
- Attend the annual Ballet Under the Stars at the Hillside Theatre
- Take some skyline pics
- Make new friends
- Swing on the monkey bars
- Fly a drone
Aerial View of "Rock Island" / PHOTO: Roger Ho
- Play bubble soccer
- Take your pup to a doggie meet-up
- Join friends on a night cycle ride through the park
- Meditate
- Practice tai chi
- Play disc golf
- Join a game of touch rugby
- Take a nice midday nap under a tree
- Learn some historical info on the Moonlight Tower (1 of 17 in Austin, which is the only city to have moontowers)
- Reserve tables to host a birthday party or family reunion
- Practice your photography skills
- Pick up a sculpture scavenger hunt card at the Umlauf
- Pause & be thankful for having this amazing park available to us every day!
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Have another suggestion for things to do at Zilker Park?
Let us know!
