31 Fun Things to Do in Austin With Teenagers
Traveling with teens can be tricky—you need activities cool enough for them but not so chaotic that you lose your mind in the process. Luckily, Austin delivers on all fronts. From weird museums to wild donuts, pickleball, paddleboarding, and art installations, there’s no shortage of things to do with teenagers in the Live Music Capital of the World.
Here’s a go-to list of the best teen-approved things to do in Austin, Texas—including everything we’ve personally tested and loved. If you need even more check out our Austin With Teenagers: What to do, What to see, and Where to eat.
Table of Contents
1. Museum of Illusions
Address: 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
This mind-bending museum offers interactive exhibits, optical illusions, and immersive rooms that’ll have your teen’s camera roll filled before you even hit lunch.
2. Barton Springs Pool
Address: 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
A natural spring-fed pool that stays cool year-round. It’s the ultimate way to escape the Texas heat and a great intro to Austin’s laid-back outdoor scene.
3. Cathedral of Junk
Address: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745
This backyard art installation is as weird and wonderful as Austin gets. Built entirely out of discarded items, it’s a quirky photo op your teens will actually love.
4. Texas State Capitol
Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Even if your kids pretend to hate history, the grandeur of the Capitol is impressive. Take a free guided tour and see how many times you can spot the Texas star.
5. Zilker Park
Address: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
A giant green space perfect for lounging, kite flying, or starting your day before hitting Barton Springs or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake.
6. Kayaking or Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
Address: 2101 Andrew Zilker Rd, Austin, TX 78746 (Zilker Park Boat Rentals)
It’s low-key adventure with skyline views. You’ll feel outdoorsy without actually having to camp.
7. Austin Nature & Science Center
Address: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Perfect for curious minds. Free admission and hands-on exhibits make this an underrated gem for teens into wildlife, geology, or just cool rocks.
8. The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center
Address: 700 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
This modern art museum has rotating exhibits that are thought-provoking without being too stuffy. Bonus: it’s right in the middle of downtown.
9. Holey Moley Golf Club
Address: 807 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
Mini golf like you’ve never seen it before. Wild, wacky holes, vibrant neon décor, and a fun vibe that doesn’t feel like a “kiddie” activity.
10. Upstairs Circus
Address: 234 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
A DIY workshop meets cocktail bar. Teens 15+ (with a parent) can create everything from leather keychains to wall art while sipping mocktails. Yes, really.
11. Butler Pitch & Putt
Address: 201 Lee Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78704
An old-school 9-hole golf course that’s short, casual, and walkable. It’s a relaxed way to let teens practice their swings without the pressure of a full game.
12. Punch Bowl Social
Address: 11310 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78758
Bowling, arcade games, karaoke, and great food—basically everything your teen wants in one spot. It’s located at The Domain, so shopping is nearby too.
13. Bouldin Acres
Address: 2027 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Food, drinks, and pickleball. It’s teen-friendly, dog-friendly, and possibly the only place where you’ll have fun competing against your teen without losing horribly.
14. Jo’s Coffee & the “I Love You So Much” Mural
Address: 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Great lattes for parents and iconic murals for selfies. Try the Pecan Pie Latte or the White Sands Latte for something unforgettable.
15. Pins Mechanical
Address: 4323 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
This place is one of our favorite things to do in all of Austin. They have duckpin bowling, ping-pong, and a ton of other games you can play. They only serve drinks but there are food carts you can grab food from.
16. Loudmouth Pizza
Address: 3503 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Giant, cheesy slices and delicious burrata make this a top choice for pizza lovers. Quick, casual, and surprisingly elevated.
17. Guero’s Taco Bar
Address: 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Possibly the best Mexican food in Austin. Guero’s is lively, authentic, and great for late lunch or dinner when everyone is starving.
18. Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
Address: 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
This Asian-Texas fusion spot delivers creative flavors with a chill atmosphere. Teens will rave about the smoked brisket and crispy potatoes.
19. Gordough’s Big Fat Donuts
Address: 1503 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Donuts bigger than your face and topped with everything from bacon to brownies. They’re messy, outrageous, and an absolute must.
20. East Austin “Locals Know” BBQ Tour
Address: Tour starting points vary (check provider info, e.g., Austin Detours or local guides)
Skip the long lines and dive straight into smoked brisket heaven with a locals-only BBQ tour. Teens will love sampling ribs, sausage, and sides while learning the surprisingly cool history behind Texas BBQ culture. Bonus: you get to look like a genius for avoiding Franklin’s infamous 4-hour wait.
21. Bat Watching Tour at Congress Avenue Bridge
Address: 305 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Every evening from March through October, about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Hop on a bat-watching boat tour or stake out a spot by the bridge at sunset for a totally unique—and kinda magical—experience teens will actually talk about later.
22. Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Address: 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
This old-school mini golf spot has kitschy statues, neon lights, and 18 holes of quirky fun that teens actually love because it’s so unapologetically retro. Bonus: It’s BYOB for parents.
23. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Address: Multiple locations
Not just a movie theater—this is a full dinner-and-a-movie experience with quirky pre-show entertainment, themed events, and a zero tolerance policy on phones (cue parental happy dance).
24. iFly Indoor Skydiving
Address: 13265 US-183 Hwy Suite A, Austin, TX 78750
For the adrenaline-junkie teen who isn’t quite ready to jump out of a plane, iFly simulates the thrill of free-fall in a vertical wind tunnel. It’s unforgettable and surprisingly beginner-friendly.
25. Unchartered Adventures Smash Rooms
Address: 3950 Jonestown Rd, Leander, TX 78641 (just outside Austin)
Smash TVs, dishes, and electronics in a safe, controlled room. Yes, teens can legally break things here. Therapeutic? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely.
26. Austin Bouldering Project
Address: 979 Springdale Rd #150, Austin, TX 78702
A huge indoor rock climbing gym that offers bouldering (climbing without ropes) in a cool, industrial space with chill vibes and fun challenges for all levels.
27. Pinballz Arcade
Address: 8940 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
A retro arcade filled with pinball machines, VR games, laser tag, go-karts, and even axe throwing. It’s overstimulation in the best way possible.
28. The Escape Game Austin
Address: 405 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Put your teen’s puzzle-solving skills to the test with immersive escape rooms featuring themes like prison break, gold rush, and secret missions. Surprisingly good teamwork-building, too.
29. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In
Address: 2103 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723
See cult classics and new releases at Austin’s beloved boutique drive-in. Teens love the retro vibe and privacy of watching from the car (or truck bed with blankets).
30. Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake
Access Point: 1820 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
A scenic, easy walk that winds over the lake and offers skyline views. Great for chill mornings or snapping a few Instagram-worthy shots.
31. Shopping at The Domain or South Congress
Addresses:
- The Domain: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
- South Congress: S Congress Ave between W Riverside Dr and Oltorf St
Whether they want funky vintage finds or upscale brands, Austin has something for every style. Let them browse, try on, and snap mirror selfies to their heart’s content.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Austin in the summer, plan your outdoor adventures for the morning or evening and save the museums and ice cream spots for midday when the heat peaks. Hydration and tacos are key to keeping the peace.
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