Temperatures are beginning to climb, jackets will soon be swapped for swimsuits and wildflowers will rise to line our highways. Spring Break marks the beginning of a thriving season for Austin.

Here are some of the greatest ways to enjoy Spring Break in Austin with your family:

• Take a drive out to Carly’s Critter Camp in Dripping Springs to learn all about love and respect for animals and nature. They’ve got everything from donkeys to hedgehogs and even an elaborate arts and crafts setup for the kiddos. It’s worth the drive. Sidenote: this is also an AMAZING place to host a kid’s birthday party!

• Meet friends for lunch at Hat Creek Burger Company. With locations all over town, there’s bound to be one close to you. Beyond the best burgers (even veggie burgers!), fries and shakes in town, you’ll enjoy watching the kiddos have a blast in their play yards.
• Check out The COOP Austin – the newest and most modern play space for kids. Your littles will be entertained at the reading nook, bounce house, ball pit, art table and more!
• Dust off your jogging stroller (if it’s been parked in the garage all Winter like mine) and take the kids for a spin around the Ladybird Lake Hike & Bike Trail a.k.a. The Butler Trail – the weather couldn’t be better for this right now! Pack snacks and a drink and also some slices of bread to feed the ducks and turtles near Lou Neff Point. 

• Take a ride on the Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train. A 20-25-minute ride around the park is a great way for children and adults to see Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek. Bring a hat and sunglasses. This is always a hit!
• While you’re in the area, visit Splash!, an educational exhibit were patrons can learn about the history and biology of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer which feeds it.
• Develop a love for the natural environment at the Austin Nature & Science Center – an 80-acre nature center which features educational exhibits including replicas of fossils & dinosaur tracks. My kids love the DINO pit. I loved the free admission!

• In case of rain, stay dry with Storytime at Book People. Every morning at 10:30 they offer a unique Storytime experience! This year during Spring Break stories will include: Colors of Spring, Heartsong, Ms. Staci, Princesses and Warriors and Luchador Legends.
• Thinkery plays a vital role in developing future generations of creative problem solvers through science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). If you haven’t been yet, you must go! It’s super fun and there is something exciting for all ages.
• Chill out with tasty treats from one of Austin’s iconic or up-and-coming Ice Cream Shops like: Amy’s Ice Creams, Prohibition Creamery, Lick Ice Creams, Spun Ice Cream, Dolce Vita, Cow Tipping Creamery or Sweet Ritual.

• Rodeo Austin – Where Weird Meets Western – is happening from March 10-24. Between the fairgrounds, live action and special events there’s plenty of entertainment and it’s fun for everyone in the family!
• SXSW isn’t just for adults. There are plenty of family-friendly activities! This is a great opportunity to introduce your kids to Austin’s love for live music and festivals.
• The Austin Zoo makes for a super adventure – their mission is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education. The keepers do daily talks with the cougar cubs, bear cubs, primates and Galapagos tortoises. You can also take a ride on their train for a little behind the Zoo tour! 

• Learn about native plants at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Pack a lunch and make a day out of it – there is so much to do and see. Bring a fancy camera or keep your phone handy; you’ll come across plenty of beautiful spots to photograph your children.
• Have you heard of Alamo for All? It’s Alamo Drafthouse’s movie program (all Tuesdays before 2 p.m. with more shows on the weekends) for young families and guests with special needs. Lights are turned up, sound is turned down, all ages (including infants) are welcome, noise is aloud and guests can move around and latecomers are admitted.
• If the weather is nice, pack a blanket, snacks and a ball and head over to Zilker Park for some fun in the sun! Feel free to bring the dogs and Dad as well to make it a family affair – if Dad is stuck at the office this week ask him to meet you for a picnic. 

• If your kids are older, head out to Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. They promise to offer “The Adventure of a Lifetime” with their longest and fastest ziplines in Texas. This is a must for all of you thrill-seekers.
• Turn your dream of flight into a reality with iFly indoor skydiving in a fun and safe environment! Nearly anyone can fly, including those with disabilities. Suitable for ages 3 and up. 
• If you’ve got some work to do, but still want the kids to have a blast, there are many Spring Break Camps going on around town. My favorite is the one hosted by The Little Yoga House. 
• Inner Space Caverns is one of the best preserved caverns in Texas. If your kids have never experienced a cave tour, take them! Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera. No food, drinks, backpacks or strollers are allowed so if you’ve got a small babe, plan to wear them! 

Hopefully you found a few new ideas of a fun way to celebrate Spring Break in Austin. Whatever you decide, I hope it’s a blast. Cheers and high-fives to living in and loving this fabulous city!