It feels like this semester has flown by, and it’s already Spring Break! It really snuck up on me! If you aren’t going on a big trip out of town this year, there are still plenty of fun things to do around North Austin.

RELATED READING :: Amazing Parks in the Northern Burbs of Austin

North Austin is super family-friendly and full of fun things to make the break special for both you and your kids! You can spend the whole week just exploring this area, so use this guide to plan out your time. Maybe I’ll see you out there!

Fun and Games in North Austin

Visit Pioneer Farms. This living history museum has themed historical houses and areas, animals like donkeys, chickens, and longhorns, and even classes you can take.

Check out Austin FC. Whether you love soccer or you just love the atmosphere, go to the Austin FC stadium for a great day. Go see a home game on March 20, or join a stadium tour on March 11. If that won’t work for you, check out The Pitch, a new eatery right by the practice field. Space to run around and 7 different places to order food and drink.

Play at the Museum of Ice Cream. Take your kids to swim in the pool of sprinkles or ride the cookie carousel, or if you can snag free tickets, you can go to a Kids Innovation Camp in mid-March. While you’re in the Domain, play in the little play area by the Museum of Ice Cream, run around on the lawn, or have lunch at Hat Creek.

Do it all at Main Event. If you want to go one location where you can do all kinds of different activities, head to Main Event for mini golf, rock climbing, arcade games, bowling and more! Head to the nearby Kerbey Lane location or grab fajitas and Mexican martinis from Jardin Corona afterward to refuel after all that playing!

See all kinds of animals at Austin Aquarium. This aquarium has all kinds of exotic animals — not just fish! — to see, touch and feed! Combine it with a trip to Indigo Play next door, the coolest indoor play space with space for big and little kids.

Jump at Urban Air. If you need your kids to get some energy out, try a trampoline park. Urban Air has different areas for all ages, playgrounds and obstacle courses. Or head inside Lakeline Mall to Inflatable Wonderland for more jumping excitement.

Play games at Pinballz. There’s arcade games, escape rooms, laser tag, and even go karting inside this location!

Go skydiving at iFly. Kids as young as 3 can do indoor skydiving for a big thrill! Phil’s Icehouse and Amy’s Ice Cream are right next door (with their fun playground of course!).

Coffee, Food, and Beer in North Austin

Have pizza at Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse. Sit outside under the shady trees while your kids play on the playscape.

Eat and play at Fieldhouse at The Crossover. This new Cedar Park spot is so fun. There’s a shaded playground, lots of turf, pickleball courts, sand volleyball and several food trucks. Have a meal or just a drink while watching their huge screen or listening to some live music while the kids play.

Meet friends for a drink at Austin Beerworks. Kids love the turf hills and hula hoops; grown-ups love the beer! If you’re feeling like trying something new, check out Curl Austin next door and try your hand at curling.

Hang out at Garbo’s. There’s a new kids play area so the kids can enjoy themselves while you enjoy your lobster rolls. While you’re there, have some ice cream from Connor’s Creamery. Or maybe you’d like to catch a movie at the new location of Blue Starlite Drive-in!

Grab a coffee at Malone Specialty Coffee. This Wells Branch coffee shop has a small area for kids to play inside, great coffee and yummy sandwiches.

Enjoy some Tex-Mex at Mesa Rosa. Have a margarita and nachos on the patio while the kids play on the playground and run around the big open space.

Parks and Nature in North Austin

Lake Pflugerville Park beach

Both Walnut Creek Metro Park and Balcones District Park got amazing new playgrounds last year. There are separate playscapes for both big kids and little kids, and both parks have fun hiking trails and bike paths.

Hike Great Hills Trail. Start at Great Hills Park for some playground time and then take a shady hike through the trees.

Enjoy the quiet at St. Edwards Park. Enjoy a peaceful hike by the limestone bluffs and Bull Creek. You can even sit on a little waterfall for a while. (Take your valuables; car windows get smashed a lot!)

Want a beach? Check out Lake Pflugerville! It has a small sandy beach area perfect for sand castles, buried treasure and splashing in the waves.

Featured Image Credit :: Noelle Westcott Photography

Bethany Farnsworth
Bethany Farnsworth is a human jungle gym, napkin, and personal shopper to her kids Peter, 5, and Lydia, 3. She met her husband at Baylor and moved from Waco to Houston to Dallas before finally settling in Austin in October 2019. She loves podcasts, iced coffee, uninterrupted bathroom time, traveling, coming home after traveling, and spending too much time planning activities that hold her kids' attention for 30 seconds. On a good weekend, you'll find her and her crew on a hiking trail or at a brewery -- you'll recognize them by the table full of toys and snacks. Read more at @austinwithkids or @bethanyfarns on Instagram.

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