Since 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center has provided hands-on nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation activities for visitors, teachers, and children of all ages that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. You can also hike the Nature Preserve trails, including the Overlook Trail with its views of the city.

Austin Parks Foundation hosts a variety of programs and volunteer events in Zilker Park and collaborates with other groups to fund improvements to parks in all areas of Austin. Visit their website and calendar of events to learn more about upcoming programs and volunteer events in Zilker Park.

Austin Sunshine Camps provide the magic of camp without the barrier of cost. Summer camps for ages 8-11 are at Zilker Park, and ages 12-15 are at Lake Travis. ASC funds its camps through renting its beautiful Zilker Lodge special events facility.

Barton Springs Pool is fed entirely by spring water and remains a constant 68-70 degrees. Home to the Barton Springs Salamander, the natural-bottom pool is over three acres in size. The grounds include a historic bathhouse and the Splash! education exhibit. To buy a pool pass, visit the City of Austin website.

To learn about the stewardship and history of Barton Springs Pool, visit Barton Springs Conservancy, Friends of Barton Springs Pool, the Living Springs documentary series, and Barton Springs University.

In the heart of Austin is the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake, a lush, urban path that meanders along the water’s edge and passes by Zilker Park, skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields and cultural attractions. The Butler Trail is maintained by The Trail Conservancy.

Players of any skill level can come out and play on Zilker Park’s disc golf course. Visit the City of Austin website to learn more about disc golf in Austin. Or consider joining Waterloo Disc Golf Club, which organizes and educates the general public about disc golf and also gives back to the community through charitable contributions of time and talent.

Girl Scouts of Central Texas seeks to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The historic Zilker Girl Scout cabin was built in the 1940s and offers girls the opportunity to explore the outdoors in a setting close to home. Reservations are available for day use.

If you visit the wide-open space of the Great Lawn on a warm evening, you’ll see people playing volleyball, enjoying time with their canine friends, having picnics on the grass or at tables under the large shady trees, or hanging out on Rock Island. The 46-acre Great Lawn is located on the northeast side of Barton Springs Road.

The City of Austin Athletics Office organizes adult basketball, flag football, volleyball, and softball recreational leagues for men, women, youth, and co-ed teams throughout the City of Austin. Learn more, and reserve a field for your favorite sport!

Danny G. McBeth Recreation Center and Annex provides social opportunities through quality programs that challenge, support and teach leisure skills for the citizens of Austin with differing abilities. The center offers an all-abilities playground and year-round programs for youth, teens, and adults.

A covered picnic shelter is located near the children’s playground, adjacent to the Zilker Café, Zilker Eagle mini-train, and Barton Springs Pool. With a fire engine for kids to climb on and child-safe equipment for all ages, this is a great area for families to spend time in the park! Additional picnic areas are available at Pecan Grove, Rock Garden, and the Polo Area. Reserve a Zilker picnic site HERE. Locations are shown on the Park Amenities Google Map.

Located on the northwest banks of Zilker Park, Rowing Dock offers walk-up kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and canoe rentals on Lady Bird Lake. Group reservations are available for 10+ people, as well as guided kayak tours, full-moon paddles, and pop-up fitness classes—all bookable online. Women-owned and women-led. It’s a great way to explore the city by boat!

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum exhibits the work of Charles Umlauf and other visual and performing artists in a museum and a garden setting. The UMLAUF provides educational and cultural experiences that encourage the understanding and appreciation of the intersection of nature, sculpture, and the arts.

The Violet Crown Trail is a 13-mile pedestrian and cycling trail in Austin, Texas. Established in 2006 by Hill Country Conservancy, the trail follows Barton Creek from Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Once complete, the 30-mile trail will provide unique access to the region’s spectacular beauty and native wildlife habitat.

With heritage live oaks, streams, and Koi-filled ponds, Zilker Botanical Garden offers a peaceful respite in the middle of our busy city. Its themed gardens, including the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and Rose Garden, are interconnected with pathways for all ages and abilities.

A beloved outdoor theatrical venue, located near Barton Springs Pool, the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater has been home to engaging events, shows, and concerts for over 50 years. Every summer, Zilker Theatre Productions produces one of the longest-running, award-winning, free outdoor musicals since 1959.