Austin likes to boast that there are more than 300 days of sunshine every year, and I believe it! But sometimes that sun is blazing hot, and you need a little relief.
Luckily there are lots of restaurants and breweries with gorgeous outdoor spaces with plenty of shade. And bonus, they’re kid-friendly with space to run around or playgrounds! So invite some friends, let the kids run around and have a beer or drink in the shade at some of my favorite Austin spots.
I’ve listed out what types of drinks to expect at each spot — I wrote if I could confirm there are notable non-alcoholic options, but there are likely some NA options at each space. If in doubt, you can always reach out to the location!
In This Post
1. The Good Lot
2500 W New Hope Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Types of drinks: Beer, wine
Food: Multiple food trucks
This is one of my favorite spots up north! There’s turf and lots of shade trees, string lights and misters. Not to mention the unique play structure! It’s a skinny pyramid with lots of ways to climb up and a spot to play underneath plus a semi-circle bridge.
The Good Lot serves lots of local beers and has several permanent food trucks, so there’s always something to eat.
2. Nomadic Outpost
3505 Country White Ln, Austin, TX 78749
Types of drinks: Beer, coffee, cocktails
Food: Slab BBQ, typically some pastries in the morning
This South Austin spot opens early because they serve coffee as well as alcohol! The shaded yard is shared by Nomadic Outpost and Slab BBQ, so you can grab some barbecue while you’re there (just check the hours). There’s a small play area with a ninja course and a bit of turf, as well as cornhole and lots of space to run.
3. Beerburg Brewing (CLOSED)
13476 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
Types of drinks: Beer
Food: On-site kitchen – “Texas Hill Country fare”
If you prefer a fenced-in play area (or a fenced-in dog run!), head out to Beerburg Brewing on Fitzhugh Rd. in Dripping Springs. The outdoor tables are spread among the trees, so most spots get good shade.
Try their beers and their food menu (plus ice cream for the kids). The play area has a slack line, nature play (my kids love the stumps you can climb), and fun platforms.
4. Live Oak Brewing
1615 Crozier Ln, Del Valle, TX 78617
Types of drinks: Beer
Food: German food truck
The perfect stop if you’re picking someone up from the airport, Live Oak is good for plane-watching, disc golf, digging in the dirt and just sitting in the shade drinking. There’s a German food truck (check the hours) and a general laid back atmosphere!
5. Family Business (CLOSED)
19510 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Types of drinks: Beer, hard seltzer and frozen seltzer cocktails
Food: Pizza
We always have a great time when we go out to Family Business. The outdoor tables are spread out among the trees, so there are lots of shaded spot to sit and chat with friends. The playground is pretty big and completely fenced in (win!) — the ground cover is rocks though, so your kid will likely get a little dusty if they like to play in it!
You’ll find some great beers and delicious pizza (and pretzels) here!
6. Fitzhugh Brewing
15435 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Types of drinks: Beer, wine, NA options
Food: On-site kitchen
The playground at Fitzhugh is so cute — the style of it matches the pretty white brewery building. It’s surrounded by trees and tables, so you can have a drink in the shade while the kids run around nearby. Fitzhugh also has a tasty food menu and always seem to be adding new items.
7. Meanwhile Beer
3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Types of drinks: Beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, NA options
Food: Multiple food trucks
Meanwhile will always be one of the best, and the shade is a huge part of that. With so many trees on the property, it’s easy to find a table that’s out of the sun. The playground and treehouse are also mostly shaded, so your kids will enjoy it too!
Not only can you get all kinds of food from the food trucks on location, you can also grab coffee drinks (and non-beer alcoholic drinks) and it opens early each day.
8. Batch
3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
Types of drinks: Beer, coffee, NA options
Food: Kolaches and food truck
The backyard at Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches is such a chill place to hang out, I’ve even met up with out-of-state friends here. There are some big shade trees, a covered section, and a fence around the whole thing so you won’t lose track of the kids.
They added some turf hills and cute little mushrooms last year for kids to play on, and they’re a hit.
9. Texas Keeper Cider
12521 Twin Creeks Rd, Manchaca, TX
Types of drinks: Cider, wine, NA options
Food: On-site kitchen
This cider spot down south is so lovely; it looks like it belongs way out in the hill country. It’s on 19 acres and has big trees around the building, so the tables get some good shade. There’s plenty of space to run, some toys and a slack line for kiddos to enjoy.
10. Vista Brewing
13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
Types of drinks: Beer, wine
Food: On-site kitchen
Worth the drive to Driftwood! Vista is a gorgeous property with shaded tables both close to the taproom (and stage where you’ll often find live music) AND out by the playground. The playground itself is built around a tree, so it also gets shade, so everyone will feel great.
11. The Hive
10542 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
Types of drinks: Coffee, full bar
Food: Breakfast, sandwiches and food truck
I will never stop recommending The Hive — I just love the whole vibe! Have a coffee or a beer in the backyard, and the kids can go play on the turf hills, in the small play houses or in the two-story playhouse with slides. There are trees and shade sails to make sure you can get out of the sun.
12. Ghost Note Brewing
23663 Ranch Road 12 @, Ghost Note Ln, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Types of drinks: Beer, wine, cider, NA options
Food: Food truck
Another brewery that’s worth the drive! Ghost Note makes for a pleasant day with friends because there is lots of space and lots of options for finding seats in the shade. The playground is under some trees as well, so the sun won’t get you!
You honestly can’t go wrong with any of these local spots! Spend a day with friends — both the kids and grown-ups will enjoy themselves.