Fortlandia is one of my favorite Austin family events of the year, and we try to go to the Wildflower Center at least a few times while it’s happening!
Every year, a new group of creatives and architects design and create fun forts for kids (and adults!) to explore and play in (or on or under). They’re all so different, and we look forward to seeing the new forts every year.
If you’re in Austin in the fall or winter, you’ve got to check out Fortlandia to enjoy the forts and the Wildflower Center. It’s a great outdoor activity during the mildest time of year in Austin and good for kids of all ages and adults.
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Fortlandia This Year
This year’s Fortlandia takes place at the Wildflower Center from October 4, 2024 until February 2, 2025. That gives you almost 4 full months to make sure you visit!
Eight custom forts are set up throughout the Family Garden, plus the build-your-own fort area. A lot of them are really colorful and there are some good climbing forts this year.
There’s a snake, a giant moth, an octopus treasure chest, and many more! My favorite was Ant Farm — kids can climb on top, in the middle and on the bottom of a long fort with translucent colorful walls.
What is Fortlandia?
Fortlandia is a can’t-miss family event that happens every fall and winter at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. It features custom-built forts designed and built by local artists and design firms.
There is typically one off-site fort as well, often somewhere on or near the hike and bike trail at Lady Bird Lake. It’s a fun little treasure to go find!
When does Fortlandia happen?
Fortlandia in Austin generally runs from October through January. This season, the dates are October 4, 2024 through February 2, 2025. It’s closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.
Where is Fortlandia?
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in South Austin hosts Fortlandia each year. The address is 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739.
Within the center, you’ll see plenty of signs pointing you in the right direction to find Fortlandia. It’s located in the Luci and Ian Family Garden — this is the children’s area of the Wildflower Center that always has a play structure, waterfall and cave, and digging pit.
How much does Fortlandia cost?
Fortlandia is included with general admission to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Tickets to the Wildflower Center cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for ages 3-17. Members get free admission.
The Wildflower Center also has reciprocal admission for American Horticultural Society garden members, which includes Zilker Botanical Garden!
Where do I park for Fortlandia?
The Wildflower Center has a parking lot, and there is street parking and back-in angle parking on La Crosse Avenue. It is free.
Is Fortlandia worth it?
If you live in the Austin area, I think it’s worth it to go once a year as a family. Everyone in the family likes to see what the forts are each year, and you can also visit the rest of the gardens while you’re there (if you have the energy!). You can spend many hours at Fortlandia and the Wildflower Center, which makes it worth the cost.
If you’re visiting Austin and have the time to spend there, Fortlandia is a good addition to a family-trip itinerary. It has a taste of the creative arts scene in Austin with the funky forts, you can enjoy the mild Texas fall and winter weather, and you’ll get to experience Texas landscapes.
What ages is Fortlandia good for?
I think all ages will enjoy Fortlandia. I saw toddlers to teenagers playing on the forts. The older kids just go higher and try harder challenges, and the smaller kids can fit through all the tunnels and tighter spaces. Everyone has fun!
Who builds the Fortlandia forts?
Designers, artists and architects (mostly local to the area) propose their designs and build them if accepted.
Where can I find past forts?
If you visit the Wildflower Center when Fortlandia isn’t going on, you can still find one permanent fort, Mars Base, from several years ago. It’s hidden in the trees between the Family Garden and the Central Garden.
Some of the forts from past years of Fortlandia end up at local parks or businesses, so families can enjoy them again and again. You can find retired forts at both locations of St. Elmo Brewing, Lakewood Park in Leander, and The Leaning Pear in Wimberley.
Have you been to Fortlandia before? What’s been your favorite fort (or year of forts!)?
If you’re looking for more fun things to do, check out these free activities around Austin or enjoy the best hikes in city limits.