When you’re traveling with kids, you know you need to get those wiggles out before you get on the plane and after a long flight! If you’re near the Austin airport with kids and need to release some energy or grab a bite, here are some kid-friendly places close to AUS.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport is known for having a very Austin vibe, with local businesses and live music, but it’s not huge (though they’re working on it!). If you have a long layover, need to stay close to the airport for a pickup, or got to the area really early for your flight, you may want to check out some of the other fun spots nearby.
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Is there anywhere I can walk from the Austin airport?
No, walking isn’t really an option to get anywhere from the AUS airport. While the airport isn’t far out of town, it is in an area that isn’t very urban or walkable. There are also no trains from the airport, so you will need a car, a bus or to get a rideshare.
8 Places to Go Near the Austin Airport
1. Hope Outdoor Gallery
741 Dalton Ln, Austin, TX 78742
If you’re looking for a uniquely Austin spot, this outdoor gallery gives you a look at murals from local street artists and a chance to spray paint your own. And it’s free (though you need to bring or buy your own paint)!
2. Live Oak Brewing
1615 Crozier Ln, Del Valle, TX 78617
This is the closest hangout to the airport, and you can grab a beer or food from the German food truck (limited hours: Thursday through Sunday) just a 5-minute drive away. There is lots of space to spread out under big trees, or if you’re into disc golf, Live Oak has a course you can play!
3. ABIA Family Viewing Area
3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719
If your little one (or big one!) can’t get enough airplanes, you can watch them land and take off at this airplane viewing area right by the airport. You’ll see big commercial planes and small private planes every few minutes.
This spot is tucked away at the end of a quiet road off 71 and feels very safe for kids to run around. There’s a small parking lot, a picnic table and a little gravel area with some rocks to sit on and a great view of the runway. It is a bit loud, particularly during a takeoff, so if your kid is sensitive to that, headphones/ear protectors might be a good idea.
Your maps app can take you right to it: 10316 Golf Course Rd or just type in Family Viewing Area. (I would suggest taking the exit toward the Barbara Jordan terminal and driving past the airport, instead of turning straight onto Golf Course from 71 like my map told me to).
4. Richard Moya Park
10001 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX 78719
The closest playground to the airport! In fact, it’s directly across from the South Terminal (and easily drivable from the main terminal). Richard Moya actually has several playgrounds and a historic bridge from the 1800s if you’d just like to take a walk (plus, the bridge is maaaybe haunted?).
There are playgrounds for every age, most with shade structures, as well as picnic tables and bathrooms, so your kids can run around for however long they need.
5. Meanwhile Brewing
3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Meanwhile is not just a brewery, but also a coffee shop (with long hours), a food truck park, a shaded hangout, and a playground! I see people with their luggage here all the time, so it’s clearly a popular pit stop before or after a flight!
This is a favorite place for locals, and it’s worth a stop if you have the time. Everyone in the family will enjoy it.
6. McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
There is one state park within Austin city limits, and it’s right by the airport! McKinney Falls State Park is less than a 15-minute drive from the Austin-Bergstrom and is a good spot for hiking or swimming. There are upper and lower falls, and you can even jump off the rocks into the water in the upper falls (if there has been enough rain).
7. Southeast Metro Park
4511 Highway 71 East, Del Valle, TX 78617
If you’re looking for a more impressive and unique playground than those at Richard Moya Park, head to Southeast Metro Park to see the mosasaur playground! It’s based on a real mosasaur skeleton that was found nearby in Onion Creek. Kids can climb through its mouth and all through its body.
8. Springdale and Airport
979 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78702
This area, which is about 10 minutes away from the airport in minimal traffic, has several spots that you can enjoy on your way to or from the airport.
Stargazer has both coffee and cocktails and is in the cutest space! The patio area has shade trees and is right by the 4-story rocket ship playscape!
Bambino has pizza, drinks, and a cool turf hill play area! There’s red turf and green turf, which turns into an instant game of The Floor Is Lava.
Austin Bouldering Project is great for adults or kids who like climbing. If you’re looking for one last fun outing before heading to the airport, you can get a pass to rock climb!
Need more plans for your trip to Austin? Check out this 24-hour itinerary.