Austin, Texas is a vibrant and eclectic city packed with family-friendly activities, live music, outdoor adventures, and delicious local dining. If you’re looking for places to stay near Austin, Jellystone Park™ Canyon Lake makes the perfect home base for exploring the area. Our Texas campground is just a scenic drive away, so you can easily spend the day discovering everything this energetic and culture-rich city has to offer. Set one day aside from your camping trip and follow this itinerary to help plan the perfect family day in Austin!

Photo by Tex Painting

Austin Nature & Science Center

Located in Zilker Park, the Austin Nature & Science Center is a favorite for families looking to connect with nature and enjoy interactive exhibits. Kids can explore a dino pit, visit live animals, and learn through hands-on environmental displays—all for free! It's a great stop for families staying at campgrounds near Austin who want a mix of education and outdoor fun without venturing too far from their campsite.

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake offers the perfect combination of nature and city views. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes and explore the scenic trails along the water. The Boardwalk Trail offers a stroller-friendly path with stunning skyline views, ideal for a relaxed family outing. If you're enjoying RV camping near Austin, this is a fantastic way to enjoy some active downtime with the kids while still experiencing the heart of the city.

Austin Zoo

Unlike traditional zoos, the Austin Zoo focuses on rescued animals and wildlife rehabilitation. Located on the outskirts of the city, this nonprofit zoo is home to over 300 animals including lions, monkeys, bears, and reptiles. It's a peaceful and educational spot, and just a short drive from our Canyon Lake campground!

Photo by Thinkery

Thinkery Children’s Museum

A must-visit for families with young children, Thinkery is Austin’s hands-on children’s museum that combines science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in fun and creative ways. With exhibits like water play, a light lab, and an innovation station, kids can touch, tinker, and explore to their hearts’ content. It’s an excellent indoor option for families staying at our campground near Austin, especially on a hot or rainy day.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching

Each evening from March through October, over a million bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, putting on a spectacular bat watching show at sunset. It’s a unique, only-in-Austin experience that kids and adults alike will never forget. Bring a blanket and arrive early to grab a spot. This magical sight makes for a perfect evening adventure!

We hope this list gave you some great ideas for the top things to do in and around Austin, Texas. After a day spent exploring paddle trails on Lady Bird Lake, meeting animals at the Austin Zoo, or getting hands-on at Thinkery, it’s time to head back to your home base at the best family campground in the area – Jellystone Park™ Canyon Lake! In addition to all that Austin has to offer, you can enjoy 14 attractions right here at the Camp-Resort, all included in your stay. After a day of sightseeing, cool off in our Water Zone, soar on our jumping pillows, or join in on a family-friendly scavenger hunt. Don’t let the fun stop in the city—book now to extend your adventure and make Jellystone Park™ Canyon Lake your go-to destination for camping near Austin, Texas!