Paddle a canoe, hike along the extensive trails or unwind in the thermal springs of this idyllic park on the banks of a beautiful lake.
A local recreational park just across Lady Bird Lake in the heart of the city, Zilker Metropolitan Park is sometimes hailed as Austin's most-loved park. And with good reason too. The vast green lawn offers plenty of activities for the whole family, so be prepared to spend an entire day here.
Begin your adventures on the Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train that zips through the park, a definite hit with kids. Nature lovers should head to the mostly flat hiking and biking trails that wind through the park. Offering up scenic views, the trails stretch out over 11 kilometres around the park, as well as along Lady Bird Lake, the 190-hectare lake that slices through Austin's centre. While the hourly charges are not cheap, it's worth it to rent a family-sized canoe from Zilker Park Boat Rentals for an hour or two of fun on the lake. Jump into Barton Springs Pool, where the water fed by underground springs is at a temperature of 20°C throughout the year. There is a small admission fee, but the expansive pool is a great way to beat the heat.
The park hosts many festivals and is home to numerous attractions and live entertainment that will keep you captivated at any time of the year. One of the most spectacular sights is The Zilker Holiday Tree, which stands 47 metres high. Made up of 39 streamers with more than 3,300 multicoloured lights, it is a particular treat to witness the lighting ceremony of this tree, held annually on the first Sunday in December.
For a bit of culture, visit the park in October for The Austin City Limits music festival, which sees more than 100 national and international acts gracing its stages. Bob your head to many musical genres, including pop, rock, blues and swing. Watch the Zilker Summer Musical in the Zilker Hillside Theatre, an annual tradition since 1959. Or fly a kite at the Zilker Park Kite Festival, held on the first Sunday in March every year since 1929.
Zilker Metropolitan Park is about a half an hour walk from downtown Austin. Bring a picnic as there isn't much food available in the grounds of the park.
