Cool spot to bring the kids (on a budget). Also, nice activity to do on a rainy or cold day. The…read morefish were colorful and unique and fun for the kids to look at. There are also some turtles outside (back of parking lot). Located in an interesting dome structure (saltwater fish is on the second floor). Parents: I'd avoid a stroller, if possible. It's a bit cramped in here plus it can get crowded. Also, there are stairs to get to the top floor. Small parking lot in the back but also additional parking in the strip mall. Check out Uncommon Objects (interesting antique store) next door.

I visited this store today (3/13/26) and was genuinely excited because I had heard nothing but…read moregreat things about it and how knowledgeable the staff was. My daughter recently received a betta fish for her birthday, and I wanted to upgrade her tank with driftwood and plants. Since I'm new to this, I was looking forward to asking the "experts" a few questions. Unfortunately, that excitement disappeared the moment I walked in. As soon as I entered, the older gentleman behind the counter looked directly at me and then immediately turned away without saying a word. He wasn't helping anyone at the time. I walked around the store for a while and noticed a young woman cleaning items nearby. Not once did she greet me or ask if I needed help. When I was looking at the driftwood display, she walked by, so I asked a question. She gave me what felt like a dirty look, gave a very quick answer, and walked away. I initially thought maybe she was busy helping other customers, but that didn't seem to be the case. What made the experience worse was what happened next. While I was still browsing near the entrance, several other customers walked in. Every single one of them was greeted by the gentleman behind the counter. I hate to even bring this up, but it left me wondering why my experience was so different. I'm a Hispanic male with tattoos, and every other customer who was greeted appeared to be white with no visible tattoos. I truly hope that wasn't the reason, but I honestly can't think of another explanation for the difference in treatment. Either way, it was disappointing. I had specifically chosen to visit a local specialty shop because I wanted the advice and expertise that comes with it. Instead, I left feeling unwelcome and will likely just go to a big box store instead--something I was hoping to avoid. I hope this isn't the normal experience for customers, but it was certainly mine today.

Pros: there's a few parts of the exhibit that I really enjoyed but it's very minimal compared to…read morethe majority of the rest of the museum that I wasn't satisfied with Cons: the ticket price being over $50 seems a bit high for the quality of exhibits that is offered. I would say it's worth closer to $35 pp with taxes and fees included. Some parts of the building are outdated and felt somewhat unclean or isolate. There needs to be more going on than just the pieces whether it's music or photo booths. You pretty much need to create the fun everywhere you go and the employee don't look the happiest to be there

The Balloon Museum in Austin was a decent experience, but it didn't leave a huge impression on me…read more Some of the art installations were creative and visually striking, and it's definitely a great spot for families. There were a lot of interactive exhibits that kids seemed to love. The museum spans a couple of stories, starting on the upper level, with plenty of colorful and immersive spaces that make for great Instagram photos. It's very hands-on, though, so if germs are a concern, this might not be the best pick. Parking was somewhat limited. There's a small one-level garage and some outdoor parking behind the building. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which I appreciated. Admission felt a bit pricey for what you get. It might have been worth it to me if I had children in my group.

The staff was really nice and the birthday party that was going on was handled well. The kids had…read morefun with all the activities. Kind of like organized chaos. Good way to spend an hour or so and burn off all that energy

The waiver process is a little maddening but once you're in, there's plenty for kids to do, whether…read moreyou have a coach-guided class or you just want to fool around. There are three coaches working with groups of kids at the moment and everyone seems to be having a good time. Even the coaches. You can walk in or make an appointment. You can throw a party here. Space is generous and equipment availability gets an A+. Healthy snacks and drinks are available. Temperature control is NICE. Lots of room for parents to work while waiting. No electrical plugs at the tables. Parking is not a problem at all. The place is immaculate.

Great FREE option in Austin for kids!…read more One of the best parts is you can see an axolotl (two, actually) in their visitor center building. Then you can head over to the birds of prey, the reptile/fish building, and the animal enclosures. There's also a little lake and a large sand pit (dino dig). There's a cool room in the visitor center that has all sorts of nature items (bones, dead bugs, shells, rocks, etc.). You can bring in your own stuff to trade! Is it a huge amount of things to do/see? No but for a free attraction, it's pretty great. Parking is across the street -- lot is shared with Zilker Park and all the nearby attractions so it can get busy.

I didn't know what to expect from this place. Some science centers are kids-only affairs (despite…read morenot being billed as such) while others have more to offer visitors of all ages. Fortunately, the Austin Nature & Science Center ended up falling in the latter category. The main building houses an assortment of bones, shells, and rocks (as well as an axolotl tank) and another building is home to various reptiles. Outside areas include a dino pit (where kids can dig for fossils) and several animal enclosures. What makes the latter unique is that the animals are rehab/rescue cases. They include everything from a bobcat to a porcupine to a 34-year-old one-eyed owl (!!) and more. Granted, Austin Nature & Science Center does offer more for a younger crowd, and it isn't particularly easy to get to by bus, but it's hard to argue with a chance to take in flora and fauna for free.

Candy was super nice and helpful! My kids really needed to use the bathroom and she let them go in…read morewhile I paid.

The entire experience was fun for the kids and adults especially if you're trying to get the kids…read morenice and tired. Enrique was very helpful in all areas of information about the facility

Such a pleasant park. Perfect for a stroll around the lake. Stroller-friendly…read more Plenty of benches as well as grassy area for picnics or for kids to run around on. There's also a playground (across from The Thinkery). A huge amount of birds here. Ducks, pigeons, grackles. Even saw cormorants. A few food trucks near the parking lot although most were closed late Sunday afternoon.

Mueller Lake Park is such a pleasant park to walk around. It is away from the hustle and bustle of…read morethe Mueller district. You take in the beautiful lake as you meander around the lake. The hubs and I walked around the lake after our brunch. Such a pleasant walk...

Super fun play area for kids of all ages. There are so many different activities, a huge playscape…read moreand I absolutely love the space theme. There's a smaller area restricted for kids 4 and under which is great for the younger ones. Birthday parties here are pretty rad too. You can bring you own cake and order pizza for the guests. No other outside food is allowed.

May 30, 2026 review ---…read moreI've been there two times in month of May for my friend's kiddos birthday party and both of them were similar age. This place is huge, tons of play activity inside. Upon entering, they ask you for showing signed waiver, which is valid for an year. We showed it during first entry but we're needed to tell phone number the second time. They stamp on your hand, very light, more like just a formality and let you enter inside a small door. Pretty big play area with tons of slides and other games for all kids. There were rounds table as well in one zone where families or adults were hanging out. At the back, they have 4-5 rooms for birthday party. It's little bit small size but ok for birthday party. They have setup for kids size table and big table one side for other items like pizza (which is in House provided) and other stuff. I think they allow some outside food, not sure. At one of birthday, I saw chips and guac and salsa so thinking so. At the center of room, you can have big chair for your kid to sit/stand for cake cutting. They provide a cart as well for moving your stuff from room to car which I think is pretty helpful. Staff usually is there throughout the event and checking on food, serving cake and all. Bathroom are clean and spacious too. Location is good on 183 highway so I think that's why this place is always so busy. Consider this for your toddler fun day or an event.

Took my niece here while she was visiting on spring break this year and she loved it. It's a great…read morepark with plenty of activities for the kids. I was able to just chill out and read my book too while she played with my brother. I definitely recommend this park to bring the littles to.

Alliance Children's Garden is a playground within the larger Butler Park in Austin. We chose to…read morecome here since its want right across the street from Terry Black's BBQ, where we planned to have lunch. The park has lots of playscapes and climbing structures, and you'll also get nice views of the tall buildings of downtown Austin. They do have an hourly pay-parking lot at the entrance, but it does fill up quickly. It's almost better to leave your car here and walk to Terry Black's. We only hung out at the hills and tunnels section of the park, which our 4yo son loved. They have several hills covered with artificial turf of varying heights that are fun to crawl, climb, or roll down. The tunnels through each hill will make you feel like a Hobbit in those LOTR movies.