8 family-friendly activities in Austin for convention-goers

AVMA Convention 2024 is only a few months away, which means it’s time to start thinking about not only registering, which begins in February, but also what to do for fun. This year’s meeting is taking place June 21-25 in Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for excellent food, amazing music, and eccentric sights. It’s also perfect for kids and adults alike with plenty of hidden gems and popular hangouts. Here are eight Austin attractions to try that appeal to all ages.

1. Thinkery
   If you see a big red building, you know you’ve made it to Thinkery. Originally the Austin Children’s Museum, Thinkery offers 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor activities that lets kids learn through play, from Train Town to Spark Shop to Light Lab. With various interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) exhibits and programs, Thinkery is sure to delight and pique the curiosity of children of all ages. Be sure to check out Our Backyard, which allows visitors to scale three-story climber and play in a gentle stream with native stone.
2. Austin Nature & Science Center
   Since 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center has provided hands-on nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Visitors can observe a honeybee hive, become a human sundial, or stroll through a pollinator garden. And don’t miss the Dino Pit, where you can dig for fossil casts modeled after the ancient specimens from the collections of the Texas Memorial Museum.
3. Wonderspaces
   Wonderspaces is an immersive art show with 17 unique art installations. All ages are encouraged to attend and interact with the pieces. For example, “Body Paint” by Memo Akten interprets physical gestures into evolving compositions that capture the motion and energy of the body. Exploring Wonderspaces takes about 80 minutes, but visitors can stay as long as they like. As a bonus, adults can enjoy signature cocktails while experiencing the art.
4. Texas Toy Museum
   The Texas Toy Museum is a must-see destination for young-at-heart kids who grew up with Barbie, He Man, Atari, and pinball machines. The collection features toys, action figures, and comic books from the ’80s, ’90s, and other decades, including a 24-foot Gijoe display and a Star Wars battle scene. With more than 20,000 pieces on display and a classic arcade section, the museum is a perfect place to entertain all generations. Try to stop by on a trivia night or on Wednesdays when kids get in for 50% off admission.
5. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
   This 10-mile trail, named for a former Austin mayor and his wife, winds through the heart of downtown and offers scenic views throughout. The low-grade path winds along the water’s edge and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields, and cultural attractions. Use this interactive guide to find places to park along the trail, as well as amenities such as water fountains, restrooms, public boat ramps, tree groves, and even ecological restoration sites.
6. Barton Springs
   Join the locals at this popular hangout, which is open year-round. Part of the iconic Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a natural spring-fed swimming hole surrounded limestone cliffs and grassy areas to lounge upon. The pool measures 3 acres in size, ranges in depth from 0 to 18 feet, and has an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Barton Springs also serves as home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander and is listed as a federally protected habitat. Next to the pool bathhouse is Splash!, an educational exhibit where visitors can learn about the history and biology of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer which feeds it.
7. Zilker Botanical Garden
   Want to spend some more time in nature? The Zilker Botanical Garden, located within Zilker Metropolitan Park in the heart of downtown, has you covered. Their themed gardens include the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Children’s Garden, and Hummingbird Garden. Delightful surprises abound, such as the blacksmith in Pioneer Village or the waterfall at the Hartman Prehistoric Garden.
8. Austin Roller Rink
   This blast-from-the-past rink is the best spot to skate the day or night away. Rental skates come in sizes 9 toddler to 14 adults or participants can bring their own skates. Thursdays are Family Nights while adults can skate late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. Kids 6 and under are free, and don’t forget to hit up the arcade.