Activities for Families
There are many fun and educational activities for families in the Georgetown area. This list of activities for families was compiled by Jean Martin, GISD K-12 Science Coordinator.
Aquarena Springs
Aquarena Springs is located south of Austin on I-35 at San Marcos. The spring discharges 150 million gallons of crystal clear water each day. Other activities include the endangered species exhibit, glass bottom boats (the only fee activity, listed below) , springs and life of the Edwards Aquifer, archeological exhibit, log cabins, wetlands area and historic flour mill. Hours vary with season and inclement weather. 512-245-7575 or http://www.continuing-ed.swt.edu/Aquarena/home.html
Austin Children’s Museum Dell Discovery Center
Visit the fabulous hands-on experiences in the Feature Gallery (traveling exhibits), Time Tower climbing playscape of Austin history, Global Cityworks, Weather Gallery, Theater Gallery, Infant/Toddler Playscape, Museum Store, Creation Station, Soundtracks Studio, The Loft for teens. Located 1 block west of Congress Ave. on the northeast corner of 2nd and Colorado in the heart of downtown at 201 Colorado Street, Austin. 512-472-2499 or http://www.austinkids.com
Austin Nature and Science Center
Live animals, indoor and outdoor exhibits give visitors much to see and do. Live Wildlife exhibits contain more than 50 native Texas mammals, birds, and reptiles. The Eco-Detective Trail is an outdoor pond exhibit with hands-on signage, an audio-tape tour by Eco-Ernie and Eco-Detective kits to discover signs of Austin wildlife and the plant life they depend on. Eco-Detective kits are available for public use. They contain magnifying glasses, binoculars, microscopes and many other things for discovery learning. The Nature and Science Center is surrounded by an 80 acre Nature Preserve with trails and an overlook. In Austin’s Zilker Park, call for directions. Free, donations accepted. Some fees for special programs or traveling exhibits. 512-327-8181 or http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/nature-science.
Austin Zoo
Adults and kids alike can enjoy the great outdoors and experience a close-up look at animals from around the world...all in a safe and friendly environment. Primates, New Guinea Singing Dogs, Wallabies, Waterfowl, Axis Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Tortoises and much more! Feed the hooved animals (Only Zoo authorized food). Special programs seasonally. Please no pets. Smoking only in designated areas. Shady picnic area . Bring your own lunch or vending machines are available. Take Hwy. 290 west, approximately 2.5 miles from the Hwy. 71 & 290 split, to Circle Dr. Turn right and go approximately 1.5 miles to Rawhide Tr. Turn right on Rawhide Tr. and follow the signs to Austin Zoo (approximately 1 mile). 1-800-291-1490 or 512-288-1490 or http://www.austinzoo.com
Bats emerging for evening feeding during Spring/Summer
Large colonies can be viewed at dusk by going to Congress Ave. bridge across Colorado River in Austin, or McNeil Road bridge at I-35 in Round Rock. Bats emerge to feed on insects for the night. Warning: Do not touch bats on the ground--they are probably sick if grounded. If you do touch a bat, collect it in a sealed container and contact your local health department . It will be tested for the rabies virus which can be transmitted to humans by touch or bite.
Fountainwood Observatory
Large research-quality reflecting telescope recently donated to Physics Department by Max Allen, a local engineer, builder and amateur astronomer. Public viewings are held one evening per month at the observatory on the northeast corner of the Southwestern University campus. Free. Call for more information 863-1242 http://www.southwestern.edu/academic/physics.dept/physics.home.html
Hamilton Pool Preserve
See the legendary collapsed grotto and hike along the bald-cypress-lined creek to the Pedernales River. Learn about the native plants, animals, geology and Travis County’s restoration efforts. Great park and spring-fed swimming hole! Reservations are preferred. Please no glass, pets, fishing, fires or camping. Take Hwy. 71 west one mile past RR 620,l turn left on RR 3238 (Hamilton Pool Rd) and go 13 miles to park entrance. Call for swimming up-date. 512-264-2740.
Inner Space Cavern
This is a living cave, which means that its formations constantly develop and change shapes, creating "soda straws" and "Ivory Falls," a drapery that began forming thousands of years ago. Huge stalactites and stalagmites cover the cave and create breathtaking rock sculptures. The 3/4-mile, guided walking tours last 1 hour & 15 minute and depart throughout the day, at approximately 10-15 minute intervals. The cave is a cool 72 degrees year-round. Over 4 miles of cave have been explored. Also available is Inner Space Mines where you can pan for gems and minerals, a gift shop, snack bar and picnic area. Located on the south-bound feeder of I-35 just south of Georgetown at exit 259. 512- 863-5545 or http://www.innerspace.com
Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farm
Experience rural life in Central Texas in the 1880’s firsthand. Visit this scenic 75-acre outdoor living history museum tucked into a bend of Big Walnut creek in Northeast Austin. Explore baking, butchering and processing pork, candle making, blacksmithing, the many uses of corn, or other aspects of farming community life. Programs change throughout the year. Take I-35 south to Braker,Take Braker Ln. exit left to Dessau Rd. Follow the signs, going left on Dessau Rd. , right on Sprinkle Cut-Off Rd. , to Pioneer Farm on the right. Approximately 1 mile from I-35 exit. 512-837-1215 or http://www.pioneerfarm.org
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Purpose is to educate people about the environmental necessity, economic value, and natural beauty of native plants. It promotes the protection and use of native plants in North America through programs, information, and example. Regularly scheduled classes for adult continuing education and children’s nature discovery. Also, lecture series and annual festival. Native plant botanical garden, terraced cafe, 43-foot observation tower, children’s discovery house, North America’s largest rooftop rainwater collection system and a nature trail. No pets please. Cafe and Gift Shop for your convenience. Take Loop 1 (Mo-pac) south about 10 miles south of Austin. After you pass the Loop 1-Slaughter Lane intersection, take the first left turn onto La Crosse Ave., the Center will be on your right after you pass the Veloway. Phone 512-292-4100 or http://www.wildflower.org.
McKinney Roughs Environmental Learning Center
Where environmental education becomes outdoor fun! Beautiful new LCRA facility offering Saturday skills classes, 1-1/2 mile self-guided interpretive trail, demonstration trail for composting, bird houses, butterfly gardening, ponds, almost 8 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, picnicking, handicapped accessible. From the Austin/Bergstrom junction of Hwy. 71 & 973, go east 12.9 miles on Hwy. 71. The main entrance is located on the left (north) side of the road 8 miles before you reach Bastrop. Phone 512-303-5073 for times, special programs.
Splash into the Edwards Aquifer
All living things need water! Visit this exciting new exhibit at the Beverly Sheffield Education Center in Austin’s Zilker Park (Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse). Contact the Austin Nature Center for directions. 512-481-1466
Texas Medical Association
The first floor of the TMA houses a 600-square-foot exhibit museum gallery featuring freestanding self-guided exhibits on the history of medicine with an emphasis on Texas medicine from the 1800’s to the present. Exhibits change several times each year. Docent guided tours available on a limited basis for small groups. 401 W. 15th Street, Austin. 512-370-1540.
Texas Memorial Museum
An integral part of UT Austin, this museum was charted in 1936 as a permanent memorial of the Texas Centennial Celebration. The Museum is dedicated to the study and interpretation of the natural and social sciences, with emphasis on Texas, the southwest United States, and Latin America. Included are the fields of geology, paleontology, zoology, botany, ecology, anthropology, and history. 2400 Trinity Street in Austin. Take I-35 south, exit 19th Street. Park at the LBJ Library and walk a beautiful 3 blocks down the hill to the museum. Gift Shop available. 512-471-1604
Treaty Oak
One of the most magnificent trees in North America, this oak is estimated to be 500 to 600 years old. Efforts are still underway to save the tree after a Velpar poisoning in 1989. 503 Baylor Street, Austin. Between West 5th and 6th Streets.
Williamson County Gem & Mineral Show
Come explore the fascinating world of Rocks and minerals. Visit with experts from many fields and see gems, minerals, fossils, rocks, & jewelry from around the world. Opportunities to purchase specimens, jewelry, books, etc. Snack bar available. Georgetown Community Center in San Gabriel Park. Every year, 3rd weekend in February.
University of Texas Astronomy Department
Every Wednesday night starting at 7:00 p.m. while UT is in session, there is a free public star party on the top roof of Robert Lee Moore Hall. A typical night with the 16-inch telescope will include a planet or two, binary stars, star clusters and maybe on of the bright nebulae. Robert Lee Moore Hall is located at the southeast corner of 26th , also known as Dean Keeton and Speedway. Once you reach Moore Hall, take the elevators to the 17th floor and then follow the signs to the telescope. the department also operates a 9 -inch refractor telescope on top of Painter Hall, the old Physics Building on 24th Street. This telescope is used by undergraduate lab classes for projects and comes equipped with eyepieces, photometer, spectroscope, and sun screen. Any student or staff member of the University may be instructed in the use of the telescope and use it for their astronomical interest. Public viewings are Saturdays at 7:00 pm .Call for times due to season and inclement weather. 512-471-5007 or http://www.outreach.as.utexas.edu/public
University of Texas Geology Building
Self-guided hallway displays and seismograph. Near the Tower on the UT campus in Austin.
Westcave Preserve
This ecological community of exceptional beauty is a place to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Its uniqueness stems from a semi-tropical grotto cut deep within its sheltered canyon by perennially falling water. Up above grow cactus & juniper along the canyon rim. When weather permits, public tours are scheduled year round every Saturday and Sunday at 10 am, Noon, 2 pm, & 4 pm. No tour reservations and tours are limited to first 30 visitors. The hike into the canyon and back is roughly 1 mile, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Pets are not permitted on the preserve. The canyon and cave proper are not wheelchair accessible. Take I-35 south . Turn right (west) on Hwy. 620 and go south to Hwy 71. Turn right (west) on Hwy. 71 and go to Hamilton Pool Rd. (RR 3238). Turn left (south), on your right, 1/2 mile after you cross the low water bridge over the Pedernales River. Free. 830-825-3442 http://www.LCRA.org
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
On the weekends come experience stargazing, full-moon walks, native plants, wildflowers, geology, ecology, story telling, insects, snakes, and much more. 1/2 mile wheelchair- and stroller- accessible trail and 2 additional miles of more strenuous trails. Trails open daylight to dusk. Trail map located in box outside the doors of the building. No pets. Special weekend tours can be arranged for a small fee. The Great Hall in the Environmental Education Center may be rented for special events but there are no current displays. Located 1.5 miles north of Bee Caves Rd. on Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Hwy.) or 3.25 miles south of the Loop 360 bridge over Lake Austin (Colorado River). Address is 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. Please bring your own drinking water since there is no water available. 512-327-7622 http://www.wildbasin.org
Zilker Botanical Gardens
Visit the beautiful gardens, including Oriental Pond Gardens, Butterfly Trail, Rose, Xeriscape, Herb and Cactus, Dinosaur Tracks, Organic and Demonstration Gardens. Garden shows scheduled throughout the year. Zilker Garden Festival two-day event held the first week in May: includes a celebration of games, food, plant sales and a gala flower show. Located in Zilker Park in Austin. 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Open every day 7 am- dusk. Free. 512-477-8672 http://www.zilker-garden.org
