With the school year now over, parents are likely starting to think about how to fill those summertime hours. Our Regional Family Entertainment Guide offers places close to home in Cedar Park and Leander as well as throughout the region. This list is not comprehensive.

1. Austin Nature & Science Center

2389 Stratford Drive, Austin www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Since 1960, the center has provided hands-on nature exhibits, education programs and recreation activities for visitors that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. The center is located on the western edge of Zilker Park.

2. Austin Sports Arena

3918 Gattis School Road, Round Rock 512-251-7500 www.austinsportsarena.com Hours: Wed. 1-4 p.m., Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m., 6-9 p.m., closed Sun.-Tue., Thu. The venue includes a skating rink and sports bar. Admission is $6 plus the price of rental skates ($2-$4).

Regional Family Entertainment Guide Austin Steam Train Association[/caption]

3.  Austin Steam Train Association

401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste C-100, Cedar Park 512-477-8468 www.austinsteamtrain.org Hours: visit website for routes and times Visitors ride in vintage railroad cars. Prices vary by age and length of trip.

4.  Austin Zoo

10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin 512-288-1490 www.austinzoo.org Hours: daily 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (Feb. 1-Oct. 31) With more than 100 animal species on display, the zoo welcomes 200,000 visitors per year. Admission is $8 for children and $11 for adults.

 5. Barton Springs Pool

2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin 512-867-3080 www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool Hours: daily 5 a.m.-10 p.m., admission charged 8 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Thu. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. for cleaning (May 1-Oct. 31) The 3-acre pool is fed by an underground spring with an average temperature of about 70 degrees year-round. Admission is free for children younger than 1 year and seniors older than 80 years, and varies based on age and residency for other children and adults.

Regional Family Entertainment Guide Blue Hole Park[/caption]

6. Blue Hole Park

100 Blue Hole Park Drive, Georgetown 512-930-3595 http://parks.georgetown.org/blue-hole Hours: dawn-dusk, year-round Located on the South Fork of the San Gabriel River and bordered by limestone bluffs, Blue Hole Park features wading areas, fishing and picnic areas. The park’s entrance is located at West Second and Rock streets.

 7. Booster Bingo

11840 W. Old FM 2243, Ste. 204, Leander 512-515-1612 www.boosterbingo.comwww.facebook.com/boosterbingoleander Hours: Mon.-Tue., Fri.-Sat. hall opens at 5:30 p.m., bingo starts at 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Sun. hall opens at 2 p.m., bingo starts at 3:45 p.m. and 6 p.m.; closed Wed.-Thu. The business offers two bingo sessions each day five days per week. Players can choose to play on paper, on computers or both. Booster Bingo proceeds go toward local charities after business expenses and winners are paid. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

8. Catch Air

13450 N. US 183, Ste. 107, Austin 512-697-8800 www.facebook.com/catchairaustintx Hours: Mon.-Thu. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The indoor play and party facility includes trampolines and inflatables and is open to children ages 1-12. Prices for children range from $7-$13 depending on the child’s age and the day of the week.

 9. Cedar Rock Railroad

(Located at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park) 3005 CR 175, Leander 512-413-1705 www.cedarrockrailroad.com Hours: weather permitting Tue.-Fri.10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mon. The train runs on a 1.3-mile route through Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander. The train can accommodate up to 42 passengers at a time and runs every 30 minutes at 15 and 45 minutes after the hour. The ride through the park lasts about 15 minutes. The Shady Oak Junction offers picnic areas, a train playscape and a new smaller train called the Little Locomotive Chase. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Regional Family Entertainment Guide Crux Climbing Center[/caption]

10. Crux Climbing Center

121 Pickle Road, Ste. 100, Austin 512-289-8357 www.cruxclimbingcenter.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. This 22,000-square-foot facility is stocked with rope climbing; bouldering and strength training areas; a fitness and yoga space; locker rooms; a children’s area; and a lounge. Day passes range from $17-$22 per person.

 11. Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville

18500 SH 130, Pflugerville 512-270-6967 www.hfalls.com/pflugerville Hours: TBD The water park’s opening day is May 28. Daily passes range from $25-$35, depending on height. Season passes are also available.

12. Hop N Happy

10401 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 110A, Austin 512-215-0898 www.hopnhappy.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Children up to age 10 can experience various bounce houses and a foam pit. Full-day admission ranges from $7.75 for age 5 and younger to $9.50 for ages 6-10.

13.  iFly Austin

13265 N. US 183, Ste. A, Austin 512-774-4359 www.iflyworld.com/austin Hours: Sun.-Thu. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. The indoor skydiving center simulates free-fall conditions. Prices start at $55 per person.

14.  Inflatable Wonderland

(located inside Lakeline Mall) 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive 512-377-5867 www.inflatablewonderland.com/austin Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. Located on the lower level between Dillard’s and Sears, children ages 10 and younger can jump and play at the bounce house facility. An all-day pass allows customers to come-and-go as they please. 

Regional Family Entertainment Guide Inner Space Cavern[/caption]

15. Inner Space Cavern

Underneath I-35 at Exit 259, Georgetown 512-931-2283 www.innerspacecavern.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (changes to 9 a.m.-6 p.m. after the second weekend in June), Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Discovered in 1963 while building I-35, Inner Space Cavern is the largest known cave in Williamson County. The cave is about 5 miles long. The business hosts tours for all ages each day that depart every 20 or 30 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis as well as birthday parties, and Scouting and photo tours. Costs for tours vary.

16.  Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Park

12617 Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. B, Cedar Park 512-506-8583 www.gotjump.com/cedar-park Hours: Mon.-Thu., Sun. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. This indoor trampoline park accommodates walk-ins and private parties. Other activities include an arcade area, trampoline dodgeball, a mechanical bull and trampoline basketball.

17.  K1 Speed

2500 McHale Court, Austin 512-271-5475 www.k1speed.com/austin-location.html Hours: Mon.-Thu. noon-10 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The venue provides indoor electric go-kart racing. Prices start at $20 for one race.

 18. Kiddie Acres

4800 W. Howard Lane, Austin 512-255-4131 www.kiddieacres.com Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m., closed Mon. This children’s amusement park features carousel rides, a Ferris wheel and miniature golf. A round of 10 tickets is $18.

Regional Family Entertainment Guide Little Land Play Gym[/caption]

19. Little Land Play Gym

13776 N. US 183, Ste. 107, Austin 512-827-3601 www.littlelandplaygym.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. The children’s gym, designed by a pediatric occupational therapist, also offers a lounge area for adults. Single visits range from $4 for ages 6-12 months to $10 for age 2 and older. Memberships are also available.

20.  Main Event

13301 N. US 183, Austin 512-401-0000 www.mainevent.com/locations/austin-tx Hours: Mon., Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Tue.-Thu., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-midnight The national chain offers bowling, laser tag, rock climbing, billiards, interactive and virtual video games, and dining options. Prices vary depending on activity.

 21. Mt. Playmore

13609 N. I-35, Austin 512-989-8886 www.mtplaymore.com Hours: Sun.-Mon., Wed.-Thu. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., closed Tue. The facility offers an 18-foot-tall playscape, an arcade and a restaurant. Admission is free for children age 1 and younger, $4.95 for children ages 2-3 and $10.95 for children age 4 and older.

22. Pioneer Farms

10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin 512-837-1215 www.pioneerfarms.org Hours: Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mon.-Thu. The history park and museum also offers nature programs and urban farming classes. Admission is free for children age 2 and younger, $6 for children ages 3-12 and $8 for adults age 13 and older.

23. Playland Skate Center

8822 McCann Drive, Austin 512-452-1901 www.playlandskatecenter.net Hours: Tue. 3-6 p.m., 7-10:30 p.m. (adults only); Fri. 3-6 p.m., 7-11 p.m.; Sat. 1-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.; Mon., Wed.-Thu. closed The 27,500-square-foot skating facility hosts children and adults. Admission with skates is $6-$8, depending on the time of day.

24. Spare time texas

1724 FM 685, Pflugerville 512-766-1900 www.sparetimetexas.com Hours: Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Patrons can bowl, play laser tag or play games in the arcade. Shakers Drinks & Eats, a full-service bar and grill on-site, offers spicy wings, Mediterranean-style flatbread, cheeseburgers and more.

25. Texas Museum of Science & Technology

1220 Toro Grande Drive, Cedar Park 512-961-5333 www.txmost.org Hours: Mon.-Thu. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The museum offers rotating exhibits and a planetarium. TxMOST tickets include access to all exhibits as well as the planetarium and are free (age 4 and younger), $11 (ages 5-11), $13 (ages 12-17, seniors, students and military), and $15 (adults). Planetarium shows vary in time, and about every other planetarium show begins with a 10-20 minute live show with a trained astronomer. TxMOST in Cedar Park serves as a test site for a future permanent museum facility.

26. Thinkery

1830 Simond Ave., Austin 512-469-6200 www.thinkeryaustin.org Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mon. (except for Baby Bloomers and special events) The interactive museum focuses on innovation and problem solving. Community Night is every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Admission is $10 and free for children 23 months and younger.

Regional Family Entertainment Guide Volente Beach Waterpark[/caption]

27.  Volente Beach Waterpark

16107 FM 2769, Leander 512-258-5110 www.waterparkaustin.com Hours through Aug. 21: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Wed.-Sun.; closed Mon.-Tue. except for holidays; check website for additional dates and times after Aug. 21 The water park offers rides such as the pirate ship, which includes a water slide, as well as Gator’s Crossing, in which children can leap from one float to the next. The Lazy Lagoon has a waterfall fountain for guests to cool off. ShoreClub Restaurant offers diners menu options including steak; pesto chicken; mahimahi; and a children’s menu that includes burgers, chicken tenders and grilled cheese.


Regional Family Entertainment Guide