1. The Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is your childhood dream come to life. Wrapped inside a bubblegum pink exterior, this museum is essentially one giant playground that’s bursting with color—and ice cream! Slide into a swimming pool full of sprinkles, ride on giant animal cookies, run through a forest of bananas, and eat plenty of sweet treats, including boozy milkshakes and specialty flavors from Amy’s Ice Creams—the possibilities are endless!
11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128, Austin, TX 78758
museumoficecream.com
2. iFLY
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s you learning how to fly! If your chosen superpower would be the ability to fly, book a flight at iFLY Austin, which is Texas’ first indoor skydiving facility. It uses a huge, wind-powered tunnel to simulate freefalling, so you can experience the adrenaline rush and get ready to save the day without needing to jump out of an airplane.
13265 US-183, Suite A, Austin, TX 78750
iflyworld.com/austin
3. The Thinkery
Get your thinking caps on! Thinkery offers tons of hands-on indoor and outdoor activities to help adults and children power their brains and discover a love for learning. It’s a great place for curious minds of all ages to experiment with interactive STEAM-focused (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) exhibits.
1830 Simond Ave., Austin, TX 78723
thinkeryaustin.org
4. Peter Pan Mini Golf
All children, except one, grow up, but this Austin landmark will make you feel like you never did. Founded in 1948, this family-owned and -operated business has brought magic and adventure to Austinites for 72 years and counting. Peter Pan Mini Golf features two 18-hole courses complete with whimsical statues and figurines, including a giant Peter Pan and a 22-foot T-Rex that can be seen overlooking the street. It’s a playground for friendly competition that’s been enjoyed by people of all ages for decades. Plus, it’s BYOB!
1207 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
peterpanminigolf.com
5. OMG Squee
Cuteness meets pop culture at this adorable dessert shop. OMG Squee serves 100% gluten free Asian American pastries, desserts, and drinks, including mochi donuts, macarons, soft serve ice cream, and boba. All sweet treats are made in-house, from scratch and are guaranteed to make you smile. Check out OMG Squee’s Instagram (@squeeclub) to see their list of rotating flavors, all of which will have you squealing in delight.
4607 Bolm Rd., Suite A, Austin, TX 78702
squeeclub.com
6. Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to be on the TV show Wipeout, now’s your chance. Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures is a floating inflatable water park and obstacle course with a view. It’s a truly humbling experience meant for all ages and will most likely make you feel very unathletic. But honestly, there’s nothing funnier than watching your friends face-plant as they try to run across an inflatable balance beam. Your stomach will hurt from all the laughter!
14529 Pocohontas Trail, Suite A, Leander, TX 78641
waterlooadventures.com
7. The Dinosaur Park
The Dinosaur Park is Texas’ very own Jurassic Park without, you know, all the loose dinosaurs wreaking havoc and trying to eat you. This outdoor museum features realistic life-size dinosaur exhibits set along a beautiful nature trail that will transport you back to when these creatures ruled the earth. The Dinosaur Park is a family-owned business that prides itself on being both fun and educational. Further your Jurassic experience by checking out the fossil dig, playground, picnic area, and gift shop.
893 Union Chapel Rd., Cedar Creek, TX 78612
thedinopark.com
8. Dreamland
Spend the day at Dreamland, a Hill Country beer garden complete with exciting amenities including a mini-golf course, pickleball courts, playground, disc golf course, and splash pad. Dreamland also has three different stages for live music and the entire venue is filled with artwork, from funky sculptures to gorgeous murals and mosaics. In addition to fun, Dreamland is also devoted to sustainability, so you can live the dream and save the Earth.
2770 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
dreamland.us
9. Little Longhorn Saloon’s Bingo Sundays
Sundays at the Little Longhorn Saloon are dedicated to one of Austin’s favorite (and strangest) games — Chicken Sh*t Bingo. Anyone who wants to participate purchases a $2 ticket, then everyone gathers around a caged board outside. The chicken is placed on the board, and when she poops on a number, the person with that number wins and is awarded with money. It’s the kind of weird thing only a kid would dream up, but with drinks and live music, although children of all ages are welcome.
5434 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78756
thelittlelonghornsaloon.com
10. Public Star Parties
Spend a night underneath the stars with the University of Texas astronomy department. Star Parties have been a longstanding tradition at UT for decades now. Space-loving Austinites and Longhorns filter in throughout the night to observe the moon, planets, and bright star clusters that are in range. There are two telescopes on campus — one is in Painter Hall (PAI) and the other is on the roof of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building (PMA). Visit the department's website for viewing times and directions.
PMA: 2515 Speedway, Painter Hall: 103 W 24th – both Austin.
