I'll be holed up in a hotel in Austin Thursday and Friday.

[Maestro]

Then it's off to San Antonio to see relatives. What are some kid-friendly things to do in Austin while my wife attends her education conference?

[eallen]

1. Lots of kid-friendly things, depending on the age of the kids.

It's hard to beat taking them on the miniature train around Zilker Park, if it's in service, then going for a dip in the pool. The UT Natural History Museum on San Jacinto, about the 2500 block, will keep them fascinated, if they have any interest in dinosaurs, wildlife, or rocks. Or just a little north, take them to the Elizabet Ney museum, and then for a swim at Shipes Park. All three are real Austin outings, quite far removed from the trip to a movie that you can do anywhere.

[Maestro]

3. The museum sounds interesting.

My kids are 4 and 6 and dinosaurs are all the rage right now. I might just check that one out for sure. Thanks.

[eallen]

6. You could do the museum in the morning, and Shipes Park after lunch....

By car, they're about five minutes from one another. Shipes has a nice playground, as well as pool.

[Maestro]

7. Thanks.

I think this will be Thursday and perhaps a morning trip on Friday to Zilker Park before heading off to SA.

[muse]

2. How old are the kids?

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is awesome.

You have to take them to the Capitol building no matter what their age. I grew up in Austin and went there endless number of times.

[Maestro]

4. They are four and six.

I am going to try to go to the Capitol building.

[muse]

5. Gosh, definitely the little train at Zilker Park!

There's a great playground there. And you can see the springs bubble up right near the playgroud.

If you go to the hill where the amphitheater is, climb up the hill and go to the little ponds and look for tadpoles. :)

All good Zilker Park experiences. I did all of these things many times as a child and also took my own small children there over and over again when they were little.

[Melissa G]

8. what muse said but also bring some bread to feed the ducks.

The Austin children's museum was also a big hit when my kids were that age..

Deep Eddy pool was the best pool when the munchkins were 4 and 6 and there is also Jim Jim's water ice there. too yummy!

Central Market North has a great kids playground and you can catch lunch .They often have live music in the evenings. The music , deck for eating and playground are all next to each other! Very child friendly!