Austin Texas Family Adventure

Earlier this November, my family and I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Austin, Texas. For my daughters and me, it marked our very first time setting foot in the Lone Star State, and the excitement was palpable! This comprehensive guide chronicles our entire family adventure to Austin, delving into the vibrant activities we enjoyed and the incredible culinary experiences we savored. A little secret: the food was a major motivator for me!

Hello, wonderful friends! I trust you all had a truly marvelous Thanksgiving weekend, filled with joy and delicious meals. Perhaps some of you even tried one of my recipes? Today, I’m thrilled to share the details of our exciting family trip to Austin, Texas, which took place just a couple of weeks ago.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to travel as a family this year. Exploring new places together has always been a cherished goal for us, and this year, those dreams began to materialize. Our travels previously took us on a memorable family trip to Nashville, Tennessee, and we also enjoyed a fantastic family vacation at Lake Havasu, Arizona. Austin added another incredible chapter to our family travelogue, cementing our love for discovering diverse American cities.

Crafting Our Austin Family Adventure: Essential Planning Tips

One of my favorite parts of any trip is the planning phase. I immerse myself in extensive online research about our chosen destination, devouring travel blogs, local guides, and forums. For our Austin excursion, I dedicated considerable time to unearthing the best family-friendly activities suitable for my girls and, of course, the most highly-rated restaurants to satisfy my foodie cravings.

My research wasn’t limited to reading; I also spent hours watching various YouTube videos titled “where to eat in Austin,” trying to gauge the city’s diverse culinary landscape. I even found inspiration in a Netflix show, “Somebody Feed Phil,” which featured Austin’s vibrant food scene. These resources were invaluable, yet sometimes a little overwhelming!

During my planning, two key observations emerged:

• The Thinkery (Austin Children’s Museum) is a Non-Negotiable for Kids: Countless resources, from online guides to personal recommendations, emphatically suggested a visit to The Thinkery. My dear friend Michelle even sent a text, urging me to take the kids there. It quickly became a top priority on our itinerary, promising hours of interactive fun and learning for the little ones.
• Austin’s Diverse Culinary Scene Poses a Delicious Challenge: Unlike my planning for Nashville, where a few restaurants consistently popped up across various recommendations, Austin presented a delightful dilemma. Every YouTube video and article seemed to highlight an entirely different set of must-try eateries. This made narrowing down our dining choices incredibly difficult, showcasing the city’s vast and varied food culture. In the end, I decided to trust my intuition and a sprinkle of local buzz, hoping to hit some culinary homeruns.

First Impressions of Austin: A Warm Texas Welcome

Our flight landed at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on a peaceful Sunday afternoon. As we navigated through the airport, one of our immediate observations was the comforting presence of many individuals who resembled us, reflecting Austin’s diverse and inclusive community. This instantly made us feel more at ease in a new city.

From the moment we left the airport, Austin exuded a sense of calm and familiarity. I took the wheel, driving us to our hotel, and I must commend the driving experience. Austin’s roads felt considerably more relaxed than the often-frenetic pace of California traffic. Drivers here seemed less hurried and more considerate, contributing to an overall pleasant introduction to the city.

Across the board, our initial impressions of Austin painted a picture of a city that felt remarkably tranquil, welcoming, and almost like a home away from home. This sense of peace and comfort set a wonderful tone for the rest of our family vacation in the heart of Texas.

Austin’s Culinary Delights: Our Top Restaurant Experiences

As a passionate food blogger, exploring local cuisine is undeniably one of the highlights of any trip. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing different culinary traditions, drawing inspiration for my own recipes, and constantly learning something new. Austin’s food scene did not disappoint! Here’s a detailed look at the delicious restaurants we had the pleasure of trying during our family trip:

• Green Mesquite BBQ: Authentic Texas Smoked Meats

  You simply cannot visit Texas without indulging in authentic BBQ, so this was a non-negotiable first culinary stop. We conveniently ordered from Green Mesquite BBQ via Uber Eats, bringing the smoky flavors right to our accommodation. Their Pork Ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, the Smoked Turkey moist and flavorful, and the Brisket perfectly rendered. However, what truly captivated us were some of their incredible side dishes, particularly their cornbread and mac and cheese. The cornbread had that rustic, comforting taste of being genuinely homemade, while my children enthusiastically declared their mac and cheese to be some of the best they’d ever had – a true testament to its creamy, cheesy goodness.

• Whataburger: A Texas Fast-Food Institution

  While I hadn’t initially planned for fast food, a trip to Texas felt incomplete without experiencing Whataburger, a true hallmark of the state’s fast-food culture. And I’m so glad we did! Their sweet and salty burger was an absolute revelation – generously sized and packed with flavor, offering a perfect balance. The White Chocolate Raspberry Shake, a limited-time offering, was a creamy, sweet, and intensely flavorful indulgence, hitting all the right notes for a decadent treat. My husband thoroughly enjoyed their fresh cobb salad, and the kids were delighted with their thoughtfully prepared children’s meals. It was a fantastic way to taste a piece of Texas’s everyday culinary identity.

• Colleen’s Kitchen: Our Unanimous Family Favorite

  Colleen’s Kitchen quickly became our undisputed favorite restaurant of the entire trip. Have you ever walked into a restaurant and felt an overwhelming desire to order every single item on the menu? That was precisely my experience here. Each dish listed seemed to call my name, but I managed to narrow down my choices to their exquisite Chicken Pot Pie, savory Shrimp and Grits, fluffy Biscuits, rich Collard Greens, a perfectly baked Skillet Cornbread, and their signature Mac and Cheese. The Chicken Pot Pie was everything I’d craved, a comforting masterpiece. And for the first time in a restaurant, I tasted biscuits that genuinely rivaled the quality of homemade buttermilk biscuits – a rare and delightful find. The entire experience was a testament to Southern comfort food elevated to an art form.

• 18th Over Austin: Elevated Dining with City Views

  Perched on the 18th floor of the Hilton Garden Inn hotel, 18th Over Austin offered not only delicious food but also stunning city views. We savored their Beef Short Ribs served over creamy polenta, which was incredibly tender and flavorful. The polenta, in particular, sparked a nostalgic conversation, reminding us fondly of corn fufu. We also enjoyed the perfectly cooked Pork Chops with caramelized onions and a selection of their inventive tacos. Everything tasted exquisite, though we noted the portions were on the smaller side, leading us to “gobble them down pretty quickly!” It was a sophisticated dining experience perfect for a family evening.

• The Peached Tortilla: Airport Culinary Delights

  Our final Austin culinary experience came from The Peached Tortilla, which we ordered from at the Austin airport on our way home. Their brisket tacos were exceptionally good, so much so that they’ve entirely inspired my approach to future Taco Tuesdays at home. The blend of flavors and textures was truly memorable. They also offered various lunch bowls that looked incredibly appetizing; I’m definitely eager to try one of those on a future visit. It was a delightful last taste of Austin’s innovative food scene.

While we managed to sample some fantastic eateries, our limited time meant we couldn’t visit every place on my extensive research list. Here are some of the other Austin restaurants I had hoped to try and am saving for my next visit:

• Lady T Kitchen African Restaurant
• Torchy’s Tacos (a famous Austin staple!)
• Julie’s Noodles
• Franklin’s BBQ (often considered one of the best BBQ joints in the US)
• Zed’s Real Fruit Ice Cream
• Quality Seafood Market
• The Rolling Rooster
• Pinthouse Pizza
• Bird Bird Biscuit
• Louie Mueller BBQ

This list is already growing for my next Austin adventure! What other incredible restaurants should I add for my next trip to Austin? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Family Fun in Austin: Exciting Activities for Kids

Keeping the children entertained and engaged is paramount on any family trip, and Austin offered a plethora of fantastic options. We specifically sought out activities that would be both fun and enriching for my girls, creating lasting memories for everyone.

• Exploring the Austin Central Library: A Modern Marvel

  As a family, we share a deep love for libraries, so a visit to the Austin Central Library was a must-do, and it proved to be an absolute delight for my children. This isn’t just any library; it’s a six-story, 200,000-square-foot architectural marvel – by far the largest library we have ever visited! The older girls thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the vast collection of books, discovering new authors and genres, while the younger ones reveled in the dedicated children’s area, filled with engaging toys and interactive play zones. What made this experience even better was the fact that access to this incredible resource was completely free – truly a priceless family activity!

• Igniting Curiosity at The Thinkery (Austin Children’s Museum)

  Since our move from Minnesota, we hadn’t had the chance to visit a children’s museum, and we truly missed the wonderful experiences we had at the one there. Returning to a children’s museum at The Thinkery brought back a flood of joyful memories for my older girls, and it was equally exciting for the younger ones to experience such an environment for the first time. My daughters played for hours on end at The Thinkery! The museum offered an incredible array of activities, from hands-on practical science exhibits that sparked their curiosity to an imaginative farmer’s market play area that encouraged role-playing and creativity. It was a vibrant space where learning and play seamlessly intertwined.

• Road Trip to Houston: A Special Family Reunion

  We dedicated one full day of our Austin trip to an exciting road trip from Austin to Houston, primarily to visit my dear friend, Meggy. It had been approximately nine years since Meggy and I had last seen each other, making this reunion incredibly special. The three-hour drive was made even more enjoyable for the kids with a stop for lunch at Whataburger, adding a quintessential Texas touch to our journey. Witnessing the joy of reconnecting with a long-lost friend while creating new family memories made this excursion truly worthwhile.

Beyond the Itinerary: Future Austin Plans & Must-Try Spots

While our Austin itinerary was packed with incredible experiences, there was one exciting activity we simply ran out of time for: a visit to Mt. Playmore. As Austin’s largest indoor playground, it promises an expansive and engaging environment for children to burn off energy, and it’s definitely at the top of our list for our next visit.

Furthermore, Austin proudly holds the title of the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Regrettably, our packed schedule didn’t allow us to fully immerse ourselves in the city’s legendary live music scene. The next time we’re in town, experiencing a live performance, perhaps on the iconic Sixth Street or at one of the many intimate venues, will be an absolute priority. It would be wonderful to soak in the vibrant musical energy that defines Austin.

In total, our family spent a delightful four days exploring the charm and excitement of Texas. It was a much-needed escape from our daily routine, offering precious time to bond, discover new places, and forge beautiful, lasting memories as a family. These moments of shared adventure are what we truly cherish.

If you’ve read through to this point, I extend my heartfelt gratitude! I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading about Our Family Trip To Austin, Texas, and found inspiration for your own future travels. Please do stick around to explore and enjoy my collection of delicious recipes as well. Your support means the world!