Being a grandparent is arguably one of the greatest blessings that we as humans get to enjoy. As humans, we are built to feel connected to others, primarily our family members. After all of the time and hard work you spent raising your children, it is so much fun to take a step back, relax, and enjoy time spent with your grandchildren. You get all the perks of unconditional love with all the responsibilities like discipline or changing dirty diapers.

Grandparenting can restore youthful vigor into your life, manages signs of aging, and fights against depression. This may sound far-fetched; however, a study done by Boston College found that Spending quality time with grandkids has also been linked to fewer symptoms of depression in grandparents). Grandparenting has its perks for all generations involved, including the grandkids and parents.

Even with all the clear advantages to grandparenting, it can be challenging for a grandparent to find ways to connect and entertain grandkids. That is where our team of experts steps in!

Today we are sharing five fun things to do with the Grandkids so you can get out there, get active, and have a great time with your family.

EXPLORE THE STATE CAPITOL

If you are a history buff, exploring the Texas State Capitol is a must. Here, you can completely immerse yourself and your family in Texas history! The Capitol offers free tours and is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. You can even visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum located just a block north of the Capitol.

Bullock features special exhibitions on Texas music icon Stevie Ray Vaughan, historic music festivals such as Woodstock, a premier national collection of American flags, and the Texas Spirit Theatre and IMAX theatre.

If you get hungry, you can check out the Story of Texas Cafe, which offers breakfast and lunch, including pastries and parfaits, a farm-to-table salad bar, gourmet sandwiches (yum!).

RUN FREE AT ZILKER PARK

Zilker Park is known as the “jewel in the heart of Austin” because it features endless opportunities for fun. It features spectacular views of the Austin skyline, a natural-fed swimming pool, a sculpture garden, disc golf, sand golf, stand-up paddleboarding, a botanical garden that includes prehistoric gardens and dinosaurs.

Whether you are feeling adventurous or casual, Zilker Park has something for you! For a more casual and relaxed afternoon, you can let the kids run free at Zilker Park and hang out while the kids play on the playground. You can also kick it up a notch and go for a quick hike or bike ride if you feel adventurous. Feel free to pack food for lunch as there are plenty of spaces for a picnic.

If you visit during the holidays, you get a front-row seat to a massive holiday celebration with a giant tree, and all lit up in festive colors.

Make sure you purchase tickets in advance and visit their website to confirm what sections are open for visitors!

SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT MT PLAYMORE

Mt Playmore is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon, particularly if your grandkids range in age or if you have high-energy children. There are quite a few perks to spending the afternoon at Mt Palmore vs. other playscapes.

First, Mt Playmore designed tensioned web floors that are easy on the knees and make chasing your grandkids around an enjoyable instead of painful experience!

Secondly, Mt Playmore playground is created with children and their adults in mind. Meaning that it was built with enough space so that parents can comfortably maneuver throughout the playscape without worrying about getting stuck in tight spaces.

Finally, if you aren’t in the mood for playing or need a quick break to catch your breath, feel free to hang out in the seating area furnished with cozy sofas and chairs with a 360 view of the play area. Instead of sofas or chairs, you also have the option to relax in the massage chairs provided by Mt Playmore for ultimate relaxation.

Mt Playmore is a win-win for everyone in the family.

VISIT SCIENCE MILL – AN INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT

Interactive exhibits provide the opportunity for sensory play, which helps build nerve connections in growing brains, encourages the development of motor skills, supports language development, encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, etc. Further, interactive exhibits provide visitors with an opportunity to use all of their senses and allow a deeper and more engaging connection.

For a rainy day, check out Science Mill, an interactive exhibit that features art, kinetic technology, augmented reality, and computer gaming in Spanish and English. One of the most popular exhibits features a Fossil Dig where kids and grandparents can grab excavating tools and dig up fossils.

Another favorite is the Virtual Body Table, a unique tool that allows people to explore different human body structures and a lion, moose, grey seal, golden eagle, and chimpanzee through a 60-inch touchscreen display.

TOUR THE AUSTIN ZOO

If you have a family full of animal lovers, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than at the Austin Zoo. The Austin ZOO is home to 300 animals representing more than 100 different species!

According to their website, their animal collection includes animals from other facilities that are being retired due to age, health, or other issues; animals that were seized in animal cruelty cases; retired laboratory research animals; and individuals’ exotic pets they needed to rehome due to changes in the owner’s lifestyle or the inability to provide appropriate care for these pets. Uniquely, almost all of the animals in the zoo are rescued.

Avoid the lines and purchase Budget-friendly tickets online!

Austin, Texas, is ideal when it comes to family-friendly places to spots to visit! We shared our favorites here, but there are many more.

Don’t see one of your favorites? Reach out to us so we can add it. We are always on the lookout for fun things and places for the whole family to enjoy.