Many locals and visitors love Zilker Metropolitan Park, covering 351 acres of green parkland and trees. It is even considered the “most loved park in Austin.” The park offers different outdoor activities, such as picnicking, dog walking, swimming, biking, and walking. It also hosts different events throughout the year.
This Austin park is adjacent to Lady Bird Lake, making it an ideal place to try various fun outdoor opportunities. Here are the top park amenities:
- 1 shelter and 3 picnic sites
- 5 volleyball courts
- Disc of Golf Course
- Zilker Playscape
- Zilker Club House
- Barton Springs Pool
- Austin Nature and Science Center
- Zilker Hillside Theater
- Zilker Caretaker’s Cottage
- And more!
Additionally, here are some of the signature Zilker Metropolitan Park events:
- Trail of Lights
- Zilker Holiday Tree
- Austin City Limits Music Festival
- Blues on the Green
- Zilker Summer Musical
- ABC Kite Festival
How to Get to Zilker Metropolitan Park
The park is situated off Barton Springs Road, southwest of downtown Austin. It is accessible from the Mopac Expressway (State Highway) and is west of US 35. Visitors can take advantage of first-come first, served parking. Check out this site
When is the Best Time to Visit Zilker Metropolitan Park?
This popular park tends to have more visitors during the fall, summer, and spring because the weather is perfect for enjoying different activities outside.
Generally, weekdays are less crowded. Different festivals are held at the park throughout the year. And you should not miss them. Browse this site
A Few Things to Know Before Visiting the Park
- The park is family-friendly, offering various activities for kids and adults.
- Stand-up paddles, kayaks, and bikes are available for rent.
- There is a small fee to ride the Zilker Zephyr train and to swim at Barton Springs Pool.
Things to Do in Zilker Metropolitan Park
Here are a few fun and exciting things to do in this beautiful park:
Play Sand Volleyball
The park features 5 sand volleyball courts. Interested individuals can reserve it in advance. The courts are found on the edge of the Great Lawn. There are many spaces for blankets and chairs around these courts.
Have a Picnic with Loved Ones
Picnic benches are located near the Barton Springs Pool entrance. But families can try other benches scattered throughout the metropolitan park. With plenty of prime picnicking spots, bringing blankets is a perfect idea.
Take a Dip at Barton Springs Pool
This pool is one of the highlights of the park. Three underground springs supply the 68° water throughout the year.
The 3-acre pool is big enough to meet the needs of people who want to cool off during summer and serious swimmers. There is an area dedicated to floats and a designated area for young children. Visitors can also bring snorkeling gear to see the best views from the bottom.
Explore the Zilker Botanical Garden
The garden is stunningly beautiful throughout the year, but it is best to see it in the spring. The Taniguchi Japanese Garden is a perfect spot to relieve stress and relax. It offers lush landscaping, picturesque footbridges, and tranquil ponds with koi.
Watch Beautiful Shows at Zilker Hillside Theater
This theater offers musical performances throughout the summer for free. Recent shows were Shrek the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, and All Shock Up. Viewers can spread out their blankets on the hillside. They can also bring picnic food and enjoy it during the show.
Tour the Place with Zilker Zephyr Train
The train route starts at Barton Springs pool, taking passengers on a ride throughout the park for 25 minutes. This low-speed adventure offers plenty of fun among kids and allows the parents to take a break for a few minutes from herding them.
Fly a kite in Wide-Open Spaces
The park provides plenty of wide-open spaces, perfect for activities like kite flying. The soccer fields and green spaces can be used for this activity. There is also a well-suited space in the Great Lawn, but be sure to be cautious about the picnickers and dogs around the area. Everyone is also invited to join the ABC Kite Festival during March annually.
Hike on the Greenbelt
On the Barton Springs Pool parking lot’s western edge, you will find the main entrance to the greenbelt. The start of the trail seems easy but becomes rocky after a mile. Then, limestone cliffs will welcome the hikers. The main trail is approximately 8 miles long.
Visitors are advised to wear shoes with great traction to ensure comfort and safety. They should also wear wide-brimmed hats and bring plenty of water. After heavy rain, the trail is covered in water, while the boulders become slippery. While dogs are allowed to play on the trail, they must be on a leash.
Important Information About Zilker Metropolitan Park
- Address: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
- Phone: +1 512-974-6700
- Website: austintexas.gov
- Park Hours: Monat to Sunday – 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM