Top Rated Parks to Visit in Round Rock

"In the heart of Downtown Austin, this 350 acre park, has a playground, the Zephyr Train, and some beautiful walking trails. Zilker park is also home to Barton Springs pool, which is a spring fed pool that remains 68-71 degrees year round. They also have a small free museum in the front of the bathhouse, definitely worth bringing the kids into."

"With thriving plant and animal life and a huge variety of things to do, the Zilker Metropolitan Park is the diamond in the crown of Austin’s ‘places to see’. Are you in Austin during the winter time?. Then head on over to the park and gaze upon the stunning 155 feet tall Zilker Holiday Tree, all decked up in streamers and lights."

"Zilker Park is the perfect place for families to soak up fresh air and warm sunshine. Take a refreshing dip in Barton Springs Pool, a peaceful canoe ride on Lady Bird Lake, or a train ride on the Zilker Zephyr. There is a concession stand, a large playground, and an educational exhibit called Splash!"

"Set on 21 acres and featuring several short hiking trails, Mayfield Park is perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Austin–as so many beautiful estates in the city are–and in addition to its trails and the quaint Lake Mayfield, also features a historic cottage, beautiful gardens, and most uniquely, plenty of peacocks. While the shady trails, lovely views, and historic nature of the preserve (Mayfield Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) are all reasons to visit, there’s no doubt that the free-roaming peacocks steal the show at this Austin park!. Keep in mind that no pets are allowed at Mayfield Park."

"Right next door to Laguna Gloria, Mayfield Park is a small and magical park that’s ideal for picnicking. However, Mayfield’s biggest attraction is the flock of gorgeous peacocks that roam freely. Best of all, this unusual park has no admission fee."

"Located in West Austin, there’s a five-dollar entry fee per person to enter Emma Long Park. However, the price of admission is worth it. In addition to volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a huge array of picnic tables, Emma Long Park is unique in that it also offers primitive camping while still inside Austin city limits."

"The park can get a little rowdy on summer weekends, but it’s still a great place for a group picnic. You can lounge along the lakefront, play volleyball or take a hike on the dog-friendly Turkey Creek trail. The lake isn’t very wide at this point, but the small swimming area is protected from passing boat traffic."

"This is one of the largest parks in Austin with over 1,200 acres. Within the larger park, the off-leash area covers an impressive 193 acres. There is also a creek that runs through the park and of course plenty of hiking trails."

"A favorite location that is popular with lovers of disc golf and students from the University at Texas Austin, Pease Park is centrally located in the city of Austin. Since the 1970s, Pease Park has been the home of Eeyore’s Birthday Party, an annual event that includes plenty of music, dancing, costumes, and games. There’s also an annual drum circle that takes place at the party, which generally attracts thousands of attendees every year."

"With Hyde Park, West Campus, and the University of Texas nearby, Pease Park is easily accessible from some of the best Austin neighborhoods. It was the first public park and is still one of the best parks in Austin. Right in the heart of the city, Pease Park offers the Shoal Creek Greenway, plus limestone bluffs, big shade trees, and beautiful green spaces that will make you feel like a time traveler — Is this the Texas of centuries past?"

"Popular with picnickers and joggers thanks to a convenient location and almost palpable serenity, Pease Park is also a favored hangout of students from the nearby University of Texas. Many local events are held here throughout the year. Located along Shoal Creek between 12th and 24th Streets."

"Bob Wentz Park, a scenic basin along the Colorado River, is a go-to spot for Austinites and travelers alike who want to get their adrenaline pumping. The stark landscape and strong winds out on the water make it prime real estate for sailing and windsurfing, while clear underwater conditions allow this to be one of the few scuba diving destinations in the state. Of course, there is plenty of relaxation to be had as well."

"Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point (7144 Comanche Trail, Austin) is located on Lake Travis and has a sandy peninsula called “The Point.” The park includes two sand volleyball courts, a shoreline walking path, a boat dock, and a pavilion available for rent. Admission is $10 per car and hours are 8 a.m. to dusk (check website or call 512-854-PARK to confirm before you go)."

"Lake Travis is a popular destination for tourists in the Austin area but there are also nice beachy areas as well. Bob Wentz Park has a popular location called “The Point” which is a sandy peninsula for the public. There are nice access points to the water and restrooms on-site."

"Located in northeast Austin, Walnut Creek Metropolitan park contains over fifteen miles of trails for hiking, which weave through woods, creeks, and rocky ravines that are all beautiful and perfect for wandering. The trails are rough and natural, with uneven terrain and roots, so while they are great for hiking, they are not appropriate for strollers. The park also is home to a playground that is suitable for kids of all ages, a swimming pool, and sports facilities like a volleyball court, baseball/softball diamonds, and basketball courts."

"This nearly 300-acre park in North Austin is the definition of “something for everyone.” Amenities include a swimming pool, a BMX bike course, volleyball and basketball courts, a playground, an off-leash dog area, a picnic area, barbecue pits, and horseshoe. If you’re in it for the wildlife, Walnut Creek also offers quintessential Austin nature. You can take up bird watching, go splish-splashing in the creek, or enjoy scenic views from the wildlife area."

"Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is an expansive 293-acre park situated just north of downtown Austin and features miles of hiking trails, an off-leash dog area, a swimming pool, a playground, and sports and recreational facilities. – austin.com/park-profile-walnut-creek-metropolitan-park/"

"Recently transformed from a dusty lot to a downtown oasis, Republic Square now boasts a lovely green lawn, lots of shade trees, and a nifty bird sculpture the little ones will enjoy climbing and sitting on. It’s a great place to visit in combination with the Central Library, and there are food trucks and a farmers market on weekends. View this post on Instagram"

"The market on Republic Square every Saturday morning is a farmers’ market in the realest sense, in that farmers and vendors can only sell goods that they themselves make or produce. The market has been going since 2003 and is run by the Sustainable Food Center. Being producer-only the offer fluctuates by the season."

"Why You’ve Got to Go: If you’re looking for children’s activities, Republic Square organizes several things for a younger audience through the year. There is a lot of green area and shade for kids to run around in. What to Do: Combine a trip to the Central Library with Republic Square."

"Patterson Park is an outdoor oasis for kids, complete with basketball courts, a mini skate ramp, volleyball courts, picnic tables, multiple playgrounds, and top-notch trees to climb. Its Flamingo Mitote Its mosaic sculpture, created by artist Stephanie Distefano and community members and maintained by the Chula League, also makes for one gorgeous pool-equipment shed. View this post on Instagram"

"Why You’ve Got to Go: If you are traveling with toddlers, I would certainly recommend Patterson Park. This is an excellent way for the kids to let loose and have some fun in the outdoors. What to Do: Make use of the volleyball courts, the picnic tables, and the several playgrounds the park has to offer."

"Brentwood Social House may have the appearance of a small neighborhood café, but it is home to some of the best English-Style breakfast and brunch this side of the pond. The coffee and tea house features a huge selection of European-inspired pastries both sweet and savory. Speaking of savory, I know that the showcase has been overwhelmingly sweet thus far."

"The European-styled cafe dishes out English-style pies (curry, breakfast) and pastries (sausage rolls, tarts, scones). Curbside pickups can be placed online."

"Made famous by the TV show Man v. Food, Round Rock Donuts boasts a “Texas Sized” glazed donut that clocks in at almost two-pounds. But the shop, popular with both locals and tourists, also serves a classic “orange glaze” donut that’s the best $0.69 you’ll ever spend. Come expecting a wait and arrive early if you want to make sure nothing is sold out."

"The glazed donut from Round Rock Donuts is truly the donut of all donuts. Just a 15 minute drive north from downtown, Round Rock Donuts is home to the best glazed donut I have ever had in my life. Watch the video above for details, salivate, and make plans to visit."

"Tiffany and Leon Chen, who started their business by delivering cookies at the University of Texas, are the bakers behind Tiff's Treats. The Austin-based chain offers some of the best cookies you will ever eat."

"A still-warm delivery of Tiff’s Treats is a surefire way to get on anyone’s good side. Just make sure to know their favorite flavor."

"I used to love their M&M and Snickerdoodle, but I do have the say, the best thing they make are their Chocolate Chip Brownies!"

"A post shared by Daily Juice (@dailyjuicecafe) on Oct 20, 2018 at 8:06am PDT. Daily Juice is another Austin original juicery that overwhelms my heart on occasion because I always walk out feeling better than when I entered. Since 2003, this establishment has been blending smoothies with real foods, and no added sugars or ice."

"I haven’t personally tried Honest Mary’s yet, but my foodie friends I trust are all about this place!. It’s the “fast-casual eatery” with fresh, healthy grain and veggie bowls that look divine. Honest Mary’s also has hormone- and antibiotic-free meat options you can add on."

"The create-your-own bowls at Honest Mary’s make it easy to stay green while providing more exciting options than salads. The Farmers Market bowl with forbidden rice, sweet potatoes, kale, avocado, and crispy chickpeas is a healthy go-to."

"9828 Great Hills Trail Suite 300, Austin, TX 78759Details: local Austin restaurant serving custom grain bowlsWhat to get: Sedona Lime and Aloha Poke bowls"