As a very new mom, I was given some sage advice from a veteran mom friend. She told me “when everything and everyone is falling apart, take some snacks, and GO OUTSIDE”. Let me tell you, she was not wrong. Sometimes, you just need some fresh air and room to breathe!
- Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake:
- Description: A very popular and scenic paved trail that loops around Lady Bird Lake. It offers beautiful views of the Austin skyline and is mostly flat, making it ideal for strollers and little legs. You can choose your own distance along the 10+ mile trail.
- Parking: Numerous parking options are available along the trail, including Zilker Park, Auditorium Shores, and various parking garages downtown (fees may apply). Parking can get crowded on weekends and during events. Our favorite spot is off Stratford Dr under the bridge.
- Tips: There are playgrounds and restrooms at various points along the trail.
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Mueller Lake Park:
- Description: A lovely urban park with a paved path around the lake. It’s relatively flat and stroller-friendly. There’s also a fantastic playground, a farmers market on Sundays, and the Thinkery (children’s museum) nearby for added fun. Also plenty of kid friendly restaurants including Honest Mary’s with a play spot for little ones.
- Parking: Free parking is available within the park, but it can get busy. There’s a couple lots and street parking. Make sure you have the ParkATX app on your phone!
- Tips: Bring bread to feed the ducks.
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Brushy Creek Regional Trail:
- Description: A long, mostly concrete trail that runs through Round Rock and Cedar Park, connecting several parks. It’s excellent for strollers and bikes. You can choose different sections to explore.
- Parking: Parking is available at the various parks it connects, such as Brushy Creek Lake Park, Twin Lakes Park, and Champion Park.
- Tips: Some sections have playgrounds and splash pads (not open until Summer 2025). Bring water, especially on warmer days, as some parts can be exposed.
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Circle C Metropolitan Park:
- Description: Offers a 1.4-mile mostly flat gravel/dirt trail in Southwest Austin. The park also has picnic tables, disc golf, and the most beautiful playground which was recently redone!
- Parking: Ample free parking is available within the park.
- Tips: The trail is generally wide enough for strollers.
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Dick Nichols District Park:
- Description: Features a 1-mile paved loop trail in Southwest Austin. The trail circles a playground, sports courts, and a pool.
- Parking: Free parking is available at the park.
- Tips: The paved path is very stroller-friendly and mostly shaded.
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Pease Park:
- Description: Located in central Austin, this park has shaded trails and some stroller-friendly paths. It offers views of the Austin skyline and has a playground and picnic tables as well as Malin the Troll.
- Parking: Limited free parking is available; street parking might be necessary. On the weekends, you can park at the ACC garage across the street for free.
- Tips: While some trails are paved or gravel, others might be uneven. Stick to the main paths for strollers. SnoRide snow cone trailer is also on the path and you will frequently find an ice cream cart or two. There is also a splash pad near the playground which turns on in the summertime but beware, there is not a lot of shade so come prepared with sunscreen!
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Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park:
- Description: This large park in Northeast Austin has a 2-way paved bike trail that is suitable for strollers. There are also many unpaved hiking trails if you want to explore further without the stroller.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available at various entrances.
- Tips: The paved trail is relatively flat. There’s also multiple playgrounds around the loop and a pool. Be aware of cyclists on the paved path.
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Mayfield Park:
- Description: While the main nature trails are not ideal for strollers due to some uneven terrain, the paved areas around the gardens and ponds are stroller-friendly. Kids will love seeing the peacocks. It is very shaded though!
- Parking: Limited free parking is available; it can get crowded.
- Tips: Focus on exploring the gardens and paved paths with a stroller. Bring a camera for the peacocks.
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Waterloo Park:
- Description: A newer downtown park with three miles of wheelchair and stroller-friendly trails. It also features a unique playground. This is where the Morning Glories event is held on Tuesdays in April.
- Parking: Parking is available in nearby garages (fees may apply). We parked in the Capital Parking garage across the street and it was free for two hours on weekdays but I would double check before you go!
- Tips: Offers a modern park experience in the heart of the city.
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Katherine Fleischer Park (Wells Branch):
- Description: Beautiful trails around Mills Pond, some of which are paved and stroller-friendly. The park also has a beautiful and shaded playground.
- Parking: Free parking is available at the park.
- Tips: Enjoy the pond views and the playground.
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Lakewood Park (Leander):
- Description: Offers a great stroller-friendly paved path around the park. It also has a lake for kayaking, a playground, a splash pad, and a skate park, making it a full day outing.
- Parking: Free parking is available.
- Tips: Plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Most of the park is not covered though so come prepared with lots of water and sunscreen.
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Twin Creek Historic Park (Cedar Park):
- Description: A paved and beautiful trail that goes right by a babbling creek with small waterfalls. The path is generally wide and stroller-friendly.
- Parking: Limited free parking is available.
- Tips: Enjoy the peaceful sounds of the creek.