Best Austin Teen Hangouts
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As a parent of teens, you know how tricky it can be to find places that are the perfect balance between adult and kid-friendly. Places where your teens can have fun, but also act responsibly and maturely. Here’s a list of some of our favorite hangouts for teens in Austin!
Outdoor Activities
Austin has an abundance of outdoor activities that your teens will love! From kayaking on Ladybird Lake to stand-up paddle boarding on Barton Creek, there are endless options to keep them active and entertained while they’re out in the sun. For the more adventurous, climbing at Waterloo Adventures or exploring the trails at Zilker Metropolitan Park is sure to provide hours of fun.
Krause Springs
Located to the west of Austin, this is a great place to spend the day. We came here when my boys were younger, but as they get older, it becomes more and more fun. The rope swing is a lot of fun for all ages.
Last year they discovered the cliff jumping down a bit from the rope swing and had a blast there as well! Definitely not something for the faint of heart!
Quest ATX
10815 FM1625, Austin, TX 78747
There isn’t much cooler than wakeboarding, and Austin has a new cable wakeboarding park in South East Austin. When we went, there were kids and adults of all ages, and lots of teens and young adults. Try out the morning summer camps, or come and spend an afternoon.
Liz Carpenter Fountains at Butler Park
1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Now that your kids are older, they can stay out later. Take them to check out the nighttime laser light show that runs every night from dusk until 9:45. You might even find them running around in the fountains a little to get wet (but shush, you don’t need to tell anyone!)
Head to Big Top Candy just down the road for a rootbeer float afterward.
Entertainment Venues
For those looking to take their entertainment indoors, Austin has tons of great spots! Alamo Drafthouse offers movies and video games, as well as unique food and drink options. Pinballz Arcade is full of classic and modern arcade games, plus they host special tournaments. And if your teens really want to show off their karaoke skills, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar is the place to go!
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in
2015 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723
We haven’t been here yet, but it seems like a bunch of fun. Gather up a bunch of your kids’ friends, pile them into the car, and introduce them to an old-school movie in an old-school way!
Recreation Centers
If your teen needs an outlet for their creativity and energy, local recreational centers offer a variety of classes and activities. Whether it’s painting at Art For All Ages or rock climbing at Crux Climbing Center, these centers provide a safe and engaging atmosphere where teens can explore their interests and develop new skills.
Crux Climbing Center South
121 Pickle Rd #100, Austin, TX 78704
This is a great place for kids to hang out and get some exercise. Kids must be at least 14 in order to become belayed certified – otherwise, they will need an adult along to access the higher rocks.
Austin Paintball
4150 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Located in Dripping Springs, this is great fun for teens who like to shoot at each other. Open only on Saturdays. Plan on about two to three hours of fun!
Playland Skate Center
8822 McCann Dr, Austin, TX 78757
This was voted as the best teen hangout for two of the last three Austin Chronicle polls. I must admit, I was surprised by this. I didn’t realize that the hangout choice of my youth would still be popular. The only difference is they will be skating to Pink instead of Kool & the Gang.
Friday and Saturday the place is open late, which is a perfect time for teens to hang out with their friends.
K1 Speed – Indoor Go Karts
2500 Mc Hale Ct, Austin, TX 78758
What can be more fun than driving a go-kart around the tracks at top speed? All drivers must be at least 5 feet so they can reach the pedals.
K1 is located in north Austin and Central Texas Speedway is located south of Austin.
No matter what your teen is into, Austin has something for everyone! With so many great options available, there’s no doubt they’ll have plenty of fun.
