The Ultimate Guide to Barton Springs With Kids

Addie Gross Swimming

Barton Springs is a famous Austin landmark that should not be missed. Tourists and locals alike flock to this unique part of Austin’s history and culture. Going swimming here with kids might feel overwhelming if you’ve never been before. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! These helpful tips will show you how to do Barton Springs with kids so that you can unwind at one of the most iconic outdoor experiences in Austin.

Address

2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746

Hours

Closed for cleaning on Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m, but you can still swim at your own risk from 5-8 a.m.

Other days it is open from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Barton Springs Rules for the Pool

Do NOT bring coolers, ice chests, thermal bags, food, pets, glass, frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, other hard calls, portable speakers, tobacco (smoking of any kind is prohibited), or alcohol.

You CAN bring your swimsuit, water shoes, towel, sunscreen, water in a resealable plastic container, inflatable toys and floaties, and your entry ticket or cash/card to pay for entry.

Entry Fee for Austin residents:

$5 adult, $3 teen, $2 child, $2 senior (children under 1 year old, and veterans, are FREE)

Entry Fee for nonresidents:

$9 adult, $5 teen, $4 child, $5 senior (children under 1 year old, and veterans, are FREE)

barton springs ticket kiosk austin — Kiosks out front where you can purchase tickets

Tip #1: Reserve tickets ahead of time

They are now requiring pre-purchased tickets before you go. I actually love this new change, since it significantly cuts down on the waiting in line from the Before Times. We made reservations on the same day we wanted to go, printed out our tickets, and walked right up to the gate- no waiting in a super long line with impatient kids on a hot day! It’s a thing of beauty. The online reservation system used to be super confusing, but they’ve updated it and made it much easier. Go here for online reservations and tickets to Barton Springs.

You may also purchase tickets there. Cash entries and kiosk purchases will take place at the Zilker Cafe Building. Entry is still at the Main Entrance off Barton Springs Rd. When the bathhouse is closed, cash entries and kiosk purchases will stay at the Zilker Cafe but the pool entry will move to the west gate.

Tip #2: Parking

There is a parking lot next to Barton Springs, but it gets packed and can be really hard to get a spot. It’s free to park here on weekdays, but they charge on weekends, holidays, and for events. Zilker Park has more parking that costs $3 to park from March – September. The North parking lot is currently expected to be closed until Spring 2025.

Tip #3: Food and Drinks

Kids require snacks, and that’s non-negotiable. However, Barton Springs does not allow you to bring in food! What’s a mom to do?! Luckily, you can bring in sealed water bottles with a twist off lid. You can also get a hand stamp to exit Barton Springs and come back in without having to pay again, so you can leave for food as needed. You have two options. One is leaving a cooler and snacks in your car, assuming you get a close enough parking spot. Two is purchasing food from the vendors set up right outside Barton Springs.

Once you and your littles have worked up an appetite that simply can’t be ignored, check out my list of nearby restaurants with playgrounds that kids will absolutely love.

shady spot at barton springs austin — Shade found at Barton Springs

Tip #4: Floaties and Zero-Depth Entry

If your kids still need floaties to help them swim, or you just want to float around during your trip to Barton Springs, keep in mind that floaties are only allowed in the deep section or shallow section of the pool. You must take them to the far right or far left of the diving board. We like to head all the way to the right towards the shallow, zero-depth entry point of the pool. It helps you wade in and get used to the temperature of the water (which stays at 68 degrees year round!). You can use floaties in this section and it’s safer for younger kids.

Keep in mind that this is a natural, spring-fed pool, and the algae that grows on the pool floor is extremely slippery over here! Kids (and adults) slip over here all the time. Walk slowly and watch your step! Water shoes can help. Floaties are not permitted near the diving board section of the pool.

zero-depth pool entry at barton springs in austin — Shallow section, all the way to the right

floating at barton springs in austin — Keep floaties away from the diving board

deep end of the pool at barton springs in austin — Deep end of the pool

Tip #5: Search for Creatures

This is a natural, spring-fed swimming hole, so there will be fish and other creatures swimming around. It’s also home to the Barton Springs Salamander, so be on the lookout for those little guys!

salamander search at barton springs in austin — Searching for salamanders

Tip #6: People Watching

One of our favorite things to do at Barton Springs is watch the people flipping and jumping off the diving board. The kids may even work up the courage to try diving for themselves. One thing to keep in mind while people watching at Barton Springs is that topless sunbathing is allowed. You might see more than you were expecting here!

people watching at barton springs in austin

diving board at barton springs in austin — Jumping off the diving board

Other things to keep in mind

Pets are not allowed. It’s free to swim during the early morning, non-lifeguard, open-swim hours each day from 5-8 a.m. No alcohol is allowed inside Barton Springs. The free side to Barton Springs is just to the left (if you are facing the pool from outside). The free side is often referred to as Barking Springs because that’s where most people bring their dogs to swim. You can visit the nearby playground at Zilker Park if your kids want to play some more.