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The Ultimate Guide to Roadside Attractions Near Austin, Texas

Are you planning a road trip through Texas and looking for unique and off-the-beaten-path stops? Look no further than the roadside attractions near Austin! From giant sculptures to quirky museums, there’s something for everyone on this list of must-see destinations. Here’s the ultimate guide to roadside attractions near Austin, Texas.

The Ultimate Guide to Roadside Attractions Near Austin, Texas

Cathedral of Junk

Located in South Austin, this towering sculpture made entirely of recycled materials is a true testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the local community. This quirky pile of junk is one of the reasons we like to say “Keep Austin Weird” around here. You’ll never find anything quite like the Cathedral of Junk anywhere else.

The original Hope Outdoor Gallery

Coming back to Austin! This Austin graffiti gallery was a unique attraction for many years before they shut it down. But the Hope Outdoor Gallery is coming back and will feature a 17.7-acre, open-air cultural events center, community art park, and technology gallery. It will be located across from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The Ultimate Guide to Roadside Attractions Near Austin, Texas

Couch Potatoes

Photo credit

The Austin Couch Potatoes famously sat for year along I-35, but have recently moved to the Circuit of the Americas. See them at COTA and catch a race or go karting while you’re out there!

Ms. Pearl the Giant Squirrel

Ms Pearl the Giant Squirrel is located out in front of the Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company in Cedar Creek, which is about a half hour drive from Austin. While you’re out this way, be sure to stop by the Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek and see the life-size replicas of dinosaurs along a half mile trail through a cedar forest!

The Ultimate Guide to Roadside Attractions Near Austin, Texas

World’s Largest Pecan Statue in Seguin

Do you think Ms. Pearl would like to eat the world’s largest pecan statue? Maybe they should meet! Check out the world’s largest pecan statue in Seguin, about an hour’s drive from Austin. Stay at the beautiful Streamside Retreat while you’re in Seguin!

Stonehenge II

stonehenge II

You can find a replica of Stonehenge in the town of Ingram, TX! It’s about 2 hours away from Austin.

stonehenge 2
stonehenge ii

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Austin Fun For Kids

austinfunforkids

1,040 59,178

🙋🏼‍♀️ A guide for exploring Austin with kids 🛝 parks, hikes, restaurants, day trips, etc!

🧗‍♀️ @cruxccpflugerville @cruxcc CHECK OUT THE NEW PFLUGERVILLE LOCATION! 🤩

📍 18817 N Heatherwilde Blvd Bldg 3, Pflugerville, TX

🎟️ Kids 5 & under are $5

There’s so much for kids to do here! An entire kids section that has bouldering, a slide, a warped wall, ropes climbing/belay, and more!

I also love how welcoming they are towards kids in the adult section. My kids wanted to try some more challenging stuff out in the big area and they were encouraged to try it! There’s a helpful code system that has cute little animal faces to show the difficulty level. For example, my kids mostly stuck to the “Sloth” belays (the easiest ones).

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🧗‍♀️ @cruxccpflugerville @cruxcc CHECK OUT THE NEW PFLUGERVILLE LOCATION! 🤩 📍 18817 N Heatherwilde Blvd Bldg 3, Pflugerville, TX 🎟️ Kids 5 & under are $5 There’s so much for kids to do here! An entire kids section that has bouldering, a slide, a warped wall, ropes climbing/belay, and more! I also love how welcoming they are towards kids in the adult section. My kids wanted to try some more challenging stuff out in the big area and they were encouraged to try it! There’s a helpful code system that has cute little animal faces to show the difficulty level. For example, my kids mostly stuck to the “Sloth” belays (the easiest ones).
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🐠 Simar Seafood & Steak 🥩

📍 9503 Research Blvd Unit 400, Austin

@simar_atx is such an ideal place to eat out for families in Austin! Here’s why we love it:

🧸 Indoor/outdoor play area. Is it indoors? Is it outdoors? It’s both! 👏 Such a genius concept and I’ve never seen anything else like it. Perfect for patio season (right now!!!) but also hot weather or cold weather. It’s covered and indoors but also right off the patio so it’s sort of outside too? Whatever you call it, I think it’s perfect!! There’s so much to play with and it’s a large play area so even if it’s crowded there’s still plenty of room and lots to do!
🌮 Everything was delicious but my favorite hands down was the mini starter tacos 🤤
🪑 They have a gorgeous patio that’s covered so you can enjoy it almost year round.
🤩It’s a big place and would be a great spot for a large group/family gathering!
🎹 They even have a piano in the front!
🍔 Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal!
🙌 Use code: TIDE10 for 10% off your total bill!!

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🐠 Simar Seafood & Steak 🥩 📍 9503 Research Blvd Unit 400, Austin @simar_atx is such an ideal place to eat out for families in Austin! Here’s why we love it: 🧸 Indoor/outdoor play area. Is it indoors? Is it outdoors? It’s both! 👏 Such a genius concept and I’ve never seen anything else like it. Perfect for patio season (right now!!!) but also hot weather or cold weather. It’s covered and indoors but also right off the patio so it’s sort of outside too? Whatever you call it, I think it’s perfect!! There’s so much to play with and it’s a large play area so even if it’s crowded there’s still plenty of room and lots to do! 🌮 Everything was delicious but my favorite hands down was the mini starter tacos 🤤 🪑 They have a gorgeous patio that’s covered so you can enjoy it almost year round. 🤩It’s a big place and would be a great spot for a large group/family gathering! 🎹 They even have a piano in the front! 🍔 Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal! 🙌 Use code: TIDE10 for 10% off your total bill!!
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🩰 Opening weekend for @balletaustin The Nutcracker at @longcenter is Dec 6-8!

For one weekend only, guests will a free magical experience before the show! Professional holiday photos, Clara’s Dreamland and photos with Clara, a coloring station, magician, character parade, and more!

👀 Purchase tickets to see @balletaustin at the link in my bio!

These special events take place before the show on opening weekend only!

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🩰 Opening weekend for @balletaustin The Nutcracker at @longcenter is Dec 6-8! For one weekend only, guests will a free magical experience before the show! Professional holiday photos, Clara’s Dreamland and photos with Clara, a coloring station, magician, character parade, and more! 👀 Purchase tickets to see @balletaustin at the link in my bio! These special events take place before the show on opening weekend only!
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🚀 @stargazerbar has landed in East Austin! 🙌

📍 979 Springdale, Suite 130 Austin, TX 78702 (formerly Austin Eastciders)

☕️ Coffee, cocktails, mocktails, lite bites, kolaches from @batchatx , gluten free treats from @maaribuatx , @lickicecreams and 2 food trucks: @dippingspringstenderco and Santo Patio

🍕 You can even order and pick up pizza from @bambinoatx (with a discount!)

🚀They have a gorgeous tree covered patio with a space ship playground for kids! Such a fun spot to meet for a playdate! 🤗

⏰ Open daily from 7am-late

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🚀 @stargazerbar has landed in East Austin! 🙌 📍 979 Springdale, Suite 130 Austin, TX 78702 (formerly Austin Eastciders) ☕️ Coffee, cocktails, mocktails, lite bites, kolaches from @batchatx , gluten free treats from @maaribuatx , @lickicecreams and 2 food trucks: @dippingspringstenderco and Santo Patio 🍕 You can even order and pick up pizza from @bambinoatx (with a discount!) 🚀They have a gorgeous tree covered patio with a space ship playground for kids! Such a fun spot to meet for a playdate! 🤗 ⏰ Open daily from 7am-late
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🍣 ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI 🍣

@machisushiatx has all you can eat sushi! This is the perfect spot for a special dinner for your teens who never seem to get full (spoiler alert: they will finally be full lol!)

📍 2200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin

🧋 My kids all like boba tea so we got that too (it’s not all you can drink fyi!) They also love Ramune Japanese soda where you pop the little ball inside and watch it fizz so we got those too!

🍣The sushi was delicious! The Shaggy Dog was our favorite roll.

🍣My youngest isn’t a big eater, so we were able to order a single roll for him a la carte and not pay the All You Can Eat price!

🍦The fried ice cream at the end was a fun experience too.

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🍣 ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI 🍣 @machisushiatx has all you can eat sushi! This is the perfect spot for a special dinner for your teens who never seem to get full (spoiler alert: they will finally be full lol!) 📍 2200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin 🧋 My kids all like boba tea so we got that too (it’s not all you can drink fyi!) They also love Ramune Japanese soda where you pop the little ball inside and watch it fizz so we got those too! 🍣The sushi was delicious! The Shaggy Dog was our favorite roll. 🍣My youngest isn’t a big eater, so we were able to order a single roll for him a la carte and not pay the All You Can Eat price! 🍦The fried ice cream at the end was a fun experience too.
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🎅🏻 Santa on the Terrace 📸

📍 @longcenter
701 W Riverside Dr, Austin

📅 Nov 30 from 11am-2:30pm

📸 Free photos with Santa! No tickets required.

🐶 Pets are welcome too!

🍦 Last year there was an ice cream truck and yard games to play!

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🎅🏻 Santa on the Terrace 📸 📍 @longcenter 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin 📅 Nov 30 from 11am-2:30pm 📸 Free photos with Santa! No tickets required. 🐶 Pets are welcome too! 🍦 Last year there was an ice cream truck and yard games to play!
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🍺 HOPS FOR HOUSES BEER PASSPORT 🍺

Right now the beer passport is only $20 (lowest price ever!) and you get a beer at 16 places! That’s practically a dollar per beer!

👀 The link to purchase is in my bio! All proceeds will benefit @habitatwilcotx

How it works:
1️⃣ Buy a beer passport at the link in my bio. You will get one beer at 16 local businesses. Right now it’s only $20 (but will eventually go up to $25).
2️⃣ Bring your passport with you once it arrives in the mail. I recommend keeping it in your purse or your car so you don’t forget it. There is no way to use the passport electronically. If you forget to bring it with you, you are out of luck!
3️⃣ The brewery will stamp your passport and you will select one free beer. Some spots let you choose whatever you want and others have a limited passport menu.
4️⃣ Use your passport as early as Dec 1 and all the way through April 30, 2025!

Several of the spots on this passport are kid friendly! Here’s the list of participating businesses:

🍺 @austinbeerworks (turfed play area)
🍺 @sprinklevalley_abw (playground)
🍺 @stwbrewing (playground)
🍺 @barkingarmadillo (turfed area and indoor arcade)
🍺 @theloosescrewtaylor (brewery inside @oldtaylorhigh with a huge outdoor space plus a candy/ice cream shop and arcade inside)
🍺 @3rdlevelbrew (board games available)
🍺 @redhornbrew (board games available, 2 locations)
🍺 @infamousbrewing (they used to have a playground, not sure if it’s back!)
🍺 @tejasmeatsupplygtx (one stop on the Georgetown Square)
🍺 @mesquitecreekoutfitters another spot on the Georgetown Square)
🍺 @goldenrulegtx (3rd spot on the Georgetown Square)
🍺 @powerbrewingproject (Hutto)
🍺 @phantomwarriorbrewingco (Killeen)
🍺 @nolancreekbrewery (Belton)
🍺 @sangabrivbrew (Liberty Hill)

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🍺 HOPS FOR HOUSES BEER PASSPORT 🍺 Right now the beer passport is only $20 (lowest price ever!) and you get a beer at 16 places! That’s practically a dollar per beer! 👀 The link to purchase is in my bio! All proceeds will benefit @habitatwilcotx How it works: 1️⃣ Buy a beer passport at the link in my bio. You will get one beer at 16 local businesses. Right now it’s only $20 (but will eventually go up to $25). 2️⃣ Bring your passport with you once it arrives in the mail. I recommend keeping it in your purse or your car so you don’t forget it. There is no way to use the passport electronically. If you forget to bring it with you, you are out of luck! 3️⃣ The brewery will stamp your passport and you will select one free beer. Some spots let you choose whatever you want and others have a limited passport menu. 4️⃣ Use your passport as early as Dec 1 and all the way through April 30, 2025! Several of the spots on this passport are kid friendly! Here’s the list of participating businesses: 🍺 @austinbeerworks (turfed play area) 🍺 @sprinklevalley_abw (playground) 🍺 @stwbrewing (playground) 🍺 @barkingarmadillo (turfed area and indoor arcade) 🍺 @theloosescrewtaylor (brewery inside @oldtaylorhigh with a huge outdoor space plus a candy/ice cream shop and arcade inside) 🍺 @3rdlevelbrew (board games available) 🍺 @redhornbrew (board games available, 2 locations) 🍺 @infamousbrewing (they used to have a playground, not sure if it’s back!) 🍺 @tejasmeatsupplygtx (one stop on the Georgetown Square) 🍺 @mesquitecreekoutfitters another spot on the Georgetown Square) 🍺 @goldenrulegtx (3rd spot on the Georgetown Square) 🍺 @powerbrewingproject (Hutto) 🍺 @phantomwarriorbrewingco (Killeen) 🍺 @nolancreekbrewery (Belton) 🍺 @sangabrivbrew (Liberty Hill)
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11/15
🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
🦖 Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience
🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm
⛺️ Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
🎥 Fall Family Movie Nights at @waterloo_austin 360/2222 at dusk: Frozen 2
🎥 Shrek at @skishores 7pm
🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda
🌟Creek Show @waterloogreenway at Waterloo Park from 6-10pm
🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm
‌
11/16
🔨 Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes from 10am-1pm: Holiday Countdown
🎨 Art in the Park at Wooten Park 10-11am @austinparksfdn
🧙@hpforbiddenforestexperience
🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
🚲 Kids on Bikes in Parks @thetrailconservancy at Chicano Park 9am-noon
🍗Home For The Holidays Showcase at @heb 🏊 Family Fun Day at @BigBlueSwimSchool 10am-1pm free & open to the public
🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
📖 Free Story Time at @paperbarkbirchbooks at 11am
😂 @excusedabsencecomedy kid-friendly improv 11am $5 at @coldtownetheater
📚 @texasbookfest Free! Downtown Austin
🌟Creek Show @waterloogreenway at Waterloo Park from 6-10pm
🎶Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm
🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm
🎥Fall Family Movie Nights at @waterloo_austin 360/2222 at dusk: The Descendants
🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda
😂 @csz_austin Comedy Sportz at @pinballz_lakecreek at 7:30pm
‌
11/17
🎶Brunch Bunch at @joscoffee Red River with @strawbittyyops 10am-noon
🐐Baby Goats With Santa @goatshenanigans at @vistabrewing 11am-12:30pm
🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience
🎶Free live kids music at @cherrywood_coffeehouse 10am
🎶Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 1-4pm
😂Family-friendly improv at @hideouttheatre 4pm $5
📚 @texasbookfest Free! Downtown Austin
🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda
🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-10pm

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11/15 🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s 🦖 Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm 🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience 🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm ⛺️ Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 🎥 Fall Family Movie Nights at @waterloo_austin 360/2222 at dusk: Frozen 2 🎥 Shrek at @skishores 7pm 🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda 🌟Creek Show @waterloogreenway at Waterloo Park from 6-10pm 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm ‌ 11/16 🔨 Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes from 10am-1pm: Holiday Countdown 🎨 Art in the Park at Wooten Park 10-11am @austinparksfdn 🧙@hpforbiddenforestexperience 🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s 🚲 Kids on Bikes in Parks @thetrailconservancy at Chicano Park 9am-noon 🍗Home For The Holidays Showcase at @heb 🏊 Family Fun Day at @BigBlueSwimSchool 10am-1pm free & open to the public 🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm ⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 📖 Free Story Time at @paperbarkbirchbooks at 11am 😂 @excusedabsencecomedy kid-friendly improv 11am $5 at @coldtownetheater 📚 @texasbookfest Free! Downtown Austin 🌟Creek Show @waterloogreenway at Waterloo Park from 6-10pm 🎶Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm 🎥Fall Family Movie Nights at @waterloo_austin 360/2222 at dusk: The Descendants 🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda 😂 @csz_austin Comedy Sportz at @pinballz_lakecreek at 7:30pm ‌ 11/17 🎶Brunch Bunch at @joscoffee Red River with @strawbittyyops 10am-noon 🐐Baby Goats With Santa @goatshenanigans at @vistabrewing 11am-12:30pm 🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s 🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm ⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience 🎶Free live kids music at @cherrywood_coffeehouse 10am 🎶Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 1-4pm 😂Family-friendly improv at @hideouttheatre 4pm $5 📚 @texasbookfest Free! Downtown Austin 🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-10pm
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