fortlandia (1)

An Epic Fort Adventure Awaits at Fortlandia in Austin

Addie Gross Fall

Check out the enchanting world of Fortlandia, nestled within the lush surroundings of the Wildflower Center. Get ready for a journey of history, nature, and perhaps, a sprinkle of magic!

Fortlandia

Location

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Fortlandia

Hours & Admission

Fortlandia is open when the Wildflower Center is open and will run during the following dates: Oct. 3-5, 2025 – Feb 1, 2026.

The Wildflower Center is open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. *Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1*

Admission:

FREE for Members
$15 Adults
$10 Seniors (65+)
$13 Military (with ID)
$8 Youth (Ages 5 – 17)
FREE Children 4 years and under
FREE UT Austin faculty, staff and students (with ID)

Fortlandia

Forts Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

Each year, Fortlandia comes back with new, creative forts that get more & more creative. We love coming back year after year to see what fun forts they have. There’s a cool backstory to each one, and we love exploring these creations.

Fortlandia

Why Should You Visit?

Fortlandia is a kid-paradise. Here are a few reasons why we love it:

Art Meets Play: These aren’t just forts; they’re pieces of art. Talk about inspiring our little future Picassos and architects!
Nature Galore: Set within the Wildflower Center, expect to see the Texan flora at its finest.
Hands-on Fun: Kids can explore, play, and let their imaginations run wild. Fortlandia is all about tactile experiences!
Learning Moment: Not just fun, but also a lesson in appreciating local art and nature’s beauty.

Fortlandia

Tips For Visiting Fortlandia

Make sure you wear comfy shoes (that might get dirty). Also bring snacks, sunblock, hats, water bottles, a picnic blanket, strollers or wagons.

Fortlandia

The Family Garden

family garden maze at lady bird johnson wildflower center

We always make sure to save plenty of time for a visit to the Family Garden. My boys love to run around and play at the waterfall caves and all the exhibits over in this area.

fortlandia at the wildflower center austin

the tunnel at the wildflower center in austin

wildflower center in austin tunnel in the family garden

the waterfall at the wildflower center in austin

giant egg nests at the wildflower center in austin

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Fortlandia at the wildflower center in austin

You should check this out:

Austin Fun For Kids

austinfunforkids

1,179 66,797

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

🎈 PIKOPYE’S TOWN JUST GOT A NEW BACKYARD PLAY AREA! 😎

📍 1607 Ranch Rd 620 N #100, Lakeway

🦄 We adore the new outdoor place space for kids at @pikopyestown 😍

This new addition has a unicorn roller coaster, a play house, a seesaw, toys, and a seating area for the parents! 🙌 It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy being outside!

My son has loved @pikopyestown since he was 3 (we even had his bday party there when he turned 4)!

They also have the coolest events like Bluey & Bingo Meet & Greets, tea parties, and a fire truck party!

🚒 The fire truck party had the cutest decorations, pizza, pretzels, and a story time about a fire truck!

🪴 They are having a Garden Tea Party THIS SUNDAY from 4-6pm to celebrate the grand opening of their new backyard space! This must be booked online and is $50 for a kid/parent duo. Princess Belle will be there too!

💙 The next BLUEY PARTY will be April 18!

👀 They are also on the @pogopass_austin_sanantonio so make sure to use code: Austinfunforkids for over half off! 🤗 Pogo Pass holders may book select play times (these do not include special events).

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🎈 PIKOPYE’S TOWN JUST GOT A NEW BACKYARD PLAY AREA! 😎 📍 1607 Ranch Rd 620 N #100, Lakeway 🦄 We adore the new outdoor place space for kids at @pikopyestown 😍 This new addition has a unicorn roller coaster, a play house, a seesaw, toys, and a seating area for the parents! 🙌 It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy being outside! My son has loved @pikopyestown since he was 3 (we even had his bday party there when he turned 4)! They also have the coolest events like Bluey & Bingo Meet & Greets, tea parties, and a fire truck party! 🚒 The fire truck party had the cutest decorations, pizza, pretzels, and a story time about a fire truck! 🪴 They are having a Garden Tea Party THIS SUNDAY from 4-6pm to celebrate the grand opening of their new backyard space! This must be booked online and is $50 for a kid/parent duo. Princess Belle will be there too! 💙 The next BLUEY PARTY will be April 18! 👀 They are also on the @pogopass_austin_sanantonio so make sure to use code: Austinfunforkids for over half off! 🤗 Pogo Pass holders may book select play times (these do not include special events).

152 4

Have you been to all the children’s museums around Austin and beyond! We love these for days we are out exploring with our kids! 🤗

@thinkeryatx
@sciencemilltx
@thedoseum
@tcm_kids
@mckennakids
@maybornmuseum

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Have you been to all the children’s museums around Austin and beyond! We love these for days we are out exploring with our kids! 🤗 @thinkeryatx @sciencemilltx @thedoseum @tcm_kids @mckennakids @maybornmuseum

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🩷Keeping kids safe online is something every parent worries about. As a mom of a 15 year old who recently started using Instagram, this topic is extra important to me.

❤️Yesterday I attended the @instagram Screen Smart Event. I learned so much, got some great new insights and ideas, and made some new friends too!

🧡The panel of experts who spoke at the event were brilliant and delightful. I could just listen to them speak forever! Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart was amazing and inspiring.

👉How we have navigated social media with our teen at home so far:
My son really wanted to join Instagram when he turned 15. To be honest, I wanted him to wait until at least 16, but when we found out about the Teen Instagram settings with parental controls, I was more open to the idea. Many of my trusted mom friends had decided to allow their 15 year olds to have Instagram with these settings, so I felt more reassured with that knowledge as well.

The teen setting allows us to have control over who he’s friends with and how much time he’s on the app. It also blocks strangers from being able to message him and only shows him age-appropriate material. We can also see who he adds as a friend.

Like it or not, this is the way most teens communicate with each other these days. Instead of outright denying it, we got curious and asked him why he wanted Instagram (something Dr Lockhart also recommended!)

This situation will look different for every family. In the end, we decided we were going to trust the parental controls and allow him one hour per day on the app. He later told me he was actually grateful for this time limit, as he could see himself getting sucked in to “doom scrolling” without it in place. I was so proud that he came to that discovery on his own! 🥰

He’s a good kid who gets good grades and never gets in trouble. He’s got plenty of extracurricular interests and I think having a small dose of social media with safe boundaries in place is ok for him.

💻To learn more, or to start your own Instagram journey with your kids, go to meta.me/screensmart

#instagramscreensmart #metapartner #paidpartnership

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🩷Keeping kids safe online is something every parent worries about. As a mom of a 15 year old who recently started using Instagram, this topic is extra important to me. ❤️Yesterday I attended the @instagram Screen Smart Event. I learned so much, got some great new insights and ideas, and made some new friends too! 🧡The panel of experts who spoke at the event were brilliant and delightful. I could just listen to them speak forever! Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart was amazing and inspiring. 👉How we have navigated social media with our teen at home so far: My son really wanted to join Instagram when he turned 15. To be honest, I wanted him to wait until at least 16, but when we found out about the Teen Instagram settings with parental controls, I was more open to the idea. Many of my trusted mom friends had decided to allow their 15 year olds to have Instagram with these settings, so I felt more reassured with that knowledge as well. The teen setting allows us to have control over who he’s friends with and how much time he’s on the app. It also blocks strangers from being able to message him and only shows him age-appropriate material. We can also see who he adds as a friend. Like it or not, this is the way most teens communicate with each other these days. Instead of outright denying it, we got curious and asked him why he wanted Instagram (something Dr Lockhart also recommended!) This situation will look different for every family. In the end, we decided we were going to trust the parental controls and allow him one hour per day on the app. He later told me he was actually grateful for this time limit, as he could see himself getting sucked in to “doom scrolling” without it in place. I was so proud that he came to that discovery on his own! 🥰 He’s a good kid who gets good grades and never gets in trouble. He’s got plenty of extracurricular interests and I think having a small dose of social media with safe boundaries in place is ok for him. 💻To learn more, or to start your own Instagram journey with your kids, go to meta.me/screensmart #instagramscreensmart #metapartner #paidpartnership

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☀️ MORNING GLORIES 🎶

📍 Meredith Heritage Tree Deck at Waterloo Park, 500 E 12th St, Austin, TX

📅 Tuesdays in April from 10-11am (Begins April 1)

👧 Babies, toddlers, preschoolers

🎶 Live music, singing, dancing, activities, storytime, and more!

💰 FREE!!!

#morninglories #AustinToddlers #FreeInAustin #WaterlooPark #austinfunforkids #AustinFamilies #MusicForToddlers #ATXEvents #AustinKidsActivities #AustinMoms #ToddlerFunATX #FamilyFunAustin #austinkids #ATXParents #ThingsToDoInAustin #KidFriendlyAustin #FreeAustinEvents

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☀️ MORNING GLORIES 🎶 📍 Meredith Heritage Tree Deck at Waterloo Park, 500 E 12th St, Austin, TX 📅 Tuesdays in April from 10-11am (Begins April 1) 👧 Babies, toddlers, preschoolers 🎶 Live music, singing, dancing, activities, storytime, and more! 💰 FREE!!! #morninglories #AustinToddlers #FreeInAustin #WaterlooPark #austinfunforkids #AustinFamilies #MusicForToddlers #ATXEvents #AustinKidsActivities #AustinMoms #ToddlerFunATX #FamilyFunAustin #austinkids #ATXParents #ThingsToDoInAustin #KidFriendlyAustin #FreeAustinEvents

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3/28
🎡Spring Carnival at @pinballzbuda
🎨 Arty Party at Laguna Gloria 10-11am @contemporaryatx
🔬Hot Science Cool Talks @iheartgirlstart 5:30-8:15pm on UT Campus
🛍️Children’s Business Fair 5-7pm @hillcountrygalleria
🎸 Rock The Park @kutx Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater 6:45pm Free!
🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm
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3/29
🎉 Cedar Fest @chambercedarpark at Milburn Park
🪻Bluem festival 10-6 @lcraparks
🎡Spring Carnival at @pinballzbuda
🏰 @sherwoodforestfaire Free for kids ages 5 & under!
🦕 Dinosaur Day at @heritagemuseumtexashillcountry 12-4pm $5
👧Playdate in the Park at Brownie Neighborhood Park @austinparksfdn 10-11:30am free!
🛻 Touch A Truck at @divinesaviorsantaritaranch 10am-1pm Get Free tickets on their website!
📚 Storytime at La Verde Park 9:30-10:30am @kylelibrary
💦Family Pool Opens at @luckyarrowretreat 12-5pm
📕 Story Time at @BookPeople at 10:30am
📖 Free Story Time at @PaperBarkBirchbooks at 11am
😂 @excusedabsencecomedy kid-friendly improv show at 11am $5 at @coldtownetheater
🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm
🎶 Saturday Night Concert Series at @hillcountrygalleria 6-8pm Free!
😂 @csz_austin Comedy Sportz at @pinballz_lakecreek at 7:30pm
‌
3/30
🎶 Free live kids music at @cherrywood_coffeehouse 10am
🪁 Kite Making Workshop at @saplingsatx 11am-noon $20 book online
🎡Spring Carnival at @pinballzbuda
🛍️Spring Market at @brentwoodsocialhouse 10-3
🏰 @sherwoodforestfaire Free for kids ages 5 & under!
🎶 Brunch Bunch at @joscoffee Red River 10am free live kids music
⚾️Spike from @rrexpress Meet & Greet at IKEA 1-2pm, plus get a free kids meal with purchase of adult meal
🐦Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus The Musical at @zachtheatre 2pm
🧼 Buff’s Kids Day @buffcitysoap.atx 2-4pm at the Round Rock location
🍺 Family Fun Day at @fastfriendsbeer 12-3pm
🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm
‌
3/31
🎨 Day Camp at @figmentcreative 9:30am-2:30pm ages 5-12 $125
🎡Spring Carnival at @pinballzbuda
🎨 Descendants Art Camp at @theartgarage_atx ages 6-12 10am-2pm $95
🥷 Ninja Day Camp at @ninjanationatx from 9am-3pm ages 5-12 $99

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3/28 🎡Spring Carnival at @pinballzbuda 🎨 Arty Party at Laguna Gloria 10-11am @contemporaryatx 🔬Hot Science Cool Talks @iheartgirlstart 5:30-8:15pm on UT Campus 🛍️Children’s Business Fair 5-7pm @hillcountrygalleria 🎸 Rock The Park @kutx Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater 6:45pm Free! 🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm ‌ 3/29 🎉 Cedar Fest @chambercedarpark at Milburn Park 🪻Bluem festival 10-6 @lcraparks 🎡Spring Carnival at @pinballzbuda 🏰 @sherwoodforestfaire Free for kids ages 5 & under! 🦕 Dinosaur Day at @heritagemuseumtexashillcountry 12-4pm $5 👧Playdate in the Park at Brownie Neighborhood Park @austinparksfdn 10-11:30am free! 🛻 Touch A Truck at @divinesaviorsantaritaranch 10am-1pm Get Free tickets on their website! 📚 Storytime at La Verde Park 9:30-10:30am @kylelibrary 💦Family Pool Opens at @luckyarrowretreat 12-5pm 📕 Story Time at @BookPeople at 10:30am 📖 Free Story Time at @PaperBarkBirchbooks at 11am 😂 @excusedabsencecomedy kid-friendly improv show at 11am $5 at @coldtownetheater 🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm 🎶 Saturday Night Concert Series at @hillcountrygalleria 6-8pm Free! 😂 @csz_austin Comedy Sportz at @pinballz_lakecreek at 7:30pm ‌ 3/30 🎶 Free live kids music at @cherrywood_coffeehouse 10am 🪁 Kite Making Workshop at @saplingsatx 11am-noon $20 book online 🎡Spring Carnival at @pinballzbuda 🛍️Spring Market at @brentwoodsocialhouse 10-3 🏰 @sherwoodforestfaire Free for kids ages 5 & under! 🎶 Brunch Bunch at @joscoffee Red River 10am free live kids music ⚾️Spike from @rrexpress Meet & Greet at IKEA 1-2pm, plus get a free kids meal with purchase of adult meal 🐦Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus The Musical at @zachtheatre 2pm 🧼 Buff’s Kids Day @buffcitysoap.atx 2-4pm at the Round Rock location 🍺 Family Fun Day at @fastfriendsbeer 12-3pm 🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm ‌ 3/31 🎨 Day Camp at @figmentcreative 9:30am-2:30pm ages 5-12 $125 🎡Spring Carnival at @pinballzbuda 🎨 Descendants Art Camp at @theartgarage_atx ages 6-12 10am-2pm $95 🥷 Ninja Day Camp at @ninjanationatx from 9am-3pm ages 5-12 $99

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🪻FREE KID FRIENDLY EVENTS IN AUSTIN THIS APRIL 🪻

Comment APRIL to get the post send directly to your DM’s. Or click the link in bio or the link in stories! 🤗

#AustinEvents #austinkids #AustinFamilies #FreeInAustin #ThingsToDoInAustin #AustinTX #AustinMoms #AustinDads #AustinWeekend #FamilyFunAustin #freefamilyfun

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🪻FREE KID FRIENDLY EVENTS IN AUSTIN THIS APRIL 🪻 Comment APRIL to get the post send directly to your DM’s. Or click the link in bio or the link in stories! 🤗 #AustinEvents #austinkids #AustinFamilies #FreeInAustin #ThingsToDoInAustin #AustinTX #AustinMoms #AustinDads #AustinWeekend #FamilyFunAustin #freefamilyfun

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⛺️ @riversedgecampground was the perfect spot for camping on spring break! 🤩

📍 1217 US-281, Johnson City, TX

🏠 There’s something for everyone here! You can choose tent camping, RV camping, a cabin, or even glamping in a covered wagon!

🛌 The cabins come with different features. Some can sleep up to 6! Some have bathrooms and small kitchens. Ours was the closest to the river and slept 6.
🚽 If having a bathroom inside your cabin is important to you, make sure you choose one that has that option!
🛶 rent kayaks to take down the river
🏊 pool & hot tub (pro tip: there are jets you can turn on on the pole next to the hot tub!)
🏀 basketball court (and balls)
🏐 sand volleyball (and balls)
🎱 pool table upstairs in the main office
🏓 pickleball court
🛝 playground
♟️ giant chess
🌽 cornhole
🥏 9 hole disc golf course
🧺 laundry room available
🔥 fire pits at every site plus at the main gaming/pool area

This pace was so much fun! My kids ran around and made friends with the other kids, making up games and basically having the time of their lives! There was a pickleball tournament happening on the day we left which looked like a lot of fun. They really know how to have a good time here. Check them out for your next long weekend vacation or for this summer!

#austinkids #austinfamilyfun #austinfamily #glamping #camping #rv #cabin #cabins #pedernales #pedernalesriver #johnsoncitytx

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⛺️ @riversedgecampground was the perfect spot for camping on spring break! 🤩 📍 1217 US-281, Johnson City, TX 🏠 There’s something for everyone here! You can choose tent camping, RV camping, a cabin, or even glamping in a covered wagon! 🛌 The cabins come with different features. Some can sleep up to 6! Some have bathrooms and small kitchens. Ours was the closest to the river and slept 6. 🚽 If having a bathroom inside your cabin is important to you, make sure you choose one that has that option! 🛶 rent kayaks to take down the river 🏊 pool & hot tub (pro tip: there are jets you can turn on on the pole next to the hot tub!) 🏀 basketball court (and balls) 🏐 sand volleyball (and balls) 🎱 pool table upstairs in the main office 🏓 pickleball court 🛝 playground ♟️ giant chess 🌽 cornhole 🥏 9 hole disc golf course 🧺 laundry room available 🔥 fire pits at every site plus at the main gaming/pool area This pace was so much fun! My kids ran around and made friends with the other kids, making up games and basically having the time of their lives! There was a pickleball tournament happening on the day we left which looked like a lot of fun. They really know how to have a good time here. Check them out for your next long weekend vacation or for this summer! #austinkids #austinfamilyfun #austinfamily #glamping #camping #rv #cabin #cabins #pedernales #pedernalesriver #johnsoncitytx

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🦕 Take an adventure more than 110 million years into the past! 🤩 @gbratx

🥾 We booked the 90 minute Canyon Lake Gorge Guided Tour Hike over spring break and honestly it was the highlight of our trip!

📍 16029 S Access Rd, Canyon Lake, TX

👉Tour highlights include:
🚌 VIP access to go all the way down into the gorge (only accessible with the guided tour!)
🦖 Real dinosaur tracks that were exposed after the flood of 2002
🐚 Finding fossils that were over 110 million years old!
💦Waterfalls

We learned so much about ancient Texas history and the flood that carved the gorge. My kids said our tour guide liked to yap 😅 but also that was the best part! He truly knows his stuff and absolutely loves to share what he knows. It really makes learning so fun when you learn it from someone who’s so passionate about what they do! It was our whole family’s favorite part of spring break!

🥾 The hike is about 1.25 miles long. Sturdy shoes are a must!
👧 Kids must be 7 years old or older to join this hike.
🎟️ Guided tours are $15-20/person.
⏰ We chose the 90 minute hike (which went over time and ended up being almost 2 hours). There’s also a 3 hour option that is the same distance, just with more yapping (lol), so be sure to book that one if you want to learn even more. 😉
☀️ We went during spring so the weather was great! Hikes start at 8:30am. Make sure you bring water, hats, sunscreen, and snacks.
🥾 If your kids are too young for the guided hike, or you just don’t want to book it, you can do the hiking trails around the gorge ($5/person, kids 12 & under are free). Keep in mind you won’t be able to see the dinosaur tracks this way.

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🦕 Take an adventure more than 110 million years into the past! 🤩 @gbratx 🥾 We booked the 90 minute Canyon Lake Gorge Guided Tour Hike over spring break and honestly it was the highlight of our trip! 📍 16029 S Access Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 👉Tour highlights include: 🚌 VIP access to go all the way down into the gorge (only accessible with the guided tour!) 🦖 Real dinosaur tracks that were exposed after the flood of 2002 🐚 Finding fossils that were over 110 million years old! 💦Waterfalls We learned so much about ancient Texas history and the flood that carved the gorge. My kids said our tour guide liked to yap 😅 but also that was the best part! He truly knows his stuff and absolutely loves to share what he knows. It really makes learning so fun when you learn it from someone who’s so passionate about what they do! It was our whole family’s favorite part of spring break! 🥾 The hike is about 1.25 miles long. Sturdy shoes are a must! 👧 Kids must be 7 years old or older to join this hike. 🎟️ Guided tours are $15-20/person. ⏰ We chose the 90 minute hike (which went over time and ended up being almost 2 hours). There’s also a 3 hour option that is the same distance, just with more yapping (lol), so be sure to book that one if you want to learn even more. 😉 ☀️ We went during spring so the weather was great! Hikes start at 8:30am. Make sure you bring water, hats, sunscreen, and snacks. 🥾 If your kids are too young for the guided hike, or you just don’t want to book it, you can do the hiking trails around the gorge ($5/person, kids 12 & under are free). Keep in mind you won’t be able to see the dinosaur tracks this way.

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