How To Have A Family Day Out in Mueller
Austin, Texas, has no shortage of family-friendly destinations, but one neighborhood in particular stands out: Mueller. Once the site of Austin’s airport, the Mueller development has been transformed into a bustling, whimsical community with parks, shopping, dining, and more. Let’s delve into why Mueller is the perfect place for families with kids.
The Parks and Playgrounds
Mueller Lake Park
This park is directly across from the Thinkery. Its entrance is marked by the impressive statue of Nessy, the Loch Ness Monster, who shimmers and glitters with spectacular colored scales. This park has a large shady playground, a walking path around the lake, ducks to feed, an amphitheater, 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin
Jessie Andrews Park
Home to the giant octopus, Ocho, this park is a quirky little spot of Austin! The octopus changes color in the light from blue to purple, and sits directly over the restrooms. There are picnic tables and a climbing playscape area for the kids. 2601 Philomena St, Austin
Mary Elizabeth Branch Park
This park has a splash pad, a giant open field, a playground, restrooms, sand volleyball, and the farmers market every Sunday. 2006 Philomena St, Austin
Ella Wooten Park
One of the older playgrounds in the Mueller area. Has restrooms and a pool.
John Gaines Park
Unique open space with turfed hills and tunnels and a climbing net. There’s also a pool and a community garden.
Patterson Park
You can find Patterson Park just across the street from the Mueller neighborhood. There’s a cute little playscape, a pool, and tennis courts. 4200 Brookview Rd, Austin
Skate Park
Have a skateboarder or BMX rider in the house? The Southeast Greenway Skate Park and Pump Track is located at 3730 Manor Rd.
Whimsical Statues
We love the whimsey of all the statues you can find within Mueller. It’s just something quirky and special that “keeps Austin weird” in the best possible way.
Nessy at Mueller Lake Park
Nessy is a Loch Ness Monster statue made by artist Dixie Friend Gay who greets you at the entrance of Mueller Lake Park. At 30′ long and 16′ high, this impressive statue is more like a landmark! Made of colorful mosaic glass and ceramic pieces, Nessy sparkles in the Austin sun and welcomes you to Mueller.
The Giant Spider
Those with arachnophobia: beware! There’s a haunting sculpture of a 23-by-35-foot metal spider along Mueller’s Southwest Greenway hike & bike trail called Aracnophillia. Also made by artist Dixie Friend Gay. 3700-3744 Berkman Dr, Austin
Ocho the Octopus at Jessie Andrews Park
Another one of artist Dixie Friend Gay’s giant sculptures lives at Jessie Andrews Park, 2601 Philomena St, Austin. Ocho changes color and can look blue or purple in the light.
Butterfly Garden
You can find the Butterfly Garden at 2504-2508 Tom Miller St, Austin. There’s a cute little labyrinth-type maze walking path.
Children’s Museum
The Thinkery is Austin’s children’s museum and a jewel in Mueller’s crown. It offers hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) experiences for kids. Whether they’re building in the Innovators’ Workshop or exploring the Light Lab, your children will leave both entertained and educated. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
Texas Farmers Market
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine! 2006 Philomena St. Austin. Fun activities for kids every Second Sunday of the month! More info here.
Family-Friendly Events
Mueller hosts a plethora of community events, many of which are designed with families in mind. From farmers’ markets to outdoor movie nights and concerts, there’s always something happening that caters to young audiences.
Rock The Park
These free, family-friendly concerts take place at the Mueller Lake Park amphitheater curated by KUTX and Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, and presented by Dell Children’s Medical Center. Come early to grab a spot on the lawn!
Movies at Lake Park
You can see free movies at the park on select days. Check here for updates!
Holiday Events
Every holiday season, the Mueller community has a Tower Lighting with snowballs, refreshments, and music. They also have the Merry & Bright on Aldrich Street Event that includes a Candy Cane Crawl, live music, holiday photo ops, cotton candy, holiday lights display, and alpacas.
Pool & Splash Pads
A neighborhood oasis, the Ella Wooten Pool is a favorite among families. It’s a seasonal outdoor pool that’s ideal for splashing, swimming, and beating the Texas heat.
John Gaines Park has a pool with lap lanes and children’s wading pool.
Mary Elizabeth Branch Park has a large splash pad area, and the nearby Bartholomew District Park has a splash pad as well.
Dining
Honest Mary’s is the first Mueller restaurant to also have a turfed play area for kids!
Kerbey Lane Cafe is a family-friendly spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kids eat free on Tuesdays! Parking validated for Garcia / Longterm garage only (2 hr term). 2200 Aldrich St STE 100, Austin
Dish Society just opened at 1900 Aldrich St Suite #130, Austin and kids eat free all day on Tuesdays with purchase of an adult entree!
Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery has toys, coloring sheets, board games, and the cutest cupcakes and cookies around. 1900 Simond Ave #300, Austin
Lick Honest Ice Creams is always a must-do when we come to Mueller. They have a seasonal caramel corn flavor right now for fall! 1905 Aldrich St Suite 150, Austin
Aviator Pizza recently opened right by the Thinkery and my kids just love their pizza! They also have a full bar and cocktail menu, craft beers made by local breweries, and their own private-label wine made from Texas-grown grapes. Check out their Grand Opening Celebration on Sept 23 at 11 a.m. 1905 Aldrich St Suite 115, Austin
The Kebab Shop– kids eat free on weekends here with purchase of adult meal!
Toy Store
Learning Express is a cool toy store located at 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd Ste 620, Austin. They have some toys on display that you can try out, as well as a train table and Calico Critters house to play with. They pretty much have any toy you could think of!
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