The Best Austin Kids’ Guide To South Congress
If you’re planning a family trip to Austin, Texas, South Congress is a must-visit destination. This iconic street is filled with fun activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained. Here’s the best Austin kids guide to South Congress.
The Best Austin Kids Guide To South Congress
Start with Breakfast at Magnolia Cafe
Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast at Magnolia Café, a popular Austin institution that serves up tasty pancakes, migas, queso, and coffee. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of exploring with your family.
Prima Dora
Right next to Magnolia Cafe is a cool shop that really more for grownups than kids, but it’s worth stopping in to look for gifts/souvenirs. Plus, there’s a mural on the side of this building that says Love From Austin that’s perfect for posting vacation photos.
SOCO Mural
The next cool mural you will pass as you continue walking North along South Congress is the SOCO mural. It’s just past Torchy’s which has taco and amazing queso, if you’re still hungry at this point.
The Best Austin Kids’ Guide To South Congress
Monkey See Monkey Do
This is a sort of gift shop with random quirky gifts and toys. It’s much more kid-friendly than Prima Dora, and you will most likely be wanting some AC at this point.
Little Limbo
Baby and kids clothing and gift store.
Big Top Candy Shop
No trip to South Congress is complete without a visit to Big Top Candy Shop. This old-fashioned candy store features a wide variety of sweets, including homemade fudge, classic candies, and unique treats from around the world. Kids will love the colorful displays and sampling all the different flavors. You can choose whether or not you want to hit up this candy store early on or on your way back to your car, but either way it’s a must-do with kids. Probably the most kid-friendly thing to do on South Congress, actually! It’s old-timey and charming and will give you just the sugar buzz you didn’t know you needed. I highly recommend their root beer floats.
Allen’s Boots
This iconic boots store is fun to wander through to feel very Texan. You may wander our with new boots that were made for walkin’ (down the rest of South Congress). They even have boots for kids if you want a pricey souvenir.
Güero’s Taco Bar
Go here for lunch if your kids like tacos. If they like pizza better, go to Home Slice. Either way, you can’t lose.
Home Slice Pizza
This is our favorite pizza place, but it’s small and also everyone else’s favorite pizza place, which means it fills up fast. You can also get it faster by the slice at the window next door (called More Home Slice). If you do decide to wait for a table at the restaurant, ask for a ball of dough for the kids to play with while they wait.
The Best Austin Kids’ Guide To South Congress
Won’t You Be My Neighbor Mural
Parents who grew up in the 80’s will appreciate this mural, as will their Daniel Tiger-loving kids.
HopDoddy Burger Bar
If your kids want to pass on both tacos and pizza, requesting burgers instead, you can always refuel with a delicious lunch at Hopdoddy Burger Bar. It is a popular spot for families, with a variety of burgers, fries, and shakes to choose from. The restaurant has a fun, lively atmosphere that kids will love.
Aviator Nation
Really, the only reason to stop inside this store on South Congress if you are with kids is for the downstairs! They have a pool table, Ms Pac-Man, and couches to lounge around in if you just need a little break from walking around.
Jo’s Coffee
You will most likely need a little caffeine pick-me-up post-lunch, and Jo’s happens to be your next stop along the way. Don’t forget to take a photo at the famous I Love You So Much mural on the side of the building.
If you still need more sugar by this point, you can pop across the street over to Amy’s Ice Creams, or keep heading North a tiny bit and try Jeni’s Ice Cream.
In conclusion, South Congress is a fantastic destination for families visiting Austin. With so many unique shops, restaurants, and activities to explore, you’ll want to come back again and again. Really the best part of being on South Congress is the people watching, the street performers, and just soaking up that “Keep Austin Weird” vibe. By following this guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on South Congress Avenue with your family.
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