The Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Round Rock
Welcome to Round Rock, Texas – a city brimming with family-friendly adventures! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Round Rock offers a plethora of activities that cater to children of all ages. From outdoor fun to educational experiences, this charming city has something for every family. Let’s dive into the best kid-friendly things to do in Round Rock.
The Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Round Rock
Parks
Play for All Abilities Park
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This is everyone’s favorite park! There’s a mini town with streets and a race track, so bring your ride-on toys like scooters and bikes! This is a huge, fully fenced park with so much to do for kids of all ages and abilities. You will spend hours here and still not see it all.
Old Settlers Park
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This massive park has 2 fantastic playgrounds: Joanne Land and Virg Rabb. We love playing at both of these. Joanne Land has a zipline and is right by the lake, so you could make a day of it and pack a picnic! Virg Rabb has a covered pavilion where you could eat as well.
Joe B Freeman
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This park’s playground recently got an upgrade. There is also a trailhead here for the Brushy Creek Trail with a cute Big Foot sign marking the start.
Lake Creek Park
This park has a dog park, playground, basketball courts, sand volleyball, a pool, covered pavilions, and sports fields.
Cat Hollow Park
This playground is getting an upgrade! The park also has a pool, tennis court, basketball court, baseball/kickball field, open fields, playground, shade trees, picnic tables, covered pavilions, disc golf course, and walking trails.
Chisholm Valley Park
There’s a cute little playground here. Bring sand toys and brushes for the dino bones dig sand pit. No bathrooms, street parking only.
Frontier Park
This has a sweet nature-themed playscape with lots to do for all ages.
Pepper Rock Park
Technically on the Austin/Round Rock boarder in the Cat Hollow/Brushy Creek neighborhood in west Round Rock, this park is great so we had to include it in the park round up list.
Mesa Village Park
Playground that was recently updated. Great for climbing!
Shirley McDonald Duck Pond
We love coming here to visit the turtles and ducks. The playground is covered too. Parking is tricky now that they’ve done all the bridge construction over there.
Creekside Park
This park is one of the 6 playground along the Brushy Creek Trail. It also has a pool. Very shady and public restrooms.
Olsen Meadows Park
This park falls on the Austin/Round Rock border but we still wanted to include in the parks round up. There’s a great playground, a covered pavilion, and a little creek that kids love to catch crawfish in. Note that there’s a bathroom but you need a key to use it.
Kinningham Park
This recently remodeled playground is perfect for climbing!
High Country Park (Flower Hill Community Park)
One of the most recent playground upgrades in Round Rock. Huge slide and great for climbing.
Round Rock West Park
An older playground and right by the lake.
Shaylah Dame Skate Park
Indoor Fun
Tot Box Play Cafe
We are obsessed with this new adorable indoor play space for kids in Round Rock! Reserve your play time online before you go. Best for babies, toddlers & preschoolers. Birthday parties available too!
Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl
This bowling alley makes you feel like you’re under the sea. Balls even come out of sharks mouths! There’s a decent arcade as well.
Altitude Trampoline Park
Dodge ball, balance beam challenges, climbing wall, new climbing structure, basketball, and or course trampolines! There’s always a Groupon for this place too.
Escapology
We have been to an escape room here and were so close to escaping. I think it’s time to try again!
Flix Brewhouse
They have a lot of family events and you can order from a server right at your seat!
IKEA
IKEA doesn’t have their free play area open anymore, but they do have a fun children’s department that my kids love to play in. They also have free family events on Wednesday nights where you can make a craft for free! register online before you go, they will turn you away if the event is full. Also kids eat free every Wednesday! Two kid’s entrees free with purchase of adult entrée on Wednesdays for IKEA family members.
Pump It Up
It’s tricky finding a time to come here when they aren’t closed for private parties, but there’s usually some availability if you check their calendar here.
Chasco Family YMCA
Did you know that you don’t have to be a member here to use their indoor pool? It’s only $4/person and they have a splash pad area, a mini lazy river, mini whirlpool, lap lanes, and even a water slide! Kids must pass a swim test if they want to do the slide. They are open M-F 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-4:30pm, and Sun 1-5:30pm. CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM HOURS BEFORE YOU GO!!! Swim lessons may affect their hours and the slide has separate hours, so please call ahead to confirm these things before you go.
Kalahari
Did you know that the world’s largest water park lives right here in Round Rock, Texas! Take advantage of the closeness and get a pass for a day. They offer deals on day passes for locals on certain days- so be sure to check it out!
Tom Foolery’s
There’s a giant indoor arcade and amusement park inside Kalahari Resort in Round Rock! Mini golf, laaser tag, an escape room, rides, a ropes course, and you can even be a human claw machine!
B-Lux Bowling
There’s also a bowling alley inside Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock in the B-Lux restaurant.
AcroTex
A great place to have a birthday party or join a gymnastics class. They also have Fun Saturdays, open to all children aged 4 to 14. Activities during fun Saturdays include games, foam pit, zip lines, open gym time, and more!
Nessie Bricks
New to Round Rock! Nessie Bricks buys, sells, and trades Lego.
Jungle Movement
My boys love taking parkour classes here. Check their website for open gym times and class offerings.
Ceramic Lodge
Pottery painting
GattiTown
Pizza buffet and arcade
Monster Mini Golf
Indoor glow-in-the-dark and kind of creep mini golf course with laser tag and arcade.
Round Rock Sports Center
Sports programs for kids
Round Rock Library
Newly built library in downtown Round Rock. Great children’s section upstairs with toys and games and even a pet snake. Check out the outside are upstairs as well.
Little Princess Spa
A spa for kids! Cute birthday party place.
Water Parks/Splash Pads/Pools
Kalahari
Did you know that the world’s largest water park lives right here in Round Rock, Texas! Take advantage of the closeness and get a pass for a day. They offer deals on day passes for locals on certain days- so be sure to check it out!
Rock’N River
We love to beat the Texas heat at the Rock’N River Water Park. With a lazy river, exciting water slides, and a splash pad, it’s the perfect summer destination for families. It’s the perfect size for people who are intimidated by the larger parks like Kalahari and Typhoon Texas. The water park offers different zones suited for various age groups, ensuring a fun and safe water experience for everyone.
Chasco Family YMCA
Did you know that you don’t have to be a member here to use their indoor pool? It’s only $4/person and they have a splash pad area, a mini lazy river, mini whirlpool, lap lanes, and even a water slide! Kids must pass a swim test if they want to do the slide. They are open M-F 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-4:30pm, and Sun 1-5:30pm. CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM HOURS BEFORE YOU GO!!! Swim lessons may affect their hours and the slide has separate hours, so please call ahead to confirm these things before you go.
Micki Kresbach
This pool is a hidden gem for kids! We called it the Pirate Ship Pool. There’s an obstacle course and a slide here too.
Prete Plaza
Round Rock’s only splash pad is in downtown at Prete Plaza. It’s on for most of the year!
Emler Swim School
Indoor pool for swim lessons and birthday parties.
Round Rock Express Baseball Games at Dell Diamond
Catch a baseball game at Dell Diamond, home to the Round Rock Express. The atmosphere here is electric and perfect for introducing kids to the excitement of sports. Apart from the game, the stadium often hosts family-friendly events and activities, making it a full evening of entertainment. They also have a Kids Club you can join, and special Kids Days (every Sunday home game) where they have free train rides for the kids, free inflatables, and kids can run the bases after the game.
Round Rock Public Library
The brand new public library opened last year and is a treasure trove of children’s books and educational resources. They also host story time sessions and other kid-focused programs. There’s a gorgeous outdoor space for kids upstairs and even a balcony with amazing views of downtown. We love that they kept the beloved red bath tub from the previous building!
Food
Round Rock Donuts
No visit to Round Rock is complete without trying the famous Round Rock Donuts. Their bright orange, fresh, and warm donuts are a delight for all ages.
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Kerbey Lane Cafe in Round Rock has a fenced-in playground and fantastic breakfast! Kids eat free every Tuesday!
Salt Lick BBQ
Salt Lick BBQ in Round Rock has a playground and shady patio. Kids 3 & under eat free with purchase of adult family style meal.
Hat Creek Burgers
Hat Creek has a fenced-in playground, a great kids menu, and milkshakes!
Joe’s Crab Shack
A giant playground in the sand. Ask to sit on the patio.
Mighty Fine
They share this playground with the public space and other nearby restaurants, but there’s plenty of patio seating so you can keep an eye on your kids.
Cork & Barrel
Kid-friendly brewery in Round Rock with a beautiful patio and lots of space to run around and play. Bring a ball and make some new friends!
Mesa Rosa
Mesa Rosa is in Austin on the border of west Round Rock. They have one of the best patios/playgrounds, but the food is just ok.
Unicorniverse Bakery
Vegan bakery decorated to look like Beauty & the Beast!
3 Star Candy Shop
You definitely need to stop by 3 Star Candy Shop whenever you are in downtown Round Rock. They have tons of candy and also a soda fountain (get the butterbeer!).
Kawaii’s Shaved Ice
Round Rock’s original shave ice spot- Kawaii’s has unique flavors and a shaded patio.
Ululani’s Shave Ice
New to Round Rock, this Maui staple has quickly become our favorite dessert spot. We always get the Amy’s vanilla ice cream on the bottom.
Waffle Love
The sunniest interior design and yummiest waffles in town!
Besos Cocina & Cantina
Kids eat free every Monday with adult entree purchase at Besos.
The Kebab Shop
Kids eat free every weekend at the Kebab Shop!
Blue Corn Harvest
Kids eat free every Monday at Blue Corn Harvest!
More kids eat free options:
- Sirloin Stockade on Tuesdays after 4 p.m.
- Pluckers on Tuesdays
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill: kids eat free Mondays and Tuesdays
- Buffalo Wings and Rings- Round Rock: Kids 10 and under are free with paying adult on Mondays
- Cotton Patch Cafe on Thursdays
- Freebirds on Sundays
Brushy Creek Regional Trail
For families who enjoy hiking or biking, this trail offers beautiful scenery and a chance to explore nature. It runs through Round Rock and into Cedar Park.
Bluebonnets in Round Rock
Round Rock has several great places to see the bluebonnets every spring. Look for them in the grass out in front of Kalahari, at Old Settlers Park, Palm Valley Lutheran Church, Unity Park Community Garden, at Clay Madsen Center, in front of Success High School, at the Texas Baptist Children’s Home, and along the Round Rock West Greenbelt Trail.
Events
Music on Main
Round Rock has free outdoor concerts every spring and fall downtown at Prete Plaza on Wednesday nights. Bring your blankets or camping chairs, pack a picnic, and settle in for a fun night of free music.
Chalk Walk
Every October, you can attend the annual Chalk Walk at Dell Diamond for free! We love to see the chalk artists do their work over the course of this 2-day festival.
Family Fun Nights at Yonders Point
Family Fun Nights at Yonders Point are free evenings full of fun activities for the whole family.
Pop Up Play Day
Pop Up Play Days are free days of fun for the whole family!
Flashlight Egg Hunt/Movie in the Park
This year’s egg hunt is March 28 from 6-10 p.m. at Old Settlers Park.
Family Campout
Every September, you can camp out with your family at Old Settlers Park.
Muddy Miler
Every May, Round Rock turns Old Settlers Park into a might mud mania obstacle course! Come ready to get muddy and have lots of fun!
July 4th Parade and Frontier Days
Parade and festival on the 4th of July
Light Up The Lake
2 day free festival around the lake at Old Settlers Park in December each year.
Fall Fun Festival
Every year, the Round Rock Parks Department puts on the cutest Halloween event for toddlers- the Fall Fun Festival!
Santa at Bass Pro and Round Rock Premium Outlets
Our favorite Santa is at Bass Pro Shops every year and it’s free to get a photo with him!
Hometown Holiday
Every Christmas, downtown Round Rock has the prettiest decorations!
Elf Scavenger Hunt at Santa’s Jingle House
We go every year! It’s so much fun for all ages (even my teenager loves doing this!). Find all the elves hidden in the rooms. There are 3 different difficulty levels so it’s perfect for everyone.
Birthday Parties
This is always the question we get asked the most: where is a good place to have my kid’s birthday party? Here’s a great list of all the places in Round Rock to have a party.
- Tot Box Play Cafe (best for babies/toddlers/preschoolers)
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- Kalahari Resorts
- Buff City Soap (better for older kids/tweens/teens)
- Little Princess Spa
- My Party Palace
- Chuck E Cheese
- Pump It Up
- Jungle Movement
- Monster Mini Golf
- Gatti Town
- Rock’N River
- Emler Swim School
- Round Rock Sports Center
- AcroTex
- Play For All Abilities Park
Kids Haircuts
There are several great places for kids’ haircuts in Round Rock. We love Cookie Cutters, Cuts & Curls, Snip-Its.