The Ultimate Family Guide to Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin
Magical creatures, enchanted forests, and spells come to life at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin! This interactive experience lets families step into the magical world of Harry Potter, exploring a forest filled with interactive light displays, lifelike creatures, spell casting, and magical surprises. For families bringing kids, this guide has all the tips you need for a smooth and memorable visit.
Location
Dates & Times
Open Friday – Sunday and select weeknights through Dec 19, 2024.
Tickets & A DISCOUNT CODE!
Go here to purchase tickets. Get 10% off with my code: FFAUSTIN10
Tips for Visiting Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience with Kids
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this magical forest with kids:
- Purchase Tickets in Advance. Use my code: FFAUSTIN10 to get 10% off!
- Dress for the Weather and Terrain. The trail takes about 60–90 minutes to complete, so make sure everyone is dressed comfortably with layers for cooler evenings. The forest path can be uneven, so closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must. Shoes will most likely get dirty on the dirt path. In case of rain, waterproof jackets and umbrellas are recommended, as the experience is mostly outdoors.
- Bring a Small Flashlight or Glow Stick. While the trail is well-lit, a small flashlight or glow stick can be helpful for children who might feel uneasy in darker areas of the forest. Glow sticks add a touch of enchantment for kids, making them feel like they’re carrying their own magical light.
Tips for Visiting Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience with Kids
- Encourage Your Kids to Dress Up! Children (and adults!) are welcome to dress as their favorite Harry Potter characters. Capes, wands, and scarves are all encouraged and add to the fun. If you don’t have your own, you can find wands and other Harry Potter merchandise at the gift shop near the entrance.
- Bring jogging strollers/wagons for the long walk. It took us about an hour and a half to complete the trail. That’s a lot of walking! Don’t bring an umbrella stroller though (it’s a rocky path).
- Take a potty/snack break. About half way through, there’s a section that’s perfect for a potty/snack break! When you stop to have the wand duel, you can also purchase drinks/snacks and use the restrooms. There are also restrooms at the beginning/end of the trail (it’s a loop). They are nice, elevated porta-potties!
Fun Activities for Kids at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
1. Spell-Casting and Interactive Magic
- Kids will have a chance to cast their own spells at designated spots. These magical stations respond to movement, allowing children to experience the thrill of spell-casting firsthand.
2. Patronus Light Display
- One of the highlights for kids and adults alike is the Patronus display. Watch as glowing Patronuses appear in the trees, each representing a different magical creature from the Harry Potter universe.
3. Photo Stations with Magical Creatures
- Be on the lookout for life-size replicas of creatures like Buckbeak the Hippogriff, centaurs, and even Aragog the giant spider! These installations make incredible photo opportunities for families.
4. Themed Souvenir Shop and Magical Treats
- Near the exit, there’s a Harry Potter-themed gift shop filled with merchandise, from wands and robes to collectible souvenirs. There are also some fantastic treats available to purchase like a Golden Snitch cake Pop, s’mores, Butterbeer, and hot chocolate.
5. S’mores Firepits
- They have giant marshmallows for sale and firepits for roasting which really added to the fun of the night.
Why We Love Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin
I read the entire series and watched all the movies with my big boys a couple of years ago, so this whole experience felt really special to us. My youngest hasn’t read them yet, but was entertained the entire time with all the interactive exhibits. Whether your children are Harry Potter fans or simply love magical adventures, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin is an unforgettable outing that will leave them enchanted. It’s not too scary (even the Dementor scene isn’t scary). The scariest part was probably the spiders (but that was honestly also one of the best parts!)
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