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The Ultimate Family Guide to Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin

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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.

Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin

Location

Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin

Dates & Times

Open Friday – Sunday and select weeknights through Dec 19, 2024.

Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin interactive hippogriff display
Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin interactive hippogriff display

Tickets & A DISCOUNT CODE!

Go here to purchase tickets. Get 10% off with my code: FFAUSTIN10

Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin casting a spell
Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin casting a spell

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!
      Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin the Hufflepuff hot chocolate
      Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin the Hufflepuff hot chocolate

          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.
          Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin the Butterbeer
          Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin the Butterbeer

          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!)

          Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin
          Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin the wand duel- our favorite part!
          Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin the wand duel – our favorite part!
          Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin walking through the spiderwebs
          Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin walking through the spiderwebs

          You should check this out:

          luminations at the wildflower center

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          Austin Fun For Kids

          austinfunforkids

          1,040 59,175

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

          🧗‍♀️ @cruxccpflugerville @cruxcc CHECK OUT THE NEW PFLUGERVILLE LOCATION! 🤩

          📍 18817 N Heatherwilde Blvd Bldg 3, Pflugerville, TX

          🎟️ Kids 5 & under are $5

          There’s so much for kids to do here! An entire kids section that has bouldering, a slide, a warped wall, ropes climbing/belay, and more!

          I also love how welcoming they are towards kids in the adult section. My kids wanted to try some more challenging stuff out in the big area and they were encouraged to try it! There’s a helpful code system that has cute little animal faces to show the difficulty level. For example, my kids mostly stuck to the “Sloth” belays (the easiest ones).

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          🧗‍♀️ @cruxccpflugerville @cruxcc CHECK OUT THE NEW PFLUGERVILLE LOCATION! 🤩 📍 18817 N Heatherwilde Blvd Bldg 3, Pflugerville, TX 🎟️ Kids 5 & under are $5 There’s so much for kids to do here! An entire kids section that has bouldering, a slide, a warped wall, ropes climbing/belay, and more! I also love how welcoming they are towards kids in the adult section. My kids wanted to try some more challenging stuff out in the big area and they were encouraged to try it! There’s a helpful code system that has cute little animal faces to show the difficulty level. For example, my kids mostly stuck to the “Sloth” belays (the easiest ones).
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          🐠 Simar Seafood & Steak 🥩

          📍 9503 Research Blvd Unit 400, Austin

          @simar_atx is such an ideal place to eat out for families in Austin! Here’s why we love it:

          🧸 Indoor/outdoor play area. Is it indoors? Is it outdoors? It’s both! 👏 Such a genius concept and I’ve never seen anything else like it. Perfect for patio season (right now!!!) but also hot weather or cold weather. It’s covered and indoors but also right off the patio so it’s sort of outside too? Whatever you call it, I think it’s perfect!! There’s so much to play with and it’s a large play area so even if it’s crowded there’s still plenty of room and lots to do!
          🌮 Everything was delicious but my favorite hands down was the mini starter tacos 🤤
          🪑 They have a gorgeous patio that’s covered so you can enjoy it almost year round.
          🤩It’s a big place and would be a great spot for a large group/family gathering!
          🎹 They even have a piano in the front!
          🍔 Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal!
          🙌 Use code: TIDE10 for 10% off your total bill!!

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          🐠 Simar Seafood & Steak 🥩 📍 9503 Research Blvd Unit 400, Austin @simar_atx is such an ideal place to eat out for families in Austin! Here’s why we love it: 🧸 Indoor/outdoor play area. Is it indoors? Is it outdoors? It’s both! 👏 Such a genius concept and I’ve never seen anything else like it. Perfect for patio season (right now!!!) but also hot weather or cold weather. It’s covered and indoors but also right off the patio so it’s sort of outside too? Whatever you call it, I think it’s perfect!! There’s so much to play with and it’s a large play area so even if it’s crowded there’s still plenty of room and lots to do! 🌮 Everything was delicious but my favorite hands down was the mini starter tacos 🤤 🪑 They have a gorgeous patio that’s covered so you can enjoy it almost year round. 🤩It’s a big place and would be a great spot for a large group/family gathering! 🎹 They even have a piano in the front! 🍔 Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal! 🙌 Use code: TIDE10 for 10% off your total bill!!
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          🩰 Opening weekend for @balletaustin The Nutcracker at @longcenter is Dec 6-8!

          For one weekend only, guests will a free magical experience before the show! Professional holiday photos, Clara’s Dreamland and photos with Clara, a coloring station, magician, character parade, and more!

          👀 Purchase tickets to see @balletaustin at the link in my bio!

          These special events take place before the show on opening weekend only!

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          🚀 @stargazerbar has landed in East Austin! 🙌

          📍 979 Springdale, Suite 130 Austin, TX 78702 (formerly Austin Eastciders)

          ☕️ Coffee, cocktails, mocktails, lite bites, kolaches from @batchatx , gluten free treats from @maaribuatx , @lickicecreams and 2 food trucks: @dippingspringstenderco and Santo Patio

          🍕 You can even order and pick up pizza from @bambinoatx (with a discount!)

          🚀They have a gorgeous tree covered patio with a space ship playground for kids! Such a fun spot to meet for a playdate! 🤗

          ⏰ Open daily from 7am-late

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          🍣 ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI 🍣

          @machisushiatx has all you can eat sushi! This is the perfect spot for a special dinner for your teens who never seem to get full (spoiler alert: they will finally be full lol!)

          📍 2200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin

          🧋 My kids all like boba tea so we got that too (it’s not all you can drink fyi!) They also love Ramune Japanese soda where you pop the little ball inside and watch it fizz so we got those too!

          🍣The sushi was delicious! The Shaggy Dog was our favorite roll.

          🍣My youngest isn’t a big eater, so we were able to order a single roll for him a la carte and not pay the All You Can Eat price!

          🍦The fried ice cream at the end was a fun experience too.

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          🍣 ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI 🍣 @machisushiatx has all you can eat sushi! This is the perfect spot for a special dinner for your teens who never seem to get full (spoiler alert: they will finally be full lol!) 📍 2200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin 🧋 My kids all like boba tea so we got that too (it’s not all you can drink fyi!) They also love Ramune Japanese soda where you pop the little ball inside and watch it fizz so we got those too! 🍣The sushi was delicious! The Shaggy Dog was our favorite roll. 🍣My youngest isn’t a big eater, so we were able to order a single roll for him a la carte and not pay the All You Can Eat price! 🍦The fried ice cream at the end was a fun experience too.
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          🎅🏻 Santa on the Terrace 📸

          📍 @longcenter
          701 W Riverside Dr, Austin

          📅 Nov 30 from 11am-2:30pm

          📸 Free photos with Santa! No tickets required.

          🐶 Pets are welcome too!

          🍦 Last year there was an ice cream truck and yard games to play!

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          🎅🏻 Santa on the Terrace 📸 📍 @longcenter 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin 📅 Nov 30 from 11am-2:30pm 📸 Free photos with Santa! No tickets required. 🐶 Pets are welcome too! 🍦 Last year there was an ice cream truck and yard games to play!
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          🍺 HOPS FOR HOUSES BEER PASSPORT 🍺

          Right now the beer passport is only $20 (lowest price ever!) and you get a beer at 16 places! That’s practically a dollar per beer!

          👀 The link to purchase is in my bio! All proceeds will benefit @habitatwilcotx

          How it works:
          1️⃣ Buy a beer passport at the link in my bio. You will get one beer at 16 local businesses. Right now it’s only $20 (but will eventually go up to $25).
          2️⃣ Bring your passport with you once it arrives in the mail. I recommend keeping it in your purse or your car so you don’t forget it. There is no way to use the passport electronically. If you forget to bring it with you, you are out of luck!
          3️⃣ The brewery will stamp your passport and you will select one free beer. Some spots let you choose whatever you want and others have a limited passport menu.
          4️⃣ Use your passport as early as Dec 1 and all the way through April 30, 2025!

          Several of the spots on this passport are kid friendly! Here’s the list of participating businesses:

          🍺 @austinbeerworks (turfed play area)
          🍺 @sprinklevalley_abw (playground)
          🍺 @stwbrewing (playground)
          🍺 @barkingarmadillo (turfed area and indoor arcade)
          🍺 @theloosescrewtaylor (brewery inside @oldtaylorhigh with a huge outdoor space plus a candy/ice cream shop and arcade inside)
          🍺 @3rdlevelbrew (board games available)
          🍺 @redhornbrew (board games available, 2 locations)
          🍺 @infamousbrewing (they used to have a playground, not sure if it’s back!)
          🍺 @tejasmeatsupplygtx (one stop on the Georgetown Square)
          🍺 @mesquitecreekoutfitters another spot on the Georgetown Square)
          🍺 @goldenrulegtx (3rd spot on the Georgetown Square)
          🍺 @powerbrewingproject (Hutto)
          🍺 @phantomwarriorbrewingco (Killeen)
          🍺 @nolancreekbrewery (Belton)
          🍺 @sangabrivbrew (Liberty Hill)

          55 3
          Open
          🍺 HOPS FOR HOUSES BEER PASSPORT 🍺 Right now the beer passport is only $20 (lowest price ever!) and you get a beer at 16 places! That’s practically a dollar per beer! 👀 The link to purchase is in my bio! All proceeds will benefit @habitatwilcotx How it works: 1️⃣ Buy a beer passport at the link in my bio. You will get one beer at 16 local businesses. Right now it’s only $20 (but will eventually go up to $25). 2️⃣ Bring your passport with you once it arrives in the mail. I recommend keeping it in your purse or your car so you don’t forget it. There is no way to use the passport electronically. If you forget to bring it with you, you are out of luck! 3️⃣ The brewery will stamp your passport and you will select one free beer. Some spots let you choose whatever you want and others have a limited passport menu. 4️⃣ Use your passport as early as Dec 1 and all the way through April 30, 2025! Several of the spots on this passport are kid friendly! Here’s the list of participating businesses: 🍺 @austinbeerworks (turfed play area) 🍺 @sprinklevalley_abw (playground) 🍺 @stwbrewing (playground) 🍺 @barkingarmadillo (turfed area and indoor arcade) 🍺 @theloosescrewtaylor (brewery inside @oldtaylorhigh with a huge outdoor space plus a candy/ice cream shop and arcade inside) 🍺 @3rdlevelbrew (board games available) 🍺 @redhornbrew (board games available, 2 locations) 🍺 @infamousbrewing (they used to have a playground, not sure if it’s back!) 🍺 @tejasmeatsupplygtx (one stop on the Georgetown Square) 🍺 @mesquitecreekoutfitters another spot on the Georgetown Square) 🍺 @goldenrulegtx (3rd spot on the Georgetown Square) 🍺 @powerbrewingproject (Hutto) 🍺 @phantomwarriorbrewingco (Killeen) 🍺 @nolancreekbrewery (Belton) 🍺 @sangabrivbrew (Liberty Hill)
          55 3

          11/15
          🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
          🦖 Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
          🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience
          🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm
          ⛺️ Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
          🎥 Fall Family Movie Nights at @waterloo_austin 360/2222 at dusk: Frozen 2
          🎥 Shrek at @skishores 7pm
          🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda
          🌟Creek Show @waterloogreenway at Waterloo Park from 6-10pm
          🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm
          ‌
          11/16
          🔨 Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes from 10am-1pm: Holiday Countdown
          🎨 Art in the Park at Wooten Park 10-11am @austinparksfdn
          🧙@hpforbiddenforestexperience
          🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
          🚲 Kids on Bikes in Parks @thetrailconservancy at Chicano Park 9am-noon
          🍗Home For The Holidays Showcase at @heb 🏊 Family Fun Day at @BigBlueSwimSchool 10am-1pm free & open to the public
          🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
          ⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
          📖 Free Story Time at @paperbarkbirchbooks at 11am
          😂 @excusedabsencecomedy kid-friendly improv 11am $5 at @coldtownetheater
          📚 @texasbookfest Free! Downtown Austin
          🌟Creek Show @waterloogreenway at Waterloo Park from 6-10pm
          🎶Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm
          🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm
          🎥Fall Family Movie Nights at @waterloo_austin 360/2222 at dusk: The Descendants
          🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda
          😂 @csz_austin Comedy Sportz at @pinballz_lakecreek at 7:30pm
          ‌
          11/17
          🎶Brunch Bunch at @joscoffee Red River with @strawbittyyops 10am-noon
          🐐Baby Goats With Santa @goatshenanigans at @vistabrewing 11am-12:30pm
          🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
          🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
          ⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
          🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience
          🎶Free live kids music at @cherrywood_coffeehouse 10am
          🎶Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 1-4pm
          😂Family-friendly improv at @hideouttheatre 4pm $5
          📚 @texasbookfest Free! Downtown Austin
          🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda
          🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-10pm

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          11/15 🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s 🦖 Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm 🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience 🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm ⛺️ Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 🎥 Fall Family Movie Nights at @waterloo_austin 360/2222 at dusk: Frozen 2 🎥 Shrek at @skishores 7pm 🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda 🌟Creek Show @waterloogreenway at Waterloo Park from 6-10pm 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm ‌ 11/16 🔨 Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes from 10am-1pm: Holiday Countdown 🎨 Art in the Park at Wooten Park 10-11am @austinparksfdn 🧙@hpforbiddenforestexperience 🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s 🚲 Kids on Bikes in Parks @thetrailconservancy at Chicano Park 9am-noon 🍗Home For The Holidays Showcase at @heb 🏊 Family Fun Day at @BigBlueSwimSchool 10am-1pm free & open to the public 🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm ⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 📖 Free Story Time at @paperbarkbirchbooks at 11am 😂 @excusedabsencecomedy kid-friendly improv 11am $5 at @coldtownetheater 📚 @texasbookfest Free! Downtown Austin 🌟Creek Show @waterloogreenway at Waterloo Park from 6-10pm 🎶Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm 🎥Fall Family Movie Nights at @waterloo_austin 360/2222 at dusk: The Descendants 🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda 😂 @csz_austin Comedy Sportz at @pinballz_lakecreek at 7:30pm ‌ 11/17 🎶Brunch Bunch at @joscoffee Red River with @strawbittyyops 10am-noon 🐐Baby Goats With Santa @goatshenanigans at @vistabrewing 11am-12:30pm 🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s 🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm ⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience 🎶Free live kids music at @cherrywood_coffeehouse 10am 🎶Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 1-4pm 😂Family-friendly improv at @hideouttheatre 4pm $5 📚 @texasbookfest Free! Downtown Austin 🎡Carnival at @pinballz_lakecreek and @pinballzbuda 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-10pm
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