Austin has some wonderful experiences for families.  The first among them being the Bat Colony under the Ann Richards Congress Avenue bridge.  Children and adults alike enjoy the thrill of watching 1.5 million bats make their nightly sojourn into the sky to eat 10-30,000 pounds of insects each night.  This experience is free and Austinites routinely set up blankets and picnics on the Austin American Statesman's back lawn for the nightly viewing.  The bats arrive in mid-March and return to Mexico in early November.

Need a family activity that's fun for young adults and teens?  SegCity Segway Tours on 6th Street - the Heart of Downtown Austin's entertainment center - offers an exhilarating, memorable, and educational experience. Located just a one or two-block walk from most downtown hotels, SegCity Segway  tours run year-round, and there are several departures daily.

Zilker Zephyr is a great way to see the Ziker Metropolitan Park . The prices are 1.75 for children and 2.75 for adults. Children under one are free. The hours of operation are 10-6 pm Tuesday-Sunday but can change,they usually pick a maintenance day during the week. On holidays make sure you check the signs posted before you tell your munchkins about the train!!

Austin Nature and Science Center has a great little zoo area with local animals and a water area (creek) that they are in the process of beautifying.  The highlight is definitely the dinosaur area.  Plenty of shovels and brushes to "dig" for dinosaur bones.  For more information, visit the website -- http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/ansc/