Barton Springs Pool
Fed entirely by spring water, the natural-bottom pool stays a constant 68–70°F and is home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander. The grounds include a historic bathhouse and the Splash! education exhibit.
Visitor Guide
Things to do across 351 acres of Zilker Park
Spring-fed swimming, greenbelt trails, gardens, sculpture, theater, and open lawn — here's how to make the most of Austin's favorite park.
Water & Trails
Spring-fed water and miles of greenbelt
Zilker meets Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake, so the water and the trails are never far apart.
Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake is a lush urban path that meanders along the water's edge past Zilker Park, skyscrapers, and neighborhoods. Maintained by The Trail Conservancy.
Violet Crown Trail
A 13-mile pedestrian and cycling trail established in 2006 by the Hill Country Conservancy, following Barton Creek from Zilker Park toward the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Rowing Dock
On the northwest banks of the park, Rowing Dock offers walk-up kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and canoe rentals on Lady Bird Lake, plus guided tours and full-moon paddles. Women-owned and women-led.
Nature & Learning
Gardens, naturalists, and the living park
Zilker is home to hundreds of native plants and animals — and the places built to help you discover them.
Austin Nature & Science Center
Since 1960, the center has offered hands-on nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation for all ages — including the famous Dino Pit and the Nature Preserve trails, with city views from the Overlook Trail.
Zilker Botanical Garden
With heritage live oaks, streams, and koi-filled ponds, the garden offers a peaceful respite. Its themed gardens — the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and Rose Garden — connect by pathways for all ages and abilities.
Austin Parks Foundation
The Austin Parks Foundation hosts programs and volunteer events in Zilker Park and collaborates with other groups to fund park improvements across Austin. Check their calendar to learn about upcoming events.
Park ecology
More than 600+ native plants and animals live across the park's 351 acres, atop the Edwards Aquifer that feeds Barton Springs. Volunteer workdays help steward it.
Arts & Culture
Sculpture, theater, and open-air performance
Some of Austin's most cherished cultural traditions happen right here in the park — including the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, which exhibits the work of Charles Umlauf and other artists in a museum and garden setting.
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum
The UMLAUF exhibits the work of Charles Umlauf and other visual and performing artists in a museum and garden setting, providing educational and cultural experiences that encourage the appreciation of the intersection of nature, sculpture, and the arts.
Zilker Hillside Theater
The Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, near Barton Springs Pool, has hosted events, shows, and concerts for over 50 years — including the long-running, award-winning free outdoor summer musical.
Family
Room to roam for every age
Picnic spots, a covered shelter, summer camps, and programs that have shaped Austin childhoods for generations.
Picnic Areas & Playground
A covered picnic shelter sits near the children's playground, the Zilker Café, the Zilker Eagle mini-train, and Barton Springs Pool — with a fire engine to climb on. More picnic areas wait at Pecan Grove, the Rock Garden, and the Polo Area.
Austin Sunshine Camps
Austin Sunshine Camps provide the magic of camp without the barrier of cost — summer camps for ages 8–11 at Zilker Park and ages 12–15 at Lake Travis, funded by rentals of the Zilker Lodge.
Girl Scouts Zilker Cabin
Built in the 1940s, the historic Girl Scout cabin gives girls a chance to explore the outdoors close to home through Girl Scouts of Central Texas. Reservations are available for day use.
McBeth Recreation Center & Annex
The Danny G. McBeth Recreation Center and Annex offers quality programs for Austinites with differing abilities, including an all-abilities playground and year-round programs for youth, teens, and adults.
Sports & Recreation
Open fields and friendly competition
From a quick round of disc golf to a pickup game on the Great Lawn, Zilker has space to play.
Disc Golf
Players of any skill level can come out and play Zilker's disc golf course, free and open to all. Consider joining the Waterloo Disc Golf Club, which educates the public and gives back to the community.
Group Sports
The City of Austin Athletics Office organizes adult basketball, flag football, volleyball, and softball leagues for men, women, youth, and co-ed teams. Reserve a field for your favorite sport.
The Great Lawn
On a warm evening the 46-acre Great Lawn fills with volleyball, picnics, dogs, and friends — with Rock Island and shady trees nearby. It sits on the northeast side of Barton Springs Road.
The park, in pictures
A few favorite views
Spring-fed water, greenbelt trails, gardens, and gathering places — a glimpse of what's waiting at Zilker.
Plan your visit
Make a day of it.
Sort out how you'll get here and what's on while you're in town. The park sits at 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, about two miles from downtown Austin.
Good to know
Visiting Zilker, answered
The questions visitors ask us most before a day in the park.
Swimming in Barton Springs Pool, walking or biking the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, paddling on Lady Bird Lake, visiting the Zilker Botanical Garden and UMLAUF Sculpture Garden, and relaxing on the Great Lawn are among the most popular things to do at Zilker Park.
Help keep Zilker worth the trip
The springs, trails, and gardens you love take care to protect. Support Zilker 351's stewardship of the park for the next generation of Austinites.