One of the largest parks in Austin, the Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a 1,150-acre park on the shores of Lake Austin. Oak and juniper trees shade the popular Turkey Creek Trail, which is an off-leash haven for dogs and their owners. Bikers and hikers also enjoy 2.75-mile trail that criss-crosses the creek in its first mile and a half. Another unique feature is the motocross track, which hosts plenty of recreational riders along with big local races. Austin's fitting nick name, "A City Within a Park," means that Emma Long Park is a virtual metropolis, bustling with activity during the week and on weekends. A large sandy beach meets the shores of Lake Austin, and includes a designated swimming area, sand volleyball courts and boat ramps for pleasure and ski boats. Other park amenities include: 68 barbeque pits, 151 picnic tables, 12 miles of trails, 4 volleyball courts, 3 reservable areas, a fishing pier and a basketball court. Restroom and shower facilities bring the best of civilization to the outdoor oasis. Overnight and RV camping is popular here, with 20 camping sites available with water and electricity hookups. For a back-to-basics experience, 46 tent camping sites with available water create the perfect overnight getaway under the stars.
One “spark” of inspiration is all you need for your next BIG idea at the Thinkery, Austin’s home for “why?” and “how?” Each exhibit is hands-on, play-based learning, with activities and content appropriate for visitors of all ages. It’s never too early or too late to connect with people, share ideas, create experiences, and have a great time. Create colorful works of art, take apart toys or build and launch gliders at the Spark Shop. See, feel and hear the connections between water and sound at the Currents exhibit. Find out how color, light and shadows impact the environment at the Light Lab. Participate in sensory exploration, chemical reactions and edible minerals in the Kitchen Lab. Imagine buying and selling delicious fruits and vegetables, or collecting eggs from a pretend chicken coop in Fresh! Farmers’ Market. Step outside to the Backyard and scale the heights of a universally-accessible, custom-designed climber, or rest under the branches of a native elm tree.
Play the oldest golf course in the state of Texas, the Hancock Golf Course. Established in 1899, the course is located in the heart of downtown Austin and is a perennial favorite among locals. The fast, 9-hole course looks simple, but the dog legs and tricky opening hole are anything but. The tranquil Waller Creek meanders through the course.
Step inside the life and times of the 36th United States President, Lyndon Baines Johnson at the LBJ Presidential Library. Check out photographs, letters, documents, exhibits and attractions that explain the history of this most revered man.