Two Hidden Gems from a Quick Trip to Austin, TX

We recently made 2 quick trips to Austin, TX. One of our daughters lives there and we needed some grandbaby time. (Those of you with grandkids can relate I'm sure!) While we were there, we found 2 great places to spend some family time. I highly recommend visiting one or both if you are in the Austin area.

The first place means you are there in the summer. Baseball season. The Round Rock Express are the AAA farm team for the Texas Rangers. The play in Dell Stadium in Round Rock, a suburb of Austin. It is a beautiful venue to enjoy a laid back evening of baseball. They do a great job of catering to kids as well with different activities throughout the game. They also have fireworks every Friday night. There is even a berm, a hill beyond the outfield wall if you want to take a blanket and just enjoy the evening. It was a great way to spend a Friday night with the family! Get more information here.

The second trip we found something a little different. Who knew Austin, TX had an aquarium? Now, we've been to aquariums before; Atlanta, New Orleans, etc. This one is a little different. Those aquariums are world class places with gigantic buildings and tanks. The Austin Aquarium brings the experience up close and personal. From its location in a small strip mall, to the parrot that greets you in the lobby, you can tell it is going to be different, The size of the aquarium is perfect for families with small children. They have a play area for the little ones and open exhibits to allow you to get up close and personal with the inhabitants of the different aquariums. Feeding the koi, stingrays and sharks is fun and definitely a little different than other similar locations. Their home page describes it well as an "immersive, interactive experience." Just be careful not to get wet when you feed the koi!

Of course, don't forget the food while you are in the Austin area. The BBQ is amazing as to be expected. Make sure you partake!

Look for New Orleans coming next. Also, we're going to New York in April. There will be a series of posts from that trip.