This fantastic little park, located near the Hyde Park district, is a favorite for dog lovers. As one of the few places in Austin where dogs can run unleashed, expect to be outnumbered by man's best friend. Former Texas governor Elijah Pease owned the property that now bears his name. Pease Park also has disc golf (similar to traditional golf but played with frisbees) and hosts the annual Eeyore's Birthday Party festival.
Pan Am Park has many facilities, including areas for barbecuing and playing sports, and a recreation center. The center holds classes and other events. Call or see the website for more information.
A reservoir on the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake lies nestled in startling contrast with the cosmopolitan buildings that fringe it. Originally known as 'Town Lake', it was created in 1960 to serve as a cooling pond for a power plant. When the plant fell into disuse in 2007, the lake was given the name Lady Bird Lake. Its glassy waters are now a wonderland for recreation. Lady Bird Lake is skirted by lush, emerald groves, winding trails, the sprawling Zilker Park, and the rejuvenating Barton Springs. The lake enables an array of exhilarating activities like kayaking, canoeing, rowing, paddle boarding, and fishing. Lady Bird Lake has been host to a string of sporting events, while its bank is popular for musical performances.
Jester King Brewery is located in a farmhouse on the 8712000-square-foot Ceres Park Ranch, 29 kilometers to the west of downtown Austin. The microbrewery creates brews with strong flavors and has earned its spurs using wild yeast to ferment beer. Celebrated for using organic ingredients, usually farm-fresh, fermented or foraged, Jester King believes in the philosophy of harmonious community living. The brews produced here sport unique names: Black Metal, Commercial Suicide, Le Petit Prince, Viking Metal, Bonnie the Rare, Wytchmaker, and then some. Take a tour around the brewery to acquaint yourself with their brewing process, and end your trip to Jester King Brewery with a tasting session of their delicious libations.
The Texas Military Forces Museum is an extensive museum that documents the story of the Texan military over the years, and the important contributions that they have made. One can find a number of rare exhibits here, that include pieces from the Texan Revolution and the Spanish-American War as well. The gallery is huge, and is divided into sections such as Main Gallery, Lost Battalion, Great Hall, World War II Pacific Theater Exhibit and Air Guard Gallery. The Armor Row and Artillery Park on the museum grounds consists of a vast collection of guns, tanks and aircraft. The museum also includes a library and movie room, making it interesting for visitors of every age.
Butler Park has it all: sparkling fountains that light up, green meadows, water bodies, winding trails and rolling hills with panoramic views of the Dowtown district. Infants and children playing on the green grass and groups of friends and families lounging by a pool for a picnic are common sights in this expanse of natural greens and blues. You might even catch visitors in swimsuits, splashing about in the fountains, enjoying the sprinkle of cool water on a warm summer day. No wonder this park is a favorite with all age groups, whether children, adults or senior citizens.