Things to do in Austin, Texas

By Christopher Tobutt

When the new Cayman Airways seasonal nonstop touches down in Austin Texas, you’ll step right into a city that hums with creativity, sunshine, and a kind of easygoing charm that feels surprisingly familiar. Austin has long been known for its music and food, but what many visitors don’t realise is just how deeply family friendly the city is. For Cayman families looking for a new summer adventure, Austin is a playground of parks, springs, museums, and unique culinary experiences.

Your first stop might be Zilker Metropolitan Park, the city’s beloved green heart. On weekends, it fills with picnics, frisbees, and families sprawled under the shade of pecan trees. One TripAdvisor reviewer described it as “the kind of park you end up staying in far longer than planned — peaceful, huge, and perfect for kids to run wild.”

Just across the lawn lies Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring fed swimming hole that stays a cool 68–70°F year round. It’s one of Austin’s most iconic experiences — and a lifesaver in the Texas heat. Visitors consistently rave about it, with one noting, “It’s like swimming in bottled water — crystal clear and unforgettable.” Families gather on the grassy banks, teenagers dare each other to jump from the diving board, and toddlers splash in the shallows. It’s simple, joyful, and distinctly Austin.

For indoor fun, the Thinkery — Austin’s hands on children’s museum — is a hit with families. Exhibits encourage tinkering, splashing, building, and experimenting. Local parents frequently praise it as “a place where kids don’t even realise they’re learning because they’re having so much fun.” Cayman children will feel right at home in its bright, playful spaces.

Food, of course, is part of the adventure. Austin’s famous food truck parks, like The Picnic on Barton Springs Road, offer a relaxed, open air dining experience perfect for families. You can wander between stalls serving tacos, barbecue, Thai noodles, and ice cream — all under strings of lights. It’s casual, communal, and wonderfully unfussy.

If you want a taste of Texas tradition, The County Line on the Lake delivers slow smoked barbecue with a side of scenery. Families sit on the deck overlooking the water while kids feed turtles and ducks between bites of brisket. Reviewers often mention the atmosphere as much as the food, calling it “a beautiful spot where the lake makes everything feel peaceful and unhurried.” (This restaurant is widely recommended in family travel guides and Austin dining roundups.)

For those craving a bit of adventure, Austin’s greenbelts and trails offer shaded escapes. Bull Creek District Park, for example, is a favourite among locals for its shallow limestone pools and easy walking paths. Travel writers describe it as “a natural playground where kids can hop rocks, splash in the creek, and explore safely.”

And while this feature focuses on family friendly fun, Austin still has something special for adults travelling without children — or for parents who manage a night out. Instead of the usual sunset cue paragraph, let’s keep it simple and honest: Austin’s live music scene is legendary. Whether it’s blues on South Congress or indie bands downtown, the city’s venues offer an atmosphere that’s intimate, electric, and unmistakably Texan. It’s a chance to experience the soul of the city in a single evening.

What makes Austin such a compelling new destination for Cayman Airways travellers is the blend of nature, culture, and easygoing fun. It’s a place where families can roam, explore, taste, splash, and discover — all within a city that feels both vibrant and welcoming. With the new nonstop route making the journey effortless, Austin is ready to greet Cayman’s families with open arms, cool springs, warm barbecue, and memories waiting to be made.

Cayman Airways’ nonstop summer flights from Grand Cayman to Texas begin May 24, 2026 and run through August 16, 2026. The flights will operate weekly, on Sundays. Flight KX330 departs Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) at 8:15am and arrives at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) at 11:15am. On the return, flight KX331 departs AUS at 12:45pm and arrives at GCM at 3:45pm.

Tickets are currently available for purchase on the Cayman Airways mobile app and website www.caymanairways.com , via local travel agents, or by calling Cayman Airways Reservations on 345-949-2311.