Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park
4.5
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Home to Barton Springs, the Zilker Eagle, a large playscape, and four hundred acres of sports fields and woodlands, Zilker Park is a popular weekend destination.
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Neighbourhood: South Austin
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
951 reviews
Excellent
634
Very good
242
Average
55
Poor
13
Terrible
7
digitalroc
Calgary, Canada2,141 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I had Zilker Park marked on my itinerary, and as I approached the area from downtown, it started to lightly rain, which wasn’t a big deal. Once I arrived in the park, and still in my vehicle, the skies opened up and it poured, for a long time! The park and neighboring attractions looked nice, but there was so much water on the streets from the rain, it was best to vacate the area.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ttiottn1
Ohio360 contributions
Apr 2022
Nice urban park with lots of parking, lots of open spaces and plenty of walking paths. The pool was closed the Thursday we went and the train was not working but it was still worth the visit. And parking was free during the week (pay on weekends, holidays and special events).
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
veronica c
New York City, NY81 contributions
June 2023 • Solo
This park has some overrated things like the sculpture walk, that costs 7 dollars and you can see it in 20 min if you walk very slowly. Then the pool that seems fun but is that, a portion of the river transformed in a semipúblic swimming pool. A couple of overpriced food trucks and dirty bathrooms. I’m not a fan of Austin so far and maybe is that I don’t like the city as much as the others I visited in this trip that make me see the faults in this
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Portland, OR10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Zilker Park around Lady Bird Lake is a shady, beautiful area just south of downtown. I have lived in Austin 45 years, and walk the 3 mi. loop from Mopac bridge to the pedestrian bridge many many times. Have explored more all the way around the lake on my e-bike recently. Zilker Park will add value to your life and feed your Soul.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade_Mont15
Shreveport, LA310 contributions
June 2020 • Couples
I loved this place. The people are so friendly. You can swim, fish or canoe and kayak. I enjoyed the Sun and I stood on the bridge. I also got in the water and it gave me life. It also has a nice walking trail leading up into the lake. A must-see in Austin Texas.
Written 8 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
O9830OTbarbarad
Tarzana, United States7 contributions
Oct 2020
IF you are a "people watcher" this is a fabulous park. So relaxing and interesting. I didn't partake in any water sports but simply sat and enjoyed the view. Lots and lots of people swimming and small boating in this inner city river/ park. It's well kept which is very surprising considering how populated the park is. Austin does a good time at maintaining it's parks. I am from Los Angeles and you should see the parks- horrific. Hooray for Austin, job well done!
Written 26 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drmader
Orinda, CA3,004 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Impressed with the sheer size of this park. Have been during holidays to see the lights , have been to Barton springs pool.. but the hiking and biking trails , sit out and picnic lawns, kayak and paddle board rentals, accessibility from and view of downtown...really impressed .
Did a few mile round trip walk the next day as well enjoying the trail along river is peaceful and let you appreciate nature .
Did a few mile round trip walk the next day as well enjoying the trail along river is peaceful and let you appreciate nature .
Written 19 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelby C
Fenton, MI172 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Very nice, big park, but very busy on the weekends! It was very difficult to find somewhere to park and then had to walk long distances to get to the different attractions. It is a great place to come and see the skyline of Austin though. We enjoyed the nature and science center and the park. It's too bad the little train ride wasn't working, my kids would've loved it.
Written 5 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bhaskar_10
New Delhi, India3,131 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
Been to this place at 7th July 2023
Visited this place with friend on weekdays and found teh parking to be free. the place have many natural trails for running / walking. Also has rowing facilities, and park and places for picnic. Also it has landscaped botanical garden.
Pet friendly place, this attraction is good gor locals and for tourist who are on long vacations.
Enjoy this attraction which is spread accross a huge area.
Visited this place with friend on weekdays and found teh parking to be free. the place have many natural trails for running / walking. Also has rowing facilities, and park and places for picnic. Also it has landscaped botanical garden.
Pet friendly place, this attraction is good gor locals and for tourist who are on long vacations.
Enjoy this attraction which is spread accross a huge area.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmurray713
Tampa, FL263 contributions
June 2022
This review is about the Butler Hike & Bike Trail that goes along the edge of Zilker Park. The Butler Trail is a great large dirt walking/running/biking path that starts at MoPac and follows the river (on the southside of the river/Lady Bird Lake) to Barton Creek, and then actually continues miles down the river past Zilker park. There are many put-outs along the trail into the water if you have a kayak or paddleboard. Some of them are very scenic and relaxing for having a little picnic. Many native flowers and plants along the trail. It is mostly shaded with spots of sun here and there. There are also trash cans and recycling along the trail, with some water fountains. You get to walk along Barton Creek and pass the bridge that is popular for people jumping off of and into the water. It's 1-mile one-way from MoPac to the Barton Creek Bridge. If you walk a little east down Barton Springs Rd, there is a food truck park with a variety of options for lunch and hydration. We found free parking at the large gravel lot on Stratford Dr @ Lou Neff Dr which backs up to the Butler Trail.
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mari Ala
Austin, Texas
Can anyone tell me if there is any covered areas for a rainy day
Written 26 July 2020
No I don't remember seeing any. It is a large park area.
Written 27 July 2020
My BF & I wanted to go down the river with our 5 year old. Is there a 3 person kayak or paddleboat there?
Written 1 August 2019
I know I saw rentals of all sizes, they have canoes too, which is easier to find than a 3 person kayak, make sure you watch the Bats!!!!
Written 4 August 2019
Hi there, gonna be in Austin in November (before thanksgiving week) and was hoping to go to zilker with a 4 year old and 1 year old. Was thinking of parking near to the play park and then walking around a bit to do the train and see a bit of the river. Doable for a few hours or any better recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Written 31 August 2018
That's a great time to go and kids that age will love Zilker.
Written 4 October 2018
How long would it take to hike from the west end of Barton Creek Greenbelt to Zilker Park and then back again?
Written 17 July 2018
It's 7 miles from the Hill of Life (at the end) to Zilker park where the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail begins. It's 4 hours for an average hiker
Written 18 July 2018
very pet friendly but city ordinance requires pets on leash
Written 12 February 2018
Do you have to pay if you want to go picnic in the park?
Written 14 August 2017
great picnik areas one area next to crrek has tables and bbq pits
Written 12 February 2018
I have been in Zilker Park a number of times after dark and have seen no reason to be concerned, however its a very large park near a big city, consequently I would advise all due caution
Written 17 November 2016
Could someone give me feedback if this HUGE park is a good place for children under five? Besides the train ride are the swings, slides etc or just water, hiking etc?
Any suggestions of other places to take five yr old and under? We are coming for the races next weekend so us gals will want someplace to take the kiddos while the guys take in F1 races. Thanks for any input friends of Tripadvisor!
Written 16 October 2016
YEs it is a beautiful place for children. Not just the train, there are playgrounds, swings, and also lots of nature to enjoy. This park is awesome for everyone !
Written 18 October 2016
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