The beloved 358-acre Zilker Park is a year-round haven for humans and dogs alike in Austin, lined with hiking and biking trails. Zilker is the largest off-leash dog park in the city, and a favorite spot for pups to burn off their energy and make new friends. The park also provides access to the famed Barton Springs Pool and Barton Creek Greenbelt. Find boat rentals, a miniature train, a playground and a botanical garden, too.
Spring is when the flowers bloom at Zilker Botanical Garden and when the sky is colorfully decorated by the ABC Kite Fest. Summer brings sunbathers and revelers armed with giant coolers, as well as the free Blues on the Green concert series across multiple evenings in June and July.
Fall provides cooler weather for Zilker’s most famous event, the Austin City Limits Music Festival (aclfestival.com). December’s lack of white powder doesn’t deter the park’s festive efforts, as Zilker becomes the Austin Trail of Lights with 2 million bulbs, 90 Christmas trees, twinkling light tunnels and a merry sleigh of displays.
