The Experience: Zilker Park is probably the best known park in Austin, with a history of providing recreation to Austinites since the 1930's. It is large and very attractive, and hosts many of the special events that are held in Austin. The trees and views of Barton Creek are beautiful. There are a lot of fun choices on the playground, including a big playscape feature that covers two different areas, swings, and a fire truck made into a playscape to climb on. However, the playscape does get extremely crowded and there is a lot of competition for the limited number of swings. After playing on the playground, kids can walk down the hill to the river to poke sticks in the water and then go for a train ride on the Zilker Zephyr. Little kids love a train ride, and although the train goes slowly, it could possibly cool you off a few degrees. You will have some beautiful views of trees and water during the 25-minute ride. Be sure to make spooky ghost noises when you go through the tunnel! The park can get very crowded on weekends. You may want to have a prearranged meeting place in case you or the kids accidentally get separated from the rest of your group. Zilker Park is also home to Barton Creek Pool, Austin Science and Nature Center, and the Zilker Botanical Gardens. You can look down into Barton Creek Pool by the picnic area near the concession stand. This is fun not only to see the people diving off the diving board in the summer, to the tune of “belly flop, belly flop,” but also to see those intrepid souls who brave the water all through the winter. The tables there now have nice covers, so they are shaded. By the bathhouse, there is an educational exhibit about the Edwards Aquifer you may want to walk through.