Location: North, In/Outdoor: Both Activity level: Varies
Features: Amusement complex with miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats, laser tag, two rock-climbing walls, little shot ride, tea cups ride, a small train ride, arcade games, and a batting cage. There is a pizza and pasta buffet which is included with admission. Cost for a family of four: Varies between $50 - $80, depending on ages and activities; children 3 and under get in free. There are 3 different pricing packages, one for buffet plus attractions ($14.95 adult, $9.95 ages 4 to 10), one for buffet plus arcade games, which does not include games that give tickets to exchange for prizes ($14.95 adult, $9.95 ages 4 to 10), and one for the entire park ($24.95 adult, $14.95 ages 4 to 10). Admission only, for those who do not want to ride the rides or play games, is $3.95 per person, and includes the buffet. Best for ages: 4 and up. You need to be at least 40” tall just to be a passenger on the rides. You can drive the bumper boats if you are 44” high. Preteens and teens may get the most out of it, as they can drive the race cars (the driver needs to be 58” tall.) |  |
The Experience: We have been to Austin's Park n' Pizza twice, and both times we have experienced a strange combination of being overwhelmed and underwhelmed. In our opinion it's too expensive and activity-filled to go for just a random afternoon, yet it is not as entertaining as a full amusement park would be, so you can't expect that kind of experience either. The answer may be to go on special days to celebrate a birthday, getting out of school for the summer, or other fun occasion.
On the plus side, there is a lot to do here, so you won't get bored. The bumper boats are especially fun, as you can spray other boat drivers. Observers can pay a quarter to squirt water at the riders of the bumper boats (well worth it in our opinion!) The race cars are are a very popular attraction, although we have heard mixed reviews on how fun they are to drive, with some people finding the track too crowded with slow drivers to really achieve the speed they want. The miniature golf course was uncrowded and entertaining. You can alternate indoor with outdoor activities in order to stay cool, which is nice. The outdoor rock climbing wall has water flowing down one side of it, so it can also be a cooling experience. The indoor rock-climbing wall is a little easier to climb than the outdoor. There are several areas to sit on decks and watch the fun for the more sedate. The park is very clean and attractive, and there are several different areas to watch the fun or sit and eat your food. The bathrooms are clean and have a toddler toilet.
On the down side, the prices are high if you don't want to do all the activities (if you don't want to do any activities, it is very affordable, only $3.95 to get in). On the day we went, the train and the little shot ride were both broken, so we didn't get to do two things we had planned on, and my daughter's sandals precluded her from climbing the rock walls. We were glad our toddler got in free, but since he was under the 40” limit to ride, he could not ride any of the rides. The pizza was pretty bad, although we did like the macaroni and cheese. You have the buy the drinks separately, at a bar in the buffet area, after you've already spent spent a lot of money getting in. I found that emptying the cups and carrying them around in my purse for reuse was better than trying to carry full drinks around outside. There is not much shade outside, incidentally.
Before you go: Wear closed-toe shoes, or you won't be able to climb the rock wall. Bring lots of money and sunscreen. You may want to allow your child to bring a friend so he or she has someone to ride and play with, especially if he or she wants to play laser tag. I would recommend a 1:1 adult/child ratio if you have younger children.
How to go cheaper: Purchase only the attractions package for $14.95 instead of the entire park admission.
Birthday Parties: The party package is $14.95 per person for ages 4-10, $24.95 per person for ages 11 and up. It includes pizza, pasta and salad bar, unlimited arcade games, entrance to all attractions, and 5 game tokens. Ages 3 and under are free. There is a 10% service charge added to all parties. Our friend threw her own party here and had a great time. She suggests telling the adults coming to the party that they are welcome to just pay the admission/buffet price of $3.95 if they do not want to ride the rides. She also suggests bringing a marker to write everyone's name on his or her cup for reuse.
Accessibility: Coming soon.
Fun Factor: 7/10
Yum Factor: 3/10
Value Factor: 3/10
The Lowdown: An entertaining place with many attractions to celebrate a special occasion.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Website: Address: 16231 North IH-35, Austin
Map: Google Map Phone: (512) 670-9600