Barton Springs
See Austin, Texas family vacationBarton Springs
Downtown
view website2101 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
512-476-9044
Save to My Wishlist
Good-for-Kids Rating
Barton Springs Description
Austin-ites know Barton Springs as the preferred local swimming hole. Its billing as a natural-spring-fed pool may lead some to believe the water's warm. It's not. At 68 degrees, a dip here is, shall we say, refreshing. And water isn't the only thing that's cool here. The all-natural setting -- and the fact that you can dive down below the diving board to see the nature-made "pump" at work -- is pretty pleasing as well.
Swimming
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: The north side of the pool is shallow, with a zero-depth entry. Depth in other areas is as much as 18 feet. Flotation devices (water wings and rafts, etc.) are only allowed in the north and south ends. Check the lifeguard stand for specifics.
Pre-Teens & Teens: See the toddler/preschool tip regarding rafts.
Planning Notes
- Watch for closings. The pool is closed for several weeks in February and March for spring cleaning.
- No Igloos allowed. Coolers are not allowed inside the swimming area. Any food must be eaten in Zilker Park, where you'll find plenty of benches.
- Check for lifeguards. Pool hours are occasionally "Swim at your own risk." Check the schedule ahead to be sure lifeguards are on duty.
- Find your comfort zone. At 18 feet, the pool may be a little too deep for some parents' tastes. A good alternative: Deep Eddy. The artisan-fed pool even has activities in summer, like a Saturday movie night.
Just the Facts
Hours: Vary, check website for details.
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours
What's Nearby?
- Zilker Metropolitan Park 2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
512-974-6700 30.267333055555557 -97.77218333333333 - Umlauf Sculpture Garden 605 Robert E Lee Rd
Austin, TX 78704
512-445-5582 30.26382277777778 -97.76620277777778
Related Vacations
Boss Barbecue, Bands, and Bat Caves
Austin, TexasExploration indoors and out -- including caves, bat watching, and zipl...





