Planning a family-friendly getaway in Texas? Here’s a 4-day / long weekend itinerary combining Waco and Austin, with tips for visiting the Magnolia Silos and Magnolia Table, plus family attractions, museums, parks, and food recommendations in Austin.
There are plenty of great stops on a road trip from Waco to Austin. Below is a clear, family-focused guide that covers what we did in four days, starting from Dallas.
Table of Contents
Things to do when visiting both Waco and Austin, Texas…
Below are highlights and family-friendly stops to include on a Waco-to-Austin trip.
Waco travel highlights
- Cameron Park Zoo
- Bru Coffee
- Magnolia Table (Joanna Gaines’ restaurant)
- Magnolia Silos and Magnolia Press
- Shopping at Magnolia Market
- About a 2-hour drive from Austin to Waco
Austin travel highlights
- Family-oriented attractions and parks
- Downtown hotels like the Omni
- Restaurants such as True Food Kitchen and Veracruz
- Thinkery children’s museum
- Mueller Lake Park playground
- Lick Ice Cream and other local shops
- Pumpkin Nights (seasonal, in October)
- Austin Visitor Center and guided tours
- Austin Duck Adventures amphibious tour
- Corinne Restaurant at the Austin Marriott
- Live music venues and local performances
If you want more family trip ideas in Texas, consider a coastal escape to Corpus Christi for beaches and kid-friendly activities.
See our Family Trip Itinerary from Waco to Austin
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Driving From Waco To Austin
Waco makes an excellent stop on the way to Austin—especially if you’re hungry or traveling with kids.
Magnolia Table (Waco TX)
Magnolia Table is a popular family-friendly restaurant. The lemonade flight is a fun option for kids and adults to sample different flavors. If seating is limited, takeout is easy and there’s outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal.
Cameron Park Zoo (Waco TX)
Cameron Park Zoo offers close-up animal viewing and diverse exhibits, including rare species like a Komodo dragon. Hours vary by day, so check the schedule before you go; children two and under typically get free admission.
Bru Coffee (Waco TX)
Bru Coffee is a cozy stop inside a historic building lobby. It’s a welcoming place to grab a cup and recharge before continuing to Austin.
Family-friendly things to do in Austin
Stay at a family-friendly hotel
Downtown hotels like the Omni provide convenient access to attractions and often include family amenities. Our room featured extra amenities suitable for families.
True Food Kitchen (Austin TX)
True Food Kitchen offers fresh, health-focused dishes and delivers through services like GrubHub or Caviar—handy if you want a quick, healthy meal delivered to your hotel.
Thinkery (Austin TX)
The Thinkery is a hands-on children’s museum with interactive science exhibits, water play, light and sound activities, and a large outdoor playground. It’s great for a wide range of ages and offers reservations as well as walk-up admission on certain days.
Veracruz (Austin TX)
Veracruz serves flavorful Mexican food with multiple locations, including a popular spot near Mueller Lake Park. Try tacos like Al Pastor, Shrimp Macha, and Grilled Steak, and sample house-made mole and fresh aguas frescas. The children’s menu has plenty of options for younger diners.
Mueller Lake Park (Austin TX)
Adjacent to Thinkery, Mueller Lake Park offers an amphitheater, walking trails, picnic areas, and a large playground. It’s a relaxing spot for families and has nearby parking—remember to pay at the meter.
Lick Ice Cream (Austin TX)
Lick Ice Cream focuses on farm-to-table ingredients and is part of a cluster of ice cream shops near Mueller. It’s a perfect treat after playground time, and staff can often share details about their local sourcing.
Pumpkin Nights (Austin TX)
If you visit Austin in October, Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms is a family-friendly evening walk-through featuring hundreds of carved pumpkins, themed areas with music, photo opportunities, and food vendors. It’s designed for all ages and is a festive seasonal experience.
Visitor Center (Austin TX)
The downtown Austin Visitor Center, near the convention center, is a great starting point for last-minute plans. Staff can point you to walking tours, bus tours, and amphibious “duck” tours, and the center offers souvenirs if you want a memento.
Austin Duck Adventures (Austin TX)
Austin Duck Adventures is a fun 90-minute experience where an amphibious vehicle tours downtown sights like 6th Street and the Texas State Capitol, then drives into the lake for a short cruise. It’s entertaining for kids and adults and can often be booked the same day if seats are available.
Corinne Restaurant (Austin TX)
Corinne, inside the Austin Marriott, serves a varied menu suitable for families. The rotisserie chicken is a generous entrée that’s easy to share, and desserts like the chocolate peanut butter pie make for a memorable finish.
Night activities
Austin’s live music scene is a highlight. During our trip we attended an evening event at Soho House and enjoyed a live set from a local band—live music is an essential Austin experience.
Driving From Austin To Waco
Magnolia Silos (Waco, TX)
The Magnolia Silos are a relaxed destination for families: coffee and baked goods at Magnolia Press, a bakery, food trucks, shopping at Magnolia Market, and outdoor space for kids to play. It’s a convenient stop to stretch legs, grab a bite, and browse home decor and gifts.
Magnolia Press (Waco, TX)
Magnolia Press serves a range of coffee drinks, hot chocolate, and pastries. There’s indoor seating as well as outdoor patios when the weather is nice.
Shopping At Magnolia Market (Waco, TX)
Magnolia Market is filled with seasonal home décor, gifts, and design pieces. It’s a great place to find inspiration and pick up a unique souvenir.
Guides for visiting Austin, Texas on Sip Bite Go
- Weekend guides for Austin
- Packing lists and seasonal tips
- Event highlights like Pumpkin Nights
- Magnolia Silos visit tips and logistics
More travel tips
- Dallas area travel guides
- Restaurant recommendations in other cities
- Family travel gear suggestions (portable solutions for road trips)
More Dallas, Texas Things To Do
Follow local Dallas/DFW area accounts for the latest neighborhood recommendations and family events.
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Life In Dallas With Kids (Our Experience)
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Downtown McKinney, Texas Travel Guide
Are you a foodie traveler, too?
I hope this guide helps you plan a fun, family-focused trip to Waco and Austin. Enjoy the food, museums, parks, and live music—Texas has a lot to offer families. Follow Sip Bite Go on social media for more travel inspiration and recipe ideas.
– Jenna
Next, browse the Sip Bite Go recipe collection for meal ideas to bring on your road trip or to recreate favorite restaurant dishes at home.