Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered "Austin's most-loved park." This 351-acre metropolitan park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities, facilities and special events for individuals and families.
Park Features Overview
- 3 picnic sites and 1 shelter (reservable) (location map & photos)
- Zilker Playscape
- Disc Golf Course
- 5 volleyball courts (reservable) (location map & photos)
- Zilker Club House (reservable) (open ONLY for rentals)
- Austin Nature and Science Center offers a wide variety of programs for children and adults.
- Barton Springs Pool is a natural spring-fed pool with a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees.
- McBeth Recreation Center
- Zilker Botanical Gardens includes the Taniguchi Oriental Garden and the Austin Area Garden Center.
- Zilker Caretaker's Cottage - home of the Park Rangers
- Zilker Hillside Theatre hosts concerts ranging from jazz to country. Additionally, the theatre is the home of the Zilker Summer Musical and Shakespeare in the Park.
Permits
Fitness groups/trainers: The Department has a permit process, fees, and requirements for regularly scheduled activities that enhance the park experience at select sites. Permits are required for all trainers/activities whether or not per fee classes are charged or not to a consumer.
In additional to the public rentals sites noted, any amplified sound or public event requires permits. More information can be found on our special events page.
Filming/photo permits for any commercial use/activity in the park.
Parking and Transportation Options Map
- Plan your trip to the park! The park system first and foremost suggests public transit and biking options. All parking is first-come first-served.
- Use Cap Metro's Trip Planner feature!
- During special events, traffic patterns typically change, or pre-credentialing may be required. Check each event website for details.
Contracted and Permitted Services/Amenities at the Park
- Austin Sunshine Camp owned and operated by the Young Men's Business League of Austin.
- The Rowing Dock
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is on the south end of the park and is the home of a collection of works by sculptor Charles Umlauf.
- Zilker Cabin - Girl Scouts of Central Texas (open ONLY for rentals)
- Zilker Zephyr - enjoy a miniature train ride around the park.
- Zilker Park Boat Rentals
Signature Park Events
- Zilker Park Kite Festival is held the first Sunday in March each year.
- Zilker Summer Musical
- Blues on the Green
- Austin City Limits Music Festival
- Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights.
- Trail of Lights
Resources and Information
Click on the image to enlarge it or download the map (PDF)
Reporting Issues
In general, all parks are open for public use each day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted. At times, access is limited or affected by events or maintenance issues. To report any park non-emergency issue, call 3-1-1. Visit the 3-1-1 website to submit a maintenance concern online. Call 9-1-1 for all park emergencies.
