Zilker Metropolitan Park

Park Features Overview

Park Amenities Google Map

• 3 picnic sites and 1 shelter (reservation sites)       (location map & photos)
• Zilker Playscape
• Disc Golf Course
• 5 volleyball courts   (reservable)            (location map & photos)
• Zilker Club House  (reservation site)  (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

The most common types of park permits are listed below. See the special events page for detailed information about permits, events, rentals and similar.

• 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.
• Public Events, Alcohol and Amplified Sound Require Permits:  More information can be found on our special events page.
• Filming/photo permits for any film/photography production.
• Photo Sessions/Portrait Sessions:  See the photo session section on the special events page.

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 - currently closed.
• 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

Zilker Park History (PDF)

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.