11 Fun Things to Do in Round Rock with Kids + Where to Eat

We found the most family-friendly destination in Texas, and it’s in a lively suburb north of Austin. Welcome to Round Rock, Texas! An exciting city packed with fun attractions for all ages, outdoor adventures, and delicious food that’s worth the trip alone.

From racing down slides at the largest indoor waterpark in the U.S. to watching our kids ride bikes at an incredible inclusive playground, bowling in an underwater-themed alley, watching bats emerge at dusk, and devouring giant donuts that were worth the hype.

Round Rock delivered nonstop fun and has quickly earned a spot as one of our favorite family destinations in Texas, if not the country. It’s a place where both parents and kids can unwind, explore, and truly enjoy time together.

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or an extended stay from Austin, here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Round Rock with kids (and yes, adults will love it too!).

Full disclaimer –  I was invited by Go Round Rock to feature the city. As always, my opinions are non-biased and my own. I want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of “Our Sweet Adventures.” 

Where to Stay in Round Rock

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is easily the best place to stay in Round Rock with kids. We’ve stayed at some incredible resorts around the world, but none made us as sad to check out as Kalahari. My children literally cried when we had to leave.

This resort is a destination in itself. It has luxury accommodations, delicious dining options, the largest indoor waterpark in America, an outdoor waterpark, a massive adventure park, mini golf, bowling, laser tag, a kids club, daily activities, and more. Needless to say, Kalahari truly has everything you need for a memorable family getaway.

Beyond the attractions, the daily activities stood out as a highlight for us. Our kids loved the morning stretches, dance parties, and pajama storytime.

As a family of five, we also appreciated that every room includes a pull-out sofa, making it easy for larger families to stay together comfortably. And if you’re looking to elevate your stay, the resort offers spacious suites, including two and three-bedroom suites. As well as a king suite with a separate bunk bedroom for the kids.

Things to Do in Round Rock with Kids

Round Rock makes it easy to keep kids entertained with a mix of unique attractions, playful spaces, and memorable local experiences. From thrilling adventures to low-key outings, this list highlights the best things to do in Round Rock with kids of all ages—all approved by my kids!

Play at the Largest Indoor Waterpark

The Kalahari Indoor Waterpark is easily one of our favorite things to do in Round Rock with kids. Yes, it’s the largest indoor waterpark in America, but more importantly, it’s the best one we’ve ever visited—and we’ve been to quite a few!

Thoughtfully designed with safety and fun in mind, the waterpark offers something for everyone. With over 30 waterslides (more than half of them kid-friendly), it’s easy to find thrills for all ages.

Splashdown Safari, the multi-level aquatic playground, features five exciting slides that all land in the same spot. So my kids could run wild while I kept an eye on them without moving.

For younger families, there are two adorable tot zones: Tiko’s Watering Hole and Coral Cove. These areas feature gentle slides, swings, water basketball, a lazy river just for little ones, and a sensory table with bucket seats for babies.

The waterpark is included for resort guests, but day passes are available too. So, if you’re not staying at Kalahari Resort, I still recommend spending an entire day here with your family.

Soak Up the Sun at an Outdoor Waterpark

If you’re visiting Round Rock in the summer and want to soak up the sun, head straight to Kalahari Resort’s Summer Savanna Outdoor Waterpark. It’s a perfect spot for families with young kids or adults looking to relax in the pool with a cold drink in hand.

The park features two dedicated kids’ areas with several water slides, a lazy river, and three separate pools. One has basketball hoops, another is an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, and a spacious family pool that also includes a swim-up bar.

Just like the indoor waterpark, access to Summer Savanna is included for resort guests. Day passes are also available and include entry to both the indoor and outdoor water park.

Enjoy Thrilling Rides and Games

Tom Foolerys is a massive indoor adventure park packed with thrilling rides, ropes courses, climbing walls, laser tag, mini-golf, bowling, a mirror maze, and arcade games. It’s the perfect rainy day activity or a way to beat the Texas heat, suitable for kids as young as three up to teens.

Many of the rides and attractions are for kids as small as 36 inches when accompanied by an adult. So even our younger twins could join in on the fun.

The ropes course was one of our favorite attractions because it features a scaled-down course with a zipline specifically designed for little ones, which my boys loved! Meanwhile, older kids (and brave parents) can tackle the full-sized course high above the arcade floor.

Tom Foolerys is located inside Kalahari Resort but open to the public with a day pass. If you’re staying at the resort, you can bundle it into your stay with package options, which we found totally worth it.

Bike in a Miniature City

Play for All Park is one of our favorite things to do in Round Rock with kids. It is an acclaimed, inclusive playground thoughtfully designed for children of all ages and abilities.

The park features several themed “pods” or play zones, including two playscapes, a bike track, a miniature city with working street lights, ziplines, and a giant sand pit. Best of all—it’s completely free to enjoy.

Very few cities, especially in Texas, offer a bike track like the one at Play for All. It was one of the highlights of our weekend. My boys had the best time speeding around the race track and riding through the miniature city, as if they already had their driver’s licenses.

Most importantly, this park is truly inclusive. It’s designed so that children of all abilities can play side by side. There’s a wheelchair-accessible swing, ramps to both playscapes, an all-abilities treehouse, and sensory-friendly features throughout.

It’s such an amazing park, your family won’t want to leave. I know mine didn’t.

Bowl a Strike Under the Sea

Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill is one of the most unique bowling alleys we’ve ever visited. Located inside Bass Pro Shops, it features an underwater theme with glowing lanes, ocean-blue lighting, and detailed sea life décor, creating a fully immersive experience.

A giant mural wraps around the room, and the ceiling is filled with a life-sized shipwreck and sea creatures, including sharks, schools of fish, and a turtle “swimming” above. It really makes you feel like you’re bowling underwater.

Beyond the atmosphere, Uncle Buck’s is a kid-friendly bowling alley complete with ramps and bumpers for little ones, as well as an arcade packed with fun games. It’s a perfect spot for families to unwind and enjoy some friendly competition.

Watch Bats Take Flight

We’ve seen some incredible bat flights, from Carlsbad Caverns National Park to a state park in the Texas Hill Country, but the one in Round Rock might be our favorite. There was something special about the laid-back setting of the kids sitting on the hood of our car, watching thousands of bats swirl overhead in tornado-like formations. It was one of those travel moments we know the kids will remember.

From March through November, Mexican Free-tailed bats emerge at dusk from beneath the McNeil Overpass Bridge. Since it happens most of the year, you’ll likely catch the show during your visit to Round Rock with kids.

One of the safest places for families to watch the Round Rock bats is at the large parking lot of Mays Crossing Shopping Center (1201 I-35 N Frontage Rd, Round Rock, TX 78664).

If you’re unsure exactly when the bats will take flight, check out the Austin Bats Refuge website. They track and predict nightly bat activity based on the nearby Austin colony, which closely aligns with Round Rock’s bat schedule.

Make a Splash at a Local Waterpark

While it may be smaller in scale than Kalahari, Rock’N River Waterpark still delivers big fun. This city-run outdoor waterpark is packed with family-friendly attractions and offers an affordable way to cool off in the Texas heat.

The park features a lazy river, several waterslides, a huge sprayground, a zero-entry pool with a charming train-themed structure, and a separate shallow pool ideal for babies and toddlers. One of my favorite spots is the Leisure Lagoon, a zero-entry pool featuring spray geysers for kids and a swim-up bar serving concession favorites.

If you have older children, they will love hanging out at The Quarry—an adventure pool with a 12-foot jumping platform, a rock climbing wall, and a drop slide. Safety is a priority, so swimmers must pass a swim test before they partake in these attractions.

Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. So it’s a good idea to arrive early. If you’d rather not worry about finding a spot, renting a shaded seating area, such as a cabana, is a great way to ensure comfort throughout the day.

Food trucks are available on-site, but you are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks inside. Most importantly, Coast Guard-approved life vests are required for children under 48 inches, and the park provides them at no cost.

Spend the Day in Downtown Round Rock

Downtown Round Rock is a walkable, fun, and charming area, making it a lovely way to spend an afternoon exploring Round Rock with kids.

Start your morning with world-famous donuts from Round Rock Donuts. Then let the kids cool off at the nearby Prete Plaza Splash Pad. It’s free, shaded, and little ones love running through the fountains while parents relax nearby.

Once everyone’s dried off, grab lunch at Backporch Social. With lawn games and an indoor arcade, it’s a hit for both kids and parents. Finish your day in Downtown Round Rock with a stop at 3 Star Candy for a sweet treat.

Take the Kids Out to a Ball Game

If you’re visiting during baseball season, be sure to catch a Round Rock Express game at Dell Diamond, especially on Sundays for Kids Days! Before the game, little ones can ride the Express train and jump around in bounce houses. After the final inning, kids are invited down to the field to run the bases, which is always a hit (no pun intended)!

Dell Diamond also features a year-round fun zone, complete with a rock climbing wall, inflatables, and a train-themed playground. If your kids are anything like mine and can’t sit still for long, this place is a total game-changer. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a ball game without worrying about making it through all nine innings.

Chase a Waterfall

Chisholm Trail Crossing Park is a peaceful place to take a break from busier attractions, and a great way to experience a more local side of Round Rock with kids. There is a lovely walking trail along Brushy Creek, featuring bronze sculptures that honor the historic Chisholm Trail cattle route, a beautiful rushing waterfall, and the actual “Round Rock” that gave the city its name.

The waterfall is formed by water flowing over a stone retaining wall, creating both a picturesque backdrop and a fun, natural play area. Families can swim in the calm water just above the falls, and on most days, the water is shallow enough to walk or sit along the wall. It’s a great spot to cool off or snap an Instagram-worthy photo!

Go on a Buzzing Tour

Round Rock Honey is a hands-on, one-of-a-kind experience for families visiting Round Rock. This local gem offers behind-the-scenes tours where guests can learn how honey is harvested, see the hive-to-jar process in action, or get a crash course in beekeeping 101.

Tours and classes are both educational and fun for all ages. The staff does a fantastic job of explaining everything in a kid-friendly way and providing fun opportunities, such as filling a bottle of honey on the bottling line. The tastings at the end are a sweet little bonus, too!

Before you leave, don’t forget to grab a jar of their award-winning honey, like the orange cinnamon and bourbon barrel honey, to take home.

Where to Eat in Round Rock with Kids

Most of the attractions mentioned above, such as Uncle Buck’s Bowling & Grill, Rock’ N River Waterpark, Round Rock Express, and Kalahari Resort, offer convenient on-site dining options. Beyond those are a few more kid-friendly restaurants in Round Rock that you don’t want to miss.

East Donuts Bigger Than Your Head

A visit to Round Rock isn’t complete without a stop at the iconic Round Rock Donuts. I’m not exaggerating when I say I would happily go out of my way on a Central Texas road trip just to get my hands on one.

Their famous Texas-sized “orange donuts” have been winning hearts (and taste buds) since 1926. Made from a soft, brioche-style dough, they’re light, fluffy, and not overly sweet. So you can actually enjoy one without the sugar crash.

I highly recommend arriving early (before 8:00 a.m.) to avoid the rush. If there is a line, don’t be discouraged. It moves quickly, and the reward is more than worth it.

Additionally, Round Rock Donuts closes at 6:30 p.m. every day. So yes, you can enjoy a pre-dinner snack if you’re craving something sweet before the evening!

Must order: a Texas-sized glazed donut, or at least a glazed donut.

Eat, Play, and Listen to Live Music

Backporch Social is a fun, laid-back spot with delicious food that both kids and parents will love. It has an indoor arcade, a large patio with ample space for kids to run around, lawn games, and swings as a barstool. On weekends, there is often live music to kick up the energy for an entertaining evening.

The menu features American favorites, including sliders, jalapeño poppers, Frito pie, and foot-long corn dogs that evoke a trip to the fair. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t miss the fried Oreos or funnel cake.

Must order: The Texas Frito Pie, corn dog, and funnel cake.

Play on a Playground + Juicy Burgers

Hat Creek Burger Company is a Texas-based burger joint, similar to Shake Shack and In-N-Out, but better! Not only are the burgers juicy, but the restaurant is perfect for families, thanks to its fenced-in playground and spacious outdoor seating area.

Hat Creek also serves up chicken sandwiches, salads, chicken nuggets, and gluten-free options, such as a lettuce wrap burger. It is one of our favorite places when we want to eat out and actually enjoy the meal while the kids play happily nearby.

Must order: The Cowboy or Pretzel Jack with a side of fries and a milkshake.

Grab Sweet Treats at an Old-Time Candy Shop

Craving something sweet? Head to 3 Star Candy, a charming local shop stocked wall-to-wall with nostalgic favorites, novelty treats, bottled sodas, and oversized lollipops. My boys were literally kids in a candy store, happily filling their bags with as many colorful goodies as they could.

Candy is not the only thing sweet here. They also serve scoops of Blue Bell ice cream, dipped chocolate treats, and handmade sodas. Grab a seat at the barstools out front and enjoy your treat right there on Main Street.

Kalahari Resort Restaurants

Whether you’re staying at Kalahari Resorts or visiting on a day pass, it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat. There are over six restaurants to choose from, serving a diverse range of cuisine, including perfectly cooked steaks, fresh sushi, authentic Mexican food, brick oven pizza, house-made pasta, and classic American fare.

Our favorite spots to eat with the kids are MACS and B-Lux Grill & Bar. MACS is a fast-casual restaurant serving up the cheesiest mac and cheese skillets. With so many variations, you could eat here every day of the week and still not get through the whole menu.

B-Lux Grill & Bar has something for everyone, including a mini bowling lane! From signature burgers and crispy chicken wings to smoked brisket tacos and giant handcrafted milkshakes. It’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.

Must order from MACS: a Classic Original and BBQ Chicken.
Must order from B-Lux Grill & Bar: All B-Lux’ed Up Burger and an Oreo Milkshake.

I hope you are inspired to pack your bags and go on an unforgettable family adventure in Round Rock, Texas! Round Rock is truly a fantastic family destination with no shortage of kid-approved activities. We left with happy hearts, full bellies, and memories that will last a lifetime.