Fun Things To Do In Cedar Park

Cedar Park is the second-largest suburb of Austin behind Round Rock. With a population quickly approaching 100,000 people you are bound to find many things to do that the locals have fallen in love with.

There are things for couples and tons of fun for families. No matter your taste, you are bound to find something to enjoy!

Cedar Park marquee

This is by no means an exhaustive list so feel free to chime in on the comments if I’ve forgotten your favorite place.

Parks

Parks, in general, are designed with just about everyone in mind. Do you like to bike, run, or even kayak? Then one of these parks will appeal to you.

Let’s start things off with the many wonderful parks throughout the area. There are many parks in the city but the ones below are the most popular.

Brushy Creek Lake Park

brush creek lake park

Being the largest park in the city, Brushy Creek Lake Park has just about anything you could want. So many, in fact, I will only mention a few things here.

Let’s start with the trails. The park is the hub for the Brushy Creek Regional Trail that stretches from the YMCA and Twin Lakes Park on the west side and ends up in a Round Rock neighborhood after meandering for over 7 miles.

Within the park, not to far off the main trail, is the only place in the surrounding area where you can rent canoes and kayaks. There’s nothing like being out on the water on a kayak. With the whoosh of the wind and the sound of the splash that the oar makes as you paddle along, you will be in a zen state almost immediately.

That is until you get close to the Brushy Creek Sports Park. Technically, this is a different park on the other side of Parmer Lane but is all connected. The sports park has baseball, football, and soccer fields galore and many local leagues play here. Attached to the north end of the sports park is the Brushy Creek Skate Park.

Phew, too many things to mention! When you go there be sure to look out for the splash pad, the pavilions, all the tables, the fishing pier, and on and on… Oh, did i mention that there’s is a golf course on the Avery Ranch side of the lake?

Veteran’s Memorial Park

Veteran's Memorial Park

In the heart of Veteran’s Memorial Park is a series of ground plaques and statues that commemorate our armed forces across multiple wars. At the end of the path is a monument dedicated to the ultimate sacrifice these warriors have made. If you, or a loved one, have served then seeing this alone is worth the trip.

In addition to the monument, there is a large public pool and playscape for the whole family to enjoy. If you like tennis, there are several courts available for you to get your “Serena Williams” on.

Lastly, for all of you pup parents out there, is the Cedar Bark Park. It is a great place to socialize your pooch and maybe make some new human friends, too (or not, if you aren’t into people like that)!

Champion Park

You could consider Champion Park to be Brushy Creek Lake Park’s little brother. It is just next door down the trail and has a pretty cool feature that I used to take my son to when he was a little guy. The Dinosaur Dig!

If you have a paleontologist in the making or just a kid fascinated with dinosaurs (and what kid isn’t!) then you will have a blast. There are a few fake (don’t tell your daughter) dinos buried under the sand and a bunch of shovels and buckets. Just be sure to play the theme song for Jurassic Park while the kids go to town. There are also a few above-ground dinosaur bones that the kids can play on.

If dinosaurs aren’t their thing, they can always build a sandcastle or just head over to the splash pad! The whale loves the little ones!

This park also has a number of covered pavilions and a bunch of picnic tables if you want to hold a birthday party. Don’t worry, there are bathrooms nearby.

Lastly, Champion Park is on the Brushy Creek Regional trail and the creek itself runs through. One of the coolest features is the natural rock formations. They aren’t monumental in scale but they give you a sense that the park has been there for much longer than it has.

Family Fun

Cedar Park is a city dedicated to that suburban family life and that is evident when you see the plethora of options available. Here are a few of the ones that residents frequent the most.

Splash Shack

Splash Shack

Splash Shack showed up two years ago during a hot day in July. With water guns-a-blazin’, they liberated Cedar Park from a sultry summer and gave parents another close-to-home excursion for the kids.

It is an indoor water park so you don’t have to worry about lugging around a tub of sunscreen. Also, no need to worry about overzealous flys and mosquitos.

They have a unique pricing system where kids over or under 36″ tall are charged (not directly, of course). One adult gets in free with 1 child. Extra people with car notes, aka adults, are only charged $3!

So head on over to Splash Shack if you are looking to cool down a bit in the summer. Or warm up a bit in the winter as they keep it at 82 degrees indoors.

Sculpture Garden

Cedar Park Sculpture Garden

There is a little bit of a hidden gem right off Main Street by the Rec Center. An area with many works of art created by local artists, the Cedar Park Sculpture Garden.

Some of the works are permanent as they are owned by the city. A few of them rotate out as artists are given permission to temporarily display their work. The Garden stays relatively “fresh” because of this so be sure to head back every few months, especially if you love the art form.

Austin Steam Train Association (ASTA)

Austin Steam Train Association

This is one of the little secrets that Cedar Park continues to hold on to. In the back of the Railway shopping plaza is the Austin Steam Train Association and the only place you can get a train to go see Santa (well, around Christmas time, at least)!

Another event that the kids are sure to love is the “Day out with Thomas.” During this special event, the ASTA dresses on of the trains to look like Thomas the Train! Imagine your little one’s face when they see a giant version of their favorite choo-choo.

Grown folks, they haven’t forgotten about you. One of the more popular events is the trip out to the Wedding Oak Winery where you will spend a couple of hours “testing the merchandise” for purity. Sounds terrible, right? Terribly good!

Lastly, the ASTA’s primary trips are the Lakeline Limited and the Summertime Express. The Lakeline Limited is a 1 hour round trip ride through northwest Austin including a beautiful stretch along Brush Creek. Be sure to listen to history they tell in that section.

The Summertime Express, on the other hand, is a 2.5-hour trip that takes you west toward Bertram and beyond. You’ll get wonderful views of the San Gabriel River and the Short Creek Canyon. Views you won’t soon forget!

Shopping

In the last 5-7 years, Cedar Park has really stepped up its shopping game. I can remember when your only option was to head into Austin for your retail therapy. There just wasn’t anything here.

Now there are a number of shopping centers with well known local and national retailers. You really don’t have to leave the city if you don’t want to (well, except to go to work).

Here are the large shopping centers currently complete and ready for your patronage. There are a couple of big ones that will be here in the next couple of years. Until then…

1890 Ranch

1890 Ranch

Anchored by an enormous Super Target, with a full grocery store inside, 1890 Ranch is the largest shopping center in Cedar Park. Just about anything you could need can be purchased and one of the many stores like PetSmart, Academy Sports, Hobby Lobby, etc.

There is a Cinemark movie theater here, as well! When that went up, I just remember thinking that Cedar Park has finally grown up, ha! It is still the only theater in town for now but another has been planned elsewhere.

In addition to all the shops is a variety of amazing dining options. If you like steak, be sure to get the Cowboy Ribeye from Longhorn Steakhouse. Got a sweet tooth? Head over to Baskin Robbins. In a hurry, then grab some Freddy’s or Chick-fil-A. Need a place to get caffeinated and get a little work done, then Starbucks is waiting for you.

This is just a sampling of all that’s available.

The Parke

The Parke

The Parke is the newest kid on the block and it has something to prove. Being right across the highway from 1890, you’d think that there was no more room for a large retail center. Well, guess again!

If you are into sports and outdoor activities you are going to fall in love with one of the main anchors, Dick Sporting Goods and the attached Field & Stream.

There are many clothing merchants like Tuesday Morning and Old Navy and a couple of home goods stores like Michaels and World Market.

If that wasn’t enough, head over to the Whole Foods 365 concept store to stock up on healthy groceries.

There are many dining options as well from Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Freebirds World Burrito. If you are a big fan of Mexican food, then you have to try Austin’s on Chuy’s.

Lakeline Mall

Anchored by Macy’s, Lakeline is one of only two traditional malls left in the Austin area. Barton Creek, is the other. It makes the list because the border between Cedar Park and Austin goes right through the mall.

The area is huge hosting a vast number of dining options, national chains, family entertainment, and specialty shops. You’d be hard-pressed not to find something you need.

Night Life

After spending a long day with the family in the parks or out shopping, you might want to take a moment to get some grown-up time! Cedar Park has a number of awesome places to have a drink, watch a game, or belt out your favorite Elton John song. Here are a few of the highlights.

Spare Birdie

Spare Birdie Public House offers a well-rounded experience, combining gaming, dining, and live entertainment. It’s an ideal location for those looking to enjoy a variety of activities in a single venue.

The establishment offers a diverse range of gaming options. From bowling lanes equipped with advanced Brunswick String Pin technology to interactive golf bays, there’s something for everyone. They also provide hunting and shooting games, adding to the variety of entertainment options available.

When it comes to food, Spare Birdie Public House doesn’t disappoint. The menu features a wide array of choices, from Fresh Shucked Oysters to Spicy Lamb Meatballs. For those interested in seafood, there are specialized platters available. Meat lovers can opt for the Jalapeño Bacon Jam Burger, among other options. The Truffle Brie Grilled Cheese is another highlight, offering a gourmet twist on a classic dish.

The venue also boasts an extensive drink menu, featuring local beers, a variety of cocktails, and non-alcoholic mocktails. Whether you prefer a classic lager or a crafted cocktail, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

One of the standout features of Spare Birdie Public House is its live music offerings. The venue hosts a range of musical events, catering to diverse tastes. It serves as an excellent platform for both enjoying music and socializing.

The Dig Pub

Dig Pub Cedar Park

Dig Pub has been around since the Great Recession and is still going strong. I suppose that having a bevy of craft beer and boutique wine options will win over even the most discerning of snobs. Yes, I’m talking to you and, of course, I’m joking. You are not a snob, you just really know a lot about what you like in a drink!

Outside being an excellent place to explore the depth of your libatiousness (why isn’t that a word???), they offer a number of tasty morsels that serve as perfect pairings. For instance, bacon mac and cheese spring rolls… Seriously! I have not tried them yet; didn’t know they existed until this moment and my life seems suddenly incomplete…

Outside of the food and drink is a variety of special events such as Sip & Paints, glass painting, and a “Dirty Word” adult trivia game. That one is definitely a favorite! There is a game show night, as well, if your tastes aren’t as devious as mine.

Top Spin Karaoke & Wing Bar

Top Spin Karaoke

First of all, happy hour is from 12-6 EVERY DAY! If that isn’t good for you then I guess I should mention that they have great food and drinks during and after said happy hour.

After you’ve filled up on the pork belly BBQ mac and cheese (yes, this does exist in the world!), just sit back and watch the game. Your hand may feel a little empty so the good folks at Top Spin will help you through that tragedy by offering up what will likely be your favorite drink (or 2).

Once that courage juice has kicked in, be sure to confidently head over to the stage, grab the mic and passionately belt out your rendition of “We Are The Champions”. If your team didn’t win just choose another song…

Wild West Cedar Park

Wild West Cedar Park

Wild West is one of those hidden gems sitting in the heart of Cedar Park off of 183 and 1431 (Whitestone Blvd). They boast a huge dance floor that’s big enough to host competitions.

The resident DJ plays all your country music favorites to make sure you and your partner stay out on the floor. They also have live music from bands that will be your new favorites.

The drinks flow all night (well, to 2 am) so they are bound to have your favorite on deck. On Fridays, be sure to stop by for happy hour from 6-8 pm.

There is a small cover charge to get in.

Conclusion

Now you may have noticed that there were a number of categories missing like restaurants, pizza places, spas, fitness facilities, or even places to paddleboard. Don’t worry, that’s coming in another article so hold tight.

Until then, did you find this list helpful? Anything missing? I’m sure one of you will be breathing down my neck for not including your favorite spot. If that’s you, leave a comment below. Also, if you are just nice and want to say hi, do that in the comments, too.


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