Cedar Park is a city and a suburb of Austin. The city is situated in Williamson County, Texas. It is located approximately 16 miles northwest of the center of Austin.
Cedar Park is renowned for having excellent schools and a bustling business environment. It also lives up to its name by being home to numerous parks.
This bustling city will fill your day with many attractions, including adventurous dining options, busy shopping centers, beautiful outdoor areas, thrilling recreations, and more.
Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Cedar Park, TX.
Things to Do in Cedar Park, TX
1. Go on a Ride on the Austin Steam Train
Austin Steam Train
The mission of the Austin Steam Train Association is to preserve, interpret, and replicate the historic steam-era railroad for the satisfaction and entertainment of families today.
Visitors are in for a long and fun ride back in time through the Texas Hill Country on a vintage train constructed in the 30s, 40s, and 50s and replicated for today’s comforts.
The train will depart from Cedar Park depot into the Texas Hill Country and go across a 300-foot trestle bridge. There is a 2-hour stop in Burnet, the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, where visitors can shop, see the sights at the town square, and more.
Enjoy a ride on the steam train and take in this picturesque countryside voyage with your loved ones. It is one of the fun things to do in Cedar Park, TX.
Address: 401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
2. Relax with a drink at Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company
While figuring out what to do in Cedar Park, TX, enjoy some of your best drinks at Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company. It offers home-brewed craft beer and freshly roasted coffee.
Red Horn doubles as a brewpub and a coffee roastery. The place is designed to be communal and friendly to anyone searching for a getaway.
Whether you are looking for a location to meet a pal, for a remote working spot, or for some alone time to enjoy a drink, Red Horn can sort you out.
It also focuses on supporting local artisans, and here you will find sodas, cheeses, kombucha, wines, salad, sandwiches, and locally sourced baked goodies.
Come and unwind in the welcoming ambiance of Red Horn. Relax on the couches, sit at the bar, or listen to live musical performers as you relax with one or two glasses of drink.
Address: 13010 W Parmer Ln #800, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
3. Watch a game at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
H-E-B Center
If you love sports, visiting the H-E-B Center should be on your itinerary of top things to do in Cedar Park, TX. The Center is the home of two professional minor league sports teams.
From November through April, the Austin Spurs basketball team plays its home games at the H-E-B Center. They have won two G League championships and progressed to the playoffs nine seasons.
Also, watch the Texas Stars hockey team, affiliate to the NHL Dallas Stars, playing its home games at the H-E-B Center from October to April.
Aside from hosting sports events, the H-E-B Center also features more than 150 events with musical guests and family-oriented entertainment events each year.
Book an event today and catch top-tier sports and entertainment in the Center for your loved ones.
Address: 2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
4. Pay tribute at Veteran’s Memorial Park
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Take a dip at the park’s 8,500-foot outdoor aquatic facility with a zero-depth beach area, swim lanes, a water playscape, a dive platform, and a giant slide.
Carry your pet dogs to their five-acre dog park with showers, ponds, water fountains, and a swimming pool.
The park has tennis courts, basketball courts, sports practice fields to release your athletic energy, and a community garden.
Check out the park’s main feature, the Veteran Memorial, which commemorates past, present, and future veterans.
Appreciate life-size bronze sculptures of soldiers from the First and Second World Wars and walk brick pavers leading up to Monument Hills, which features a granite obelisk that celebrates each military brand.
Address: 2525 W New Hope Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
5. Nurse a Beer at Whitestone Brewery
The owners of Whitestone Brewery thought it was the perfect place to start their business since Cedar Park is a city of active craft beer drinkers and supportive community members.
The owners, Ryan and Danielle Anglen, established their brewery to provide Cedar Park locals with a place to enjoy their exceptional, fastidiously crafted bar while enjoying some time together after a long and tiring day.
Whitestone’s beer is now scattered throughout Central Texas, but its headquarters will always be Whitestone Brewery, where creation and experimentation on varieties of Texas beer abound.
The brewery is a fantastic place to go after touring the city, where you can unwind and grab a drink, play bingo or trivia games on the patio, watch an Austin sports event, and enjoy the live music playing.
Additionally, Whitestone is fond of supporting good causes, so look out for fundraising events that help give back to the community.
Address: 601 E Whitestone Blvd Suite #500, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
6. Shop at The Parke
If you are an enthusiastic shopper in Cedar Park searching for where to shop, head to The Parke. Shopping in this destination is one of the best things to do in Cedar Park, TX.
This navigable shopping center has many high-profile department stores, restaurants, salons, fitness centers, and lots more.
The Parke contains the newest ventures of Whole Foods, 365 Whole Foods, a more relatively priced version of the original store.
It also has Juiceland, which features some of the best fresh juice and smoothies in Texas, and the Austin-centric store Easy Tiger, which features cured meats, artisan bread, and craft beers.
There are many shopping options and dining adventures here. You will never run out of entertaining selections for the entire family.
Address: 5001 183A Frontage Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
7. Drink wine at Bent Oak Winery
Bent Oak Winery is among Cedar Park’s best-kept secrets, a peaceful haven amid a bustling city.
At the winery, they carefully select, sort, and treat their grapes from the West Texas High Plain, East Texas Range, Alexander Valley, and California’s Dry Creek Valley.
These grapes are meticulously handled to retain the essence of the ecosystem from which they were pulled out; from earth to bottles, the wines burst with characteristics of balance and taste.
Bent Oak Winery‘s mission is to show patrons the different tastes of the region from which their grapes were cultivated, as the root of Bent Oak Wine.
You will have a relaxing experience in the warm ambiance of the tasting rooms while drinking the mouthwatering and exceptionally crafted wines.
The winemakers and the staff are courteous hosts. They will make you feel at home in Bent Oak Winery.
Address: 2000 Windy Terrace STE 2B, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
Things to do nearby
8. Try out Texas Barbecue at Smoky Mo’s BBQ
Smoky Mo’s BBQ is a booming business. It has spread out to 16 stores in Central Texas. The original branch is in Cedar Park.
It was begun by Moreos Melchior and his wife, Lisa, a family restaurant with 30 years of experience in the barbecue business.
Smoky Mo’s serves numerous Texan favorites, such as Mo’s trademark smoked brisket that lingers in the pit for 12 to 14 hours.
Other mainstays on the menu include tender ribs, tempting and tasty turkey, jalapeno sausage with a kick, and sides such as Lisa’s creamed corn and beans.
What makes this barbecue stand out is they smoke their meat in-house daily with traditional Texas Post Oak wood that keeps the meat smoky and flavorful.
You won’t regret trying out some of the best barbecues in Texas when you stop by Smoky Mo’s BBQ.
Address: 100 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
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9. Catch a glimpse of the bats from Congress Avenue Bridge
One of the most extraordinary things to do in Austin is viewing the evening flight of the Mexican free-tailed bats that perch under Anne W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.
Approximately 1.5 million insect-devouring critters fly to the sky at sunset every evening from March to November, consisting of the world’s biggest urban colony.
The result is a beautiful display as they fly from under the bridge up to two miles high in large formations to feast on grasshoppers, moths, mosquitoes, and other flying pests.
There are numerous vantage points from which to enjoy the sites, with the areas encircling the bridge the most famous.
Others enjoy watching from the Statesman Bat Observation Center, sitting at the bridge’s southern end, or the boats on Lady Bird Lake.
Address: 100 Congress Ave, Austin, United States
10. Take a dip with Your Kids at Splash Shack
If you are looking for where to beat the Texas heat in Cedar Park, Splash Shack is a great option. It is one of the best places to visit in Cedar Park, TX.
It is a unique indoor microwave waterpark designed for people of all ages and mainly geared to amuse young ones.
It hosts a large 30-foot-tall, 8,000-square-foot area with six giant slides, two smaller slides, tipping buckets, and a splash pad.
Get ready for an exciting ride down the slides, hop around water wheels and tipping buckets, get soaked by the big dump buckets, and cool off on the splash pad.
Splash Shack’s temperature is set to 80 degrees, so regardless of the weather, it is always summer inside and open throughout the year.
Schedule a visit to Splash Shack today, and have a memorable experience with your family and friends.
Address: 1801 Clover Ln, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
11. Unleash your inner Beyoncé at Spotlight Karaoke
Spotlight Karaoke is a vibrant spot where you can go out for a small bit of singing, with an incredible song selection in a lively atmosphere.
Reserve a private karaoke room if you want to release your inner Beyonce strictly in the company of your friends. If you are feeling more courageous and don’t mind the spotlight, wow the crowd on the main stage with your songs and grooves.
Peruse their menus for tasty meals like Black Angus beef burgers and Buffalo chicken sandwiches, and complement them with a hand-crafted cocktail from the bar.
Sing out your heart, refresh yourself with tasty food and drinks, and bask in the city’s nightlife at Spotlight Karaoke. They are undoubtedly among the fun things to do in Cedar Park, TX.
Address: 601 E Whitestone Blvd #600, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
12. Explore the numerous attractions at the University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is the first of the Texas University System campuses. It houses multiple tourist attractions.
The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art features a permanent collection of 17,000 pieces of American, European, and Latin American Art. The museum also hosts many temporary exhibits.
The Harry Ransom Center, also on campus, is home to a permanent collection of printed materials and rare literature. The Ransom Center also has plenty of temporary exhibits and collections on display.
Among the museum’s most treasured pieces are a Gutenberg Bible from the mid-1400s and the First Photograph created by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1827.
Part of the Natural Science at the University of Texas, the Texas Memorial Museum features an extensive collection of items symbolizing the natural and cultural history of the Lone Star State.
Highlights include many dinosaur displays, minerals, gems, fossils, and the popular Wichita County meteorite, a large space rock viewed as a medicine stone by Comanche Indians.
Another remarkable tourist site at the University is the landmark UT Tower, notorious for the tragic shootings in 1966.
The tower provides gorgeous panoramic views of Austin, with a height of 307 feet. Tour guides are self-guided and contain information on the history and architecture of the structure.
For sports lovers, the spirit of Longhorn athletics is matchless throughout the state. Football games at Darrel K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium feature shaking bleachers and loud crowds of Pigskin fans.
The Moody Center multi-purpose arena opened in April 2022 by the University offers a top-notch venue for sports games and lots more.
Address: Austin, TX 78712, United States
13. Practice or learn how to shoot at Shady Oaks Gun Range
Shady Oaks Gun Range is a shooting range, training and education center, and retail pro shop that offers the finest indoor facility in the greater Austin area.
It consists of an indoor 25-yard pistol range, an indoor 50-yard rifle range, a well-stocked pro shop, an outdoor archery range, and used and new firearms for sale.
Shady Oaka Gun Range features group classes and private instruction in rifle, pistol, and shotgun, ranging from beginner to advanced level.
Calm any fears you might have, as the range meets and surpasses security guidelines with a strong safety and enforcement plan.
Have a skilled and educative shooting experience at the range that guarantees proficiency for gun owners.
At Shady Oaks Gun Range, learn to be excellent, try out various firearms, and most importantly, listen to the employees for safety and skill reasons, and you are sure to have a memorable visit.
Address: 3100 Woodall Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
14. Visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is among the most frequented attractions in Austin and boasts over 45 million pages of historical documents and papers from President LBJ’s long career.
The museum, dedicated in 1971 and refurbished in 2013, features exhibits relating to the president’s time in office and the vital problems of the day, including the birth of the civil rights movement.
Also of interest is a remarkable scale imitation of the Oval Office as it would have been during Johnson’s tenure as president, and several exhibits related to American history are hosted year-round.
The library and museum are open seven days a week, except during significant holidays.
Address:2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
15. Lazy around at Brushy Creek Lake Park
Brushy Creek Lake Park
Brushy Creek Lake Park is reputed as one of the most beautiful lake parks and campsites in the county, with its picturesque lake, towering pine trees, and gorgeous flowerbeds. It is one of the best places to visit in Cedar Park, TX.
It is a sprawling area with recreational escapes like playscapes, hike trails, a labyrinth, a wildlife observation area, and a fishing pier.
On those lazy days, splash around in the swim beach area, picnic at their tables, and spend a day boating on the calm waters.
The campgrounds are completely enchanting, with the sprawling trails and the shade from the pine trees providing a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
For anyone who expects aridity and dryness when they imagine Texas, the color and freshness at Bushy Creek Lake Park will take them by surprise.
Address: 3300 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
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16. Enjoy Outdoor blisses with Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, located 10 minutes from Cedar Park, is perfect for adventure seekers.
You will find yourself dashing dozens of feet over verdant oak forests, canyon inlets, and Lake Travis’s limestone cliffs and blue waters.
Additionally, you will have an all-day permit to the Lakefront property, where you can picnic, lay back in hammocks, play games, and swim at the beach.
This is a 3-hour tour with five various zip lines and a vigorous hike through challenging trails.
The tour’s primary showcase is a zipline that runs 2,800 feet on a 20-story high cliff, which makes it the longest in Texas.
You will have fun on this energetic tour as you chase the rush on a zipline and glimpse the rare and beautiful views of Texas from the sky.
Address: 14529 Pocahontas Trail, Volente, TX 78641, United States
17. Shop for natural produce at the Texas Farmer’s Market at Lakeline
The Texas Farmer’s Market, located adjacent to Lakeline Market, is a year-round, open-air, producer-only market.
Farmers within 150 miles of Austin peddle products they have cultivated in firm and nutrient-rich soil at this market.
Here, they sell seasonal product that is constantly at the height of freshness, and meat, eggs, and cheese extracted from humanely and naturally raised animals.
Aside from farm products, there are nearly 130 small businesses. You may purchase artisan food like Nicaragua coffee, empanadas, Caribbean juices, Chinese dumplings, fresh seafood, baked goods, and more.
The market also operates a composting program for a zero-waste community. So take your family and pals and uncover a natural lifestyle at the Texas Farmer’s Market.
Address: 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
18. Look around the Mexic-Arte Museum
Mexic-Arte Museum
The Mexic-Arte Museum, representing one of the city’s biggest cultural influences and population, showcases traditional and modern Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture.
The museum, founded in 1983, features rotating exhibits, several of which are thought-provoking statements about present issues, like border control, immigration, and the acceptance of Mexican culture in Texas.
Many installations and topic-focused galleries contain the artwork or sculptures of a few artists and numerous collections of painting, photography, and multimedia work that depict the population within the culture.
The museum hosts complimentary “family days” many times a year when the public can partake in hands-on activities that help guests better understand the artist’s work.
Address: 419 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States
19. Walk along Cedar Park Sculpture Garden
Cedar Park Sculpture Garden
During your trip to Cedar Park, you should see a unique and incredible collection of talented Texas-based artists. It is among the top things to do in Cedar Park, TX, especially if you are an art enthusiast.
The Cedar Park Sculpture Garden contains a collection of sculptures complementing the meandering walking trails in the garden, making for a fanciful experience when you visit.
The artworks vary in medium and are made of glass, bronze, wood, aluminum, steel, iron, and cement.
The display rotates every year, and you can catch and admire a different sculpture set with every visit.
See crisscrossing lines, abstract forms, fanciful human portrayals, swirling colors, soaring shapes, textured figures, dreamy points of view, and more.
Come here if you want to stroll or even have a date with a loved one and take in the stunning, sun-touched blend of artwork and landscape.
Address: 1435 Main St, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
20. Stroll the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, dedicated to understanding and appreciating American sculpture, features many works by the 20th-century sculptor Charles Umlauf.
The museums and sculpture gardens are within Zilker Metropolitan Park. The outdoor sculpture nestles amid the gardens, trees, and ponds.
Inside, guests can see more of Umlauf’s work, exhibits about the artist’s life, souvenirs, and personal artifacts.
The museum also contains temporary exhibits of other artists’ work. It holds events, such as workshops, concerts, and yoga classes among the sculptures outside.
Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
21. Spend a day on Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake was named after the wife of President Lyndon Johnson. It is a section of the Colorado River.
This flowing reservoir spans 416 acres and has become one of Austin’s top recreation areas.
Although lined with residential complexes and hotels, most of its shoreline is available to the public, with miles of outstanding trails for cyclists and pedestrians.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and Pedestrian Bridges are the primary pedestrian paths along the shores. It cuts across the river and links downtown Austin with the Southern shore.
The Ann and Roy Butler Trail links several of the city’s parks, including Zilker Metropolitan Park, Eilers Neighborhood Park, and more.
The Ann and Roy Butler Trail also leads to famous tourist sites near the river, like the Congress Avenue Bridge, Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue, the Barton Springs Municipal Pool, and the Long Center of Performing Arts.
Motorized boats are not allowed on Lady Bird Lake. Canoe and kayak rentals and lessons are available within the vicinity.
Lady Bird Lake is in Austin, TX, 34 minutes from Cedar Park, TX.
Address: Austin, Texas, United States
22. Cool off at Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park. It is the best place in Austin to cool off. Barton Spring is a Spring-fed pool along Barton Creek that spans three acres with an average temperature of 70 degrees throughout the year.
Locals and visitors can enjoy the grassy tree-lined perimeter and the water that rises to 18 feet deep.
The area is also considered a secure habitat for the endangered Barton Spring Salamander, which can only be found in this aquifer.
Due to the thin balance between nature and recreation, the pool is shut for almost the entire day once a week for a specialized cleaning that safeguards the wildlife from dangerous chemicals while maintaining the safety of swimmers.
Address: 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, United States
23. Check out the Museum of the Weird
Museum of the Weird
To taste the “weirdness” offered in the capital city, visit Historic 6th Street and the Museum of the Weird.
This certified roadside attraction is located at the center of the hustle and bustle of downtown and offers halls upon halls of curiosities.
Among the displays are two-headed creatures, wax statues, and mysteries worldwide.
The museum is open daily and experienced with a self-guided tour with various paths to follow. If you visit mid-week, you can enjoy the museum at a less crowded pace.
Look forward to spending a couple of hours roaming the hall and catching sight of live demonstrations from “professional human oddities.
Address: 412 E 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Cedar Park
There are numerous reasons why Cedar Park has been listed as one of the best places to live in Texas.
The city contains many attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.
So, if you are looking for what to do in Cedar Park, TX, check out this list for some things to do in Cedar Park. Start planning your trip today!