Dad's Notes:  Zilker Park is a beautiful 358 acre greenbelt along Barton Creek and Town Lake. Numerous hike & bike trails, canoe rentals, big PlayScape, picnic areas, the Zilker Zephyr miniature train, Barton Springs Pool (see next page). A 9 Hole Disc Golf course at the corner of Barton Springs Rd. and Mopac. Also, soccer fields, rugby field and sand volleyball courts. There is also 'Splash' a cave like interactive walk through display about the Edwards Aquifer (next to the pool) - kid's dig it! The Austin Nature Center is located in Zilker Park (see separate page). Regular festivals, live music and special events.
     The Botanical Gardens in Zilker Park include numerous gardens, separate walks and themes. Including a neat Dinosaur Era Garden - recently completed. Real and replicated dinosaur tracks (recently discovered on site), waterfalls, and a big dinosaur of types that made the tracks!
     Don't miss the beautiful Oriental Gardens that were designed by a Japanese gentleman. Includes fish ponds, plants, stone landscaping and pagoda's, shady spots with bamboo shelters. (PS - No food/picnic allowed in Botanical Gardens).