Exploring the Alliance Children’s Garden – A Keeg’s-Approved Adventure

If you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure perfect for the whole family, look no further than the Alliance Children’s  Garden in Austin, Texas. The playground is nestled in Butler Park in the downtown Austin area, and the best part is that it’s free and open to the public.

As many long-time residents of Austin know, the parks are an extension of Austin’s breathtaking landscape. Part of the city’s allure is the many hiking and biking trails found all over Austin. The Children’s Alliance Garden is one of those places where you can distinguish the unique and abundant diversity of all the outdoor settings.

Fortunately, there are many public spaces worth mentioning in Austin, but this one hugs the southern shore of Lady Bird Lake. While it took several years to establish this treasured spot, it has become one of the most popular places to visit in Austin. The garden is full of life and provides endless adventures for children of all ages, which is just what we’re aiming for when planning a trip.

We’ve been here a few times, but Keegan loves this playground – he could spend all day here! Brandi and I love bringing him here since they have the playscapes for kids of all ages. There are slides, swings, a climbing wall, and much more; even after a full day of playing, he still doesn’t want to leave. So, when we go there, we’ll catch Keegan playing on some of the park’s highlights like the “extremely wide slide,” the climbing walls, and the sandpit, which is a perfect place to bring some toys.

It’s also not surprising for my wife and I to find Keegan riding the salamanders at the Salamander Statues or running up the Big Hill, which has a nicely crafted, circular stone slab showing a map of Texas. However, I’d say that the second and first most popular attractions are the climbing nets and the Tunnels. Watching Keegan play is one of the best parts because he’s having so much fun, and we can just sit back and relax or join in with him.

It’s an enjoyable experience, but we have to pry him from his favorite spot. Can you blame him? When we bring him here, it’s challenging not to let out our inner child? And we can’t forget about the splash pad! The water features will keep the kiddos cool on those hot Texas days. It’s not always turned on, but I recommend preparing for several hours of splash pad fun.

The park has something for everyone; the scenery is beautiful if you want to take pictures. If you’re going to have a picnic, there are plenty of tables and grills. There’s always something to do here, and it will keep you busy all day. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but have no fear; in addition to the other amenities, there are bathrooms on-site for when your kid has an emergency, even though you asked them five times if they needed to go.

As I mentioned before, the Alliance Children’s Garden is located in Butler Park, which has a great walking/jogging trail along the lake; although, I don’t think I mentioned enough about the park itself. It’s a 2-acre plot that sits in just the right spot to show off a gorgeous skyline view. While the city may have developed this park to be a “multigenerational play venue,” it’s also a perfect example of why families, mine included, enjoy living and exploring this city. When officials designed this park, they ensured that it was comfortable, imaginative for the kids, and engaging and inviting to them and their families.

The Alliance Children’s Garden is a perfect example of how you can blend the culture and natural environment of a city into a park and create something truly unique. I could go on and on about the wonders of this park, but like our adventures, they must end. There’s never a good time to leave the Alliance Children’s Garden, but once we’ve given Keegan his time on the Liz Carpenter splash pad, Keegan is more inclined to go with us, albeit begrudgingly.

I know I mentioned the excellent picnic spots at the park, but sometimes Brandi and I like to splurge and finish off the afternoon getting BBQ across the street at Terry Blacks BBQ; it’s delicious. I can’t say enough good things about the food here, but we end the day on a high note by eating here. If you’re looking for something fun to do or want a long day of play with the family, consider visiting the Alliance Children’s Garden in Butler Park. We always have a blast when we come here, and I’m sure you will too. These are the types of adventures that KEEGS is all about – finding new places to explore and play.

So, next time you’re looking for an adventure, put on your KEEGS and get out there and explore all that this world has to offer. And if you happen to find yourself in Austin, Texas, check out the Alliance Children’s Garden in Butler Park – it’s KEEGS-approved!