Zilker Metropolitan Park — Austin, Texas

Address2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78746

HoursDaily 5 a.m.-10 p.m. unless otherwise posted (City of Austin)

PricesFree

Price notesPark entry free. Parking: from first Saturday of Spring Break through Labor Day, Sat/Sun/holidays $3/hour per vehicle at pay stations (City). Zilker Eagle train and other in-park venues charge separately - not included here.

Age notesNot confirmed - City lists Zilker Playscape among features; no official age band.

BookingNo reservation for public park visit; event periods (ACL, Trail of Lights) change access/parking.

Suggested timeAbout 3.0 hours

ParkingPay-station lots in park; see parking note in priceNote.

Hours in detailDaily 5 a.m.-10 p.m. unless otherwise posted (City of Austin).

ParkingAll parking is first-come, first-served. From the first Saturday of Spring Break through Labor Day, on Saturdays, Sundays and official holidays, parking is $3 per hour per vehicle at pay stations. Zilker Loop (the City's seasonal free shuttle, listed for May 24-Sep 1, 2025 in the page read - dates are season-specific, re-check for the current year) runs from the Stratford Parking Lot to Zilker Playground, Barton Creek and Barton Springs Pool about every 15-20 minutes; parking at the Stratford Lot came with a code for 2 hours of free parking during that program, while regular weekend/holiday parking was $3/hour. No pets or coolers on the shuttle vehicle. The City suggests public transit and biking first.

Official tipsEvent periods (ACL Festival, Trail of Lights) change access and parking - Trail of Lights parking is pre-paid online only, with no on-site sales and no parking in surrounding neighborhoods (event's official FAQ). Construction notice on the City park page (Feb 15, 2024-Spring 2025) closed public parking on the north side of Barton Springs Pool except accessible-parking vehicles - that notice period has passed; re-check current status before publishing.