Mount Bonnell (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Mount Bonnell?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Most children over five can manage the short stairway and like spotting birds, yet parents must guard drop-offs, bring water, and find toilets elsewhere because none exist on site.
Positives:
- Panoramic lake views: You can see Lake Austin and the Colorado River from the overlook
- Short, engaging hike: The 102 stone steps make for a quick challenge suited to kids
- No entry fees: Mount Bonnell is a free public park with picnic and photo spots
Challenges:
- Uneven steps: Stone steps can be slippery and lack shade—hold young hands
- No facilities: There are no restrooms or water fountains on site—plan ahead
- Steep drop-offs: Railings are low in places—supervise children near the edge
What is Mount Bonnell?
- A 5.1-acre municipal park centered on a limestone outcrop rising above Lake Austin within the Colorado River corridor
- Anchored by a rocky summit accessed via a historic stone staircase of roughly 106 steps
- Part of Covert Park and managed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department as a protected natural landmark
What is so special about Mount Bonnell for with kids?
- Short 102-step climb perfect for kids ages 3–12
- Sweeping views of Lake Austin and the Colorado River
- Picnic spots at the summit with stone benches and pavilion
- Nature games and guided walks engage young explorers
- Free entry with no permit or parking fees
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows kids to climb, rest and enjoy a picnic at their own pace
Kids-Friendly Activities in Mount Bonnell
Climb to the summit:
Walk up about 102 stone steps to reach the overlook
Tip: Let younger children rest on ledges and point out cacti along the way
Picnic at summit benches:
Use the low stone walls and pavilion for a family snack break
Tip: Pack sandwiches and drinks in a cooler to keep food fresh
Nature scavenger hunt:
Spot birds, lizards and wildflowers around the trail
Tip: Bring a simple checklist or binoculars to engage kids
Guided family nature walk:
Join a free summer talk about plants and park history
Tip: Check the Austin Parks & Recreation calendar before you go
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mount Bonnell
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds and the midday heat by starting before 9 AM
- Use a child carrier: Younger kids can ride in a front-pack to save little legs
- Wear sturdy shoes: Choose closed-toe shoes with good grip for the stone steps
Reviews of Mount Bonnell
Kelly Taliaferro
Love to bring visiting guests here. The view is gorgeous. It’s a short climb to the top. Less than 5 min. It’s close to the Mayfield Park and Preserve where you can see peacocks, their babies, and peafowl. There are porta potties there. Parking is easy if it isn’t busy.
Alice Johnson
Coming from Tarrytown, I hiked up to Mount Bonnell early one morning to avoid the heat. The path was straightforward, a mix of paved sections and natural trails that took maybe 10 minutes from the top. I felt a sense of calm watching the sunrise over the Texas Hill country with the Pennybacker Bridge arching in the distance, the views of the river homes along Lake Austin were striking all those ro...
Angela
It’s absolutely gorgeous. It’s a nice view of the river and the skyline and it’s free, so there’s not really a reason to not go. The stairs up to the view is very short. There’s a big table at the top you can sit on to be raised up. It’s a great place to yap and chill with people. It’s really pretty at night, and I’m sure it’s also beautiful in the day too.
Arpan Das
Great place to visit. It's up on the mountain top. There is stairs to climb up to the top. The scene is quite beautiful to watch. Going in sunset or sunrise is recommend.
Mr. No Tengo Dinero
First time coming here!! There may be a short hiking path but we drove up to the parking spot where we just climbed up the stairs of 100 steps etc. from the top, the view was very nice and beautiful! You’ll get to see either the scenery of the downtown Austin or the river! It’s a nice location to look out the view and enjoy nature!! Come see it and have fun! Cheers 🥂
When is the best time to visit Mount Bonnell (Austin, United States)?
Visit early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid heat. In spring, watch for wildflowers along the trail.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Water bottles (4) | USD 8 |
| Snacks and sandwiches | USD 12 |
| Parking | USD 0 |
| Total Estimated | USD 20 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Mount Bonnell
Address: Mt Bonnell, Austin, TX 78731, USA
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