Austin-area entertainment spots

Central Texas is bustling with historic sites, family-friendly attractions, theme parks to enjoy and caverns to explore. Many tours require reservations. Some are free; call for costs. Here are just some of the attractions tourists and residents alike can enjoy.

Austin

Austin BMX & Skate Park. A 30,000-square-foot park with a mixture of obstacles, including ramps, stairs, concrete pyramids, a skate bowl and more. 1213 Shoal Creek Blvd. 974-6700, www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/skateparks.htm .

Austin Duck Adventures. A narrated, 75-minute land-and-lake tour in an amphibious vehicle through downtown. 209 E. Sixth St. 477-5274, www.austinducks.com .

Austin Ghost Tours. Downtown themed walking tours of different haunted buildings and stories from Austin's past and present. Tour schedule on website; reservations required. 853-9826, www.austinghosttours.com .

Austin Nature and Science Center. Camps, exhibits and animal showcase. 301 Nature Center Drive. 974-3888, www.ci.austin.tx.us/ansc .

Austin Steam Train. Vintage trains make varied runs throughout the year. 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Suite A-103, Cedar Park. 477-8468, www.austinsteamtrain.org .

Austin Zoo. Rescued animals from Texas and around the world, petting zoo and train. 10808 Rawhide Trail. 288-1490, www.austinzoo.org .

Austin's Park. Go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, rock wall, batting cages, arcade games, laser tag, pizza buffet and more. 16231 Interstate 35 N., Pflugerville. 670-9600, www.austinspark.com .

Bats in flight. The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge over Lady Bird Lake is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Best mid-March through early November. The American-Statesman has a free bat-viewing area, 305 S. Congress Ave. Inside Line, 416-5700, category 3636, www.batcon.org .

Bear Creek Stables Inc. Lighted arenas, English and Western riding lessons, guided rides and summer camp. 13017 Bob Johnson Lane. 282-0250, www.bearcreekstables.com .

Bremond Block Historic District. A collection of 11 historic homes constructed from the 1850s to 1910 and bound by Seventh, Eighth, San Antonio and Guadalupe streets. The Convention and Visitors Bureau offers tours on weekends March through November. 800-926-2282, www.austintexas.org .

Capital Cruises. Boat tours on Lady Bird Lake. 208 Barton Springs Road. 480-9264, www.capitalcruises.com .

Capital Skate Park. 7500 square foot indoor skate park. 2008 Picadilly Drive, Round Rock. 251-4500, www.austinskatepark.com .

Chaparral Ice. Ice skating, video games and a hockey program. 14200 N. Interstate 35. 252-8500. 2525 Anderson Lane. 451-5102, www.chaparralice.com .

Congress Avenue and Sixth Street. Guided walking tour of downtown includes historic buildings such as the 1915 Paramount Theatre and the 1886 Driskill Hotel. Wheelchair accessible; parking free on weekends. Call 48 hours in advance to register for a guided walking tour with the Convention and Visitors Bureau. 800-926-2282, www.austintexas.org .

J & M Aviaries. Home to more than 60 species of exotic birds and other animals. Animal encounter shows Saturdays and Sundays. 8647 W. U.S. 290. 288-2199, www.austinavianrr.org .

Kiddie Acres. Amusement park for families with children 10 and younger. Rides, miniature golf and concessions. Closed Mondays. 4800 W. Howard Lane. 255-4131, www.kiddieacres.com .

Lone Star Riverboat. Double-decker, paddle-wheel riverboat cruises on Lady Bird Lake. 327-1388, www.lonestarriverboat.com .