South Congress is Austin’s most iconic street and a legitimately fun outing for families — colorful murals, weird shops, food trucks, and people-watching that keeps curious kids entertained without spending a dime to walk it. The must-stop photo spot is the ‘I Love You So Much’ mural on the side of Jo’s Coffee at 1300 S Congress; arrive before 10am on weekends to get a clean shot without a crowd. Sidewalks are wide and stroller-friendly along most of the strip though some older sections have uneven concrete. Budget around $20-30 if you stop for ice cream at Amy’s Ice Creams (1012 S Congress), a beloved Austin chain with kid-friendly flavors and mix-ins. Plan your visit for a weekday morning or early weekend morning in summer — by noon the heat and crowds on this mostly sun-exposed street become genuinely miserable with little kids.

Address: South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Google Maps: Click here for directions

Cost: Free