Looking for more fun things to do with the kids while you're in Austin? Check out these great options.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum: Soak up Texas history though interactive exhibits, a special-effects show, The Star of Destiny, and the IMAX film Texas: The Big Picture.

1800 N. Congress Ave.; $5.50, adult; $4.50 seniors 65 and older and military; $3, ages 5-18; free, ages 4 and younger. Additional charges for The Star of Destiny and IMAX shows. Contact: 512-936-8746, 512-936-4649; www.the storyoftexas.com.

Zilker Metropolitan Park: Ride the miniature train, catch a show at the Hillside Theatre, play on the playscape or stop and smell the flowers at the free Botanical Gardens in this 351-acre park.

2100 Barton Springs Road. Admission: $3 from mid-March through Labor Day, free the rest of the year.

Park contact: 512-974-6700, www.ci.Austin.tx.us/zilker.

Also: Zilker Zephyr train (512-478-8286), Zilker Botanical Gardens (512-477-8672) and the Zilker Barton Springs Pool ($1, seniors; $3, adults; $2, ages 12-17; $1, ages 11 and younger, 512-476-9044), Zilker Park Boat Rentals (call for hourly rates, 512-478-3852).

Austin Zoo: The mission of the Austin Zoo is to help animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education (of the humans who abandon or mistreat them). The zoo is home to about 300 animals from 100 species.

10807 Rawhide Trail, Austin; $4, children 2-12; $7, adults. Contact: 512-288-1490; www.austinzoo.org

Inner Space Caverns: Just 20 miles north of Austin off Interstate 35 are caverns with remarkable formations and possible remains of Ice Age life. The Mining Company nearby gives you an opportunity to pan for gems and minerals.

4200 S. Interstate 35, Georgetown; $14.95, adults; $8.95, kids 4-12; extended tour is $18.50, adults; $10.50, kids 4-12. Contact: 512-931-2283; www.innerspace.com

Sunrise Exotic Ranch: This ranch is home to hundreds of animals including zebras, llamas and primates. Scout and church groups can book overnight stays, and there are three bed-and-breakfasts on the premises including one in a treehouse that's for couples only.

25201 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs. Call for parties and bed-and-breakfast rates. Contact: 512-894-0728; www.sunriseexotic ranch.org.