From classic cars to refurbished locomotives to giant airplanes used in battle, here’s where you can find all things transportation related in the ATX.
Take your tots to see planes, trains and automobiles in Austin!
Texas Military Forces Museum
2200 West 35th Street
Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This completely free museum offers 45,000 square feet of military uniforms, weapons, tanks, artillery, helicopters, and more. Exhibits date back to 1823 and include the story of the Texas Military Forces in the Texas Revolution, the Texas Navy, the Texas Republic, and much more!
Austin Rock and Roll Car Museum
4117 Commercial Center Drive
Open on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – TEMPORARILY CLOSED
This hidden gem of a car museum is great for kids and adults alike. With free admission, you can tour old cars, new cars, strange cars (like the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters!), race cars, and more. Chat with the on-site mechanics to get the full experience.
Austin Steam Train Association
401 East Whitestone Boulevard, Cedar Park
Times vary depending on train reservation times
The Austin Steam Train Association is your one-stop shop for all things train related. If you’re interested in a ride on one of their eight fully functional cars, you can choose between the different types of excursions you’d like to take. They even have an adults-only lounge car for those kids at heart. For the kids, the feature special events like “A Day Out With Thomas” or ride on the Polar Express in your pajamas while getting to sip hot coco with Santa. Or if riding on one of the trains isn’t your thing, tour their museum located at their office in Cedar Park.
Read about Covid procedures here.
The Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Avenue
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
For the plane lovers, head to the third floor gallery of the museum for a close-up view of the AT-6 “Texan,” the World War II advanced flight trainer airplane that helped the Women Airforce Serve Pilots fly into history.
For the safety of visitors and staff, they have implemented new protocols to help limit the spread of COVID-19, including timed entry for exhibitions. Please view their FAQ for more information.
LBJ Presidential Library
2313 Red River Street
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Check out the custom built black stretch limousine that was designed specifically for Lyndon B. Johnson during his presidency. It’s equipped with a TV, telephone, and a reserve gas tank – truly a car ahead of its time!
Texas Toy Museum
314 Congress Avenue
Open Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 7 p.m. as well as Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If you’re looking for planes, trains, or automobiles, but on the miniature level, be sure to stop by Texas Toy Museum. This Austin gem is located upstairs from the street and features tons of vintage toys from the early 1920’s to the early 2000’s. Game out on one of their vintage arcade games after perusing their large collection. There is a $9 admission fee or purchase a beer or wine from the bar to cover the fee.
Cedar Rock Railroad
3005 Co Rd 175, Leander
Open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Cedar Rock Railroad is a fantastic quarter-scale train that takes passengers on a relaxing 1.4 mile ride through the nature-filled fields and forests of the park. Cedar Rock Train tickets are $3 each while Loco Chase crank car tickets are $2.50 each.
Aviator Pizza and Draft House
Various Locations
Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays
This hand-tossed pizza joint now offers four locations in Central Austin. With a family-friendly vibe offering gourmet bar food and lots of local brews, there’s something for everyone at Aviator!
BONUS PICK:
Barrel O’ Fun
1911 Aldrich Street, #120
Hours Vary – TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Not necessarily a plan, train or automobile but we feel compelled to mention that this boardwalk inspired family-friendly restaurant is a whole lot of fun and shouldn’t be missed!
Looking for even more planes and such? Take a drive out to the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Runaway Train in Brownwood, the New Braunfels Railroad Museum, or try the Wonder World Cave train in San Marcos.
