Plan Your Houston to Austin Road Trip With Kids
The Houston to Austin road trip is a classic Texas drive covering 165 miles of rolling hills and small towns. This manageable route passes through Brenham (home of Blue Bell Ice Cream!) and offers plenty of family-friendly stops. SmartStops helps you find the best playgrounds along the way.
Route Stats
165 miles
Total Distance
2.5-3 hours driving
Drive Time
1-2 stops
Recommended Stops
3.5-4.5 hours (with stops)
Total Trip Time
Year-round (spring best)
Best Season
Recommended Stops with Playgrounds
Stop 1: Katy, TX
30 miles from Houston • 30-40 minutes from start
Katy Park - Large playground with splash pad
Buc-ee's, Shell, Chevron
Local cafes, Starbucks
Quick first stop to escape Houston traffic. Buc-ee's is a Texas institution and kids love it.
Stop 2: Brenham, TX
75 miles from Houston • 1.5 hours from start
Fireman's Park - Shaded playground with picnic areas
Stripes, Valero in town
Must Be Heaven, local cafes
Perfect breakfast or lunch stop. Home of Blue Bell Ice Cream - don't miss the factory tour!
Stop 3: Giddings, TX
105 miles from Houston • 2 hours from start
Giddings City Park - Community playground
Shell, Valero at highway
Local cafes, fast food
Good midpoint stop. Small town Texas charm with clean facilities.
Stop 4: Bastrop, TX
140 miles from Houston • 2.5 hours from start
Fisherman's Park - River playground with nature trails
H-E-B gas, Shell in town
Maxine's, local coffee shops
Last stop before Austin with great river scenery. Bastrop State Park nearby for longer breaks.
Tips for This Route
Best Time to Leave Houston
Leave early (before 8 AM) or after 10 AM to avoid Houston rush hour. Weekend mornings are ideal. Highway 290 can backup around Cypress.
Weather Considerations
Texas heat is intense in summer - look for shaded playgrounds or indoor stops. Spring wildflower season (March-April) makes Highway 290 beautiful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't skip Brenham - Blue Bell Ice Cream is worth the stop. Highway 290 route is more scenic than I-10, though I-10 is slightly faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Houston to Austin take with kids?
The drive takes about 2.5-3 hours. With one good stop (we recommend Brenham for Blue Bell Ice Cream), plan for 3.5-4.5 hours total.
Where should I stop between Houston and Austin?
Brenham (1.5 hours from Houston) is the best stop - it's home to Blue Bell Ice Cream and has great playgrounds. Bastrop is another good option closer to Austin.
Should I take Highway 290 or I-10 to Austin with kids?
Highway 290 is recommended for families. It passes through charming towns like Brenham with better stop options. I-10 is slightly faster but less interesting.
Plan This Route in SmartStops
Get turn-by-turn directions to every playground and family stop along your Houston to Austin journey.