Mayfield Park & Preserve

Mayfield Park is a small, charming city park in the Tarrytown neighborhood known for one unforgettable feature: a resident flock of free-roaming peacocks and peahens. The birds wander the grounds freely — strutting along stone paths, perching on walls, roosting in trees, and occasionally fanning their spectacular tail feathers for anyone lucky enough to be watching. For children, encountering a peacock at arm's length without a fence in between is a genuine thrill.

The park occupies the grounds of a 1920s cottage surrounded by manicured gardens with stone paths, a lily pond with koi fish, and mature live oak trees providing generous shade. It's compact — you can walk the entire garden area in 15-20 minutes — but it's photogenic and peaceful. The koi pond is a secondary highlight for young children who can spend extended time watching the large, colorful fish swim.

Adjacent to the cottage gardens is the Mayfield Preserve, a 21-acre nature area with a short trail along a creek. The trail is not stroller-friendly (uneven terrain, some steps) but is fine for walking toddlers and older kids. It adds a nature-walk element to the visit and connects to the broader trail system.

Mayfield Park is best experienced as a 45-minute to 1. 5-hour stop rather than a full-day destination. Smart families pair it with nearby attractions: Laguna Gloria (the Contemporary Austin art museum) is immediately adjacent and has outdoor sculpture installations along Lake Austin.

Mozart's Coffee Roasters, a beloved Austin coffee shop with a sprawling deck overlooking the lake, is a 7-minute drive away.

The park is free with no fees or reservations required. The only challenge is parking — the small lot holds about 12 cars and fills on weekend mornings. Arrive early or park on the street. There are no restrooms or food services, so plan accordingly.