Jarrell Storm Shelters

Explore the "jewel in the heart of Austin," also known as the Zilker Botanical Garden. The garden was established in 1995 and sprawls through 31 acres of downtown Austin, offering a sweet escape from city streets and greeting more than 400,000 visitors annually. Themes among the gardens are as varied as nature itself. There's a Japanese garden and koi pond, a rose garden, an herb garden, a butterfly trail and garden, and a cactus garden among the selections to tour. Another unique feature is the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which recreates the habitat of local dinosaurs. Visitors can tour the gardens for free and take home a Texas succulent or majestic orchid among the many offerings.

Celebrate Eeyore's Birthday Party every April at Pease Park, where the bizarre and unusual are perfectly normal. This celebration highlights Austin’s lovably odd, free-spirit culture at this iconic annual spring festival. Eeyore’s Birthday Party features games, face painting, henna, temporary tattoos, live music, drum circles, dancing, and singing. Costumes are certainly encouraged. So rummage through the closet for those tutus, fairy wings, hula hoops, and flower crowns.