When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Zilker Park Disc Golf Course
Why Zilker Park Disc Golf Course is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Zilker Park Disc Golf Course, situated in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas, offers an inviting and accessible venue for disc golf enthusiasts and casual players alike. Established in 1987 and designed by renowned course designer John Houck, this 18-hole course features a mix of mostly flat terrain with some low hills and scattered foliage, providing a welcoming yet engaging layout. The first nine holes are relatively short, while the back nine open up with longer distances, catering to a variety of skill levels and throwing styles. The course was thoughtfully renovated in 2015 with a $200,000 investment that upgraded key features such as concrete tee pads, clear signage, new brand-name DISCatcher Pro targets, and accurate distance markers. These improvements have enhanced both the safety and playability of the course. Widely regarded as beginner-friendly and well-suited for casual rounds, Zilker Park also hosts community events, leagues, and weekly doubles, fostering a vibrant local scene. Although parking fees apply on weekends during high seasons, visitors can find free parking nearby with caution when crossing busy roads. Amenities like drinking water and restrooms are available, making Zilker Park Disc Golf Course a convenient and enjoyable place to meet up with friends, practice skills, and experience one of Austin’s most iconic public parks through the fun lens of disc golf.
Here's what people think of Zilker Park Disc Golf Course
As of recent, Zilker Park Disc Golf Course holds a 4.7-star rating based on 313 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Zilker Park Disc Golf Course for its convenient downtown location, well-maintained facilities, and recent course renovations that revitalized the playing experience. Positive feedback highlights the clearly defined fairways, heavy-duty concrete tee boxes, eco-friendly improvements, and the quality of the new baskets and signage, which together contribute to a smooth and enjoyable round. Players appreciate the course’s approachable design, finding it beginner-friendly and a perfect spot for casual play and social gatherings. Community involvement through local clubs and organized events further enhances the welcoming atmosphere. On the other hand, some advanced players express that the course’s relative simplicity and predominantly short hole lengths can lack challenge and shot variety, potentially leading to boredom for more competitive or experienced disc golfers. A few have noted occasional crowding issues, especially given the park’s popularity and central location. Despite these minor critiques, the general consensus remains highly favorable, with a strong rating around 4.7 out of 5 from over 300 reviews. In conclusion, Zilker Park Disc Golf Course stands out as a beloved and accessible disc golf destination within Austin, offering a great mix of historical significance, modern amenities, and community spirit that makes it an excellent meet-up spot for disc golf enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Chris Gleeson
Fun course. Low ceilings and tight lines add some challenge to this short course.
Jeff Trask
18 hole short course, play in a hour or so. Take a swim at Barton Springs afterward. Some shaded areas to beat the heat in. The front nine is fouled up by Austin PARD. You couldn't build that crappy building elsewhere? The park was dry and dusty, now it is wet and muddy. This park is essentially the same as it was in the 1960's, when I first visited. Nice day today for disc golf. I only play the back nine. It was a beautiful Fall day today. Zilker park was not crowded. Beautiful day at Zilker Park. I enjoyed the Spring temperatures. Get there before the weekend crowd. Check ahead of time for so-called "Special Events" because the P.A.R.D. blocks off most of the disc golf parking. WTH?
Nghia Tran
I was in town from Houston for a wedding and popped in to this beautiful course near downtown for a quick round. Very nice compared to most courses from H Town. Most of the holes are short, so it's pretty beginner friendly. Some trees here and there to make it just challenging enough. Can get pretty busy so come early or you'll be sitting around waiting.
Hunor Süket
I live in Georgetown and have been going to play there every month at least once. With that said. I will never go there after this last weekend! Parking is ridiculously expensive and I'm good even with that, but if you are charging an arm and a leg for parking, you should have security there. Someone broke in to my friends truck and looking at the parking lot it is a regular thing and it doesn't look like anyone is doing anything about it! So everyone heads up!!! If you go to play there, there is a good chance, your car is going to be broken into!!!
Katie
Nice course for beginner/intermediate players. Nothing too long or difficult. Mostly flat park with plenty of shade trees. A few holes next to the park road but that's about the only hazard. The first hole was across the street from the parking, there were signs at each tee pad, but just use udisc for the layout.
Katie
Nice course for beginner/intermediate players. Nothing too long or difficult. Mostly flat park with plenty of shade trees. A few holes next to the park road but that's about the only hazard. The first hole was across the street from the parking, there were signs at each tee pad, but just use udisc for the layout.
Chris Gleeson
Fun course. Low ceilings and tight lines add some challenge to this short course.
Jeff Trask
18 hole short course, play in a hour or so. Take a swim at Barton Springs afterward. Some shaded areas to beat the heat in. The front nine is fouled up by Austin PARD. You couldn't build that crappy building elsewhere? The park was dry and dusty, now it is wet and muddy. This park is essentially the same as it was in the 1960's, when I first visited. Nice day today for disc golf. I only play the back nine. It was a beautiful Fall day today. Zilker park was not crowded. Beautiful day at Zilker Park. I enjoyed the Spring temperatures. Get there before the weekend crowd. Check ahead of time for so-called "Special Events" because the P.A.R.D. blocks off most of the disc golf parking. WTH?
Nghia Tran
I was in town from Houston for a wedding and popped in to this beautiful course near downtown for a quick round. Very nice compared to most courses from H Town. Most of the holes are short, so it's pretty beginner friendly. Some trees here and there to make it just challenging enough. Can get pretty busy so come early or you'll be sitting around waiting.
Hunor Süket
I live in Georgetown and have been going to play there every month at least once. With that said. I will never go there after this last weekend! Parking is ridiculously expensive and I'm good even with that, but if you are charging an arm and a leg for parking, you should have security there. Someone broke in to my friends truck and looking at the parking lot it is a regular thing and it doesn't look like anyone is doing anything about it! So everyone heads up!!! If you go to play there, there is a good chance, your car is going to be broken into!!!
How to reach Zilker Park Disc Golf Course
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Why Zilker Park Disc Golf Course may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Zilker Park Disc Golf Course with your friends?
Gathering a group of friends at Zilker Park Disc Golf Course in Austin, Texas, offers an unbeatable combination of outdoor activity, social engagement, and scenic enjoyment right in the heart of one of Austin's most beloved parks. This course is renowned not only for its accessibility and welcoming atmosphere but also for its rich history as the first disc golf design by John Houck in 1987, lending it a special appeal for both beginners and seasoned players. The course is free to play, which makes it incredibly inviting for casual meetups without the barrier of cost. Beyond disc golf, the setting of Zilker Park itself provides plenty of green space perfect for picnics, casual hangouts, or simply relaxing between rounds. Its ample parking and concrete tees make it easy for groups to arrive and get started, while the lightly wooded, mostly flat terrain ensures the game remains accessible to players of varying skill levels. Plus, with amenities like drinking water and restrooms available, it supports comfort for prolonged visits. In short, Zilker Park Disc Golf Course is a vibrant, social space where friends can engage in a fun sport, enjoy the outdoors, and strengthen bonds in a festive yet laid-back environment.
What activities can groups enjoy at Zilker Park Disc Golf Course?
At its core, Zilker Park Disc Golf Course offers an 18-hole disc golf experience that caters impressively to groups looking to engage in active recreation. The course layout features a blend of shorter, technical holes in the front nine that demand precision, and longer, more open holes in the back nine that allow players to unleash powerful throws. This mix creates a balanced challenge that keeps everyone entertained and engaged. Disc golfers can enjoy casual rounds or participate in recurring events, such as the Mixed Girl/Guy Doubles held on Friday evenings or other local leagues and tournaments frequently promoted on the community bulletin board by the first tee. These social disc golf events provide ample opportunities for groups to connect with other enthusiasts and elevate meetups into more lively, community-oriented gatherings. Beyond disc golf, Zilker Park itself hosts a variety of other outdoor activities like hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and open fields suitable for frisbee, volleyball, or simply lounging after a round. This diversity in available activities makes it an ideal spot for larger groups with varied interests, ensuring there is always something enjoyable to do whether inside or outside the disc golf experience.
Why is Zilker Park Disc Golf Course perfect for group meetups?
Zilker Park Disc Golf Course stands out as a prime location for group meetups for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its central and iconic location in downtown Austin places it within easy reach for locals and visitors alike, ensuring convenience for attendees. The course itself is well-maintained, following a $200,000 renovation completed in 2015, which enhanced signage, concrete tees, and baskets, all of which contribute to a smooth and enjoyable playing experience. For groups, this means less time troubleshooting course logistics and more time playing and socializing. Additionally, the course offers a moderate difficulty with mainly flat terrain and some scattered foliage, making it sufficiently challenging to engage but not so difficult that beginners are discouraged. Parking, while requiring a $7 fee on weekends during peak season, remains free on weekdays, offering flexible options to accommodate different scheduling preferences. The presence of amenities like public restrooms and drinking fountains further supports longer visits with comfort, encouraging groups to spend several hours enjoying the facility. Lastly, the layout of the course—with the front and back nine separated by the parking lot—offers natural breaks in gameplay, perfect for group conversations, hydration, and regrouping, enhancing the overall camaraderie of the outing.
What should you know about the course layout and design at Zilker Park Disc Golf Course?
Zilker Park Disc Golf Course boasts a thoughtful design that appeals to groups seeking a well-rounded disc golf experience. The course consists of 18 holes, with a distinctive layout split between the front nine shorter holes and the back nine longer holes. The front nine predominantly features holes under 300 feet, encouraging technical throws and strategic play with an emphasis on accuracy and finesse. In contrast, the back nine includes several holes exceeding 300 feet, providing an opportunity for players to execute longer drives and more dynamic shots. This variance creates a satisfying balance, making the course accessible for newer players while still challenging for more advanced participants. The terrain is mostly flat with light foliage, which reduces physical strain while retaining enough natural obstacles to maintain interest and variety in play. Concrete tees enhance stability and comfort during throws, and the course uses DISCatcher Pro baskets, known for their quality and reliability. This design not only reflects the original vision of John Houck, a pioneering figure in disc golf course design, but also incorporates modern updates that maintain playability and aesthetics, making it a welcoming course for all group sizes and skill levels.
Are there community events and other social opportunities at Zilker Park Disc Golf Course?
Beyond just being a place to play, Zilker Park Disc Golf Course is a lively hub for social disc golf events, leagues, and community engagement that enrich group meetups. Weekly organized events like the Mixed Girl/Guy Doubles foster a friendly competitive spirit and provide an excellent way for groups to meet new people who share their interest in disc golf. The bulletin board near the first tee is an information hotspot, where flyers and notices advertise upcoming leagues, tournaments, and mini-events such as RAD Minis. These social atmospheres encourage camaraderie and make the course more than just a game—it becomes a community gathering spot. The Disc Golf community in Austin is active and welcoming, providing regular opportunities to deepen involvement in the sport and meet new friends in structured or casual settings. Groups can easily align their meetup schedules with these events to add an extra layer of excitement and social interaction. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the spaciousness of Zilker Park, with its picturesque surroundings and facilities, creates a perfect backdrop for sunlit socializing, food sharing, and casual recreation between rounds or after play.
What amenities support a comfortable and enjoyable group experience at Zilker Park Disc Golf Course?
The comfort and convenience amenities at Zilker Park Disc Golf Course significantly enhance the experience for friend and family gatherings. The course's recent upgrades include clear signage and distance markers, which simplify navigation for players regardless of experience and keep everyone engaged without confusion. The presence of concrete tee pads ensures stable footing for all players, reducing slips or missteps even after rain or watering. Public restrooms and readily available drinking water fountains address fundamental needs, allowing groups to spend extended time outdoors without discomfort or the need to leave the area prematurely. Moreover, dog-friendly policies mean attendees can bring pets along, adding to the wholesome, community-oriented vibe of the meetups. While parking involves a fee on weekends from March through September, free parking options are available under the highway, easing concerns over logistics and cost. This blend of thoughtful infrastructure and welcoming policies ensures that every member of a group, from the youngest to the most seasoned player, and even four-legged friends, can fully enjoy their time at Zilker Park Disc Golf Course.
How does Zilker Park Disc Golf Course reflect and contribute to Austin’s vibrant outdoor culture?
Zilker Park Disc Golf Course embodies the spirit of Austin’s outdoorsy and community-centric lifestyle, making it a natural gathering place for locals and visitors who appreciate active recreation amid a beautiful city setting. Located within one of Austin’s most iconic parks, the course benefits from the larger green space’s extensive trails, picnic spots, and recreational facilities, which together create a multi-use environment for social and physical activities. By offering a free-to-play disc golf course with a rich history and modern improvements, the City of Austin supports both grassroots sports and community health, fostering a sense of belonging among participants. The course’s design, accessibility, and ongoing events contribute to the city’s reputation as a disc golf hotspot in Texas, helping cultivate new players, encourage outdoor fitness, and sustain a lively community culture. These factors make Zilker Park Disc Golf Course not only the perfect venue for informal social meetups but also a valued component of Austin’s broader outdoor recreational offerings, where friends and family can connect with nature and each other in meaningful ways.