With gas prices and a failing economy, families are not able to travel across the country to vacation as much as they used to.  Instead of driving to Walt Disney World, why not try vacationing in our own backyard, Austin style. Austin and the surrounding area has many wonderful, family oriented vacations spots.  Zilker Park is one of them.  The park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Road and is in the heart of Austin.  The park has many things to enjoy.  The Botanical Gardens in Barton Hills is a great place to start.  The garden has many varieties of flowers and ponds.  They have also recreated a dinosaur habitat.  The park also offers plenty of slides, swings and even its very own miniature train, The Zilker Zephyr.  It winds through the park taking its riders through the 30 acre park.  … [Read more...]