Two years ago, we hit the road with our four kids, ages six to 14, in search of FAMILYFUN's "Ten Family-Friendly Cities." The result was a list of urban gems--too many, in fact, to fit in a single article. While that story focused on giants like Chicago, Washington and San Francisco, we now present the rest of the story. Although the major cities get all the ink, these smaller cities stole our hearts with their delightful mix of small-town ease and big-city personality. One of these small cities you might like to explore on your next family getaway is fabulous Austin, Texas. Go there, and you'll come to know what the locals know: Good things don't always come in the biggest, fanciest packages.

THE BIGGEST LITTLE TOWN IN TEXAS

"Batman would feel right at home here," nine-year-old Connor declared to his mom, Diane, who was affixing an "Ask Me About Bats!" button to his T-shirt. But who needs a guy in a black rubber suit when you've got the real thing? Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. From March to October, hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats swoop into the sky to feast on insects. When the bats come out, appearing like a pouf of magician's smoke in the twilight, all eyes look skyward.

Alas, during our last visit, the bats didn't come out to play (we'd seen a gazillion of 'em the summer before), so we flitted around town looking for other amusements. Most people think of Austin as a grown-up playground, due to its reputation as a live-music mecca. Guess what? We discovered super parks, swimming holes and a city that revels in its role as the rowdy little sibling among Texas towns.

WHO KNEW? That Austinites are crazy for disk golf. Check out the action at Pease Park (512-499-6700), where you'll also find good fossil hunting along the creek bed. Admire your finds at the park; you're not allowed to take 'em away.

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT... your swimsuits. Austin kids and visiting families beat the heat at Barton Springs (512-476-9044), a 1,000-foot-long, 68-degree spring-fed natural pool.

DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT... riding the Zilker Zephyr, the train ride at Zilker Park (512-499-6700), Austin's most popular outdoor hangout ($2.50 for adults, $1.50 for kids ages 11 and under). Rainy day? Swap the train ride for the driver's seat of a real ambulance at Austin's Children's Museum (512-472-2494).

CLEAN-PLATE CLUB Not only is the food tasty at the Shoreline Grill (512-477-3300), but the views are pure Addams Family: on warm nights, you can watch the bats fly from their roost under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Devour your dinner (kids love the fried-shrimp plate) while the bats chow down on insects.

LOCAL DIGS The Radisson Hotel & Suites is set right on the lake, a short walk to downtown shops and restaurants. Package deals including room and board are available to families (call 512-478-9611).

HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN If it flies, it's in the skies at the Zilker Park Kite Fest, one of the oldest and largest kite festivals in the country. Always the second Sunday in March (512-499-6700).

BEST LOCAL COLOR Even the Texas bluebonnets on the hillsides can't compete with the eye-popping hues of the peacocks at Mayfield Park & Preserve (512-499-6700).

BEST SOUVENIR The photos you snap of your little ones atop Austin's Mount Bonnell (okay, so it's a 815-foot hill). Climb the 99 stone steps (by our count) to the top and enjoy a bird's-eye view of your new favorite city.

F.Y.I. Call 800-926-2282.

Travel writers Diane Bair and Pamela Wright are regular contributors to FAMILYFUN and the authors of 18 guidebooks and numerous magazine articles.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in August 2000.