In addition to general-purpose lawns, sports fields, cross country courses, historical markers, concession stands and picnic areas, the park includes numerous public attractions. The
Zilker Botanical Garden features several independently maintained gardens located near the center of the park and hosts the Zilker Gardens Festival every spring. The
Austin Nature & Science Center offers ecological exhibits, nature hike trails, and children's educational programming. The
Umlauf Sculpture Garden adjoins the southeast end of the park, displaying sculptural works by artist
Charles Umlauf and others. The
Zilker Hillside Theater hosts regular performances by local theatre companies, including free "Shakespeare in the Park" every May and an annual summer musical.
Barton Springs Pool adjoins the park on the east, offering public swimming; other water activities are available in
Barton Creek. The Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center by Barton Springs Pool offers exhibits about the natural history of the
Edwards Aquifer that feeds
Barton Springs. Every winter the
Zilker Holiday Tree is illuminated, along with a Trail of Lights display. The
Zilker Zephyr gauge
miniature railway carries passengers on a tour around the park. It has been reopened as of August 2023 as Zilker Eagle. The park's amenities and wide, open spaces allow it to host a variety of large events each year—notably, the
Austin City Limits Music Festival, which fills the park for two weekends each fall with numerous live musical performances by prominent country, folk and rock artists, among others. ==Trails==