The Domain
May 21, 2009 by Julia
Filed under Austin (north), Austin Metro, parks, reviews, stores and products
I’ll admit it. I was there the day that the Domain opened to the public, and in spite of my general “Keep Austin Weird” attitude, I welcomed the Domain as I much prefer the open air, mixed use venues to enclosed mall spaces. It’s also just a pretty shopping center. Even though the shops are higher end and not exactly top ranked in my book of great bargains, there have been some spectacular finds recently (like children’s clothes at the Macy’s for about Target prices) because of the down economy. Usually we don’t come here to buy but to enjoy the atmosphere and occasionally grab a bite to eat. My oldest calls this the “armadillo place.”
Next to the Starbucks (because what retail establishment doesn’t have a Starbucks) is a small “play” area. There’s a large armadillo upon which children can climb, and the ground is made of recycled rubber to cushion falls. There are dragonfly and butterfly seats and an outdoor fireplace that burns (even in our ridiculously warm summers) with several rocking chairs nearby. Waterfall landscaping surrounds this area, and if you don’t keep a close eye on toddlers, they could tumble right into the water as I’ve seen so many try to reach in to splash the water. The water smells chlorinated, and that’s probably how the waterscape is algae-free.
Further down, past the Apple Store next to Martin + Osa is another small spot that my children enjoy. There’s a large heron statue with a small water sprinkler. I’m not sure if this water area was designed for children to splash in, but each time that we’ve been there, children are running and touching the water as it sprays. The water does smell chlorinated. Recently covered seating was added near here.
A family restroom is near both of these kid-friendly areas, between the Steeping Room tea house and Banana Republic.
My kids like to come here, play a bit, and then go ride the escalator inside Borders to get to the children’s book department. It never feels like there is much here for my kids to do, but they seem to love coming here. Simple pleasures.
I’ll review the restaurants in a future post as there are some great bites at the Domain.
Use the parking garage, and if you can, park on the 3rd level. That is the shopping level so you can walk right out, near the common area.
The Domain
11506 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 795-4230
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