If your family is like mine, it has been a mad dash to get through May-cember. But now that we are here…what are we doing? Better yet, what am I going to do all summer long, with my kids, that doesn’t cost a fortune. I know you are asking yourself the same questions. Have no fear…here’s you A-Z list of FREE Things to do in Austin this Summer!
RELATED READING :: Summer Camps in and around Austin
No matter if you live North of 183, South of the River, East of 35 or West of Mopac; there are many FREE things to keep your little ones busy. Before you head out on your adventures, make sure to double check the times, locations and special requirements of each even. Some events require preregistration and some locations are only free on certain days and times.
Keep checking back, we’ll be adding to the list all Summer!
Finally, to be a summer pro; pack the water bottles and bring your own snacks – this way you don’t get caught turning a free activity into a pricey one. Ready. Set. Break for Summer!
- Alliance Children’s Park- Bring a change of clothes because the kids will definitely want to splash and cool off!
- ATX Yoga girl – FREE Kids Yoga at Pease Park on 6/13, 6/28, 7/13, 7/26, 8/16, 8/30 at 9:30 a.m
- Austin Boardwalk- the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is more than a great pathway—it is a place where Austin thrives. For many citizens and visitors, it represents the best Austin has to offer: outdoor recreation; a scenic, natural environment; and a diverse, vibrant mix of people.
- Austin Humane Society Summer Kids Series–more HERE! Join them for Rescue Reading, Painting Pandas, Teddy Bear Surgery and more all Summer long!
- Austin Nature and Science Center– Since 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center has provided hands-on nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation activities for countless visitors, teachers, and children of all ages that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, ANSC is dedicated to the exploration of the natural world.
- Austin Parks Summer Boredom Busters Camp- A free, drop-in summer program Boredom Busters offers youth a fun, safe, and creative space to explore and remain active during the summer months. Activities will include arts and crafts, cooking, drama, games, natural exploration, special events, and more! ALL DETAILS HERE
- Barton Creek Greenbelt- Check out all our fave hikes and trails here!
- Barton Creek Mall Disney Junior Playzone- A great way to beat the heat! Play with your favorite Disney Junior friends through interactive digital displays, climbable playsets, and a variety of games and activities. The open floor plan play space features kid-sized activities from Disney Junior Mickey and Disney Junior Minnie, “Doc McStuffins”, “Elena of Avalor”, “Fancy Nancy”, “Muppet Babies”, “Puppy Dog Pals”, “T.O.T.S.”, “Vampirina”, and more*. Disney Junior Play Zone also includes comfortable seating, charging stations, and stroller parking.
- Barton Springs – No Reservation Required. Only open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8 am – 10 pm. No entry pass needed from 9 pm – 10 pm on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Swim at your own risk hours are daily from 5 AM – 8 AM and do not require entry pass
- Bass Pro Shop – Join Bass Pro Shops every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM, and Saturdays at 1:30 PM for their live fish feedings and informational demonstrations at the 34,000 gallon freshwater aquarium.
- Bee Cave Sculpture Garden-The Park is free of charge to visit, and it is open from sunrise to sunset. Dogs on a leash are welcome!
- Berry Springs Park and Preserve- Don’t forget to visit the donkeys!
- Blanton Art Museum-Museum admission is always free on Thursdays. On the third Thursday of each month, the museum remains open until 9 pm.
- Blue Hole Regional Park- kiddos under 3 are free! Day passes for the rest of the fam are required.
- Bob Bullock Museum-Exhibition admission is free on the first Sunday of every month for H-E-B Free First Sunday. Exhibition admission is free every year on the second Sunday in July in honor of Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock’s birthday.
- Brushy Creek Trail
- Cedar Park Sculpture Garden
- Children’s Park San Marcos
- Check out all these FREE Splash Pads
- Commemorative Air Force Museum San Marcos
- Community Cinema- The Community Cinema & Amphitheater is a place where film, family and fun come together at Austin’s coolest outdoor venue. Nestled into the Community First! Village countryside, the outdoor cinema and amphitheater has room for hundreds to catch a show or book an event under the stars.
- Congress Street Bats-Know before you go!
- Contracommon FREE Summer Art Festival at the Hill Country Galleria
- Disc Golf at Barton Springs
- Elisabet Ney Museum-The museum enjoys numerous historic designations and is a cornerstone of the Hyde Park National Register Historic Neighborhood. Admission is free.
- Emily Ann Theater and Gardens – Wimberly
- Epic Fun – June 9, 4-7pm
- Falcon Park Splash Park
- Five Mile Damn Park in San Marcos
- Fourth of July Parades
- Fourth of July Fireworks and Concert at the Long Center
- Front Yard Brewing Family Game Nights- Wednesdays 4-9pm
- Governor’s Mansion
- Harry Ransom Center
- Hill Country Galleria LIVE on the Lawn- This event is free admission, family-friendly, and weather permitting.
- Home Depot Monthly kids’ workshops
- Honor Flight Austin – Take the kids to ABIA to welcome back an Honor Flight
- Kids Bowl Free Summer Program
- Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
- Lakeline Mall Kids Play Area
- Make your own Mural tour around South Congress
- Mayfield park to see the Peacocks
- Mermaid March San Marcos- Mermaid March is a self guided tour that consists of ten seven-foot mermaid statues painted by regional artists installed around the city. This public art project by the San Marcos Arts Commission celebrates the art, culture and natural beauty of the city.
- Hike Mount Bonnell
- Mueller Park – Second Sundays for Kids- Every Second Sunday, enjoy fun activities for kids at TFM at Mueller! Activities will vary each month so keep an eye out here for details as the Second Sunday approaches
- Rock the Park! Mueller, KUTX, and Dell Children’s Medical Center are excited to rock the amphitheater at Mueller Lake Park again this spring with another round of free, family-friendly concerts curated by KUTX and our Sunday-evening kids’ show Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child. Come early to grab a spot on the lawn!
- Natural Gardener – Check out their chickens and enjoy the beautiful plants
- Maker Pfest from 2-5 p.m. on June 3 at Pflugerville Public Library. Lots of demos and hands-on activities with artists and makers from the Central Texas area.
- Laguna Gloria- FREE for all THURSDAYS
- Lake Pflugerville – build sand castles on the beach
- Living Spaces– Take the kids shopping and let them explore the play area.
- Lockhart State Park – Free on June 3
- IKEA – Take the kids shopping and let them explore the play area. IKEA offers Free family craft night in their café.
- Pease Park Showtime in the Park- Impact Arts will present Showtime in the Park, a family-friendly event kicking off Summer Stock Austin’s 2023 Season on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 5:00-9:30 p.m. in Pease Park. Pease Park will be transformed into a musical wonderland for all ages. Attendees will experience live musical performances by young Austin artists showcasing Summer Stock Austin’s upcoming season to include GREASE and THE WIZARD OF OZ.
- Explore Pease Park Treehouse
- Pickleball (free when you bring your own equipment) – South Austin Recreation Center, Hancock Recreation Center and Northwest Recreation Center
- Pokémon Club – Round Rock Public Library
- San Gabriel Creative Park
- San Marcos River – Float with the fam
- Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail
- Edwards Park Hiking Trail
- Story time at ALL Public libraries-check out the schedule HERE
- South Congress First Thursday- On the first Thursday of every month, businesses along South Congress Avenue band together to highlight the essence of Austin — a celebration of local music, art and culture.
- South Park Meadows Free Music every Friday night
- Tejano walking trail- The 4.9-mile Tejano Walking Trail covers an incredible span of history, from the post-Civil War expansion of the railroad to the 2009 dedication of a Cesar Chavez statue at a library on his namesake street.
- Texas Capitol
- Texas Military Forces Museum
- Texas State Cemetery
- The Contemporary Austin – The Jones Center– FREE THURSDAYS
- The Thinkery Community Nights- Free on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-5pm. Be sure to reserve your spot!
- The Long Center Free Music Thursdays 5/25-8/10
- Turkey Creek Hike Trail
- Two Hives Honey – Free Class about local bees on June 10
- Walnut Creek Hiking trail
- Waterloo Park Friday Flicks- Spend a night under the stars enjoying beloved movies and exploring the beauty of Waterloo Park, with audience contests, live music, and family-friendly activities. Screenings begin at sunset. Check the full schedule here
- Waterloo Park Wild Wednesdays- Enjoy a variety of science, nature, and STEM programs designed to connect kids (ages 5-14+) to the outside world around them!
- Wild Basin Preserve Hiking Trail
- Wimberly Glassworks – watch a free demonstration
- Wimberly Market Days – Open 1st Saturday, 7am – 4pm
- Zilker Park
- Zilker Hillside Theater – Matilda; runs 7/7-8/12 on Thursday – Sundays at 8:15pm
- Zookeeper Pet Store – Check out their sloth and their selection of exotic animals
