Free Fun For Kids in Austin

What’s better than free? We love taking our kids out for a day of fun in Austin without spending a dime. This guide is your ultimate resource for free fun for kids in Austin, including spots where kids eat free, free indoor activities, outdoor adventures, kid-friendly events, and seasonal activities. So dig in and get ready to start planning your budget-friendly family outing.

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Where Kids Eat Free in Austin

Explore my complete guide to where kids can eat for free in Austin, broken down by day, for even more savings!

Free Kid-Friendly Ongoing Events in Austin You Can’t Miss

• Enjoy free fun for kids in Austin at The Thinkery for community hours every Tuesday from 3:00-7:00 PM.
• Let your kids unleash their creativity at Home Depot’s free DIY kids workshops on the first Saturday of each month.
• Explore Texas history with free admission to the Bullock Museum on the first Sunday of each month.
• Experience Austin’s art scene with free admission to the Blanton Art Museum and Laguna Gloria every Thursday! Plus, enjoy Laguna Gloria’s Second Saturdays are For Families with engaging activities.
• Visit the Central Austin Public Library for engaging story time for kids, Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:00 AM.
• Bring your little bookworms to free story times at BookPeople on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:30 AM.
• Explore local flavors and community vibes by checking our guide to All the Best Weekend Austin Area Farmers Markets for a free family outing.
• Teach your kids the value of giving back by exploring my complete guide to Kids Giving Back in Austin.
• Enjoy free live music for kids and families at Cherrywood Coffeehouse every Sunday at 10:00 AM.

Which of these free events will you try next? Share your experience with me on Instagram!

Indoor Fun That’s Free in Austin for Families

Looking for free fun for kids in Austin? Indoor activities are perfect for beating the Texas heat or enjoying a rainy day.

• Discover history and stunning architecture with a free tour of the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin.
• Living Spaces Furniture Store in Pflugerville has the coolest indoor play space and IT’S FREE! Just don’t forget to bring your own socks.
• Get up close to fascinating animals, including a real live sloth (!!!) at Zookeeper Exotics on Research Blvd. Free to visit and fun for kids of all ages!
• The Central Austin Public Library is a must-visit for families. Enjoy free story time Tuesdays through Friday at 10:00 AM, or explore the creative spaces and rooftop views.
• BookPeople offers free story times for kids every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 AM. A perfect stop for your little book lovers!
• Relax while your kids play! Visit Brentwood Social House, Slackers Brewing Co, or Malone Coffee (in Wells Branch), all offering free indoor play areas perfect for families.

The Best Free Outdoor Fun for Kids in Austin

• Take a hike! Explore Austin’s best kid-friendly hiking trails — check out our full guide to free family hikes. A must-visit is Mayfield Park, where kids can watch the peacocks roam. Don’t forget the Barton Creek Greenbelt, a classic Austin adventure!
• Discover free fun for kids at Austin’s unique playgrounds, check out my guide for the best spots to climb, slide, and play.
• Spend hours at the Austin Nature & Science Center, where kids can dig for dinosaur bones, see fossils, and visit live animals — all for free.
• Let your kids connect with nature by climbing a tree! See my guide to the best climbing spots in Austin.
• Explore the Brushy Creek Trail Playgrounds, including the splash pad at Brushy Creek Lake Park — perfect for family outings.
• Take a scenic walk along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail and feed the ducks at Lou Neff Point.
• Watch the sunset from the top of Mt. Bonnell, one of Austin’s most iconic (and free) viewpoints.
• Visit Wimberley for their free Wimberley Market Days (first Saturday of the month), explore Pioneer Town, and wade in the downtown creek.
• See the real dinosaur tracks in Leander — check out my guide for location details and tips!

• Visit Alliance Children’s Garden, our favorite local playground with turf hills and tunnels. During summer, cool off at the nearby Liz Carpenter Fountain!
• Bring your BMX bike to the dirt jumps at 9th Street BMX or Elizabeth Milburn Park in Cedar Park — both free for adventurous kids!
• Take a mural tour of Austin and snap selfies at the famous spots like ‘I Love You So Much,’ ‘Greetings From Austin,’ ‘You Belong Among the Wildflowers,’ and ‘You’re My Butter Half.’
• Cool off at Austin’s free swimming holes, including Blue Hole in Georgetown, Tejas Camp, Lake Pflugerville, and Secret Beach. See my guide for details.
• Beat the heat at Austin’s splash pads — check out my comprehensive guide to find the best ones near you.
• Catch free live music on weekends at Central Market while the kids play on the playground and run around in the wide open field.
• Visit The Natural Gardener to explore gardens, meet friendly goats, and enjoy a peaceful outdoor setting — all for free.
• Pack your sand toys and head to local ‘beaches’ like Lake Pflugerville or Secret Beach for free family fun.
• Climb inside the whimsical treehouse at Pease Park, perfect for your young children to explore.
• Check out the green house at Katherine Fleischer Park, a unique free spot for kids to let their imaginations run wild.
• Meet Ocho, the giant octopus sculpture that lives at Jessie Andrews Park — a fun photo op and free outing for families.

Free Seasonal Events for Kids in Austin by Season

Winter Fun

• Get a free photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shops—perfect for a fun family holiday outing.
• The Zilker Trail of Lights is FREE on select nights and always free for kids 11 and under with a ticketed adult. Don’t miss this iconic Austin holiday event!
• See Mozart’s stunning holiday light display for free, or reserve a table for the full experience. Located at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
• Experience a magical holiday display inspired by Hogwarts in South Austin, usually running by Thanksgiving. Located near Slaughter Lane and Bungalow.
• Celebrate the season at the Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring live music, food, and family fun at Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd).
• Round Rock’s Light Up The Lake is a free 2-day festival with giant balloons, light shows, live music, holiday displays and crafts, food, and more! Held at Old Settlers Park.
• Stroll through historic downtown Georgetown during the Annual Georgetown Christmas Stroll. Enjoy a parade, Bathlehem Village, and Santa photos.
• Visit 37th Street for Austin’s quirkiest light displays, a tradition since the 1980s! Located at 37th and Guadalupe.
• Experience Tuba Christmas, with 200 Tuba, Euphonium, and Baritone musicians performing festive music on the Texas Capitol’s south steps. A free holiday concert like no other!

Spring Fun

• Enjoy free live music every Wednesday night in May at Music on Main in Round Rock’s Prete Plaza. Bring blankets or lawn chairs!
• Explore art, music, and food at Austin’s Pecan Street Festival every May. Held at 501 Old Pecan St.
• Watch the bats emerge from the South Congress Bridge—a spectacular sight from March through October.
• Celebrate spring at Georgetown’s Red Poppy Festival every April, with music, food, and fun for the whole family.
• Grab a free comic book during Free Comic Book Day—perfect for young readers and comic enthusiasts!
• Celebrate the first day of spring with a free cone from Dairy Queen.
• Don’t miss National Donut Day—grab a free donut at participating locations.
• Go fly a kite and enjoy the outdoors at Austin’s iconic ABC Kite Fest.
• Take stunning family photos among Texas bluebonnets (location: everywhere, but we love McKinney Falls)
• Visit Rodeo Austin for free during the Rodeo Rumble and enjoy family-friendly activities.

Summer Fun

• See the bats take flight from the South Congress Bridge, March through October.
• Attend free Nature Nights at the Wildflower Center on Thursdays in June (6:00–9:00 PM) or visit on Lady Bird Day in July.
• Beat the heat at Austin’s splash pads—check out our guide to find one near you!
• Enjoy the free Zilker Summer Musical, a family tradition. Top notch performers. You’ll love it.
• Celebrate Independence Day with the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks.
• Kids ages 5–14 can enjoy one free bowling game or laser tag mission every weekday before 6 PM at Spare Time Bowling.

Fall Fun

• Music on Main returns every Wednesday night in October at Prete Plaza in Round Rock. Enjoy free outdoor concerts with the family!
• Creek Show at Waterloo Park features stunning light displays. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.
• Pecan Street Festival in September is a must for art and music lovers. Held at 501 Old Pecan St.
• Explore Austin museums for free on Austin Museum Day every September. Check out my comprehensive guide to Austin Museum Day!
• The Chalk Walk festival at Dell Diamond features incredible street art and free family fun in October.
• Meet authors and discover books at the Texas Book Festival every November in downtown Austin.
• Visit Sweet Berry Farm’s free pumpkin patch—only pay for what you pick!
• See Austin’s bats take flight from the South Congress Bridge, March through October.
• Kids under 10 get into ACL for free with a ticketed adult. Don’t miss this Austin favorite!

Cheap Fun for Kids in Austin: Budget-Friendly Activities

These aren’t free, but close enough!

• Swim at Barton Springs, Austin’s iconic natural spring pool, for just a small entry fee. A refreshing and affordable family favorite!
• Cool off at Quarry Splash Pad in Williamson County—an inexpensive way to beat the heat with kids.
• Ride the Cedar Rock Railroad in Leander for a fun and budget-friendly outdoor adventure.
• Play unlimited arcade games at Cidercade for just $10 per person. Entry includes all-you-can-play access to classic and modern games.
• Visit Dart ‘Em Up on Twofer Tuesdays—two players can enjoy an hour of Nerf fun for only $10.
• Take advantage of half-price Twilight Hours at Rock’N River Waterpark (5:00–7:00 PM, closed Wednesdays) during summer evenings for budget-friendly water fun.
• Let your kids burn off energy at Capital Gymnastics’ open gym mornings on Fridays. For just $6, they can jump, flip, and run for 90 minutes. Sign up in advance!
• Relax at the ‘beach’ at Emma Long Park—a scenic and affordable way to enjoy a day by the water.
• Visit Garey Park in Georgetown for just $2 for residents or $4 for non-residents (kids under 3 are free). Enjoy half-price Tuesdays from October through March!

Affordable Places to Live Near Austin

Looking for affordable places to live near Austin? Check out this Redfin article featuring Austin Fun For Kids as a local expert! The guide highlights the 10 most affordable Austin suburbs to consider for families. [10 Most Affordable Austin Suburbs to Live In | Redfin]

Make the Most of Free and Affordable Fun in Austin!

Austin offers endless opportunities for families to enjoy free or budget-friendly activities year-round. From seasonal events and unique playgrounds to splash pads and affordable outings, there’s always something fun to do with the kiddos.

I hope this guide inspires your next family adventure. Which activity will you try first? Let me know by tagging me on Instagram @AustinFunForKids — please follow me, share your experiences, and spread the fun of our great town!

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