All The Best Free Indoor Fun for Kids in Austin
When the weather turns gloomy or the scorching Texas sun is just too intense, finding indoor play spaces for the kids becomes a top priority. Luckily, Austin offers a variety of free indoor options that not only keep the little ones entertained but also provide a reprieve for parents. Let’s explore some fantastic places in Austin where kids can play indoors without spending a dime.
Free Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Austin
Lakeline Mall Play Area or Disney Junior Play Zone at Barton Creek Square Mall
Lakeline Mall’s indoor play area just got an update! There’s also an indoor play zone at Barton Creek Square.
Living Spaces Furniture Store
Living Spaces Furniture Store is more than just a showroom; it’s a family-friendly space with a dedicated play area for kids. While parents shop for furniture or decor, little ones can enjoy a play corner equipped with toys and activities. It’s a win-win for families looking to combine furniture shopping with a playdate. Adults are not allowed in kids play area. Bring your own socks (or you’ll have to pay for some there).
Austin Nature & Science Center
While this incredible local resource has many outdoor elements, you can also find plenty to do indoors here! I’m always surprised at how long my kids stay entertained at the inside exhibits here.
Slackers Brewery
Slackers Brewery offers a cute indoor play area with board games, foosball, toys, and more. Slackers Brewery is a place where families can enjoy some quality time together. While the kids play games, parents can unwind and socialize. They are also open early for coffee!
Brentwood Social House
Brentwood Social House is a charming cafe that welcomes families with open arms. With a cozy indoor seating area and a designated kids’ play corner, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon. Enjoy a cup of coffee while the little ones engage in imaginative play with the provided toys.
Malone Coffee
Malone Coffee not only serves up delicious coffee but also caters to families with a welcoming indoor space. The coffee shop often has a corner filled with books, a giant chalkboard, and toys for kids. It’s an ideal place for parents to enjoy a cup of coffee while the little ones entertain themselves with the available activities.
H-Mart
H-Mart, the popular Asian grocery store, is more than just a place to shop for groceries. It often features a casual play area near the front of the store. They also have those adorable tiny kiddie carts so young children can go shopping with you.
BookPeople
BookPeople, a beloved independent bookstore in Austin, hosts free storytime events for kids on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:30 am. It’s a great opportunity for children to engage with literature in a cozy indoor setting. Kids also love to run around and play inside the tunnel upstairs in the kids department.
Furniture Mall of Texas
There are adorable little ride-on toys for kids at this furniture store, so the kids can race around the store while you shop. You also get free arcade games and free treats like cookies or ice cream.
The Library
This is a no-brainer, but almost every library in town has some sort of entertaining kids area with toys and books and games. Check your local branch for story times as well.
Zookeeper Exotics
This unusual pet store has the most exotic creatures in town! You’ll see snakes, lizards, bunnies, and even a real live sloth! A great free, indoor spot to bring any creature-loving kids.
Capitol Building
You live in the state’s capitol, but have you ever explored the Capitol Building? If not, you can for free! Go online and book a free tour.
The Thinkery
Austin’s only children’s museum, The Thinkery, has free community nights. Every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. and Sunday from 3-5 p.m. the museum has free admission. Be sure to register online to guarantee your spot.
Bullock Museum
The Bullock Museum has free admission on the first Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. They usually have activities for families to participate in from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and you can stay and explore the whole museum for free!
Free Kids DIY Workshops
Both Lowes and Home Depot have monthly free kids DIY workshops. Check their website for exact dates and times.
Sunday Makebreak at Michael’s stores
Almost every Sunday at all Michael’s stores, you can attend a free crafting event called Sunday Makebreak. Pre-register online and check their schedule to make sure the event is happening on the day you want to go. 2-4 p.m. on most Sundays.
IKEA Family Nights
IKEA used to have a free indoor play area called smaalland, but that has been closed since covid. But don’t worry! They have free family crafting events on most Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. in the restaurant area. Check their website and pre-register for these events. They fill up quickly and you will get turned away if an event is full. The children’s area is also a fun spot for kids to run around and play, and there are electronic video games for kids hidden throughout the store as well.
The Blanton
The Blanton Art Museum is free every Tuesday for everyone.
Letterpress Play
This charming little store on South Congress will occasionally host free events for kids called Toddler Tuesdays and Reading Wednesdays. Kids can come for a free story time, have some free snacks, and make a craft for free!
Lakeshore Learning
Check their website for occasional kid-friendly free events.
First Texas Honda
Did you know that First Texas Honda has a free indoor play area and a free cafe? Shhh…don’t tell- it’s Austin’s best kept secret. You don’t even have to be buying a car to use this free play space, but they may start kicking people out if it this secret gets abused, so keep this one to yourself!