FREE Things To Do With Kids in Austin This Summer

Looking for some wallet-friendly adventures that will keep your kids entertained this summer? Well, you’re in luck! Austin, the vibrant and creative capital of Texas, is teeming with exciting activities that won’t cost you a dime. From outdoor escapades to captivating cultural experiences, we’ve curated a list of the best free things to do with kids in Austin. Get ready to embark on a budget-friendly journey filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories! We’ve got some free things to do with kids in Austin this summer listed right here!

Free Things To Do With Kids in Austin This Summer

Summer Reading Challenges

We love doing our local library’s summer reading program, plus a few others as well! Here’s a list of all the places your kids can participate in a Summer Reading Challenge in Austin this summer.

Zilker Summer Musical

This is my favorite thing about an Austin summer! I love the FREE Zilker Summer Musical. This year it’s Legally Blonde. Read all about it here.

Splash Pads

Almost all of these splash pads are free! The only ones that charge are Garey Park and Quarry Splash Pad.

Take a Hike

Hikes are free and can be refreshing if you do one that also has water! This is the ultimate list of the best trails for kids. There are stroller-friendly hikes, toddler-friendly hikes, hikes with water, and more!

Free Indoor Fun

Here’s our list of all the best places to play inside (where’s it’s cool) for FREE!

Free Crafting Fun

Entertain the kids at one of these free crafting events in Austin.

Go Bowling For Free

Spare Time Bowling Free Summer Fun Pass: kids ages 5-14 can enjoy ONE FREE Game of Bowling (shoes included) or ONE FREE Laser Tag Mission each weekday before 6 p.m.

Kids Bowl Free at Main Event and Austin’s (ages 2-15). Sign up here (shoes may cost extra).

Kids Eat Free

Don’t want to spend a ton on going out to eat? Here are all the places where kids eat free in Austin.

Playgrounds

Here’s a list of all our favorite playgrounds in Austin.

Real Dinosaur Tracks

If you can figure out where to park (it’s tricky right now due to construction!) then go on a hunt to see the real dinosaur tracks in Leander!

Blue Hole Georgetown

Skip the Hat Creek, and this is a FREE family-friendly outing!

FREE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS THIS SUMMER

May 17

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! 6:45 p.m.

May 18

Pop Up Play Day is on May 18 from 9-11 a.m. at Bradford Park: 2615 Andres Way, Round Rock. Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department “Pop Up Play Day” is popping into YOUR community park to bring the PARTY to YOU! Join us in YOUR park for FREE family activities, music and dance, food and refreshments and get active fun with your Parks and Recreation team while checking out YOUR neighborhood park.

May 19

Sunday Makebreak: Summer Tie Dye from 2-4 p.m. at any Michael’s. Free, all ages. Come in-store and make a tie-dyed shirt. This event is free, and all supplies are included, but you must provide the shirt.

Music in the Park is on May 19, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Pfluger Park.

May 22

Music on Main from 7-9 p.m. Music on Main in downtown Round Rock is every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music at Prete Plaza through June 26, 2024.

May 25

Michael’s Kids Club: Friendship Bracelets from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at any Michael’s. Free, all ages. Come in-store and make a friendship bracelet. This event is free, and all supplies are included.

May 29

Music on Main from 7-9 p.m. Music on Main in downtown Round Rock is every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music at Prete Plaza through June 26, 2024.

June 1

Summer Reading kicks off at Austin Public Library. The challenge is for you to read or be read to at least 20 minutes a day from June 1st – August 10th, and complete three (3) activity badges!

Pop Up Play Day is on June 1 from 9-11 a.m. at Clay Madsen Park: 1600 Gattis School Road, Round Rock. Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department “Pop Up Play Day” is popping into YOUR community park to bring the PARTY to YOU! Join us in YOUR park for FREE family activities, music and dance, food and refreshments and get active fun with your Parks and Recreation team while checking out YOUR neighborhood park.

Free Kids DIY Workshop at Home Depot. Go to any Home Depot on the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.

Pfishing Day at Lake Pflugerville is on June 1 from 9 a.m. – noon. Why come to Pfishing Day? In addition to a pfun gathering and competition, we provide fishing poles (first come, first served), bait and volunteers to help with setting up poles and casting. 

9th Annual Maker Pfest is June 1 from 2-5 p.m. at the Pflugerville Public Library. Join local makers and artisans for an afternoon of demos and hands-on learning activities. All ages are welcome to attend. No registration required.

June 2

Free First Sunday at The Bullock Museum from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Activities are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase artifacts from around the state. Celebrate the newest federal holiday Juneteenth with a documentary screening, crafts, and hands-on activities for the whole family.

Sunday Makebreak: Andy Warhol Inspired Pop-Art from 2-4 p.m. at any Michael’s. Free, all ages. Come in-store and art for free. This event is free, and all supplies are included.

Red, White and Boom Pfireworks show is every night at 9 p.m. beginning June 4, 2024 through the 4th of July. Enjoy watching a citywide fireworks show launched from Typhoon Texas. Fireworks launch at dark.  You do not have to enter the waterpark to view the fireworks show. 

June 5

Music on Main from 7-9 p.m. Music on Main in downtown Round Rock is every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music at Prete Plaza through June 26, 2024.

June 7

National Donut Day is June 7, 2024! Get free donuts at participating donut stores. Shipley offers a free glazed donut with a purchase. Krispy Kreme also offers free donuts on National Donut Day.

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! 6:45 p.m.

June 8

Second Saturdays are for Families at Laguna Gloria from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission and family activities every second Saturday.

Second Saturdays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Lakeline from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Second Saturday For Kids at Texas Farmers’ Market Lakeline. Every Second Saturday, enjoy fun activities for kids at TFM at Lakeline! Activities will vary each month so keep an eye out here for details as the Second Saturday approaches.

Michael’s Kids Club: Summer Painted Rocks from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at any Michael’s. Free, all ages. Come in-store and paint rocks. This event is free, and all supplies are included.

June 9

Umlauf Sculpture Garden Free Family Day from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden has Free Family Day every second Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sculpture Searches, crafts, and free admission for visitors of all ages. 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin

Second Sundays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Mueller. Second Sundays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Mueller. Bring the whole family and enjoy  fun activities for kids every second Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 12

Music on Main from 7-9 p.m. Music on Main in downtown Round Rock is every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music at Prete Plaza through June 26, 2024.

June 15

Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lowe’s has workshops to guide you through a variety of popular home projects, from simple bath updates to complete lawn makeovers. Register to join live online or in store.

Juneteenth Festival Round Rock from 4-11:30 p.m. 17th annual FREE Round Rock Round Rock Juneteenth Festival at the Lakeview Pavilion and festival area in Old Settlers Park. The event is FREE for the entire family. Parking may cost $$

Juneteenth Block Party of Leander is June 15 from 5-9 p.m. In collaboration with the Leander Public Art and Culture Commission, the City of Leander commemorates Juneteenth with a block party at Robin Bledsoe Park. This free, family-friendly event is jam-packed with musical performances, food vendors, and carnival attractions.

June 18

Kids Yoga // Pease Park (FREE) with ATX Yoga Girl at 9 a.m. on June 18 and July 16 at Pease Park.

June 19

Toddler Yoga // Pease Park (FREE) with ATX Yoga Girl at 9 a.m. on June 19 and July 17 at Pease Park.

Music on Main from 7-9 p.m. Music on Main in downtown Round Rock is every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music at Prete Plaza through June 26, 2024.

June 22

Michael’s Kids Club: Pom Pom Butterfly Wreaths from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at any Michael’s. Free, all ages. Come in-store and make a butterfly wreath. This event is free, and all supplies are included.

June 26

Music on Main from 7-9 p.m. Music on Main in downtown Round Rock is every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music at Prete Plaza. Last show of the season!

July 4

Parade and Frontier Days from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Rock Rock Texas knows how to celebrate Independence Day!  Patriotic festivities including parade, festival, carnival, music and fireworks. Parade will take place on the 1.5 mile route along Mays Street between Mays Crossing and Highway 79.  The parade will start at 8:30 a.m. Frontier Days opens at noon at Old Settlers Park with patriotic fun and festivities including carnival rides, entertainment, LIVE music, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, Pepper Eating Contest, Sam Bass Shootout, vendors and more!  Keep Calm and Sparkle On with a fantastic firework show at dark!

Independence Day Pfireworks in Pflugerville

H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks from 5-10 p.m. This community-wide, free to the public, family-friendly 4th of July event is put on by your Austin Symphony Orchestra with support from the City of Austin and our generous event sponsors. Long Center for the Performing Arts and Vic Mathias Shores (formerly Auditorium Shores).

Kyle’s Independence Day Fireworks Show at 9 p.m. Join the City of Kyle in celebrating the Fourth of July with the Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Show on July 4. The fireworks show will last approximately 20 minutes. The city has also arranged a special treat in partnership with radio station KAZI 88.7 FM to stream music as you watch the show. Residents will be able to watch the show from the Hays Performing Arts Center. But the show will also be able to be seen from many locations throughout Kyle. But all residents viewing the fireworks display should exercise caution when selecting their viewing location and avoid parking on curbs, shoulders or medians.

July 6

Free Kids DIY Workshop at Home Depot. Go to any Home Depot on the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.

July 7

Free First Sunday at The Bullock Museum from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Activities are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase artifacts from around the state. Experience the culture of lowriding with free admission and fun family activities.

July 12

See the Zilker Summer Musical: Legally Blonde the Musical! July 12- August 17, 2024 at the Zilker Hillside Theater. It’s FREE!

July 13

Second Saturdays are for Families at Laguna Gloria from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission and family activities every second Saturday.

Second Saturdays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Lakeline from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Second Saturday For Kids at Texas Farmers’ Market Lakeline. Every Second Saturday, enjoy fun activities for kids at TFM at Lakeline! Activities will vary each month so keep an eye out here for details as the Second Saturday approaches.

July 14

Umlauf Sculpture Garden Free Family Day from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden has Free Family Day every second Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sculpture Searches, crafts, and free admission for visitors of all ages. 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin

Second Sundays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Mueller. Second Sundays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Mueller. Bring the whole family and enjoy  fun activities for kids every second Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Zilker Botanical Garden Free Days from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. the botanical garden is free for all. On Free Days, no admission price is required, but donations are always welcome. You can reserve admission for free days via the General Admission button above.

July 16

Kids Yoga // Pease Park (FREE) with ATX Yoga Girl at 9 a.m. on June 18 and July 16 at Pease Park.

July 17

Toddler Yoga // Pease Park (FREE) with ATX Yoga Girl at 9 a.m. on June 19 and July 17 at Pease Park.

July 20

Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lowe’s has workshops to guide you through a variety of popular home projects, from simple bath updates to complete lawn makeovers. Register to join live online or in store.

Pop Up Play Day is on July 20 from 9-11 a.m. at Memorial Park: 600 N Lee St., Round Rock. Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department “Pop Up Play Day” is popping into YOUR community park to bring the PARTY to YOU! Join us in YOUR park for FREE family activities, music and dance, food and refreshments and get active fun with your Parks and Recreation team while checking out YOUR neighborhood park.

July 26

Friday Fun Nights at Yonders Point from 7:30-10:30 p.m. “Friday Fun Nights” at Yonders Point IS BACK for 2023! Join your Parks and Recreation Department for the FREE “Friday Fun Nights” at Yonders Point at Old Settlers Park. Bring the entire family and enjoy fun themed activities.

August 3

Pop Up Play Day is on August 3 at Micki Krebsbach Pool: 301 Deep Wood Dr., Round Rock. Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department “Pop Up Play Day” is popping into YOUR community park to bring the PARTY to YOU! Join us in YOUR park for FREE family activities, music and dance, food and refreshments and get active fun with your Parks and Recreation team while checking out YOUR neighborhood park.

Free Kids DIY Workshop at Home Depot. Go to any Home Depot on the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.

August 4

Free First Sunday at The Bullock Museum from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Activities are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase artifacts from around the state. Get ready to go back to school with free admission and fun family activities.

August 10

Second Saturdays are for Families at Laguna Gloria from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission and family activities every second Saturday.

Second Saturdays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Lakeline from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Second Saturday For Kids at Texas Farmers’ Market Lakeline. Every Second Saturday, enjoy fun activities for kids at TFM at Lakeline! Activities will vary each month so keep an eye out here for details as the Second Saturday approaches.

August 11

Umlauf Sculpture Garden Free Family Day from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden has Free Family Day every second Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sculpture Searches, crafts, and free admission for visitors of all ages. 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin

Second Sundays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Mueller. Second Sundays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Mueller. Bring the whole family and enjoy  fun activities for kids every second Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

August 17

Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lowe’s has workshops to guide you through a variety of popular home projects, from simple bath updates to complete lawn makeovers. Register to join live online or in store.

August 23

Friday Fun Nights at Yonders Point from 7:30-10:30 p.m. “Friday Fun Nights” at Yonders Point IS BACK for 2023! Join your Parks and Recreation Department for the FREE “Friday Fun Nights” at Yonders Point at Old Settlers Park. Bring the entire family and enjoy fun themed activities.

FREE ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS

• Free story time Tuesday-Friday at Central Public Library at 10 a.m.
• Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
• Free story time every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at First Light Books.
• Free Story Time every Saturday at 11 a.m. at Paper Bark Birch in Cedar Park.
• Live Music on the Patio at Central Market North Lamar every Thursday thru Saturday night from 5:30-8 p.m. Grab food from the store or café, sit out on the patio and listen to the live music while the kids run and play on the playground.
• Free Community Sundays and Community Tuesdays at The Thinkery. The Thinkery has free community Sundays from 3-5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. Register online to secure your spot.
• Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Free live kids music (almost) every Sunday morning at Cherrywood Coffeehouse. Check their calendar before going to make sure!

• Visit Wimberley for their free Wimberley Market Days (first Saturday of the month), Pioneer Town, and the creek downtown.
• Mural tour of Austin (snap selfies at the famous murals like I Love You So Much, Greetings From Austin, You Belong Among the Wildflowers, and You’re My Butter Half).
• Austin Nature & Science Center is hours of free entertainment (dig for dino bones, see fossils, visit the animals).
• Walk along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail to work up a sweat, then take a dip on the free side of Barton Springs (otherwise known as “Barking Springs”) or swim at Barton Springs during their free hours (5-8 a.m.)

FREE MUSEUMS

• Take a free tour of the Capitol.
• First Sunday at the Bullock (free admission on the first Sunday of the month).
• Blanton Art Museum (free on Tuesdays) and Laguna Gloria (free on Thursdays)
• Austin Nature & Science Center is always free.
• Thinkery has free community nights every Sunday from 3-5 p.m. and Tuesday from 5-7 p.m.

CHEAP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN AUSTIN THIS SUMMER

• Alamo Drafthouse Kids Camp ($5 movies)
• Barton Springs
• Quarry Splash Pad & Cedar Rock Railroad (both are at Southwest Williamson County Park).
• Cidercade has a $12 entry fee and free all you can play games once inside.
• Dart ‘Em Up has Twofer Tuesdays: 2 can play for the price of 1 on Tuesdays.
• Half-price Twilight Hours at Rock’N River Waterpark every night from 5-7 p.m. (closed Wednesdays)

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