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The Ultimate Summer 2026 Bucket List For Kids in Austin

ByAddie Gross

Summer is almost here, and despite the heat, it’s my favorite time of the year! I love getting a little bucket list together so I don’t have to put too much thought into how we’ll fill our days. I’ve included events, adventures, indoor play, water play, outdoor fun, and more. Here is your ultimate summer bucket list for kids in Austin, including plenty of free things to do with your whole family!

Austin Fun for Kids Summer Bucket List 2026 free printable PDF

Download the free Summer Bucket List PDF

Updated for Summer 2026. This guide includes Austin splash pads, water parks, indoor activities, free summer events, day trips, summer movies, and family-friendly events in June, July, and August.

Looking to Cool Off? Austin Water Fun for Hot Summer Days

Children playing at a splash pad in Austin, TX

Nothing beats cooling off at one of Austin’s best splash pads on a hot summer day, for when you want easy, free water play.

A child ejects from a big tube slide into a pool at a water park

Want the best water park fit for your family? Start with our guide to Austin-area water parks for kids before you go.

There is so much fun water play around Austin, the hardest part is picking a spot! Luckily the kids can cool off at Barton Springs, beachy escapes, and swimming holes close to home.

How To Do Barton Springs With Kids

Barton Springs is classic Austin summer, but it helps to know what to expect. Here are my Barton Springs tips for families.

Images of beaches from Austin area in TX

Missing the beach? These beachy spots near Austin bring sandy toes, water views, and vacation vibes close to home.

For a real summer adventure, check out my favorite swimming holes near Austin before packing up your towels.

Easy Anytime Summer Fun in Austin

Need something easy to pull out of your back pocket on a bored, “what are we doing today” kind of day? These Austin summer ideas are great for filling out a day and keeping the kids busy without overthinking it.

A child sits inside a theater looking at the screen.

Movie theaters are basically summer survival. Here’s where to find cheap summer movies for kids in Austin all season long.

Beautiful library in Austin TX

Keep the kids reading without making it feel like homework with these summer reading programs around Austin.

Bonus pro tip! There’s also Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn!

A child plays with a huge wall-sized contraption at a children's museum in Austin TX

For hot or rainy days, visit The Thinkery in Mueller or take a road trip to check out other great children’s museums near Austin.

Austin Summer Camps

Still need a camp? You might not be too late! Start with these Austin summer camps for kids.

Free & Budget-Friendly Summer Fun

Summer gets expensive fast, so I love finding the things that feel special without turning into a whole expensive production. These are the Austin summer activities I’d keep on your radar when you want something fun, local, and budget-friendly.

An adorable woodland faerie house nestled in the Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin TX

For something whimsical and outdoorsy, the Woodland Faerie Trail at Zilker Botanical Garden is such a cute Austin summer stop.

A picture of the Zilker Summer Musical stage at dusk

Pack a blanket and make a night of it! The free Zilker Summer Musical is a classic Austin summer tradition that feels special every year.

A cute playground with "Kid-Friendly Live Music IN AUSTIN" text

For an easy evening out, check out free live music for families in Austin with space for the whole family to dance and move around.

Local mom bonus tips!

  • Woodland Faerie Trail is at the Zilker Botanical Garden through July 18, 2026! There are THREE FREE DAYS at the Garden during the Faerie Trail! On May 25, June 21, and July 12, you can see the Zilker Botanical Garden (and the Woodland Faerie Trail FOR FREE!)
  • Free Zilker Summer Musical at the Zilker Hillside Theater is July 10-Aug 15, 2026. This year’s musical is Singing in the Rain! It’s every Thursday-Sunday at 8:15 p.m.
  • Music Under The Star at the Bullock Museum every Friday in June from 7-9 p.m. Music on Main in downtown Round Rock on Wednesdays. More free live music can be found in my guide to kid-friendly music around Austin!
  • Kids (12 & under) eat free at Hattie B’s (both locations) all summer long (through Sept 7) with the purchase of an adult meal!
  • Kids under 12 eat free at Dish Society with purchase of adult meal (and if you’re a Loyalty Member) through July 31st (weekdays only) at both locations.

Special Summer Outings Worth Planning Around

Some summer days call for more than just getting out of the house. These are the ideas I’d save for weekends, visitors, special treats, or those last few “let’s actually do something memorable” days before school starts.

A wooly mammoth stands proudly among the trees at the Wildflower Center in Austin TX

If your kids love animals, fossils, or giant prehistoric creatures, add Ice Age in the Wild at the Wildflower Center to your summer list.

For a summer outing that feels like a whole thing, Round Rock Express Kids Day at Dell Diamond is such a fun one to put on the calendar.

  • Ice Age In The Wild at the Wildflower Center is open through August 15, 2026. The Wildflower Center will soon be transformed into an Ice Age landscape! Travel back in time and meet 15 gigantic mammals – including a 17,500-pound woolly mammoth – that have come out of extinction to stomp around our gardens. It’s been thousands of years since these massive creatures roamed the earth. As you move through the gardens, you’ll get a glimpse of what that world was like.
  • Kids Day at Round Rock Express Baseball is every Sunday home game at Dell Diamond. Enjoy free train rides and inflatables before the game. Kids even get to run the bases after the game! Kids Days this summer are: 6/14, 7/5, 7/19, 8/2, 8/16, 8/30.

For a sweet dress-up moment, keep the Fairy Tea Party at Terra Toys on your radar for July.

Family poses by giant boulders at Enchanted Rock in central TX

Want to get out of town without making it a huge ordeal? These day trips from Austin with kids are easy summer wins.

Fireworks explode in the corners of an image that says "Celebrate July 4th in Austin"

Planning the holiday? Start with our guide to 4th of July and fireworks events in Austin.

  • Terra Toys is having their annual Fairy Tea Party in July 2026. Tickets available for purchase in store only. Craft your own custom fairy! Enjoy complimentary face painting and delicious tea & cookies! Fairy tickets are $5 each and magically turn into a $5 unicorn gift coin to use in store on the day of the event!

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List For Kids in Austin: JUNE EVENTS

June 2

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! K Pop Demon Hunters

June 3

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • 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 24, 2026.

June 5

  • National Donut Day is June 5, 2026! Get free donuts at participating donut stores. Shipley offers a free glazed donut with a purchase. Krispy Kreme, Duck Donuts, and Dunkin’ also offer free donuts on National Donut Day.
  • Music Under The Star at the Bullock Museum every Friday in June from 7-9 p.m.

June 6

  • 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 and complete three (3) activity badges! The Kids Block Party is June 6, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Start With Art at H-E-B Lake Austin is June 6, 2026 from 9-11 a.m. One kid’s trash is another kid’s treasure! Reduce, reuse, and recycle your way to one-of-a-kind art. Create an eco-friendly collage using recycled materials and your imagination. Join the family programs team at Lake Austin H-E-B for a morning of artmaking with free art kits! Create in-store or at home. Available while supplies last! First come, first served. Lake Austin H-E-B | 2652 Lake Austin Blvd.
  • 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.
  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Free Baby Rave at Thicket Food Park every 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

June 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. Celebrate the newest federal holiday Juneteenth with a documentary screening, crafts, and hands-on activities for the whole family.
  • Cherrywood Coffeehouse has free live kids’ music on most Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Call ahead or check the Cherrywood Coffeehouse events calendar before going to make sure!

June 9

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Noon Tunes at KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio at noon. Free with RSVP!
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! How To Train Your Dragon

June 10

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • 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 24, 2026.

June 12

  • Music Under The Star at the Bullock Museum every Friday in June from 7-9 p.m.
  • Music in the Park is June 12, 2026 from 7-9 p.m. at Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd, Pflugerville. There is no admission charge, so bring lawn chairs, pfurry friends, blankets, picnic baskets, friends and neighbors for free evening of music, entertainment and relaxation.
  • Moonlight Movie Night Pirates of the Caribbean is June 12, 2026 from 7:30-10 p.m. at Yonders Point in Old Settlers Park, Round Rock from 7:30-10 p.m. Moana 2

June 13

  • Pop Up Play Day is on June 13, 2026 from 9-11 a.m. at Round Rock West Park. Free morning of fun for the whole family!
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • 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. Make a trophy cup on June 13, 2026.
  • Second Saturdays are for Families at Laguna Gloria from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission and family activities every second Saturday.

June 14

June 16

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! The Wild Robot

June 17

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • 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 24, 2026.

June 19

  • Music Under The Star at the Bullock Museum every Friday in June from 7-9 p.m.
  • Juneteenth Rock The Block Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 8-10 p.m. at 100 East Main Street, Pflugerville, TX. There is no admission charge, so bring your lawn chairs, pfurry friends, blankets, friends and neighbors for great evening of music, entertainment and fun in downtown Pflugerville!
  • Juneteenth Block Party of Leander is June 19, 2026 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 20

June 21

June 23

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! Cars

June 24

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • 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 24, 2026.

June 26

June 27

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

June 28

June 30

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! Wall-E

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List For Kids in Austin: JULY EVENTS

July 1

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

July 4

  • See all the fireworks and celebrations happening all around Austin here!
  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Independence Day Festival at the Hill Country Galleria is from 4-10 p.m.
  • Independence Day Pfireworks at Typhoon Texas at 9 p.m.
  • Parade and Frontier Days from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. The Annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade will once again feature giant helium and cold air inflatables, community groups and patriotic spirit.
    • This 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. to beat the heat, so arrive early to find the best seat to watch and celebrate!
    • Frontier Days opens at 12:00 noon. Let the celebration continue! Join in at Old Settlers Park with patriotic fun and festivities including carnival rides, entertainment, LIVE music featuring Elevation Band, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, Pepper Eating Contest, vendors and more! Keep Calm and Sparkle On with a fantastic firework show at dark featuring a live performance from the Austin Symphonic Band! Stick around after the fireworks for another live performance from the fantastic Elevation Band to wrap up a spectacular night!

July 4

  • 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.
  • Star Spangled Fest at 4 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 from 4-9 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: La Verde Park, Heroes Memorial Park, and the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center, 979 Kohlers Crossing. But all residents viewing the fireworks display should exercise caution when selecting their viewing location and avoid parking on curbs, shoulders or medians.

July 5

  • Kids Day at Round Rock Express Baseball is July 5, 2026 at 6:05 p.m. Kids Days are every Sunday home game at Dell Diamond. Enjoy free train rides and inflatables before the game. Kids even get to run the bases after the game!
  • 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.
  • Cherrywood Coffeehouse has free live kids’ music on most Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Call ahead or check the Cherrywood Coffeehouse events calendar before going to make sure!

July 7

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! Moana

July 8

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

July 11

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Second Saturdays are for Families at Laguna Gloria from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission and family activities every second Saturday.
  • Dinosaur Day at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum is July 11, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy special educational and interactive activities and bring fossils for in-person identification by a paleontologist. Touch real fossil specimens, check out a 33-foot cast replica of a full tyrannosaur skeleton and see a wide assortment of paleontology specimens. Complete a Dinosaur Day scavenger hunt and come early for a special story time! Plus, get 20% off select dinosaur-themed merchandise in the Museum Store! All Dinosaur Day activities take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included with the purchase of museum admission.

July 12

  • Free admission to the Zilker Botanical Garden on July 12, 2026.
  • Cherrywood Coffeehouse has free live kids’ music on most Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Call ahead or check the Cherrywood Coffeehouse events calendar before going to make sure!
  • 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

July 14

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Noon Tunes at KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio at noon. Free with RSVP!
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! Inside Out

July 15

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

July 17

  • Moonlight Movie Nights Zootopia is at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock is July 17, 2026 from 7:30-10 p.m. Free!
  • July Rock The Block Fri, July 17, 2026, 8-10 p.m. at 100 East Main Street, Pflugerville, TX. There is no admission charge, so bring your lawn chairs, pfurry friends, blankets, friends and neighbors for great evening of music, entertainment and fun in downtown Pflugerville!

July 18

  • Pop Up Play Day is on July 18, 2026 from 9-11 a.m. at Kensington Park. Free morning of fun for the whole family!
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • 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. Make a mini toy box on July 18, 2026.

July 19

July 21

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! Frozen

July 22

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

July 24

  • Friday Fun Nights at Yonders Point: Luau is July 24, 2026 from 7:30-10 p.m. at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. “Friday Fun Nights” at Yonders Point IS BACK for 2025! 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 on select Friday nights from May through August. Yonders Point, located just southwest of the baseball fields in Old Settlers Park, is a place where families can picnic and enjoy an amazing view of Bright Lake. The plaza includes landscaping and trees, pergolas with swings, terraced seating and lounges.

July 25

  • Brick Rodeo is coming to Kalahari on July 25 & 26, 2026.
  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

July 26

July 28

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Noon Tunes at KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio at noon. Free with RSVP!
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! The Bad Guys

July 29

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List For Kids in Austin: AUGUST EVENTS

August 1

  • 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.
  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

August 2

  • Kids Day at Round Rock Express Baseball is Aug 2, 2026 at 6:05 p.m. Kids Days are every Sunday home game at Dell Diamond. Enjoy free train rides and inflatables before the game. Kids even get to run the bases after the game!
  • Cherrywood Coffeehouse has free live kids’ music on most Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Call ahead or check the Cherrywood Coffeehouse events calendar before going to make sure!
  • 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.

August 4

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! Trolls

August 5

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

August 7

August 8

August 9

  • Sales Tax Holiday Weekend is August 7-9, 2026. Shop for school supplies all weekend, tax-free!
  • Cherrywood Coffeehouse has free live kids’ music on most Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Call ahead or check the Cherrywood Coffeehouse events calendar before going to make sure!
  • 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

August 11

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • Noon Tunes at KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio at noon. Free with RSVP!
  • Free Summer Movie Night at Fieldhouse at the Crossover every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through August 11, 2026. Free movie, free popcorn! Zootopia

August 12

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

August 15

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople
  • 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. Make a Paw Patrol toy on Aug 15, 2026.

August 16

August 18

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

August 19

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

August 21

  • August Rock The Block Fri, Aug 21, 2026, 8-10 p.m. at 100 East Main Street, Pflugerville, TX. There is no admission charge, so bring your lawn chairs, pfurry friends, blankets, friends and neighbors for great evening of music, entertainment and fun in downtown Pflugerville!

August 22

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

August 23

August 25

  • Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is every Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for kids 5 and under (no older siblings may participate). Skates, scooter skates, skatemates, push toys, and giant bouncy balls. Bring your favorite toy on wheels! We allow scooters, balance bikes, push toys, and activity.
  • Free Tuesdays at The Blanton. Visitors get free admission every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

August 26

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople.

August 29

  • Free story time every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at BookPeople

August 30

More Ideas To Keep You Busy All Summer Long

Indoor Play

bowl under the sea at uncle buck's fish bowl inside bass pro shops in round rock
Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl

Kids climbing the walls at home? Take them to climb for real! Check out my ultimate guide to all the best places to climb around Austin.

Go bowling! We like Mel’s Lonestar Lanes, Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl, Spare Time Texas, and inside Tom Foolery’s at Kalahari (they have epic milkshakes at this one!) Spare Time has a Free Summer Fun Pass for kids. June 1- August 31, kids can bowl one game free every weekday before 5 p.m. Register before you go to get this offer.

My guide to all the best FREE places to play indoors!.

My Guide to Free Crafting Fun shows you all the fun FREE crafting workshops kids can do in Austin.

Too hot to eat outside with kids? Check out my guide to indoor play spaces for kids in Austin (that aren’t fast food)!

Children’s Museums are always fun to visit over the summer. Here are 6 Children’s Museums that are close to Austin.

Check out the Texas Science Museum on UT campus (free the 4th Sunday of each month!)

the escape game austin

Visit the Escape Game for kid-friendly escape rooms like the playground.

See a kid-friendly improv comedy show!

Play Street Museum is so much fun- they have a Sunset Valley location and a Round Rock location!

Take the kids to play arcade games at Cidercade all day for only $12 (and sip on a frosty beverage while you’re at it).

Check out all the best places to play indoors with kids around Austin.

H Mart is always a fun indoor spot for kids!

Outdoor Play

9th street BMX park
9th Street BMX

All our favorite playgrounds in Austin for kids.

Check out my ultimate guide to all the shadiest playgrounds in Austin!

Hike out to see the real dinosaur footprints in Leander.

Here’s my guide to the best trails to go on a hike around Austin (on a cooler day!) or check out these hiking spots with waterfalls.

Hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt: everything you need to know.

Ride your bikes along the Brushy Creek Trail and stop to play at the playgrounds along the way!

Here is my guide for hiking Gus Fruh, possibly the best spot to climb rocks with kids.

My write-up of 9th Street BMX at Duncan Park tell you all you need to know about this great, shady BMX bike park (go on a off-time to avoid crowds if you have younger kids).

Get out on Lake Travis and try a pedal kayak with Austin Paddleboard & Kayak!

Free Fun

Kids Bowl Free at Spare Time Texas (Summer Fun Pass), High 5, Austin’s, Main Event, and Georgetown Film Alley (go to kidsbowlfree.com)

Here’s all the FREE FUN you can have with your kids in Austin this summer.

All the places where KIDS EAT FREE.

Free places to play indoors.

The Top 10 Free Things To Do With Kids In Austin. The 10 best free & cheap things to do every weekend in Austin.

Also check out my evergreen Free Fun For Kids In Austin post.

Spare Time has a Free Summer Fun Pass for kids. June 1- August 31, kids can bowl one game free every weekday before 5 p.m. Register before you go to get this offer.

Staycation Ideas

town lake lady bird lake austin

Spend a day out on the water at Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake). You can SUP, drive a Retro Boat, kayak, and more!

Here’s my guide for everything you need to know about riding the Zilker Eagle mini train.

Ride the Cedar Rock Railroad mini train which is right next to the Quarry Splash Pad!

Check out my guide to the best restaurants with playgrounds around Austin. Or if you’re just looking for pizza, see my post for where you can find pizza + playground combos. Or get up and out the door early to beat the heat and meet up with friends for a play date at a local coffee shop with a playground!

Check out all the kid-friendly fun to be had at the Domain in Austin!

The Mueller Neighborhood is awesome. Here’s how to have a great family day out in Mueller!

Go on a “Fortlandia Forts Scavenger Hunt” all around town and visit all the old forts!

Here’s my definitive guide for all the best places to play minigolf around Austin (some indoor, some outdoor).

Here are 5 AMAZING ITINERARIES for family fun in Austin that you can copy for truly memorable experiences!

If you have little animal lovers at home, check out all the places you can have animal encounters in Austin and beyond.

Have a need for speed? Here are all the best Go Kart hot-spots all around Austin.

Act like a tourist and discover how to spend a day on South Congress.

Seeing Austin’s famous bat colony is a must-do! We like seeing it from the water, and now you can too with all my best tips for how to properly do a bat cruise in Austin!

Find out all the best spots to play with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers in Austin. This is the ideal toddler’s day out in Austin. Or, if you have older kids, here’s the only guide you’ll need for what to do with tweens & teens in Austin.

50 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Austin (so you’ll never run out of ideas).

If you’re looking to maximize your time out of the house by eating out after doing something fun, here’s a few of our favorite Food + Fun Pairings in Austin.

Do some good in the neighborhood with my guide to volunteering as a family in Austin this summer!

How to go on an Ice Cream Tour of Austin, or check out all the ice cream shops around Austin that also have playgrounds.

All my tips for visiting Kalahari, the world’s largest indoor water park.

Visit the goats at Jester King and The Civil Goat or the llamas at The Shady Llama. Jester King is one of our favorite breweries. They have goats, a giant field for kids to run around, and they even got a new playground! And here is the only guide you’ll ever need for breweries with playgrounds in Austin!

Travel Ideas

Here’s how to take an amazing trip to Surfside Beach (it’s only 4 hours from Austin).

Here’s how to spend a weekend in Wimberley, which is always a good idea. Here are some pro tips on how to enjoy a trip to 7A Ranch.

Check out my guide on how to have an epic weekend in Seguin, one of the cutest little Texas towns we’ve visited.

Here’s how to have the best family-friendly weekend in Kerrville. See a play, slide down the Ingram Dam, go kayaking, and visit Stonehenge II!

Here’s how to spend a great a weekend in Fredericksburg.

Want to try camping with your kids for the first time? See why we recommend camping at Buescher State Park, which is pretty close to Austin.

Before School Starts

10 last-minute ideas you can do before school starts back up!

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