The Best Kid-Friendly Total Eclipse Events in Austin

Addie Gross Free Fun, Outdoors

On April 8, 2024 at 1:36 p.m., Austin will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. For about 1 minute and 46 seconds, you will be able to experience the total eclipse in Austin.

Total Eclipse in Austin

What is a Total Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, completely covering the Sun and briefly turning day into night. This awe-inspiring event allows observers in the path of totality to experience darkness in the middle of the day and witness the stunning corona of the sun. It’s a rare event that brings communities together for a shared experience of natural wonder.

Why is the April 8, 2024 Eclipse Special?

The total eclipse on April 8, 2024, is particularly noteworthy for a few reasons:

Path of Totality: Austin is fortunate to be directly in the path of totality, offering a complete view of the eclipse – a phenomenon that last occurred in the U.S. in 2017.
Duration: The total phase of the eclipse, when the sun is completely covered, will last for approximately 1 minute and 46 seconds, making it a truly immersive experience.
Educational Opportunity: This eclipse presents a fantastic learning experience for kids and adults alike. It’s a chance to understand more about our solar system and the movements of celestial bodies.

Safety First: How to View the Eclipse

Remember, looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. It’s crucial to use solar viewing glasses or indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors.

Learn About The Eclipse

Check out this adorable book you can read with your kids before the Austin eclipse!

Activities and Events in Austin

Total Eclipse of the Parks

Austin Parks and UT are teaming up so you can view the eclipse through a telescope with a solar filter from 12-3 p.m. The following Austin parks are participating:

Colony Park
Onion Creek Soccer Complex
Roy G. Guerrero Metropolitan Park
Gus Garcia District Park
Mary Moore Searight Park
Pickfair Pocket Park
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park – The Great Lawn

Pease Park

Viewing Party at Pease Park. Folks of all ages are invited to participate in unique eclipse-related games and lessons, score PPC swag and limited eclipse viewing glasses (for a suggested donation).

Austin Nature & Science Center

NASA will be at the Austin Nature and Science Center the weekend before the total solar eclipse. All weekend you can hear NASA scientists talk about eclipses and oceans on other planets and learn the latest news from the Mars Rover Mission. Before you leave get a selfie with the 2D version of the Perseverance rover and the Mars-scape. Don’t forget to check out the ROV-E, a six-wheeled rover that will be driving about the grounds of the Nature Center. While you’re here visit the planetarium and engage in hands-on activities that will prepare you for viewing the eclipse. Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 from 12-4 p.m.

Waterloo Park

In The Path of Totality Event at Moody Amphitheater, Waterloo Park (500 E 12th St, Austin). This 3 day event lasts from April 7-9, 2024. Celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event with poetry and storytelling, family-friendly educational programs, music, and more! Go here for more info.

Morning Glories at Waterloo Park (500 E 12th St, Austin at the Meredith Heritage Tree Deck) for kids from 10-11 a.m. on April 9. Radiolab’s Molly Webster will lead children and families through a reading of her book, Little Black Hole – a space-themed story about belonging and the power of friendship.

Long Center

The Long Center is hosting a free Eclipse Viewing Party on Aril 8, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. At this event there will be music, a live storytelling experience, custom eclipse-themed beer from local breweries, refreshments, and free eclipse tote bags for the first 1000 guests. Guests will also receive free viewing glasses.

Republic Square Park

Total Eclipse of the Park– Get ready to witness the magic of the cosmos right in the heart of Austin! Join us at Republic Square for an unforgettable total solar eclipse viewing party on April 8 from 1-2 pm. We will have free glasses for the first 200 guests, so join us for an afternoon of celestial wonder and community connection. Take a break from your workday and bring your blankets and chairs as we transform Republic Square into an astronomy haven for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy live music by performances by IGNITE, food specials for purchase from Rosen’s Bagels and celestial treats. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to witness the moon’s dance with the sun with the vibrant Austin skyline as your backdrop. 422 Guadalupe St, Austin

Zilker Botanical Garden

This celestial spectacle at Zilker Botanical Garden on April 8th includes free admission and complimentary solar glasses. Save the date and immerse yourself in nature’s enchanting show! No prior registration is required for entry. Guests will be admitted to the Garden on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that parking will be extremely limited for this event. We kindly encourage attendees to consider ridesharing or arriving on foot to help alleviate congestion and ensure a smooth experience for all. Thank you for your cooperation. Please be aware that capacity limits will be strictly enforced for this event. Once the Garden reaches its capacity, guests may unfortunately be turned away. We appreciate your understanding and in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Camp Out

Total Solar Eclipse Party: All day long we’ll be featuring eclipse themed playlists, moon pies and festive food specials, plus complimentary eclipse viewing glasses for our first 200 guests. 🕶️👓

Meanwhile Brewing

This free event from Meanwhile Brewing will include live music from Sienna String Quartet from 1-3pm. Plus special giveaways, including In the Path of Totality pint glasses and eclipse viewing glasses. A special edition beer, “Icarus’s Revenge” – Black IPA, will be available on draft and in cans. This event is free and open to the public. An RSVP does not guarantee you a table, nor are you required to RSVP. We recommend arriving early to find a good viewing spot!

Ski Shores

Free glasses and viewing party at Ski Shores on Lake Austin. They are open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Oz Tap House

Eclipse Watch Party at Oz. Tap House– Join us as we gather to witness a rare solar eclipse! The skies will darken as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth! The solar eclipse will be in full view at precisely 1:36 PM, so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot! *Limited availability of eclipse glasses, first come first serve.*

Dell Diamond

Total Eclipse of the Park will be held at Dell Diamond in Round Rock on Monday, April 8 from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. This ticketed general admission event will include specialty eclipse glasses, an eclipse-themed playlist and a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience for fans. Buy tickets to the baseball game + eclipse event here. Buy tickets to just the eclipse event here.

IKEA Round Rock

Family Fun Night ~ Solar Eclipse is a free, family-friendly craft from 5-6 p.m. on April 3. You must register in advance.

Solar Eclipse Party on the roof of IKEA’s parking garage is on April 8 from 12-2:30 p.m. Free! To celebrate the rare total solar eclipse, IKEA Round Rock is hosting a special solar eclipse-themed event. This eclipse will be a total eclipse when the moon completely blocks the sun. Even though the sun is about 400 times larger than the moon, the distance between each solar body creates the illusion that they’re the same size in the sky when viewed from earth. Eclipse glasses will be given out.

Austin Steam Train

The Eclipse Express will be on April 8 at 10 a.m. at the Cedar Park Depot. Step aboard our vintage train and embark on a remarkable journey into the heart of the 2024 Solar Eclipse phenomenon! Join us for the Great American Total Eclipse experience in Burnet, perfectly situated along the eclipse’s path. Enjoy a leisurely 3-hour layover to savor the eclipse, relish delicious lunch options, and explore unique shopping opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to witness a total solar eclipse – reserve your spot today for an unforgettable adventure! Your ticket includes: train ticket in one of our vintage train cars, train ride to Burnet and back, 3-hour layover in Burnet and complimentary ASTA branded eclipse viewing glasses. First-class lounge riders will also receive complimentary drinks and select snacks.

Neill-Cochran House Museum

Eclipse Party from 12-4 p.m. Watch the Total Eclipse at the NCHM with Lunch, Viewing Glasses, Bingo, & a Solar-Themed Playlist! Purchase tickets in advance.

Austin Zoo

The eclipse even on April 8th- Visitors will have the opportunity to safely observe the progression of the solar eclipse through specially equipped solar viewing glasses. As the moon gradually obscures the sun, experience the remarkable transition from daylight to twilight and back again. Go here to learn more and purchase tickets.

Mozart’s Coffee

Mozart’s Total Texas Solar Eclipse: Get optimal Total Solar Eclipse viewing out on the water at Mozart’s! Enjoy a unique paddle board experience with rocking music and must-see guests. April 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free! RSVP before you go.

BookPeople

Did you know that the solar eclipse on April 8th will be visible in totality right here in Austin? Celebrate and observe it (safely, of course) right in the BookPeople parking lot! We’re hosting a Picnic in the Parking Lot with a special themed cosmic drink menu, solar swag bags including eclipse glasses and exclusive merchandise, plus fun activities for all ages! Bring your own chair, ball, frisbee, etc.⁠ 12-4 p.m.

Cork & Barrel

End of the World Eclipse Viewing Party at Cork & Barrel with a whole hog roast and oyster shuck, drinks, live music by Wish You Were Beer (a Pink Floyd tribute band) and a spectacular view of the total solar eclipse. Tickets are $35 and include eclipse viewing glasses, a whole hog buffet, a custom T-shirt to commemorate the experience and live music. East Coast Oysters are available for an additional charge.

Pioneer Farms

Two-day Solar Eclipse Festival: Sunday, April 7th will kick off the festivities with a day focused on the history of eclipses, and the last one to pass through Texas in 1878. Enjoy historical activities throughout the farm from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Monday, the day of the eclipse, join us for our Citizen Scientist Sun Party with the fabulous Austin band, Max and the Hotpickin 57s opening the show at 10 a.m. with live music in our historic Sprinkle Village town square. Young visitors can also enjoy hands-on eclipse-related activities including decorating eclipse glasses, a punch-hole craft for viewing the eclipse in a unique way, and chalk art drawing (after the eclipse) The Ice Cream Peddler and Carla’s Mobile Food Baskets and More (chicken tenders, burgers, fries, chili cheese fries and more) will be available to provide lunch for an additional charge.

Puerto Rican Cultural Center

7th annual PICNIC, RITMO y BAILE & CULTURAL WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE is at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, 701 Tillery St #13, Austin. Bring your beach chairs and the kids! We’re having a picnic in our Batey! Sunday, April 7, 2024 FREE EVENT – Donations appreciated! 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Come dance with us under the Pecan Trees of our Batey! From 11-1pm there will be music, dance, and cultural workshops from West Africa & Puerto Rico (BOMBA!). From 2-5pm, our interactive outdoor event will feature live traditional music from West Africa, Puerto Rico, and Taino from Borikén.

Suds Monkey

Blues Brew and Eclipse View at Suds Monkey will begin at 10 a.m. on April 8. Eclipse glasses available while supplies last. The Event is FREE, parking will be $20 for eclipse day only. We encourage carpooling. (Grab your parking in advance to secure your spot – SudsMonkeyBrew.com/BBQ – this helps us plan)

Girlstart

Eclipse Party @ Girlstart is April 8 from 12:30-2 p.m. at 1400 W Anderson Lane
Austin. Enjoy the upcoming total solar eclipse at Girlstart’s viewing party! We’ll be giving out free pairs of eclipse glasses and you’ll learn about the sun through hands-on STEM fun. RSVP here.

Fieldhouse at the Crossover

Eclipse Watch Party with free glasses, live music, and even win an Eclipse car!

Hill Country Galleria

Solar Eclipse Watch Party from 12-3 p.m. Come and join us at Hill Country Galleria for the extraordinary Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th from 12pm-3pm! Bring some chairs and blankets to experience this once in a lifetime event with your friends and family as you enjoy a live music performance from DJ Javila. The first 500 attendees will receive complimentary eclipse glasses! Located in the Central Plaza. This event is weather permitting.

New Braunfels

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is having an event on April 8th, 2024! 🚀 We are celebrating the total solar eclipse with FREE eclipse viewing glasses for the first 500 guests so you can safely view this spectacular event at 1:35pm. 😎 Get ready to get crafty 🎨 and make fun eclipse-themed treat pocket enrichment for our animal friends! 🍬 Think you have what it takes to be a zoologist? 🐾 You can try your hand at tracking animal behavior with an ethogram, and see if you know which species are Diurnal, Nocturnal, Crepuscular, or Cathemeral! 🌟 Get your tickets online to reserve your spot for this Totally Wild Eclipse event!

Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Solar Eclipse Festival is on April 8 from 3-8 p.m. at the Grapetown Vineyard, 8142 Old San Antonio Road Fredericksburg. Tickets are $20 and up.

Dripping Springs

SunBlock Party hosted by the City of Dripping Springs

Viewing Party at Ghost Note Brewing on April 8 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Live music, food, beer, playground. Reservations required. $25 for parking.

Path of Totality Party at Jester King on April 8 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Parking is $20, party is free.

Family Business Beer Co eclipse watching party. $11 tickets include glasses and a free beer. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Viewing Party at 12 Fox Beer– FREE! 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free event, free glasses.

Marble Falls

Sweet Berry Farm will be open during the eclipse for strawberry picking! 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Free parking and free admission. Glasses can be purchased (first come, first served- they may run out!). Restrooms on the farm are portapotties. Bring cash just in case their credit card machine is down.

Driftwood

Eclipse Fest at Vista Brewing on April 8th. Tickets are $15 (kids are free) and include certified eclipse glasses, free parking, live music.

Celestial BBQ Party at Salt Lick in Driftwood from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. $25 Legendary singer-songwriter Dale Watson and His Lonestars will perform at the event, as well as Austin-based soul band Tomar and the FCs. There will be special barbecue offerings like Sloppy Nachos, Sausage Wraps, Pork Rib Boats, and Chopped Beef Sandwiches available in addition to Salt Lick’s regular menu. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase and you will receive a complimentary pair of solar eclipse glasses. The Salt Lick is an ideal location to catch the celestial phenomenon as guests will get full visibility of the rare event at approximately 1:35 p.m. according to this Solar Eclipse tracker.

Spicewood

Frontyard Brewing is having an eclipse party from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Winston’s in Lakeway/Spicewood is having a solar eclipse watch party with pizza, donuts, cake pops, lemonade and free glasses.

Cedar Park

Total Eclipse of the Stars at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park: Monday, April 8th from 12-2 p.m. to celebrate the solar eclipse! Food, drinks, music and more. Free glasses to the first 500 people.

Temple

Robinson Family Farm is having an Eclipse Fest on April 8 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $20

Wimberley

Cypress Falls Swimming Hole is having a Total Eclipse Watch Party on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. $5 Adult, $2 17 & under. Kids 6 & under Free. Bring eclipse glasses, lawn chairs and blankets.

Manor

Eclipse Viewing, Breakfast Buffet + Art Market at Rancho Moonrise Join us at Rancho Moonrise for morning yoga and a breakfast buffet! Eclipse viewing glasses are included with your buffet (so is a Mimosa!) so you’ll be ready to view the eclipse at 1:32 PM!