How to Have an Epic Spring Break in Austin with Kids
Spring Break is coming right up! If you’re looking for things to do to keep your kids entertained, we’ve got a great round-up of day trips, camps, and staycation ideas for you to check out. Here is how to have an epic spring break in Austin with kids.
Fun Things To Do Over Spring Break:
March 9
Second Saturdays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Lakeline from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rodeo Austin has a free Rodeo Rumble every year. It’s 1K race for kids and you get free access to the fairgrounds after the race. March 9, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.
Sherwood Forest Faire is free for kids ages 5 and under with paid adult ticket! The faire is open weekends March 2-April 21, 2024 (and Friday, March 15).
Dino Days at the Zilker Botanical Garden are on March 9th and March 16th. Dino Days will activate our prehistoric garden, transforming it into a vibrant showcase of botanical wonders from the Cretaceous Period. It will captivate visitors, offering an educational journey through the geological history of Austin and highlighting prehistoric plants as they spring to life. Through dynamic exhibits and interactive activities, it celebrates plant diversity and evolution while fostering community engagement through volunteer opportunities.
Michael’s Kids Club from 10 a.m. – noon at all Michael’s stores. Make a friendship bracelet for free!
Story Time at BookPeople at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Free Story Time at Paper Bark Birch Children’s Bookstore in Cedar Park every Saturday at 11 a.m.
Lakeshore Learning free in-store event on March 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. World of discovery.
Laguna Gloria has free admission on March 9, 2024 for Second Saturdays are For Families.
The Breakfast Boogie is back from 12-4 p.m. at the Far Out Family Fest! If you’re looking for family-friendly entertainment during SXSW, this is where to find it!
March 9
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Register online.
Eclipsing at the Long Center is free! You can try it out on March 9-12, 2024 at various times (sign up for a time slot online before you go). POINT A, artists Andrew Schneider and Annie Saunders, have partnered with the Long Center to create a new site-specific soundwalk, free and open to the public. Eclipsing was made in collaboration with astrophysicists and the local community, using recordings made from the environment and serendipitous storytelling.
Live music for free on the patio at Central Market North Lamar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30-8 p.m.
Mozart’s Spring Launch Party all day on March 9!
March 10
Stop by Pinballz Lake Creek dressed as your favorite Mario character for MAR10 Day and get a free go-kart ride!
Kids Day: A Pop-Up with Creative Action & Austin Public Library at Meanwhile Brewing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. We’re celebrating kids with two of our favorite local organizations! Both Creative Action and Austin Public Library have some fun activities lined up including: Bubbles! A guided music circle! Library Card Sign-Ups, Coloring Sheets & more! This is a free event and open to all. Elementary school aged kids and younger are probably going to enjoy the programming the most. Arrive early to secure a table and enjoy our newly updated playground! Beverages for both kids (juice boxes, chocolate milk, sodas, and more) and adults are available in our taproom. We’ll have free Vinyasa Yoga for parents on the soccer field at 10am hosted by Austin Bouldering Project!
Second Sundays For Kids at Texas Farmers Market Mueller from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
March 10
Playdate in the Park – Walnut Creek from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Creative Action will host a Music & Movement class, geared toward children of all ages and their parents.
Sunday Funday at The Neill Cochran House Museum from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Neill-Cochran House Museum welcomes children of all ages to a traditional activity in the lawn in front of the Museum. Join us as we make decorative paper using flower petals and seeds. All supplies will be provided, as well as staff, to help with instructions. This event is perfect for families with small children. Reservations are not required. Participation in Sunday Funday is free. Drop in anytime between 11:00am and 2:00pm to enjoy the activity. You are welcome to bring a lunch and enjoy it in the lawn. The Neill-Cochran House Museum is open for touring for throughout the activity, admission required.
Sherwood Forest Faire is free for kids ages 5 and under with paid adult ticket! The faire is open weekends March 2-April 21, 2024 (and Friday, March 15).
March 10
Live kids music for free at Cherrywood Coffeehouse at 10 a.m. on most Sundays. Check the website for updates and to see who’s playing!
Umlauf Sculpture Garden has Free Family Day every second Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. As we welcome the spring solstice, we invite families to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature with a day filled with educational and interactive activities centered around blooms, flowers, and all things floral. Explore the wonders of the botanical world through a variety of engaging workshops and hands-on experiences. From flower-themed arts and crafts to sculpture scavenger hunts through the vibrant flora of our surroundings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let your creativity blossom as you participate in flower art projects, learn about the importance of pollinators, and discover the fascinating science behind plant growth and blooming cycles. Join us for a day of family-friendly fun, learning, and celebration as we revel in the beauty of spring and the wonders of nature at “Family Day: Art in Bloom”!
March 10
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Register online.
Family Yoga at the Wildflower Center from 10:30-11:15 a.m. with ATX Yoga Girl. 4801 La Crosse Ave
Austin
Eclipsing at the Long Center is free! You can try it out on March 9-12, 2024 at various times (sign up for a time slot online before you go). POINT A, artists Andrew Schneider and Annie Saunders, have partnered with the Long Center to create a new site-specific soundwalk, free and open to the public. Eclipsing was made in collaboration with astrophysicists and the local community, using recordings made from the environment and serendipitous storytelling.
The Thinkery has free community Sundays from 3-5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m.
Live music for free on the patio at Central Market North Lamar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30-8 p.m.
March 11
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
Shark Bo at The Bob Bullock from 11 a.m. – noon. Join Shark Bo for a fascinating and interactive shark presentation. Find out what sharks are really like, learn about the different species of sharks, their unique abilities, and how much sharks need our help. After the presentation, kids will get to touch real shark and megalodon teeth.
Eclipsing at the Long Center is free! You can try it out on March 9-12, 2024 at various times (sign up for a time slot online before you go). POINT A, artists Andrew Schneider and Annie Saunders, have partnered with the Long Center to create a new site-specific soundwalk, free and open to the public. Eclipsing was made in collaboration with astrophysicists and the local community, using recordings made from the environment and serendipitous storytelling.
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from 3-4:30 p.m. Register online.
March 12
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
Free Day at Zilker Botanical Garden! March 12, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Skater Tots at Playland Skate Center from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $10/kids 5 and under. Infants and adults are free. No kids over 5 years old allowed. Bring ride-on toys. Skates are included with admission.
Tuesdays at the Blanton Museum are free from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Story Time at BookPeople at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Teen Gathering: Shark Science and VR Ocean Rift – Spring Break at the Bullock from noon – 1:30 p.m.
Eclipsing at the Long Center is free! You can try it out on March 9-12, 2024 at various times (sign up for a time slot online before you go). POINT A, artists Andrew Schneider and Annie Saunders, have partnered with the Long Center to create a new site-specific soundwalk, free and open to the public. Eclipsing was made in collaboration with astrophysicists and the local community, using recordings made from the environment and serendipitous storytelling.
The Thinkery has free community Sundays from 3-5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m.
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from 3-4:30 p.m. Register online.
March 13
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
Free Toddler Yoga at Pease Park with ATX Yoga Girl at 10 a.m.
Tiny Tales Story Time at First Light Books at 10 a.m. 4300 Speedway Unit 104, Austin
Story Time at BookPeople at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Mad Science: Ocean of Possibilities – Spring Break at the Bullock from 11 a.m. – noon
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from 3-4:30 p.m. Register online.
March 14
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
Toddler Yoga at the Zilker Botanical Garden from 10-10:45 a.m. with ATX Yoga Girl.
Fossil Exploration – Spring Break at the Bullock from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Live music for free on the patio at Central Market North Lamar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30-8 p.m.
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from 3-4:30 p.m. Register online.
March 15
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
Sherwood Forest Faire is free for kids ages 5 and under with paid adult ticket! The faire is open weekends March 2-April 21, 2024 (and Friday, March 15).
Lucas Miller the Singing Zoologist Concert – Spring Break at the Bullock from 11 a.m. – noon
Live music for free on the patio at Central Market North Lamar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30-8 p.m.
The Big Bounce is coming to Pioneer Farms on March 15-17. They have special age-specific times slots available: toddlers (3 & under), little kids (7 & under), big kids (15 & under), and adults. $22-45. Adult ticket must be purchased with kids tickets to attend. Book your time slot online.
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from 3-4:30 p.m. Register online.
March 16
Bluey’s Big Play is March 16 & 17 at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. at the Long Center.
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
Dino Days at the Zilker Botanical Garden are on March 9th and March 16th. Dino Days will activate our prehistoric garden, transforming it into a vibrant showcase of botanical wonders from the Cretaceous Period. It will captivate visitors, offering an educational journey through the geological history of Austin and highlighting prehistoric plants as they spring to life. Through dynamic exhibits and interactive activities, it celebrates plant diversity and evolution while fostering community engagement through volunteer opportunities.
Lowes has a free kids DIY workshop on March 16, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Story Time at BookPeople at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Sherwood Forest Faire is free for kids ages 5 and under with paid adult ticket! The faire is open weekends March 2-April 21, 2024 (and Friday, March 15).
Milk & Cookies with Frog & Toad at Terra Toys from noon – 2 p.m. Story time with free milk & cookies!
Free Story Time at Paper Bark Birch Children’s Bookstore in Cedar Park every Saturday at 11 a.m.
Live music for free on the patio at Central Market North Lamar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30-8 p.m.
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from noon-4:30 p.m. Register online.
March 17
Bluey’s Big Play is March 16 & 17 at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. at the Long Center.
Eggmazing Easter Fun – Egg Coloring at Learning Express from noon – 3 p.m.
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
Sherwood Forest Faire is free for kids ages 5 and under with paid adult ticket! The faire is open weekends March 2-April 21, 2024 (and Friday, March 15).
Live kids music for free at Cherrywood Coffeehouse at 10 a.m. on most Sundays. Check the website for updates and to see who’s playing!
A Year With Frog and Toad at Zach Theatre at 2 p.m.
Sunday Makebreak from 2-4 p.m. at all Michael’s stores. Make hand painted flower eggs for free!
The Thinkery has free community Sundays from 3-5 p.m. and Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m.
Live music for free on the patio at Central Market North Lamar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30-8 p.m.
Funbox, the world’s largest bounce park, is open again at Barton Creek Square Mall. The times are from noon-4:30 p.m. Register online.
See all Spring Break Camps here
See all Day Trips here
The Sherwood Forest Faire is happening every weekend from March 2-April 21, 2024 (plus Friday, March 15) from 10 a.m. – dusk.
Dinosaur Park is always high on our list of fun and quick day trips for kids! 893 Union Chapel Rd, Cedar Creek.
Check out the Temple Children’s Museum (about an hour’s drive from Austin).
Explore the Science Mill in Johnson City.
San Marcos has the coolest glass bottom boat tours.
Climb Enchanted Rock (or just hang out in Fredericksburg).
Go camping at Buscher State Park.
Pick some berries at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls. Here’s a fun brewery you can check out in Marble Falls and here’s a fun mini golf, bowling, and brewery you can try in Marble Falls as well. More berry picking ideas.
Go to Waco for the day and visit the Mayborn Museum, the Cameron Park Zoo, and the Dr. Pepper Museum.
Relax at a lakeside cabana at Son’s Rio Cibolo and spend a day out on the water.
Check out the ten best things to do in Wimberley with kids.
Check out the Children’s Museum in Temple.
Find more day trips from Austin with kids ideas here!
Staycation Ideas
Take the kids on a bat cruise! Here are all our tips!
Funbox- The World’s Largest Bounce Park is coming back to Austin at Barton Creek Square Mall!
Dino Days at the Zilker Botanical Garden are on March 9th and March 16th. Dino Days will activate our prehistoric garden, transforming it into a vibrant showcase of botanical wonders from the Cretaceous Period. It will captivate visitors, offering an educational journey through the geological history of Austin and highlighting prehistoric plants as they spring to life. Through dynamic exhibits and interactive activities, it celebrates plant diversity and evolution while fostering community engagement through volunteer opportunities.
Go out for some food/drink + fun! Here are some ideas:
- Restaurants with Playgrounds
- Breweries with Playgrounds
- Food Trucks with Playgrounds
- Coffee Shops with Play Areas
- Pizza with Playgrounds
- Experience Restaurants for Special Occasions
- Kid-friendly restaurants Near Zilker/Barton Springs/Downtown
- Adventure + Food Pairings
Staycation Ideas
Take a hike! Here are trails for strollers/babies, toddlers, kids, waterfalls, and more!
The Rodeo also comes to town this time of year! From March 8-23, 2024, you can check out the fairgrounds, see the animals, watch the pig races and some live music, and ride all the rides! Here are all our tips for going to Rodeo Austin.
Check out the REAL dinosaur tracks in Leander! (Parking can be tricky as this area is under construction right now).
Bring the kids to Cidercade, all you can play arcade games for only $10!
If the weather is warm, take the kids to Barton Springs (read our tips on going with kids here). 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin
Staycation Ideas
If the weather isn’t on your side (typical with this time of year- you never know what you’re going to get!) check out an indoor place to play or a free indoor place to play.
Kalahari would be an epic staycation experience! 3001 Kalahari Blvd. Round Rock
Spend a day down at Mueller Lake Park. Feed the ducks, have a picnic and play at the playground, explore the Thinkery, and get an ice cream before heading home.
Have a fun-filled day at the Domain or along South Congress!
Check out one of these cool museums:
How to Have an Epic Spring Break in Austin with Kids: Staycation
Creature-loving kids will love Zookeeper Exotics where you can see a real sloth (!) and many other different animals, 9012 Research Blvd, Austin.
Top Golf or Peter Pan Mini Golf would be fun for the whole family!
Go shopping at a local farmers market.
Check out a few local breweries with playgrounds or restaurants with playgrounds.
Play at one of our favorite local parks.
Take the kids out to climb a tree!
Blue Hole in Georgetown is free, easy to get to, and fun for all ages. We like how manageable it feels to take even the youngest toddlers here, since there are sections that are shallow as well as deeper ones for the big kids to swim/float around in. My kids loved throwing pebbles into the water when they were little. Bonus: stop at Hat Creek beforehand and bring a picnic lunch with you down to the water! 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown.
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm has so much to do, you could easily spend an entire day here (and the kids will crash in the car on the ride home)! 14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown
Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin
Lady Bird Lake for some on the water fun like canoeing, kayaking, SUP, or even take a ride on a retro boat. Try renting from Zilker Park Boat Rentals, or Retro Boat Rentals.
How to Have an Epic Spring Break in Austin with Kids: Staycation
Play at Zilker Park, 2131 1/2, William Barton Dr, Austin.
Ride the Cedar Rock Railroad. It’s a cute little train with a playground and only costs $3, 390 Borho Dr, Round Rock.
Check out Mount Bonnell at sunset for a free, easy hike for all skill levels; the hardest part will be the stairs at the beginning (and keeping wandering kids from the edge!) 3800 Mount Bonnell Road, Austin
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center costs $20/adult, $10/child (3 and under are free). 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain.
Austin Nature and Science Center is a great free option for kids to do something that’s outdoors, 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin.
Hike out to see the falls (they were damaged, but still exist!) at Crockett Gardens & Falls.
Big Bend National Park
If you plan on going to Big Bend over spring break with your kids, read all our tips here!
Free Fun For Kids in Austin
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