New to Austin? Things to Do With Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Looking for things to do with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in Austin? This guide rounds up easy indoor and outdoor places to play, from story times and splash pads to museums, trails, trains, and more.
Looking for ideas that also work for older siblings? Start with my 50 fun things to do with kids in Austin.
Things to Do With Babies in Austin
Start with an Austin Public Library story time. The calendar can be filtered by age, making it easy to find Books and Babies, toddler, or preschool sessions near you.
Thinkery’s Baby Bloomers gives children ages 0-36 months and their caregivers dedicated museum time with play and early-learning activities. Check the schedule and reserve tickets before you go!
Stroller-friendly hikes are a fun way to get out of the house with your baby. Here’s a list of our favorite hikes where you can bring a stroller.
In the summer months, both Robin Bledsoe and Lakewood Park in Leander have splash pads with cushy ground cover that is perfect for those still crawling.
Get those little babes in the water! Goldfish Swim School Northwest Hills offers year-round swim lessons for children starting at 4 months old.
Play Street Museum in Sunset Valley is an indoor play space designed for children 8 and younger. Weekday play sessions are reservation-based, so check availability before you head out.
Things To Do With Toddlers and Preschoolers in Austin
How to have the BEST TODDLER DAY IN AUSTIN
Skater Tots at Pins & Wheels at Playland is a Tuesday-morning session for children 5 and younger. Check the current session time before you go, and remember, older siblings are NOT allowed to skate during this session.
Here’s a round-up of 21 coffee shops that are perfect for playdates in Austin:
Get out on a hike! Here’s a list of some easy hikes your little people can do.
Visit your local library branch for story time.
Here’s my guide to the best playgrounds in Austin, including Katherine Fleischer Park, Play for All Abilities, Pease Park, Alliance Children’s Garden, Waterloo Park, Lakewood Park, and Creative Playscape.
Austin Nature & Science Center is hours of free entertainment for kids at this age. We love the dinosaur dig sand pit (it’s shaded!), seeing the fish in the pond, walking in the creek, visiting the animals, and the indoor exhibits.
If it’s raining, too cold, or too hot outside, here a list of all the indoor play places we like. Here’s another list of all the FREE indoor places to play!
For animal lovers, here’s a roundup of all the Animal Encounters around the Austin area.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has a fun family garden that little kids will enjoy. Visit the waterfall, sit in a giant bird’s nest, wander through the maze, and more. If you plan it right, you can also visit the Fortlandia exhibit during the fall/winter months.
Bring a bucket and a shovel and pretend you’re at the beach at one of these Austin spots: Secret Beach, Lake Pflugerville, Russell Park at Lake Georgetown, or Emma Long Metropolitan Park.
For a beverage or a bite to eat at a place with a playground, check out: Breweries with Playgrounds, Restaurants with Playgrounds, Ice Cream Shops With Playgrounds, and Coffee Shops with Playgrounds.
Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek is the best place for this age group! If you have dinosaur obsessed kids, here’s a list of all the places in town you can see dinosaurs.
BookPeople has a story time for little kids on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and has a fun tunnel house they can play in. It’s fun to browse the toys and books while you’re there as well of course! Bonus fun: go next door to Whole Foods for some lunch on the rooftop with a playground!
Take them to Home Depot on the first Saturday of the month for a free Kids DIY Workshop. Perfect for preschoolers who love to make stuff!
Splash pads on a hot summer day are a lifesaver! Bring a cup or something they can fill up.
Thinkery Baby Bloomers is a special program for kids up to 36 months. On Saturday mornings from 8-10 a.m., toddlers can explore the museum without the massive crowds. Reserve tickets in advance.
Spend a day along the Brushy Creek Trail! There are 6 playgrounds you can access along the trail. Pack lots of snacks and water and try to hit as many as you can! Make sure to bring some bird food and feed the ducks at Shirley McDonald Park. If you get hungry, Mandola’s is super close and has a playground (and kids get free gelato with a kids meal)!
Planning a birthday party? Here’s a list of some fun birthday party inspiration!
Splash Shack is a fun indoor water park designed for younger children, with an interactive waterplay structure and kid-sized slides.
Try taking them to the Museum of Ice Cream! I think kids this age will love this whole magical experience. Who wouldn’t want to jump into the giant ball pit-like sprinkles pool?!
If you have a toddler or preschooler who needs to learn how to swim, we love taking swimming lessons at Goldfish Swim School. It’s been the best swimming lessons experience we’ve ever tried.
Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls offers seasonal strawberry picking, typically in the spring. Check the farm’s current picking conditions before driving out.
Toybrary combines a toy-lending library with Stay & Play sessions, and a membership isn’t required to come and play.
For a miniature train outing, check the current status of Cedar Rock Railroad or the Zilker Eagle before you go. Hours and closures can change, but most kids love these fun choo choo rides!
Saplings Studio is such a perfect outing for kids this age! There’s open studio time and art classes for children, including toddlers.
Family Barn is an indoor play space in Georgetown designed for babies and young children.
Tot Box Play Cafe offers indoor play for babies and toddlers in Round Rock.
Create Studio ATX offers open-table art experiences, classes, camps, and creative activities for children.
More Austin Ideas for Kids:
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