25+ Free Things to Do in Austin, Texas for Families

Austin, Texas, is famous for its live music, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures—but did you know it’s also a goldmine for free family-friendly activities?

 Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will help you explore Austin’s best-kept secrets, scenic parks, and cultural hotspots without spending a penny. From splash pads to outdoor movies, we’ve curated 25+ free things to do in Austin, Texas for families that guarantee fun for all ages.

Why Austin is Perfect for Families on a Budget

• Year-round sunshine: Ideal for outdoor activities.
• Free festivals and events: Think SXSW Free Music, Trail of Lights, and more.
• Nature galore: Greenbelts, lakes, and hiking trails abound.
• Kid-friendly culture: Museums, libraries, and interactive exhibits.

1. Outdoor Adventures & Parks

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park is a popular recreational spot in South Austin, Texas, where Barton Creek meets the Colorado River. Spanning over 350 acres, this public park offers plenty of green space for outdoor activities. It was named after Andrew Jackson Zilker, who generously donated the land to the city in 1917.

Highlights

• Barton Springs Pool: Free entry for kids under 12 (adults: $5, but free in winter).
• Zilker Botanical Garden: Free on select community days.
• Zilker Hillside Theater: Free outdoor summer musicals.
  Tip: Bring a kite for the Great Lawn!

Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail

The Hike and Bike Trail in Austin is an easy, attractive path perfect for cyclists, runners, and families. Stretching 10 miles through downtown, it offers sufficiently of access points and parking, letting you choose your own route. Along the way, enjoy stunning skyline views and cool off with a dip in Barton Springs or Deep Eddy Pool—both refreshing, spring-fed spots by Lady Bird Lake.

• 10-mile loop with skyline views.
• Rent bikes or walk for free.
• Free kayaking lessons at certain times (check Austin Parks Foundation).

McKinney Falls State Park

• Free entry for kids under 12 (adults: $6, but free on select Texas State Park days).
• Explore Upper and Lower McKinney Falls.
• Go fishing in Onion or Williamson creeks
• Take the Rock Shelter Trail

2. Free Museums & Cultural Experiences

Texas State Capitol Building

• Free guided tours (reserve online).
• Interactive exhibits about Texas history.
• Whispers Gallery: Fun acoustic trick under the dome!
• Medal of Honor Exhibit
• Secretary State office
• Blue Occuli Rooms
• Interior Dome

Thinkery Children’s Museum

• Free admission on Community Nights (every Wednesday, 4–7 PM).
• Hands-on STEM activities for ages 0–12.
• Camping
• Field Trip

Blanton Museum of Art

• Free admission every Thursday.
• Family scavenger hunts are available.
• Group Tour
• Current Exhibitions

3. Free Seasonal Events

Summer

• Watch the Bats at South Congress Bridge: Catch the famous bats taking flight from March through October—it’s a must-see!
• Nature Nights at the Wildflower Center: Free family fun on Thursdays in June (6:00–9:00 PM). Don’t miss Lady Bird Day in July!
• Cool Off at Austin’s Splash Pads: Beat the summer heat at one of Austin’s many splash pads—perfect for kids and families.
• Zilker Summer Musical: Enjoy a free outdoor musical at Zilker Park. It’s a beloved Austin tradition with amazing performances.
• July 4th Concert & Fireworks: Celebrate Independence Day with the H-E-B Austin Symphony concert and fireworks show.
• Free Bowling or Laser Tag for Kids: Kids ages 5–14 can play one free bowling game or laser tag mission every weekday before 6 PM at Spare Time Bowling.

Fall

• Music on Main in Round Rock: Free outdoor concerts every Wednesday night in October at Prete Plaza—perfect for family fun!
• Creek Show at Waterloo Park: Stunning light displays light up the park. Free tickets, but reserve in advance.
• Pecan Street Festival: A September must for art and music lovers, held at 501 Old Pecan St.
• Austin Museum Day: Explore Austin museums for free every September. Check out my guide for the best spots!
• Chalk Walk Festival at Dell Diamond: Incredible street art and free family fun in October.
• Texas Book Festival: Meet authors and discover books at this downtown Austin event every November.
• Sweet Berry Farm’s Pumpkin Patch: Free admission—only pay for the pumpkins you pick!
• Bat Watching at South Congress Bridge: See Austin’s famous bats take flight from March through October.
• Free ACL for Kids: Kids under 10 get into Austin City Limits for free with a ticketed adult.

Winter

• Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops—Capture the holiday spirit with a free photo with Santa—great for family memories!
• Zilker Trail of Lights (Free Nights)—Enjoy this iconic Austin event for free on select nights. Kids 11 and under are always free with a ticketed adult.
• Mozart’s Holiday Light Display—Fabulous lights are free to view, or reserve a table for a cozy experience. Located at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
• Hogwarts-inspired holiday display: a magical South Austin light show near Slaughter Lane and Bungalow, usually starting by Thanksgiving.
• Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Celebrate with live music, food, and family fun at Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd).
• Round Rock’s Light Up The Lake: A free 2-day festival at Old Settlers Park featuring light shows, live music, holiday crafts, and more!
• Georgetown Christmas Stroll: Stroll historic downtown Georgetown for a parade, Bethlehem Village, and Santa photos.
• 37th Street Quirky Light Displays: Austin’s unique holiday tradition since the 1980s, located at 37th and Guadalupe.
• Tuba Christmas at the Texas Capitol: Watch 200+ musicians perform festive tunes on the Capitol’s south steps—a free, one-of-a-kind concert!
• Holiday Sing-Along at the Capitol: Free hot cocoa and carols.

Spring

• Music on Main in Round Rock: Enjoy free live music every Wednesday night in May at Prete Plaza. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for a cozy evening!
• Pecan Street Festival: Explore art, music, and food at this iconic Austin festival held every May at 501 Old Pecan St.
• Bat Watching at South Congress Bridge: Witness the spectacular bat emergence from March through October—a must-see Austin experience.
• Georgetown’s Red Poppy Festival: Celebrate Spring in April with live music, food, and family-friendly fun at this vibrant festival.
• Free Comic Book Day: Perfect for young readers and comic lovers—grab a free comic book at participating locations.
• Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen: Kick off spring with a free cone on the first day of the season!
• National Donut Day: Treat yourself to a free donut at participating spots—don’t miss this sweet celebration.
• ABC Kite Fest: Soak up the outdoors and fly a kite at Austin’s iconic spring event.
• Texas Bluebonnet Photo Ops: Capture stunning family photos among blooming bluebonnets (McKinney Falls is a favorite spot!).
• Rodeo Austin’s Rodeo Rumble: Visit Rodeo Austin for free during the Rodeo Rumble and enjoy family-friendly activities.s).

4. Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

• Museum and outdoor sculpture garden centered on the artistic works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf.
• Free admission on First Saturdays.
• Family-friendly art scavenger hunts.
• Popular Time-1 PM

Mount Bonnell

• Mount Bonnell is a great spot and Best Viewpoint in Austin with amazing views of the city and the Colorado River.
• Short hike to Austin’s highest point.
• Perfect for sunset picnics.

Toybrary Austin

• Free playtime for kids under 6 (toy rental optional).
• Weekly story hours and music sessions.
• Drop off Childcare
• Party room Rentals

5. Free Water Fun

Splash Pads

Name	Location	Hours	Age Suitability
Butler Park	1000 Barton Springs Rd	9 AM–8 PM	All ages
Dick Nichols	8011 Beckett Rd	9 AM–8 PM	Toddlers+
Katherine Fleischer	2106 Klattenhoff Dr	9 AM–8 PM	5–12 years

Red Bud Isle

• Off-leash dog park with swimming access.
• Shallow areas for kids to wade.

6. Free Movies & Entertainment

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In

• Free family movies on select nights (check schedule).
• Bring blankets and snacks.

Alamo Drafthouse Kids Camp

• Free classic kid movies every Tuesday morning (summer only).

7. Libraries & Learning

Austin Public Library Central Branch

• Free storytime (multiple branches).
• Tech Lab: Free 3D printing and coding workshops for teens.

Little Hummingbird Society

• Free bilingual storytelling at parks (Spanish/English).

8. Animal Encounters

Austin Nature & Science Center

• Free entry and dinosaur pit.
• Meet rescued wildlife (birds, reptiles).

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

• 1.5 million bats fly out at dusk (March–October).
• Free viewing from the bridge or Statesman Bat Center.

9. Free Tours & Workshops

Tesla Gigafactory Tour

• Free reservations for kids 6+ (book weeks in advance).
• Learn about electric cars and robotics.

Pioneer Farms

• Free admission on First Sundays.
• 1800s living history demonstrations.

10. Free Fitness & Play

Play for All Abilities Park (Round Rock)

• Wheelchair-accessible zip lines and sensory zones.
• 30-minute drive from Austin.
• Free Yoga in the Park
• Saturdays at Auditorium Shores (BYO mat)

Pro Tips for Maximizing Free Fun

1. Pack snacks and water: Save money on food.
2. Check Eventbrite and Do512: Free event listings.
3. Use CapMetro: Kids ride free on buses and trains.
4. Follow Austin Parks on social media: Last-minute free events.

FAQs About Free Family Activities in Austin

Q: Are the Texas State Capitol tours free?

A: Yes! Reserve online for guided tours or explore solo.

Q: Where can I park for free in Austin?

A: Street parking is free on Sundays. Use garages like the Capitol Complex for $0 evenings/weekends.

Q: Is the Barton Springs Pool free for kids?

A: Yes—children under 12 swim free year-round.

Q: What’s the best free activity for toddlers?

A: Splash pads like Butler Park or Play for All Abilities Park.

Conclusion

Austin proves you don’t need a big budget to make family memories. From bat-watching to hiking trails, these free things to do in Austin, Texas, for families offer something for everyone. Share your favorite spots in the comments, and don’t forget to bookmark this guide for your next adventure!