35 Fun & Cheap Things To Do In Austin, TX With Kids

If you’re planning your first family trip to Austin, you’re in for a treat! This vibrant city, known for its live music, delicious food, and outdoor activities, offers an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re hiking in the Texas Hill Country, indulging in some of the best BBQ in the state (especially if you watch Barbeque Showdown or BBQ Pitmasters), or paddling on Lady Bird Lake, there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Here’s a 4-day itinerary that’ll help you explore the best of Austin and the surrounding areas, all while keeping things fun, adventurous, and family-friendly.

Before we dive in, a little bit more about Austin, after visiting multiple times for work trips, we have made a few family trips to the area as well. It’s fun either way- the tech scene in Austin is extensive, like a mini Silicon Valley with major annual events like SXSW, but it’s also a very family-friendly city in the middle-ish of the state of Texas. Also, I have always loved any city that has access to water, and the Colorado river flows directly through the middle of Austin. It’s quite beautiful! Other than the basic things you can do in any exciting town, I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do in Austin, Texas. 

When to Visit Austin 

The best time to visit Austin, Texas, generally falls between March and May or September and November. These periods offer pleasant weather, outdoor-friendly temperatures, and exciting events that make the city shine. Here’s what you should consider when planning your trip to Austin:

1. Weather

• Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from 60-85°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and attending festivals. Wildflowers, especially bluebonnets, bloom across Texas Hill Country, offering stunning scenery.
• Fall (September to November): Similar mild temperatures, with cooler evenings, create perfect conditions for exploring the city, attending events, or enjoying Austin’s many outdoor parks and trails.
• Summer (June to August): The summer months in Austin are very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 95°F, sometimes peaking above 100°F. While some outdoor activities like swimming in Barton Springs Pool or Deep Eddy Pool are popular, you should consider if the heat will be worth it for your family. 
• Winter (December to February): Winters are mild, with temperatures between 45-65°F. While you can still explore outdoor attractions, swimming or water sports may be closed or not as exciting. 

2. Major Events and Festivals

Austin is known for its vibrant event scene, but some special events can make the city more crowded or expensive to visit, while others offer unique experiences worth timing your trip around:

• SXSW (South by Southwest) – March: This massive music, film, and tech festival transforms the city with tons of concerts, conferences, and street events. It’s a fantastic time to visit if you’re into live music and innovation, but it also means higher hotel prices and larger crowds. This also means limited means of transportation! 
• Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) – October: ACL is a two-weekend music festival held in Zilker Park featuring top-tier musical acts across genres. It’s family-friendly, with activities for kids and food trucks galore, but like SXSW, it brings crowds and higher costs.
• Texas Book Festival – October/November: Held on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol, this family-friendly literary event features author talks, book signings, and activities for kids.
• Austin Food + Wine Festival – April: A fantastic event for families with older kids or foodies, featuring top chefs and local cuisine.
• Bat Fest – August: Celebrate Austin’s famous bat population with music, food, and family-friendly fun on the Congress Avenue Bridge, as you watch over a million bats take flight at dusk.

3. Outdoor Activities

If your family enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, or exploring parks, aim for the spring or fall when the weather is more temperate. Summers are very hot, which can make activities like hiking or walking around downtown less enjoyable. If you’re visiting in the summer, plan for water-based activities like paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, swimming in Barton Springs, or visiting splash pads to beat the heat.

4. The Holiday Season

• Christmas and New Year’s: During December, Austin is beautifully lit up with holiday decorations. The Austin Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is a must-visit for families, with light displays, food, and entertainment. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters also puts on a fun, free holiday light show along Lake Austin.
• Texas Independence Day – March 2: This state holiday brings parades, historical events, and local festivities, which could be a fun addition to your itinerary if you’re in town.

5. Crowds and Prices

Keep in mind that during major festivals like SXSW and ACL, the city becomes crowded, and accommodation prices spike. If you’re planning a trip during these periods, make sure to book accommodations well in advance. If you prefer a quieter experience, avoid these times or opt for the weeks right before or after.

Best time overall, in my humble opinion: 

• Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, wildflowers, and major events (keep in mind the timing for SXSW and Food + Wine Festival though).
• Fall (September-November): Cooler temperatures, great for outdoor activities and music festivals (Look into the dates for Austin City Limits and the Texas Book Festival).

These times of year strike a great balance between good weather, fun events, and fewer crowds, making them perfect for family travel.

Getting Around Austin, Texas

If you plan to remain in the downtown area for most of your trip, you could get around without renting a car. There are bikes and scooters to rent all over the city, plus ride-share options and pedicabs depending on your starting location. We found this to be the best option when we were traveling to Austin for work, but not so much when taking a family trip to Austin. 

Renting A Car: the best option in my opinion. Austin as a city is fairly large, but Texas is huge, and getting to a few places on the itinerary below will mean driving to the location. I also prefer the flexibility of having a vehicle to come and go as we please in different places.

Rent A Bike: while I don’t recommend this as the only option to get around the city, there are plenty of places to go for a nice bike ride and several bike trail options that are worth exploring. This will greatly depend on the age of your children though! 

Fun Things To Do in Austin with Kids

Texas has so much to offer! From the cities (like Austin) and the incredible countryside to the rolling hills and beautiful lakes, it’s a wonderful place to spend time on a family vacation. Austin has a lot to offer to fill at least a few days! Most of the things on this list can be done for free or on a budget, though there are a few that will be worth splurging for! I’m all about cheap things to do while we travel, especially for self-guided tours, but mixing in some exciting experiences that may have a slight general admission cost. 

• See the Texas State Capitol Building. There is free admission and you are able to walk around most of the building, though some may be closed if sessions are occurring.  
• Go on an ice cream crawl. There are amazing ice cream stops throughout Austin, I recommend Amy’s Ice Cream and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. 
• Walk Congress Street and South Congress Street. The street has everything from great restaurants and shopping to fun murals and more. 
• Take a mural tour! As hinted above, Austin has some great murals, which I have put together in one easy post for you!
• Spend a few hours at Lady Bird Lake. There is so much to do in this area! If you want to spend time on the water, you have lots of options! You can go paddling, canoeing, kayaking, rent a donut boat (this is SO FUN!!), rent a retro boat, and more. You can also go on a Lady Bird Lake hike or bike ride or explore the multi-walking paths. 
• See the famous bats! When I first heard about the Austin bats I have no idea what to think. But let me tell you, it’s truly wild to see! The Mexican free-tailed bats sleep under the Congress bridge until sunset and fly out each night for dinner all around the same time. You will see thousands upon thousands of bats taking flight at once. Arrive early if you want a spot either on the bridge, on the Colorado river overlooks under the bridge or on the dirt/grass area on the South Congress bridge. There are many options for seeing the bats if you don’t want to stand on the bridge, you can go on a guided boat tour, take part in a group kayak tour, and even a sunset paddle tour.

• Explore Zilker Metropolitan Park. You could fill a day within the park! Zilker Metropolitan Park is a fantastic green space offering a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. This expansive park is home to the beautiful Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool perfect for swimming and cooling off during the hot Texas summers. Additionally, Zilker Park features vast open spaces for picnics, frisbee games, and leisurely strolls. The park also houses the Zilker Botanical Garden, where visitors can explore diverse plant collections and themed gardens.  
• Visit the Austin Nature & Science Center. This is another fantastic place to explore and learn about the natural world (and is located in Zilker Park!) It offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. The center features wildlife exhibits, dinosaur tracks, and a variety of educational programs focused on environmental science, natural history, and outdoor skills. 
• Go on a coffee crawl. This is a must for me, no matter where we go, I always have coffee shops mapped out! Within the city, you should visit Joe’s (my favorite and it’s iconic), Dear Austin Coffee Bar, The Salty, Manana, The Hideout, and Lucky Lab Coffee Co., and outside of the city, you should stop by Summer Moon, Black Rock, and Winston’s. 
• Go to Hamilton Pool Preserve. This pool is a very unique swimming spot and also a fun, short hike with a beautiful rock formation view. Don’t forget to make reservations in advance! You will pay an admission fee by car and per person to enter at your designated time. 

• Explore the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. A beautiful natural area located about 50 minutes outside of Austin. It features a lush and diverse landscape with a stunning limestone canyon, a grotto, and a picturesque waterfall. This outdoor gem offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the local flora, fauna, and geology. It’s a great place for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. 
• Visit Pedernales Falls State Park. The park is known for its stunning scenery, including the Pedernales River and the impressive limestone falls after which the park is named. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, swimming, and camping. The park offers a great opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Texas while engaging in recreational activities. 
• Spend the afternoon at the Austin Zoo. A rescue zoo that provides a fun, educational experience. Kids can see over 300 animals from tigers to tortoises, all while learning about conservation.
• Go for a hike and see great views from Mount Bonnell. For a scenic view of the city, hike up to Mount Bonnell which is the highest point in Austin. The short trail leads to breathtaking views of Lake Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. It’s a manageable climb for families with younger children.
• Go to the Museum of Ice Cream. This one is a bit more expensive but so much fun for families!
• See the sealife of Texas at the Austin Aquarium. A hands-on aquarium where kids can feed stingrays, touch starfish, and even hold a snake! The aquarium is a fun and educational experience for families.
• Smell the roses at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. A beautiful nature center outside of Austin. 
• Play a fun game of putt-putt at Peter Pan Mini Golf. This quirky and retro mini-golf course is a local favorite. It’s centrally located and full of fun, larger-than-life statues that make it a memorable stop for families.
• Give kids time to explore at Toybrary Austin. If you’re traveling with younger kids, Toybrary Austin offers a play space with toys, crafts, and books. It’s a great place to relax indoors for a bit while the kids play and explore.

• See creatures from the movies at The Dinosaur Park. Located about 30 minutes outside of Austin, The Dinosaur Park features life-size dinosaur replicas in a nature setting. Kids can walk the trails, hunt for fossils, and learn about prehistoric creatures.
• Spend an afternoon at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. For adventurous families, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers an exciting zipline experience. It’s great for older kids and adults looking for a thrilling way to see the beauty of Lake Travis from above.
• Take a dip at the Deep Eddy Pool. Another spring-fed pool in Austin, Deep Eddy is the oldest swimming pool in Texas. It’s a great place to cool off, with both a shallow area for younger kids and lap lanes for swimmers.
• Explore for a while at the Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve. A quiet, shaded park that’s perfect for a family picnic. Kids love the peacocks that freely roam the grounds, and there are beautiful walking trails through the gardens.
• Walk around the Blanton Museum of Art. If your kids enjoy art, the Blanton Museum of Art is a great indoor activity with a wide range of exhibits, including contemporary art and interactive installations. They often host family days and workshops.
• Cool down at a splash pads. Austin has several free splash pads around the city where kids can cool off during warmer days. Butler Park Splash Pad near downtown is a popular spot with a great view of the skyline, and Pease Park is a fun stop with a giant birds nest! 
• Step back in time at Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms. A living history museum, where families can explore old farmhouses, see blacksmith demonstrations, and learn about Texas pioneer life.
• See a movie at Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In movie theater. Take your kids to a classic drive-in movie experience! Blue Starlite is a family-friendly drive-in theater that shows everything from family movies to old-school classics.
• Let the children have a blast at the Thinkery. An incredible children’s museum in the city! 
• Learn about Texas at the The Bullock Texas State History Museum.  

Great Restaurants in Austin

The food in Texas is GREAT! You will find many places that have playgrounds, delicious food, good happy hour options, and something for the whole family. I recommend at least trying a few from this list: 

• Terry Blacks
• Home Slice Pizza
• Torchy’s Tacos 
• Salt Lick BBQ

4-Day Itinerary: Things To Do in Austin

This itinerary should be great for late spring and early fall, as you will be able to explore and experience cheap things to do in Austin, as well as take a dip in the local pools.

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Austin

Morning:  Start your trip with breakfast at a local favorite, Kerbey Lane Café. This cozy spot serves up delicious pancakes and Texas-sized portions that will fuel your day.

After breakfast, head to the Texas State Capitol for a free, family-friendly tour. The building is stunning, and kids love exploring its grand halls. Afterward, take a stroll down Congress Avenue to soak in the local culture and maybe stop for a quick treat at Amy’s Ice Creams.

Afternoon:  Walk or rent bikes to explore Lady Bird Lake. This scenic area offers a great way to see the city skyline while being outdoors. If your family is up for a bit of water adventure, rent kayaks or paddleboards for a fun time on the water.

Grab lunch at Terry Black’s BBQ, a must-visit spot for Austin’s famous barbecue. There’s outdoor seating and plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs.

Evening:  End your day with a visit to the Congress Avenue Bridge around sunset to watch the famous Austin bats emerge. Over a million bats take flight in a mesmerizing cloud from under the bridge, a unique experience for families.

Day 2: Adventure in Nature

Morning:  Take a short drive out to Zilker Metropolitan Park for a morning full of activities. Visit the Zilker Botanical Garden for a peaceful start, followed by a visit to the Austin Nature & Science Center where kids can dig for fossils, learn about local wildlife, and explore hands-on exhibits.

Afternoon:  Pack a picnic or grab something from a local deli and head over to Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool located within Zilker Park. The crystal-clear water is a great way to cool off and relax in the Texas heat.

Evening:  Explore South Congress Avenue (known as SoCo) for dinner and some shopping. The eclectic shops and street performers make it an exciting spot for kids, and you can find everything from tacos to gourmet food trucks. Home Slice Pizza is a great choice for casual family dining.

Day 3: Day Trip to Texas Hill Country

Morning:  Head out for a family-friendly adventure in the Texas Hill Country, about an hour’s drive west of Austin. Start your day at Hamilton Pool Preserve, a stunning natural pool surrounded by a limestone grotto and waterfalls. Be sure to reserve in advance as the area has limited entry to preserve its natural beauty.

Afternoon:  After Hamilton Pool, drive to Dripping Springs for lunch at Rolling in Thyme & Dough, a quaint café with fresh, local food. 

Next, stop by Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center for a guided nature tour, offering another opportunity to see the unique landscape of the Hill Country. You can also visit Pedernales Falls State Park for some light hiking and scenic views of the cascading waterfalls.

Evening:  Head back to Austin for dinner at Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood on the way home. This iconic spot serves up delicious BBQ and has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Day 4: Museums and Music

Morning:  Start your final day with a hearty breakfast at Magnolia Café on South Congress. Then, make your way to The Bullock Texas State History Museum to dive into the rich history of Texas. This interactive museum is great for kids and offers exhibits on everything from Texas Independence to modern-day innovations.

Afternoon:  For lunch, stop by Torchy’s Tacos, a local favorite. Afterward, visit the Thinkery, Austin’s children’s museum filled with STEM-related interactive exhibits that encourage learning and creativity. It’s the perfect spot to let kids explore and burn off some energy.

Evening:  Wrap up your trip with dinner at Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar and then enjoy live music. Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and no trip is complete without experiencing some local tunes. Many restaurants have live bands, with a family-friendly vibe to soak up the sounds of the city. 

Austin is an incredible destination for families, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Whether you’re paddling on Lady Bird Lake, hiking in the Hill Country, or watching local artists on sixth street, your family is sure to create lasting memories in this vibrant city. Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable family trip to Austin!