Austin, Texas affords visitors and residents alike an abundance of fun and free family activities. Some are seasonal and some are ongoing. Here is the list of fun and free things you can enjoy with your family.
Seasonal Free Family Activities
Free Museum Day
Each year, usually in September, the museums of Austin are open to you and your family for free. The Austin Children’s Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art on the UT campus, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum, the Austin Museum of Art, and the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve are just some of the 29 institutions that participate in Free Museum Day. In addition to regular exhibits, most offer free family oriented activities on this day.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo
Early October is typically the time that the Texas Parks and Wildlife department holds the annual Wildlife Expo on their campus. All Expo activities are free and the family fun options are many: try out firearms (after a required gun safety class), fish, see a birds of prey exhibit, view sharpshooting demonstrations, try mountain bike riding, and go to the big pool where your entire family can try out kayak paddling.
Old Pecan Street Festival
Once in the spring and again in the fall, Austin’s 6th street is transformed into the Old Pecan Street Festival. This free for the family festival boasts 200 plus exhibitors, bands and performers, food, and fun. Kids can enjoy the rides at the small carnival.
Victorian Christmas on 6th Street
In late November or early December, 6th street is transported back in time for a Victorian Christmas on 6th Street. Your family will be surrounded by Victorian era performers, roving magicians, barbershop quartets, and vendors offering their wares for your Christmas gift purchased. This event is also free fun for your family.
Zilker Trail of Lights
Every December, Zilker Park is lit up like a Christmas tree and more with the annual Trail of Lights. While the trail itself is free, parking and/or the shuttle is not. Take your family and walk through this winter wonderland.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party
Every April, in Pease park, families come together for the free birthday party for Eeyore (yep, the depressed one from Winnie-the-Pooh). The party is anything but depressing. Costumes are worn and a winner is declared, games and prizes tempt the children, a Maypole is danced around, and live music is provided. A special children’s area makes this an especially fun free family activity.
Zilker Kite Festival
Zilker Park is free anytime for walks along town lake and family picnics. In March, the skies over the park explode in brilliant color as hundreds of kite enthusiasts participate in the kite festival. Only homemade kites are allowed in the competition and the creativity is amazing. Bring the family to watch this free event.
Spamarama
March and April also boast the Spamarama, a festival devoted to, well, Spam. Not the computer e-mail kind, but the potted meat kind. Enjoy the Spam cookoff, Spam Olympics, and Spam Jam (music). There are also silly games, arts and crafts, and rides. More free fun for your family.
4th of July in Austin
Auditorium shores on Town Lake hosts the free Austin Symphony concert and fireworks display every year. Families have been enjoying this free event for years.
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
Held in Waterloo Park in August, this celebration of hot sauce is free and has great bands as well.
Free Family Activities Anytime
As for free things your family can do in Austin anytime – here’s the short list.
Texas State Capitol Complex – taller than the U.S. capitol, the Texas capitol boasts impressive architecture. This free attraction is one of the most popular in Texas.
University of Texas – take your family to tour the UT campus – a city unto itself. The grounds, sculptures, and fountains are lovely. You may have future longhorns in your family. If you are lucky you will arrive during their annual free Explore UT weekend – the biggest open house in Texas with all academic departments offering free goodies, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. My daughter loves making her own Silly Putty every year. It’s usually held one weekend in March. If you visit UT, make sure you catch the shops on The Drag – window shopping is free.
Congress Avenue Bats
A visit to the Congress Avenue bridge provides an awesome sight. Each evening, especially in the late summer and early fall, up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge like a black cloud from beneath the bridge that they call home for around 8 months of the year. Free for your family to watch.
Governor’s Mansion
Tours are free.
Ride the ‘Dillo
These historic reproductions of trolley cars will take you around downtown Austin, the Capitol Complex, University of Texas campus, and other parts of downtown. Rides are free and fun for your entire family.
6th Street
Take your family to 6th Street. The walk is interesting and strolling is free.
