- Run around Ghost Town in Manor.
- Take your bike on a bumpy ride at the BMX park on 9th Street.
- Dig for dino bones at the Austin Nature and Science Center.
- Check out the impressive taxidermy displays and aquarium at Cabela’s in Buda.
- Ride the saucer swings at Mueller Lake Park.
- See the bats emerge from under Congress Avenue Bridge.
- Catch some free music on the Central Market patio, while kids burn off steam on the playground.
- Round up some friends and book a free tour of Blue Baker.
- Play your heart out at the brand new Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock.
- Explore the Asian Supermarket.
- Take your skateboard to the downtown Austin Skate and BMX park.
- Go for a romp at Children’s Playground in San Marcos.
- Ride your bike around the Veloway.
- Load up on fruits and veggies at a Farmer’s Market.
- Picnic on the grounds of Laguna Gloria on a Tuesday, when admission is free.
- Climb Mount Bonnell.
- Go on a self-led tour of the Texas Capitol.
- Commune with the peacocks at Mayfield Park.
- Visit the turtle pond on the UT campus.
- Feed ducks at Mills Pond in Wells Branch.
- Pet the cow statues in The Arboretum.
- Visit the Thinkery on Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m., when admission is by donation (suggested $1).
- Practice amateur Paleontology at Champion Park.
- Take a hike in Wild Basin Preserve.
- Touch a tank at the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry.
- Peruse modern art exhibits at The Contemporary Austin at The Jones Center, which is free on Tuesdays.
- Pose for a family portrait in front of the “Greetings from Austin” mural.
- Embark on a free Historic Walking Tour.
- Picnic in Zilker Park.
- Head out on a creek expedition along the Barton Greenbelt.
- Explore the Mexic-Arte Museum for free on Sundays.
- Take the Family Nature Quest at McKinney Roughs Nature Park.
- Dine at a local food trailer.
- Navigate the incredible maze of costumes at Lucy in Disguise on South Congress.
- Attend a Star Party on the UT campus.
- Go on a scavenger hunt in The Blanton Museum of Art, which is free on Thursdays.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at the old-fashioned Big Top Candy Shop.
- Wade in Bull Creek.
- Give geocaching a try.
- Attend storytime at BookPeople.
- Buy lunch fixins at Whole Foods and eat by the playground on the rooftop plaza.
- Tour a steam train.
- B.Y.O.Kayak or swim in Lake Pflugerville.
- Learn about famous Texans, like Stephen F. Austin, who were laid to rest at Texas State Cemetery.
- Pile the kids into a red wagon at The Natural Gardener.
- Take a dip in Barton Creek.
- Visit the chickens at East Side Café.
- Enjoy the air-conditioned Texas Memorial Museum. (Update: The Museum has started charging admission.)
- Climb the wooden forts in Georgetown’s Creative Playscape. (Update: The wooden playscape has been replaced with a more modern one.)
- Explore the quirky wonderland that is the Cathedral of Junk. (Update: Reservations and a $10 donation per carload is now required.)
Want more? Check out our free printable checklist of 100+ Free Things to do in Austin!
