Summer with little ones can be tricky once the big kids are out of school. Between the heat and the crowds, finding summer hangouts for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in Austin has its challenges. Here are some spots with summer fun especially for the littles.
Austin Summer Hangouts for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Alamo Drafthouse Alamo for All
Tuesdays & weekends | multiple locations
The Alamo Drafthouse offers Alamo for All, a special screening for families and those with special needs, for regular shows that start before 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, excluding some national holidays and special festival screenings. This is at all locations, and the Slaughter and Lakeline locations also include some weekend options. Infants are welcome to these shows and are allowed in for free. For Alamo for All shows, the lights are up a bit, the sound is down a bit, and noise is allowed.
Almost Grown Cafe
hours vary |605 S. Bell Boulevard, Cedar Park and 18901 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs
Located in Cedar Park and Dripping Springs, this play café offers a coffee bar for grown-ups and imaginative play, ice cream and fun events for the littles. The kids will be occupied for hours with all of the play centers and activities, and parents will have a little time to enjoy some relaxation and caffeine. Everyone wins! Admission is $10 for 12 months and older, $5 for under 12 months and crawlers, $7 for additional children and FREE for infants. Memberships are also available for $65 a month.
Austin Nature and Science Center
hours vary | 301 Austin Center Drive, Austin
Hang out with the rescued animals at this gorgeous spot with FREE admission for all. Fish, turtles, owls and even a giant dino digging pit make this a hit for the whole family.
Austin Aqua-Dome
daily | 1604 Fortview Rd., Austin
The Aqua-Dome sells all kinds of fish — rainbow-hued, striped and spotted; fish with exotic, nonsensical names like Bushynose Pleco and Harlequin Rasboras and Albino Cory Cats; fish ordered straight from Bali, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. They also sell corals from places like Jakarta and Kupong. You can find shrimp as small as your pinkie nail and as bright-blue as cobalt glass, and plants and statues to turn an aquarium into a watery diorama with any theme imaginable. Read about Catherine’s experience here.
Austin Public Library
days and times vary | multiple locations
Although older siblings may attend during the summer months, these activities are FREE and intended for preschoolers and younger:
- Toddler Storytime for 18 months to 3 years (Check website as hours can change weekly) :
- Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. at Central and Spicewood Springs
- Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. at North Village, Old Quarry, Manchaca and Twin Oaks
- Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at Manchaca and Yarborough
- Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 (Check website as hours can change weekly) :
- Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. at Central and Spicewood Springs
- Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. at North Village, Old Quarry, and Twin Oaks
- Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. at Yarborough and Manchaca
- All Ages Storytime for ages 5 and under (Check website for times and dates):
- Austin History Center
- Central Library
- Carver Branch
- Cepeda Branch
- Howson Branch
- Little Walnut Creek Branch
- Manchaca Road Branch
- Milwood Branch
- North Village Branch
- Old Quarry Branch
- Pleasant Hill Branch
- Ruiz Branch
- St. John Branch
- Southeast Branch
- Spicewood Springs Branch
- Terrazas Branch
- Twin Oaks Branch
- University Hills Branch
- Willie Mae Kirk Branch
- Windsor Park Branch
Bartholomew Pool
times vary | 1800 E. 51st St., Austin
Bartholomew has a shaded wading area for infants and toddlers. When the waterslides open at noon, the pool becomes more crowded. Regular admission rates apply. Read about Heidi’s experience here.
Bee Cave Public Library
open daily at 10 a.m., except Sundays | 4000 Galleria Pkwy, Bee Cave
- Baby Bumblebees Storytime for 0-15 months:
- every 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
- Toddler Tales for 18 months to 3 years:
- Fridays at 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.
- Preschool Pals for 3-5 years:
- Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Buda Public Library
open daily at 10 a.m., except Sundays | 303 Main St., Buda
- Toddler Storytime for 18-36 months:
- Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime for 3-5-years:
- Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Family Storytime:
- Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Brushy Creek Park
open daily a half-hour before sunrise until 10 p.m. | 2300 Brushy Creek Loop, Cedar Park
Ready for a free and fun day? Play at the park, cool off at the splash pad. Repeat.
BookPeople
Storytime every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10 a.m. | 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin
Searching for the perfect children’s book or just want to cool off, relax and enjoy storytime with the kiddos? Book People is where it’s at.
Cabela’s
hours vary | 15570 IH 35, Buda.
Littles love the big fish swimming in Cabela’s in-store aquarium. FREE!
Cedar Park Library
550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park.
- Lapsit Storytime for 0-15 months:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 9:45 a.m.
- Toddler Storytime for 15-36 months:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime for 3-5 years:
- Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m.
- Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.
The COOP
Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 1101 Burnet Road, Suite 190, Austin, Texas 78757
A giant ball pit, rope climbing tube, slides and plenty of fun toys for the kids, and an outdoor patio + full espresso bar for you! Seriously, everybody wins here. Daily rates are $11 per child, parents get in free. Passes are available.
Emler Swim School
hours vary |13492 N. US Hwy. 183, Ste. 500, Austin and 3267 Bee Caves Rd., Austin.
You can attend a FREE Bathtime Babies (2-5 months) or Waterbabies (6-35 months) orientation class.
Fannie Robinson Park Splash Pad
hours vary | 260 S. Dolan Street, Taylor, 76574
Another splash pad perfect for your littlest loves, just a little way outside of Austin!
Georgetown Public Library
402 W. 8th St., Georgetown
- Baby Bounce for 0-18 months:
- Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
- Family Fun Storytime for all ages:
- Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30 and 10:30 am
- Fridays at 10:30 a.m
Gymboree
hours vary | Multiple locations.
Gymboree offers Play & Learn for 0-5 years; Music for 6 months to 5 years; Art for 18 months to 5 years; Preschool Steps for 2-3 years; School Skills for 3-5 year olds; and Family classes. The first class is FREE!
Heartsong Music
hours vary | 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin.
Heartsong offers Music Together for Babies (0-8 months); Music Together Mixed-age (birth to 5); and Intergenerational Music Together classes (birth to 5). The first class is FREE!
Hike It Baby Austin
hours vary | locations vary
Request to join this Facebook group and you will be invited to join FREE hikes all over Austin (and beyond)! It’s a great way to explore your city and make new friends at the same time.
The Hive
childcare hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |10415 Old Manchaca Road
This convenient coworking spot allows you to get work done while your littles have some supervised fun! Grab a beer or a glass of wine and relax while your kiddos play the day away. Childcare is just $10 an hour, or if your kiddo is old enough, let them hang out during freeplay times in the afternoon of weekends.
Hop N Happy
hours vary | 10401 Anderson Mill Rd., Ste. 110A, Austin.
The preschool set will enjoy exploring two inflatables where only children age 5 and under are allowed to play. Only children up to age 10 are allowed in the play area. Regular admission fees apply. Parents and infants are free.
Hoppin House –
hours vary |4040 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. B, Austin.
Hoppin House is an 11 and under facility with a toddler area for kids under 3. Regular admission fees apply. Adults accompanying children are free.
Inflatable Wonderland
hours vary |11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., Cedar Park. (Lower level between Sears & Dillards)
Inflatable Wonderland has a toddler play area and inflatables for younger visitors. Regular admission fees apply.
Jumpstreet
open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, til 10 p.m. on weekends| 12617 Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. B, Cedar Park.
The Earthquake Kids Zone has been designed specifically for children 7 and under (no one over the age of 7 is to provide them with a safe, fun place that is all their own. The Kids Zone includes a smaller version of Jumpstreet’s trampoline system, bounce houses and a fun play area. Regular admission fees apply.
Kyle Library
550 Scott St., Kyle
- Preschool Express Storytime
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Baby Lapsit Storytime for 0-18 months
- Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
- Toddler Time for 18-36 months
- Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.
Lake Travis Community Library
1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin
- Preschool Storytime for 4-6 years
- Mondays at 10:30 am
- Toddler Storytime for 2-3 years
- Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Baby Storytime ages 3-24 months
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Storytime at Briarcliff – All Ages
- Fridays at 10 am
Laura’s Library
9411 Bee Cave Rd., Austin
- Storytime @ Laura’s
- Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (Check calendar for which Thursdays)
Leander Public Library
1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander
- All ages Musical Storytime
- Mondays at 10 am
- Around the World Storytime
- Wednesdays at 10 am
- Baby and Me Lapsit
- Fridays at 10 am
The Little Gym
hours vary |multiple locations
The Little Gym offers Parent/Child classes for 4 months to 3 years; Pre-K Gymnastics for 3-6 years; Dance for 3 years and up; Sports Skills for 3-6 years; Karate for 4 years and up; Kindermusik for 0-5 years; and WonderKids Club for 3-4 years. The first class is FREE!
Little Land Play Gym & Pediatric Therapy
hours vary |13776 N. Hwy. 183, Ste. 107, Austin and 17301 IH-35 N., Buda
Little Land has a small play area designated for babies. Regular admission fees apply.
The Little Yoga House
hours vary |1211 Parkway, Austin and 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin
The Little Yoga House offers Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Infants – Waddlers; a Baby Yoga Playgroup; Parent & Toddler Yoga classes; Family Yoga; and Storytime Yoga. Prices vary.
Little Stacy Wading Pool
hours vary |2000 Alameda Dr., Austin
This wading pool is adjacent to a playground and a larger neighborhood pool. Read Sarah’s review here. Open June 10-August 11, 2019 from 1 to 8 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays. FREE!
Micki Krebsbach Pool
hours vary |301 Deepwood Dr., Round Rock
This pool has a huge shallow area for small children with a beach entrance. The main attraction in the shallow pool is a 26-foot long pirate ship, which offers 2 slides and water cannons. Open daily from 1 to 6:00 p.m. except for Wednesdays, when it is closed. Read more about the pool here. Regular admission fees apply.
Mt. Playmore
hours vary |13609 N. IH-35; Austin
Mt. Playmore has a 1400-square-foot area with age appropriate toys, activities, and play elements for toddlers. Regular admission fees apply. Children under 2 get in FREE.
Murphy Park Pool
hours vary |1600 Sycamore Street, Taylor, 76574
Kids three and under swim free! The wading pool is perfect for your tiny ones.
Patterson Pool
hours vary |1400 Wilshire Blvd., Austin
This neighborhood pool also has a small fountain that littler ones can enjoy. Before you make a trip just for that, please note that the fountain can be closed if the pool is short-staffed. Closed on Wednesdays. FREE!
Pflugerville Public Library
1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville
- Baby Storytime for 3-12 months
- Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
- Baby Storytime for 12-18 months
- Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
- Play Time for 0-5 years
- Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Story Time for 0-5 years
- Tuesdays at 10 am and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
- Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Reed Pool
hours vary |2600 Pecos St., Austin
This neighborhood pool also has a small fountain that littler ones can enjoy. Before you make a trip just for that, please note that the fountain can be closed if the pool is short-staffed. Read Sarah’s review here. Closed on Tuesdays. FREE!
Round Rock Library
216 E. Main St., Round Rock
- Babytime for 0-12 months
- Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
- Babytime for 12-18 months
- Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
- Toddlertime for 18 months – 3 years
- Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime for ages 3-6
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
San Marcos Public Library
625 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
- Storytime for All Ages
- Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- Baby Storytime – Fridays at 12 p.m.
Scott Mentzer Pool
hours vary | 901 Old Austin Hutto Rd., Pflugerville
This pool is fun for all ages, but preschoolers will enjoy the small splash pad and beach entrance. There is also a small slide in the shallow end of the pool. Life jackets are free to borrow from the pool. Closed Wednesdays. Regular admission fees apply. Read more about the pool here.
Shipe Wading Pool
4400 Avenue G
This partially shaded wading pool is adjacent to a playground and a larger neighborhood pool. Open June 13-August 14, 2016 from 1-8:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays. FREE! Update: Currently closed for repairs and updates.
Splash Pads
hours vary |Map of locations
Cool off at more nearby splash pads, most of which have a playground nearby for added fun. FREE (except for the Quarry Splash Pad, which is $2).
Taylor Public Library
801 Vance Street, Taylor, 76574
- Storytime from Space – Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday Morning Performance – Special Performers for all ages – 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Friday Morning Movies – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thinkery
hours vary |1830 Simond Ave.
- Baby Bloomers (Mondays 9:00 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from 9-10:00 a.m.) is an opportunity for children age 0-3 and their families to experience the Thinkery together in an environment focused on early learners. Storytimes, sing-alongs, and the Little Explorers Lab are designed to engage the Thinkery’s youngest visitors in fun learning and investigation. In addition to these special activities, families are invited to explore a portion of the Museum reserved exclusively for Baby Bloomers participants. Tickets: Members $3 each / non-members $5 each.
Toybrary Austin
open Tuesday through Saturday | from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 2001 Justin Ln
Toybrary is a toy lending library with a great play area stocked with tons of toys. Non-members can drop in and play for $7 per child. You can also plan to stop by for an engaging event (prices vary).
TuneBugz
hours vary |three Austin-area locations
TuneBugz offers mixed age classes for children age 0 to 5 and their adult caregivers. Schedule a FREE demo class here.
Wells Branch Community Library
15001 Wells Port Dr.
- Baby Bookworms for 0-18 months
- Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
- Baby Bookworms for 12-24 months
- Mondays at 11:15 a.m.
- Toddler Storytime for 18-36 months
- Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime for 3-5 years
- Fridays at 11:15 a.m.
- Saturdays
- 11 am Storytime and Craft – All Ages
Westbank Library
1309 Westbank Dr.
- Infant Storytime for 0-12 months
- Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
- Story Time – All Ages
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Westenfield Pool
hours vary |2000 Enfield Rd.
This neighborhood pool has a separate, shaded area for babies and toddlers. Closed on Wednesdays. FREE!
Zilker Park Playground and Zephyr Mini Train
2100 Barton Springs Road
Zilker Park is a beautiful and beloved local spot to let the littles swing, climb and run around. Want to chug around the area? The Zephyr Mini Train runs every 30-40 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and takes passengers on a 20-25 minute ride through the park. The train is cash only, and cost is $2 for children and $3 for adults. Children under one climb aboard for FREE!
Have a favorite hangout we didn’t include? Feel free to share it in the comments!
If you’re looking for even more fun, check out our list of 100+ things for preschoolers to do in Austin!
