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.
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Austin Summer Hangouts for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Alamo Drafthouse – multiple locations.
The Alamo Drafthouse offers Alamo for All for regular shows that start before 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, excluding some national holidays and special festival screenings. 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.
Austin Aqua-Dome – 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 Free Forest School – Locations vary
Request to join this Facebook group to learn about this unique FREE preschool that means outdoors at various locations around town. Read about Addie’s experience here.
Austin Public Library – Branch locations listed here
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:
- Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. at Hampton and Spicewood Springs.
- Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. at Milwood, North Village, Old Quarry, and Twin Oaks.
- Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at Hampton and Yarborough.
- Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. at Hampton.
- Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5:
- Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. at Hampton and Spicewood Springs.
- Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. at Milwood, North Village, Old Quarry, and Twin Oaks.
- Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. at Yarborough.
- All Ages Storytime for ages 5 and under:
- Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. at Carver and Pleasant Hill.
- Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. at Howson.
- Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. at Howson.
- Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. at University Hills.
- Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at Windsor Park.
- Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. at Manchaca Road.
- Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at Faulk.
- Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. at Faulk.
- Pajama Storytime for ages 5 and under:
- Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. at Windsor Park.
- Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Manchaca Road.
BabyEarth – 106 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Ste. D100; Round Rock.
As the name implies, Baby Earth is a baby products retailer and specialty store with an eco-friendly focus. The store has some events just for littles, including:
- Baby Play Group for non-mobile, crawling and/or cruising babies
- Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. FREE!
- Kinderdance for ages 12 months – 5 years. Cost: $8/child.
- Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m.
- Free-Time Play for preschoolers
- Thursdays at noon. FREE!
- Baby Sign & Play for ages 0-3. Cost: $7 per class.
- Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
- Music With Mar for children from birth through preschool. Cost: $12/family.
- Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.
- Interactive Story Time for 0-15 months
- Fridays at 10:00 a.m. FREE!
- Interactive Story Time for 15 months and up
- Fridays at 10:30 a.m. FREE!
Bartholomew Pool – 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 – 4000 Galleria Pkwy., Bee Cave.
- Baby Bumblebees Storytime for 0-18 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. and 11:15 a.m.
- Preschool Pals for 3-5 years:
- Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Buda Public Library – 303 Main St., Buda.
- Toddler Storytime for 18-36 months:
- Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime for 3-5-years:
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Family Storytime:
- Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Cabela’s – 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.
Emler Swim School – 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.
Georgetown Public Library – 402 W. 8th St., Georgetown.
- Baby Bounce for 0-18 months:
- Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
- Tales for Tots for 18 months – 3 years:
- Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime for 3-5 years:
- Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Family Fun Storytime for all ages:
- Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Gymboree – 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 – 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 – 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.
Hop N Happy – 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 – 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 – 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.
iPlay Austin – 8816 Cullen Ln., Austin.
iPlay is an indoor inflatable center with Toddler Town, reserved for ages 3 and under. Regular admission fees apply.
Jumpoline – 13801 Mopac Expy, Austin.
Offers a separate area for younger children. Regular admission fees apply.
Jumpstreet – 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 allowed) 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.
- Book Babies for 3-24 months
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Tales for Tots for 2-3 years
- Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Bookaneers for 4-6 years
- Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
Laura’s Library – 9411 Bee Cave Rd., Austin.
- Tot Time Storytime for 1-3 years
- Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Leander Public Library – 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander.
- Terrific 2s and 3s for 2-3 years
- Mondays at 9:30 a.m.
- Baby & Me with Cindy storytime and playgroup for children 0-24 months
- Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m. and Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
- Fit Club for toddlers and their caregivers
- Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
The Little Gym – 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. First class is FREE!
Little Land Play Gym & Pediatric Therapy – 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 – 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 – 2000 Alameda Dr., Austin.
This wading pool is adjacent to a playground and a larger neighborhood pool. Read Sarah’s review here. Open June 12-August 13, 2017 from 1-8:00 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays. FREE!
Micki Krebsbach Pool – 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 1-7:00 p.m. except for Tuesdays, when it is closed. Read more about the pool here. Regular admission fees apply.
Mt. Playmore – 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.
Patterson Pool – 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
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Story Time for 0-5 years
- Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Reed Pool – 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 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
- Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
- 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.
- Toddler Storytime for 0-2 years
- Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime for 3-6 years
- Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 a.m.
Scott Mentzer Pool – 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, Austin.
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: Closed for 2017 season.
Splash Pads – Map of locations
Cool off at a nearby splash pad, most of which have a playground nearby for added fun. FREE (except for the Quarry Splash Pad, which is $2).
Thinkery – 1830 Simond Ave., Austin.
- 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 – 2001 Justin Ln, Austin.
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 – 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., Austin.
- 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.
Westbank Library – 1309 Westbank Dr., Austin.
- Infant Storytime for 0-12 months
- Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime for 3-5 years
- Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Tot Time for 1-3 years
- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Westenfield Pool – 2000 Enfield Rd., Austin.
This neighborhood pool has a separate, shaded area for babies and toddlers. Closed on Wednesdays. 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!
