Looking for ways to keep your kids busy while they’re out of school for an entire week? We know camps and classes get can expensive but there are plenty of free activities all over Austin throughout Spring Break Week. Check out this list of live music, outdoor and indoor fun, educational trips, and more!
Please note that events and activities we’ve highlighted may be canceled. Call to confirm.
Live Music
- Central Market hosts free live music in the evenings on their patio! Bonus: the supermarket cafe features food and drink specials all night.
- World class string players play every Monday night at Radio Coffee and Beer. The live shows are kid and dog-friendly.
Sun Radio Sessions is taking over Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden for four days of music on March 18 through 21. Starting each day at 1 p.m., you can listen to all types of music on their outdoor stage while enjoying the large yard with picnic tables, chairs, and food trucks.
Outdoor Fun
- Celebrate the Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 50th Birthday at the Zilker Botanical Gardens with a special exhibit that re-creates the classic children’s book. The exhibit closes March 22, so be sure to stop by soon!
- Hike through the three-mile trail of greenbelt in St. Edwards Park. With Spring on the horizon, you’re sure to see tons of beautiful wildflowers and cacti.
- Climb up to the top of Mount Bonnell for the scenic summit views. A wide staircase leads you up to to the top of the park, so this “hike” is great for all ages!
- Rock Shelter Trail is a fun, one-mile loop that is great for families to hike. Discover caves, waterfalls, and a historic rock formation!
- Pack a picnic lunch and head to Zilker Park! With the abundance of green space to enjoy, you can play games, bring a frisbee, or just relax. We’ve also put a list together of our favorite picnic spots in Austin.
- Play at Katherine Fleischer Park! This Well’s Branch Parkway park has everything: a gazebo, playhouse, pool, soccer fields, and more.
- March is the perfect time to find a field of bright Bluebonnets and take photos! Click here for our entire list of Texas flowers that you should definitely be taking a photo with.
Indoor Fun
- Build and create with LEGO Lab at the various branches of the Austin Public Library. Days and locations vary.
- The Cepeda Branch of APL also offers a free book-themed Book Bingo on Thursdays!
- Head over to Book People for one of their fun storytime readings! Get ready to read, meet puppets, and join in the silliness.
- If your kids are feeling crafty, take them over to the Willie Mae Kirk Branch of APL for Crafternoon on Tuesday, March 17!
- Most Austin Public Libraries host free events during the week, but if you have not toured the newly built Austin Central Library (downtown location), then put that on your list! The six floor library features modern, brand new architecture, a roof-top garden, and tons of unique art. Oh, and LOTS of books!
Family Fun
- Bring the entire family to the Austin Kid’s Directory 5th Annual Fair at Austin Sports Center! Meet local businesses who will be offering information on camps, birthday parties, family activities, and more. Participate in hands-on activities with shows every half hour!
- Decorate your very own cardboard car and enjoy a car-themed story and “drive-in” movie screening of Pixar’s Cars on Friday, March 20 at the St. John Branch of the Austin Public Library.
- See wild animals, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about fossils at the Austin Science and Nature Center!
- Tour the Governor’s Mansion! Tours are only about 30 minutes and must be made in advance.
Educational
- Learn the growth of flowers that help bees thrive during the Seuss x Seuss West: Feeding the Bees on Monday, March 16 at the Carver Branch of the Austin Public Library.
- Seuss x Seuss West: Seuss Reuse is another Dr. Seuss themed class featuring environmentalism. Explore creative reuse and use recycled materials to create a variety of different crafts on Thursday, March 19 at the University Hills Branch of the Austin Public Library.
- Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit and crochet? Now you can learn on Thursday, March 19 at the Ruiz Branch of the Austin Public Library with their Yarn Craft Club!
- Free guided tours of the Texas State Capitol are held daily!
- If your little ones are future engineers (or just really into LEGOS) take the to the St. John Branch of the Austin Public Library on Wednesday, March 18. While there, they can get creative with LEGOS, KEVA planks, Magnatiles, and more at their Be the Builder event!
Short Drive from Austin
- Take the hour drive to the scenic Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City. This gem of a park features giant slabs of limestone with flowing water over and around it. You can swim, hike, and most importantly, relax in the tranquil scenery.
- About 35 miles from Austin is Marble Falls. Hike the Whitman Branch Hike and Bike Trail or visit one of their many beautiful parks, like Lakeside Park, located on the stunning Lake Marble Falls.
- Head to Salado, Texas and visit The Royal Street District for unique shops, live music, and more. The Salado Sculpture Garden is open daily and is free to the public!
- For an entire list of easy day trips from Austin, check out our list here!
And if you need a beverage after a long week entertaining the kiddos, but they’re still in tow, check out our list of Kid-Friendly Watering Holes. If you DO have to work all week and need some place to drop the kids, check out our list of Spring Break Camps!
Featured photo of Mount Bonnell.
