Ultimate Free Guide: Best Things to Do in Austin with Kids (2025)
In the spirit of keeping it real… parent to parent… we get it: times are tight right now. And sometimes, the best sanity-saver is simply getting out of the house with your little ones. If you’re craving an adventure in Austin that won’t break the bank, you’re in luck!
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Kidgo to bring you the ultimate guide to free things to do with kids in Austin. Curated by real local parents, this list, broken down by category, is packed with fun, easy outings that truly have something for everyone.
Cultural Institutions
Austin is chock-full of museums and other cultural institutions that you and your kiddos are sure to equally love, many of which have free days!
Credit: The Thinkery
- Austin Nature & Science Center (Always free)
Little explorers love digging for fossils and spotting wildlife; we can usually spend a whole morning here. - Blanton Art Museum (Free on Tuesdays)
A major art museum with diverse collections and family-friendly programs to spark creativity. - Bullock Museum (Free the first Sunday of the month)
This Texas history museum features hands-on exhibits, artifacts, and engaging displays for families. Because there’s hardly anything worse than continuously saying “don’t touch!” - Central Austin Library (Always free)
Sooo much more than books here. Think storytimes, activities, and kid-friendly spaces. - Contemporary Austin (Free on Thursdays and for military guests)
Outdoor sculptures and open spaces make art into a playful adventure for tiny humans. - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Free final Wednesday of each month)
This is a great spot to wander colorful gardens and watch our kids discover iconic Texas blooms up close. - Laguna Gloria (Free on Thursdays and for military guests)
A lakeside art escape where kids can roam, imagine, and enjoy nature and sculpture alike. - Mexic-Arte (Free on Sundays)
This place features colorful art that our kids love pointing at and talking about. Seeing art through their eyes is the sweetest. - New Cedar Park Library (Always free)
Bright, modern, and kid-friendly library. Our kids immediately gravitate to the larger play and reading areas. - Texas Military Museum (Always free)
Tanks, planes, and history come to life here! Great spot for little boys in particular. - Texas Science & Natural History Museum (Always free)
Dinosaurs, gems, and interactive exhibits that make learning feel like an adventure. - Texas State Capitol (Always free)
Tour the grand halls and learn some Texas history. It’s educational and impressive for all ages. IMO, could be a great spot for a stroller nap on the go for little-littles. - Thinkery (2 locations – free on Wednesdays from 4-8)
Our kids can’t get enough of this hands-on science wonderland. You can expect messy, curious fun and big giggles. - Umlauf (Free the second Sunday of each month from 12-4)
We love the whimsical sculptures here, as well as the winding paths. It’s perfect for little legs to wander (yet stay close!).
Credit: Freebirds
Restaurants
Here are a few of our favorite (mostly) Tex-Mex spots serving up free food for your littles:
- Dish Society (Tuesday)
Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée — healthy, farm-fresh plates the whole fam can enjoy. - Freebirds (Sunday)
Kids eat free with adult entrée at this Tex-Mex eatery! Use code KIDSEATFREE for pick-up, delivery, or dine-in. - Honest Mary’s (Monday and Tuesday)
Kids eat free with a grown-up bowl. Expect quick, wholesome eats that actually please picky toddlers. - Jim’s (Sunday & Monday from 5-9 PM)
Three Austin locations serve up free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée. Bonus: the kids will be too busy enjoying theirs to bug you about bedtime… maybe. - The Kebab Shop (Saturday & Sunday)
Get one free kids’ box with any adult meal, including wraps, plates, or bowls. In other words, they’ll love it and you’ll love it. Multiple locations around Austin. - Kerbey Lane (Tuesdays after 4p)
Free kids’ meal with an adult entrée on Tuesday nights. Pancakes for dinner = no arguments. - Luby’s (Wednesday & Saturday)
Kids under 12 eat free, including an entrée, two sides, Jell‑O (that’s big time!), and a drink.
Credit: Wheree
Playgrounds
Ah, playgrounds… you’ve got to love them. Thankfully, Austin is full of playgrounds that cater to different ages and abilities. You can’t go wrong with these playgrounds!
- Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park
Swings, slides, and open fields make this East Austin spot perfect for zooming kids (and lingering parents.) - Gillis Neighborhood Park
Quirky playscapes and open areas spark imagination. Expect a mini workout chasing little adventurers here. 🙂 - Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Endless trails, a big playscape, and shady spots let kids run wild while parents sneak a moment of peace.
Want more? Check out Recess’s map of Austin’s best playgrounds.
Credit: Pease Park
Splash Pads and Pools
Austin families know that you’ve gotta beat the heat somehow… and splash pads and pools are great options for those scorching days. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Bartholomew Pool
Community pool with a shallow end for tiny swimmers and a deep end for older kids, ideal for practicing swim skills while enjoying some parental chill time on the deck. - Deep Eddy Pool
Austin’s oldest pool! This pool has a relaxed vibe and shallow areas, where the historic charm adds a special touch to family swim days. - Liz Carpenter Fountain/Splash Pad
A downtown favorite where kids cool off amid city views. We find it to be perfect for hot evening outings when other splash pads are closed. - Pease Park Splash Pad
A shaded, tree-lined oasis with a splash pad and playground, ideal for younger children thanks to its gentler water features.
Want more? Check out Recess’s map of Austin’s best splash pads and public pools.
Credit: AustinBats.org
Unexpected Fun
Sometimes, the best spots are those that you might not think of! Here are some of our “hidden gem” favorites.
- Bat watching on the Congress Avenue Bridge
A favorite of locals and visitors alike, here you can watch thousands (ick but cool, right?) of bats emerge at dusk. Grown-ups and kids alike love to see this! - Self-guided Mural Tour
Wander the streets and alleys of Austin to spot colorful murals, snap fun family photos, and enjoy a creative outdoor adventure at your own pace. Strollers are a great idea for this!
Credit: The Natural Gardener
Stores with Playscapes & Other Attractions
Look, sometimes you just need to head indoors. Be it a break from the sunshine or just a change of scenery, these are fun stores that’ll interest your littles just as much as you!
- Bass Pro Shops
Based in Round Rock, kids can explore boats, waterfalls, and even an indoor wildlife display here! - Central Market Downtown
Colorful produce, giant food halls, and kid-friendly energy make this a fun indoor stroll for the whole family. - Living Spaces
A furniture wonderland in Pflugerville where kids can slump into couches, test “big boy” and “big girl” beds, and let their imaginations run wild. Zero shame in exploring this, for real! - The Natural Gardener
A garden center and nursery full of plants, flowers, and eco-friendly goodies where your kids can wander safely, explore nature-inspired displays, and maybe even spot a butterfly or two. Treat yourself to a plant or two (or three!) while you’re there.
Free to Have a Blast
At the end of the day, the best memories don’t have to cost a thing. Whether you’re splashing in a fountain, exploring a new trail, or just letting your kids burn off energy at a playground, Austin has plenty of free ways to make the everyday feel special.
We hope this guide helps you discover a few new favorites and gives you an excuse to get out, connect, and soak up all the family fun Austin has to offer. Happy exploring, from all of us at Recess and Kidgo!
Want even more family-friendly ideas for things to do? Check out Kidgo for travel inspo beyond Austin and visit Recess to discover local kid-friendly camps, events, and activities. Together, we’ve got you covered for fun at home and on the go.
