15 Family-Friendly Austin Activities to Check Off Your Summer Bucket List
Find unlimited fun for all ages this season in the greater Austin area
The activities in Austin are endless, but finding engaging options for the entire family can sometimes be a challenge. We rounded up a list of family-friendly Austin events and destinations that will keep the fun times rolling through Labor Day. From parks to unique swimming holes to foodie adventures, your summertime itineraries will be chock-full of adventures to make for a season full of happy memories.
1. “Bring it On, The Musical” at Zilker Hillside Theatre
Zilker Theatre Productions will present its 66th summer musical from July 11 through Aug. 16 at the iconic Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theatre. The joyful show is centered around world of competitive cheerleading and the fierce rivalries of high school politics and romance.
2. Gather for a golf game
With several varieties of golf games available these days, beyond the classic 18-holes on a traditional course, the game can appeal to to all ages. Choose from mini golf, golf simulators, and putting games of all sorts that offer tons of fun for the whole extended family. If you want to opt for the outdoors, try Austin’s old school favorites, Peter Pan Mini Golf and Butler Pitch & Putt. Or opt for a game indoors where you can drink and dine while you play at such great spots as Holey Moley, The Dirdie Birdie, Punchbowl Social, and indoor/outdoor hybrid, TopGolf.
3. The Thinkery
The Thinkery is a play-based and STEM-inspired children’s museum that’s sure to delight the whole family in Austin. With enough interactive indoor and outdoor activities, it can keep any kid amused. Visit for free during Community Hours, send the kids to Thinkery Camp or become a member to receive benefits, discounts and invitations to special events.
4. Tea Party at Brentwood Social House
Brentwood Social House has many activities for the whole family in Austin — a playground, family-friendly live music and special events, but our favorite option is the Afternoon Tea, available for adults and children. Wonderful for special occasions or a simple family day out, tea parties are a fantastic way to enjoy the cozy environment at Brentwood Social House.
5. Austin Bouldering Project
Get climbing with the youth program at ABP, a bouldering gym that has been loved by locals for years. Youth climbing camps run weekly from May 27 to August 16, giving children ages five to 12 an opportunity to learn climbing techniques while socializing with friends. Parents are also invited to bring their kids to climb together during regular hours.
6. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
There’s 223,000 square feet to explore at America’s largest indoor water park, which happens to be located just north of Austin in Round Rock. On top of that, Kalahari is also home to the Zambezi Outdoor Waterpark and Tom Foolerys Adventure Park. An ideal venue for a birthday party or a family weekend getaway, don’t miss out on this water-filled wonderland.
MORE: A Guide to Austin Hotels with Pool Passes
7. Round Rock Express Games
With fun specials like $2 Taco Tuesdays, Kids Days and Thirsty Thursdays, sports-loving families can head out to Round Rock’s Dell Diamond to cheer on the Express! The Minor League Baseball team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, offering a more affordable, but still fun, baseball experience — complete with classic concessions and a free 2024 Express Kids Club Membership for those 12 and younger.
8. Austin Scottish Rite Theatre
Theater kids will love attending show or summer camp at Austin Scottish Rite Theatre, an educational and high-quality theater housed in a building that was erected in 1871, the year that Austin became the capital of Texas! The theater focuses on offering enriching programming for kids, including summer camps covering the subjects of acting, puppetry, stage combat, advanced theater and Shakespeare.
9. Quarry Splash Pad
Quarry Splash Pad is open for the season from May 25th through September 2, 2024! Located at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, this is a low-cost, fun-filled outdoor water park that is worth the short drive to Leander. With picnic tables and grassy areas, parents can enjoy the sunshine as their children play in the water.
10. Inner Space Cavern
The Inner Space Cavern was hidden for more than 10,000 years before being discovered by a Texas Highway Department core drilling team in 1963. The gorgeous formations and prehistoric animal bones contribute to the beauty of this natural wonder, which remains at a constant 72 degrees no matter the temperature outside.
11. The Art Garage Summer Camps
Entertain with art at The Art Garage’s amazing summer camps. Every camp has a unique theme — there’s more than 20 themes to choose from throughout this summer! Campers will create 10 or more art projects each week in mediums like mosaics, glass fusion, painting, tie-dye and more. Beyond the camps, The Art Garage also hosts art parties, custom events and walk-in projects, all perfect for families to experience together.
12. Lone Star Riverboat Bat Watching Tour
Experience the spectacle of the approximated 1.5 million bats under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge with a tour from Lone Star Riverboat on Lady Bird Lake. The cruise departs before sunset so attendees can watch as the bats emerge. Tours are open year-round for this recognizable Austin activity.
13. Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Beat the heat with Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) at their annual series of free Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park on the Long Center Lawn. All ages, including pets, enjoy relaxing Sunday evenings with different musical ensembles presented by the ASO.
14. Dinosaurs in the Wild
Meet these life-sized animatronic dinosaurs as Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center transforms into a prehistoric world. This family exhibit will stick around Austin through August 17. Kids and parents alike are invited to explore the exhibit, set against the beautiful landscape of the Wildflower Center.
15. Woodland Faerie Trail
An annual family favorite, the Woodland Faerie Trail is back in Austin’s Zilker Botanical Gardens from May 18 to July 13. Follow the trail through the enchanting world of miniature faerie houses created by volunteers from the community using all natural materials. Many surprises await, including architectural features you would never expect to find in this imaginary faerie village.