Austin Texas Has Plenty of Fun and Free Activities for Families

Austin, Texas affords visitors and residents alike an abundance of fun and free family activities. Some are seasonal and some are ongoing. Here is the list of fun and free things you can enjoy with your family.

Seasonal Free Family Activities

Free Museum Day
Each year, usually in September, the museums of Austin are open to you and your family for free. The Austin Children’s Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art on the UT campus, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum, the Austin Museum of Art, and the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve are just some of the 29 institutions that participate in Free Museum Day. In addition to regular exhibits, most offer free family oriented activities on this day.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo
Early October is typically the time that the Texas Parks and Wildlife department holds the annual Wildlife Expo on their campus. All Expo activities are free and the family fun options are many: try out firearms (after a required gun safety class), fish, see a birds of prey exhibit, view sharpshooting demonstrations, try mountain bike riding, and go to the big pool where your entire family can try out kayak paddling. 


Old Pecan Street Festival
Once in the spring and again in the fall, Austin’s 6th street is transformed into the Old Pecan Street Festival. This free for the family festival boasts 200 plus exhibitors, bands and performers, food, and fun. Kids can enjoy the rides at the small carnival.


Victorian Christmas on 6th Street
In late November or early December, 6th street is transported back in time for a Victorian Christmas on 6th Street. Your family will be surrounded by Victorian era performers, roving magicians, barbershop quartets, and vendors offering their wares for your Christmas gift purchased. This event is also free fun for your family.

Zilker Trail of Lights
Every December, Zilker Park is lit up like a Christmas tree and more with the annual Trail of Lights. While the trail itself is free, parking and/or the shuttle is not. Take your family and walk through this winter wonderland.