12 Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Spring

The most beautiful season of the year has arrived: Spring! It’s time to enjoy all the family-friendly things you can do in Austin with kids.

Hear me out: Spring is the most magical season in Austin. There are wildflowers everywhere, the gorgeous pink redbuds are blooming, and we get to soak up the sunny 70-degree weather before the stifling 100+ degree days arrive.

This year, let’s prioritize intentional time to play with our loved ones. There are so many fun things you can do in Austin with kids!

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I’ve curated a bing card of spring activities you can do in Austin with kids.

Let’s see how much all of us can check off! 

Don’t forget to document these memories with your loved ones. You only get a limited number of spring seasons with your little ones, especially. All of these activities are perfect ideas for a Storytelling Session.

Enquire today to book a storytelling session with TLC Photography this fall.

12 Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Spring

1. A Round of Peter Pan Mini Golf

An Austin tradition since 1948, Peter Pan Mini Golf is the perfect family outing. Located near Auditorium Shores, Peter Pan Mini Golf offers two 18-hole courses, allows BYOB, and is dog-friendly.

2. First Sundays at the Bullock Museum

The Bullock Museum of Texas History hosts families on the first Sunday of every month for free. Explore the story of Texas through three floors of exhibits filled with artifacts from around Texas. There are special family programs from 12-3 p.m. that combine art, presentations by partner organizations, and gallery activities. Plus, enjoy Youth Art Month in March.

3. Watch the Bats Under Congress Bridge

Austin is home to a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats, who take up residence under the South Congress Bridge. Starting in late March, you can watch North America’s largest urban bat population cascade east over Lady Bird Lake during sunset. Post up along the bridge, at the Statesman Bat Observation Center, or kayak along Lady Bird Lake to watch the show.

4. Hideout Kids Improv Show

Every Sunday, the Hideout Theatre hosts a family-friendly improv show for kids. Called Pick Your Own Path, the show is an interactive experience where the audience chooses what happens.

5. Robot Mania at the Science Mill

If your kiddos are into robots, look no further than the Science Mill in Johnson City. Every spring break, the Science Mill hosts Robot Mania, an immersive event with activity stations and interactive exhibitions. This year’s challenge is to perform “surgery” with bionic robot arms, which sounds pretty dope to me!

6. Laguna Gloria Free-For-All Days

The gorgeous Laguna Gloria location of the Contemporary is free for all every Thursday, and always free for kids. Check out the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park or grab a kid-friendly backpack provided by the Contemporary stocked with art-making activities, games, and puzzles.

7. Austin Humane Society Adventure Week

The Austin Humane Society “Adventure Week” this year is virtual and features storytimes with activities, neighborhood bingo, a virtual shelter tour, and live dog walking. It’s the perfect way to get your kids excited to volunteer at the shelter or donate much-needed items.

8. Picnic Among the Bluebonnets

Starting in early April, Texas’ beloved state flower begins to blossom throughout central Texas. While the spots change annually, traditionally you can find a field of bluebonnets to spend the afternoon in at Brushy Creek Lake Park, Muleshoe Bend State Park, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. For the best experience, I recommend planning a day trip to Burnet — known as the Bluebonnet Capital — or any of the other small towns along Highway 71.

9. Bike ride along Town Lake trail

No place makes you feel quite as idyllic about Austin as the hike and bike trail around Town Lake. Hit the trail on a sunny 70-degree day to take in all the best views of downtown. With 10 miles of trails, you’ll never run out of new sights and sounds. Need a bike for your kid? Check out the Austin Yellow Bike Project, which offers low-cost bikes.

10. Fly a Kite at the Austin Kite Festival

One of Austin’s longest-running traditions, the ABC Kite Festival, returns for its 93rd year on April 3. Head to Zilker Park to check out all of the creative kites, or bring your own. In addition to the kite contest, there’s also a children’s music concert.

11. Explore Through the Hill Country with Austin Zip Line

There is no shortage of zip lines in Central Texas. Take in a gorgeous view of Lake Travis on the longest zip line in Texas — the experience includes a boat tour and swimming at a private beach. Head toward Bastrop and zip line along the pines at Mckinney Roughs Nature Park. Or head 45-minutes out of Austin to the Cypress Valley Canopy Tours to glide above giant, old-growth cypress trees.

12. See What Fun is Happening at Old Settlers Park

There is always something fun to do at Round Rock’s gigantic Old Settlers Park. Whether you show up for one of their special events, to play disc golf or cricket, or hike one of the several trails at the park, there is something for every family.