Hey nature lovers, winter is a great time to get outdoors and explore trails, go for hikes, and enjoy the gorgeous Central Texas landscape. In fact, there’s several wildlife and nature-focused family events coming up in the Austin area. Take a look at the list below, and mark your calendars for some fun times in the fresh air with the kids!
— Winter Tree Fest @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Saturday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Texas trees in the Arboretum with tree climbing, walks and talks, s’more roasting, fort building, lawn games, a plant sale, crafting, and more! Click here for the schedule of events. Winter Tree Fest activities are all free with admission. ($12 for adults, $6 for ages 5-17, free for ages 4 & under). While you’re there, enjoy one last visit to the Fortlandia exhibit which closes on Jan. 26.
Climb trees, make s’mores and much more at Winter Tree Fest! Photo from the Wildflower Center’s Facebook page.
— Texas Wildlife Day @ Texas Memorial Museum
Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate everything feathered, furred, smooth, and scaled. Enjoy FREE admission and free family-friendly activities hosted by UT Austin scientists, TMM science educators, and local chapters of Texas Master Naturalists. Museum exhibits are open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with special activities run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kids of all ages love seeing the fossils on display! Photo from the Texas Memorial Museum Facebook page.
— Various Events @ McKinney Falls State Park
As always, McKinney Falls State Park has loads of year-round activities for families. All programs are FREE with paid park admission, which is $6 per person ages 13 and over. Here’s what’s coming up:
- Bird-Watching Hike, Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m.
- Cretaceous Park Exploration Station, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m.
- Learn to Fish Event, Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m.
Learn fishing basics with the kids! Photo from the McKinney Falls State Park Facebook page.
— Guided Tours, Bird Hikes & Star Party @ Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Tours: Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.
& Thursday & Fridays at 10 a.m. in January
Bird Hikes: First Fridays at 8 a.m.
Star Party: Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
Did you know that access to the beautiful canyon and cave is by guided tour only? Let experts take you through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon stands Westcave, with a stunning 40-foot waterfall. Tours are weather-permitting with the fee of $15/adult & $7/child (4-17). Bird Hikes take place the first Friday of every month for $20. And mark you calendars for their next family-friendly Star Party on Feb. 15 with local astronomers on hand to answer questions. $15/adult & $5/child (4 – 17).
Photo from the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center’s Facebook page
— Winter Faerie Tea Parties @ Zilker Botanical Garden
Feb. 1st, 2nd, 22nd at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Dress up in your faerie best for a tea party overlooking the garden and practice faerie etiquette. All parties include snacks and garden exploration. The cost per child is $22 for City of Austin residents, $24 for non-residents. Tickets must be reserved in advance at austintexas.gov/parksonline.
Photo from the Zilker Botanical Garden website
— Valentine’s Family Fun Day at Spring Lake @ The Meadows Center (San Marcos)
Saturday, February 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate your love of nature with the whole family! They will have nature-themed crafts and activities in the Discovery Hall. This event is free and open to the public. While you’re there, you may also wish to purchase tickets for the glass-bottom boat tour. Read about the tours here.
Take a glass bottom boat tour while you’re at the Meadows Center!
— Austin Cave Festival @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event will feature hands-on activities, cave explorations, science and adventure presentations, live music, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit two caves and see how water makes its way to the aquifer and Barton Springs, learn about animals that call Austin’s caves home, try on caving gear, and learn how to protect and conserve Austin’s water resources. Click here for more info.
Tour a cave! Photo from the Wildflower Center website
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