August is National Family Fun Month and the perfect reminder to take a break and have some carefree playtime with the kids before they return to school schedules. There are endless opportunities for silly family moments! Here are some ideas for celebrating Family Fun this month in Austin…
— Picnic in a Pretty Spot
There are so many great picnic spots in the Austin area! We highly recommend a breakfast picnic to get out before it gets too hot in the day and while you can avoid crowds and share more peaceful moments. Check out this roundup of some of our Favorite Spots for a Family Picnic.
Picnic at Jessica Hollis Park, photo by Do512 Family staff
— Enjoy the Water
City of Austin pools and splash pads offer an easy and free way to cool down in the water. You can also check out one of these natural swim spots like Emma Long Park, McKinney Falls, Lake Travis, or Inks Lake. If you have a flexible schedule, you can beat the crowds early in the morning at fun spots like Pace Bend Park and Jessica Hollis Park. Don’t forget to lather up the sunscreen!
Clear blue waters of Lake Austin, photo by Do512 Family staff
— Visit Animals at a Local Farm or Drive-Thru Safari
Kids will love visiting goats, cows, chickens, donkeys, pigs and other farm life. Plus, farms provide so many learning experiences, too. Check out this list of Local Farms that are open for visits and chances to get up close with adorable animals. If you prefer to see some wild animals from the confines of your own car, you can take a day trip to one of the many Drive-Thru Safari Parks around central Texas.
Visit with adorable animals, photo by Do512 Family staff
— Get Artsy
Head out to a local museum or view some awesome public artwork for inspiration, and then make your own creations at home! Check out our list of Favorite Street Art, our roundup of Outdoor Art in Austin, and our list of Museum Free Admission Days. Then get out your own clay, paints, pencils and supplies to create a masterpiece together.
Enjoy creative time together! Photo by Do512 Family staff
— Take a Family Hike or Bike Ride
You can’t beat fresh air and some nature exploration! We know it’s very hot out there these days, but you can take a stroll in the early morning (take lots of water with you) and pick a spot that takes you near water to cool down, like McKinney Falls, Muleshoe Bend, St. Edwards Trail, or Walnut Creek Metro Park. Browse our info on some favorite family hikes. If you prefer to feel the wind in your hair as you cruise around on a bike, check out this roundup of Places to Bike with Kids in Austin.
St. Edwards Trail, photo by Do512 Family staff
— Take a Local Family Field Trip
Pop over to the Thinkery for some hands-on learning mixed with tons of fun! Head out to Johnson City to visit the Science Mill. Enjoy a visit to a historical farm such as Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms or the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at the LBJ State Park. Stroll the grounds of the Texas State Cemetery, a final resting-place for individuals who have made significant contributions to Texas such as Stephen F. Austin. Book a tour with Six Square to learn about to learn of the rich history of Black culture in Central East Austin. Or cool down in a cavern tour at one of the many Caves of Austin.
Photo from Pioneer Farms’ Facebook page
— Go Out for Sweet Treats
Nothing beats a nice cold treat on a hot summer day. Going out for milkshakes, ice cream cones and snow cones offers guaranteed smiles for the youngest to oldest in the fam. Here’s some ideas on Best Sno Cones and a roundup of Great Places for Ice Cream.
Enjoy a delish cold treat! Photo by Sheika Mays.
— Go Camping or Fishing
Go on an outdoor adventures with the kiddos that allows you to safely keep a distance from others! You can plan a short getaway before school starts. Browse our list of Great Camping Spots Around Austin as well as suggested Places to Go Fishing with Kids.
Camping at Emma Long, photo by Roger Ho
— Visit One of Austin’s Amazing Parks
The Austin community has been gifted with some super cool park spaces this year! Wow the kiddos with playtime at the Alliance Children’s Garden, the Treehouse at Pease Park, new play structures at Walnut Creek Metro Park, and the soon-to-open Waterloo Park. Cheers to free fun!
So many places to run and play at Alliance Children’s Garden. Photo by Heidi Okla.
— Enjoy a Special Event
When it comes to local family-friendly events, that’s our favorite stuff! We love sharing the “best of” events each week with y’all. In August you have so many fun things to choose from: Monster Jam at the Erwin Center, the CommUNITY Day at the new Waterloo Park, Sound & Cinema at the Long Center, the Zilker Summer Musical at the Hill Country Galleria, Blues on the Green in Zilker Park, Friday Fireworks at the Dell Diamond. For a full list of ideas, check out our August To Do List.
Movies & music returns to the Long Center with Sound & Cinema!
No matter what you choose, we hope your whole gang has a great time together!
Happy National Family Fun Month to you!
