A week off school for Spring Break probably has the kids jumping for joy, but if you’re starting to wonder about what to do to keep the family busy, we’ve got your back. ATX has endless possibilities for when you want to get out and about and do something fun with the family. We hope you have a great Spring Break with a nice combo of relaxing and adventuring!
Pssst – parents! If you’re still looking for Spring Break Camps for the kids, check here.
Special Events for Families During Spring Break
— FREE Day @ Zilker Botanical Garden
Tuesday, March 12 | 2220 Barton Springs Rd
The Garden is such a beautiful place for a picnic, a nature walk, and for some family time in the fresh air. The City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department offers several free days to the Zilker Botanical Garden and March 12 is one of them. While admission is free, donations are welcome and reservations must be made online in advance. You can also check or their special Dino Days events going on the week of spring break here.
— Spring Break STEM Rodeo @ Science Mill
March 9 – 17 | 101 S Lady Bird Ln, Johnson City
Science Mills comes through again with engaging, hands-on STEM activities during Spring Break! This year’s theme, STEM Rodeo, includes activities like creating a Thaumatrope, making an LED postcard, and so much more. Admission for Science Mill is $9.50 for kids and $11 for adults, and you can purchase yours here.
— Rodeo Austin @ Travis County Expo Center
March 8-23
Take the kids to enjoy Austin’s largest carnival at the fairgrounds where you can check out: KidsTown petting zoo; see animals in the livestock show; enjoy a wide variety of tasty fair foods; watch bull riding; attend a concert…and so much more. One-day admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and tickets for rides and games cost $2-10. There’s special admission for $2 Tuesday on March 19 which fits perfectly with spring break, and unlimited ride wristbands for spring break are $25. Unlimited ride wristbands are $25 for after-school days (not during spring break) and $45 on all other days. Check here for more info & tickets, and read about our must-sees at Rodeo Austin here.
— Enjoy some Family Friendly SXSW Festival Fun
While kid-friendly may not be the first thing you think of when you hear SXSW, there are always a handful of awesome parties, concerts, and exhibits the whole family can enjoy. Get in the mix here.
— Spring Break Activities @ Bullock Museum
March 11-15 | 1800 Congress Ave.
The Bullock Museum has lots of fun things planned for kids of all ages this spring break – check them out below! Admission to the Bullock is $9 for kids 4-17, and $13 for adults.
- Monday, March 11 | Spring Break at the Bullock: Shark Bo
- Tuesday, March 12 | Teen Gathering: Shark Science and VR Ocean Rift
- Wednesday, March 13 | Mad Science: Ocean of Possibilities
- Thursday, March 14 | Fossil Exploration
- Friday, March 15 | Lucas Miller the Singing Zoologist
— Sherwood Forest Faire
Weekends through April 23 | 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade
Take a day trip to a medieval village about an hour from Austin in McDade, TX for the 14th Annual Sherwood Forest Faire. Adults and kids of all ages are invited for a day of fun with jousting, bands, comedy, and more. Usually open only on weekends, they’re open a bonus day on Friday, March 17 during Spring Break. You get a discount for purchasing online so grab your tix here.
— Family Friendly Parties and Concerts
If you haven’t checked out our roundup of family-friendly parties for Spring Break Week, you can check them out here.
More activities while the kids are on break:
- Scavenger Hunt @ Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
- Second Saturdays are for Families @ Laguna Gloria
- Family Day @ UMLAUF Sculpture Garden
- Playdate in the Park: PLAYATX @ Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
- Wicked @ Bass Concert Hall
- Movies in the Park @ Circle C Metropolitan Park
- Public Tour + Sculpture Garden Storytime @ UMLAUF
Anytime Fun for Families to Enjoy During Spring Break
— Visit a local farm. Farms are such a fun place for a family outing. Kids can enjoy seeing cows, chickens, donkeys, pigs, and other farm life as well as connect with nature. Click here for a list of local farms that are currently open for visits.
— Play a round of mini-golf. Mini-golf is a great activity the whole family can enjoy and connect over. Here’s our round-up of where to score a hole-in-one.
— Go for a hike or a family nature walk. A family hike could be anything from a short, leisurely nature walk through a woodsy path, to the steep climbs up Hill Country trails, or even day trips to a Texas State Park. Check out our big list of family-friendly hikes and trails in the Austin area.
— Check out a drive-thru zoo. Go on a wild adventure without leaving your own car. At one of the many drive-thru zoos in Central Texas, you can feed live exotic animals from your very own window. Here’s where to find drive-thru zoos near Austin.
— Play tourist in your own town at a “classic Austin” location. Check out the views from Mount Bonnell, go on a kayak adventure on Lady Bird Lake, get breakfast tacos, explore famous street art, and more! Here are some “classic” activities to do anytime.
— Play in the sand. Nothing beats the relaxed feeling of a beach vacation. But when there’s no time or budget to head to the coast, you can improvise right here in the Austin area. Just use a little imagination and these local destinations can give you those beachy vibes. Here’s our list of Austin’s best spots to soak up a little fun in the sun while kids dig in the sand (or pebbles).
Even More Ideas:
- Amusement Parks near Austin
- Where to Play in Wide Open Spaces
- Best Places for a Family Picnic
- When to Visit Austin Museums for Free
- Best Texas Road Trips
- Family Friendly Resorts Near Austin
- Best Camping Near Austin
- 100 Things to Do in Zilker Park
Austin looks like a lot of fun.