Looking for something festive to do over the long weekend? The first long weekend of summer break?! If you’re eager to get out of the house for a little adventure, we’ve got some ideas to share on how to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Austin.
Family-Friendly Events Happening This Weekend:
— Austin Greek Festival @ Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25 | 414 St. Stephens School Rd S
Enjoy Greek hospitality, delicious food, dancing, music, and lots of fun at this annual event. Admission is free for kids ages 10 and under, and $5 for adults (free for military, first responders, and anyone who uses ride share!). Check the full entertainment schedule here.
— Memorial Day @ Horseshoe Bay Resort
Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26 | 200 Hi Cir N, Horseshoe Bay, TX
Horseshoe Bay Resort has a fun Memorial Day weekend planned! Book your stay and see the Spazmatics perform live, get access to their giant waterslide, and book your reservation for their Splash Safari Aqua Park on Lake LBJ. Get all the fun details here.
— Paramount Family Film Series: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Sunday, May 25 | Doors at 2; Film 3 pm | 713 Congress Ave.
It’s the opening weekend of The Paramount’s Classic Movie Series, and this Sunday they’ll be featuring Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. General Admission is $6 for children and $12 for adults, and you can check out all of your options for purchasing tickets here.
Mysteries of Science: Memorial Day Weekend @ Science Mill
Friday, May 24 – Monday, May 26 | Reserve your tickets here | 101 S Lady Bird Ln, Johnson City
Spend Memorial Day weekend diving into the weird and wonderful world of science at the Science Mill. Explore curious phenomena from mysterious natural wonders to space oddities through hands-on experiments and mind-twisting challenges. It’s a weekend of discovery for curious kids and grown-ups alike. Admission is included with museum admission. Check out all the activities here.
— Woodland Faerie Trail @ Zilker Botanical Garden
Through mid-July | 2220 Barton Springs Rd.
The faeries have landed at Zilker Botanical Garden! The annual Woodland Faerie Trail has opened for the summer and features lots of faerie homes designed and built by volunteer faerie architects using natural materials. This exhibit will be on display through mid-July.
More events this weekend:
- Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo
- Puppet Show with Small Wonders Entertainment
- H-E-B FREE Fourth Sunday at Texas Science and Natural History Museum
- Dinos In The Wild @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park @ The Long Center Outdoor Stage
More Ideas for Family Fun This Memorial Day Weekend
- Dig Into Some Tasty BBQ. Don’t feel like cooking up a homemade feast? No worries. You can dig into some of the best dang BBQ in Austin just by placing an order to go. Don’t forget the sides and some cobbler, too!
- Go for a hike. Get out and enjoy the fresh air on a trail that you and the kids can navigate together. Check out our picks for the best hikes & trails for families.
- Have An Adventure. Check out some unique spots to get your adrenaline pumping at these adventurous activities for Austin thrill seekers. You could also check out amusement parks and water parks near Austin.
- Have Fun in Your Backyard. Get out the camping gear and set it up in your yard for a campout. Or dust off the kiddie pool and sprinklers for a fun water play day at home. Check out our ideas for maxing out your yard for playtime.
- Hit the water. Head to a splash pad or local pool. Rent kayaks & SUPs on Lady Bird Lake, or make reservations at one of these awesome swimming spots around Austin.
- Pack a Picnic. Check out our list of favorite picnic spots in Austin and places to play in wide open spaces for some ideas on where to go for DIY picnics, playing frisbee, running, or just rolling around in the grass.
- Reel in a Big Fish. Check out our round-up of great fishing spots in and around Austin to cast your line. Find a shady spot to post up with a fishing pole and reel ’em in!
- See a Movie. Head to the drive-in movies, or find out where to see Free and Cheap Movies this Summer!
- Take a Family Bike Ride. May is National Bike Month and a great time to enjoy some fresh air and exercise with the kids. Check out our roundup of where to bike with kids.
- Visit Some Animal Friends. Take a trip to one of the many drive-thru zoos & safari parks in central Texas, where you can view wild creatures from your very own car. Or stop by a local farm, like Crowe’s Nest or Sweet Eats.
Memorial Day is a great time to talk with the kids about the importance of the amazing men and women who provide service to our country, as we honor those who’ve passed. We hope you have a happy Memorial Day weekend!