Looking for something festive to do over the long weekend? Memorial Day Weekend always feels like the unofficial start of summer in Austin, and if you’re ready to get out of the house for a little adventure, we’ve rounded up some fun ways to celebrate with the family.
Family-Friendly Events Happening This Weekend:
— Austin Greek Festival @ Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24 | 414 St. Stephens School Rd S
Greek food, dancing, live music, and lots of family friendly fun return to West Austin for this annual Memorial Day Weekend festival. Come hungry for gyros, baklava, loukoumades, and more, then stick around for performances, dancing, and kids’ activities throughout the weekend. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and $5 for adults (also free for military, first responders, and anyone using rideshare). Check the full entertainment schedule here.
— H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday @ Texas Science and Natural History Museum
Sunday, May 24 | 1 pm – 5 pm
Looking for an indoor option this weekend? Texas Science & Natural History Museum is hosting its monthly H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday, which means free admission all afternoon. Kids can check out dinosaur fossils, Texas wildlife exhibits, meteorites you can actually touch, and massive prehistoric creatures hanging overhead throughout the museum. The museum is open from 1 to 5 pm on Sundays, with last admission at 4:30 pm. Strollers are welcome, and there’s parking information available online before you go.
— Hartman Foundation Concerts in Park @ Long Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, May 24 | 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm | FREE
Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy a low key Sunday evening at the Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park with the Austin Symphony Orchestra. These free outdoor concerts at the Long Center for the Performing Arts are one of our favorite easy family outings this time of year, with relaxed lawn seating and music ranging from classical favorites to film scores and pops selections. Bring chairs or a blanket, bug spray, and plenty of water if you’re heading out. Pets are welcome too. Memorial Day Weekend’s concert features the Brass Ensemble and you can check out the full schedule here.
— Thinkery Family Night
Monday, May 25 | 3 pm – 7 pm| Suggested admission price, $1-$18
Thinkery’s monthly Family Night is a great way to wrap up the long weekend with kids. Families can explore the museum, play together, and enjoy Thinkery during extended evening hours designed for after school and after work visits. Admission is pay what you can, with a suggested range of $1–$18 per person, making it an accessible option for families looking for an easy afternoon or evening outing in Mueller.
— Paramount Family Film Series: Spy Kids Anniversary Screening
Saturday, May 23 | Doors at 2 pm; movie at 3 pm| 713 Congress Ave.
If your kids have never seen Spy Kids on the big screen, this is a pretty fun way to introduce them to a true early 2000s classic. Robert Rodriguez’s family adventure returns to the Paramount Theatre for a 25th anniversary screening, complete with a live performance by Robert Rodriguez and the Family Spy Band. Expect gadgets, chaos, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs for both kids and parents who grew up quoting this movie. Grab your tick here.
Memorial Day Weekend @ Science Mill
Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 25 | Reserve your tickets here |101 S Lady Bird Ln, Johnson City
If you’ve got a weather obsessed kid at home, Science Mill’s Memorial Day Weekend programming looks especially fun this year. Storms & STEAM: Extreme Weather is packed with hands on activities, live demos, and interactive experiments all focused on tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and the science behind extreme weather. Saturday also includes presentations from working Texas meteorologists, including Kristen Currie from KXAN and Alex Garcia from FOX San Antonio, who’ll talk about storm tracking and forecasting in real time. Pretty solid excuse for a Hill Country day trip with curious kids. Check out all the activities here.
— Woodland Faerie Trail @ Zilker Botanical Garden
Through July 12, 2026 | 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. Get more info here.
More events this weekend:
- Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo
- Ice Age in the Wild @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Lake Travis Zipline Adventures 2026 Season
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!
