Enjoy your day off on Monday, May 27! Memorial Day is a great time to chat with the kids about the importance of the amazing men and women who provide service to our country. And it’s also a great occasion for some good old American fun — BBQs, picnics, swimming, baseball, etc. Here’s a round-up of Memorial Day weekend events in Austin, ideas for planning your own family play day and a list of special deals for military families!

–> Memorial Day Weekend Events Around Austin:

— Round Rock Express: Friday Fireworks @ Dell Diamond
Friday, May 24, 7:05 p.m.
Kick off the long weekend at America’s national pastime. Stick around after the ballgame for a post-game fireworks show! Tickets start at $7, and can be purchased here.

— Close Assault: 1944 @ Camp Mabry
Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26; Shows at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. each day
This is a free, two-day event includes demonstrations and displays featuring tents, equipment and vehicles such as an M4 Sherman Tank, M3 Halftrack and Jeeps. Click here for more info. Free admission.

— Memorial Day Scavenger Hunt @ Science Mill (Johnson City)
May 25-27, anytime during regular museum hours
Dress up like a superhero (pick your favorite or create your own!) for an adventure through the Mill. Discover some real life STEM heroes along the way! You can round up your favorite group of avengers or super friends and take on the challenge together. All you need are your spidey senses STEM skills and a cell phone. The scavenger hunt is a self-guided activity available during regular hours, Saturday-Monday, May 25-27. Click here for details about hours and admission.

— Go Outdoors Kids Weekend @ Bass Pro Shops
Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 27, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Go fishing in a catch and release pond, make crafts, take part in a variety of free in-store workshops. Click here for more details.

— Summit Hike @ Enchanted Rock (Fredricksburg, TX)
Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26, 9:30 a.m.
Join a park ranger or Master Naturalist as we climb to the top of Enchanted Rock! Along the way, we’ll learn about the geology, history and biology of this special place. Meet at the Gazebo at the base of the Summit Trail. Entrance fee for the park is $7/person (children 12 and under are free); no additional fee for this program. MAX CAPACITY ALERT: The park is extremely busy during the weekends! Plan on arriving very early to get in the car line-up (park opens at 7:30 a.m.) if you want to attend this event.

— Red, White and Blues on the Falls @ Cypress Falls Event Center (Wimberley, TX)
Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
This annual event was created in 2016 as a way to create positive vibes in Wimberley on the anniversary of the 2015 floods. Come swim, float & relax on Cypress Creek while jamming out to live music with your family & friends! Admission is $21 for adults and only $1 for kids. Click here for more info and to get your tickets.

— Bring the Sing Family Karaoke @ Barrel O’ Fun
Saturday, May 25, 12-2 p.m.
Enjoy a free all-ages karaoke party! There will be a full catalog of songs to choose from, props to take it to the next level, and onstage challenges for the very brave of heart. Kids 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent, so plan to sing along with the kiddos!

— Woodland Faerie Trail @ Zilker Botanical Garden
Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
It’s opening weekend of the annual Woodland Faerie Trail. Take a stroll with the kids to view faerie homes and gardens created by Austin area gardeners, architects, artisans, businesses, clubs, families and school groups. It’s included with your General Admission — $3 for non-Austin residents, $2 for Austinites, $1 for children and seniors.

— School’s Out Forever: Girls Rock Austin Benefit Show @ Hotel Vegas
Sunday, May 26, 4 – 9 p.m.
Head on over to Hotel Vegas for an ALL AGES show on Sunday featuring Jackie Venson with a Le Tigre cover band, and learn about Girls Rock Austin’s programs such as the Rock Around the Clock after-school program and Jr. Rock Camp.

— Memorial Day Service @ Texas State Cemetery
Monday, May 27, 10 a.m
This annual Memorial Day Service will take place in the SW section of the cemetery, known as “Republic Hill.” The service honors all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service for our country.

— Free Admission @  LBJ Library & Museum
Monday, May 27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum will offer free admission to all guests visiting on Memorial Day. Austinites are invited to visit the museum’s interactive exhibits and watch compelling films about LBJ and Lady Bird.

— End of School Bash @ Catch Air (both locations)
May 27 (through May 31), 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Catch Air is celebrating the start of summer all week featuring beach decorations, games, prizes, raffles, festive crafts and beach ball dance parties on the light up dance floor! Click here for pricing and location info.

–> Want to plan a family outing this Memorial Day?
Here’s some helpful info to help you prep for a great family day.

aam2520sunday2520fun25205Special Memorial Day Deals for Military Families:

— Free Museum Admission through Blue Star Museum Program
The Blue Star Museums program offers FREE ADMISSION to more than 2000 museums across the country for military families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Click here to view a list of local participating museums.

— Free Admission @ Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Members of the Military, Police, Firefighters and EMTs will be welcomed at every Schlitterbahn waterpark FREE starting on Memorial Day and continuing through June 2. They can bring their spouse and dependents for 50% off the gate price. Click here for details.

We hope you have a happy Memorial Day!