Fun Kids Events Today In Austin

Famplify Your Day! Enjoy our top picks happening today in the greater Austin.

Thursday March 13th

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• Activity: Zilker Park - The Jewel in the Heart of Austin
• Description: Zilker Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors seeking outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Facilities include three picnic sites and a shelter available for reservations, along with a playscape and a disc golf course for leisure. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy five reservable volleyball courts, while the Zilker Club House caters to events with rental spaces. The park also hosts the Austin Nature and Science Center, providing educational programs for both children and adults. Notable attractions within the park feature the Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with a pleasant year-round temperature of 68 degrees, and the McBeth Recreation Center. For those with an interest in horticulture, the Zilker Botanical Gardens showcase the Taniguchi Oriental Garden and the Austin Area Garden Center. The park is also home to the Zilker Caretaker's Cottage and the Zilker Hillside Theatre, which presents a range of performances including the renowned Zilker Summer Musical and Shakespeare in the Park.
• Time: Daylight Hours
• Location: Zilker Metropolitan Park in Austin

• Activity: Hill Country Flyer Historic Steam Engine
• Description: The Hill Country Flyer, a popular 66-mile round-trip train journey operated from Cedar Park Depot, is a signature event offered most Saturdays from January to May and September to November. Departing at 9:00am and returning by 3:30pm, passengers enjoy a 2-hour layover in Burnet for self-guided lunch and shopping. With its inaugural journey in 1992, this ride has remained a favorite, inviting guests to confirm details prior to boarding and advising early arrival for a smooth experience. Security checks ensure a safe ride for everyone, with specific protocol against alcohol onboard. For dining, the Trailblazer Grille stands out for lunch with a reservation almost a necessity due to its popularity among passengers. Alternatively, Unshakable Grounds offers lighter options with no reservation required. For those willing to explore further, options like Hacienda El Charro and Warehouse BBQ and Meetery beckon with a short adventure. Guests preferring a quieter meal can enjoy a picnic around the Burnet Courthouse. The summer months see the Hill Country Flyer hiatus, making way for the Bertram Flyer and the festive North Pole Flyer during the Christmas season.
• Time: Hours vary - see website.
• Location: Austin Steam Train Association Museum in Cedar Park

• Activity: Visit the Austin Zoo!
• Description: Nestled in the scenic hills on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, the Austin Zoo presents a unique blend of conservation, education, and recreation. This sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals from a variety of circumstances, providing a safe haven for both native wildlife and exotic species. With an emphasis on animal welfare, the zoo offers an intimate setting where visitors can learn about the importance of conservation and the role zoos play in protecting endangered species. Through guided tours, educational programs, and interactive exhibits, the Austin Zoo fosters a deep connection between its guests and the natural world. The Austin Zoo's compact yet diverse collection allows for a personal and educational experience, inviting curiosity and encouraging exploration. From majestic lions and playful primates to the tranquil beauty of the reptile house, each exhibit is designed with the utmost care for the animals and the environment. Visitors are not just passive observers but are engaged in a journey of discovery and learning about the intricate connections within ecosystems.
• Time: Hours vary - see website.
• Location: Austin Zoo in Austin

• Activity: Visit Thinkery - The Austin Childrens Museum
• Description: Founded in 1983 by a group of Austin parents and educators, Thinkery has established itself as a leading nonprofit children's museum dedicated to reimagining the joy of learning. Evolving from the Austin Children's Museum, Thinkery now spans 40,000 square feet of engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments. Its commitment to the Austin community is evident in its continuous growth and provision of innovative educational and cultural opportunities aimed at children's development through play. Over the decades, Thinkery has significantly expanded its reach beyond its Mueller museum walls, promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning experiences that are backed by thorough research. Through the STEAM Learning Institute, Thinkery emphasizes the value of inclusive, play-based learning and its critical role in fostering children's ability to thrive. By conducting inclusive research and offering professional development, Thinkery ensures that its mission touches the lives of an even broader audience within Central Texas and beyond, supporting a thriving future generation.
• Time: Hours vary - see website.
• Location: Thinkery in Austin

• Activity: Go Back in Time at Pioneer Farms!
• Description: Pioneer Farms offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Texas history through its expansive grounds featuring seven distinct themed historic areas. Guests can embark on walking tours of an 1841 Tonkawa Encampment, an 1853 Walnut Creek Greenbelt, an 1866 German Emigrant Farm, an 1878 Texian Farm, an 1873 Stage Coach Stop, an 1886 Cotton Planter's Farm, and an 1899 Sprinkle Corner rural village. Each area provides an opportunity to experience different aspects of Texas's diverse past, allowing families to explore and learn together in a beautiful, wooded setting that spans over 90 acres. In addition to the historical sites, the Scarborough Barn offers interactive experiences where visitors can engage with various farm animals, enriching the educational experience. The presence of volunteer interpreters dressed in period costumes enhances the atmosphere, providing insights and narratives that bring the historical context to life. The number of interpreters available may vary, giving each visit a unique quality. Pioneer Farms maintains a family-friendly environment with strict policies against smoking and vaping on the museum grounds, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. The site is open for public visits from Thursday to Sunday, welcoming individuals and families to explore and connect with the rich heritage of Texas.
• Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
• Location: Pioneer Farms Blacksmith Shop in Austin

• Activity: Pease District Park: Water, Playground, and more!
• Description: Kingsbury Commons serves as the inviting entrance to Pease Park, offering an array of activities suitable for families and individuals alike. Attendees can revel in the park's interactive water feature, explore the distinctive Treehouse Observation Pod, and engage with the natural play area. Additionally, the venue boasts state-of-the-art playground equipment and a regulation-size high school basketball court, enhancing the recreational experience for all visitors. This meticulously designed park space encourages both leisure and physical activity, making it an ideal destination for community gatherings and outdoor enjoyment. Whether seeking adventure in the treehouse, cooling off by the water feature, or enjoying a game of basketball, Kingsbury Commons provides a comprehensive and enriching park experience.
• Time: Daily
• Location: Pease District Park in Austin

• Activity: The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
• Description: At The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, visitors experience an oasis of tranquility just five miles from downtown Austin. The estate offers a seamless blend of natural beauty and contemporary art, featuring works from international artists scattered across its serene, wooded pathways. Monumental sculptures and intimate art installations invite contemplation and discovery, making Laguna Gloria a unique cultural haven in the heart of the city. Laguna Gloria is not just a site for art exploration; it also houses the historic Driscoll Villa, a sought-after location for weddings and events, and the Art School at The Contemporary. The Art School offers courses that foster creativity, visual awareness, and skill development across various media, enriching the artistic community in Austin. With its café, shop, and visitor center, Laguna Gloria provides a comprehensive cultural experience.
• Time: Hours vary - see website.
• Location: The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria in Austin

• Activity: Visit Pease Park Conservancy
• Description: Pease Park, the gem of Austin, showcases breath-taking limestone bluffs and shaded trails, encapsulating the essence of the city through its 84 acres. Managed by the Pease Park Conservancy, the park is a testament to Austin's rich ecological and cultural heritage, aimed at preserving and enhancing this green space for community enjoyment. As the city's first public park, Pease Park offers an escape with play areas and a splash pad at the southern end, while the northern trails provide a serene immersion in nature. The Conservancy's commitment to the park unfolds through dedicated efforts in restoration, maintenance, and fostering sustainable use, reflecting a visionary future for this outdoor oasis. Accessible in the heart of Austin, the park not only serves as a recreational site but also a beacon of the community's shared values and history. To learn more about the transformative work and the team behind Pease Park Conservancy, visit their platform, which elucidates their years of stewardship and forward-looking aspirations for the park.
• Time: Daily
• Location: Pease District Park in Austin

• Activity: Horseback Riding and More at Lone Star Ranch
• Description: Lone Star Ranch, situated minutes from downtown Austin, stands as a premier destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Texas traditions and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its diverse offerings that far exceed mere trail rides, the ranch prides itself on providing a range of activities that cater to both individuals and large groups. Among these activities are archery, fishing, tomahawk and ax throwing, and for those with a penchant for more exhilarating experiences, custom trap shooting sessions. Additionally, Lone Star Ranch offers unique encounters like ranch rodeos, ATV guided tours, and dove hunting, all under the expert guidance of their seasoned adventure guides. For visitors interested in authentic rodeo experiences, the ranch delivers private shows with trick roping and steers. It also arranges unusual entertainment like armadillo racing for larger gatherings. Meanwhile, younger guests can enjoy gentler pursuits such as the farm animal petting zoo and pony rides, ensuring the ranch offers something special for every visitor.
• Time: Hours vary - see website.
• Location: Lone Star Ranch in Austin

• Activity: Alliance Children's Garden
• Description: The Alliance Children’s Garden, nestled within Michael Butler Park in downtown Austin, spans 2 acres designed to foster group play, learning, and creativity among children. This innovative play venue is carefully crafted to accommodate a variety of recreational and educational experiences, promoting wellness for families and visitors regardless of age or ability. The garden is segmented into four thematic rooms, each mirroring the distinctive culture and environment of Austin, thus providing a unique and inclusive space for children to explore and engage with their surroundings.
• Time: Open Daily
• Location: Alliance Children's Garden in Austin

We hope you find your family adventure today in Austin. Remember: Finding Fun Shouldn't Be Hard! You can browse all of our Austin activities here.