100 Things To Do Over Spring Break in Austin | Austin Moms Blog

A 2019 Guide to Spring Break!

As we all count down the days to better weather (although these mid-70s temps have been GLORIOUS, haven’t they?) it means Spring Break is just around the corner. Sadly, that doesn’t mean heading to South Padre like it used to for us mamas. In between family coming to town and arranging playdates, there is bound to be hours of downtime you’re looking to fill. For older kiddos, camps can be an option and there is always the movies for the little ones, but what happens when you hear the dreaded words: “Mom, I’m bored!”

Never fear, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our comprehensive list of activities and events to make your Spring Break as stress-free as possible.  From day trips to the small towns outside of Austin, to special kids events for SXSW, there are tons of things to see and do.

If we missed something, feel free to share in the comments so we can all enjoy!

100 Things To Do Over Spring Break in Austin:

Places To Go

1. Imagine That Art Studio: Register for a Mommy+Me class or drop into one of their classes for children 4 months- 18 years. Summer art camp registrations is also now open.

2. Altitude Trampoline Park: Get your jump on as a family with special Family Fun Pack, or come and jump by the hour. There’s also special events throughout the year and Teen Night for the older kids.

3. Bowling: Test your skills at one of the many bowling lanes in Austin: Westgate Lanes, Highland Lanes, Dart Bowl, High 5 or try a multi-entertainment center like Main Event Entertainment which includes indoor laser tag, rock climbing and mini-golf.

bowling in Austin

4. Play for All Abilities: Located in Round Rock, this playscape offers 51,000 square feet of fun for children with all abilities. It’s so colorful and such a blast!

5. Catch Air: Featuring a special soft toddler area and interactive dance floor, this indoor playplace is amazing!

6. Callahan’s General Store: Take a trip back in time and visit this quaint shop full of odds and ends, seedling plants an even baby chicks. On the weekends there is often live music too.

7. Cafe Monet: Personalize and paint a pottery plate, bank or mug then pick it up a few days later after it’s been fired and set. Choose from three locations in Central, South Austin and San Marcos.

Cafe Monet painting in Austin

8. Foodie Kids: If cooking is your thing, this kid friendly kitchen offers both sweet and savory classes and camps for kids 2- teen.

9. Thinkery: Austin’s favorite children’s museum is a great place for babies to teens.

10. Hill Country Science Mill: Located in Johnson City, this hands-on science center show kids how to appreciate science in their everyday lives with many of the exhibits using STEM based approach to learning. PLUS enjoy a free 3D movie included with admission.

11. Smudge Studio: Artists of all ages can explore different forms of art from painting to sculpture and there are even a special program options for homeschoolers.

12. School of Rock: Come check out a free class and see if your child could become the next music superstar.

13.Heart Song Music and Tune Bugz Music both offer early childhood music together lessons for baby through age 9.  

14. Little Yoga House: Austin’s first and only kid’s yoga studio and school. Check out the Village or Clarksville locations.

15. Toybrary: Drop in to play, or sign up for a package to rent toys and return them when you are done- just like a book library!

16. Gym Fitness Centers: There are plenty of options to choose from, all of which have open gym hours, siblings classes and camps. Take a look at:  My Gym (South Austin), Gymboree Play & Music (multiple locations) or The Little Gym (multiple locations)

17. Blazer Tag: Take the whole family for a day of fun at this indoor laser tag center.

18. Blue Starlite Drive In: Have you heard? There is a Harry Potter marathon running from March 12th- 17th! Plus the new location opens on March 10th! Can you tell we are excited?!

19. Peter Pan Mini Golf: Head down to Barton Springs Road to Austin’s most iconic miniature golf courses and play a round (or two) with the kiddos. Did we mention it’s also BYOB?

20. Kiddie Acres: Making kids smile since 1979, this small park is best for kids under 10.

21.  Inner Space Caverns: Explore these underground caverns in North Austin with kids of any age. Just be sure to bring closed footwear, a jacket and pack a lunch or snack to enjoy outdoors.

22. Dinosaur Park: Calling all dino lovers! Walk the trails at this outdoor park and learn about the great beasts that were native to this area during prehistoric times. Open 10-4pm during Spring Break, this park is located just a short drive away in Bastrop, TX. 

Austin Dinosaur Park

23. TopGolf: A unique golf experience for golfers of any skill level! Grab some snacks (and an adult beverage), play one of the many interactive games or take lessons. There may also be space left in their Spring Break Academy.

24. Austin Aquarium: Touch, see and feed the aquatic fish at our local aquarium.

25. Austin Zoo: Visit this animal sanctuary and learn about animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Things To Do

26. Take a Hike: Explore Slaughter Creek, The Greenbelt, Wild Basin Wilderness, River Place Fern Trail or Bull Creek Trail Preserve for fun, family-friendly trails and paths

27. Ride the Zilker Zepher: If you haven’t been, now is the time to go! The ride lasts about 20 minutes and departs every hour during the week and every 30 minutes on the weekends from Zilker Park, near Barton Springs Pool.

28. Enjoy a Picnic: Austin is home to plenty of green areas, from local parks, to hiking spots, playgrounds and

29. Explore Mueller: A popular area in North East Austin, the Mueller development is home to a large shaded playground, a massive lake where you can feed the ducks, an amphitheater featuring live music at night, a wonderful farmers marketing on the week PLUS shops and restaurants for both kids and adults (Bribery Bakery or WhichCraft Taproom anyone?) P.S. The Alamo Drafthouse just opened its newest location in Mueller, what’s not to love?!

treats at Bribery Bakery

30. Visit a Farm: Take a drive and appreciate the simple life. See how fresh foods are farmed and view the livestock at Springdale Farm, Green Gate Farms, Boggy Creek Farm or Crowe’s Nest Farm.

31. Pick Berries: Our favorite place to pick is Sweet Berry Farms located in Marble Falls, TX.

32. Wander Ikea: Enough said. This can kill anywhere from 3-6 hours.

Ikea outside of Austin TX

33. Tour of HEB: Schedule a FREE HEB Healthy Buddy tour through Field Trip Factory and get a look at life behind-the-scenes at this popular Texas grocery store.

34. Organize a Bluebonnet Photo Session: Pack a picnic and don’t forget the camera! You’ll find these gorgeous wildflowers blooming all over town in the next coming weeks.

35. Embark on Mural Scavenger Hunt: The famous Castle Hill Graffiti Park is a must-see on your tour about town, so hurry and get to it quickly before it goes away. Find a list of murals here or drive around and discover your own.

Austin Dinosaur Park

36. Visit a New Playground: Check out something in a new part of town or invite a friend to meet at a playground that’s new to you both!

playgrounds around Austin TX

37. Go Horse-Back Riding:  Texas Hill country is truly amazing to explore on horseback.

38. Love on Mini Animals: The Rose and Grace Mini Farm offers small group tours where you can dress up boutique bunnies and pet llama, sheep, chickens and ducks.

petting animals around Austin

39. Dine at Hat Creek: There are too many reasons why parents love eating at Hat Creek Burgers. Here are 11 of them, including the drink specials and the playground.

40. Indulge at Amy’s Ice Cream: Every day is a celebration at Amy’s! Watch the ice cream servers perform tricks and entertain even the biggest of kids.

41. Stock Up: Get the weekly necessities and bulk food items at In.gredients, Austin’s cutest zero-waste grocer.

42. Tour the Capitol: Walk the halls where history was made and teach the kids about Texas State legislature.

Texas state Capitol

43. Learn Something New: Go in a Duck Tour or sit back and relax on a Capital Cruise down the shores of Lady Bird Lake.

44. Fill up on an Austin Food Tour: Choose from BBQ, Food Trucks or Sweet Treats! Sign up for a guided tour or create your own.

45. Watch the airplanes: See private and commercial jets takeoff from the special Family Viewing Area of the Austin Bergstrom International Airport. This is a well-kept secret among airplane fanatics and an amazing place to spend the morning with the kiddos while enjoying some breakfast tacos.

46. Cool Off: Take a dip or chilly dive into Barton Springs Pool.

47. Visit Animals: Peek inside your local pet store or schedule a visit to Austin Pets Alive and volunteer to help feed the animals in need.

48. Treat Yo-self: Organize a cupcake tour and sample a different one everyday- Austin has so many cupcakeries to support!

49. Act Like a Kid Again: Visit Big Top Candy and load up on all your favorite candies and treats.

Events To Explore

50. Movies in the Park: Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Movies in the Park with the Austin Parks Foundation. Aladdin debuts on March 9th at Patterson Park.

51. Baby Day at the Alamo Drafthouse: See any movie before 2:00PM on Tuesdays and the baby is free! (P.S. It’s also Teacher Appreciation Week from March 13-16 so be sure to bring your school ID to the box office.)

52. KUTX Live At the Four Seasons: Live music for all ages with a special stage this year just for kids compliments of Spare the Rock Spoil the Child. For just $10 adults get a breakfast taco, granola bar and endless coffee from 7- 11AM, runs March 15-18th.

53. Library Special Events: Take a look at the amazing activities planned all week at the Westbank Library/Laura’s Library. Includes yoga, craft hour and dance lessons.

Westbank library

54. Sherwood Forest Faire: Featuring over 40 stage acts and over 130 merchant shoppes, there’s also rides and food for the whole family. Open weekends throughout the spring along with special Spring Break hours on March 17th.

55. SXSW Create: The hardware hacking and maker arm of SXSW. From robots to 3D Printing this free event is great for kids of any age.

56. SXSW Flatstock: Presented by the American Poster Institute, this shows displays the works of the world’s top gig poster artists. The show features posters of varying styles, colors and techniques for sale by the talented artists who created them. Don’t forget, there is also a stage of musical acts here too!

57. SXSW Gaming: Over the course of two days this event brings together the gaming industry into one chaotically fun experience that only the legendary SXSW can provide. It’s a unique combination of all things geek, nerd, and gaming that takes place in an environment where creativity thrives.

58. SXSW music day shows: From Whole Foods, to the stage at Guero’s, Waterloo Records and more, there is something for everyone during SXSW. 

Activities At Home

59. Build a lemonade stand: Teach the kiddos about business while meeting new neighbors.

60. Make popsicles: Nothing taste better on a hot day!

61. Create a family tree: This can be really fun to remind children about family that lives out of town.

62. Bake cookies:  Eat.Then bake some more to share!

63. Build a fort: Give it a really cool name and maybe even a secret password to enter.

64. Organize toys: Then take them to donation center. Better yet, have your kids decide where they would like to give old clothing and toys.

65. Host a block party: Invite everyone on your street to an afternoon or happy hour fete!

66. Have a Garage Sale: I’m sure your family or neighbors have enough things around the house you aren’t using anymore to sell at a sale. Do you really need that 1990’s DVD collection? Not anymore.

67. Throw a Sleepover Party: In the living room or in the yard!

68. Start a Family Journal: Grab a new notebook or scrapbook and start documenting your family story.

69. Plant a Garden: Visit your local nursery or farm and plant your own seedlings.

70. Paint Self Portraits: This is a great activity for kids to do throughout their childhood or even once a year! Hang them in your home or send them to loved ones.

71. Volunteer: Check out opportunities to give back to Austin at the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, or the Salvation Army.

72. Perform a Random Act of Kindness: Surprise a neighbor, leave a little something nice for those helping with the garbage pickup, or visit a senior home.

Day Trips

73. Dallas: Stop by the Zoo, Dallas World Aquarium, Great Wolf Lodge, Dallas Museum of Art or Dallas Children’s Theater.

74. San Antonio: A quick drive down the road, there’s plenty to see and do! Explore the Riverwalk, DoSeum, Botanical Gardens and the Alamo.

75. Waco: Check out the famous Magnolia Silos, Magnolia Bakery, Mayborne Museum Complex, Cameron Park Zoo or the Dr. Pepper Museum

Waco Texas day trip from Austin

76. Round Rock: Located on the outskirts of Austin, you’ll find the Dell Diamond in Round Rock where you can catch a baseball game with the whole family! For train lovers, catch a ride on the Austin Steam Train, or visit Old Settlers Park.

77. New Braunfels: Visit the outlet malls, stop in the historic town of Gruene or take the kids to the McKenna Children’s Museum.

Adventures Around Town

78. Catch a wave at NLand Surf Park: Austin’s first surf park was an exciting addition for adventure-seekers, yet it sadly closed in 2016 due to damage to the lagoon. The website promises to reopen this Spring so be sure to keep an eye on their FB page to see!

79. Austin Bouldering Project: Enjoy indoor rock climbing without the need for harnesses or ropes. This huge, colorful space offers small walls for kids as young as four, complete with a slide.

80. Visit a State Park: There are a few state parks located just outside of Austin: McKinney Falls State Park, Bastrop State Park, Pedernales State Park or Lockhart State Park. Pick one or visit them all!

State Parks around Austin

81. Camping: Now is the best time of year to pitch a tent (or rent a cabins) and enjoy the Texas countryside.

82. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Discover more than 8,000 plants native to Texas. Don’t forget to check out the new family area where kids can explore a cave, climb oversized nests and hunt for fossils.

83. Austin Science and Nature Center: Located on the edge of Zilker Park, you could spend hours at this oasis and still not see everything it has to offer! Slow flowing streams, native Texas wild animals, hiking trails and a dinosaur digging pit are just a few of the activities to explore.

84. Circuit of the Americas: Check out the events calendar at America’s newest F1 racetrack.

85. iFly: Scared to make real skydive jump? Head to iFly and take a spin in the indoor wind tunnel!

86. Rent Canoes, Kayaks, or Stand Up Paddle Boards on Lady Bird Lake: Perfect for any time of day, even at night!   

87. Rent A Water Bike: The coolest way to see downtown. Literally.

88.Rent Bikes: Cycle around Barton Springs in style!

89. Walk the Trail: With multiple entry points, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Town Lake Trail

90. Explore the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake:  Grab the stroller, bikes, scooters and go! Stop along the way to learn about the local belt art installation.

91. Mt.Bonnell: Take a picnic and watch the sunset. It’s one of the best views the city has to offer.

92. Discover Peacocks: Head up to Mayfield park, a peacock preserve right across the street from Mt. Bonnell. There are also trails and waterways to explore as well.

93. Hamilton Pool Preserve: Dive into the chilly waters at this breathtaking swim hole. Be sure to make a reservation before you go!

94. Fishing: Find a spot and cast a reel. Be sure to check if you need special permits or a license first.

95. Segway Tour: Roll around town and learn about Austin’s history on your own two wheels.

96. Swim at Big Stacy Pool: One of Austin’s only year-round swimming pools, this is a free community pool.

97. Escape Rooms: Don’t panic! Just assemble a great team and you’ll make it out in time. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

98. Head out on a Staycation: Try the Hyatt Lost Pines in Bastrop or JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country.

99. Rent a Limo: Plan a whole day of fun activities to enjoy while parading around town in a fancy limo!

100. Visit a Museum: The BlantonThe Laguna Gloria and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden are all home to wonderful exhibits and pieces of art that are an adventure in itself!

Still looking for something to do? Check out this list of kids activities with tons of ideas perfect for the whole springtime season!

Did we miss something? Let us know so we can add it to the list. 

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

* indicates required


100 Things To Do Over Spring Break in Austin | Austin Moms Blog

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here