Pumpkin Carver Fall Festival

Sat, Oct 31

Pumpkin Carver Fall Festival

Sat, Oct 31

Trick-or-Read at BookPeople

Sat, Oct 31

Halloween Party at Little Walnut Creek Library

Sat, Oct 31

Howl-O-Scream Halloween Carnival

Sun, Nov 1

H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum

Sat Oct 31 & Sat Nov 7, 10:15–11:15 AM; Thursdays 10:15–11:15 AM

All Ages Storytime at Twin Oaks

Fridays & Saturdays 8–10 AM

Baby Bloomers early-morning play

Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM

SFC Farmers' Market at Sunset Valley

Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM

SFC Farmers' Market Downtown

Sundays 10 AM–2 PM, rain or shine

Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller

Sat, Oct 31

Pumpkin Carver Fall Festival

Sat, Oct 31

Trick-or-Read at BookPeople

Mon, Tue & Wed 10–10:30 AM

All Ages Storytime at Central Library

Sat Oct 31 & Sat Nov 7, 10:15–11:15 AM; Thursdays 10:15–11:15 AM

All Ages Storytime at Twin Oaks

Downtown

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

Downtown

Austin Central Library (Children's Area)

Zilker / Barton Springs

Austin Nature & Science Center

Zilker / Barton Springs

Barton Creek Greenbelt

North Austin

Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park

South Austin

Big Stacy Pool

Northwest

Bull Creek District Park

East Austin

Carver Branch – Austin Public Library

East Austin

Cepeda Branch – Austin Public Library

East Austin

Colony Park Pool

West Austin

Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park

Central

Covert Park at Mount Bonnell

Southwest

Dick Nichols District Park

Southeast

Dove Springs District Park

Mueller

Girard Kinney Park (Mueller Lake Park)

East Austin

Givens District Park

North Austin

Gus Garcia District Park

Sun, Nov 1

H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum

Sat, Oct 31

Halloween Party at Little Walnut Creek Library

Southwest

Hampton Branch at Oak Hill – Austin Public Library

UT / Capitol

Harry Ransom Center

Central

Howson Branch – Austin Public Library

North Austin

John Gillum Branch – Austin Public Library

North Austin

Little Walnut Creek Branch – Austin Public Library

Southeast

Mabel Davis District Park

South Austin

Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park

Central

Mayfield Park & Preserve (peacocks!)

South Austin

Menchaca Road Branch – Austin Public Library

North Austin

Milwood Branch – Austin Public Library

Southeast

Onion Creek Metropolitan Park

Central

Pease Park – Kingsbury Commons

Round Rock

Play for All Abilities Park

South Austin

Pleasant Hill Branch – Austin Public Library

Southeast

Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park

Southeast

Ruiz Branch – Austin Public Library

Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM

SFC Farmers' Market at Sunset Valley

Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM

SFC Farmers' Market Downtown

Central

Shoal Creek Greenbelt

Southeast

Southeast Branch – Austin Public Library

East Austin

Southern Walnut Creek Greenbelt

Northwest

Spicewood Springs Branch – Austin Public Library

Northeast

St. John Branch – Austin Public Library

Thursdays 10:30–11:30 AM

Storytime & Little Messy Art

Thursdays 10:30–11 AM

Storytime at Milwood

East Austin

Terrazas Branch – Austin Public Library

Sundays 10 AM–2 PM, rain or shine

Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller

Central

Texas Military Forces Museum

Downtown

Texas State Capitol

South Austin

Twin Oaks Branch – Austin Public Library

Northeast

University Hills Branch – Austin Public Library

North Austin

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

Northeast

Windsor Park Branch – Austin Public Library

Central

Yarborough Branch – Austin Public Library

Zilker / Barton Springs

Zilker Metropolitan Park

UT / Capitol

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Sat, Oct 31

Trick-or-Read at BookPeople

Sat, Nov 7

"Dinovember" All Ages Storytime

Mon, Tue & Wed 10–10:30 AM

All Ages Storytime at Central Library

Sat Oct 31 & Sat Nov 7, 10:15–11:15 AM; Thursdays 10:15–11:15 AM

All Ages Storytime at Twin Oaks

Northwest

Austin Aquarium

East Austin

Austin Bouldering Project – Springdale

Downtown

Austin Central Library (Children's Area)

South Austin

Austin Roller Rink

Fridays & Saturdays 8–10 AM

Baby Bloomers early-morning play

UT / Capitol

Blanton Museum of Art

South Austin

Cafe Monet

East Austin

Carver Branch – Austin Public Library

East Austin

Cepeda Branch – Austin Public Library

Northwest

Cordovan Art School – Paint Your Own Pottery (NW Austin)

Sun, Nov 1

H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum

Sat, Oct 31

Halloween Party at Little Walnut Creek Library

Southwest

Hampton Branch at Oak Hill – Austin Public Library

UT / Capitol

Harry Ransom Center

Central

Howson Branch – Austin Public Library

Northwest

Indigo Play

North Austin

John Gillum Branch – Austin Public Library

UT / Capitol

LBJ Presidential Library

North Austin

Little Walnut Creek Branch – Austin Public Library

South Austin

Menchaca Road Branch – Austin Public Library

Downtown

Mexic-Arte Museum (free Sundays)

North Austin

Milwood Branch – Austin Public Library

North Austin

Mt Playmore

North Austin

Pins & Wheels at Playland

South Austin

Pleasant Hill Branch – Austin Public Library

North Austin

Public Skating at Chaparral Ice

East Austin

Roller Skating at the Millennium

Southeast

Ruiz Branch – Austin Public Library

Southeast

Southeast Branch – Austin Public Library

Northwest

Spicewood Springs Branch – Austin Public Library

Northeast

St. John Branch – Austin Public Library

Thursdays 10:30–11:30 AM

Storytime & Little Messy Art

Thursdays 10:30–11 AM

Storytime at Milwood

East Austin

Terrazas Branch – Austin Public Library

Central

Texas Military Forces Museum

UT / Capitol

Texas Science & Natural History Museum

Downtown

Texas State Capitol

North Austin

The Baby Cafe

Downtown

The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center

Mueller

Thinkery children's museum

South Austin

Twin Oaks Branch – Austin Public Library

Northeast

University Hills Branch – Austin Public Library

Northeast

Windsor Park Branch – Austin Public Library

Central

Yarborough Branch – Austin Public Library

Northeast

Bartholomew Pool

Zilker / Barton Springs

Barton Springs Pool

South Austin

Big Stacy Pool

East Austin

Colony Park Pool

Central

Deep Eddy Pool

Northwest

Springwoods Pool

fall

Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkin season around Austin means corn mazes, hayrides and patches big enough to wear out a toddler. The big farm festivals are 20–45 minutes outside town, so plan a half day. Weekdays are cheaper and calmer. Timing: Late September to early November.

year-round

Free Museum Days

Several of Austin's best museums are free on certain days, and some are always free for kids. Free days get busy, so arrive at opening. Timing: Year-round (monthly and weekly).

spring-summer

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge. It's the largest urban bat colony in the world, and they stream out around sunset. It's free, and kids never forget it. Mid-May to early July is maternity season, when flights often come after dark. The biggest shows are late July through September, when the pups start flying. Timing: March–October; best mid-March to early May and late July–September.

summer

Splash Pad Season

Austin's free splash pads are summer lifesavers for little kids. City pads are open May 1–October 31, with no fee. Go in the morning for shade, and pack water shoes because the concrete gets hot. Timing: May 1 – October 31 (City of Austin).

fall

Fall Festivals

Fall finally cools Austin down, and the festival calendar fills up with free street fairs, a huge book festival, and farm festivals. Timing: September through mid-November.

Zilker / South Central

The Zilker Classic

A day of Austin's greatest hits: gardens, Tex-Mex on Barton Springs Road, then a cold dip or mini golf.

Downtown / UT

Capitol & Museum Day

Texas history, dinosaurs and the Capitol dome, all within a few blocks. It works rain or shine.

Mueller

Mueller Morning to Afternoon

Children's museum, lakeside playgrounds and the Sunday farmers market, all within walking distance.

Downtown

Downtown: Library & Lady Bird Lake

Austin's showpiece library, then the lake trail and a museum with free Sundays.

Northwest

Northwest Indoor Day (hot or rainy)

A 100-degree-day plan: touch-and-feed aquarium, a giant indoor playground and pottery, all a few minutes apart off 183.

Southwest

Animals & Wildflowers (Southwest)

A rescue zoo in Oak Hill, a big Texas patio lunch and the Wildflower Center's kids' areas.

Central / Old West Austin

Splash Pad & Spring Water (Summer)

Austin's best splash pad and treehouse playground, then the oldest pool in Texas.

West Austin

Peacocks, Gardens & the Best View in Town

Free westside gems: peacocks at Mayfield, sculpture by the lake, and the Mount Bonnell stairs.

East Austin

Farm Morning, Climbing Afternoon (East)

Old-time Texas farm life in the morning, then burn off energy on the bouldering walls.

Registration opens Jan 11

Austin Bouldering Project Summer Climbing Camp

Registration opens Feb 1

Spartan Summer Camp at St. Stephen's

Just moved to Austin

Welcome to Austin!

Expecting or just had a baby

Congratulations!

Going through a divorce or separation

This is hard, and it's okay to not have it all figured out.

Starting school or kindergarten

First backpack, first bus, first “how was your day?” and a one-word answer.

Special needs or developmental concerns

If something about your child's development is worrying you, trust that feeling.

New job, layoff or money stress

Money stress affects the whole household, and asking for help is a smart move, not a failure.

Loss and grief

We're so sorry.

Blended family, adoption or foster care

New family shapes bring big love and big adjustments.

Starting or running a business as a parent

Building something of your own while raising kids takes guts, and a lot of nap-time emails.

Tue, Nov 3

SCORE: 45+ Growth Levers for SMBs — and the AI Moves That Make Them Faster

Austin Central Library, 4th floor Training Room

Wed, Nov 4

Pflugerville Chamber New Member Orientation

Spare Time Texas

Wed, Nov 4

ATC Bonus November Breakfast

Wise in the Domain

Thu, Nov 5

Small Business Office Hours

APL Menchaca Road Branch

Monthly luncheons in 2026

Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce

Supports Black-owned businesses with a monthly luncheon series and events.

Multiple events monthly

Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Supports Hispanic-owned businesses with programs, Lunch & Learns and the Cafe Contigo networking series.

Monthly luncheon and monthly happy hour

Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

LGBTQ+ business chamber with a monthly luncheon and a free monthly happy hour.

Multiple events monthly

Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce

Asian American business chamber with a Women's Club, workshops and the Ovation Gala.

Weekly job club; periodic breakfasts

Austin Technology Council

Tech industry association. Hosts breakfasts and the free weekly Launch Pad Job Club.

Monthly-plus

Austin Women in Technology (AWT)

A community for women in tech, with panels, Tactic Tuesday sessions and fundraisers. It has hosted a 'Mompreneur Summit' in the past.

Mueller

Thinkery

East Austin (Springdale) / South Austin (Westgate)

Austin Bouldering Project (Springdale or Westgate)

North Austin

Chaparral Ice (Northcross)

Northwest

Cordovan Art School (Pottery Parlor)

Northwest

Indigo Play

North Austin

Mt Playmore

Zilker / Barton Springs

Peter Pan Mini Golf

North Austin

Pins & Wheels at Playland

North Austin

The Baby Cafe

Southwest (Oak Hill)

Austin Zoo

South Austin

Cafe Monet

North Central (N Lamar)

Octo Ninja

Sunset Valley / South Austin

Play Street Museum (Sunset Valley)

Lakeway

Pikopye's Town

Northwest (183 / Anderson Mill)

Dart'em Up Nerf Arena

North Austin

K1 Speed Austin

North Austin (Parmer / I-35)

Pinstack Austin

Northwest (183 / Lakeline area)

Main Event Austin

Cedar Park and South Austin

Urban Air Adventure Park (Austin area)

North Austin (The Domain)

Sandbox VR (The Domain)

Northeast

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms

Citywide

City of Austin parks (picnic areas)

East Austin

Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex (big groups only)

South Austin

Austin Roller Rink

East Austin

Givens District Park

Central

Pease Park – Kingsbury Commons

North Austin

The Baby Cafe

UT / Capitol

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Sat, Oct 31

Trick-or-Read at BookPeople

Sat, Nov 7

"Dinovember" All Ages Storytime

Mon, Tue & Wed 10–10:30 AM

All Ages Storytime at Central Library

Sat Oct 31 & Sat Nov 7, 10:15–11:15 AM; Thursdays 10:15–11:15 AM

All Ages Storytime at Twin Oaks

Downtown

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

North Austin

The Baby Cafe

Central

Pease Park – Kingsbury Commons

Sat, Oct 31

Pumpkin Carver Fall Festival

UT / Capitol

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Sat, Oct 31

Trick-or-Read at BookPeople

Sat, Nov 7

"Dinovember" All Ages Storytime

Mon, Tue & Wed 10–10:30 AM

All Ages Storytime at Central Library

Sat Oct 31 & Sat Nov 7, 10:15–11:15 AM; Thursdays 10:15–11:15 AM

All Ages Storytime at Twin Oaks

Downtown

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

Northwest

Austin Aquarium

spring

Bluebonnet Season

Every spring, Austin families go hunting for the perfect bluebonnet photo. Peak bloom usually runs late March through April, but it depends on winter rain, and recent years have been uneven because of drought. The Wildflower Center is the most reliable bet. For big open fields, drive out to the Highland Lakes. Timing: Usually late March through April (peak varies with rain).

The Zilker Classic

fall

Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkin season around Austin means corn mazes, hayrides and patches big enough to wear out a toddler. The big farm festivals are 20–45 minutes outside town, so plan a half day. Weekdays are cheaper and calmer. Timing: Late September to early November.

Capitol & Museum Day

winter

Holiday Lights: Zilker Tree, Trail of Lights & More

Spinning under the Zilker Holiday Tree is an Austin rite of passage. The 155-foot 'tree' is a historic moonlight tower strung with 3,309 lights. The Trail of Lights next door is a big walk-through light display. Go on a free night early in the run, wear good shoes and pre-buy parking. Timing: Late November through New Year's.

Mueller Morning to Afternoon

year-round

Free Museum Days

Several of Austin's best museums are free on certain days, and some are always free for kids. Free days get busy, so arrive at opening. Timing: Year-round (monthly and weekly).

Downtown: Library & Lady Bird Lake

spring-summer

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge. It's the largest urban bat colony in the world, and they stream out around sunset. It's free, and kids never forget it. Mid-May to early July is maternity season, when flights often come after dark. The biggest shows are late July through September, when the pups start flying. Timing: March–October; best mid-March to early May and late July–September.

Northwest Indoor Day (hot or rainy)

summer

Splash Pad Season

Austin's free splash pads are summer lifesavers for little kids. City pads are open May 1–October 31, with no fee. Go in the morning for shade, and pack water shoes because the concrete gets hot. Timing: May 1 – October 31 (City of Austin).

Animals & Wildflowers (Southwest)

spring

Easter Egg Hunts

City-run egg hunts are free and well organized. They're usually split by age so toddlers aren't trampled. Arrive early, because the hunts are over in minutes. The 2027 dates aren't posted yet, so the 2026 events are listed here as a guide. Timing: The 1–2 weekends before Easter (Easter 2027 is March 28).

Splash Pad & Spring Water (Summer)

summer

July 4th Fireworks

Austin's big Fourth is the free Austin Symphony concert and fireworks at Auditorium Shores. The suburbs have shorter drives and easier parking. With little kids, bring ear protection and plan your exit: traffic after the fireworks is heavy. Timing: July 4 (some suburbs hold events a night or two earlier).

Peacocks, Gardens & the Best View in Town

summer

Swimming Holes

Spring-fed swimming holes are Texas summer at its best. Many now need reservations, and swimming can close because of bacteria, drought or flooding. Always check the same morning. Kids should wear life jackets in natural water. Timing: Mainly May through September (some year-round).

Farm Morning, Climbing Afternoon (East)

fall

Fall Festivals

Fall finally cools Austin down, and the festival calendar fills up with free street fairs, a huge book festival, and farm festivals. Timing: September through mid-November.