Seasonal
Seasonal Austin
Bluebonnets, swimming holes, pumpkin patches and holiday lights — what to do with the family, season by season.
Happening now
Seasonal guidefall
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.
Seasonal guideyear-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).
Seasonal guidespring-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.
Seasonal guidesummer
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).
Seasonal guidefall
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.
Coming up
Seasonal guidewinter
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.
Seasonal guidespring
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).
Seasonal guidespring
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).
Later in the year
Seasonal guidesummer
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).
Seasonal guidesummer
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).