What To Do For Spring Break In Austin
Austin…it’s a town that has it all. From live music to mountain biking, Austin has more than enough cool stuff to keep you entertained. If you’re looking for your next Spring Break adventure and are planning on visiting Austin, here is a list of cool activities to do.
Austin’s motto is “live music capital of the world,” however, it is possible to catch a break from the vibrant music scene during spring break. Here are some Austin spring break destinations and activities to keep you busy!
Spring break is a time for students, those of college age and those in high school to finally get away from it all. End the school year with an epic bang by taking your crew to Austin, Texas.
Escape to Austin, Texas for a much needed break from whatever is stress you out. Whether you’re facing a week of midterms or pulling an all-nighter for work, your Spring Break deserves a trip to the best city in Texas.
You’re probably always stressing about what the right way to spend your time is. You’ve been looking through the guidebook and it just feels like there’s too much to do in too little amount of time. Well, don’t fret my friend! I’ll give you tips on what you should be doing this spring break!
What To Do For Spring Break In Austin
Are you looking for a vacation but don’t have the budget? No worries, Austin offers you a lot of free things to do!
A week off of school for Spring Break has likely got the kids jumping for joy (woo hoo!), but if you’re starting to worry about what to do to keep the family busy, have no fear. There are endless possibilities for family fun in the Austin area!
Special Events for Families During Spring Break:
— Spring Break Zip Line Tours @ Zip Lost Pines
many times available for reservations
Soar through the treetops in McKinney Roughs Nature Park! Try a unique side-by-side zip line experience so you and your child can ride next to each other. Their staff will guide you as you take in views of the forest, canyons and Colorado River valley below. Click here to read more about our experience at Zip Lost Pines & enter to win passes!
Swing into spring break fun over the trees on a zip line tour!
— Free Admission Day @ Zilker Botanical Garden
March 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Garden is such a beautiful place for a picnic, a nature walk, and a great place for some family time in the fresh air. City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department offers several free days to the Zilker Botanical Garden. While admission is free, donations are welcome and reservations must be made online in advance.
Zilker Botanical Garden, photo by Heidi Okla
— Spring Break Activities: Science Takes the Field @ Science Mill
March 7 – 18
Get your heart pumping and brain ticking with two weeks of sports-inspired STEM activities at the Science Mill this Spring Break. Jump, race and problem-solve your way through a circuit of fun challenges. Go for a field goal with our K’nex football launcher, test your coordination in the obstacle course, investigate whether sport drink or water is better for refueling, and much more! Get more info and tickets on the Science Mill website.
Have fun at the Science Mill in Johnson City! Photo by Jess Kilbane
— Rodeo Austin @ Travis County Expo Center
March 12 – 26
Take the kids out to enjoy Austin’s largest carnival at the fairgrounds, check out the KidsTown petting zoo, see animals in the livestock show, enjoy a wide-variety of tasty fair foods, watch barrel racing, bull riding, mutton bustin’, attend a concert — and so much more. One-day admission is only $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Enjoy special spring break pricing on carnival wristbands for $25 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. from March 14 – 18. More info & tickets.
Have fun at the carnival! Photo by Tyler Whitman
— Spring Break Activities @ Bullock Museum
March 16 – 18, 10 a.m.
Discover precious species that call Texas home with hands-on activities highlighting a different endangered species each day. Work alongside a Texas artist to create works of art that will celebrate and inspire you to protect the incredibly diverse species in our home state. Each day’s unique activity will last 1 hour and are designed for children five years and older. Tickets are $12/child or $6/member child.
Photo from the Bullock Museum’s Facebook page
— Free Kids Innovation Camp @ Museum of Ice Cream
March 14 – 18
Museum of Ice Cream Austin will host a free five-day innovation camp where children will learn ice cream history and participate in activities ranging from science experiments to improv. MOIC ATX will welcome 300 families with children ages 5-16, each with one parent/guardian, to explore a world of imagination — at no charge. Tickets will be offered for 60-90 minute sessions from Monday – Friday. Registration is now open at museumoficecream.com/austin. Free tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Ice Cream
— Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade, TX
March 12, 13, 17, 18, 19
Take a day trip to a medieval village about an hour from Austin in McDade, TX for the 13th Annual Sherwood Forest Faire. Adults and kids of all ages are invited for a day of fun with jousting, bands, comedy, and more. Usually open just on weekends, there’s a bonus day to go on Friday of Spring Break.
Faeries, knights, and more at the Sherwood Forest Faire! Photo by Jess Kilbane.
— Enjoy some SXSW Festival Fun
March 12 – 20
There are plenty of official and unofficial events happening around Austin during the SXSW Festival that happens to coincide with Spring Break. Check out our list of where to go hear some music and more!
Share some live music moments with the kids!
Anytime Fun for Families to Enjoy During Spring Break:
— Visit a local farm. Farms can offer such a fun place for a family outing! Kids can enjoy seeing seeing cows, chickens, donkeys, pigs and other farm life. Plus, farms provide so many learning experiences, too. Kids can connect with nature and get a better understanding of where our food comes from and the importance of sustainable living. Click here for a list of local farms that are currently open for visits.
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Georgetown, photo by Heidi Okla
— Play a round of mini-golf. Mini-golf is one of those activities that is pure fun for all ages. No matter if you’re good at putting or just out there giving it your best, it’s great for the entire family. Here’s our round-up of where to score a hole-in-one.
Peter Pan Mini Golf; Photo by Roger Ho
— Go for a hike or a family nature walk. A family hike could vary from short, leisurely nature walks through woodsy paths, or even through your own neighborhood, or as big as steep climbs up Hill Country trails or day trips to Texas State Parks. Check out our big list of family-friendly hikes and trails in the Austin area.
McKinney Falls State Park; Photo by Heidi Okla
— Check out a drive-thru zoo. Go on a wild adventure without leaving your own car. With one of the many drive-thru zoos in Central Texas, you can feed live exotic animals from your very own window. Here’s where to find such options near Austin.
Feed animals from your car; Photo by Heidi Okla
— Play tourist in your own town at a “classic Austin” location. Check out the views from Mount Bonnell, go on a kayak adventure on Lady Bird Lake, get breakfast tacos, explore famous street art and more! Here’s some “classic” activities to do anytime.
Boardwalk Trail; photo by Roger Ho
— Play in the sand. Nothing beats the relaxed feeling of a beach vacation. But when there’s no time or budget to head to the coast, you can improvise right here in the Austin area. Just use a little imagination and these local destinations can give you those beachy vibes. Here’s our list of Austin’s best spots to soak up a little fun in the sun while kids dig in the sand (or pebbles).
Emma Long Metro Park, photo by Heidi Okla
–> Even More Ideas:
- Where to Play in Wide Open Spaces
- Best Places for a Family Picnic
- When to Visit Austin Museums for Free
- Best Texas Road Trips
- Family Friendly Resorts Near Austin
- Best Camping Near Austin
