# Free things to do with kids in Austin this week

> Yes, plenty is free with little kids in Austin this week: we found 25 free outings, including Viva La Vida Festival & Parade, Nature Sensory Playgroup (Terrazas Branch) and All Ages Storytime: Roots & Wings Edition (University Hills Branch), plus 11 library programs. Five free days and events are coming up, including two museum or zoo free days, each with its date. And nine places never charge admission, like Austin Central Library and Twin Oaks Branch Library.

- Last checked: 2026-10-19
- 25 free outings this week; 5 free days and events coming up; 9 always-free places
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/austin/free/
- Indoor play (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/austin/indoor-play/index.md
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/austin/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/austin/llms.txt

## Free days and free events coming up

- **Nature Festival & Spooktacular** at North Austin Community Garden, North Austin. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 3–6pm. Price: Free. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/nature-and-environment/nature-festival-spooktacular-7786592 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Bank of America Museums on Us weekend** at Bullock Texas State History Museum; The Contemporary Austin (Laguna Gloria, Jones Center); Thinkery, Austin. When: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Price: Free general admission for Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders (one per card, with photo ID). Only the cardholder gets in free, so bring the card and an ID. Official page: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Austin Trail of Lights free nights** at Zilker Park, Zilker. When: Next: Thu Dec 10, Fri Dec 11, Sun Dec 13, Mon Dec 14 and 3 more. Time: 7–10pm. Price: Free general admission. Official page: https://austintrailoflights.org/event-faqs/-2026-dates-time-gate-ticket-information-and-location (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Austin Trail of Lights** at Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX. When: Dec 10–23, 2026. Time: 7–10pm. Price: Free Dec 10, 11 and 13–17; $8 ages 12+ Dec 12 and 18–23. Parking must be bought online ahead; shuttle passes include admission on paid nights. ZIP passes allow entry from 6pm. Official page: https://austintrailoflights.org/event-faqs/-2026-dates-time-gate-ticket-information-and-location (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Museums for All at Thinkery** at Thinkery, Mueller, 1830 Simond Ave. When: Any open day. Price: $16.95 off general admission and $6 off Baby Bloomer tickets, for up to six guests, with a Texas Lone Star/SNAP EBT, WIC, CHIP or Medicaid card. Buy at the front desk (not online) and bring a photo ID. Official page: https://thinkeryaustin.org/resources/ (checked 2026-10-19)

## Free this week

- **Viva La Vida Festival & Parade** at Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 12–6pm (procession at noon). Price: Free. Ages: 0–99. Austin’s biggest Día de los Muertos celebration starts with a noon procession of costumes, floats, music and dancers, then fills E. 4th St. and Congress Ave. with hands-on art activities, food, a low-rider show and live performances until 6. Official page: https://mexic-artemuseum.org/event/43rd-annual-viva-la-vida-festival-parade/ (checked 2026-10-19)
- **All Ages Storytime (Central Library)** at Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St., Austin, TX. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10–10:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/all-ages-storytime/all-ages-storytime-7785825 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Nature Sensory Playgroup (Terrazas Branch)** at Terrazas Branch, 1105 E. César Chávez St., Austin, TX. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/youth-programs-workshops/nature-sensory-playgroup-7787179 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **All Ages Storytime: Roots & Wings Edition (University Hills Branch)** at University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln., Austin, TX. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 11am–12pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–6. Read, sing, dance and play at an all-ages storytime tied to the library’s Roots & Wings Festival. Free; no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/all-ages-storytime/all-ages-storytime-roots-wings-edition-7776984 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Pajama Storytime (Windsor Park Branch)** at Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr., Austin, TX. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 6:30–7pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/pajama-storytime/pajama-storytime-7784134 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Storytime (Hampton Branch at Oak Hill)** at Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd., Austin, TX. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10–10:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. A free Austin Public Library program for toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/toddler-storytime/toddler-storytime-7784123 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **All Ages Storytime (Windsor Park Branch)** at Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr., Austin, TX. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/all-ages-storytime/all-ages-storytime-7784144 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Books and Babies (John Gillum Branch)** at John Gillum Branch, 2505 Steck Ave., Austin, TX. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 11–11:45am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/books-and-babies/books-and-babies-7788192 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Little Builders (Milwood Branch)** at Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Dr., Austin, TX. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 3–4pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–5. A free Austin Public Library program for preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/lego-lab/little-builders-7784321 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Tuesday Night Make & Play (Terrazas Branch)** at Terrazas Branch, 1105 E. César Chávez St., Austin, TX. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 4–6:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–10. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), kids (6–10), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/youth-programs-workshops/tuesday-night-make-play-7787180 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Music & Movement (Hampton Branch at Oak Hill)** at Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd., Austin, TX. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10–10:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/music-movement/music-movement-7785114 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Isshoni Yomimashou! Japanese/English Storytime (Twin Oaks Branch)** at Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S. Fifth St., Austin, TX. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:15–11:15am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/japanese-english-storytime/isshoni-yomimashou-7785988 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Imagination Station Storytime: Roots & Wings (Little Walnut Creek Branch)** at Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln., Austin, TX. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A free Austin Public Library program for preschoolers (3–5); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/storytimes/imagination-station-storytime-roots-wings-7784800 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Spanish-English Storytime / Cuentos bilingües (Southeast Branch)** at Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd., Austin, TX. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 11–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/spanish-english-storytime/spanish-english-storytime-7786721 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **All-Ability Toddler Playtime with Amy Schultz (Howson Branch)** at Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd., Austin, TX. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 12–12:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. A free Austin Public Library program for toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/early-literacy-playgroup/all-ability-toddler-playtime-7785155 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Storytime (Howson Branch)** at Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd., Austin, TX. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 3:30–4:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A free Austin Public Library program for preschoolers (3–5); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/preschool-storytime/preschool-storytime-7785749 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Pajama Storytime (Central Library)** at Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St., Austin, TX. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 6:30–7pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A free Austin Public Library program for babies (0–1), preschoolers (3–5), toddlers (1–3); no registration listed. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/pajama-storytime/pajama-storytime-7785868 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Music Circle (Central Library)** at Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St., Austin, TX. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10–10:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. Music and movement for toddlers in the Children’s Area on the 3rd floor. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/music-movement/toddler-music-circle-7785879 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Nature Sensory Playgroup (Milwood Branch)** at Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Dr., Austin, TX. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 2–5. Sensory play with natural materials for toddlers and preschoolers. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/early-literacy-playgroup/nature-sensory-playgroup-7787359 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby's First Symphony with Austin Soundwaves: Outside! (Windsor Park Branch)** at Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr., Austin, TX. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 12:30–1:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. An outdoor music time for babies with Austin Soundwaves. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/books-and-babies/babys-first-symphony-austin-soundwaves-outside-7783316 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **All Ages Storytime (Twin Oaks Branch)** at Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S. Fifth St., Austin, TX. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 10:15–11:15am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Read, sing, dance and play together; for babies through preschoolers. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/all-ages-storytime/all-ages-storytime-7785963 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Ukrainian Storytime at Spicewood Springs (Spicewood Springs Branch)** at Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin, TX. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Stories and songs in Ukrainian. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/storytimes/ukrainian-storytime-spicewood-springs-7779953 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Nature Festival & Spooktacular (North Austin YMCA)** at North Austin Community Garden, North Austin YMCA, 1000 W. Rundberg Ln., Austin, TX 78758. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 3–6pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–10. A free fall nature festival and Spooktacular for families, listed on Austin Public Library’s calendar. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/nature-and-environment/nature-festival-spooktacular-7786592 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Seed Balls and Stories (Central Library)** at Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St., Austin, TX. When: Sun Oct 25. Time: 12:30–1:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 3–10. Stories and seed-ball making for preschoolers and up. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/youth-programs-workshops/seed-balls-and-stories-7786661 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Spanish-English Music & Movement (Little Walnut Creek Branch)** at Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln., Austin, TX. When: Sun Oct 25. Time: 2:30–3:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Música y movimiento: songs and movement in English and Spanish. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/event/music-movement/spanish-english-music-movement-7784830 (checked 2026-10-19)

## Always free

- **Austin Central Library**, Downtown, 710 W. César Chávez St. The downtown library, with a Children’s Area on the 3rd floor and storytimes most days. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Twin Oaks Branch Library**, South Austin, 1800 S. Fifth St. A neighborhood branch with All Ages Storytime and a bilingual storytime. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Terrazas Branch Library**, East Austin, 1105 E. César Chávez St. An east-side branch with playgroups, music and messy art for little ones. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/terrazas-branch (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Girard Kinney Park**, Mueller, 4550 Mueller Blvd. Mueller’s 30-acre park (formerly Lake Park), with an interactive playscape, a 6.5-acre lake and a picnic peninsula. Official page: https://muelleraustin.com/park-events/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Mayfield Park**, 3505 W. 35th St. A walled garden with palm trees, peacocks and ponds of water lilies and lotus, plus preserve trails. Official page: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/mayfield-park (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Pease Park Treehouse**, Pease Park, Austin. A two-story open-air treehouse shaped like a seed pod, free and open to the public at least 355 days a year. Official page: https://www.peasepark.org/treehouse (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Austin Nature & Science Center**, 2389 Stratford Dr. Indoor and outdoor exhibits on Central Texas nature, plus free nets and buckets at the front desk for exploring the creeks and ponds, and a Trade Counter where kids swap nature finds. Official page: https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/locations/austin-nature-and-science-center (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Austin Public Library**, Citywide. Free storytimes at branches. Official page: https://library.austintexas.gov/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Girard Kinney Park (formerly Mueller Lake Park)**, Mueller, 4550 Mueller Blvd. Free 30-acre park with an interactive playscape, a 6.5-acre lake and a picnic peninsula. Official page: https://muelleraustin.com/park-events/ (checked 2026-10-18)

## Free library storytimes

- **Austin Public Library**: Most days, including some Saturdays. Free Books and Babies, toddler and all-ages storytimes, many in Spanish and other languages, at branches across Austin. Calendar: https://library.austintexas.gov/events

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What’s free to do with kids in Austin this weekend?
This week we found 25 free outings for ages 0–6, including Viva La Vida Festival & Parade, Nature Sensory Playgroup (Terrazas Branch), All Ages Storytime: Roots & Wings Edition (University Hills Branch) and Pajama Storytime (Windsor Park Branch). See [free this week](https://littlesweekly.com/austin/free/#this-week); the list is rebuilt every Thursday.

### Are there free museum or zoo days in Austin?
Nature Festival & Spooktacular: Sat Oct 24. Bank of America Museums on Us weekend: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Austin Trail of Lights free nights: Next: Thu Dec 10, Fri Dec 11, Sun Dec 13, Mon Dec 14 and 3 more. Museums for All at Thinkery: Any open day ($16.95 off general admission and $6 off Baby Bloomer tickets, for up to six guests, with a Texas Lone Star/SNAP EBT, WIC, CHIP or Medicaid card). Dates come from each venue’s own page; see [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/austin/free/#free-days).

### What free holiday events are there for kids in Austin?
Austin Trail of Lights is free this season. Dates and times are on each card under [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/austin/free/#free-days).

### Where can we go for free any day in Austin?
Austin Central Library, Twin Oaks Branch Library, Terrazas Branch Library, Girard Kinney Park and Mayfield Park and 4 more don’t charge admission. Some charge for parking or special exhibits; the cards say so where the place does.

### Is there free indoor play in Austin?
Yes: Austin Central Library. See all of them on [indoor play places in Austin](https://littlesweekly.com/austin/indoor-play/#places).

### Are library storytimes free in Austin?
Yes. Austin Public Library runs free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Times change by branch, so check the calendar linked below.

### How do you check these free listings?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 19, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday for dated events and once a month for free places. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).