Austin Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Austin
This itinerary focuses on maximizing fun without breaking the bank, combining Austin's beautiful free parks and cultural centers with popular ticketed attractions and budget-friendly dining options. Activities are chosen to be engaging for children aged 3-12.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Pease Park Play
Explore Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park, known for its unique wooden playground, a giant treehouse, and a troll sculpture.
It offers diverse play structures suitable for both younger and older children, as well as natural play areas and a giant chess board.
Ideal for children aged 3-12. Features include a wooden playscape, treehouse, and giant chess. Restrooms with water bottle refill stations are available. Allow 1.5-2 hours for play.
Street parking is available, and free parking can sometimes be found at the Austin Rec Center (1301 Shoal Creek) or ACC Rio Grande garage on weekends.
Dinner with Play
Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly dinner at Camp Out, a family-friendly restaurant that features an outdoor playground, fire pits, a play turf area with a soccer net, and mini-golf.
The menu includes appetizers, salads, and comfort foods.
Great for families with children of all ages due to the extensive outdoor play amenities. Parents can easily supervise children from the patio tables.
Parking is available on-site. The playground is near the parking lot, with patio tables acting as a barrier.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Thinkery Discovery
Dive into hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) exhibits at Thinkery, Austin's children's museum. With 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, children can engage in interactive displays, science experiments, and creative activities designed to foster imagination and problem-solving.
Best for children aged 1-12. Exhibits encourage playful learning. Plan for at least 2-3 hours.
Thinkery provides up to three hours of free parking in the McBee Street District Garage and Simond Garage with validation. Street parking is also available.
Mueller Market Lunch
Experience the vibrant Texas Farmers Market at Mueller, known as the biggest in Austin.
Enjoy a variety of food trucks and stalls for lunch, along with family-friendly music and kids' activities. It features a playground, making it very kid-friendly and a great spot for strollers.
Perfect for all ages, especially families with young children who enjoy outdoor markets, music, and a playground. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Parking available around the Mueller area. The market is very walkable and stroller-friendly.
Nature Exploration
Explore the Austin Nature & Science Center, offering hands-on nature exhibits, educational programs, nature trails, and wildlife displays.
Visitors can learn about native wildlife, explore a Dino Pit Fossil Dig, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Engaging for visitors of all ages, especially children aged 3-12. Provides a unique learning experience focused on environmental appreciation. Open until 5:00 PM.
Free parking is available in the lot across from the entrance on Stratford Drive, just under Mopac. ADA-compliant access is available.
Austin Zoo Visit
Visit the Austin Zoo, an animal sanctuary and rescue center that houses over 300 animals of 100 different species.
Enjoy viewing various animals and consider a scenic train ride through the Texas Hill Country.
Great for all ages, children 2-12. The zoo offers educational demonstrations. The last train ride on weekends is at 4:00 PM, so it would be a tight fit if you plan to do both. Admission closes one hour prior to the zoo's closing at 5:00 PM.
Free parking is conveniently located on-site.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Zilker Playground Fun
Spend the morning at Zilker Park Playground, a classic Austin destination with vast green spaces, an antique fire truck play structure, and ample room for children to climb, swing, and play.
Suitable for kids of all ages. Pack water and snacks, and enjoy the open spaces. Restrooms and picnic areas are available.
Paid parking is available at Zilker Park. Consider arriving early for better spots.
Library Exploration
Explore the award-winning Austin Central Library, a modern hub for literature, technology, and community.
It features a beautifully designed children's area with a treehouse-inspired space, reading porches, and a rooftop butterfly garden. Enjoy books, interactive displays, and a serene environment.
Engaging for all ages. Children can enjoy the specialized area, while adults appreciate the architecture and views. Open until 5:00 PM on Sundays.
Two levels of underground parking are available with rates varying based on duration (free for up to 1 hour). The entrance is on West Avenue.
Southern Comfort Dinner
Enjoy an early casual dinner at Phoebe's Diner, known for its Southern Comfort Breakfast & BBQ.
It offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a family meal to wrap up the weekend.
Good for families. Known for delicious food in a comfortable setting.
Street parking is typically free on Sundays in downtown Austin.
This weekend itinerary for Austin can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.