Mentioned by Traveling Mom
25+ Fun Free Things to Do in Austin with Kids
"You don't have to travel far to find green space in Austin, but rarer is the kind of serene, secret-garden quality the Umlauf has in spades. A short walk from town twin jewels Zilker Park and the Barton Springs Pool, this South Austin outdoor space encourages hands-on appreciation of dozens of works by 20th-century sculptor and long-time Austin resident Charles Umlauf. (The bronze statues have been weather- and human-proofed with a wax coating.) Art and nature commingle in magical ways here, and it's catching."
"The Austin culture is very outdoorsy and even the museums represent that, especially the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Take a stroll through the greenery and relax surrounded by some pretty awesome sculptures. While most museums are a pretty chill experience, this one takes the cake."
"The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a quiet small garden next to Zilker Park that is centered on the artistic works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. Find inspiration from the many sculptures in the garden and walk away inspired. 605 Robert E Lee Rd, umlaufsculpture.org"
"The Mexic-Arte experience begins before you walk in the door, with its north wall lined with murals that celebrate Latino figures and iconography. That mission to showcase traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latino art and culture continues inside the historic building, with wooden planked floors that squeak pleasingly underfoot. Mexic-Arte's curators comfortably straddle a commitment to old and new, with an annual exhibition devoted to emerging talent and an all-inclusive back gallery space devoted to community projects."
"Austin has a large Mexican community that you can connect with through the Mexic-Arte Museum. The museum offers an intimate space to immerse yourself into the Latin culture through art. Mexic-Arte Museum focuses on Mexican and Latin American Art – it does a great job at promoting and showcasing the works of local artists and native Latin artists."
"Mexic-Arte Museum is dedicated to cultural enrichment and education through the collection, preservation, and presentation of traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture to promote dialogue and develop an understanding for visitors of all ages. To learn more about Mexic-Arte Museum click here."
"I met Nina when she first moved from New York and opened up shop at the Barton Creek shopping mall but this girl has made a mark as a jewelry designer. BEYONCE HAS WORN HER JEWELRY (custom face masks for the Lion King Spirit Music Video). Nina has donated $11,500 in cash to charities and raise $27,000 for other local makers and artists by selling their goods."
"Ivester Contemporary is located within the Canopy Complex and has monthly rotating exhibitions full of contemporary art by leading artists in the Austin area. The exhibits are designed to bring the public closer to art and inspire a deeper understanding of the pieces. View this post on Instagram"
"A relative newcomer, this privately owned gallery is a must-see stop in the revitalised South 1st Street arts and fine-dining district. (Don't forget to look to the sky for the historic Moonlight Tower at the intersection of Monroe St and S 1st, one of only a handful of late 19th-century structures still standing and in use.) An open, airy feel – think stained concrete floors, exposed brick, and bright blasts of sun through skylights – belies the gallery's relatively small square footage. Mixed media works dominate the front room, while the back hosts more modestly priced pieces, such as locally designed gig poster art."
"grayduckgallery.comThis standalone Eastside gallery shows work by a diversity of locally progressive and nationally acclaimed artists who tend toward the more academic end of the spectrum but usually provide as much candy for the eyes as food for thought. Jill Schroeder's the affable jefe grande of this wonderfully wood-bedecked space that boasts 17-foot-high ceilings and 1,500 square feet of exhibition space and which also frequently hosts readings, live music, and other community presentations. grayDUCK Gallery (Photo by Jana Birchum)"
"The grayDuck Gallery is more than just a great space to showcase art. There are monthly shows to highlight works of art from a wide range of artists, but the space is also used for poetry readings, film showings, music, and other performances. View this post on Instagram"
"This beautiful outdoor mall has tons of kid-friendly eating options for your little ones. Shop and then when you’re hungry, grab a bite from any of their eateries. 12700 Hill Country Blvd Ste, T-100, Bee Cave, hillcountrygalleria.com"
"Central Park is a mall in Austin, Texas that has something for everyone: a market with a wide selection of organic produce and locally sourced foods, retail options for all your shopping needs, a gorgeous sitting area with plenty of shade, and a playground for the kids to enjoy. If you visit Central Park on the weekend, you may be able to catch some live music as well."
"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Twin Oaks Shopping Center serves as an important landmark and shopping destination in Austin. Check out the beautifully designed stores and enjoy shopping the modern way."
"Only a few miles south of downtown, this location is a great place to grab a bite to eat. With over six restaurants and a variety of shops and retailers, Brodie Oaks is one of the best outlet malls in Austin."
"Picnics and barbecues are a common sight (and smell!) at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan park, which borders Lake Austin and the Colorado River. It’s home to a beautiful trail—the Waterfall Trail—which is short and easy but leads along a lovely stream with several featured waterfalls. The waterfront is a good launch point for boating and kayaking, and also provides a nice place to go fishing."
"With its peaceful lakefront views, the Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park is a great place to escape the urban frenzy of Austin. You’ll be able to “get away from it all” without actually venturing too far from the fun stuff of the city. You can just take a break from it for a while."
"The Common Ford Ranch is a lakefront park on Lake Austin with a trail length of 0.8 miles. A great place to take your family and pet for a picnic after a hike. There are also amenities such as a volleyball court, picnic tables, and barbecue pits."
"Patterson Park is an outdoor oasis for kids, complete with basketball courts, a mini skate ramp, volleyball courts, picnic tables, multiple playgrounds, and top-notch trees to climb. Its Flamingo Mitote Its mosaic sculpture, created by artist Stephanie Distefano and community members and maintained by the Chula League, also makes for one gorgeous pool-equipment shed. View this post on Instagram"
"Why You’ve Got to Go: If you are traveling with toddlers, I would certainly recommend Patterson Park. This is an excellent way for the kids to let loose and have some fun in the outdoors. What to Do: Make use of the volleyball courts, the picnic tables, and the several playgrounds the park has to offer."
"Auditorium Shores gets it name from the Palmer Auditorium as well as from lady Bird Lake, both of which are on either side of it, but it also could loosely refer to the festivals, events, and concerts that are often hosted there. Auditorium Shores is conveniently located right in Austin’s downtown area, and its green lawns are a great place for a game of frisbee, playing fetch with your dog off leash, or relaxing on a blanket with a good book. There is a wide network of lovely paths for walkers, joggers, dog walkers, and bicyclists that weaves and whirls through Auditorium Park."
"Check the events calendar when visiting Austin because there’s always something happening down at Auditorium Shores. It’s a large park on the shores of Lady Bird Lake used as an outdoor venue to host festivals, music concerts, and more. Auditorium Shores is an incredible place to enjoy live entertainment."
"This 40-plus acre park on the south side of the Colorado River provides lots of open space for outdoor recreation. The park is centrally located in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. When you want to get in touch with your inner flower child, check out one of the outdoor concerts or festivals hosted here."