One of the best things we can do for our mental health is to get active. Whether that’s visiting one of our local parks, exploring a museum, or moving your body. Here is our roundup of family friendly activities you can do with your family around Austin this Mental Health Month (or anytime!).
Free Events at Waterloo Greenway
Waterloo Greenway Park offers free programs. From April 11th-May 16th, “Morning Glories” is a weekly childhood education series that offers hands-on activities and programs to promote literacy, bilingual storytelling and more. Check out Waterloo’s free programs.
Visit the Bullock on Free First Sunday
Enjoy FREE exhibit admission all day during Free First Sundays at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, held the first Sunday of each month. Families can learn about the history of Texas through three floors of exhibits that feature artifacts from around the state. From noon to 3pm, you can enjoy special family programs, that include arts and crafts, presentations by partner organizations and gallery activities.
Expand Your Mind at Thinkery
Located in Mueller, Thinkery offers indoor and outdoor activities designed to let children and families learn through play. Its hands-on, interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) exhibits and programs encourage physical, emotional and cognitive development for children. Thinkery offers free admission for children and families Tuesdays from 3 to 7pm and Sundays from 3-5pm.
Try a Kid’s Yoga Class
Yoga can be a wonderful way for kids to learn a new skill, channel their energy and learn about the benefits of mindfulness. Pease Park Conservancy is offering free yoga classes for toddlers and families with ATX Yoga Girl. View the schedule here.
Take Advantage of Community Recreation Centers
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department has 20 recreation centers across the city offering a variety of programming for children and youth year-round, including camps, sports, art clubs, teen events, toddler sports, and youth sports. These can offer an opportunity to get moving, learn new skills and make new friends. Learn more about local programming near you.
Stop and Smell the Roses at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center is Texas’ botanical garden. Explore the 284 acres of scenic gardens and trails or check out their variety of family and youth programming. Admission is free for children 4 and under. They also offer discounted tickets as a part of the Museums for All program.
Catch a Show at Zilker Hillside Theater
Each summer, Zilker Hillside Theater offers a free Summer Musical that runs from July-August, Thursdays through Sundays. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy the show beneath the stars. This summer’s show is Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical
Beat the Heat at Pointe Splash Park
Located in Pflugerville, Falcon Pointe Splash Park is free and open to the public. Kids can zip around the playground and cool off under the splash pad while parents enjoy the covered picnic tables. Please note, there is no lifeguard on duty.