Whether you’re new to Austin or a long-time local, when you have kids, Austin Parks Foundation’s FREE family-events are a go-to for community get-togethers. There are so many options for families to attend this spring. These thoughtfully curated events range from Movies in the Park, Playdates, Art, Fitness, and more. Check out some of our faves below!

Playdates in the Park

Playdates in the Park is a sweet, high-energy morning designed especially for younger kids, with storytime, crafts, and music and movement all built into one easy park outing. In partnership with Creative Action (who will be at every session), families can expect singing, guided movement, and a dance party that gets little ones moving and engaged, plus bilingual storytime led by community favorites like BookSpring, the Texas Book Festival, and Austin Public Library. Sessions run from 10 to 11 am and are perfect for preschool and early elementary ages.

Dates & Locations: (Each Playdates in the Park event is from 10 am – 11 am)

Wednesday, March 11th – Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Playground | 5401 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78723

Wednesday, March 25th | Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park | 2803 Loyola Ln, Austin, TX 78723

Wednesday, April 15th | Quail Creek Neighborhood Park | 1101 Mearns Meadow Blvd, Austin, TX 78758

Wednesday, April 22nd | Balcones District Park | 12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759

Wednesday, May 6th | Patterson Neighborhood Park| 4200 Brookview Rd, Austin, TX 78722

Wednesday, May 13th | Montopolis Neighborhood Park | 1200 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741

Movies in the Parks

Movies in the Park is a longtime Austin favorite that brings a fun, laid-back movie night experience to neighborhood parks each spring. Families can spread out on blankets, enjoy pre-movie activities, vendors, and treats (including popcorn from Cornucopia and popsicles from Goodpop), and settle in for a kid-friendly film under the stars. It’s an easy, low-key evening outing that feels festive without being overplanned, and a sweet tradition many Austin families look forward to year after year.

Dates & Locations:

Friday, March 20th | Showing: Superman | Mueller Lake Park | 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723

Thursday, May 7th | Showing: K Pop Demon Hunters | Gus Garcia District Park |1201 E Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78753

Art in the Parks

Art in the Park is all about hands-on creativity in a relaxed outdoor setting, giving kids the chance to make fun, nature-inspired art while spending the morning at some of Austin’s favorite neighborhood parks. In partnership with Painting Pandas (who will be at every session), these easygoing events are especially great for younger kids who like to craft, explore, and create at their own pace. Sessions run from 10 to 11 am, and offer a simple, low-key way to mix art time with fresh air and park play.

Dates & Locations: (Each Art in the Parks event is from 10 am – 11 am)

Saturday, March 14th | Chestnut Pocket Park | 2207 E 16th St, Austin, TX 78702

Saturday, March 28th | Mary Moore Searight Metro Park | 907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748

Saturday, April 11th | Brownie Neighborhood Park | 10000 Brownie Rd, Austin, TX 78753

Saturday, April 18th | Agave Neighborhood Park (5900 Sendero Hills Pkwy, Austin, TX 78724) 

Saturday, May 9th | Dove Springs District Park | 5801 Ainez Dr, Austin, TX 78744

Saturday, May 16th | Brentwood Neighborhood Park | 6710 Arroyo Seco, Austin, TX 78757

Hoops in the Park

Designed for kids in 5th through 8th grade, Hoops in the Park is a fun, high-energy way to get older kids and tweens moving outside. In partnership with Make a Difference Sports (who will be at every session), this basketball-focused morning lets young athletes practice skills, build confidence, and play in a supportive, encouraging environment. Whether they’re brand new to the game or already love shooting hoops, it’s an easy way to stay active, meet new friends, and enjoy some friendly competition at the park.

Dates & Locations: (Each Hoops in the Park event is from 10 am – 11 am)

Saturday, March 21st | Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park |400 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741

Saturday, April 4th | Govalle Neighborhood Park | 5200 Bolm Rd, Austin, TX 78721

Saturday, May 2nd | Govalle Neighborhood Park | 5200 Bolm Rd, Austin, TX 78721

Fitness in the Park

Wednesdays from March 25 through May 13 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Gus Garcia District Park

In partnership with Austin Pickle Ranch, this weekly evening series introduces the basics of pickleball with all paddles, balls, and nets provided, making it easy to jump in even if you’ve never played before. Held Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Gus Garcia District Park from March 25 through May 13, it’s a fun, low-pressure way to try something new and stay active this spring.

NEW – Spark in the Park – Fitness and Brain Games for Seniors

NEW! Spark in the Park is a thoughtful addition to the series, created especially for older adults in our families and communities who want to stay active, social, and engaged outdoors. In partnership with Aging is Cool and Age-Friendly Austin, this gentle wellness program combines light fitness (with seated options) and brain-boosting games in a relaxed park setting, making it approachable for all experience levels. With a focus on movement, connection, and time in nature, the 8-week sessions offer a supportive, uplifting way for seniors to build balance, memory, and community this spring.

Date & Locations: TWO Spring 2026 8-Week Series

Every Monday morning, March 16th through May 4th | 11 am – noon | Gus Garcia District Park |1201 E Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78753

Every Thursday morning, March 19th through May 7th | 10 am – 11 am| Garrison District Park | 6001 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745

Check out the Austin Parks Foundation website for all the details and even more upcoming community events!