Free Family Fun in Austin This November
Young children learn about the world by being out in it: watching a musician tune a guitar, smelling a garden, carrying a book they chose themselves. Here are free outings around Austin, Round Rock and Georgetown that give little ones real experiences to absorb, with nothing to buy at the door.
We check each event against the organizer's own page before listing it. Plans can change, so tap through to confirm before you go.
November at a Glance
Tap an event to jump to itThis Week
Wednesday, Nov 11 – Sunday, Nov 15
Wed11Free Day at Zilker Botanical Garden
No admission charge all day. Let your child set the pace along the garden paths: stopping to touch bark, listen for water, and notice the fall colors.
City of Austin event page
Sat14Second Saturdays for Families at Laguna Gloria
A free art-making morning on the lakeside grounds of The Contemporary Austin. Hands-on materials and open space to explore make it a good fit for curious toddlers and preschoolers.
The Contemporary Austin events
Sat14Festival of Good
A neighborhood festival in Southeast Austin with face painting, crafts, a petting zoo and a trackless train. Free treats while supplies last.
Festival of Good page
Sat–Sun14–15Texas Book Festival
Free admission to the state's biggest book event, around the Capitol. Look for the children's programs and activities. A lovely chance to let your child choose a book that speaks to them.
Texas Book Festival
Later in November
Nov 18 – Nov 29
Wed18Music on Main
A free outdoor evening concert in downtown Round Rock. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and let little ones move to live music.
City of Round Rock
Sat21Mainly Art
An outdoor art market along downtown Main Street. Free to walk and browse, with plenty to look at for small eyes.
City of Round Rock
Sun22Free Fourth Sunday at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Free museum admission on the UT campus. Fossils and animal skeletons are a natural follow-up to the nature and animal work children do in the classroom.
Museum event page
Fri27Lighting of the Square, Georgetown
Holiday music on the courthouse steps, then the whole square lights up around 6 p.m. Photos with Santa follow, with a donation of an unwrapped toy.
Visit Georgetown
Sun29Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting
Austin's tree of lights comes on for the season. Music starts at 5:15 p.m. and the lighting is at 6 p.m. Free parking. The tree stays lit for evening visits through January 1.
City of Austin