If you’re visiting Austin in April, you are in for a treat — it’s one of the best times of year to enjoy the weather and scenery. Perfect for outdoor adventures or hanging out on a patio or at a brewery! You’ll see wildflowers blooming along highways and in parks, and even explore one of the botanical gardens in town to see even more.
And if you live in Austin, you know this is the time of year when we all want to be outside as much as possible! Here are some ideas of what to do this month if you’re in Austin with kids.
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Eclipse Events: April 8
This year, of course, we have the total solar eclipse to look forward to! Lots of local businesses are holding their own events to celebrate and give people a chance to enjoy the phenomenon together on Monday, April 8, 2024.
Mozart’s
See the eclipse lakeside at Mozart’s Coffee. Live music from David Bowie tribute band Thin White Dudes, aerialists pouring coffee, and merch.
You can also rent a paddleboard if you want to watch the eclipse ON the water! RSVP at Mozart’s site.
Rowing Dock
Get out on Ladybird Lake for the moment of totality by renting a kayak, canoe or SUP from Rowing Dock.
Fieldhouse
The Fieldhouse at the Crossover in Leander is holding an Eclipse Watch Party with a raffle to win a car, live music from 11-3 and eclipse themed menu. Eclipse glasses included.
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
Head to New Braunfels to make eclipse-themed enrichment for the animals and do other animal-themed activities and games. The first 500 guests get free eclipse glasses.
Doc’s Drive-In
Live DJ, menu specials and free eclipse glasses from 12-5 pm.
Meanwhile Brewing
The Sienna String Quartet will be playing a set from 1 to 3 pm, and there will be special giveaways, along with a specially brewed beer.
Austin Beerworks – Sprinkle Valley
Watch the eclipse out at the ABW Sprinkle Valley location starting at 10 am. 100 people will get a free ABW Path of Totality pint glass, and they’re giving away 1000 pairs of eclipse glasses.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Get free admission and eclipse glasses at Zilker Botanical Garden on April 8. Parking is limited, so consider ridesharing.
Real Ale Brewing Co.
If you’re considering heading out to the hill country for the eclipse, check out Real Ale’s celebration in Blanco. Wildlife photographer Garry Turnquist will be giving an eclipse photography class for amateurs at 11:45 am, and astronomer Nick Myers will have a solar telescope for guests to peek through. There will also be live music. Buy your tickets and bring a picnic!
Frontyard Brewing
Gather with friends for live music from the New Essentials at Frontyard Brewing and 5Soul Winery.
Letterpress Play
Before the actual eclipse takes place, bring your kids to an eclipse-themed story time on April 8 at 11:30 am. There will be stories, snacks, and a letterpress printed activity.
Bouldin Acres
Both Bouldin Acres locations will be hosting watch parties with glasses provided.
April Events
Honk!TX Festival: April 5-7, 2024
All kinds of street bands and brass bands will be playing in public spaces around Austin in this fun, free festival. Find the schedule and locations at their website.
Sweet Eats Baby Animal Days: Through April 28, 2024
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm has year-round activities, but springtime means babies! February through April, visit the farm for the baby animal petting zoo (included in GA) and bottle feed the babies (not included in GA).
ABC Kite Fest: April 14, 2024
Come fly kites for fun or enter the community kite contest at the 96th annual ABC Kite Fest. 10 am to 5 pm at Zilker Park. Enjoy a lineup of children’s concerts and visit the kid’s club for bounce houses and other fun.
Cedar Park Kite Festival: April 7, 2024
Head to Lakeline Park from 3-7 pm to fly your kites!
Squirrel Fest: April 13, 2024
There is so much going on at Squirrel Fest at Pease Park (4-10 pm)! Family yoga, bird bingo, puppet shows, nature tattoos, instrument zoo, face painting, the Trolls movie on the great lawn and more!
Meanwhile Story Times: April 9 and April 23, 2024
Meanwhile Brewing is hosting springtime story sessions with the Austin Public Library every other Tuesday at 10 am.
Rock the Park: April 19, 2024
Bring a blanket and picnic (or buy food there!) and listen to Geto Gala and Lucas Miller at the Mueller Lake Park amphitheater. This free concert series is curated by KUTX.
Waterloo Morning Glories: Tuesdays in April
Each week of this early childhood education series at Waterloo Park has a different theme, including the solar eclipse, International Book Day, International Jazz Day and Selena Day this month. It starts at 9 am on April 9, and 10 am the rest of the month.
Native Plant Sale at Wildflower Center: Weekends April 12-28
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is hosting its spring Native Plant Sale on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm (April 12-28). Open to the public.
Georgetown Red Poppy Festival: April 26-28, 2024
Catch live music, do crafts with the kids, enjoy artisan markets and stroll the Square at the annual Red Poppy Festival.
Saturday Night Concert Series at Hill Country Galleria: Saturdays in April
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for a family-friendly concert every Saturday night at Hill Country Galleria. The lineup for April is Bob Schneider, Scott Strickland, Madam Radar and Jo James.
Things to Do In April
Visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or Zilker Botanical Garden to see the flowers in full bloom! This is one of the most gorgeous times of year for a visit.
See the bats at Congress Avenue Bridge! Late March to September is the time frame when this urban bat population emerges just after sunset.
Round Rock Express minor league baseball games are in full swing this month.
Want to hit some of the local highlights this month? Read about the Pease Park troll, visiting Barton Springs or taking a trip out to Hamilton Pool.
Considering visiting a different time? Here’s what to do in March or May!