It’s a new year! Time to get back into the swing of things after the holiday, but also time to do lots of fun stuff that Austin has to offer!
Austin is lucky when it comes to winter, because even in January, you can still spend time outdoors and there are lots of fun events going on. Check out these fun ideas for what to do in Austin this month, and plan your January now.
In This Post
Hiking
Whether you want to do a First Day Hike on January 1st or you just want to enjoy the mild winter weather, hiking in January is a great option. There are lots of nice hikes within Austin city limits, as well as more than a handful of state parks within 90 minutes of Austin (perfect for a day trip!). The photo above is from one of our First Day hikes at Pedernales Falls State Park, just past Dripping Springs in Johnson City.
Fortlandia: Open all month
This is the last full month for the Fortlandia forts at Wildflower Center in Southwest Austin. I highly recommend visiting Fortlandia, whether you’re visiting or live here, because it’s so fun for everyone in the family! Artists and design firms make the most interesting forts and play structures that kids love to climb all over and adults love to see (and plan on too!).
Fortlandia’s last day is February 2nd.
End of Holiday Events: until Jan. 5
If you’re looking for something to do before school starts again, several of the holiday light shows and events run through early January.
Check out Luminations at the Wildflower Center, The Light Park at Dell Diamond, Mozart’s light display, and ice skating at Hill Country Galleria.
MLK Day Camps: January 20
Monday, January 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and school is out! If you have to work, book a day camp for your kids.
Create Process Art Studio: 9 am – 12 pm
Peace, Love, and Art: MLK Day Process Art Camp for ages 4-10.
Saplings Studio: 9:30 am – 1 pm
Ages 5-12. Make a colorful peace sign wall hanging at this art day camp.
If you’re looking for something to do with your kids, know that most libraries are closed, but lots of indoor play places and kid-friendly restaurants/coffee shops are still open. Just a few to consider: Splash Shack, Indigo Play, Altitude, Brentwood Social House
Celebrate Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is on Wednesday, January 29. Austin Public Library has lots of celebrations at its branches, some as early as Jan. 18 and others on Jan. 25 or into February.
Austin Sports in January
If you’re interested in catching a game in Austin this month, here are the teams that have seasons going on: Texas Stars minor league hockey, Austin Spurs NBA G League team, Texas Longhorns basketball, and Texas Roller Derby league.
Free Museum Days in January
Visit Austin museums for free the following days this month:
Bullock Museum: January 4
Contemporary Austin (both locations): every Thursday
Blanton Museum of Art: every Tuesday
January Events in Austin
Find more upcoming events on the calendar.
Family Day at Umlauf: January 12
New Year, New Creation is the theme for Umlauf’s Family Day for January. There will be story times, the opportunity to create art, and activities to explore the connections between art and nature.
Tiny Tails at BookPeople: January 16
Bring your little ones in for storytime and a small-animal petting zoo on Jan. 16 at 10 am.
What’s the weather like in Austin in January?
January is typically the coldest month in Austin, but the area does have very mild winters. Average temperatures are lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. You may see some rain or sleet, and some temperatures below freezing, but there are typically lots of sunny days as well.
Find out what to do in Austin in December.