| Heading to the movies isn't what it used to be - with | | | | classes throughout the week, from swing dancing to |
| snacks and drinks, you could easily spend more than | | | | an intro to salsa dancing. Classes are free with the |
| $50 for a family of 4. Luckily, there are plenty of | | | | purchase of a drink. Aside from these, one of its most |
| activities in Austin that don't break the bank. Check out | | | | popular events is the Sunday Kids' Show, held every |
| some of the best (and least expensive) ways to have | | | | Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The show features a variety of |
| a good time with your family and friends. | | | | children's performers that sing, dance and entertain. For |
| Austin Children's Museum | | | | a full schedule, visit their website at rutamaya.net. |
| On Wednesday nights, Austin's Children's Museum | | | | First Thursday (on South Congress) |
| opens its doors from 5 to 8 p.m. You can check out | | | | As the name implies, this family-friendly event happens |
| their many permanent and seasonal exhibits, as well | | | | the first Thursday of each month on the vibrant South |
| as "Storytime," a special presentation of songs, stories, | | | | Congress Avenue. All venues - restaurants, vintage |
| and activities for the whole family. Admission is | | | | stores, an old-fashioned soda fountain, a costume |
| donation-based, and is suggested at $1 per person. | | | | shop and more - are open until 10 p.m. The event also |
| Blanton Art Museum | | | | features door prizes, art openings, live music, and food |
| Located on the UT Campus, Blanton Art Museum | | | | and drink. |
| offers free admission every Thursday from 10 a.m. to | | | | Congress Avenue Bridge |
| 5 p.m. The museum is host to a variety of art, from | | | | Congress Avenue Bridge - otherwise known as the |
| permanent collections to modern art exhibitions. There | | | | "bat bridge" - draws thousands of spectators every |
| are also several family programs that take place | | | | year. More than 1 million bats make their home in |
| throughout the year, which are free to children 12 and | | | | Austin from March until October, making it the largest |
| under. | | | | urban bat colony on the continent. Arrive just before |
| Zilker Botanical Gardens | | | | dusk and you'll be in the perfect spot see all of them |
| Nestled on 31 acres, Zilker Botanical Gardens is along | | | | as they fly high into the sky. |
| the Colorado River in Zilker Park. Families can stroll | | | | McKinney Falls State Park |
| through the gardens and see an array of beautiful | | | | Just 13 miles east of Austin, McKinney Falls State Park |
| native and exotic plants, as well as educational | | | | spans nearly 750 acres and is one of the most |
| displays. The area features many unique gardens | | | | beautiful places to explore the great outdoors. The |
| including an herb and fragrance garden, Japanese | | | | park is a great spot for hiking, fishing, picnicking, biking, |
| garden, a butterfly trail, and much more. Zilker Botanical | | | | and more. It's also an excellent place for swimming, as |
| Garden is open year-round and draws more than | | | | the area is located right underneath the falls. You and |
| 300,000 visitors each year. | | | | your family are sure to enjoy an exciting day in the |
| Ruta Maya Coffee Company | | | | beautiful Austin climate. |
| Ruta Maya, located on South Congress, offers several | | | | |