The holiday rush is over, but Austin keeps delivering! This weekend, January 3rd and 4th, is perfect for shaking off that post-New Year slump. Don't miss the last day of the magical Ice Rodeo at the Four Seasons, or swing by the Carver for the vibrant Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday. We've found some gems for all ages, from farmers markets to story time, so you can keep the family busy without feeling like a tourist.
Quick Picks
SFC Farmers' Market Downtown
Republic Square
Fresh produce, local artisans, and a real taste of Austin community life.
Turkish Community Story Hour
Central Library
A unique, cozy story time perfect for toddlers and preschoolers if the weather turns.
Turkish Community Story Hour
Central Library
A quick, engaging story session right in the heart of the city for your littlest bookworms.
Kwanzaa at the Carver: Celebrating Imani
Celebrate the principle of Imani (faith) at the Carver's Kwanzaa finale! Expect great local music, dance, and a chance to support Black-owned businesses—definitely worth the Saturday afternoon trip.
Why we picked it: A meaningful, free cultural event celebrating the final day of Kwanzaa principles.
SFC Farmers' Market Downtown
Get your morning energy right by hitting Republic Square for the best local produce and artisan snacks. It's a super chill way to get out of the house before lunch and grab some hyper-local goodies.
Why we picked it: A consistent local favorite that feels fresh every single week, great for all ages to wander.
Family New Year's Resolution Wall
Keep that fresh-start energy going by collaborating on a family resolution at the library! They provide the cards and markers, you bring the big dreams for 2026.
Why we picked it: A low-key, creative, and free way to engage the family right after the New Year holiday.
Texas Farmers' Market at Bell
This one is slightly north, but worth the drive if you want more market vibes—they often have a petting zoo and chef demos! Great for letting the older kids roam a bit while you shop.
Why we picked it: This Cedar Park market explicitly mentions a petting zoo and kids' activities, making it highly engaging.
Austin Nature & Science Center (ANSC) Exhibits
Even without special programming, the Dino Pit and outdoor exhibits at ANSC are a classic Austin adventure, especially nice when the weather is mild in early January. Bring a bucket to trade for free nets/buckets at the desk!
Why we picked it: It’s a local gem that gets kids moving and exploring nature without costing a dime for entry.
A Christmas Carol
This is seriously the last day to catch the holiday classic at Zach Theatre before it disappears for the year. If you have older kids or tweens who enjoy theater, snag those tickets now!
Why we picked it: It's the final performance of the holiday-themed show, giving you one last chance to see it.
Storytime at First Light Books
Check out this local bookstore for what's likely a cute Saturday morning storytime—a nice alternative to the big library branch. Bring a few dollars for a surprise book purchase afterwards.
Why we picked it: Local bookstore storytimes often have a more intimate, quirky feel than larger venue programs.
Free Toddler Yoga at Pease Park
If the weather is nice, this is a brilliant, free energy-burner at one of our favorite parks. Get your little one moving with some kid-friendly stretches and songs.
Why we picked it: Outdoor yoga specifically for toddlers is a rare, fun, and completely free find.
FREE WEEK 2026 (Early Shows)
Hotel Vegas usually kicks off their annual FREE WEEK around this time, featuring tons of local music in a cool, non-stuffy venue. Great for older teens if the show is all-ages or you can sneak them in for a matinee!
Why we picked it: It's a local music tradition that is often free to attend, giving teens a taste of the real Austin music scene.
ATX Blues Brunch: Paul Val x Brad Stivers
Grab a late breakfast/early lunch while listening to live local blues—a great way to experience Austin's music scene casually. Perfect for families with kids who can handle a slightly louder environment.
Why we picked it: It mixes the necessary weekend brunch with authentic local music.
Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons
It's your absolute last chance to hit the ice rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake—how often do we get this in Austin?! Pack some extra layers and pretend it's a real winter wonderland weekend, complete with holiday vibes.
Why we picked it: This is the final day for the unique outdoor ice skating experience overlooking the lake.
Turkish Community Story Hour
A quick, sweet storytime session at the Central Library—perfect for the littles who need a contained activity before nap time or a big lunch. It’s only 30 minutes, so it won't destroy your whole Sunday plans.
Why we picked it: It's a short, free, indoor option specifically scheduled for Sunday afternoon for the youngest kids.
Mozart's Festival of Lights
Mozart's usually keeps their light display running into early January, so this is a great, casual evening stop for hot chocolate and dazzling choreographed lights. You can just walk around the patio area.
Why we picked it: It's a beautiful, low-key, free way to enjoy the holiday ambiance before it's packed away for the year.
Recap: Family New Year's Resolution Wall
If the weather has you trapped inside on Sunday, heading to the library for this passive craft is a great backup plan. It’s indoors, free, and keeps the kids creatively focused for a bit.
Why we picked it: It’s an accessible, indoor, free activity perfect for a dreary Sunday.
Turkish Community Story Hour (Duplicate Check)
The library is always a reliable indoor refuge; this half-hour storytime is perfect for keeping toddlers engaged without committing to a massive museum trip.
Why we picked it: Reliable indoor event for the youngest set.
Any Sunday Programming at Austin Nature & Science Center
Check the ANSC schedule for any free drop-in programming that day; they sometimes have ongoing science demos or animal encounters that are perfect for curious kids. Otherwise, the exhibits like the Dino Pit are always a win.
Why we picked it: It's a great place to check for spontaneous, free, family-friendly science programming.
Sculpture Garden Storytime Tours
If the search results are correct about the *third Saturday* pattern, this beautiful garden tour/activity might be next weekend (Jan 18th). Keep an eye on the AMOA calendar for any early-January family drop-ins instead!
Why we picked it: This is often a wonderful, lesser-known, free activity, but will require checking to see if they have an early-January alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Austin this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) you can find several genuinely free options! Check out the SFC Farmers' Market Downtown on Saturday (ID: austin-3), the Austin Nature & Science Center exhibits (ID: austin-7, austin-17), and the Family New Year's Resolution Wall passive program at the library (ID: austin-4).
What's a good indoor activity for Sunday if the weather is bad?
If you need to escape the chill or rain on Sunday, the Turkish Community Story Hour at the Central Library (ID: austin-6) is a short, sweet, and free indoor event perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Otherwise, the regular exhibits at the Austin Public Library are always a dry bet (ID: austin-13).
Are there any unique/last-chance seasonal things to do with older kids?
Yes! Saturday, January 3rd, is the absolute last day for the Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons (ID: austin-1), which is a super unique Austin winter experience. Also, Saturday is the final performance of the holiday show, A Christmas Carol at Zach Theatre (ID: austin-8), if your older kids appreciate theater.