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Austin Summer Guide 2025: Top Camps & Family Fun
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Paige DeChausse
Paige DeChausse thrives in the unique juxtaposition of her roles: a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in real estate team management and a captivating fron...
Paige DeChausse thrives in the unique juxtaposition of her roles: a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in real estate team management and a captivating fron...
Summer in Austin doesn’t ask for perfection. It asks for sunscreen, a little flexibility, and the willingness to say yes — yes to muddy sneakers, science experiments, tie-dye hands, and lazy afternoons by Barton Springs.
If you're a parent looking to fill your calendar with something better than screen time, you're in the right place. We’ve rounded up the best summer camps in Austin for 2025, along with the top family-friendly events and affordable options across the city. Whether you’re new to town or just looking for fresh ideas, this is your guide to making summer in Austin unforgettable.
Best Summer Camps in Austin for 2025
Looking for a place where your kid can build robots, star in a musical, or kayak across a Hill Country lake? These Austin day camps deliver more than childcare — they offer adventure, creativity, and just the right amount of structure.
Creative & Performing Arts Camps
If your child’s idea of fun includes glue sticks or standing center stage, try these:
🎨 The Art Garage
Pottery, painting, and tie-dye fun for creative campers in South Austin.
🖌️ Cordovan Art School (Multiple Locations)
Drawing, sculpting, anime, and comic book camps for kids who love to create.
🎭 Paramount Theatre Summer Camps (Downtown)
Theater productions set in one of Austin’s most iconic historic venues? Yes, please.
STEM & Innovation Camps
For the future engineers, coders, and scientists:
🧪 Thinkery Summer Camps (Mueller)
STEM-based learning through play — science, engineering, and endless curiosity.
💻 iD Tech Camps at St. Edward’s University
Coding, robotics, AI, and game design for ages 7–17.
⚗️ Mad Science Austin
Explosive (but safe!) experiments that make science exciting and hands-on.
Outdoor & Nature Camps
Because Texas summers are for bug spray and bravery:
🦎 Austin Nature & Science Center (Zilker Park)
Wildlife encounters, fossil digs, creek hikes, and eco-adventures.
🏕️ Camp Doublecreek (Round Rock)
Horseback riding, archery, ziplines, and traditional summer camp spirit.
Sports & Movement Camps
For high-energy kids and budding athletes:
⚽ Lonestar Soccer Club Camps
Skill-building and teamwork for players of all experience levels.
🏀 Austin Sports Academy
Basketball, volleyball, and multi-sport options — all indoors and all action.
🤸 Jump! Gymnastics & Tumble Camp
Perfect for younger campers with energy to spare and a love of movement.
Local Events Your Family Will Love
When camp’s out (or never started), these things to do with kids in Austin will keep your weekends lively — and mostly screen-free.
Blues on the Green (Zilker Park)
Free live music under the stars. Bring a blanket and snacks. Austin at its best.
UMLAUF Family Days
Sculpture gardens, art projects, story time, and space to roam. A true hidden gem.
Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow
Outdoor movies with flair. Expect cult classics, popcorn, and family flicks.
Nature Nights at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Hands-on learning about pollinators, plants, and native Texas wildlife — plus trails and splash zones.
Thinkery Community Nights (Wednesdays)
Free admission to one of Austin’s best children’s museums, packed with interactive exhibits.
Family-Friendly Spots Around Austin
🎨 Mueller
Parks, splash pads, the Thinkery, and wide sidewalks for scooters — plus great eats like Lick Ice Creams and Colleen’s Kitchen. The farmers’ market on Sundays is a local favorite.
🌳 Circle C + Southwest Austin
Quiet streets, shady trails, and family dining spots like Verde’s (with a playground built in!). Perfect for those looking for peace and play.
🎶 South Austin Vibes
Zilker Park, Blues on the Green, and splash pads at Ricky Guerrero or Pease Park. Grab tacos at Taco Deli, ice cream at Amy’s, or hang out under the trees at Meanwhile Brewing — playscape included.
🍕 Kid-Friendly Breweries & Cafés
Cosmic Coffee + Beer – Food trucks, garden paths, chickens, and lots of room to roam.
Independence Brewing Co. – Relaxed and spacious with board games, live music, and weekend events.
Live Oak Brewing – Shady pecan grove near the airport with hammocks and space for kids to run.
Radio Coffee & Beer – Great for early morning tacos or low-key evenings with live music.
🍴 Where to Eat Without a Sitter
Phil’s Icehouse & Amy’s Ice Cream combo spots (Burnet or South Lamar)
Hat Creek Burger Co. – Burgers + playgrounds = parenting win
Little Deli – Pizza, picnic tables, and neighborhood charm
Family-Friendly Spots Around Austin
Get the Local Scoop.
Whether you’re new to Austin or a lifelong local looking for fresh ideas, our team lives for this kind of stuff. We know which camps fill up first, where the shade lasts longest, and which neighborhoods make family life feel a little easier. Need help relocating? Thinking of upsizing before the next school year? We’re here for all of it.