Summer time can come with a lot of pressure for parents. We are fed these lines of “well you only have 18 summers with your kids, make them count!” I call B.S. because I am 35 and STILL harassing my parents! HAHA!! We have compiled a list of activities summer reading programs activities that are either discounted, free or somewhere in between to help make some memories with your kids without spending $100 every time you leave the house.
Summer Reading Programs and Special Events at Libraries
- Austin Public Library– APL does such a wonderful job of having so many fun events for kids (and adults) of all ages!! From Tuneful Tales (story time with the Austin Symphony!!) to Mad Science demonstrations, crafts, reptile shows and so much more. There’s always something going on and BONUS some of these events are happening on the weekend for working parents!
- Cedar Park Library– Their updated kids play space is SO COOL and they’re putting on lots of programs for older kids too! You gotta check this place out!
- Round Rock Public Library– They have such a wonderful printer friendly calendar to check out all their activities they’re doing for kids!
- Barnes and Noble– So simple! Read 8 books, fill out your log and turn it in for a free book!!
- HEB- While they haven’t released an updated version for 2025, it looks like its coming soon and their website is a treasure trove of good stuff including a premade scavenger hunt in both Spanish and English!
- BookPeople– They are calling it the Take 5 Book Dive! Super simple, read 5 books, document them on their tracker and turn it in for $5 off your next purchase!
Discounted Movies!
- Alamo Drafthouse– These movies are happening at most of their locations around town. They are doing showings on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Cinemark– Tickets are $1.75. These movies are showing only at their Southpark Meadows location on Wednesday at 9:30am. Bonus! Discounted concessions like $1 OFF deals on kids’ snack packs and any size popcorn & drink combos!
- Regal Cinemas– Tickets are $1 and this only applies to the first showing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Summer Movie Express guests can purchase a specially priced $5 Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, snack-sized popcorn, and fruit snacks. Save an additional $3 when paired with an order of Dippin’ Dots!
- AMC– Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am and 2pm. Tickets are $3 and you can see the list of movies available (Dreamworks Animation movies) on their website.
- EVO Cinemas– Everyday at 10am- one select movie is $1 with discounts on concessions too! There’s a location in Belterra and one in Kyle!
Live Music and Musicals
- Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park– every Sunday starting in June. The concerts happen on the lawn of The Long Center and begin at 7:30pm. Tickets are not required. We recommend bringing a lawn chair, blanket, insect repellent, and beverages to stay hydrated. Parking is available in the Palmer Events Center Garage for $10. I recommend checking out the Liz Carpenter Splash Pad before hand. The lights are synchronized to the water and it’s so cool to see!
- The Drop in at The Long Center– another fantastic offering by The Long Center. Every Thursday night, there will be a different band playing on their 3D printed stage presented by H-E-B. There will be also be food trucks there for dinner! Perfect for a family picnic!
- Zilker Summer Musical is back. This year, they are preforming Bring it On! The show is running from July 11-August 16 on Thursday-Sunday evenings starting at 8:15pm. Always happens at the Hillside Theatre!
- Hill Country Galleria Summer Musical– SpongeBob the Musical presented by Magnolia Musical Theatre. the show runs from July 16-August 16 and begins at 8pm!
Discounted Visits and Play Passes
- Urban Air- pass costs $69.99 and is valid at the park that it is purchased at. It is valid for 120 days from the day it is purchased.
- Kids Bowl Free– 2 free games of bowling per day! 5 locations across Austin! You can $40 for up to 4 more people. Pass is only valid at one location
- Spare Time– Once they’re signed up, each child (ages 5-14) can redeem their Summer Fun Pass every single weekday (Monday-Friday before 5PM) for one FREE Bowling Game + Shoes or one FREE Laser Tag Mission or one FREE 30-min. Arcade Card!
- Main Event– 2 types of passes, basic and premium. Get all the details on their website
- Chuck E Cheese–
- Monthly Memberships: You get all of the benefits below for a low monthly fee charged to your credit card each month. You have to agree to stay in the program for a minimum of 12 months, but you can EASILY cancel anytime after that.
- 2 Month Fun Pass: Same benefits as Membership, except you pay up front for two months and for a limited time you get a third month free.
- Pins and Wheels at Playland skate center-
- Ultimate Summer Fun Pass Includes:
Unlimited Roller Skating
5x Bowling Games (Shoes NOT included)
4x $10 Game Cards
2x 30-Minute Axe Throwing Games
1x Karaoke Room Rental
- Ultimate Summer Fun Pass Includes: