As the weather starts to get cooler and leaves start to fall each year, there are so many things to do in and around Austin! We gathered these activities to help you and your little ones have some nature-themed fun this Fall and Winter! To quash any weekend boredom, check out our list of crafts and events we compiled just for y'all:
Leaf Rubbing Collage
This simple leaf rubbing craft is a perfect way to get kids outside to collect leaves and learn about nature!
Coffee Filter Butterfly
Learning how to make this classic kid's craft is a perfect way to introduce kids to beautiful, fragile butterflies.
Recycled Toilet Paper Tube Bee
We are celebrating trees and pollinators in early November! This bee craft shows your appreciation for bees and uses recycled materials!
Watercolor Monarch Project
It is the perfect time of year for this craft! Monarch butterflies are specially recognized during Dia de Los Muertos, which occurs on November 1st and 2nd. This is when the monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico! Learn more about the significance of monarch during Dia de Los Muertos here, and learn how to make this incredible craft.
Puffy Newspaper Tree
This fun craft is a perfect way to appreciate nature and create a craft using recyclable materials!
Austin Nature & Science Center
Visit ANSC for an Educational Adventure!
Have you visited the Austin Nature & Science Center (ANSC) yet? An awesome, educational adventure awaits! ANSC offers opportunities for kids and adults alike to learn about Austin's natural environment. You can learn about everything from butterflies to caving and much more. Learn more about ANSC and check out their events here.
Tiny Tours - Virtual Tours
Every Friday-Sunday, there are virtual tours of the spaces around the Austin Nature & Science Center so you can enjoy the nature Austin has to offer right from home.
Fall & Winter Break Camp
Looking for opportunities for your kids can get outside and enjoy the weather? Check out the two-day camps offered by the Austin Nature and Science Center! Fall Break Camp is happening November 22-24 and Winter Break Camp is happening December 20-22! The theme for Fall will be patterns and cycles of nature while the Winter theme is TBD.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Fortlandia
Fortlandia is a spectacular collection of custom forts designed by local artists and built in the Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum. Each fort is unique will send you to a different imaginary world. Check it out until January 30th, 2022.
Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center
Current Exhibits
The Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center has rotating educational exhibits for children and families to come learn about the ecosystem in Austin. The current exhibits include Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer, Living Springs, Salamander Springs and more!
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Austin Trail of Lights
The Austin Trail of Lights is returning to Zilker Park! Don't miss out on Austin's annual holiday lights show from November 27th to December 31st, tickets are on sale now. Be sure to keep an eye out for Austin Parks Foundation's light display while you're driving through!
