Summer is the perfect time for kids and teens to explore new interests, build friendships, and enjoy enriching experiences. Whether they love outdoor adventures, technology, or leadership opportunities, there’s a program for everyone! Here’s a guide to some fantastic, free summer programs in Austin and beyond.
Outdoor Adventure & Traditional Summer Camps
Summer Playgrounds Program (Ages 5–12) – City of Austin
Summer Playgrounds Program | AustinTexas.gov
This free, drop-in program offers supervised outdoor activities such as sports, arts and crafts, games, and team-building exercises. Children can enjoy a fun, active summer in a safe and supportive environment.
📅 Dates: June 10 – August 2, 2024 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
📍 Locations: Various Austin parks (Chestnut Pocket Park, James A. Garrison District Park, Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, Patterson Neighborhood Park, Roy G. Guerrero Metropolitan Park, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park)
📞 Contact: 512-974-3922 | Email: SummerPlaygroundsProgram@austintexas.gov
No advanced registration is required; sign up on-site on the first day of attendance.
Sunshine Camps at Zilker Park & Lake Travis (Ages 8–15)
This overnight camp experience provides outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, canoeing, and team-building activities. Meals and transportation are included. Campers must qualify for the Texas public school free and reduced lunch program to attend.
📅 Sessions:
Session 1: June 9 – 18
Session 2: June 23 – July 2
Session 3: July 14 – 23 (7-day option for 8-9-year-olds: July 14-20)
Session 4: July 28 – August 6
📍 Locations: Ages 8-11 at Zilker Park; Ages 12-15 at Lake Travis
📞 Contact: 512.472.8107 | Email: info@sunshinecamps.org
🌐 Website: www.sunshinecamps.org
Check your eligibility:
Volunteers and donations are always welcome!
The Rosendin Foundation Camp Build
The Rosendin Foundation’s Camp Build is a free day camp for 6th–8th graders to explore construction skills through hands-on projects like building lamps and doghouses for donation. Campers learn woodworking, soldering, roofing, and more while safely using tools and discovering career opportunities in the trades. Sponsorships are available! Sign up today.
📅 Dates: June 2 – 6, 2025
📍 Location: Junior Electric Training Alliance
🌐 Website: TRF Camp Build Austin
Camp Glimmer (Ages 7–12)
A free summer camp for disadvantaged youth, Camp Glimmer offers kids the chance to experience outdoor activities, build confidence, and have fun. Participation is by invitation only through nonprofit organizations supported by A Glimmer of Hope Austin.
📅 Dates: Mid-June to early August
📍 Location: Candlelight Ranch, Marble Falls, TX
📞 Contact: austin@glimmer.org
🌐 Website: www.glimmeraustin.org