Free things to do
No admission, no tickets. Parks, playgrounds, trails, libraries, and a few other spots that don't charge to walk in. Some have paid extras (a pool or a café), which we note on each page.
In and around Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs addresses, plus spots about 20 minutes or less from the center of town. Ages 0–5 first.
Charro Ranch Park
Trail · Driftwood
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 5 min from Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs Community Library
Library · Dripping Springs
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 5 min from Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs Ranch Park
Park · Dripping Springs
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 5 min from Dripping Springs
Founders Memorial Park
Park · Dripping Springs
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 5 min from Dripping Springs
Sports and Recreation Park
Park · Dripping Springs
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 5 min from Dripping Springs
Beerburg Beer Garden
Restaurant / brewery · Dripping Springs
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 10 min from Dripping Springs
Worth the drive
SW Austin, Bee Cave, Wimberley, Driftwood, and nearby towns.
Barnes & Noble Hill Country Galleria
Bookstore · Bee Cave
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeIndoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Bee Cave Arts Foundation Gallery
Class · Bee Cave
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Bee Cave Central Park
Park · Bee Cave
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Bee Cave Public Library
Library · Bee Cave
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Bee Cave Sculpture Park
Park · Bee Cave
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Blue Hole Regional Park
Park · Wimberley
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park on Slaughter Creek
Park · SW Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens
Park · Wimberley
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Jacob's Well Natural Area
Trail · Wimberley
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Lake Travis Community Library
Library · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Lake Travis Community Library - West
Library · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
The Natural Gardener
Farm & animals · SW Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Wimberley Village Library
Library · Wimberley
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Windmill Run Park
Park · SW Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 25 min from Dripping Springs
Austin Public Library - Hampton Branch at Oak Hill
Library · SW Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 30 min from Dripping Springs
Cypress Creek Nature Trail & Preserve
Trail · Wimberley
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 30 min from Dripping Springs
Dick Nichols District Park
Park · SW Austin
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 30 min from Dripping Springs
Dragon Park
Playground · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 30 min from Dripping Springs
Lakeway Activity Center Park
Playground · Nearby towns
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 30 min from Dripping Springs
Lakeway City Park
Park · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 30 min from Dripping Springs
A.B. Dittmar Neighborhood Park
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Armadillo Neighborhood Park
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Austin Public Library - Menchaca Road Branch
Library · SW Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Buda Amphitheater & City Park
Park · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Buda Public Library
Library · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Care Bears Play Area
Indoor play · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
FreeIndoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Historic Stagecoach Park
Park · Nearby towns
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
James A. Garrison District Park
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
La Verde Park
Playground · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Laura's Library (Westbank Library)
Library · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Lost Creek Boulevard Park
Playground · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Moontower Saloon
Restaurant / brewery · SW Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Sunset Valley City Hall Backyard
Playground · SW Austin
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Valley Creek Park
Playground · SW Austin
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Westbank Library
Library · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 35 min from Dripping Springs
Austin Nature & Science Center
Museum · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor + outdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Austin Public Library - Twin Oaks Branch
Library · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Green Meadows Park
Playground · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Gregg-Clarke Park
Park · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Kyle Public Library
Library · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Lake Kyle Park
Park · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Mary Kyle Hartson Park
Playground · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Ricky Guerrero Splash Pad
Swim & splash · Austin · Seasonal
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Rollingwood Park
Park · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Steeplechase Park
Park · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Wimberley Glassworks
Attraction · Nearby towns
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor + outdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Zilker Park Playscape
Playground · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 40 min from Dripping Springs
Alliance Children's Garden at Butler Park
Playground · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Austin Central Library
Library · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Austin Public Library - Howson Branch
Library · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Austin Public Library - Yarborough Branch
Library · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Bunton Creek Park
Park · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center
Museum · Austin
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Little Stacy Neighborhood Park
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
FreeOutdoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Meanwhile Brewing Co.
Restaurant / brewery · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor + outdoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Pease Park (Kingsbury Commons)
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Texas Military Forces Museum
Museum · Austin
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor + outdoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Waterleaf Park
Playground · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 45 min from Dripping Springs
Bartholomew District Park
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 50 min from Dripping Springs
Children's Park
Playground · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 50 min from Dripping Springs
Mueller Lake Park (Girard Kinney Park)
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 50 min from Dripping Springs
Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park
Park · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeOutdoor about 50 min from Dripping Springs
San Marcos Discovery Center
Museum · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor + outdoor about 50 min from Dripping Springs
San Marcos Public Library
Library · Nearby towns
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 50 min from Dripping Springs
Austin Public Library - Spicewood Springs Branch
Library · Austin
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 3–5
- Ages 6–9
- Ages 10–12
FreeIndoor about 55 min from Dripping Springs