While winter in Austin is mild by comparison, the days still get a little too cool for all the great outdoor activities summer embraces. Even so, you can still have great family fun in and out of the city limits. Plan a few fun Saturdays or waken up a week night with any of these great winter activities Austin has to offer.

Try a New Hangout

Make some s’mores–winter style inside. Halcyon Coffeehouse offers a make your own s’more platter you can roast and build right at your table alongside a great cup of coffee with hot chocolate for the kiddos.
If you want to actually stargaze on a winter night, check out the Star Party at Westcave Preserve. Local astronomers will be on hand to answer questions and help you finally find those elusive constellations. Upcoming date is February 3rd, 2018, with more dates TBA in late January.
If the weather’s nice enough for a drive and a stroll and a really great lunch, visit Jacob’s Well and Salt Lick BBQ. Less crowds in winter means you can enjoy the beauty of the natural spring and then warm up with a plate of brisket and a slice of pecan pie.

Learn a Winter Sport

Ice skating is classic winter fun made even better when you’re on the plaza at Whole Foods Lamar. Open daily in the winter from 10-9, it’s only $10/person and includes your skate rental.
You can also skate over at Chaparral in the Northcross Center, and since it’s open year round, there’s plenty of time to perfect your style. $10/person includes skate rental.

Visit a Museum

The Texas Military Forces Museum is a great place to see tanks, helicopters, cannons, trucks, and many other pieces that help kids (and adults) understand America’s military history. Located at Camp Mabry, the museum has five major exhibit areas. Each showcases a different part of the Texas Military Forces history.
Bullock Museum carries out its ‘everything Texas’ motto with a presentation of Pong to Pokemon: The Evolution of Electronic Gaming. This interactive exhibit features games specific to Texas’s culture and history as well as shout outs to Texan entrepreneurs who have helped gaming develop into the past time–and business–it is today.

Embrace Indoor Time

When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing wrong with a great inside activity for the whole family. Take in a UT Longhorn game and support the men and women of the court. Not a basketball fan? Check out the Dallas Stars for a great winter sport experience that doesn’t require you to be on the ice yourself.
The popular Alamo Drafthouse has several Austin locations including Mueller and South Lamar. Take your movie-going experience to a whole new level with a great menu offering full meals. Catch dinner and a movie on a weekend with the kids, or plan a date night for yourselves with one of the indie or throwback showings.
What’s your favorite winter activity?