Austin Parks and Recreation is proud to provide a variety of free and low-cost programs for youth and teens. We strive to create positive, meaningful experiences for all of Austin’s youth through access to quality programs. We understand that many barriers exist to participation, such as access to transportation and program fees. Our goal is to reduce these barriers through intentional programs, equitable policies, and dedicated funding aimed at ensuring all youth & teens have the opportunity to join our programs and be successful.
This page highlights our free and low-cost programs offered year-round at local recreation centers and park facilities. Born out of the City’s social fabric initiative in the late 90’s, these programs aim to reduce risk during vulnerable times of the day such as after school and during the summer. Programs encourage development through active play, the arts, critical thinking, leadership activities, and career exploration that offer youth and teens an opportunity to interact with positive role models and their peers to create friendships and meaningful experiences. We encourage you to browse this program guide and try out the many opportunities available.
- Recreation Ambassador
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Austin Parks and Recreation invites you to participate in our new volunteer-led programming as a Recreation Ambassador or as a participant at the upcoming Recreation Ambassador events. The Recreation Ambassador program is part of the City of Austin’s goal to ensure and preserve equitable access to parks, trails, open space, and recreational opportunities by increasing collaboration with partners for programming at various sites.
Upcoming Events:
Story Time at Georgian Acres
Bring your little ones (ages 3–5) for a magical storytelling adventure under the trees!
Location: Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park. 500 E Powell Ln., Austin, Texas 78753
Time: 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Dates:- February 21, 2026 - English
- March 21, 2026 - Spanish
- April 18, 2026 - English
- May 16, 2026 – Spanish
Click Registration Info link to register. Max number of participants: 20 kids
Additional Info: Meet at the pavilion. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on or for cold weather. Must be accompanied by an adult. Registration requested but drop-ins are welcome.
Plant Walk and Talk at Mabel Davis
Our new Recreation Ambassadors programming continues at Mabel Davis with a "Plant Walk in the Park" on Love greenery? Curious about what’s growing around you? Join us for a free, laid-back plant talk under the open sky! Learn cool tips, swap stories, and connect with fellow plant lovers!
Location: Mabel Davis District Park: 3427 Parker Ln. Austin, TX, 78741
Date & Time: Saturday, February 28th at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Click Registration Info link to register.
Additional Info: Meet up at benches by swimming pool gates. Led by City of Austin Recreation Ambassador. Registration requested but drop-ins are welcome.
Background
As part of the Citywide Strategic Plan’s commitment to Community Health & Resilience, Austin Parks and Recreation’s Goal Advancement Team for strategy CH.2.2.2 created the new Recreation Ambassadors initiative to expand access to free, community-led programming in parks across Austin. This strategy is to ensure and preserve equitable access to parks, trails, open space, and recreational opportunities through programming at underutilized sites led by partners and community members.
- Summer Playgrounds Program
The Summer Playground Program is a free drop-in program of intentionally developed recreational activities for youth ages 4 to 12. The Summer Playgrounds Program fosters healthy living, character building, and teamwork through collaborative and active play.
- Totally Cool Totally Art Teen Art Outreach Program
Totally Cool Totally Art fosters artistry and creativity in teens through learning and working alongside local artists. The Program offers opportunity for creative expression in a mentoring environment. Participants will have an opportunity to show work in annual gallery exhibitions.
- Roving Leaders Mobile Teen Outreach Program
The Roving Leaders Mobile Teen Outreach Program is a “recreation center on wheels,” carrying staff and resources for impromptu recreation activities. The program aims to enhance Austin teens’ quality of life with education and cultural activities while guiding them toward healthy lifestyles and better choices. Roving Leaders also provides transportation and a meal daily.
- Teens in Leadership Training
Teens in Leadership Training is a program that provides teens professional and personal development training. Participants experience core components for recreational programming, internship opportunities at partnering recreation centers, planning and execution of afterschool events and more. The program emphasizes leadership and job readiness in a recreational setting.
- Financial Assistance for Youth Programs: Program Discounts and Scholarships
In addition to free and low-cost programs, Austin Parks and Recreation has programs youth and teen activities that require registration fees. For these programs, we offer financial assistance to qualifying households to lessen the financial burden. There are even scholarships to further assist households with substantive financial burdens. To complete the financial aid application and learn more, visit the Financial Aid webpage.