Low-Cost Recreation
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 and 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
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
Art in Nature at Ponciana Park
Celebrate the end of summer with a fun outdoor activity before school begins. This experience is perfect for families and kids ages 6 and up. Choose between Nature Tales & Leaf Art or Mindful Leaf Doodles! — all supplies included.
Location: Ponciana Neighborhood Park. 5201 Freidrich Ln Austin, TX 78744.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, August 8.Click Registration Info link to register. Max number of participants: 30
Additional Info: Meet at the pavilion. Limited Parking, please plan accordingly. Must be accompanied by an adult. 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 2026 Citywide Strategic Plan (PDF) 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.