When Austin temperatures start climbing toward triple digits, parents across the city face the same annual challenge: finding ways to keep kids entertained without melting in the process.
Fortunately, the Austin Public Library has a solution that comes with air conditioning, free admission and a summer calendar packed with dinosaurs, art projects, storytimes and learning activities.
The annual Summer at Austin Public Library program kicks off June 6 and runs through Aug. 8, encouraging children to read, create and explore while school is out. This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” leans heavily into prehistoric fun, with dinosaur-themed events scheduled throughout the summer.
The centerpiece is the Summer Reading and Badge Challenge, which asks participants to read — or be read to — for at least 20 minutes per day or 600 minutes total and complete three activity badges. Children ages 17 and younger who finish the challenge can receive a free book while supplies last.
But the reading challenge is only part of the fun.
Dinosaur-themed block party to kick off the season
The program begins with the Kids Block Party at the Central Library, which runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 6. It’s a dinosaur-filled celebration featuring fossils, storytimes and hands-on learning opportunities.
Highlights include:
- Dinosaur George Pop-Up Museum: Explore dinosaur fossils and replicas from the Dinosaur George Traveling Museum. (9 a.m.-4 p.m. in First Floor Special Events Center)
- CapMetro Bus Storytime: Hear a reading of “Gus Hearts the Bus” with local author Lindsay Leslie aboard an Austin Public Library Centennial decorated CapMetro bus, parked on 2nd Street. (9:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. outside on Second Street)
- Ask a Paleontologist: Touch fossil replicas and ask dinosaur questions to a team of experts from the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. (10 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. in First Floor Demonstration Area)
- Dinosaur Storytimes: Join paleontologist BK Bones for a special storytime, “Dinosaurs of Texas.” (10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in Third Floor Children’s Room)
- Nature with Austin Park Rangers: Discover cool nature items with the Austin Park Rangers. (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Third Floor Atrium)
- Tech Play and STEM Exploration: Explore the Innovation Lab and try out robotics, featuring Girlstart and Girl Scouts of Central Texas. (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Fifth Floor Innovation Lab)
Free books and giveaways will also be distributed at the event while supplies last.
The event is recommended for children ages 3-10 and their families, according to the library website.
Summer calendar
Across the Austin Public Library’s 21 branches, the summer calendar reads more like a camp brochure.
- Bestie Wonderland Presents: Lost Library of Time!
- Air Dry Clay Seed Mosaics
- World Art Adventures
- Magic Tree House Book Party
- Literature LIVE! Presents: Stanley and the Dinosaurs
- Singing Zoologist Presents: Animals Rock!
- Dino Disco Art Party
- Dig into Archaeology
- Prehistoric Habitats
- DIY Puppets
- Trinket Boxes
- You are the Artist: Collage Art
- InvestiGATORS Book Party
- Mo Willems Party
- Austin Symphony Presents: Tuneful Tales
- BK Bones Presents: Terrific T-Rex
- Austin Reptile Shows just for kids!
- Austin Public Library’s 100th Birthday Bash
- Meet the Opera with Austin Opera & University of Texas
- ArtSmart: When Dinos Walked and Dinos Rocked
These events will each happen multiple times throughout the summer. Times and locations vary. Check the library website for an exact schedule.
For younger children, the library continues to offer its popular storytime programming, featuring books, music, rhymes and interactive activities designed for different age groups. Some programs will be offered in multiple languages, including Spanish and Mandarin.
Parents should note that some summer programs are expected to draw large crowds and may require ticketed reservations due to limited space. Tickets are typically distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.