If you’re one of the many Austin parents waking up today realizing MLK Day is tomorrow and school is closed, you’re not alone. Spots are disappearing fast, but several high‑quality, activity‑rich day camps still have availability. This guide highlights the best last‑minute options—plus what’s actually worth booking.
MLK Day camp dates, prices, and ages can change year to year. Always double‑check the official registration links here before you drive over or promise a spot to your kid.
INSIDER INTELLIGENCE
The most reliable same‑day and next‑day openings tend to come from high‑energy gyms and art studios. Art studios especially keep flexible rosters for holiday camps, making them the strongest last‑minute bet for January 20. If you want even more structured options later in the month, events like the Austin School Fair 2026 can help you plan longer‑term enrichment.
When you’re booking at the last minute, start with art studios first, then gyms. Studios often keep short waitlists and can sometimes place siblings together if you call or email.
URBAN YOUTH PARK MLK DAY CAMP (HIGH‑ENERGY OPTION)
Time: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM, Jan 19
Ages: 5–14
Price: $60/day
Activities: Parkour, trampoline, tumbling, Ninja Warrior elements, Nerf battles, dodgeball.
Why it’s a strong pick: Camps at Urban Youth Park rarely stay open long, but when they do, they’re favorites for kids who need high‑motion play. You can confirm details and register quickly via the official Urban Youth Park MLK Day camp listing.
Have kids wear athletic clothes and closed‑toe shoes, and send a labeled water bottle—this one is non‑stop movement, and breaks go quickly.
Discounts: 10% sibling discount; 10% member discount.
More info: https://urbanyouthpark.com
AWESOME ART MLK DAY CAMPS (ART‑CENTERED, FLEXIBLE)
Awesome Art
$$Location: 1110 Guadalupe St.
Times: Full day 9–5 or afternoon 1–5
Ages: 6–12 (younger ages may be accepted)
Activities: Painting, printing, drawing, SEL breathing, nature walks, peaceful service projects.
Why parents like it: Creative, calm, centrally located, and typically easier to book last‑minute. For live registration and a breakdown of the 1–5 PM session, check the Awesome Art MLK Day Art Afternoon Camp. A second listing, the MLK Day Art Camp featuring printing and service projects, can be helpful if one platform shows limited spots.
If you have a younger sibling outside the stated age range, reach out directly—Awesome Art sometimes makes case‑by‑case exceptions when staff capacity allows.
More info: https://awesomeart.com
AUSTIN SUNSHINE CAMPS – FIRST TIME CAMPER DAY
Austin Sunshine Camps
$Date: Jan 20, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Short‑format option for families wanting a structured half‑day. Before or after this camp, you can pair it with a family outing to something uniquely Austin, like exploring the Cathedral of Junk or visiting the Republic of Texas History Center’s hidden archives.
More info: https://sunshinecamps.org
BONUS HIGH‑QUALITY MLK DAY CAMP OPTIONS
If your first‑choice camps are full, these activity‑rich programs can also work well for last‑minute planners:
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Apache Art House MLK Day Camp – A creative “School’s Out” session (9 AM–12 PM, Jan 19) with art projects that appeal to kids who like making and crafting. See the official Apache Art House MLK camp details for schedule and registration.
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Ball‑Hard MLK Basketball Camp – A coed, high‑energy basketball camp (8 AM–12 PM, Jan 19, ages 8–16) focused on skills and fun; ideal if your child wants sports instead of general camp. Parents can review times, pricing, and sign‑up info on the Ball‑Hard MLK Basketball Camp page.
FAST‑FILL BONUS OPTIONS (NON‑CAMP BUT RELIABLE CHILD ENTERTAINMENT)
These aren’t drop‑off programs but often help families build last‑minute MLK Day plans:
- Splash Shack
- Indigo Play
- Altitude Trampoline Park
These spots can get crowded on school holidays. If the venue offers reservations or advance tickets, grab a time slot to avoid long lines or mid‑day sellouts.
For an easy all‑day flow, you can combine a morning camp with an afternoon family activity like Fortlandia 2026, or cap your day with an evening event such as Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre’s Austin debut.
INTERNAL LINKS FOR FURTHER PLANNING
If you're shaping a full family day around camp hours, check out:
- Inside Fortlandia 2026: https://austintexasthings.com/article/inside-fortlandia-2026-the-insider-guide-to-austins-most-imaginative-outdoor-exhibition
- Inside Austin’s Cathedral of Junk: https://austintexasthings.com/article/inside-austins-cathedral-of-junk-the-insider-guide-to-the-backyard-landmark-locals-still-cant-believe-exists
- Inside the Austin School Fair 2026: https://austintexasthings.com/article/inside-the-austin-school-fair-2026-the-insider-guide-to-navigating-every-school-option-in-one-free-highvalue-family-event
- Inside Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre: https://austintexasthings.com/article/inside-popovich-comedy-pet-theatres-austin-debut-the-insider-guide-to-the-worldfamous-rescueanimal-show-coming-january-31
You can also bookmark forward‑planning guides like Ready, Set, Plant! at Boggy Creek Greenbelt or this look at FronteraFest 2026 at Hyde Park Theatre to build out your family calendar beyond MLK weekend.
BOTTOM LINE
You still have excellent last‑minute options for MLK Day—but move quickly. Art studios tend to keep the most flexible capacity, while high‑energy gyms like Urban Youth Park are ideal for active kids if you can grab a spot in time. For parents wanting to pair camps with something memorable for the whole family, Austin’s rich lineup of experiences—from Fortlandia’s outdoor structures to quirky landmarks like the Cathedral of Junk—means you can still turn a last‑minute scramble into a genuinely great day.
Related Austin Data
Inside Last‑Minute MLK Day Camps in Austin: The Insider Guide to Snagging Creative, High‑Value Day Camps Before They Sell Out
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