Austin families, we've got your Thanksgiving Break sanity saver. Expect mild, pleasant temps (highs in the upper 60s to low 70s; cool mornings/evenings in the 40s–50s) and a few potential rain days. Use this weatherproof, budget‑smart playbook to keep kids busy all week with low-stress plans, free or cheap parking, and clear timing strategies.

How to use this playbook

• Avoid peak crowds: Hit indoor spots at opening on weekdays; aim 5–7 p.m. for post-nap, pre-dinner windows. If you’re planning to be out later, you can also layer in ideas from Austin's Holiday Nightlife Playbook 2025 for grown‑ups once the kids are down.
• Pack smart: Layers, light rain shell, water bottle, snacks, small towel, change of clothes for splash/water or mud, and a stroller if noted.
• Budget tricks: Per‑car light shows, weekday/morning pricing, free scavenger hunts, and pairing free parks with ticketed stops. You can also watch for special deals and free events on the Austin events calendar.
• Check before you go: Hours and event details can change during holiday weeks.

Insider intelligence for this week (Nov 24–Dec 1)

• Best morning plays (8:45–11 a.m.): Blue Genie Art Bazaar on Mon/Tue for freebies; creative studios; Splash Shack first slot to dodge lines. For a fuller list of kid‑friendly November ideas, see this AustinWithKids roundup.
• Best afternoon windows (2–5 p.m.): Fortlandia on cool, dry days; The Pitch for skating + letters to Santa on cloudy days; Think early dinner after, ideally somewhere from Austin's best kid‑approved patios with playgrounds.
• Best nighttime wins (6–8:30 p.m.): Drive‑thru lights (zero stroller wrangling), Vista Brewing's "Elf" on Sun Nov 30 if weather is clear. For another themed light experience, you can also look at The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail in Austin.
• Rain-backup plan: Swap any outdoor plan for Blue Genie, creative studios, Thinkery, or Splash Shack.

The 7 weatherproof, budget‑smart plans

1. Blue Genie Art Bazaar (indoor, free, stroller‑friendly)

• What: Austin's giant, indoor holiday market with 200+ local artists, a free kids' seek‑and‑find, and fun weekday perks. It’s a similar creative‑market vibe to The Front Market at Waterloo Park—see The Front Market Fall 2025 insider guide for how to tackle big maker bazaars with kids. For current vendor lists, hours, and parking details, check the Blue Genie Art Bazaar official site.
• Where/When: 6100 Airport Blvd., daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Nov 15–Dec 24). Free admission and free parking.

• This week's bonuses: Mon 11/24 Monday Giveaway (first 25 visitors get a free stocking stuffer). Tue 11/25 Donut Tuesday (free donuts in the morning). Local blogs like this Austinot holiday guide often track extra promos and nearby stops.
• Best for ages: 3+ with the seek‑and‑find; babies/toddlers okay in strollers; teens love the quirky art.
• Crowd‑smart timing: Go at opening (10 a.m.) on Mon or Tue for the freebies and easiest browsing. Evenings after 7 p.m. are calmer than midday.
• More info: Blue Genie Art Bazaar

2. Winter Wonderland at The Pitch (outdoor/covered, festive, easy parking)

• What: Seasonal fun with ice skating, Santa visits, kids' play area, and letter‑writing stations. For an overview of kid‑focused happenings there and nearby, peek at this AustinWithKids guide to November activities.
• When: Opened Nov 22; check daily schedule and any skating reservation options.
• Best for ages: 4–12 for skating and crafts; tots enjoy lights and open play; teens for photos and cocoa.
• Crowd‑smart timing: Hit the first skating session on weekdays or arrive 30 minutes before your reserved slot.

3. Splash Shack (indoor micro water park)

• What: A fully indoor, warm‑water micro water park that's perfect when it's chilly outside but kids need serious wiggles out. Check the Splash Shack official site for current session times and height rules before you go.
• When: Open Thanksgiving week; check session times. Book the first slot of the day for the calmest vibe.
• Best for ages: 2–10. Infants can hang in the viewing area with a caregiver.
  For more weather‑savvy planning around water and warmth, you can borrow tactics from our Austin contrast therapy crawl.

4. Fortlandia at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (outdoor, creative climbing)

• What: An imaginative set of kid‑designed forts scattered through the gardens—great for climbing, pretend play, and photos. Runs through Feb 2. For a deep dive on this year’s installations, parking, and perfect timing, bookmark our full Fortlandia 2025–26 insider guide, and confirm hours on the Wildflower Center’s official Fortlandia page.
• When to go: Pick a dry weather window; aim 2–4 p.m. for warmest temps.
• Best for ages: 3–12. Stroller‑friendly with some gravel/dirt; baby carriers recommended for napping infants.

5. Vista Brewing Outdoor Movie Night: "Elf" with s'mores and hot chocolate (Sun, Nov 30)

• What: A family‑friendly outdoor screening of "Elf" with cozy treats.
• When: Sunday, Nov 30. Arrive 45–60 minutes early to settle in, snag a good sightline, and handle snack runs before the film starts. For any last‑minute time or weather updates, check the Vista Brewing events calendar.
• Best for ages: 5+ if they can hang outdoors after dark; littles welcome with blankets and earmuffs.

6. Creative Studios: Pottery painting and craft labs (indoor, calm, reservation‑friendly)

• What: Paint‑your‑own pottery and drop‑in art studios open Thanksgiving week for low‑mess, focused fun. This AustinWithKids studio guide is helpful for picking a spot near you.
• When to go: Mornings are serene; reserve a table for Fri/Sat. Choose 60–90 minute sessions for younger kids.
• Best for ages: 3+ for pottery painting; tweens/teens love glazing and gift‑making.

7. The Light Park (drive‑thru lights = no jackets, no meltdowns)

• What: A stay‑warm, car‑friendly holiday light experience that runs nightly—perfect for toddlers and grandparents alike. You can make it a full lights‑and‑forts night by pairing with Fortlandia, using strategies from The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail guide. For tickets, directions, and FAQs, head to The Light Park’s official Austin page.
• When to go: Weeknights right at opening or after 8 p.m. to avoid the post‑dinner crush.
• Best for ages: All; babies can snooze while the big kids ooh‑and‑ahh.

Fast, local planning notes

• Austin November weather in one line: Mild afternoons (mid‑60s to low 70s), cool mornings/evenings (40s–50s), and a handful of rain days—bring layers and a light rain shell. If you want to mix in a free indoor option on chillier days, the Texas Science and Natural History Museum has rotating family‑friendly exhibits.
• Stroller routes: Blue Genie outer aisles first, then weave inward; Fortlandia is part gravel—use a jogging stroller or carrier.
• Parking intel: Blue Genie has free on‑site parking; The Pitch and Vista Brewing have on‑site lots—arrive early; Wildflower Center lots fill on sunny Saturdays.
• Reservations to make now: Splash Shack sessions; any skating slots at The Pitch; pottery studio tables for Fri/Sat; drive‑thru light tickets via The Light Park.

Primary source links for hours and updates

• Blue Genie Art Bazaar: https://bluegenieartbazaar.com
• Fortlandia at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/fortlandia
• Splash Shack: https://splashshack.com