Homeschool Austin · Texas
Homeschooling in Austin
9 local places and programs we've checked for homeschool families in Austin — museums, libraries, nature programs, excursions and local groups. Programs, dates and prices change, so check each provider's site before you plan a visit.
New to homeschooling in Texas? Start with our guide to the rules, browse the full Texas resource directory, or read about finding groups and co-ops.
Reading activities
- FreeAges 5–18
Austin Public Library student accounts
Homeschooled students who live in Travis County can get a free Austin Public Library student account for borrowing books and using online resources and homework help. A parent or guardian brings photo ID and proof of address to any branch; the library also lists homeschool events on its calendar.
Visit library.austintexas.gov ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Science experiments
- PaidAges 6–12
Austin Zoo education programs
Austin Zoo, a rescue zoo in southwest Austin, runs a Homeschool Nature Series with ambassador animals and hands-on labs, plus an annual Homeschool Day with community partners. Check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit austinzoo.org ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Arts and crafts
- PaidAll ages
Blanton Museum of Art learning programs
The art museum at UT Austin runs gallery lessons for K–12 groups (ask whether homeschool groups qualify), monthly family events and online resources for educators. Check the site for current programs and prices.
Visit blantonmuseum.org ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Educational excursions
- Free + paid optionsAges 0–11
Thinkery
Austin's children's museum at Mueller, with indoor and outdoor STEAM exhibits for young children. It has had free community hours and runs a second location in Del Valle; check the site for current hours and prices.
Visit thinkeryaustin.org ↗ (opens in a new tab) - Free + paid optionsAll ages
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
The University of Texas at Austin's natural history museum, with fossils, meteorites, minerals and Texas wildlife exhibits. Admission is free on the fourth Sunday of each month, and groups of 10 or more can book discounted visits in advance.
Visit sciencemuseum.utexas.edu ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 5–18
Texas Capitol field trips
The State Preservation Board offers free guided tours of the Texas Capitol and its Visitors Center, with grade-band teacher guides and a self-guided grounds scavenger hunt tied to Texas history and government.
Visit tspb.texas.gov ↗ (opens in a new tab) - Free + paid optionsAges 6+
LBJ Presidential Library education programs
The presidential library on the UT Austin campus offers education programs and resources on US history and government, and has held free homeschool days with registration. Check the site for upcoming events.
Visit lbjlibrary.org ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Outdoor learning
- Free + paid optionsAges 4–11
Austin Nature & Science Center school programs
A city-run nature center in Zilker Park with wildlife exhibits, trails and a dino pit. It offers instructor-led programs and self-guided group reservations that homeschool groups can book; check the site for availability and fees.
Visit austintexas.gov ↗ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 5–18
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center homeschool days
A nature preserve west of Austin near Round Mountain that has run monthly homeschool days during the school year, centered on a guided hike to its grotto. An adult must stay with each child; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit westcave.org ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How homeschooling works in Austin
Homeschooling is legal in Texas. Homeschools are treated as private schools: there is no registration, but you must teach a bona fide curriculum in visual form covering reading, spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship.
Homeschooling in Austin: common questions
Is homeschooling legal in Austin?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Texas. Homeschools are treated as private schools: there is no registration, but you must teach a bona fide curriculum in visual form covering reading, spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship.
Where can homeschoolers go for excursions in Austin?
Options we've checked include Austin Nature & Science Center school programs, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center homeschool days and Austin Zoo education programs. Many programs are designed for school groups, so ask whether homeschool families or groups can book, and check current dates and prices.
Do libraries in Austin help homeschoolers?
Libraries we've listed for Austin include Austin Public Library student accounts and LBJ Presidential Library education programs. Check each library's site for membership, programs and online learning resources that homeschool families can use.
Can I get homeschool tutoring in Austin?
Many families use a tutor for a tricky subject, senior study or test preparation. Our homeschool tutoring guide explains when it helps and what to ask. Success Tutoring is opening learning centers in Texas — check successtutoring.com for availability near Austin.
Extra help in Austin
If your child needs support in a particular subject, our homeschool tutoring guide explains when a tutor helps and what to ask before you sign up.