Free things to do in Austin
The skyline is visible from Lou Neff Point on the hike and bike trail.
June 3, 2016
Summer is all about having fun, but having fun comes at a price. Not to worry. Here are some enjoyable things to do in Austin. And the best part? They’re all free.
Capitol
1100 Congress Ave.
www.tspb.texas.gov
Get to see where our state officials work, including the Governor. Capitol tours last around 40 minutes and include state history, the building’s architecture and fun facts about the Legislature. But you can also grab a brochure on the first floor and take a self-guided tour. Make sure to check out the senate chamber which still has original desks made of walnut, and stand under the rotunda for a gorgeous picture.
Austin Science and Nature Center
2389 Stratford Dr.
austintexas.gov
The Austin Science and Nature Center has hands-on activities for all ages. The activities are made to show how important the natural environment is. The activities are indoors and outdoors and they provide biology, astronomy, paleontology insight. Afterwards have lunch in Zilker Park since the Nature Center is close to it.
Austin Bats
Congress Avenue
www.batsinaustin.com
Lasting 45 to 60 minutes, the Mexico free-tailed bats leave the Congress Avenue bridge right before sunset and come back before the sunrise. Bring dinner or a snack while you watch millions fly into the night sky and come back early next morning to see them return. Pack breakfast or buy some after the bats.
Walk South Congress
www.austintexas.org
South Congress has great stores for people in walk in and out of. Find your next Halloween costume at Lucy in Disguise, a thrift store with costumes, wigs, and accessories from the 1900s or find those cowboy boots you always wanted at Allen’s Boots. Going to South Congress doesn’t mean you have to buy something. Create a scavenger hunt with things that are at South Congress. Or head down to the hip strip on the first Thursday of the month. Shops stay open till 10 pm while musicians play on the streets and vendors set up tents with their wares for shoppers.
Bull Creek Greenbelt
Bull Creekbelt Trail
A 3.5 mile trail away from the city for the nature lovers. Wear bathing suits under your clothes since there will be a creek after the hike (hence the name). Bring lots of water since it’s going to get hot, pack a lunch or snacks and bring sunscreen.
Woody Wood is one of the regulars on the hike and bike trail, singing for walkers and joggers.
Lady Bird Lake
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
austintexas.gov
The trail is 10 miles and it’s a great way to see Austin’s nature. You can do the three mile or four mile loop by starting under the Mopac bridge, spotting at Lou Neff Point for some great photos of the Austin skyline. Or start closer to I-35 and test out the boardwalk, which runs over the water on portions of the trail. Take sightseeing to a whole new level by renting a kayak or paddle board, or take a rowing class at one of the rowing docs. Regardless, don’t forget to pack snacks, water and sunscreen.
