Visiting Austin, Texas? There’s Plenty Of Activities To Enjoy For Free!
I’ve lived in Texas most of my life, and have traveled to Austin a number of times. It’s a great place to hear live music, enjoy the great outdoors, and spend time with your family. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, single or a family, there are a number of free things to do to make your visit spectacular!
From visiting museums and touring the city, to hiking up Mount Bonnell to prowling the University of Texas campus at midnight, to listening to live music or browsing record stores, or just watching the stars on a clear night, you’ll find Austin, Texas to be an inexpensive, fun-filled vacation.
Following are my recommendations for the best free activities in Austin. Enjoy!
From visiting museums and touring the city, to hiking up Mount Bonnell to prowling the University of Texas campus at midnight, to listening to live music or browsing record stores, or just watching the stars on a clear night, you’ll find Austin, Texas to be an inexpensive, fun-filled vacation.
Following are my recommendations for the best free activities in Austin. Enjoy!
Streetwise Austin Map – Laminated City Center Street Map of Austin, Texas (Streetwise (Streetwise Maps))
Before you start on your way around Austin, you’ll need a street map to help you plan your trip. I especially like this laminated map, as it won’t tear or get wet!
Texas State Capitol Tours
Austin is the capitol of Texas, so a tour of the Capitol Building is a must-do when you visit! Second only in size to the National Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., the Texas Capitol is an impressive 15 feet higher than it’s Washington, D.C. counterpart.
You can take a self-guided tour any time the building and grounds are open for business. If you prefer, guided tours are also available 7 days a week. The guided tours last approximately 45 minutes, and feature the Capitol, the history of Texas, and the Texas legislature.
You can take a self-guided tour any time the building and grounds are open for business. If you prefer, guided tours are also available 7 days a week. The guided tours last approximately 45 minutes, and feature the Capitol, the history of Texas, and the Texas legislature.
Historic Walking Tours
After leaving the State Capitol, two guided walking tours are available just outside the south entrance. The Congress Avenue and Sixth Street Tour visits such historical sites as the Driskell House, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Millett Opera House, and the Old Bakery. Tours are available at 9:00 am on Tuesday, Thursdays through Saturdays, and at 11:00 am on Sundays. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance.
The Bremond Block Historic District Tour is collection of houses belonging to members of the John Bremond, Sr. family. These tours are offered on Saturdays, beginning at 11:00 am, and also require advance reservations.
If you prefer self-guided walking tours, the Austin Visitors Center has available brochures on tours including the Texas State Cemetery. Walking tours are a great way to visit Austin at your own leisurely pace.
The Bremond Block Historic District Tour is collection of houses belonging to members of the John Bremond, Sr. family. These tours are offered on Saturdays, beginning at 11:00 am, and also require advance reservations.
If you prefer self-guided walking tours, the Austin Visitors Center has available brochures on tours including the Texas State Cemetery. Walking tours are a great way to visit Austin at your own leisurely pace.
Museums
A hot day is a great time to cool off in a museum, and Austin has a lot to offer!
1) Texas Memorial Museum Here’s the place to learn about everything Texas – especially when it comes to natural science! Fossils, dinosaurs, wildlife, minerals and gems – all found in Texas. See the largest flying creature ever found – the Texas Pterosaur, with a wingspan of 40 feet. A working paleontology lab is located inside the musuem, where you can interact with scientists as they work with fossils.
2) Texas Military Forces Museum
The place to visit to learn the history of the Texas military. Artifacts from as far back as 1823 are on exhibit, in addition to tanks, artillery, weapons, uniforms and more. The museum is located at Camp Mabry, an active military installation that is headquarters for the Texas Military Forces. The Texas Military Forces Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adults are required to show a photo ID for admittance.
3) Harry Ransom Center
If libraries of old manuscripts and rare books are more your style, check out the exhibits at the Harry Ransom Center. Located at the University of Texas, Austin, the Center offers a theater, reading room, and rotating exhibits from the Center’s collection. Be certain to check out the Gutenberg Bible in the Center’s lobby!
The Center is closed on Mondays. Tuesday through Friday, it opens at 10:00 am. Weekend hours are noon to 5:00 pm.
1) Texas Memorial Museum Here’s the place to learn about everything Texas – especially when it comes to natural science! Fossils, dinosaurs, wildlife, minerals and gems – all found in Texas. See the largest flying creature ever found – the Texas Pterosaur, with a wingspan of 40 feet. A working paleontology lab is located inside the musuem, where you can interact with scientists as they work with fossils.
2) Texas Military Forces Museum
The place to visit to learn the history of the Texas military. Artifacts from as far back as 1823 are on exhibit, in addition to tanks, artillery, weapons, uniforms and more. The museum is located at Camp Mabry, an active military installation that is headquarters for the Texas Military Forces. The Texas Military Forces Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adults are required to show a photo ID for admittance.
3) Harry Ransom Center
If libraries of old manuscripts and rare books are more your style, check out the exhibits at the Harry Ransom Center. Located at the University of Texas, Austin, the Center offers a theater, reading room, and rotating exhibits from the Center’s collection. Be certain to check out the Gutenberg Bible in the Center’s lobby!
The Center is closed on Mondays. Tuesday through Friday, it opens at 10:00 am. Weekend hours are noon to 5:00 pm.
Music
Austin is known for it’s music. In fact, the city’s tagline is “Live Music Capital of the World”. If you visit Austin, plan your stay to coincide with their great outdoor music events, or make a visit to Waterloo Records.
- Austin Summer Concert Series, better known as “Blues on the Green“. These outdoor concerts take place at Zilker Park on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Arrive early, as these are very popular events. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and your dog if you like. This is a great family-friendly evening in Austin!
- Unplugged at the Grove – The Shady Grove Restaurant is located near Zilker Park, and on Thursday evenings, hosts the best local bands Austin has to offer. A popular past time amongst residents, these musical nights can be enjoyed on the outside patio. The music is free, but you might want to indulge in one of their famous frozen Margaritas while enjoying the tunes.
- Waterloo Records is an amazing record store, where you can browse old vinyl and new CDs for hours at a time. Several evenings a week, at 5:00 pm, artists perform their up-and-coming music. Shiner has even been known to provide refreshments! If you’re looking for a rare album, or just need a break from the heat, stop by Waterloo Records and spend an hour or two.
The Great Outdoors
If you need to get some exercise, Austin has some incredible free outdoor activities!
BMX & Skate Park
All skill levels of BMX bikers and skateboarders will enjoy this state-of-the-art park, located at 1213 Shoal Creek Boulevard. Popular amongst the younger crowd, it’s also an interesting place to rest and watch the daredevils practice. Although made of concrete, there is plenty of shade in which to get out of the heat & enjoy the afternoon.
Mount Bonnell Park
Located at the top of a hill, you’ll have an outstanding view of Austin if you can make it up the many steps! There is a 190 foot change in elevation, ending at 775 feet at the top. Pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy it at the park pavilion before making your return trek.
BMX & Skate Park
All skill levels of BMX bikers and skateboarders will enjoy this state-of-the-art park, located at 1213 Shoal Creek Boulevard. Popular amongst the younger crowd, it’s also an interesting place to rest and watch the daredevils practice. Although made of concrete, there is plenty of shade in which to get out of the heat & enjoy the afternoon.
Mount Bonnell Park
Located at the top of a hill, you’ll have an outstanding view of Austin if you can make it up the many steps! There is a 190 foot change in elevation, ending at 775 feet at the top. Pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy it at the park pavilion before making your return trek.
Movies & Theater
For a bit more thought-provoking activity, attend one of the Movies
in the Park at Republic Square, or a performance at the Zilker Hillside
Theater.
Movies in the Park are held each month on Thursday nights, and are “oldies but goodies”. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic basket, and your dog, if you like. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Movie nights are extremely popular, so make certain to arrive early.
The Zilker Hillside Theater offers musical productions in Zilker park on long weekends throughout the summer. The 2012 production is “The Sound of Music”. A popular family event, the Hillside Theater has provided family entertainment & musicals since 1957. Learn more by visiting their website at zilker.org.
Movies in the Park are held each month on Thursday nights, and are “oldies but goodies”. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic basket, and your dog, if you like. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Movie nights are extremely popular, so make certain to arrive early.
The Zilker Hillside Theater offers musical productions in Zilker park on long weekends throughout the summer. The 2012 production is “The Sound of Music”. A popular family event, the Hillside Theater has provided family entertainment & musicals since 1957. Learn more by visiting their website at zilker.org.
Moonlight and Star Gazing
If you like night time activity, then these two activities might be right up your alley:
- Moonlight Prowl at the University of Texas – Austin
A great activity if you or your kids want to attend UT, or if you are a history buff. Tours are conducted of the university by flashlight, and include a bit of school history, a bit of fun, and a lot of stories about days gone by. - Stargazing at UT-Austin -Take a look through a 16″ telescope and see stars, planets and astronomical anomalies. Called “Star Parties”, these events are held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Times vary according to the time of year, so it is best to call ahead for viewing times. All ages are welcome.
The Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
A trip to Austin is not complete without viewing the bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge. Both locals and tourists alike congregate at the bridge just before dark to watch the thousands of Mexican free-tail bats emerge. Flying high into the sky, they look like a huge, moving cloud as they fly out to search for their evening meal.
Arrive early, and bring a lawn chair or blanket. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are also allowed. It’s one of those amazing wonders of nature that cannot be described in mere words. A free event, and a must-see for everyone who visits Austin!
Arrive early, and bring a lawn chair or blanket. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are also allowed. It’s one of those amazing wonders of nature that cannot be described in mere words. A free event, and a must-see for everyone who visits Austin!
Need More Information?
For details on all of these free activities in Austin, Texas, click on the links below:
State Preservation Board
Information and brochures on the State Capitol tours
Austin Visitors Center
Detailed information, maps and reservations for the guided and self-guided historical walking tours. The Austin Visitors Center also has a wealth of information on other activities to do in and around the city.
Texas Memorial Museum
Official site for the Texas Memorial Museum. Get directions, hours of operation, and more details on exhibits
Texas Military Forces Museum
Official site for the Texas Military Forces Museum, as well as information on Camp Mabry
Harry Ransom Center
Learn more about the collections offered at the Ransom Center, as well as hours of operation, directions and more.
Blues On The Green
Find out who is playing during the Summer Concert Series, and get directions to the concerts
The Shady Grove Restaurant
Official website for the Shady Grove Restaurant. View the line up for “Unplugged at the Grove”, and see what other events are scheduled.
BMX Skate Park
More information on what is available at the BMX and Skate Park
Movies in the Park
Schedule of movies offered throughout the year, plus parking & bus line information.
Zilker Hillside Theater
Official website of Zilker Hillside Theater. Get all the details on this year’s production: when, where, and how to get there, plus the history of the Theater.
The Moonlight Prowl
Information and reservation information for the Moonlight Prowl
Star Gazing Parties
Details and contaction information for the public star gazing parties held at the University of Texas – Austin
Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
All you need to know to view the bats at Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge
State Preservation Board
Information and brochures on the State Capitol tours
Austin Visitors Center
Detailed information, maps and reservations for the guided and self-guided historical walking tours. The Austin Visitors Center also has a wealth of information on other activities to do in and around the city.
Texas Memorial Museum
Official site for the Texas Memorial Museum. Get directions, hours of operation, and more details on exhibits
Texas Military Forces Museum
Official site for the Texas Military Forces Museum, as well as information on Camp Mabry
Harry Ransom Center
Learn more about the collections offered at the Ransom Center, as well as hours of operation, directions and more.
Blues On The Green
Find out who is playing during the Summer Concert Series, and get directions to the concerts
The Shady Grove Restaurant
Official website for the Shady Grove Restaurant. View the line up for “Unplugged at the Grove”, and see what other events are scheduled.
BMX Skate Park
More information on what is available at the BMX and Skate Park
Movies in the Park
Schedule of movies offered throughout the year, plus parking & bus line information.
Zilker Hillside Theater
Official website of Zilker Hillside Theater. Get all the details on this year’s production: when, where, and how to get there, plus the history of the Theater.
The Moonlight Prowl
Information and reservation information for the Moonlight Prowl
Star Gazing Parties
Details and contaction information for the public star gazing parties held at the University of Texas – Austin
Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
All you need to know to view the bats at Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge