101 Free Things To Do In Austin
Austin, Texas isn't cheap, but there are still plenty of free things to do in Austin if you know where to look!
So if you love hunting for a deal and scoping out budget-friendly travel ideas, this post is for you. From music to festivals, to museum exhibits, concerts, free zoo events, guided tours, kid-friendly attractions, and parks…we’re loading up this guide with tons of FREE stuff!
If you don't have time to read this whole thing...
Here Are 5 Quick FREE Things To Do In Austin
1. Barton Springs Swimming Pool is 100% FREE if you enter between the hours of 5-8 am! So as long as you sneak in there by 7:55 am, you can enjoy a few hours of swimming in one of Austin's most popular swimming holes...totally free.
2. If you're in Austin with kids, go to the Nature and Science Center. They have a giant sand pit where kids can dig for "dinosaur bones," a pond with nets for catching minnows, and other fun interactive activities. Totally FREE every day!
3. Hike Mount Bonnell. The view is insane, there's free parking, and since it's a public park, entry is always free.
4. Visit The Blanton Museum. Did you know this famous Austin art museum is always free on Tuesdays? Here's the website.
5. Take a Guided Tour at the Texas State Capitol Building. Yep, tours are always FREE! As a local Texan I might be biased, but I think this building is exceptionally beautiful. Here's how to plan your tour.
Those were 5 ideas to get your started. If you want to see all 101 free things to do in Austin, keep on reading! And feel free to use the map below to find some free activites near you.
About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheWacoThings.com!
101 Free Things To Do In Austin
1. See The Austin Bats!
If you’re visiting in the summer, stop by the Congress Avenue Bridge and watch the largest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge for their nightly feeding.
It happens just before sunset, and you can view the Austin bats for free from the top of the Congress Ave bridge or below the bridge at the observation deck.
Parking can be a bit tricky, so check out this guide to the Austin bats before you go to get all the details. It includes insider tips like the best places to eat near the bat bridge.
2. Go hiking
While Austin definitely doesn't have mountains (despite having a really famous spot called "Mount Bonnell"), Austin is on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, so here are some beautiful hikes that offer views for days.
Pro tip: autumn is the very best time to go hiking in Austin. If you can manage to get out on a weekday morning when the most popular trails aren't quite so packed, you're golden!
3. Walk the shops on South Congress
Even if you don’t want to spend any money, there’s some really great window shopping on this street.
SOCO is also home to tons of famous murals (like the iconic "I Love You So Much" mural on the side of Jo's Coffee and the "Willie For President" mural on the side of STAG clothing), so be sure to do some mural photo shoots, too. Bonus: mural hunting is another FREE thing to do in Austin, Texas!
4. Blues On The Green Concert Series
If you're ion Austin in the summer, you have to check out Blues On The Green! It’s a FREE concert series in Austin that happens every summer at Zilker Park.
Blues On The Green typically hosts concerts in June or July. Check out the ACL Radio website to see this year's BOTG schedule.
5. SUP at Lady Bird Lake
Stand Up Paddle Boarding or kayaking are weekly traditions for a lot of Austinites. It's a fun, FREE thing to do in Austin, as long as you have access to a SUP. (And if you don't, you can rent one pretty inexpensively - check out The Rowing Dock.
6. Visit Austin Nature and Science Center with your kids
This is one of the best things to do with kids in Austin, and it doesn't cost a dime.
The Nature and Science Center is an 80-acre park that has hands-on nature exhibits and experiences for kids and adults of all ages. It's one of my very favorite things to do with kids in Austin!
7. Wander a farmers market
There are a few farmers markets in Austin, but my favorite one is the he Texas Farmers Market in Mueller. It's absolute magic. It pops up every Sunday from 10 am - 2 pm, and I always find something fun to buy and cook with later in the week!
8. Free Day At The Blanton
The Blanton is a seriously impressive art Museum at the University of Texas at Austin. At nearly 190,000 square feet dedicated to art galleries and exhibitions, the Blanton is one of the largest art museums at a university in the entire country, and they generously offer FREE admission every single Tuesday. Thank you, Moody Family!
By the way, here are some other fun museums in Austin, many of which have free days as well.
9. Visit Zilker Park
Zilker Park is our crown jewel! It’s a 350-acre park in the middle of Austin, Texas, with a beautiful view of the downtown Austin skyline. It’s totally free to visit!
Bring a soccer ball or a frisbee, a picnic lunch, or maybe a hammock for a nap, and enjoy this free Austin activity.
10. Climb Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is a public overlook just west of downtown. Climb to the top (don't worry - it's just a 5 minute climb!) and you'll be greeted by one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Austin! It's totally free, including free parking.
11. Visit The Thinkery during FREE Community Night
The Thinkery is an amazingly fun kids museum in Mueller. If the cost deters you from going, you should know that he Thinkery offers FREE community nights from 3-7 pm on Tuesdays.
12. Check out the "Hammock" at Pease Park
They recently did a massive renovation to this super cool central Austin park, and it’s a beautiful place to bring the family. There's a larger-than-life troll, a treehouse with a hammock, a splash pad, and a really cool wooden playground.
13. Go take a picture by the I Love You So Much mural on South Congress
Visit the South Congress, grab your ice cream, and take a picture in front of the "I love you so much" mural.
14. Cool down and splash at the Liz Carpenter Fountain
The Liz Carpenter fountain is located near the Alliance Children's Garden. You can let the little ones run around at the playground before heading to the splash pad.
Best part? It all has a gorgeous view of downtown Austin!
15. Whole Foods Flagship
You can walk through it for free, and you might score some free samples.
Regardless of the samples, it’s the original Whole Foods, and it’s pretty fun to see. Be sure to take a picture at the ATX sign outside.
16. Visit Austin's iconic Waterloo Records
Visit Austin's iconic Waterloo Records to catch free in-store performances by local musicians.
The performances typically start at 5 pm but check out Waterloo Records’ events page to check the schedule.
17. Swim at Barton Springs (FREE Hours!)
Did you know that if you enter between 5-8 am, you don’t have to buy a pass?
This gorgeous spring-fed swimming pool in Austin is about 68 degrees year-round, so lots of athletes enjoy swimming for fitness in the early hours of the day before tourists overtake it in the afternoon.
18. Go on a bike ride
Relax and unwind as you ride your bike around the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail in Downtown Austin.
The bike trail goes around the lake and offers an amazing view of the city skyline.
There are 10+ miles of trails, but you can completely customize your bike ride based on which bridge you choose to cross.
Don't have a bike? There are a bunch of great bike rental companies in Austin that have reasonable rates if you'd like to rent a bike for a few hours.
19. Visit the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
It’s a 227-acre nature preserve that was founded by 7 women in 1974 as Austin’s first nature preserve.
You can enjoy hiking, views, and even a small waterfall after the rainy season! (Don't expect to see too much water if you're visiting at the end of the summer...just FYI.)
20. Visit The peacocks at Mayfield Park
This beautiful park in central/west Austin is an oasis!!
It's typically fairly quiet because it's just far enough away from downtown to not be in a touristy zone.
Mayfield Park has walking trails, a view of the lake, and, of course, a close-up view of the peacocks!
21. Zilker Hillside Theatre
Enjoy a free live theater show from July to August at the Zilker Hillside Theatre! It was founded in 1959 and offers a different FREE musical to the public every single summer. Check out the schedule here. {Photo: Zilker Theatre Productions}
22. See a real Gutenberg Bible at the Harry Ransom Center
Located at the University of Texas, this awesome museum, library, and archive have all sorts of cool artifacts you can see. Admission is completely free.
23. The Texas Military Forces Museum
See old tanks, planes, and other war transportation in the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry. {Photo: Texas Military Forces Museum}
24. Take a tour of the Texas State Capitol building
Tours are free, and you’ll learn a little bit of Texas history trivia knowledge. This is a very popular field trip activity for schools around Texas, so if you go on a weekday morning, you can expect to be joined by a few school buses full of kids.
25. Take a group pic at the "Greetings from Austin" Mural
It’s located on South First Street, not too far from South Congress Ave.
Afterward, walk across the street to Dolce Neve for the best gelato in Austin!
26. Trail running in the Barton Creek Greenbelt
It’s a beautiful green space that runs through the middle of the city. Here's an in-depth article about the best places to park and hike along the greenbelt.
27. Kids 3 & under eat FREE at Salt Lick BBQ
Kids 3 & under eat FREE at Salt Lick BBQ with the purchase of an adult family meal.
While Salt Lick isn't necessarily one of the very best bbq spots in Austin, it is pretty iconic and has a fun ambiance. And free bbq is free bbq, you know?
28. downtown Austin 4th of July party
If you’re in Austin in July, be sure to go to the epic 4th of July party! The Austin Symphony performs a free concert on the Long Center lawn, and fireworks explode over the lake.
It happens every single 4th of July. Plan on arriving early (parking is madness), and be sure to bring earplugs for any sensitive ears!
29. Tour the Governor's Mansion
It’s about a 20-minute tour that you have to reserve a week in advance, but it’s totally FREE. See more details here.
30. Bring the kids to play at the $6 million Alliance Children's Garden.
It’s a 2-acre park with a hill country garden, rock climbing wall, giant sand pit, cement slides, and more! (Psst: it’s right next to the Liz Carpenter Fountain if you need to cool off afterward.
31. Free Music at Saxon Pub
Saxon Pub is one of the coolest little hole-in-the-wall music venues in south Austin, and they offer a lot of free (non-ticketed) concerts.
Of course, you'll probably want to buy a beer or a soda, but you won't have to pay for a ticket! Check out their even schedule here.
32. Do a free self-guided walking tour from Preservation Austin
Explore various parts of Austin like the South Congress, historic Austin churches, and east Austin landmarks.
Click here to download your free map and tour guide.
33. Get your flow on!
Waterloo Greenway offers all sorts of free yoga and fitness classes throughout the year.
The schedule changes based on the season, but check out their website to see what current events they have going on right now.
34. Get some free dance lessons at the White Horse in east Austin!
Learn how to swing, two-step, or dance the blues FOR FREE at this iconic Austin dance honky tonk. as you move your feet along to the music of live bands at White Horse.
35. Visit The Contemporary Austin
The Contemporary offers free admission all day Thursdays at the Jones Center on Congress Ave!
36. Attend the Pecan Street Festival
Attend the Pecan Street Festival for free music and art booths every fall. Learn more about this iconic Austin festival here.
37. Visit Skyline Park
Easton Park just built this HUGE FREE PUBLIC PARK with a splash pad, multiple playgrounds, a zip line, an outdoor concert venue, and an epic 3-story slide.
38. Mexic-Arte Museum
Discover Latino arts every Sunday in the Mexic-Arte Museum. They offer free admission, as well as free tours.
39. Stop by the Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
Stop by the Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue, one of the most iconic sculptures in Austin.
40. Walk around the University of Texas
Walk around the University of Texas campus to experience some real Austin vibes.
41. Round up some friends and play a round of disc golf
Round up some friends and play a round of disc golf at Roy G Guerrero park in east Austin.
42. Play at Mueller Lake Park
Play at Mueller Lake Park, an awesome park in east Austin with a pond, playground, walking trail, and ducks.
For more photos and information on this gorgeous green space in the middle of Austin, check out our guide to Mueller Lake Park here!
43. Listen To FREE Music During Free Week
Listen to hundreds of live bands perform music during Free Week. It happens in the Red River Cultural District every January!
44. Stop by the Elisabet Ney museum
It’s where the German artist created lots of her art in the 1800s, including a sculpture of Stephen F Austin.
Admission is completely free, although donations are accepted at the door.
45. For another free museum in Austin, go to FREE FIRST SUNDAY at the Bob Bullock museum
You and your family can explore the story of Texas through three floors of Texas history.
46. Attend the Sound and Cinema at The Long Center
It’s a summer event with free films shown on the Long Center lawn.
Details here.
47. Kids eat free at Central Market N Lamar every Tuesday evening
Kids eat free at Central Market N Lamar every Tuesday evening. Plus, this grocery store has a fun outdoor playground!
48. Go lay in the giant hammock at Pease Park
This beautiful park in central Austin underwent a massive renovation a few years ago. It's one of the most instagrammable spots in Austin now!
49. Go hiking at River Place Nature Trail
There are lots of stairs and hills, so bring some water!
50. Go down the super fast cement slide
It's seriously so much fun! Kids (*and adults*) love this thing!
51. Head to the top floor of the parking garage at the Long Center
Head to the top floor of the parking garage at the Long Center for an amazing view of the Austin skyline.
52. Bartholomew Municipal Pool
This free public pool in Austin has some awesome water slides!
53. The ABGB offers FREE CONCERTS almost every weekend
Head to this award-winning Austin brewery, grab a pint of beer and enjoy some free music on a Friday night.
They have some of the best Austin vibes! Check out the concert schedule here.
54. Hang out at the Austin Public Central Library
It’s located in downtown Austin and offers sweeping views of Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake. Time Magazine called it one of the World’s Greatest Places.
55. Attend one of the Longhorn Women’s Soccer matches
Attend one of the Longhorn Women’s Soccer matches. Admission is free!
56. Listen to some free jazz music
If you love jazz music, The Elephant Room has no cover from Sunday - Wednesday.
You can check out their monthly calendar here.
57. Play at the newly renovated Circle C Metropolitan Park
Psst: they have an amazing frisbee golf course, too.
58. Check out the Leander Dinosaur Tracks
It's not too far from Austin (about 30 miles north) and it's totally free!
59. Go on an Austin mural tour
You've probably already seen a bunch of them in photos (I love you so much, Greetings from Austin, You're my butter half, etc.), but it's so much cooler to see these Austin murals irl!
60. Fareground is an epic food hall in downtown Austin
This downtown food hall is absolutely gorgeous! Even if you're not planning to spend any money at a restaurant, it's a beautiful place to stop by, walk through, and and enjoy a bit of air conditioning.
61. Head to storytime at your local Austin library branch
Head to a storytime at your local Austin library branch.
62. Ride your bike
Ride your bike on the Southern Walnut Creek bike trail.
63. Morning Glories
Morning Glories is a weekly early childhood education series in Waterloo Park that offers hands-on play and learning on Tuesday mornings.
They have really fun events for toddlers, like painting, interactive music, fun book readings/signings, and more!
You can find the details on their events page.
64. Climb up the 360 Bridge overlook
Climb up the 360 Bridge overlook to watch the sun rise.
64. Climb up the 360 Bridge overlook
Climb up the 360 Bridge overlook to watch the sun rise.
65. Do a workout with 50+ age group!
If you're in the 50-and-older age group, head to the Stay Strong 50+ workout to move your body and meet some new friends!
66. Bring your pup to the off-leash park at Auditorium Shores
Connect with other dog owners. It’s located in the heart of Austin and has a beautiful view of downtown
67. Cool off at Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool
Admission is free!
69. Go take a picture by the iconic El Arroyo sign
70. Stop by the Texas Book Festival in the fall
It’s a free annual book fest, and it’s one of the top book festivals in the United States. |WEBSITE|
71. Soak in the beauty at Laguna Gloria
Every Thursday is a free day!
72. Walk the Violet Crown trail
It’s the first regional trail system in central Texas and it’s great for long walks, bikes, or runs.
73. Visit the butterfly garden at Waterloo Greenway
74. If you’re in Austin during the holiday season, attend the Zilker Tree Lighting
It’s a really sweet little ceremony that kicks off the Trail of Lights holiday season.
The moonlight tower in Zilker Park is transformed into a giant Christmas tree that you can see all the way from Mopac.
75. Another fun (FREE) holiday event: the Blue Genie Arts Bazaar has free admission
Wander around and see some of the fun, locally made gift ideas you can find in Austin.
77. If you love FREE OUTDOOR MUSIC in Austin
Meanwhile Brewing is one of the best places to enjoy the Austin outdoors and listen to some fun local bands perform.
78. Bluebonnet pictures!
Visiting Austin in the spring? Take a photo with the beautiful Texas bluebonnets.
You can truly find them all over the city. But if you're looking for the best and densest fields of bluebonnets, here are some of the best places to take bluebonnet pictures in Austin.
79. Check out an Austin pumpkin patch!
Visiting Austin in the fall? Head to a fun pumpkin patch!
The Tarrytown United Methodist Church has a free one where you can wander and snap photos at no cost, and then purchase pumpkins to take home.
80. Pack a picnic and enjoy it at Auditorium Shores
It’s a beautiful place at dusk!
81. Head out to Sweet Berry Farm at any time of the year!
Admission is free and you can purchase the things you want pick (flowers, berries) or experience (hay rides, mazes, etc.)
82. Kids eat for free at Kerbey Lane on Tuesdays!
Just purchase an adult entree, and kids 12 and under can eat free. Must be 12 & under.
83. Head just north of Austin to the Quarry Splash Pad
It’s an absolutely epic place for kids to cool off in the summer months!
84. Window shop at The Domain NORTHSIDE
It’s where you can find the best of the best shopping.
85. Take a photo at the iconic “You’re My Butter Half” mural
86. Go to the rooftop garden at the Central Austin Library
Go to the rooftop garden at the Central Austin Library and take a photo of the view.
From this rooftop garden, you can take in views of the lake, South Austin, and glimpses of the Austin downtown skyline.
87. Head to the free part of Barton Springs
Just a few feet north of the pool, on the other side of the fence, you can jump in the water for free! It’s always busy with families (including kids and dogs) splashing around in the summer months for a $0 entry fee.
88. Go to the Round Rock Chalk Walk Arts Festival |WEBSITE|
89. See some east Austin street art
Walk up and down the streets of East Cesar Chavez or East 6th Street and search for hidden street art.
90. Austin Museum Day happens every September!
You get free access to many free Austin museums.
91. Head to the amazing splash fountains at Lakewood Park in Leander
92. Go to the Wildflower Center for free!
Every July 23 is Lady Bird Day when you can get FREE admission to the Wildflower Center.
93. Play in the giant tree house at Katherine Fleischer Park
94. Hike Enchanted Rock
95. Wander through Book People
They have story time on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings!
96. Go to Secret Beach in east Austin (park at Roy G Guerrero Park to find it)
97. Load up your fam and your bikes in the car and bring everyone to The Veloway
Load up your fam and your bikes in the car and bring everyone to The Veloway.
It’s a 3-mile loop that’s great for the whole family.
98. Head to the epic splash park at the new City Park in Buda
99. Go to the GIANT slide at Walnut Creek Park
100. Kids eat free at Modern Market every Sunday and Monday after 5 pm! Just purchase an adult entree
101. Volunteer at the Cap10K
(Texas’ largest 10k race!) to hand out water or other race-related tasks.
It’s a great way to watch the running crowd, experience Austin, and cheer on your community.
PS: looking for some fun stuff to do in San Antonio? Check out our sister site, TheSanAntonioThings.com!
Related posts:
The Best Playgrounds In Austin (With Parking Info!)
The city of Austin has recently invested in some significant remodels on the playgrounds in…
Read More
A List Of All The Bars on Menchaca Road (Ranked)
Let’s be honest…there are too many people on Rainey Street and Downtown Austin on any…
Read More
How To Plan The Perfect Bachelorette Party In Austin
All the best hotspots you need to book ASAP + every detail you need for planning the ultimate bachelorette weekend in Austin.
Read More