50 Things to do in Austin

Austin has to be one of the most fun places to live!   And yes, the summers are hot, but there are lots of great ways to beat the heat.   Below is a list of of some of our favorite places to go - both in and out of doors :o)

Enjoy!

1 ●● Discover Dinosaur Tracks in Leander
Check out the actual dinosaur tracks along a riverbed in Leander! A short hike off the road can bring you to some pretty clear tracks - not roped off or anything - just lying there smack in the middle of a creek bed! 

There is one set of fossilized dinosaur footprints on the downstream side of the bridge, and another on the opposite side of the creek. 

Free.

More Details and an update on creek levels


2 ●● Swim in Austin's natural springs and pools
Austin has a number of natural pools that are just perfect for cooling off during the hot Texas summers. Since these pools are spring-fed, they often are wet when all other pools are dry! Below are four of our favorites.

Lost Creek Swimming Hole
Located off of Lost Creek Boulevard, in South Central Austin, this swimming hole is supposedly very popular.  We have not made it out yet, but it is on our list of places to visit first this summer!

Hamilton Pool
If you have never visited Hamilton Pool you seriously need to go. If you have only been in the last few (drought) years, you really need to re-visit! With the creeks full, the 45 foot waterfall is absolutely incredible!

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole where Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall.  The pool's water level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought. 

After cooling off in the pool, take a nice short (.6 mile) hike out to the Pedernales river for a change in scene.

New rules:  Fees are $26 ($15 entry, $11 online fee) per carload and reservation must be made ahead of time
More details

Krause Springs
Krause Springs is a well-known camping and swimming site located in Spicewood, Texas approximately 30 miles west of Austin. 

There are 32 springs on the property, and several feed the man-made pool and the natural pool which flows into Lake Travis.

Go and enjoy for the day or bring camping gear and spend the night!

Entrance is $7 for adults and $5 per child.  Camping is $14 per adult and $6 per child.
More details

Barton Springs Pool

Three acres in size, the pool is fed from underground springs and is an average 68 degrees year round. With all the beautiful trees, clear water, and diving board, this is certainly a favorite! 

Be sure to bring a mask and snorkel to check out all the fish life. 

Moss makes the bottom a bit slippery for young children and non-swimmers.

Entrance is $3 for adults, $2 for juniors and $1 for children
More details

Blue Hole in Wimberley
The Blue Hole, spring-fed by Cypress Creek, has long been known as a beautiful and refreshing swimming hole in Wimberley.  

Lush green lawns, a fun rope swing and cool clear water make visiting this swimming hole a must!

Entrance is $9 for adults and $5 for youth 4 - 12
More details



Jacob's Well in Wimberley

Located 40 minutes or so west of Austin, this artesian spring is a constant 68 degrees, which makes it a perfect swimming hole - especially for hot Texas days! This cool spring has a 'well' that is 23 feet deep and 12 feet wide.  Just perfect for jumping in.

More details




Camp Ben McCulloch
Located near Driftwood in Hays County, this privately owned campground hosts a prime swimming hole with a rope swing.  

After a rainy season, the river flows pretty quickly, so bring a raft and play by the river.  

The camp also has a nice playscape and tables for a picnic lunch

Entrance is free
More details


3 ●●  Check out Austin's Weirdest: The Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is most definitely one of Austin's weirdest.  Plunked down in a very normal South Austin neighborhood, this structure is something to behold!

Since this is located in someone's backyard, you need to call ahead to make an appointment to check it out!

Gather a big group of friends, and enjoy climbing through the structure!


Free

More Details!



4 ●● Explore Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Park, located in downtown Austin, is Austin's central park.  This is the location of many of Austin's outdoor events.  

However, even with no event going on, this park is a great place to hang out and have fun.  Nestled between Town Lake to the north and Barton Springs to the south, there is a plethora of things to keep a family busy. 

More Details!



Ride the Zilker Zephyr
Running through the whole park is the Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train that rides arounds the perimeter of the park and under two tunnels, perfect for the younger crowd.

Adult $3, Child: $2

Dive into Barton Springs Pool 
Three acres in size, the pool is fed from under ground springs and is on average 68 degrees year round. With all the beautiful trees, clear water, and diving board, this is certainly a favorite!  Be sure to bring a mask and snorkel to check out all the fish life.  Moss makes the bottom a bit slippery for young children and non-swimmers.  

Adult: $3, Junior (12-17): $2 Child: $1

Zilker Botanical Garden 
Located on 30 acres in downtown Austin, this park has many "themed" gardens including a rose garden, pre-historic garden and native gardens. 

While this park is quieter in nature than many others, it is still a fun place for kids who like to explore!

Adult: $2, Child: $1

Play at Zilker Playground
Zilker Park has a wonderful large playground, complete with a fire engine to climb on.  It also has the Zilker Zephyr, a mini train that takes tours around the park.  Located on the premise is Barton Springs Pool, some of the coldest water in Texas!  Also in the park is the Austin Nature Center Splash exhibit, with a quick walk-though hands on demonstration about the Edwards Aquifer.  

Free


More details!

Take the dogs to Barking Springs


Just downstream of Barton Springs, the fence line ends and the waters from Barton Springs pour out from the pool and return to the river.  

This small area is perfect for those four legged creatures uninvited to the main pool.

Free

Check out the Austin Nature and Science Center
Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, this has been one of our families long time favorite summer places! The Austin Nature & Science Center is dedicated to the exploration of the the natural world.
The Center includes a Dino Pit for digging up fossil recreations, wildlife exhibits with rescue animals, a pond for fish feeding and many paths to explore.   


Bring native plants, leaves or bones to be identified, then turn them in to t
he Trade Counter to exchange for other items.   The counter is open from 10am to 1pm Wednesday - Friday. 

The center is free but donations are accepted.

Free



5 ●● Ride your bike at the Veloway
The Veloway is Southwest Austin's first trail exclusively for bicycles and rollerblading, making it the perfect place for young bikers.  

No worries about cars pulling out, and if you have two children who ride at different speeds, it is pretty easy to coordinate a hook-up (there are multiple length routes, the longest is 3.1 miles) 

Free
More details


6 ● Discover the Outdoor Art of Austin


Hope Outdoor Gallery

Check out this huge wall of grafitti located at 11th street and Baylor Street, one of the largest in the US. 
This project was developed to provide muralists, graffiti artists and community groups the opportunity to display large scale art pieces driven by inspirational, positive and educational messaging.If you take the time to explore, you will find some fascinating art.  And turn around and get a great view of Austin. There is parallel parking along Baylor Street, though space may be somewhat limited depending on the time. It looked like there was a lot (maybe even free?) on the corner of 12th and Lamar that is a short walk away.  

Murals of Austin
Our family recently discovered the "Murals of Austin" geocache, which took us on a tour of many of the murals of Austin.  It took a couple of trips, but we managed to find them all -- and in doing so, discovered what a treasure of murals Austin has.
If you want to get started on some of Austin's more famous murals, below are some of the more famous ones:Greetings from Austin, located on the southern wall of Roadhouse Relics at 1720 S. First Street, "You're My Butter Half" at 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd.
There are many, many more in and around Austin.  If you have the time and inclination, check out the Murals of Austin geocache, which will take you to many throughout Austin!


"Jeremiah the Innocent", known to most as the "Hi, How are you" frog?"located south side of the building located at the corner of 21st and Guadalupe, across from The University of Texas at Austin. 

Free
Bee Cave Sculpture Park
The Bee Cave Sculpture Park weaves through a 7 acre natural setting, showcasing a combination of permanent and rotating sculptures. In addition to the fantastic art, you will find a spring-fed pond and some of the largest oak trees in the city

Please note:  All prices are estimates and are placed here for planning purposes only.  To verify exact admission, please visit the web page of the attraction.

79 comments:

  1. Thank you for visiting this page. If you have a favorite place that isn't listed here, please let me know by leaving a comment below!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can race slot cars on a miniature replica of Austin's famous Circuit of the Americas at Races2U. www.races2u.com

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  2. I just came across this list, wow! I'm pinning it now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I used to live in Austin in college and love going back with my kids to visit friends. This is such a great list and I am going to use it on our upcoming visit! We love riding the Zilker Zepher and playing at Zilker park when the kids need to get some energy out!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am very happy to visting this blog, I really liked it, Thanks for share..Pool Builders Birmingham AL

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great list! I'd have to add some of the great coffee shops and breakfast taco places, like Houndstooth Coffee or Juan in a million.

    Great list of things to do in Austin!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just moved to town and am so happy to find this! We have two weeks of summer vacation left and we are going to take advantage of this list! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You guys have no horseback riding on here! I think the quintessential Texan experience is riding a horse. MaverickHorsebackRiding.com accommodates children of all ages as well as special needs riders.

    ReplyDelete
  8. can you add Austin Sailboat Rentals right in downtown Austin on Ladybird lake? Great for kids and families! Visit website at www.austinsailboatrentals.com and their Facebook page with tons of pictures and videos. 5 star customer ratings on both Trip Advisor and Yelp.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great list. I would add three things: Tour of KUT Studios (1st Thursday of each month, at 11 A.M. Signups are limited to 25 per tour), Elisabet Ney Museum and The Umlauf Sculpture Garden.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You have a really great list here. There is always a lot to do here in Texas.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thankyou for the list and detailed description of each. Very helpful :)!

    ReplyDelete
  12. A hop on hop off guided sightseeing and historical tour started in Austin on April 3rd 2014. The tour is done from a double decker bus, which is a lot of fun and provides excellent views of the downtown sights. It stops near most of the items in this list. The stops are near the downtown entertainment district (6th Street), the LBJ Library, the Texas Longhorns Stadium, the Bullock Museum, the State Capitol, the Blanton Museum, South Congress SOCO, the restaurants on Barton Springs, Zilker Park, the Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Barton Springs pool. You can get off and self explore the different areas and hop back on when the bus comes back around.

    The website is DoubleDeckerAustin.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Two things missing:

    1) Go sky diving (indoor) at iFly on Research Blvd.

    2) Hike the Brushy Creek Regional Trail. It goes past the splash pad in Ceder Park.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My son loves the bouncy house places. His favorite is kids n play by highland mall.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I tried a visit of the Circuit of the Americas, it was great!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I don't know if it was mentioned already but how about Graffiti park. It's pretty cool

    ReplyDelete
  17. How about during winter? What is there to do there?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Check out the Winter Things to Do page http://www.austintop50.com/p/winter-things-to-do.html

    if you are interested in Winter events:

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you so much for this blog, and this post especially! We are moving from California to Texas next year and I have been so nervous and clueless about what it's like over there. Thank you thank you thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Just got back from this new craft distillery called, Crystal Creek Moonshine. Didn't expect much going in... but my oh my was I surprised!
    It immediately made my top 10 list of things to do in Austin. They are really small and just launched. Really fun time! 100% add Crystal Creek Moonshine to that list!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Take a running tour that samples beer!

    http://www.cityrunningtours.com/austingroupruns#texasbeer

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello.I love austin.bee there several times.I love to cook Caribbean food indoor outdoor.trying to make connections.let me know.I will cook samples first for people to try.wanna get out of arlington.thanks

    ReplyDelete
  23. Austin Segway Tours by Gliding Revolution. http://www.glidingrevolution.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Can you post this in a one-pager list?
    I'd love to print it and keep it in on my fridge for quick reference!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great idea, Jane! Right now, the easiest way to make a printable list is to use the Pinterest buttons to make your own customized summer bucket list - and then print out the list and post it on the fridge.

      Delete
  25. I didn't do any of these things when I was in Austin! This is a great list I wish I would have found earlier! I also wish I would have worked for SpinGo before I went there so that I could have known about local events happening each night https://www.spingo.com/austin-texas

    ReplyDelete
  26. These are some great things to do in Austin. I am planning for a trip this summers and Austin will be surely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for the tips! Been trying to find some new stuff around town I haven't done yet and this helped :).

    Can't believe I've never seen the Hope mural area!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm a native Austinite so watching the overwhelming influx of people over the years has absolutely destroyed my childhood. All my old spots aren't just ludicrously crowded but inundated with garbage. Curfews where there were none, reservations required simply to enjoy a swim, 3 hour lines for tube rental. Entrance fees absolutely unreasonable. The more fun I want the further I have to travel away from Austin, where parks are being closed down for fracking. Then there's lists like these. You put 'em on the Internet and they instantly become shadows of their former selves, being devoured by irresponsible college kids and private companies. Austin sucks so hard now, unless you're wealthy. Guess that's everyone's reality now though, all across the planet. So yeah, whatever, have fun filling my childhood with garbage you're too lazy to bag.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing. Pure balance bison and pea dog food reviews

    ReplyDelete
  30. I went to this place in first time with my husband on Tuesday night after work. The inside of venues in Chicago was quite big and had enough seats to sit and nice bar area. We had a few things, along with drinks and it was all good!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nice


















    Nice
    We are the pioneer company of outdoor playground equipment manufacturer and suppliers in Ernakulam, Kerala. The offered outdoor play area products fitness equipment, multiply station and inclusive play area are extensively demanded all across the market for features like weather resistance, durable finish, high strength, compact design and beautiful pattern. We offer these products in various specifications as per the customer's specific requirement.

    http://www.buildindia.co.in/

    ReplyDelete
  32. I m glad u took an initiative to write on this subject. I am very excited to read this blog. You have elaborated so well. cash for cars ipswich

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi, Hope you are doing well. What an amazing blog you have written .You have answered my all queries through this blog. Thank you
    cash for cars sunshine coast

    ReplyDelete
  34. Very well done, NorthBrisbaneWreckers have been improving people's lives since 2014. We are the top cash for car company in the North Brisbane area. We aim to provide customers top quality service and convenience when selling their car. | wreckers brisbane

    ReplyDelete
  35. A1Wreckers is reliable cash for car business in the Brisbane area. We believe that customers' time should be spent doing things they want, not spending time thinking of ways to get top cash for their car on the market.

    cash for cars

    ReplyDelete
  36. WeBuyVehicles provides customers a great opportunity to get rid of their old unwanted car fast. We help customers all over Victoria by selling their cars and give cash in return.

    cash for cars toowoomba

    ReplyDelete
  37. We are one of the most popular car removal service providers and auto buyers in Logan. We offer car removal and cash for cars services for all types of used, old, broken, scrap, junk, wrecked, and damaged vehicles.

    Sell My Car Logan

    ReplyDelete
  38. Opportunities do you think you're is going to be at ease when finding near my cafe hack diamante infinito 2021 provided that we've gathered on many of the obvious aspects as well as principles all over it. As you can get, the item accurately is extremely vital to include the posts in addition to outlooks - as well as payments - of many people into ones feeling.

    ReplyDelete
  39. All you could are related is scalp onto sniper 3d hack 2021 intended for moving inspired, plus find a lot more home elevators this kind of intended theme to be able to assist an individual.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Step by step instructions to Sell Your Screenplay - Rewriting and Query Letter Submission. The initial step of how to sell your screenplay is to compose and rework so you have a cleaned screenplay individuals will need to purchase.

    ReplyDelete
  41. One errand that is, testing and requests bunches of abilities is article composing. Fruitful article scholars will reveal to you that they have taken in a great deal through exposition composing.

    ReplyDelete
  42. One assignment that is, attempting and requests heaps of limits is article shaping. Beneficial article specialists will reveal to you that they have taken in an extraordinary course of action through organization shaping.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Examination by the Alcohol and Public Health Research Unit at Auckland University discovered low confidence was the predominant quality of the present young fellows.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Also, regardless of whether you are allowed the option to pick the textual style sort of a proposition, it actually doesn't expect you going excessively a long way from conventional textual styles. Mba Assignments

    ReplyDelete
  45. The goal of Williamson Caterers is to meet Catering Service and exceed our clients’ expectations and make certain that our clients’ enjoy their event as much as their guests.

    ReplyDelete
  46. The goal of Williamson Caterers is to meet Williamson Restaurant and exceed our clients’ expectations and make certain that our clients’ enjoy their event as much as their guests.

    ReplyDelete
  47. TV Series Leather Jackets, Coats and Collection is available for fans and supporters. Shop with confidence and get your favorite TV star collection at top celebs jackets.

    ReplyDelete
  48. https://melody2021.jimdosite.com/

    ReplyDelete
  49. The author writes a nice blog. At Metro Car Removals, pay top cash for your scrap, used, old, and unwanted cars in Adelaide Wide. If you are looking for a hassle-free car for cash services and same-day free car removal, then you have come to the right place.

    ReplyDelete
  50. The day is loaded up with fascinating discussions, examinations and hands on exercises for all ages. Go ahead of schedule, as the spot tops off rapidly, and stopping can be hard to track down. Our number one region was the UT Engineering structures.

    ReplyDelete
  51. As it was early morning, a considerable lot of the creatures came straightforwardly dependent upon the vehicle to be taken care of. Pay Someone To Write Essay, While the authority decides express that you ought not take care of the creatures straightforwardly from your hands, we were informed that is even more a 'detail'. What's more, the majority of the creatures were extremely acclimated with moving toward the vehicle searching for a gift!

    ReplyDelete
  52. What an incredible rundown! I'd need to add a portion of the extraordinary bistros and breakfast taco places, similar to Hounds tooth Coffee or Juan in 1,000,000. Assignment Writing Help

    ReplyDelete
  53. I know this is extremely boring and you are skipping to succeeding comment, however I just needed to throw you a big thanks you cleared up some things for me! Your blog posting is so amazing and informative. The web site style is perfect. Old Video Games

    ReplyDelete
  54. If you do not know how to take care of your car and when to take it to the mechanic, We have some valuable Car Safety Tips To Avoid Road Accidents. Read on to know how you can ensure the safety and long life of your car.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Looking to get a good option for your car removal in Sydney? There are few suggestions that may helpful for the car owners to sell their unwanted vehicles for good price. They are helping peoples to tow their cars, vans trucks and 4wd in anywhere in the Sydney and best thing they don't charge for any quotation.

    ReplyDelete
  56. We take care of all your scrap, old, accident, broken, used, damaged, and unwanted vehicles that are not worth registering anymore. Fade up, worst condition, running or dead as long as complete, don’t wait, give us a call or simply fill your details in the given form and receive an instant quote for your scrap, unwanted, junk, and old cars, vans, Utes and four-wheel drives. Visit here to check your car value and more information in Australia with the help of this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Keep sharing your blogs, I read this post [url=https://switchvpn.sitey.me/blog/post/1378543/fast-vpn-service]Is VPN safe to use for Netflix? [/url]. And I really appreciate your work on this post. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Keep sharing your blogs, I read this post Is VPN safe to use for Netflix? . And I really appreciate your work on this post. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Our company was founded by a group of white and blue collar average individuals who were tired of getting the runaround on Product and Service (Labor) warranties that either didn’t come with the purchase, was misplaced or lost over time , at risk of expiring which needs an extension. This daily runaround came from everyday well-known manufacturers and retailers in our local neighborhoods. The manufacturers and retailers we are referring to always found something in the “fine print” to discredit and disqualify the warranty policy of the product or service. This leaves us, the consumer, with no alternative other than to buy a new product or pay for the service again.

    ReplyDelete
  60. At Seed Out, you can Doante Zakat crowd fund directly to micro-entrepreneurs, alleviating poverty sustainably through raising entrepreneurs, creating businesses and jobs

    ReplyDelete
  61. Great post. People out there who are looking for car recyclers can contact scrap cars brisbane. we buys all types of cars and offer used car parts for all models such as Mitsubishi, Nissan, Holden, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Hyundai etc.

    ReplyDelete
  62. The watchmen understand that Coffey has otherworldly abilities, and that they will be lost when he is executed.https://www.buyyoutubesubscribers.in/

    ReplyDelete
  63. Top Copper Recyclers Adelaide , a platform where you can get top cash for all types of vehicles. We are buying cars for cash in Adelaide. We ensure quick car selling with free car removal at the comfort of your location.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Adams Automotive Services serves Houston, TX and the surrounding areas with top quality automotive service, repair and maintenance.

    ReplyDelete
  65. We specialize in paying top cash for unwanted cars. Our professional and diligent team is guided by the principles of honesty, integrity and highest caliber of service. And, that’s precisely the reason why we have won the hearts of millions across Queensland.
    Cash for Cars Carrara

    ReplyDelete
  66. Ezy Car Wreckers is paving the way to bring forth a tremendous change in the way ELVs were traditionally disposed or discarded in landfills. Instead, we are committed to more sustainable and responsible recycling for a better tomorrow.
    cash for cars

    ReplyDelete
  67. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  68. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Car removal services in Australia are very popular. People often want to sell their car, or buy a new one, but they don't want to do the work of removing the old one. There are many companies that offer this service. The companies will tow your car to their facility, where they will provide you with a quote for the total cost.

    ReplyDelete

Blogging tips