About Austin
Famous for live music of any genre, its unique “Keep Austin Weird” culture, a thriving food scene (especially local food trucks), and an abundance of beautiful outdoor spaces, Austin, Texas blends a sophisticated urban core with a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe to form a truly unique capital city.
With a diverse population and a focus on community and green space, exploring Austin is easy and fun. The city offers an efficient public transit system, including Capital Metro buses, and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake provides miles of scenic, accessible recreation right in the heart of downtown.
Top Free Activities in Austin
| Venue / Activity | Type | Free Option | Family Friendly | Fun for Adults | Highlights |
| Cidercade Austin | Arcade Bar | No, $12 entry | Yes (til 9pm) | Yes | 150+ arcade games, craft drinks, pizza restaurant, lake view patio |
| Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail | Recreation/Nature | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 miles of trails around Lady Bird Lake, downtown skyline views |
| Texas State Capitol | Historic Landmark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free guided and self-guided tours of the beautiful historic building and grounds |
| Congress Avenue Bridge Bats | Wildlife Viewing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Watch the world’s largest urban bat colony (approx. 1.5 million) emerge at sunset (March-October) |
| Austin Mural Tour (Self-Guided) | Art/Sightseeing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Discover iconic murals like “I Love You So Much” and “Greetings from Austin” in neighborhoods like South Congress (SoCo) |
| Zilker Park | Urban Park | Yes | Yes | Yes | 350-acre green space, home to events, kite flying, and easy access to Barton Springs |
| Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve | Nature/Gardens | Yes | Yes | Yes | Historic cottage and gardens, free-roaming peacocks and koi ponds |
| Mount Bonnell | Scenic Viewpoint | Yes | Yes | Yes | Hike to the highest point in Austin for panoramic views of the city skyline and Lake Austin |
| The Blanton Museum of Art | Art Museum | Yes (Tuesdays) | Yes | Yes | Free admission every Tuesday, major collection of Western and Latin American art, features Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin |
| Bullock Texas State History Museum | Museum | Yes (Select Days) | Yes | Yes | Free admission on the First Sunday of every month; focused on the history of Texas |
Highlights
- Austin is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, offering free access to miles of urban trails, parks, and high-vantage scenic points like Mount Bonnell.
- Embrace the city’s unique arts scene by taking a self-guided tour of its iconic murals or visiting a world-class museum on a free-entry day.
- For an affordable group outing, date night, or family adventure, Cidercade Austin offers unlimited arcade play for just $12 admission, providing hours of entertainment for families (daytime) and adults (nighttime).
