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Free things to do in Austin TX
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items Discover Austin without spending a dime! Whether you’re a local looking for weekend fun or a visitor exploring on a budget, Austin is packed with free activities that are family-friendly, date-worthy, and perfect for solo adventures, too. From outdoo...
Sections
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Indoor
Outdoor
Indoor
Beat the Texas heat in style! Austin’s indoor gems are the perfect mix of culture, creativity, and cool vibes. From stunning museums and quirky hidden spots to cozy libraries and live music venues, there’s always something fun to explore without brea...
One of the largest university art museums in the U.S., the Blanton is home to a diverse collection of modern, contemporary, and Latin American art. From stunning exhibits to immersive installations, it’s a cultural must-see in Austin. Even better—it’...
Tips
📅 Free day: Admission is free every Tuesday (normal tickets are around $15 on other days).
🖼️ What to see: Don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin chapel—an iconic colorful installation right outside the museum.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Quiet, spacious galleries make it a nice outing for families and kids who enjoy exploring.
⏰ Time needed: Plan about 1–2 hours to see the full collection at a relaxed pace.
🚗 Parking: Paid parking available at the Brazos Garage next door (with discounted rates if validated).
🌞 Pro tip: Tuesdays can get a little busy since it’s free—go earlier in the day for a calmer experience.
Tips
📅 Free day: Admission is free every Tuesday (normal tickets are around $15 on other days).
🖼️ What to see: Don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin chapel—an iconic colorful installation right outside the museum.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Quiet, spacious galleries make it a nice outing for families and kids who enjoy exploring.
⏰ Time needed: Plan about 1–2 hours to see the full collection at a relaxed pace.
🚗 Parking: Paid parking available at the Brazos Garage next door (with discounted rates if validated).
🌞 Pro tip: Tuesdays can get a little busy since it’s free—go earlier in the day for a calmer experience.
Blanton Museum of Art | Austin, TX
A true Austin vibe—Armadillo Den is a spacious indoor-outdoor bar and music venue where you can kick back with friends and enjoy free live music. With plenty of seating, yard games, food trucks, and a big drink menu, it’s a go-to spot for a casual ni...
Tips:
🎸 Free music: Check their schedule online for weekly live performances.
🐶 Dog-friendly: Pups are welcome in the outdoor areas!
🍔 Food: Local food trucks are parked on-site—great for grabbing bites with your drinks.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Kids are welcome during the day; evenings are more of an adult vibe.
🚗 Parking: On-site but can get crowded—rideshare is a good option on weekends.
🌞 Best time to go: Evenings when it cools down and the music gets going.
Tips:
🎸 Free music: Check their schedule online for weekly live performances.
🐶 Dog-friendly: Pups are welcome in the outdoor areas!
🍔 Food: Local food trucks are parked on-site—great for grabbing bites with your drinks.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Kids are welcome during the day; evenings are more of an adult vibe.
🚗 Parking: On-site but can get crowded—rideshare is a good option on weekends.
🌞 Best time to go: Evenings when it cools down and the music gets going.
Armadillo Den | Austin, TX
Cathedral of Junk | Austin, TX One of Austin’s weirdest (and coolest) hidden treasures! The Cathedral of Junk is a massive backyard art installation built from recycled materials—everything from bikes to car parts to old toys stacked into colorful to...
Tips:
📞 Call ahead: Visits are by appointment only—make sure to call before you go.
💵 Donation: It’s free, but small donations are appreciated to help maintain the art.
📸 Bring your camera: Every corner is a photo opportunity.
👟 Wear comfy shoes: There are steps and uneven surfaces made from junk pieces.
👨👩👧 Kid-friendly: Fun for families, but keep an eye on little ones—lots of sharp/rough edges.
🚗 Parking: Limited street parking in the neighborhood, so plan accordingly.
Tips:
📞 Call ahead: Visits are by appointment only—make sure to call before you go.
💵 Donation: It’s free, but small donations are appreciated to help maintain the art.
📸 Bring your camera: Every corner is a photo opportunity.
👟 Wear comfy shoes: There are steps and uneven surfaces made from junk pieces.
👨👩👧 Kid-friendly: Fun for families, but keep an eye on little ones—lots of sharp/rough edges.
🚗 Parking: Limited street parking in the neighborhood, so plan accordingly.
Explore Austin's Cathedral of Junk: A Must-Visit for Curiosity Seekers and Art Enthusiasts — The Austin Tourist
This 6-floor library is more than just books—it’s a stunning piece of modern architecture with high-tech amenities, tons of light-filled spaces, and cozy reading corners. 🌿 Don’t miss the rooftop garden with incredible views of downtown Austin, plus...
Extra:
✅ Free admission + Wi-Fi — you don’t need a library card to enter or enjoy the space.
☕ Cookbook Café inside for coffee, pastries, and light bites.
🌆 Rooftop garden is a hidden gem with amazing downtown views (great photo spot).
🖥️ High-tech amenities — lots of charging stations, digital resources, and study rooms. 🎨
They often host free events, author talks, and exhibits, so check their calendar before you go.
❄️ And of course, indoor AC makes it a perfect spot to beat the Texas heat.
Extra:
✅ Free admission + Wi-Fi — you don’t need a library card to enter or enjoy the space.
☕ Cookbook Café inside for coffee, pastries, and light bites.
🌆 Rooftop garden is a hidden gem with amazing downtown views (great photo spot).
🖥️ High-tech amenities — lots of charging stations, digital resources, and study rooms. 🎨
They often host free events, author talks, and exhibits, so check their calendar before you go.
❄️ And of course, indoor AC makes it a perfect spot to beat the Texas heat.
Central Library | Austin Public Library
Texas State Capitol & Extension | Austin, TX A true Austin icon! The Texas State Capitol is bigger than the U.S. Capitol in D.C. and full of Texas history, stunning architecture, and free exhibits. The Capitol Extension (the underground addition)...
Tips:
💵 Free admission: Both the Capitol and Extension are free to enter.
⏰ Tours: Free guided tours are offered daily and last about 30–45 minutes—great way to get insider history.
❄️ Beat the heat: The Extension is underground and has AC, so it’s a nice indoor escape on hot days.
📸 Best views: Don’t miss the Capitol grounds for photo ops—the building looks amazing at sunset.
🚗 Parking: Metered street parking nearby, or use the Capitol Visitors Garage (free for 2 hours on weekends, small fee on weekdays).
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Wide open lawns outside are perfect for kids to run around.
Tips:
💵 Free admission: Both the Capitol and Extension are free to enter.
⏰ Tours: Free guided tours are offered daily and last about 30–45 minutes—great way to get insider history.
❄️ Beat the heat: The Extension is underground and has AC, so it’s a nice indoor escape on hot days.
📸 Best views: Don’t miss the Capitol grounds for photo ops—the building looks amazing at sunset.
🚗 Parking: Metered street parking nearby, or use the Capitol Visitors Garage (free for 2 hours on weekends, small fee on weekdays).
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Wide open lawns outside are perfect for kids to run around.
SPB - Texas Capitol and Extension
Outdoor
Step outside and soak up Austin’s natural beauty! Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, relaxing by the water, or enjoying free concerts under the stars, Austin’s outdoors is full of adventure. Family-friendly, date-worthy, or perfect for solo explori...
One of Austin’s best free outdoor escapes! Explore scenic hiking trails, hidden swimming holes, and beautiful limestone cliffs all in one place. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, rock climbing, or just lounging by the water, the Greenbelt is the pe...
Barton Creek Greenbelt Tips
🚗 Parking: Most trailheads have free parking, but Zilker/Barton Springs parking is $5–$7 on weekends/holidays. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a spot.
👟 Shoes: Trails can be rocky and uneven—wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals with grip.
💦 Swimming holes: Twin Falls & Sculpture Falls are local favorites, but water levels depend on recent rainfall—check conditions before you go.
☀️ Heat alert: Austin summers get brutal—bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and maybe go early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
🐶 Dog-friendly: Leashed pups are welcome, and they’ll love splashing in the creek too!
📍 Multiple entrances: There are several trailheads—research which one works best for your day (some are more secluded, others busier).
Barton Creek Greenbelt Tips
🚗 Parking: Most trailheads have free parking, but Zilker/Barton Springs parking is $5–$7 on weekends/holidays. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a spot.
👟 Shoes: Trails can be rocky and uneven—wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals with grip.
💦 Swimming holes: Twin Falls & Sculpture Falls are local favorites, but water levels depend on recent rainfall—check conditions before you go.
☀️ Heat alert: Austin summers get brutal—bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and maybe go early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
🐶 Dog-friendly: Leashed pups are welcome, and they’ll love splashing in the creek too!
📍 Multiple entrances: There are several trailheads—research which one works best for your day (some are more secluded, others busier).
Guide to Austin's Barton Creek Greenbelt | Greenbelt Trails & Hiking | Visit Austin, TX
A peaceful oasis in the city, Mayfield Park is famous for its roaming peacocks, historic cottage, koi ponds, and lush gardens. 🌿 It’s totally free and perfect for a relaxing stroll, family outing, or even a romantic date spot. The surrounding nature...
Tips:
🦚 Peacocks: The park is home to dozens of free-roaming peacocks—spring is the best time to see their colorful feather displays.
📸 Photography: This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Austin, so bring your camera!
🚗 Parking: Free but limited, so arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
🌞 Best time to visit: Mornings and evenings are quieter and cooler. Midday can get hot, and the peacocks are less active.
👟 Shoes: If you plan to explore the nature preserve trails, wear comfy walking shoes.
🧺 Picnics: Allowed in designated areas—pack snacks and enjoy the gardens.
Tips:
🦚 Peacocks: The park is home to dozens of free-roaming peacocks—spring is the best time to see their colorful feather displays.
📸 Photography: This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Austin, so bring your camera!
🚗 Parking: Free but limited, so arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
🌞 Best time to visit: Mornings and evenings are quieter and cooler. Midday can get hot, and the peacocks are less active.
👟 Shoes: If you plan to explore the nature preserve trails, wear comfy walking shoes.
🧺 Picnics: Allowed in designated areas—pack snacks and enjoy the gardens.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve | Austin, TX
Mount Bonnell | Austin, TX Known as one of the highest points in Austin, Mount Bonnell offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, Lake Austin, and the Hill Country. It’s a quick, beginner-friendly climb with just over 100 stairs—totally wor...
Tips:
🪜 Easy hike: It’s about 102 stairs to the top—short but steep. Good for beginners and families.
📸 Best time to visit: Sunrise for peaceful views, or sunset for gorgeous colors (expect more crowds at sunset).
🚗 Parking: Free but limited roadside spots—go early to snag a space.
💦 Bring water: It’s a short climb but the Texas heat makes it feel tougher!
👟 Shoes: Wear comfy shoes or sandals with grip—the limestone steps can be uneven.
🐶 Dog-friendly: Leashed pups are welcome, and they’ll love the view too!
Tips:
🪜 Easy hike: It’s about 102 stairs to the top—short but steep. Good for beginners and families.
📸 Best time to visit: Sunrise for peaceful views, or sunset for gorgeous colors (expect more crowds at sunset).
🚗 Parking: Free but limited roadside spots—go early to snag a space.
💦 Bring water: It’s a short climb but the Texas heat makes it feel tougher!
👟 Shoes: Wear comfy shoes or sandals with grip—the limestone steps can be uneven.
🐶 Dog-friendly: Leashed pups are welcome, and they’ll love the view too!
Mount Bonnell for Beginners | Visit Austin, TX
The Drop-In Free Summer Concert Series | Austin, TX Live music under the Austin sky—what could be better? 🌆 The Drop-In is a free weekly summer concert series at the Long Center, featuring local and national artists. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Au...
Tips
When: Free every Thursday evening during summer.
🎟️ Tickets: Admission is free, but seating is first come, first served—arrive early!
🧺 What to bring: Blankets, lawn chairs, water, and picnic snacks (or grab food from the trucks).
🚗 Parking: On-site garage + nearby street parking available, but it fills up fast.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Great for kids, couples, or groups—everyone can enjoy the music and atmosphere.
🌞 Pro tip: Go early for golden hour views of downtown before the music starts.
Tips
When: Free every Thursday evening during summer.
🎟️ Tickets: Admission is free, but seating is first come, first served—arrive early!
🧺 What to bring: Blankets, lawn chairs, water, and picnic snacks (or grab food from the trucks).
🚗 Parking: On-site garage + nearby street parking available, but it fills up fast.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Great for kids, couples, or groups—everyone can enjoy the music and atmosphere.
🌞 Pro tip: Go early for golden hour views of downtown before the music starts.
THE DROP-IN FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES | Austin, TX
Pease Park Troll | Austin, TX Meet Austin’s giant troll! 💫 Nestled in Pease Park, this whimsical wooden sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo is made entirely from recycled materials. It’s part art installation, part fairytale adventure, and totally free...
Tips :
📍 Location: Found inside Pease Park—look for signage pointing toward the troll sculpture.
💵 Free entry: Visiting the troll and park is completely free.
🚗 Parking: Limited free parking available near the park; rideshare is a good option on weekends.
👟 What to bring: Wear comfy walking shoes—the troll is a short stroll from the main park areas.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Perfect for kids and families; bring snacks and make it a little picnic day.
🌞 Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for good lighting and smaller crowds.
Tips :
📍 Location: Found inside Pease Park—look for signage pointing toward the troll sculpture.
💵 Free entry: Visiting the troll and park is completely free.
🚗 Parking: Limited free parking available near the park; rideshare is a good option on weekends.
👟 What to bring: Wear comfy walking shoes—the troll is a short stroll from the main park areas.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Perfect for kids and families; bring snacks and make it a little picnic day.
🌞 Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for good lighting and smaller crowds.
Pease Park's Troll — Pease Park Conservancy