Things to do in Central Texas
Free Things to Do in Austin, Texas
50 Free Things to Do in Austin
Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park: Stay up late to watch—and splash in—the colorful light show.
Boardwalk Trail on Ladybird Lake: Capture beautiful shots of the city skyline.
Mayfield Park Home: Visit the peacocks and peahens.
Barton Creek Greenbelt to Twin Falls: Escape into nature with an easy hike.
Wooldridge Square Park: Play Giant Chess.
6th & Brazos: Pose in front of the “Greetings from Austin” postcard mural.
Congress Avenue Bridge: Watch an estimated 1,500,000 Mexican-free-tailed bats emerge.
The Governor’s Mansion: Tour the mansion.
BookPeople: Attend storytime and let the kids enjoy the tunnel that runs under the “Wheel of Time” staircase.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery: Photograph the ever-changing graffiti.
Harry Ransom Center at UT Campus: Tour the current exhibit.
Central Market North: Enjoy live music on the patio.
Red Bud Isle: Let your four-legged friend explore.
Local Farmer’s Market: Check out a market.
Austin’s Free Festivals: Attend and enjoy.
Barton Springs Pool: Swim in one of Austin’s 72 free pools.
Austin Nature & Science Center: Dig for dino bones.
Texas Capitol Visitors Center: Tour the Capitol and stop by the visitors center.
Public Places: Explore Austin’s Art.
Blanton Museum of Art: Visit for free every Thursday.
Barton Springs Pool: Splash in the spillway.
Austin Fire Museum: Visit the museum.
Amy’s Ice Creams: Take a tour of the production facility.
Disc Golf: Try your hand at disc golf.
UT Campus: Go to a Star Party.
Zilker Hillside Theater: Enjoy a free show under the stars.
Texas Memorial Cemetery: Explore works of art in the cemetery.
French Legation Museum: Attend a program or tour the house.
City’s 12 Free Splash Pads: Get soaked.
Boggy Creek Farm: Visit the chickens.
Hamilton Pool Preserve: Enter a man-made cave to learn about aquatic life in the pool.
An Improv Scavenger Hunt: Embark on an improvisational scavenger hunt.
Austin Public Library: Enjoy free youth programs.
Landmarks Public Art on the UT Campus: Take a free student-led tour.
Bullock State History Museum: Learn the Story of Texas for free on the first Sunday of every month.
Roy G. Guerrero Park: Dig your toes into a sandy Secret Beach.
Arboretum Cows: Visit the cows.
Radio, Coffee & Beer: Boogie to Bluegrass on a Monday night.
City Hall: See the annual art exhibit in The People’s Gallery.
Austin Visitors Center: Pick up brochures for self-guided walking tours.
Walnut Creek: Hunt for tadpoles.
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum: Walk among the sculptures.
"You’re My Better Half" Mural: Take a picture.
Waterloo Records: Enjoy a free in-store show.
Studio of Elisabeth Ney: Visit the studio of the 19th-century sculptor.
Mount Bonnell: Have a picnic with sweeping views.
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center: Learn about African American history and culture.
Texas Military Forces Museum: See tanks, planes, and a piece of the Berlin Wall.
Laguna Gloria: Pretend to picnic in Italy.
Mills Pond: Go fishing.