Whether you live near the city, or you’re planning a trip, you may be surprised to learn there’s many free things to do in Austin, Texas. Offering a new and unique perspective of the Austin, each of these free activities are perfect for families and couples to enjoy. Whether you are budget- conscious or just looking for different suggestions of where to explore Austin, there’s plenty of activities to do that won’t cost you a dime. Here are my top picks for free things to do in Austin, Texas.

Explore Austin’s Parks and Trails

Austin’s 512 parks make it a paradise for outdoor lovers. While some are more popular than others, here are the parks and trails I most recommend when visiting Austin, Texas.

Zilker Park

Zilker Park is the oldest city park in Austin, Texas. The park has 351 acres of walking and biking trails, views of the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake. Visitors will have access to the Roy and Ann Butler Trail along with the Barton Creek Trail. It’s also an off-leash dog park, however it is not fenced in.

Free Events:

• Austin Kite Festival
• Blues on the Green
• Zilker Summer Musical
• Selected Free Days at Zilker Botanical Garden
• Selected Free Days at Trail of Lights

Pease Park

One of the most underrated parks that I highly recommend checking out is the 84-acre Pease Park. This park is home to the Austin Troll, an 18-foot sculpture crafted by a renowned Danish artist using recycled wood. You can find these impressive and creative sculptures all over America and in Europe. Nearby, you’ll also find a unique two-level treehouse sculpture—a perfect spot to relax or take photos.

Highlights:

• Austin Troll
• Pease Park Treehouse
• Splash pad (May-October)
• Free parking at the ACC garage

Mount Bonnell

Another must-visit park is Mount Bonnell, and in my opinion it’s the most scenic park of them all. After climbing between 5-6 flights of stairs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Austin and the Hill Country. It’s a quick trip but one of the free things to do in Austin, TX, today that offers unbeatable scenery.

Highlights:

• Scenic views
• Short walk
• Free parking

Mayfield Park

Free things to do in Austin this weekend is to discover the hidden nature preserve at Mayfield Park. If you love animals, one of the best things to do near the city will be to see the free-range peacocks. The park also includes 20 acres of walking trails and a koi fish pond.

Highlights:

• Pets not allowed
• 20-30 free-range peacocks
• Walking trails
• Koi fish pond

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Stretching across Austin at over 1,000 acres, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is an excellent choice for places to go hiking in Austin. Known as just “The Greenbelt,” when the weather is nice, it’s one of the best choices when choosing one of the free things to do in Austin. There are 7 different places to access the Greenbelt.

Where to Enter the Greenbelt:

• Trail Head: 2201 Barton Springs Road
• Spyglass: 1601 Spyglass Drive
• Barton Hills: 2010 Homedale Drive
• Gus Fruh: 2642 Barton Hill Drive
• Loop 360: 3755-B Capital of Texas Highway
• Gaines Creek: 3918 S. MoPac Expressway
• Trail End: 1710 Camp Craft Road

Highlights:

• Biking on the Barton Creek Bike Trail and Hill of Life
• Twin Falls & Sculpture Falls (Twin Falls tends to dry up quickly)
• Rock climbing at Seismic Wall or Urban Assault
• Campbell’s Hole (best to visit after Austin has had rain)

Cathedral of Junk

For a quirky, artistic experience, visit the Cathedral of Junk. This three-story sculpture, located in a private backyard, is made entirely from recycled and donated items. Walking through it feels like exploring a labyrinth of vintage toys and forgotten household items. While technically free, donations are encouraged to support this fascinating local art project. Be sure to make a reservation before visiting.

Tips:

• Must call to make a reservation
• Bring a cash donation to support the artist
• Free parking in the neighborhood
• Great for kids and adults
• Don’t miss out on exploring all 3 levels

Take Pictures with the South Congress Murals

Located on the other side of the river from downtown Austin, take a walk to see the popular murals on South Congress Avenue. The area of South Congress offers a more authentic side of the city and is a fun and easy way to see Austin’s vibrant culture. Get photos to signify your visit to Austin with iconic murals like “I Love You So Much” or the “Greetings from Austin” that looks like a postcard. This is one of the free things to do in Austin this weekend that’s both memorable and Instagram-worthy.

Murals to Not Miss Throughout Austin:

• Love from Austin
• Greetings from Austin
• I Love You So Much
• Willie For President
• You’re My Butter Half
• Before I Die
• Willie Nelson & Janis Joplin

Rooftop Garden at the Austin Central Library

When it’s hot or raining outside, one of the easiest and free things to do in Austin, Texas inside is to spend some time at the Austin Central Library. This impressive public library is more than just a place to borrow books. Its modern architecture and art installations are absolutely worth exploring.

One of the biggest reasons I love to recommend stopping by this location, is the rooftop garden. The shaded rooftop space offers stunning views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake. Bring a coffee, grab a book, and enjoy some quiet time in this unique space.

Why Visit:

• The crisscross staircases give Hogwarts vibes.
• Thousands of books
• Boardgames
• I love to bring a coffee, snack, a book or my laptop and hang out in the rooftop garden
• Parking is free the first hour

Tour the Texas State Capital

If you’ve never seen a state capital building before, a pit stop at the Texas Capital Building is one you have to make to complete your Austin trip. Stepping inside the Capital Building is one of the best free things to do in Austin, TX today or any day. Built in 1888, the Texas State Capitol is a historical gem and located in the middle of downtown Austin, Texas. You can freely wander through its halls and several floors to see its beautiful architecture.

Why Visit:

• It’s a great inside activity during the summer
• Learn about the history of Texas
• Free 30 min guided tours
• Option to walk freely throughout the different floors

Tour the Governor’s Mansion

With a reservation, you can tour the Governor’s Mansion Wednesday through Friday. This historic residence offers a glimpse into Texas’ political history and architecture. Learn about how a fire in 2008 almost destroyed the mansion and learn about its historical significance and the influential people who has stayed there.

Highlights:

• Tours are free, but require a reservation
• Built in 1856 with Greek Revival architecture
• Furniture from the 1800’s
• Historical artwork and memorabilia
• Explore the beautiful gardens

Free Entry Days at Austin Museums

Austin is home to several museums that offer free entry days or free admission. If you’re wanting to learn more about the Texas culture and see art on a budget, this is definitely the best approach. Musuems in Austin that are always free include the Harry Ransom Center, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center and Texas Military Forces Museum.

Museums with Free Access Days:

• Free 1st Sunday of the Month: Bullock Texas State Muesum
• Free on Sundays: Mexic-Arte Museum
• Free on Tuesdays: Contemporary Austin Museum
• Free on Thursdays: Blanton Museum of Art

Free Places to Swim

During Austin’s hot summers, there’s a few places near Austin you can go swimming for free. You do have to pay attention to the amount of rainfall the area has had since Austin experiences some really severe droughts. One of the most popular places that is a hit every summer is the spillway of Barton Creek near Barton Springs Pool.

This creek is fed by the spring that fills up Barton Springs Pool and then flows into Lady Bird Lake. On Lady Bird Lake it’s popular to go paddle boarding and kayaking, but swimming is not allowed. That’s why you’ll see lots of people in the creek. It’s a refreshing and free way to beat the heat.

Barton Springs Pool

If you want to go swimming at Barton Springs Pool there’s times of the year and times of the day it is free to enter. It’s free in the winter until March and if you want to swim from 5 am to 8am or 6pm to 10pm, it’s free.

More Places to Swim for Free:

• Deep Eddy Pool: Free before 8am and after 9pm
• Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls (check for water levels)
• Gus Fruh Swimming Hole (check for water levels)
• Campbell’s Hole (check for water levels)

Watch the Bats from Congress Bridge

If you’d like to experience something free and truly unique, you must see over a million bats emerge from Congress bridge. Austin is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony. The Mexican free-tailed bats migrate to Austin around April until November. The bats roost underneath Congress Bridge and emerge to feed at sunset. The best time to see them is when the climate is at its driest in July and August.

There are many ways to watch the bats emerge from Congress Avenue Bridge, but if you stand on Congress Bridge or stand on either side of the bridge you can see the bats really well. This is one of the free things to do in Austin in the summer that’s perfect for nature lovers.

Free Live Music

Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, there’s live music venues in Austin all over the city. Austin even hosts numerous free music events. Any time there’s free events it can get crowded quickly, so arrive early. popular venues.

Free Live Music Events:

• January: Free Week in the Red River Cultural Center
• May: Music in the Park
• June: Blues on the Green
• July to August: Zilker Summer Musical

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