Free things to do in Austin

Bouldin Creek

Gourdough's Big Fat Donuts & Coffee

Gourdough's is a fun stop for a unique donut experience, ideal for a quick treat or dessert after exploring South 1st Street. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-15 per person.

Family

Buc-ee's Bastrop

A road-trip rite of passage: famously clean restrooms, made-to-order brisket, and aisles of snacks and beaver merch. Easy on/off the highway, huge lot, zero stress.

Bouldin Creek

Butler Metro Park

Winding park with city vistas, a night-lit fountain, a pond, walking paths & other features.

Zilker

Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum

Exhibition of Charles Umlauf's works with an outdoor collection of touchable bronze sculptures.

Mansfield-River Place

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

12 miles of forested trails on Lake Austin, with boat docks, BBQ pits & several swimming areas.

Medical District

Waterloo Park

This public park with a walking trail is the site of occasional events such as music festivals.

Riverside

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Waterfront walking/cycling path featuring scenic views of the downtown skyline.

Gracy Woods

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

This large public park known for its system of hiking & biking trails also has a playground & pool.

Waller Creek District

Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park

Downtown riverfront park & popular kayaking, picnicking & fishing spot with trail access.

Allandale

Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park

Popular space with a playground & pool, plus basketball & tennis courts & many picnic tables.

Central East Austin

George Washington Carver Museum

Museum dedicated to African-American history & culture, including events, classes & summer camps.

Tarrytown

The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria

Contemporary art museum featuring rotating, innovative exhibits & offering educational programs.

Bouldin Creek

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park

This urban greenspace features an off-leash dog area, seasonal events & picnic tables.

Congress Avenue Historic District

Mexic-Arte Museum

Venue spotlighting Mexican & Latino art & host of an annual Day of the Dead festival & parade.

The Woods Of Westlake Hilltop

Hill of Life

Holly

RichesArt Gallery

Sixth Street Historic District

Museum of the Weird

Museum featuring an array of curios & oddities, from Bigfoot to shrunken heads, plus a gift shop.

West Congress

Cathedral of Junk

This whimsical, multilevel shelter is made with 60+ tons of used furniture, home goods & other junk.

Riverplace

River Place Nature Trail Canyon Trailhead

Park featuring a riverside walking trail with steps, elevation changes & picturesque views.

East Oak Hill

Barton Creek Greenbelt

This popular urban natural area offers opportunities for biking, hiking, swimming & rock climbing.

Mueller Town Center District

Thinkery

Interactive kids' museum with science exhibits, art, indoor & outdoor play spaces & story time.

Central Commerce Business Park

Austin’s

Attractions include go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages & a rock-climbing wall.

East Oak Hill

Twin Falls

Bull Creek

Bull Creek District Park

Tranquil, undeveloped park along the river with a variety of dog-friendly trails & picnic areas.