Free Things to Do in Austin
Austin's best free activities include Barton Springs Pool ($5 for adults, free for kids under 12), Austin Nature & Science Center (free), Mayfield Park peacocks (free), Pease Park Splash Pad (free), and free live music on 6th Street and at The Continental Club.
20 places · 20 free · Updated Oct 2026
The building alone is worth a visit. Dedicated kids' floor with free storytimes, crafts, and STEM activities. Weekly storytimes for ages 0-5 including Spanish sessions. Rooftop garden. Free underground parking.
Free splash pad, May through October, 8am-10pm daily. Playground and restrooms right there. Shaded trails along Shoal Creek for when the kids finally dry off. You'll burn at least two hours here. Pack a towel.
Free park with peacocks just walking around. Two acres of gardens, water lily ponds, and trails. Peacocks show off their tail feathers February through June. Nature preserve next door has easy walking trails. Good for a quick visit or a longer picnic.
Sprawling free park along the Colorado River with a nature-themed playground (4 slides, bridges, climbing structures, spinners, nature sounds buttons), paved trails for bikes and strollers, soccer fields, and disc golf. One of Austin's best playgrounds.
Free hike up 102 hand-cut limestone stairs to the highest point in Austin. Takes about two minutes — even small kids can do it. Panoramic views of Lake Austin and the Hill Country. Free parking. Best at sunset, less crowded mornings.
Free garden designed for kids with whimsical paths, hands-on planting areas, and shady picnic spots. Part of the Mueller development. Open daily, free admission.
12-mile greenbelt with hiking and biking trails, swimming holes, and limestone cliffs. Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls trails are family-friendly with shallow wading pools when water flows. Free to access. Dogs welcome on leash.
Modern park with a large playground, splash pad (seasonal), lake with walking loop, and open lawns. One of the best playgrounds in Austin — climbing structures for all ages. Thinkery children's museum right across the street.
Free outdoor concerts most Sundays at the Long Center lawn overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Family-friendly programming, mix of genres. The terrace has stunning skyline views.
A 22,000-square-foot outdoor skate park with bowls, rails, and street features for all skill levels. Free to use — no admission charge. Helmets required for kids under 18. A separate beginner area makes it accessible for younger kids learning to skate or scooter. One of the largest free skate parks in Texas.
Free outdoor musical at the Zilker Hillside Theater every summer since 1959. Bring a blanket, sit on the grass. Full Broadway-style production, no charge. Thu-Sun, mid-July through mid-August at 8:15pm.
10.1-mile paved loop around Lady Bird Lake. Free to walk, run, or bike. Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals along the way. At the Congress Avenue Bridge section, 1.5 million bats emerge at sunset March through October.
Highest point in Austin at 780 feet. 102 limestone stairs, takes two minutes. Lake Austin, Hill Country, and downtown skyline from the top. Free parking on Mt. Bonnell Road. Best at sunset.
Afrobeat Sundays are free — African, Caribbean, and Latin rhythms in the backyard. Rest of the week: punk, garage, experimental, local acts. Low or no cover most nights.
Independent shops, vintage stores, live music, and food. Free to stroll. Allen's Boots, Uncommon Objects, the 'I Love You So Much' wall. Street musicians most evenings. First Thursdays have extended hours.
Old bungalow houses turned into bars, each with a backyard patio. Free to walk around. No cover at most places. Food trucks everywhere. Craft Pride (Texas-only beer) and Container Bar are standouts. The chill version of Sixth Street.
Independent record store since 1982. Willie Nelson, Spoon, and St. Vincent have all played free in-store shows here. Big vinyl and CD selection plus local Austin music. Outdoor stage for free shows year-round and during SXSW.