Austin, Texas, has become a go-to destination in the United States. Millions of people flock there every year to get a job or to relax and take a vacation. But no matter what your reasons are for heading over to Austin there are plenty of activities that you can do there every day. Unfortunately, just like every other big city, Austin, Texas, could be expensive if you are visiting places and going out to eat every night. To help your budget we have put together a list of free activities that you can do in Austin. So gather your friends for a cheap outing and head to one of these locations for some free fun!
Free Things To Do In Austin – Tour The Capitol
Since Austin is the capital of the great state of Texas, it is only right that you take time to visit the capitol building. And since touring the capital is free, it is great to explore when you have a tight budget. Learn about the history of Texas and how it came to be in our nation by going on a guided thirty-minute tour with an experienced tour guide. There you can take a close up look at the amazing architecture of the capital that has housed many great discussions and decisions for Texans. In the building there are not just lawmakers walking around, there are even fun exhibits for you and your friends to look at. Explore all of the traditions that Texas had past and present and really discover why people don’t mess with Texas at the capital!
Free Things To Do In Austin – Zilker Park
Discover Austin’s largest park, Zilker Park, with over 350 acres dedicated just for people to run, swim, play, and do any other outside activities. With an amazing view of the city’s skyline, this park is great for you and your friends to come together and play ball, throw a frisbee around, or even just bring a blanket and relax. And Zilker Park hosts hundreds of events every year in Austin. So explore some classic Austin traditions that have been happening for hundreds of years like their kite festival, music shows, or theater performances. Zilker Park is also the home of Austin’s Nature and Science center that has free admission for everyone. Get out of your house or hotel and have some fun at Zilker Park.
Free Things To Do In Austin – I Love You So Much Mural
Located on the outside wall of Jo’s Hot Coffee Good Food shop is Austin’s iconic statement of love with the I Love You So Much mural. And though this mural may not be anything exciting at first, it is when you learn about the story behind it is when you will want to make sure to stop and visit it with your loved ones. It was after artist, Amy Cook, ended up getting into a fight with her partner Liz Lambert, Cook went to Lambert’s coffee shop and spray painted I Love You So Much to remind Lambert that no matter what Cook was going to be there for her. So take a few minutes out of your day and snag a picture with this short, sweet, simple love letter.
Barton Springs Pool
Texas can get hot. And in Austin when there are millions of people hustling through the city every day you are going to need a place where you can cool down. Barton Springs Pool is the go-to place for residents and visitors to all come together and have some fun in the water. Though this pool does charge admission throughout the day there are select times where you can enter and swim for free. From 5am-8am and 9pm-10pm the pool is open to the public completely free. But be aware that this is their “swim at your own risk” time frame since there is no lifeguard on duty. Make sure to bring a friend and start or finish your day off with a swim.
Cathedral Of Junk
Discover the place that help keeps Austin weird at the Cathedral of Junk. And hat sits in the backyard in a small suburban area is what Vince Hannemann built out of-you guessed it- junk. What started as a small project back in the late 1980s has now grown to be one weird, yet strangely charming tourist attractions. So see what 60 tons of unwanted items can turn into if you have the imagination to think outside of the box. And if this is something that you are hoping to do, make sure to call ahead because this the Cathedral of Junk is visible by appointment only.