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Austin is full of fun things to do for people of all ages and hobbies, making it a great place for both locals and tourists to go. There are a lot of different things to do in Austin, from playing indoor pickleball, watching bats, and going on outdoor trips to checking out lively neighborhoods and going to live music shows.
Anyone can enjoy Austin’s lively atmosphere and wide range of fun things to do for free, whether they live there or are just visiting. Austin has a lot to offer during summer for people of all ages and interests, from parks and museums to things to do outside.
Let’s explore what options for you have if you are visiting Austin in summer.
1. Witness the Austin Bats
People know that the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, is home to the biggest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats.
People come to see this natural wonder to witness the thousands of bats coming out to eat at night, just before the sun goes down. From early March to late September, after sunset is usually the best time to see bats fly, unless there are early cold snaps.
Bat Watching Tips
To enhance your bat-watching experience:
- Parking plan: Because bats’ flight schedules are so random, give yourself at least two hours to park and get to the bridge.
- Options for Getting There: To easily get to the Congress Avenue Bridge, you could walk, ride a bike, ride a scooter, or use a pedicab.
Bat Watching Spots
Enthusiasts gather on the east side of the Congress Bridge or at the Statesman Bat Observation Center below, often from 7:19 pm to just after 9:22 pm.
Combine Bat Watching with Dining
For a memorable evening, dine at the P6 Patio at The Line Hotel, offering a covered outdoor setting with stunning views of the Congress Avenue Bridge. Enjoy bat-watching while dining or take a short stroll for a closer view.
2. Explore the Great Outdoors
While Austin is famous for its music scene, it also boasts stunning outdoor attractions and activities that make it an ideal place to live and explore.
The Texas Hill Country Hikes
Austin doesn’t have any mountains, but the Texas Hill Country has some beautiful walks. These are some of the best hiking trails:
- Barton Creek Greenbelt is in South Austin and has miles of the best hiking and bike trails in Texas. It also has clear blue swimming holes and places for rock climbers.
- McKinney Falls State Park is in the southeast and lets you see Texas wildlife while climbing, mountain biking, or camping.
Ideal Time for Hiking
The best time to go camping in Austin is in the fall when the weather is nice and the leaves are beautiful. Visit in the mornings during the week to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
The Winding Colorado River
The Colorado River flows through Austin and splits into Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin. This makes for a beautiful area to explore, especially in the summer.
Live Music and Food Festivals
People from all over the world come to Austin to enjoy its lively music scene and food events like South by Southwest and Hot Luck Festival.
Scenic Neighborhoods
Explore Austin’s lovely neighborhoods and busy buying areas on your own. You can drive through Westlake Hills, Travis Heights, Walnut Creek, SoCo, and Rosewood to see the city’s many interesting and beautiful neighborhoods.
Travel to the Safari
Drive-thru safaris at Austin’s zoos and wildlife preserves are a fun way for the whole family to experience wildlife without having to get out of the car.
3. Stroll South Congress (SOCO)
Austin’s South Congress Avenue (SOCO) is known for having a lively vibe and being a great place to window shop. People from Austin and visitors alike like to go there to enjoy the city’s unique charm.
There are lots of shops and stores on the street, so it’s a great place to just look around and take your time. People can look around in a variety of shops, from quirky boutiques to vintage shops, and find secret gems as they go.
There are also well-known paintings in SOCO, such as the “I Love You So Much” and “Willie For President” murals. These bright works of art make the street feel even livelier and more artistic, which is great for art lovers and Instagram users.
Everyone is welcome to explore South Congress Avenue for free and have fun doing it. A walk along SOCO will give you a memorable and original Austin experience, whether you’re looking at the murals, shopping, or just enjoying the lively atmosphere.
4. Attend Blues On The Green
Free live music is played at Zilker Park in Austin during the summer as part of Blues On The Green.
The event began at the Arboretum shopping center and moved to Zilker Park in 1999 with help from the City of Austin and HEB.
Blues, jazz, R&B, and funk are played at concerts in June and July. Big names like Bob Schneider and Shakey Graves have played there before.
People who want to go should check ACL Radio’s website for schedules, get there early, use eco-friendly transportation, and bring the things they need to be comfy.
5. Play Pickleball
Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has gained popularity among Austinites as a fun and accessible sport.
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Pickleball Courts
The city offers public pickleball court locations, including indoor options like:
- Pickleland: Members have complimentary access to open play courts between 7 am and 11 pm. To enhance player selection, specific time slots are recommended, and level-based divisions are provided for an improved experience. Explore membership options here.
- Austin Pickle Ranch: With two locations offering multiple courts, Austin Pickle Ranch caters to pickleball enthusiasts with open play, leagues, and clinics.
- Bouldin Acres: Patrons can rent courts at Bouldin Acres, complete with equipment rental options and online reservations for convenience.
- Austin Tennis Center: Featuring eight lighted courts, the Austin Tennis Center provides opportunities for evening play and offers lessons and leagues for skill development.
- Dreamland Dripping Springs: This private event space in Dripping Springs boasts 16 dedicated pickleball courts for public use, with rental options available.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that is meant to be fun for people of all ages and levels of skill. The simple rules make it easy for new players to get the hang of, but for more experienced players, it can get fast-paced and intense, so everyone can enjoy it.
6. Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake
When you paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, you can enjoy Austin’s outdoor scene while enjoying the calm waters of the Colorado River. It’s a must-do for both locals and tourists because there are many places to rent them and the scenery is beautiful.
Free Paddleboarding
Lady Bird Lake lets paddleboarders enjoy the beauty of the lake without having to pay to rent a board. This makes it easy for anyone to try paddleboarding or just relax on the water for the day.
Must-See Features
People who paddle around the lake during the day can see many kinds of animals, like birds and fish. The tree-lined shores and pretty lakefront houses make the area even more beautiful to look at.
From May to October, evening paddlers can see the famous bat season, when millions of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats come out from under the Congress Avenue bridge.
Free Parking Options
There are free parking spots close for people who want to paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, but it depends on the day and availability.
Visitors will find it easier to get to the lake and enjoy paddleboarding now that there are parking spots there.
Local Rental Companies
Rowing Dock and Texas Rowing Center are two local renting shops that rent out kayaks and paddleboards for people who don’t have their gear.
These businesses sell good gear and usually have knowledgeable staff to make sure you have a safe and fun time on the water.
Ease of Access
Finding your way around Lady Bird Lake while paddleboarding is pretty easy. In the nearby parks, drop-in spots are marked, and it’s easy to rent equipment.
Motorized boat traffic on the lake is limited, which makes it a safe and peaceful place for paddlers of all types.
7. Visit the Austin Nature and Science Center
The Austin Nature and Science Center is in Zilker Park. The 80-acre park has hands-on nature exhibits and activities that are fun for both kids and adults.
Park Features
The center has hands-on exhibits like the Forest Trail, which shows local trees, and the Dino Pit, where you can dig for fossils. It also has animal exhibits with a variety of animals and a place to watch honeybees.
Family-Friendly Environment
The center makes sure that kids have a fun and educational time when they come. Parents tell their kids to bring hats and water bottles on hot days so that everyone can be comfortable.
Discover Austin: Summer Activities Await!
Austin offers a variety of activities for all interests, from nature trails to cultural exhibits. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to explore this vibrant community.
Take advantage of these complimentary options and dive into the essence of Austin’s lively community!
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