While you’re in Austin, don’t forget to take advantage of the many free attractions the city offers. Whether you love art and museums or are simply interested in exploring the city, you can find free things to do in Austin if you’re on a budget. Visit the LBJ Presidential Library, the BMX Skate Park, or take a kayak tour on Lady Bird Lake.
Lady Bird Lake
If you’re looking for a free way to get outside and enjoy Austin’s natural beauty, a trip to Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas is a great idea. This lakeside trail is part of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, one of the most popular recreation destinations in Austin. Whether you’re looking to walk, bike, or play a game of volleyball, you’ll be able to find it here.
You’ll find plenty of recreational opportunities at Ladybird Lake, a large reservoir in the center of downtown Austin. This lake’s 10-mile hiking and biking trail weaves through neighborhoods and cultural attractions. The area is also popular with locals for activities like stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing. You won’t have to pay to use the park’s facilities to enjoy the lake, which is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
To find more ways to enjoy Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, check out the Comancho Center. There, you can rent stand-up paddle boards from the Expedition School. Kimery Duda, the founder of the Expedition School, established the school in 1999. By renting a stand-up paddle board from the Expedition School, you’ll also be supporting local volunteer and community initiatives. After you rent a stand-up paddle board, make sure to visit the museum at the Comancho Center, which features a great outdoor space.
BMX Skate Park
BMX Skate Park in Austin, TX is a great place to get your bike or skateboarding fix. It features bowl sections, sculptures, and shaded areas. There are also plenty of spots to practice tricks. You’ll be able to see how much of a pro you are if you’re a newbie or a seasoned skater. The best part is that it’s free!
In addition to the great skateboard and BMX park, the city of Austin has several parks for all skill levels and ages. Morgan Moss BMX Skate Park opened on June 16, 2011 and is open every day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park features bowls, rails, and steep ramps that are perfect for beginners and veterans alike. The park was built on a site that was once an unused parking lot. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department reached out to some of the leading lights in the Austin skate and BMX communities.
The Austin BMX and Skate Park offers more than a dozen obstacles for skateboarders to try. The park has restrooms, water fountains, and public art, so you’ll have a great time there. The park is ideal for both beginners and experts and is located in the Mabel Davis District Park. It’s located in the suburb of Pflugerville. Once you’ve visited, don’t forget to bring your friends and family!
LBJ Presidential Library
The city has numerous museums and galleries to explore, including the impressive Texas State History Museum. The exhibits are interactive and include a giant mural along Fifth Street. Visitors can also explore the Neill-Cochran House Museum, an Antebellum home that showcases the city’s cultural evolution. There are plenty of activities for kids and adults to enjoy, from hiking to canoeing, and the city is filled with delicious dining options. During the summer, be sure to take advantage of Austin’s great happy hour deals.
Another outdoor attraction worth visiting in Austin is the Laguna Gloria, an art center and house. The grounds feature dozens of sculptures and green walking trails. You can attend a wedding here and see cool contemporary art. There is also a museum for art lovers, including the Texas State History Museum, which features more than a hundred works by local artists. There is also a popular outdoor theater that hosts live music.
For free family fun, there are several places to enjoy Austin. Sandy’s Hamburgers is an Austin institution that opened in 1946. The famous double cheeseburger, frosted custard, and frosty root beer are worth checking out. Visiting Waterloo Records is another option, which often hosts free live music performances by local artists. The Drop-In is another free outdoor concert series hosted by ACL Radio. There are also free music performances at various locations, including the iconic Neill-Cochran House.
Lady Bird Kayak Tours
For a fun and affordable activity, consider taking a paddleboarding or kayak tour on the scenic Lady Bird Lake. The lake is dog-friendly, and there are many activities to enjoy during your time on the water. While you’re paddling, look for turtles, feed ducks, and enjoy a cool breeze. This is a great place to take your family for a day of outdoor exploration.
To explore Lady Bird Lake and surrounding areas, rent a kayak from one of the several rental shops located throughout the lake. Kayak rentals start at around $10, but can cost as much as $45 a day. This option is great for travelers who want a more active outdoor activity, families with young children, and people who want a closer look at the scenery. The Austin paddleboard tours and kayak rentals are both free and affordable, so take your time and don’t be afraid to experiment with a few different things.
To rent kayaks, you can head to the Lady Bird Kayak Center, which is located near the Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake. If you don’t want to rent a kayak, you can also head over to Congress Avenue Kayaks. Located right by the Congress Avenue Bridge, this center has paddle boards and kayaks available for rent. The cost is usually around $30, depending on the season and number of people.
St. Edward’s Park
You can walk, run, or swim for free in this 80-acre park. You’ll find lush greenery and small waterfalls as well as ponds. Dogs are welcome in the park. You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly trails here. And if you’re looking for a great place for your next family reunion or wedding, try St. Edward’s Park.
You can take your dog with you to St. Edward’s Park for free. There are two separate parking lots at the park. You’ll want to park in the smaller one because it’s easier to navigate, while the larger parking lot will likely be full. Be sure to check for parking hours prior to visiting, as they vary. If you’re coming during the day, the park is open from sunrise to dusk.
There are many ways to experience the Austin area. If you’re looking for a scenic hike near downtown, try St. Edward’s Park. The 80-acre park features over four miles of hiking trails, including dog-friendly ones. Mount Bonnel is a super-popular sunset spot. It’s 775 feet above sea level and offers views of both the Hill Country and Colorado River. You’ll need to climb 100 steps to get to the top, but there are plenty of free parking lots at the base. You can also enjoy the Austin sunset by watching the flying bats that are a mass exodus every evening.
St. Edward’s Park has two hiking trails, the Hill Trail and the Creek Trail. Both are suitable for even the most inexperienced hikers. The Hill Trail is slightly longer and follows Bull Creek. If you’re looking for a challenge, you should go with the Hill Trail. Both trails offer different scenery, including limestone outcroppings and wildflower-filled meadows.
Cathedral of Junk
If you’re looking for a unique and fun way to spend an afternoon in Austin, Texas, you can visit the Cathedral of Junk. The unique structure is actually a work in progress, with a three-story tower that was torn down once the artist thought he was finished. Hannemann has since added three additional rooms to the structure with pieces of the tower that were removed. Once you’re done exploring the junk, the Cathedral of Junk will have a new home for you.
While you’re at Cathedral of Junk, consider bringing a friend along. Admission is free, but you’ll want to bring some money. While you can’t pay to visit, you can make a $10 donation per person or group to support the work of Vince. Many people even bring their own junk to donate to him. It’s a unique place to visit that’s sure to get you thinking about where to donate your unwanted items!
The Cathedral of Junk was originally threatened with demolition by the city of Austin. However, the owner of the cathedral decided to let visitors look around for a while. After all, he was the one to come up with the design. Even though he doesn’t disclose the specifics of his construction process, the Cathedral is built with wires, straps, and cement. Vince also had it inspected by structural engineers to ensure that it wouldn’t collapse under the weight of a Texas tornado.
