9 Fun Things to Do in Austin, TX
Austin is a mecca for fun and adventure. Whether you are looking to go shopping, hike, or enjoy the nightlife, there is always an activity for you to partake in. From live music to public art to waterside parks, you'll fall in love with this dynamic city.
With its laid-back atmosphere and over 300 days of sunshine, Austin offers a bevy of outdoor fun activities and many tantalizing restaurants and boutiques to satisfy the tastes of even the most discerning visitor.
Fun Things to Do in Austin
If you're looking for fun things to do in Austin today, look no further. Here are nine fun things to try out with a scavenger hunt by Alley Kat Adventures:
Visit Barton Springs Pool
What better way to escape the sweltering Texas heat than to go for a dip in Barton Springs Pool? This spring-fed natural pool, located in Zilker Park, spans 3 acres and keeps the water temperatures between 68 and 70 degrees, offering up a refreshing getaway from the Austin summer heat.
The best part? Barton Springs pool is winter pleasant and opens all year long. After swimming, you can sunbathe on the easygoing botanical Zilker Park lawns or visit the educational exhibits to learn the history and biology of the pool.
Tour the State Capitol
A visit to the State Capitol allows visitors a glimpse into Texas culture, history, and an understanding of how the state's political process works.
The state capitol, an iconic gorgeous red granite building, houses chambers and offices of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor. Notable attractions here include the Main Staircase with its massive granite staircase and art-deco-inspired murals.
Tours run from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm on weekdays, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on Saturdays, and 12 pm to 3.30 pm on Sundays.
Bat Seeing at the Congress Avenue Bridge
The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every evening at sunset, the 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats emerge from underneath the bridge to fly for their dinner, usually feeding over nearby Lady Bird Lake.
Every year between March and November, visitors can witness this natural spectacle and marvel at the sight of so many bats flying out together.
A kayaking trip is the best way to see this massive Mexican bat colony from up close. In August, you can participate in a bat costume contest, enjoy drinks and food while watching live entertainment spanning across the bridge's length during the city's Bat Fest.
Enjoy a Mouth-Watering Brisket at Franklin Barbecue
Cool your hunger with a mouth-watering brisket at Franklin's Barbecue. Opened in 2019, this joint has gained fame for its perfectly smoked brisket. At a line of 3 hours long, be prepared to wait your turn and relish the fresh, juicy meat once your number is called.
The long queues also add to the experience, as you share a meal with other hungry visitors and form new connections. To beat the queue, arrive by 8 am and carry your collapsible chair. You can also preorder your barbecue, but you have to make the order at least six weeks in advance.
Shop All Day on South Congress Avenue
The South Congress Avenue, popularly known as SoCo by the locals, is an eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, vintage stores, and antique shops bound to keep you occupied for hours.
Shop rows of colorful candy at the circus-themed Big Top Candy Shop, wander through the boutique-lined Buffalo Exchange, and pop into the many local boutiques for some cool Austin clothing.
For vintage apparel, candles, and jewelry, check out Parts and Labor for variety and prices to suit various budgets. Finish off your shopping spree with a treat at Jo's Hot Coffee, Hillside Farmacy, or Confituras.
Take Instagram Photos at Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is a must-visit in Austin. At 775 feet, it's an easy climb for all hikers and offers spectacular views of the city at sunset. It overlooks Lake Austin and allows for a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
The National Register of Historic Places listed Mount Bonnell as one of the most historic places in Texas and declared it a Texas Historic Landmark.
The 102 steps make climbing up significantly easier even for non-hikers to take spectacular Instagram pictures with breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding hills as the sun illuminates the waters of Lake Austin for those stunning sunsets.
Admire Beautiful Art Pieces at Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art is home to a remarkable collection of ancient and modern art. With over 20,000 masterpieces, it's hard to cover all the exhibits in a single visit.
It houses various pieces, including ancient Greek sculptures, European paintings, and contemporary Americana art. The museum also hosts late-night visits, block parties, and art-inspired films during its public programs. Stop by for some culture and art appreciation with your family.
Shop Allens Boots for Cowboy Boots
Allens Boots is a household name for boots in America. This store has been around since 1977 and houses a wide variety of women, men's, and children's cowboy boots. It houses thousands of exotic and trendy cowboy boots from Caiman to Western booties.
With spectacular designs and high-quality leather, you can shop for the perfect style here. In addition to quality products at pocket-friendly prices, you can also get your boots customized or repaired if needed.
Listen to Live Music on Sixth Street
How can you miss live music while in Austin? A city that has been named the live music capital of the world. Sixth Street is known for its live music and bars. You can enjoy different genres of live music from country to hip-hop to blues at the famous Sixth Street from 6 pm onwards. This street is the epicenter of a lively weekend party scene. Filled with bars and restaurants, Sixth Street glows neon whenever the sunsets. On the weekend, crowds spill out into the streets for fun parties that last until the early morning hours.
Take a Scavenger Hunt with Alley Kat Adventures
With so many sites to see and places to go in Austin, TX it can be overwhelming to plan a trip or outing. Eliminate the stress and let Alley Kat Adventures plan a fun-filled scavenger hunt for you instead. Scavenger hunts are a great way to see all that Austin has to offer and have a blast with family & friends at the same time.
Book your scavenger hunt here or contact Alley Kat Adventures for more information.
