Moving is costly and stressful, so we at Hoyden Homes have compiled a list of some of our realtor’s favorite free things to do in Austin and its surrounding areas. As soon as the last moving box is put away, start enjoying your city — whether you’re a lifetime resident or a newly-minted Austinite!
- Bat-watch: You can birdwatch or peoplewatch in any city, but only in Austin can you bat-watch! An estimated 1.5 million bats that call the Congress Avenue Bridge home leave into the sky each sunset to go eat. This is a surreal, Austin-only experience!
- Liz Carpenter Fountain light show: Butler Park’s fountain puts on a colorful show as the sun goes down and the moon rises for Austin’s residents to marvel at.
- Visit wild peacocks: Mayfield Park is home to many different peacocks for visitors to observe.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt: Enjoy an easy escape into nature at this greenbelt, suitable for all experience levels.
- Giant chess: Mastered table chess? Then up your ante at the giant chess board in Wooldridge Square Park.
- Greetings from Austin: Park your car in front of this mural and snap a pic for your Insta!
- Tour the Governor’s Mansion: Enjoy some architecture and Texas history at the same
- Attend storytime at Bookpeople: A great way to spend an hour with the kids. Let them explore the tunnel and play area when storytime’s over!
- Grafiti art: Photograph and marvel the always-changing graffiti at the HOPE outdoor gallery.
- Free live music: Central Market North’s patio always has some live music to entertain the adults while the kids play in the play area.
- Red Bud hike: Perfect to bring your 4-legged companion with.
- Check out a local farmer’s market
- Swim: Austin has 27 free pools in the area!
- Dig for Dino Bones at the Austin Nature and Science Center
- Tour the Capitol
- Tour the Blanton Museum of Art for free on Thursdays
- Tour Amy’s Ice Cream’s production facility
- Enjoy a show at Zilker Hillside Theater
- Visit chickens at Boggy Creek Farm
- Youth programs at Austin Public Library branches
- Learn the history of Texas: The Bullock State History Museum is free the first Sunday of every month.
- Hunt for tadpoles in Walnut Creek
- Enjoy an in-store show at Waterloo Records
- Picnic at Mount Bonnell
- Fish in Mills Pond
Hoyden Homes agents aspire to be the best in Austin, and part of that is helping you turn the neighborhood your new house resides in into a true home. Feel free to ask us for any more recommendations about Austin!
