What to Do in Austin for Every Budget

• Top 10 Things To Do in Austin
• 5 Fun Things To Do With Kids in Austin
• 5 Fun Things To Do in Austin for Adults
• 5 Fun Things To Do in Austin for Couples
• 5 Fun Events in Austin
• 5 Things To Do Outside in Austin
• 5 Free Things To Do in Austin

Known as the live music capital of the world, Austin is celebrated for its legendary music scene. But there are a lot more things to do in Austin beyond the concerts, from exploring its incredible restaurants and cultural events to enjoying family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures.

If you need ideas for fun things to do for adults, couples, or the whole family, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite experiences. Whether you’re considering moving to Austin or you’re a long-time resident, we hope this list helps you figure out what to do in Austin all year round.

30 Fun Things to Do in Austin

Is there anything fun to do in Austin? There are countless opportunities for fun in Austin. From exploring the food and nightlife of some of the best neighborhoods in Austin to enjoying outdoor adventures, here’s what to do in Austin.  

Top 10 Things To Do in Austin

There are so many Austin attractions, it’s hard to choose our favorites. However, before we explore a more detailed list of what to do in Austin, here’s our top 10 experiences, both in general and from the lists that follow. 

1. Hike to the top of Mount Bonnell for unforgettable, 360-degree views of Lake Austin and the city skyline.
2. Experience the Live Music Capital of the World at some of the city’s historic venues or at festivals like Austin City Limits.
3. Get a taste of Austin’s diverse food and drink scene at Michelin-starred restaurants like Barley Swine. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to eat in Austin, but you’ll just have to follow your gut.
4. Bring the kids to the Dinosaur Park to see how these prehistoric creatures blend into Austin’s nature.
5. Explore the Austin Nature & Science Center. This free hands-on discovery center lets kids dig for fossils, meet rescued wildlife, and explore interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits.
6. Stroll or bike through the Ann and Roy Butler Trail. The trail passes through city skylines, making it an experience that feels authentically Austin.
7. Laugh the night away at comedy shows held year-round at the iconic Paramount Theatre.
8. Interact with Austin’s nature hands-on at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s immersive nature paths.
9. Witness over a million bats take flight at sunset from beneath Austin’s famous Congress Avenue Bridge. Whether you book a sunset kayak tour or find a viewing spot on the southeast side of Congress Avenue, this is a highlight of any Austin visit.
10. See the limestone grotto and Austin’s otherworldly, lush nature at the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center.

5 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Austin

Whether your kids love nature, science, or sports, these are some of our favorite fun things to do with kids in Austin. Plus, you’ll have an excuse to get your bikes and golf clubs out of your Austin self-storage unit. 

1. Spend the day in Zilker Metropolitan Park. As the oldest park in Austin, there’s something for every family member in the sprawling 350 acres—from a natural spring-fed pool and botanical gardens to Shakespeare in the Park.
2. Go back in time to the prehistoric era at the Dinosaur Park. You can wander through this outdoor museum and witness thirty life-size dinosaur sculptures. Through each exhibit, the whole family begins to imagine what these creatures might have looked like in their natural environment. 
3. Putt around at Peter Pan Mini Golf. This quirky mini golf course is filled with colorful figures hand-painted by a local Austin artist. With two 18-hole courses and mini games, it’s sure to be a delight.  
4. Learn and play at the Thinkery Children’s Museum. With hands-on science, art, and technology exhibits, this children’s museum helps kids experiment, problem-solve, and push their creative thinking to new heights.
5. Get your hands muddy at the Luci and Ian Family Garden. Nestled within the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, this immersive garden invites families to dig, climb, touch, and run through interactive activities for an unforgettable experience.

5 Fun Things to Do in Austin for Adults

With craft breweries, seemingly endless live music venues, and lively nightlife, there are plenty of fun things to do in Austin for adults.  

1. Enjoy the nightlife on Sixth Street. Known as Dirty 6th, Sixth Street is considered an entertainment hub of the city. With bustling nightclubs, restaurants, and food trucks, one night here gives you a taste of everything Austin has to offer.
2. Experience historic live music venues. If you’re in the live music capital of the world, you have to visit landmarks like The Continental Club, which features blues and rock artists on its historic stage.
3. Catch up with friends with Austin’s best craft cocktails. Rainey Street’s cocktail bars have a casual feel yet an exquisite taste. Little Brother is just one of those unassuming hits on this street serving up coffees and cocktails for energetic chats.
4. Challenge yourself and friends to an escape room adventure. Austin is home to several immersive escape room experiences that are sure to test your puzzling skills. 
5. Relax on a private boat on Austin’s Lake Travis. Whether you charter a yacht or pull your own boat out of climate-controlled storage,* it’s a perfect way to soak up the refreshing sun and scenery near Austin.

5 Fun Things to Do in Austin for Couples

Whether you’re on a couples vacation to the city or you’re a local in need of a few date ideas, these fun things to do in Austin for couples are perfect for making memories together.

1. Unwind together at Mokara Spa. Treat yourself to an adults-only day of relaxation with a couples massage or other spa services at the relaxing spa in Barton Creek.  
2. Dine at one of Austin’s Michelin-Starred Restaurants. For a romantic and authentically Austin date, reserve a table at Barley Swine, which was awarded a Michelin star for its creative, farm-to-table approach to modern Texas cuisine.
3. Catch a comedy show, classic film, or live theater performance. While there are so many venues throughout Austin, the Paramount Theatre is considered the gem of downtown Austin, with over 100 years of history and hosting 550 events each year.
4. Bike together through the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Dust off your bicycles and enjoy this 10-mile scenic trail to catch views of Austin’s skyline and Lady Bird Lake.
5. Go wine tasting in sprawling hills and vineyards. Just outside of the city, Texas Wine Country boasts dozens of exceptional wineries so you can find your next favorite vintage.

5 Fun Events in Austin

Austin is a gathering place for some of the nation’s most iconic festivals and events throughout the year. Each of these fun events in Austin highlights the city’s creativity and diverse culture.

1. Bask in creative energy at South by Southwest (SXSW). Featuring innovators in film, television, and music, this weeklong arts festival in Austin, typically held in the spring, is a hub for seasoned and emerging creatives to take the stage.
2. Experience some of the best comedy routines. The Moontower Comedy Festival is a two-week-long celebration of comedy headliners that is sure to have you laughing. 
3. Savor diverse flavors at the Austin Food & Wine Festival. Featuring tastings, live cooking demonstrations, and appearances by top chefs and artisans, this Austin festival is a weekend full of the best flavors in Austin.
4. Celebrate live music at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. With dozens of artists across multiple stages, this iconic music event offers two weekends of unforgettable performances.
5. Stroll through holiday magic in Zilker Park. Each December, Zilker Park decks its trails with holiday light displays. The Trail of Lights festivities even offer select days with free admission.  

5 Things to Do Outside in Austin

Whether you love paddling, pedaling, or exploring new trails, these Austin outdoor activities highlight some of the best things to do outside in Austin. Don’t forget to store your summer vacation gear so you can enjoy these activities every year.

1. Kayak down Lady Bird Lake. Glide across the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to soak in downtown views. You can book a guided tour or bring your own water gear.
2. Mountain bike on one of Austin’s gorgeous trails. The Austin Ridge Riders have compiled a collection of Austin trail maps to help you choose which one is right for your skill level and preferences.  
3. Trek the River Place Limited District trails. There’s a lot of hiking in Austin, but these three nature trails provide six miles of lush scenery and challenging elevation gains for a rewarding hike. Note that there’s a $10 trail fee to help maintain the park.
4. Escape the city and camp at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. Just outside Austin, Emma Long Park has boat ramps and campsites. Just be sure to follow our boat storage guide to keep everything in good condition for your Austin outdoor activities.
5. Explore the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. This 76-acre wildlife preserve has hikes and tours so you can experience a stunning limestone grotto and the lush semi-tropical flora and fauna Austin has to offer.

5 Free Things to Do in Austin

If you want to enjoy what Austin has to offer without spending a bundle—or anything—these free things to do in Austin are a must for any resident. 

1. Watch the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge. Each evening (especially March through October), around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats soar into the air from beneath Austin’s famous bridge.
2. Take advantage of the host of Austin outdoor activities. There is no shortage of things to do outside in Austin. Whether you want a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, parks like the Barton Creek Greenbelt are great options. 
3. Visit the Texas State Capitol building. In just a couple of hours, you can get a taste of Texas’s rich history and government in the state Capitol building. Start at the Visitors Center to participate in a free guided tour before strolling through the beautiful Capitol Grounds. 
4. Explore Austin’s museums for free on Austin Museum Day. This annual celebration opens the doors to dozens of museums, giving visitors free access to the city’s vibrant art, history, and culture.  
5. Capture panoramic views on Mount Bonnell. Whether you’re looking for hiking in Austin or not, this trek up 100 limestone steps is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in the city.  

Make Space for Your Austin Adventures

With live music, energetic nightlife, rich history, and gorgeous nature, Austin has something for everyone. However, you might not have the space for all the gear for those Austin activities, especially if you’ll be using bikes, kayaks, camping equipment, and more. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you so you can make room for all the Austin fun.

*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.