Top 12 Things To Do in Austin for Free
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the fun you can have for free while staying in Austin. We have InTown and Uptown properties in four locations in Austin, so you can find comfortable accommodations nearly anywhere in the city. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make the most of your visit. Consult this list of the top free indoor, outdoor, kid-friendly, and nightlife activities in Austin, and use it to start planning your stay today.
3 Free Indoor Things To Do in Austin
Whether you’re visiting Austin during one of its few rainy spells or one of the many hot days, be assured there are plenty of indoor, air-conditioned, and free activities to enjoy. Check out this list of experiences to learn more about Austin’s history, take in its rich culture, and appreciate its artistic scene. These attractions are conveniently located throughout the city and downtown, with easy access via public transportation or free on-street parking.
1 | Tour the Capitol Building
Learn more about Texas and tour its capitol building for free while you’re here in the capital city. There are several suggested itineraries for self-guided and guided tours which include viewing the capitol’s interior, exhibits, and watching films to learn the history of the building and Texas. Self-guided tours take about one hour to complete and are available on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Guided tours last 2 to 3 hours and operate weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on weekends from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2 | Check Out the Austin Art Scene
Get your art fix at The People’s Gallery, a free annual exhibition in the Austin City Hall. It features all-new art in media like photography, sculpture, installations, and more from local and regional Austin artists. While the exhibit is free to view, curated pieces are available for sale and proceeds support the city’s cultural and economic initiatives. The gallery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3 | Indulge in Literary & Art Appreciation
Dubbed one of the world’s finest cultural archives, the Harry Ransom Center houses some important artifacts worthy of a visit. With more than 42 million manuscripts, 5 million photographs, and 100,000 works of art, the collections here provide an inspiring glimpse into the creative process of some of the most influential works of art. Among the treasured and rare finds is a Gutenberg Bible, famous Watergate papers, the world’s very first photograph, and more. Admission is free, and parking is available on-site for a fee (free on Sundays), or use public transportation. Galleries are open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m., and closed on Mondays.
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Shop Now3 Free Outdoor Activities in Austin
Austin is a beautiful, landscaped city with many outdoor places to visit—for free. You’ll find tons of neighborhood and city parks perfect for exercising and kid-friendly entertainment, plus there is plenty of scenic, and camera-worthy views too. Whether you’re touring the city or just relaxing, Austin has plenty of greenspace for everyone’s enjoyment.
1 | Picture-Worthy Hike at Mount Bonnell
The view from the top of Mount Bonnell is a unique experience in Austin that is a must-see, and even better, it’s totally free. Climb just over 100 stairs to the 775-foot-high viewing deck and pavilion to take in breathtaking vistas of Austin, the Colorado River, and Hill Country. This spot is perfect for photo ops, a picnic, or even just exploring with your four-legged friend. This destination is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and is a fantastic place to watch the sun rise or set.
2 | Free Walking Tours of Downtown Austin
Take advantage of mild weather and sunshine with a free historic walking tour of Austin. If you’re new to the area or on vacation there’s no better way to get to know downtown Austin than by exploring on foot. Choose from several experiences, including a guided tour of the 10-block Congress Avenue or the 9-block Sixth Street National Register Districts where you’ll see modern skyscrapers and 19th-century buildings, or take a self-guided tour of the Texas State Cemetery.
3 | Free Dog Parks in Austin
If you’re staying at one of our dog-friendly Uptown Suites locations, there are plenty of free dog parks in the city to keep your four-legged friend busy. They’ll appreciate being unleashed in these off-leash parks, and you can take a break to watch them play. Many of the parks offer human activities, too, so your entire family can get out and stay active while visiting Austin.
3 Free Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Austin
Keep the kids entertained easily with many free things to do in Austin during your time here. You won’t need a resort with tons of on-site entertainment when you take advantage of these kid-friendly—and free—activities right in the city. Whether you have a toddler or a teen, Austin offers fun things to do for all ages.
1 | Austin Splash Pads
When the temperatures in Texas heat up, a favorite free activity for kids is visiting one of the 11 splash pads. These family-friendly fountains are sure to put a smile on every kid’s face as they play and explore the different interactive fountains. The Liz Carpenter Fountain welcomes visitors year-round, but other sites are seasonal, so check Austin’s pool and splash pad schedule for more information.
2 | Wildlife Observation at Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park and Preserve is a 21-acre natural wildlife area that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s free to visit this attraction in the heart of Austin. Take a stroll through the gorgeous Mayfield Park property and catch a glimpse of the peafowl who call this area home. With many gardens throughout the park, everyone will enjoy a leisurely walk or a picnic surrounded by natural beauty.
3 | Watch Free Movies in the Park
Why spend money at a movie theater when you can watch them for free in a neighborhood Austin park? Movies in the Park events take place in greenspaces throughout the city and each shows a different kid-friendly film. Bring the family, lawn chairs or a blanket, and pack a picnic for an entertaining evening on-the-cheap. Most movies begin at dusk. See the Austin Parks Foundation schedule for more details.
3 Free Things To Do in Austin at Night
Austin’s nightlife is just as exciting and interesting as its daytime offerings. From theater productions to bat viewings (really!) to live music and dancing, Austin has no shortage of low-cost evening entertainment. If an evening out is a must for you, check out these free ideas before you blow your budget.
1 | Free Musicals at Zilker Hillside Theater
Prepare to be mesmerized by musicals at Zilker Hillside Theater, one of the favorite things to do at night in Austin. This outdoor theater puts on free evening performances from March to October every year. Bring your own chair or blanket to relax on the lawn and spend the evening being thoroughly entertained by one of the many popular productions. This event is heading into its 64th year—stay tuned for upcoming performance announcements.
2 | Bat Viewing at the Congress Avenue Bridge
Yes, you read that correctly: Visit the Congress Avenue Bridge after dusk for a free viewing of the largest urban bat colony. This breathtaking sight is a can’t-miss thing to experience when you’re downtown on a spring evening—typically mid-March to May. One million or more bats fly out from under the bridge at dusk nightly, so be sure to catch this seasonal phenomenon while it lasts!
3 | Free Dance Lessons
Head over to the White Horse on the first and third Monday of every month to take free dance lessons. Learn to swing, two-step, or boogie to the blues. Lessons begin at 7:00 p.m. and are followed by live music so you can show off your new skills. This venue is just a 20-minute drive from the InTown Suites Research Boulevard location.
Hotels in Austin Near Free Events & Parks
Now that you know about so many free things to do in Austin, you can easily plan a budget-friendly trip to stay at any of our conveniently located hotels. Check out our InTown Suites extended stay properties in Austin for affordable accommodations and comfortable amenities to make any vacation or relocation an inviting experience. Browse our weekly deals to find even more ways to save.
