The 10 Best Free Things To Do In Austin When Your Kids Say, ‘I'm Bored'
Austin, Texas is best known for being the capitol city of one of the largest states in the union and for hosting the largest musical festival in the country, South by Southwest. So, strap on some cowboy boots and explore historical sites, political attractions, artistic events, the outdoors, and so much next time you pack up a wheeled suitcase or backpack to visit the most exciting city in Texas, keep these cost-free, fun things to do in mind.
Located on the edge of Zilker Park, the Austin Nature and Science Center is a 80-acre facility opened in 1960 to provide nature exhibits, educational activities, and recreation to Austinites of all ages, raising awareness of the natural environment. People who aren't from Austin sometimes refer to it as an "island" inside Texas or some other similar attempted compliment, but true Austinites love being Texans and are stoked as heck on learning more about Texas history.
Paw Patrol LIVEÂ -Â October 28-29Â -Â Another fun show for the little ones - if your kids love Paw Patrol, this is a fun show at the Long Center. 3. Bike or jog along the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake, which winds along the shoreline and has picturesque views of Austin's skyline.
If you're in the mood for a little history-hopping, be sure to visit Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms on the outskirts of the city, a "living history" attraction that explores the history of Texas through themed historical recreations of life in the 1800s.
Austin is home to one of the largest live-music scenes in the country, and not just the famed music festival SXSW Whether you're looking for dive-bar rock bands, smooth-jazz lounges, rousing honky-tonk dance halls, or an outdoor act to compliment your dining experience, Austin has something for everyone.
But rest assured you'll be able to find something to do any day of the week in Downtown Austin. Barton Springs is a natural spring for the public to sunbathe around, kayak, and swim in. Or sunbathe on your kayak as I saw some girls do. Located in Zilker Park, there are two options for the pool.
The Whole Foods Market flagship store in downtown Austin is a treat for all ages (plus, you can get some serious grocery shopping done here!), and there's always a fun event or class to attend with the little ones. Since you've already seen the writing (it's all in the previous blog posts), I want to share some of Austin Visitor Center the favorite things I've done in this amazing city (for when you visit — come stay at my hostel, HK Austin , when you do!).