With top museums, a wide array of restaurants and a vibrant live music scene, some travelers come, then set down roots. Austinites boast a laid-back vibe and a love of the outdoors. It offers forget the public art, especially its downtown murals. To top it off, Austinites love their outdoors, so follow their lead and rent a kayak or SUP and paddle downtown’s Lady Bird Lake. Here are the FUN Things to Do in Austin for a Weekend by a longtime local.
When Should You Visit Austin
After living in Austin for over 20 years, the best times to visit are from October to May. Fall and Spring are glorious, with Spring wildflowers particularly delightful.
The winter is short and mainly mild. However, it can be gray and overcast. There is a slight chance for a wintry mix; however, there’s usually only one ice, sleet or snow event a year.
17 FUN Things to Do in Austin for a Weekend
Zilker Park
Barton Springs Pool
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
Austin Nature Center
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Mayfield Park
Laguna Gloria- The Contemporary Austin
Texas Military Forces Museum
Deep Eddy Pool
Mount Bonnell
South Congress Avenue
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Texas State Capitol
The Bullock Texas State History Museum
The University of Texas Campus
Blanton Museum of Art
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Day 1: Out and About in Zilker Park
Zilker Park is Austin’s backyard and is located just across the Colorado River (also known as Lady Bird Lake) from downtown. It is home to Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden and the Austin Nature Center, all in its 361-acre parcel. This is where Austinites go for time in the outdoors.
Zilker Park hosts many activities throughout the year, like the Zilker Kite Festival, Austin City Limits Music Festival and the holiday favorite Trail of Lights.
Parking is free during the week, though on weekends and special events, parking is additional. It is free to enter the park, though events are additional. Zilker Park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., except during special events.
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Barton Springs Pool
Enjoy a sparkling blue oasis at the Barton Spring Pool, with a year-round constant water temperature of 68 to 70 degrees F. With three acres of spring-fed water, swimmers can jump off the diving board, walk in on the zero-entry rock entrance, or swim laps for exercise.
Located at 2131 William Barton Dr. Open most days from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for cleaning. Guarded Swim is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: Adults 18 to 62 $9.00, Seniors 62+ and teens (12 to 17) $5.00, Kids (1 to 11) $4.00 and free for babies. Barton Springs closes from March 1 to March 14 annually for spring cleaning.
Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer Exhibit
Learn about the Barton Springs that feed the pool, along with the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. This is an interactive exhibit with hands-on activities just right for school-age kids.
Located at 2201 Barton Springs Rd. Closed for Renovations
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Zilker Eagle Miniature Train
The all-new electric train honors the 60-year tradition of a mini-train in Zilker. The train runs along the playground and next to Barton Creek.
Located at 2100 Barton Springs Dr., next to the pool. Open from Friday to Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. General admission is $6 per person, 2 and older. Free for those under 2.
Zilker Park Playscape
Find a shaded playscape for the kids to run off some energy. Lots of play equipment on a large playground.
Next to the Zilker Eagle Depot. Free to enter.
Zilker Hillside Theatre
Across from the Barton Springs Pool, enjoy Broadway classics under the stars during the summer. For over 60 years, visitors have thrown down blankets and packed picnic baskets for dinner and a show al fresco.
Located at 2206 William Barton Dr. Shows on Thursday to Sunday evenings during the summer season. Free to enjoy.
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
Nestled along the banks of Barton Creek, rent a boat or board to explore Zilker Park by water. The creek features calm water and lots of turtles and birds to see.
Since Barton Creek feeds into Lady Bird Lake, turn around at the entrance with inexperienced paddlers. Larger boats navigate Lady Bird Lake.
Located at 2101 Andrew Zilker Rd. Open every day from 9 a.m. to dusk. $21/hour per boat or $57 all-day
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Austin Nature Center
Learn about environmental science in an indoor/outdoor space. See native animals in rehabilitative care. Take the Forest Trail to see native trees. Then, hike to the overlook to see the Austin skyline.
Located at 2389 Strafford Drive Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Free to enter.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Walk through a landscaped garden featuring Charles Umlauf’s bronze sculptures. This is a nice combination for parents who appreciate art and kids who get bored in indoor museums.
Located at 605 Azie Morton Rd. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday. Admission Adults $8, Students $2, Kids 12 and younger are free, Senior Discount
Where to Eat Near Zilker Park
Chuy’s Restaurant
For Tex-Mex aficionados, a meal at Chuy’s is a must. Keeping it the way it should be, this is the original location. Find Tex-Mex classics, like taco plates and enchiladas. And find a menu of margaritas, all solid.
Located at 1728 Barton Springs Road, it’s open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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Day 2: Parks and Art of West Austin
Find a delightful mix of art, parks, and the best Austin city view, all west of Mopac (Loop 1). Austin’s Mopac is the western North-South highway artery. It’s named after the Missouri-Pacific Railroad line that runs in between the lanes.
Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park is like two parks in one. The central area is a formal, landscaped water lily garden with a vintage cottage. The show-stopper is the flock of peacocks that roam the property, perching in the trees.
Outside the landscaped area, find an additional 21 acres of wilderness area to explore. Located next to Laguna Gloria.
Located at 3505 W. 35th St. Open from dawn to dusk. Free to enter.
Laguna Gloria Contemporary Austin
An art museum for art and nature lovers, it features an outdoor contemporary sculpture garden where kids can roam while adults enjoy art. Set on a Lake Austin estate, the museum is also open to the public.
Check in at the desk for a backpack filled with art supplies and an iPod with music to complement the art for kids.
Located at 3809 W. 35th St. Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission $10 for adults, $5 for students, free for kids under 18.
Texas Military Forces Museum
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, especially when I had to stop at security to get onto Camp Mabry, a Texas military installation. But as soon as we walked in, my boys, 10 and 14, were entranced.
I found everything from old uniforms to a fighter jet trainer kids can climb in. There are lots of WWII artifacts, too. Learn how Texans contributed to the military from the Texas Revolution until the present.
If this falls flat for your family, then skip it. Add Deep Eddy Pool if the weather is warm, usually from March through October.
Located at 3038 W. 35th St. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to enter.
Deep Eddy Pool
Deep Eddy Pool’s water draws most swimmers because of its natural water. Fresh spring water is pumped into the pool every other day and never treated with chlorine. The temperature ranges from 65F to 75F, quite refreshing on a hot summer day. A local favorite and just a few miles away from the more popular Barton Springs Pool.
Located at 401 Deep Eddy Ave. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for recreational swimming. Adults from 18 to 62 enter for $9, teens 12 to 17 are $5, kids 1 to 11 are $4, and babies are free. Free during the Fall and Winter.
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Mount Bonnell
Head up the rock stairs for some of Austin’s best views. At the top, find a pavilion and look down on the Lake Austin section of the Colorado River. This is the place to watch the sunset.
At this 5-acre park, you can see the downtown Austin skyline in the opposite direction. The pavilion area has a fence, but the trail back to the parking lot doesn’t, so watch the little kids.
Located at 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd. Open from dawn to dusk. Free to enter.
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Hula Hut
Take in the views at Hula Hut on Lake Austin, an ATX institution that offers boat parking. Try the Tubular Tacos for a Hawaiian take on a burrito.
Located at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. Open most days from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 11 p.m. on the weekends.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
For a quick snack, head to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. It offers desserts, coffee drinks and ice cream.
Located at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., next to Hula Hut. Open 7 a.m. to midnight, most days.
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Day 3: Discover SoCo—South Congress
After exploring the parks and museums across Austin, change gears and head to South Congress. Packed with funky shopping, dining and iconic murals, it’s an easy stroll for families. Though watch the kids, South Congress is a busy street.
Where to Shop on South Congress
South Congress offers unique and local shopping.
Big Top Candy Shop
The kids will see this old-fashioned candy store before the adults. Located at 1706 S. Congress Ave.
Allen’s Boots
If you’re looking for cowboy boots, head here. It’s where I bought my Lucchese boots. You can also just window shop and breathe in the rich leather smell. It is located at 1522 S. Congress Ave.
Top Things to Do on South Congress
Where to Eat on South Congress
Since I love to eat, I suggest the following local places.
Guero’s Mexican Food
Lots of tables and Tex-Mex staples, like Tacos Al Pastor and a good Margarita. Located at 1412 S. Congress Ave.
Home Slice Pizza
A home-grown Austin chain baking up thin-crust pizza. Located at 1415 S. Congress Ave.
Torchy’s Tacos
An Austin original with inventive tacos sold individually. Located at 1822 S. Congress Ave.
The Murals of South Congress
The kids have been good, so it’s time for a treat. As a bonus, you can see some of the best murals in Austin.
Amy’s Ice Cream + Amy’s Kindness Mural
Another ATX original with ice cream so creamy and rich that most adults grab a cone. Located at 1301 S. Congress Ave.
Jo’s Coffee and the I Love You So Much Mural
Grab a pick-me-up, so stop at Jo’s, then snap a selfie at the street art on the side of the building. Located at 1300 S. Congress Ave.
Willie for President Mural
Located at the intersection of Elizabeth and S. Congress Ave. There are loads of murals up and down S. Congress Ave. So, play Mural Hide-and-Seek.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Every spring, over a million bats move into the South Congress Bridge over Lake Bird Lake. As Austin’s unofficial mascot, the bats fly out each sunset in a dizzying pattern, munching on bugs.
Choose your viewing stop carefully since the sleepy bats like to pee-pee first thing after leaving their roost. Several bats colonies live in Austin, this is the most famous colony.
Located on South Congress Ave. Dusk from March through November. Free, but pay to park in a nearby garage.
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Day 4: All About Texas
If this is your first trip to Austin, learn more about Texas. A trip to the State Capital is a must. It’s the only state that was originally an independent country before becoming a U.S. state. If they have time, Native Texans will tell you all about it and the story of the Alamo.
Texas State Capitol
For Texans, a trip to the capital is a must. Built from 1882 to 1888, it’s actually taller than the U.S. Capital. The capitol grounds offer shaded walking paths, and the interior features the sculptures of Sam Houston and Stephen Austin by local artist Elizabeth Ney.
Stop by the Capitol Visitors Center for more information. The Texas Travel Center is also located in this building. It’s located at 112 East 11th St., and it’s not required to visit the visitor center before heading to the Capitol Tour. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Visitors to the Texas State Capitol must pass through airport-style security. Parking is available at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage, 1201 San Jacinto Blvd.
Located at 1100 Congress Ave. Tours are Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Sunday from noon. to 4:15 p.m. Free to enjoy.
The Bullock Texas State History Museum
Learn more about Texas history and catch an IMAX movie at this popular museum for families. Check out the artifacts area for unique objects from Texas history. Located just north of the Texas State Capitol.
Located at 1800 Congress Ave. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults enter for $17, students for $13 and kids (4 to 17) are $11. The IMAX Theatre requires an additional ticket.
The University of Texas Campus
If you’ve got a teen in the car, then head to the University of Texas for a college tour. You can see the school even on the busiest of college tours (Spring Break).
Start by making an online reservation for an information session and campus tour. Then, reserve a tour for individual college tours and on-campus housing.
If no one is headed to college, head to the Museums on campus, like the Blanton Museum of Art, Harry Ranson Center, LBJ Presidential Library, Texas Memorial Museum and the Briscoe Center.
The Visitor Center is located at 405 W. 25th St. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to enjoy. Museums are extra.
Blanton Museum of Art
Located across from the University of Texas campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Austin. Its collection includes 21,000 works of art from modern and contemporary American and Latin American artists, Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings, prints, and drawings from medieval to contemporary times. Outside, visitors can experience the Ellsworth Kelly installation, Austin, a freestanding building.
Located at 200 MLK Blvd. Open Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Monday). Adult admission is $15, youth from 6 and older are $8 and kids 5 and younger are free.
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Originally called the Texas Memorial Museum, it underwent a renovation. This is the Natural History Museum in Austin, with a focus on native wildlife and dinosaurs found in Texas.
Located at 2400 Trinity St, Austin. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $10, youth from 5 to 17 are $6 and kids 4 and younger are free.
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Elizabeth Ney Museum
If you visited the Texas State Capitol, then you saw Elizabeth Ney’s sculptures of Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston. Originally born and educated in Germany, she immigrated to Texas in 1882.
This is her former studio where she lived and worked. See lots of examples of her sculpture, then continue outside to see the gardens around the museum. Located in Hyde Park, the historic neighborhood north of the University of Texas.
Located at 304 E. 44th St. Closed for renovation.
Where to Eat Near the UT Campus
Dirty Martin’s Place
On Guadalupe, or “the drag,” as the locals call it, find an iconic burger joint. Dirty Martin’s KumBack Place has been grilling up burgers since 1926. The front entrance looks a bit sketchy, though. Head to the back room for a picnic table with the kids. Along with the burgers served in baskets, I recommend the shakes.
Located at 2808 Guadalupe. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday)
Hyde Park Bar and Grill
Another Austin institution, Hyde Park Bar and Grill, has been serving up its addictive fries since 1982. Housed in a vintage 1920s cottage with a giant fork sculpture out front, it’s the place for brunch. However, I enjoy the lunch too. Along with the fries, the Pimento Cheese and Cucumber Sandwich is tops.
Located at 4206 Duval. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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