If you are looking for awesome yet cheap things to do in Austin, you’ve come to the right place. With cultural attractions, a vibrant club scene, and awesome family activities, the city has something for just about everyone.
The 9 Best Cheap Things To Do in Austin
Life in Austin, TX, can get expensive. In fact, it is one of the more expensive places to live in the state of Texas. Luckily, there are plenty of cheap activities in Austin catering to just about any lifestyle. Whether you’ve lived in Austin for years, you are new to town, or you are just visiting, these nine stops will help you have a great time without blowing your budget.
1. Kayak Rentals
Renting a kayak on Lady Bird Lake tops the list of fun, cheap things to do in Austin. It is surprisingly affordable, with an average cost of about $25 per hour for a tandem boat.
That gives you plenty of time to get in a relaxing arm workout while also viewing millions of bats as they take flight from the South Congress bridge at sunset. Sure, you can see the bats for free from the shore, but that experience pales in comparison to what you’ll see from the water.
2. Barton Springs Pool
This is not only the crown jewel of Austin’s city’s recreation department, but it is also a really cool and affordable way to spend a hot Texas day. Entry fees range from $2 to $9 per day, depending on your residency status and age.
This uniquely Austin attraction is a spring-fed pool that stays around 68-70 degrees. It is perfect for swimming year-round when the weather permits. The three-acre pool is located within Zilker Park and is easily accessible by car and bus.
The city waives entrance fees to Barton Springs Pool at certain times, which is when it is a top free attraction for locals and visitors. Additionally, the pool is closed for cleaning and maintenance every spring. Check out the Parks and Recreation website for complete details.
3. Rainey Street
If you are looking for some fun, cheap things to do in Austin at night, but the idea of tourist-heavy Dirty 6th doesn’t appeal to you, be sure to head over to Rainey Street. Here, you’ll find more locals and an even more laid-back atmosphere. It is technically free to wander along the street, but its appeal lies in the unique and varied bars lining Austin’s downtown, where you will find reasonably priced drinks and food.
4. E-Bike Rentals
CapMetro has a pretty cool bike-share program that lets you rent e-bikes for easy access to all that Austin has to offer. Once you pay the reasonable rental fee, you can take the e-bikes wherever they are allowed within the city. E-bikes are also great for commuting in the sometimes crowded downtown area.
Be aware that only a limited number of the city’s bike trails allow e-bikes, so if you want to ride on most trails, you might consider a traditional pedal bike. No matter which option you choose, be sure to have a proper helmet for protection.
5. The Contemporary Austin
One of the popular cheap activities in Austin is to visit one of the Contemporary Austin museums. The artistic side of Austin is on full display at the museum’s two locations. Whether you choose to visit the sculpture park at Laguna Gloria or the Jones Center Downtown, you’ll have a first-class experience. Exhibits change throughout the year, so you will find something new on each visit.
Tickets to the Contemporary Austin range between $5 and $10, although there are also many discounts and free-admission options. Plus, with a ticket to one location, you get to visit the other for free within seven days.
6. McKinney Falls State Park
If you want to explore the outdoors within Austin city limits, look no further than McKinney Falls State Park. Located only 13 miles from the Capitol building, this is a convenient way to experience both nature and Texas history. Park visitors can enjoy activities including:
- Biking (mountain and road)
- Bouldering
- Camping
- Geocaching
- Hiking
There are also plenty of opportunities to swim and fish in Onion Creek. Be advised that the creek and surrounding areas can flood after heavy rain, so you want to check the website for alerts and closures. Entry fees are $6 per person, age 12 and over.
7. The Thinkery
If you are planning a family vacation to Austin that includes little ones, consider adding a stop at the Thinkery. This children’s museum specializes in “Joyful learning” for kids of all ages. They even have a special morning program called Baby Bloomers for your family members under 3 years old.
Tickets to the Thinkery are $18, but local Austinites can really benefit from an annual membership. Pricing for those is based on family size. There are also special programs and discounted admission events you can take advantage of.
8. Bullock Museum
The Texas State History Museum features permanent and revolving exhibits, an IMAX theater, and special events throughout the year. A visit is a great chance to learn about Texas history and industry.
The Bullock is a great stop for history buffs, but there is enough to keep everyone in the family interested for an afternoon. Museum tickets range in price from $9 to $15 per person, with theater and IMAX show tickets starting at $5 each.
9. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
This botanical garden is part of the University of Texas at Austin. It features over 900 varieties of native plants for you to enjoy. The center is also home to a host of research and conservation activities, giving you a glimpse into how scientists are working on seed saving and landscape restoration.
Admission prices range from $3 to $18, with several free options for small children and UT Austin students, faculty, and staff. Locals can also purchase an annual membership. The garden only accepts credit cards for tickets.
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