There’s no shortage of stuff to do in Austin, but some of it can be pricey. And as college students, we never get tired of hearing the word “free.” Free food, free t-shirts, you name it and we’re there. Most of us live on some sort of budget, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for fun. Austin has a ton of totally free options for when you’re bored on the weekend and completely broke.
Check out 10 totally free things to do in Austin—perfect for your #brokecollegestudent budget.
1. Tour the capitol
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You’re never too old to learn a little history. What better place to learn about what Texas has to offer than the capital? The capital offers free tours seven days a week that last about 30 minutes each. You can even request specialty tours and learn more about women in Texas history, early Texas artists and even ghost tales about the city. You probably won’t get spooked the way you do when you remember you have that assignment due at 11:59 p.m. and it’s 11:49 p.m., but you’ll still have fun hearing about Texas legends and urban myths. Even if you’re not really interested in state government, check out the capitol building because face it, you have nothing better to do.
2. Blanton Museum of Art
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If you’re more artsy, or enjoy pretending you are for Insta, check out the Blanton. Every Thursday you can get in for free and chase off the rainy afternoon blues with some of the most exceptional art in Austin. The Blanton features all kinds of art from many different time periods. You start seeing art from the second you walk in the door. One artist even made her piece a part of the walls, so you’re surrounded by works as you walk up the staircase.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to know a thing about Matisse to enjoy the Blanton. “The Blanton is a free resource on the University of Texas at Austin campus for students. With art-filled, thought-provoking galleries, a café for a snack in between classes, and plenty of space to study, the Blanton Museum of Art is a perfect place to calm your mind from the hustle and bustle of university life,” said the Blanton’s Digital Content Strategist Alie Cline. Blanton even offers yoga in the galleries, and you definitely can make time for free yoga once a month. The Blanton has something a bit of the classics and modern art, so everyone can be satisfied.
3. Trail of Lights
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Counting down the days until Christmas? Visiting the Trail of Lights will definitely get you in the holiday spirit. Starting December 10, you can head to Zilker Park and walk through the huge, elaborate display of Christmas lights that stretches out over miles of the park. Make sure to bring some hot chocolate, close friends and good walking shoes. “I look forward all year to the Trail of Lights show,” said UT Austin senior Tara Markley. “My hometown does something similar each year, but it isn’t nearly on such a big scale.” Head to Zilker as soon as the sun goes down, and you can probably walk through the entire trail before closing time. You can even ride a carousel if you want to embrace your inner five-year-old. “[The festival] is such a breathtaking way to get in the holiday spirit, and is fun for all ages,” said Markley.
4. Zilker Park
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Austinites love Zilker Park and people always go there to enjoy the outdoors. Huge open fields allow for any kind of sport imaginable. From hiking trails, reserved camping grounds and even a disc golf course, Zilker will leave you happy you left Friends behind for the afternoon. So gather all your real-life friends for a game of flag football or maybe try to catch some Pokemon. You can also just go to have a picnic and enjoy the weather. Give yourself a break from that Netflix marathon and head to Zilker.
5. Barton Springs
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Cool down during the blazing Austin summers at Barton Springs Pool, which stays at a nice 68 degrees. Free swim is from 5 to 8 a.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. Go any other time and you have to pay a pesky entrance fee any. But who doesn’t enjoy a late night swim with bae? Free date night? Yes, please. And did you know this three-acre pool is where Robert Redford learned to swim? Bae will swoon over your knowledge of all things Barton Springs.
6. Lady Bird Lake
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Lady Bird Lake sits at the heart of downtown Austin and is a great way to spend an afternoon. The hike and bike trails go all the way around the lake, so you can get some exercise in or just enjoy the view of the lake. Unfortunately you can’t swim in the lake (#AestheticPurposesOnly), but that’s why we have Barton Springs. You can, however, rent a paddle boat, kayak or whatever other water vehicle floats your boat—pun intended—and take it for a spin.
7. Hope Outdoor Gallery
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Also known as the Graffiti Park, the Hope Outdoor Gallery is completely covered in, you guessed it, graffiti. From a good distance, you can see the concrete walls and structures that people regularly spray paint with different artwork and murals. You can walk around and check out all the graffiti and even add some of your own if you bring a can of spray paint. If you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of one of street-art’s rising stars, Bort. Dealing with issues of self-harm, mental health and body issues, Bort’s art takes “art with a meaning” to a whole new level.
“My favorite part of Graffiti Park is getting to see all the local talent,” said UT Austin junior Max Petch. “It’s an amazing thing to see all these artists come out to create this beautifully creative atmosphere.” But don’t expect to see the graffiti park the same way twice because local artists repaint and redesign every day. “That’s one of my favorite parts—you can come back again and again and have an entirely new experience each time,” said Petch. You won’t often get away with vandalism, so make sure you spray paint your initials somewhere in the park and mark creating street art off your bucket list.
8. Congress Avenue Bridge
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#KeepItCool in Austin and stand on the Congress Avenue Bridge in the evenings to watch the Mexican free-tailed bats fly out. March to November is “bat season,” so hundreds of bats fly out from under the bridge every evening. Get there in plenty of time to see the sunset and witness the huge colony flying across Lady Bird Lake.Who knows? If you’re quick with your camera and come all dressed up with your squad, you may just get the perfect, spooky Halloween pic.
9. Mayfield Park
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A group of Austin’s very own wild peacocks live in Mayfield Park. Here, the birds roam freely around the park, and you can find them sitting in trees all around the area. People walk through the park to see the peacocks and take pictures of them. You can also explore hiking trails that take you on your own wild adventures just like your new peacock friends. If you feel the desire to get your hands in nature, look into adopting a garden. Mayfield Park is home to over 30 garden plots and lets volunteers help cater to them. Show off your green thumb and give back to nature.
10. Mount Bonnell
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You should definitely make time to see a sunset at Mount Bonnell while spending time in Austin. People from all over the city drive out to see the amazing view as the sun goes down. Don’t forget to wear shoes that’ll hold up because you have to hike up a pretty good distance from the parking area. Mount Bonnell offers a great view of Austin from up high and can be a totally romantic first date option. Alternatively, you can take your mom and have her take a cool candid of you looking out over the city. Talk about #views.
And did you fall in love with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s performances in La La Land? Then Mount Bonnell should be extra special for you. As promotion for the film, a giant “La La Land” sign was put up in the style of the famous Hollywood sign (or as it’s more affectionately known now, the “Hollyweed” sign).
*Updated February 1, 2017 by Natalie DaRe to include student insider quotes plus updated information in each paragraph.
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