If you’re planning to discover or rediscover the city of Austin, Texas, know that there are plenty of things to keep yourself occupied with while you visit the Lone Star State capital. With an unofficial slogan like “Keep Austin Weird” you really shouldn’t expect anything less than the best from Austin. By combining the beautiful countryside with diverse culture and that southwestern flair, the Texas state capital manages to capture the interest of all its visitors with a multitude of fun things to do in Austin for adults and kids alike.
Some of the most famous things about Austin are the delicious food scene and the friendliness of the locals but can you really talk about Austin without mentioning the world-renowned live-music scene? After all, it is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. With venues for some unforgettable live music left, right, and center and food trucks, restaurants, and taverns wherever you find yourself, the city is a great family destination with countless things to do in Austin, Texas with kids, but for couples as well.
The open space and outdoor recreational activities available throughout the city don’t limit the fun things to do in Austin at night. After all, kayaking is a sport better practiced during the daytime. You wouldn’t want to paddle the Colorado River at night, even for a romantic escape. It may not be the safest activity simply due to the lack of vision. Still, let’s see what you can do while visiting the city of Austin, Texas, based on different interests and types of visitors.
Unique Things to do in Austin, Texas
Yes, the first thing we’ll focus on is the most unique things to do in Austin, TX, for those who want to understand what the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan even stands for. You can find the other normal things to do in Austin in every article written about this subject, but we like to focus on the weird, out-of-normal, different, quirky, and unique things to do in Austin. So, have fun as you discover what exactly makes Austin a unique place to visit.
Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
As one of the most unusual things to do in Austin, Texas, bat sighting attracts a surprising number of people next to the Congress Avenue Bridge between spring and early fall. As bats are nocturnal creatures, this activity also falls under the category of things to do in Austin at night, but not if you have a phobia of animals, particularly of bats. Mexican free-tailed bats wake up around sunset and leave the safety of the bridge to start their nighttime adventures. While completely harmless and useful to control other pests across the city, bats add a certain charm for the city’s residents. This nightly ritual can be observed from various places around the bridge, like the Statesman Bat Observation Center and others. There’s also the bat-watching cruise tour that you can book for an even more unique experience in Austin, Texas.
Museum of the Weird
As unique things to do in Austin go, this weird attraction is quite up there. Located on Sixth Street, the Museum of the Weird offers visitors the possibility to see some private oddities collection with exponents like mummies and even weirder things. Don’t go, however, if you are sensitive to odd-looking animals. It may not be the most pleasant experience. Here you can also discover some local legends and myths, live shows, and a shop where you can buy all the “Keep Austin Weird” merchandise you can think of. While this is one of the most unique things to do in Austin, it might not be the best option if you’re looking for things to do in Austin, Texas, with kids.
Cathedral of Junk
The first thing you should understand about this cathedral is that it is in no way meant to be disrespectful to any church or religion. The name of this cathedral comes solely from the fact that it was built entirely out of junkyard finds. As one of the more unique things to do in Austin, this cathedral was originally built as a personal backyard clubhouse for the owner. Its multiple stories are accessible through a spiral staircase with rooms filled with dusty bicycle tires, jingling wind chimes, peeling street signs, old toilets, and CDs.This intricate sculpture is a continuous work in progress and the builder sometimes even accepts items from tourists if he considers that they fit his masterpiece.
Things to do at Night in Austin, Texas
Whether you’re looking for some romantic things to do in Austin, Texas for couples, or maybe you’re looking for something a bit spicier for adults, Austin doesn’t shy away from the opportunity to ensure that anyone can have a good time while they visit. We’ll go over some interesting things to do in Austin for adults while making sure that young couples at the start of their journey also have something to occupy their time in the city. So get your party together and figure out which are the best stops for you and your group.
Crush Devil’s Cove
For those looking for some elitist fun things to do in Austin for adults, the boat scene at Devil’s Cove will give you quite an unforgettable experience. By tying several boats together, Lake Travis Yacht Rentals designed the most pretentious dance floor that rival some of the city’s best nightclubs. Aside from the single or double-decker yachts, couples that want to enjoy some really fun things to do in Austin for adults also get to dance on floating pads where the water sets the rhythm of the music.
Sixth Street
As one of the rowdiest streets in the city, those looking for things to do in Austin, Texas, for couples should go here for some nighttime entertainment. Running Thursday through Saturday nights, the nightlife in Austin comes to life on Sixth Street, with people browsing the scene for entertainment, drinks, and the ever-so-tasty late-night slice of pizza. You can’t go wrong with this place if you’re looking for some exciting things to do in Austin, Texas, at night.
Rainey Street
Whether you’re looking for some delicious drinks, live music, or some delicious midnight grub, Rainey Street is the place to go for things to do in Austin for couples. The wide variety of bars ensures that you’ll have plenty of fun regardless of the type of entertainment you’re most fond of and have plenty of eateries to enjoy as you strive to sober up before you head home long after midnight. You can even start your night slow here before you head to Sixth Street for the wild side of entertainment.
Great Things to do in Austin, Texas, with Kids
If you thought we were going to forget about your children, boy, were you wrong. It’s impossible not to include some of the most amazing things to do in Austin, Texas, with kids in an article that covers the best things to do in the city. The reason for that is that there are so many child-friendly activities that it would be blasphemy not to give your children the time of their lives while you visit the city of Austin, Texas. Firstly, there could be a whole article based on outdoor activities that children can enjoy in the city. Secondly, we’ll cover some of the best things to do in Austin, Texas, with children, and you should stop by at least one of the following.
Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures
One of the most unique things to do in Austin, Texas, is the Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures. From its opening in May, this aquatic adventure land combines unbelievable scenery with outdoor activities and unparalleled excitement. As a combination of the famous movie Waterworld and the shows Total Wipeout and Gladiator, thrilling experiences can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. The only condition for attendance is the ability to swim, as this aquatic adventure land is just that, aquatic and is located in a lake. In this area, you can also find zip lines that will make you feel like a modern life Tarzan as you zip over land and lake.
Zilker Park
With around 351 acres of land, finding some exciting things to do in Austin, Texas, with kids will be the easiest parenting task so far. There are playgrounds, botanical gardens, volleyball courts, beautiful picnic areas, an outdoor theater, and a nature center that most children will love to explore from top to bottom. The Barton Springs Pool is formed by natural springs that remain at a constant temperature of 68°F, where children can swim and play in the water throughout the year.
Thinkery
For some hands-on learning experience for your children and some great things to do in Austin, Texas, with kids, you should not miss the Thinkery. Here, your children will get to experience, witness, and take part in lessons surrounding science, engineering, arts, technology, and math with plenty of workshops to excite even the most uninterested of youngsters. After all, it’s one thing to read about physics in a classroom and another altogether to see and understand how it works through examples and experiments.
Conclusion
So, here you go. Now, you’ll be able to find some exciting things to do in Austin, Texas, regardless of the party you go on the trip with, interests, and expectations from the trip. Just make sure that you play it safe, drink responsibly, and enjoy every second of your trip. Keep your ears perked for any interesting things to do in Austin that might reach you from locals and have plenty of fun. And if your love for the city makes you wanna relocate here, reach out to the local realtors in Austin TX to help you.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, there wasn’t enough space for all the live music and festivals in the city. Besides, the Live Music Capital of the World deserves the sole focus of an article on that subject, so have fun as you look at the many opportunities available to enjoy live music and the nightlife in Austin, Texas.
Let us know in the comments below if there is anything that sparked your interest throughout our list, and tell us if we overlooked something. Like & Share this article with anyone who plans to visit Austin in the near future, just so they know what not to miss during their trip.
