Here’s Your Free and Cheap Austin Summer Bucket List!

It’s officially summertime in Austin, Texas! The kids are out of school, and it’s the perfect time to explore all of the fun that our city has to offer. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, embrace the heat, or just stay completely out of the heat, we’ve got a list of the best free and cheap Austin summer activities coming your way.

Here is your ultimate Summer bucket list! 

1. Practice perfecting your cannonball at Barton Springs. 

2. Splash around at the oldest swimming pool in Texas

3. Cool off at one of Austin’s beaches

4. Check out art in public places all around Austin. 

5. Go birdwatching at Commons Ford Metropolitan Park

6. Learn about Texas history at our state capitol.

7. Take a little road-trip to shop ’til you drop at Wimberley Market Days.

8. Spend the day with our extinct friends at Austin’s top dinosaur spots.

9. Plan the perfect picnic

10. Go hiking at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve.

11. Discover 5 FREE things to do in Georgetown. 

12. Catch butterflies at McKinney Falls State Park. Just remember to let them go! 

13. Catch the gorgeous views of Mount Bonnell at sunset.

14. Grab a delicious slice of pizza from anywhere in town! 

15. Kayak or canoe at one of these 8 beautiful spots

16. Be amazed by the beauty that is The Cathedral of Junk.

17. Tour all the street art, graffiti, and murals in Austin.

18. Get some exercise at Great Hills Park. 

19. Discover all the train, planes, and automobiles in Austin. 

20. Stare in wonder at the bats in downtown Austin

21. Take a trip to the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg.  

22. Discover 5 FREE things to do in Round Rock.  

23. Hike, swim and look for waterfalls at St. Edward’s Park

24. Treat yourselves to a donut from the most a-glaze-ing spots in town

25. Cool down with a scoop or two of ice cream

26. Journey to the top of the 360 Overlook (Pennybacker Bridge.) 

27. Take a trip to the most beautiful town squares near Austin

28. Volunteer with the family

29. Take in the sights with a scene stroll.  

30. Visit a free Austin museum

31. Discover all the summer blooms at Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

32. Get lost in a good book at a local bookstore

33. Take a road trip to Waco and discover all the FREE things to do (that are not Magnolia Market) 

34. Discover 5 FREE things to do in Pflugerville

35. Have a family night out at 10 Austin restaurants that make you feel like you’re on vacation. 

36. Explore Pioneer Town in Wimberley. 

37. Discover 5 FREE things to do in Cedar Park

38. Stare in wonder at the beauty that is Central Library. Maybe even check out a book or two after you’re done staring. 

39. Find all the castles in Austin

40. Learn, play and spend the day at the Thinkery

41. Hit up the best thrift stores in Austin

42. Go camping with the whole family! 

43. Take one of our favorite family-friendly road trips

44. Grab your cowboy boots and head to the last dance halls left in Texas

45. Take a field trip to 11 unique Austin landmarks. 

46. Go rock climbing at Austin Rock Gym

47. Create memories while battling it out at Blazer Tag

48. Grab a meal while the kids enjoy the playground at one of the many restaurants in Austin with playgrounds

49. Stroll through the gorgeous greenery at Zilker Botanical Gardens ( Try the Woodland Faerie Trail

50. Check out our ALL FREE calendar for daily events! 

Now it’s time to tackle that summer bucket list. Happy exploring and cheers to having a safe, fun, and adventure-packed summer in our amazing city!