5 Free Things to Do in Austin This Spring

As cabin fever hits a crescendo, many are desperate to get out and about after a long and gruelling winter in quarantine. If you’re looking for budget-friendly activities in an outdoor setting, these five selections may be right up your alley.

Free Live Music

Catch some free tunes and a refreshing drink at Central Market, located on North Lamar in Austin. Spending a day with kids? Let them blow off steam on the Market’s very own playground, while you relax with a drink at the scenic outdoor café. Central Market features musical acts in nearly every genre, including Latin music, Americana and performances by local Austin artists.

For children, try Cherrywood’s Coffeehouse: located at 1400 East 38th Street in Austin. The café offers free music for children every Sunday at 10 am, performed live on their patio.

Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park is a charming spot for any outdoor enthusiast, and admission is free! Bring your own picnic lunch and dine amidst the park’s resident peacocks. The 23-acre park features scenic hiking trails as well, fit for hikers of every skill level. Mayfield is open daily, from 5 am to 10 pm.

Austin Science and Nature Center

Spring is known for rainy days. If the weather turns foul, head to Austin Nature & Science Center: an 80-acre complex featuring educational exhibits, recreational activities and hands-on workshops. Admission to the Center is free, but donations are welcomed.

Big Stacy Pool

Spring may seem a bit early for swimming, even in Texas. However, the Big Stacy Pool is the perfect place for a springtime dip, thanks to warm waters fed from a geothermal well located several thousand feet underground. Admission to the pool is free, and children can also enjoy the adjacent playground and splash pads.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is a lush, 227-acre park located just west of Austin, in Texas Hill Country near Westlake Hills. The preserve offers. 25 miles of hiking trails, along with an indoor visitor’s center featuring educational exhibits. Admissions to the preserve are free, but donations are accepted to maintain the trails and visitor programs.

Where will you visit first, and why?