Bat Fest
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bat Bridge · Austin
Watch a million bats spiral out from Congress Bridge at sunset in a living, chittering column. Nature's nightly show is weird, wonderful, and pure Austin magic.
Nature Spots in Austin worth going out for.
These 51 activities are worth leaving the house for.
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The Confluence Grand Opening
October 17
Waterloo Greenway · Downtown Austin
Celebrate the official opening of The Confluence, the newest phase of the Waterloo Greenway. This free event features a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, family activities, and the chance to explore new trails and park features.
Night Swims
August 28 at 9pm – August 17
Barton Springs Pool · Barton Hills • Free
Slip into Barton Springs after dark for a free swim in 70-degree spring water, with the Austin skyline shimmering overhead. The vibe is mellow, and the occasional turtle might glide right past you.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Circle C Ranch
Texas native plants steal the show at Lady Bird Johnson's living legacy, where bluebonnet fields, shady trails, and buzzing pollinators make for a peaceful escape. Kids get their own interactive garden, and springtime brings the famous resident owls.
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bat Bridge
Austin
Watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats pour out from Congress Bridge at sunset, forming a living river in the sky. It's free, unpredictable, and absolutely mesmerizing: some evenings they trickle, others they flood the horizon in a dark, swirling cloud.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Austin • Free
This 10-mile loop hugs Lady Bird Lake with a boardwalk over the water and skyline views around every bend. Walk, bike, or jog through a surprisingly wild slice of downtown, peacocks and herons included.
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Sat, Dec 26 · 9:00 AM
Zilker Botanical Garden Free Day
Zilker Botanical Garden · Barton Hills
Free
Jessica Hollis Park
Mansfield-River Place
Deep Eddy Municipal Pool
Deep Eddy Municipal Pool · West Austin Ng
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
Bouldin Creek
Republic Square
Downtown Austin
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Gracy Woods
Free
Loop 360 Boat Ramp
Davenport Lake Austin
$5 per person
Shelby Ranch
Austin
Branch Park Pavilion
Mueller
Twin Oaks Branch, Austin Public Library
Bouldin Creek
Statesman Bat Observation Center
Statesman Bat Observation Center · Greater South River City
Free
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve · West Austin Ng
Free
Bartholomew District Park
Windsor Park
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Austin
Pease District Park
Old Enfield
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Hills
Zilker Botanical Garden
Barton Hills
St. John Branch, Austin Public Library
St. Johns
Bob Wentz Park
Four Points
Hurst Harbor Marina
Round Mountain
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Playground (open play)
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Playground · Gracy Woods
Pease Park Treehouse
Old Enfield
Austin Nature & Science Center
Barton Creek
Free
Austin Zoo
Austin
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Austin
Austin City Park
Austin
Big holiday tree
Barton Hills
Free admission
Waterloo Park
Downtown Austin
McKinney Falls State Park
Austin
Hotel Magdalena
Greater South River City
Secret Beach
Austin
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Cabin Ridge Estates
giant spider sculpture
Mueller
Free
Richard Moya Park
Austin
Lady Bird Lake
Austin
Austin Aquarium
Austin Aquarium · Acres West
Community First! Village
Austin
Zilker Hillside Theater
Barton Hills
Waterloo Greenway
Downtown Austin
Free
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Austin
Free
Austin Public Library - Menchaca Road Branch
South Austin
Kingsbury Commons
Old Enfield
Free
Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park
Davenport Lake Austin
Moody Amphitheater
Downtown Austin
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association
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Frequently asked questions
How are these nature spots in Austin chosen?
I go through what's actually on nearby and keep only the ones worth the trip. Nobody pays to be on this list.
Is everything here still happening?
Finished events drop off the list. Check the listing for times and booking details before heading out.
How can Outgoing help me find something I’ll actually want to do?
Tell me when you’re free, where you’ll be, and what sounds appealing. “Live music near me, somewhere I can sit, under $30” gives me more to work with than “something fun.” You can keep narrowing it down with me.
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Outgoing is free to use. Events have their own admission prices, including some that are free. Check the listing for prices and booking details before making plans.