5 Fun Things to do in Austin

Barton Springs

Cool off at Barton Springs, a beautiful natural spring pool located in the famous Zilker Park, which also hosts the annual Austin City Limits music festival. Swimming in this man-made recreational pool is one of the most practical and fun things to do in Austin on a hot Texas day. Filled with water from natural springs—the Main Barton Spring, as you may have guessed—this spot is a favorite of kids and adults alike. Throughout the year, this special spot is on average 68 degrees, making it one of the most refreshingly fun things to do in Austin.

Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge

During the day, the largest urban colony of bats in North America rests within the Ann W. Richards Bridge on Congress Avenue, the gateway between South Congress—the hip and funkier side of town locally referred to as SoCo—and North Congress—the more mainstream and hopping Austin scene. With up to 1.5 million bats at a time under this busy spot, one of the most fun things to do in Austin is observe this remarkable spectacle of Mexican free-tailed bats pouring from the bridge’s depths at dusk. Starting around March and continuing through fall, this is one experience not to be missed.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Headquartered in Austin, this epic cinema is truly one-of-a-kind. Since it’s inauguration in 1997, the franchise has grown from one to nine across the Lone Star State and another in Virginia. With cabaret-style tables facing the big screen and a combination of cult, classic, and new films playing, there’s bound to be something for everyone at this unique spot.

Like ninjas, the waiters are all dressed in dark colors so they don’t interrupt your viewing pleasure, picking up pieces of paper with your order as they pass. And the thrilling part about this prime example cinematically exciting and fun things to do in Austin? Order yourself a nice cold beer and disappear into the magical world of film.

Hippie Hollow Park

Located on gorgeous shores of Lake Travis, this is the only legally sanctioned clothing-optional park in Texas. Obviously, it would be in this magnificent and open-minded city—and on this list of the most fun things to do in Austin. Because of it’s uniquely remote spot, shielded by trees and limestone rocks, it’s served as a well-known birthday-suit bathing favorite for years. However, during the 1960’s Woodstock-era, Hippie Hollow garnered it’s controversial, although very appropriate, name.  Forget tan lines—enjoy these relaxing beaches sans suit. Just don’t forget the sunscreen while exploring this one of many freeing and fun things to do in Austin.

The O. Henry Pun-Off

Sure there’s live music and cool people, but those Austin nerds deserve some love, too, as well of the hundreds that head to this slick town each year to participate. Because of our dedication to a well-rounded article, the O. Henry Pun-Off has made the exclusive list of one of the most fun things to do in Austin—if you happen to be there in May.  With wit and defiance, these punsters takes the stage in front of the fantastic O. Henry Museum (which you can visit year-round) to battle with word-play and clever thought, judged by a panel of pun-fessionals.

This sums up the most fun things to do in Austin, so Aus-tone that body for the nude beaches and bat your eyelashes at the Congress Avenue Bridge, because this will be one fun vacation.