Austin

Texas

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Traveling as a family can be challenging. Vacations with kids open a whole world of opportunities and help you discover tons of new and exciting activities. If your next family trip is to Austin, you’re in for a treat. There are so many things to do in Austin with kids that you can have fun doing too.

Traveling as a family can be challenging. If you’re driving, you’re going to have to prepare for some choruses of, “Are we nearly there yet?” from the back seat as well of plenty of bathroom breaks. Still, there’s nothing as fun as taking a vacation with the whole family. Vacations with kids open a whole world of opportunities and help you discover tons of new and exciting activities. If your next family trip is to Austin, you’re in for a treat. There are so many things to do in Austin with kids that you can have fun doing too.
<h2>1. Get the First Hole-in-One at Peter Pan Mini Golf</h2>
A family vacation is never a family vacation until you’ve done one of two things: Go to a theme park or play mini golf. Austin’s Peter Pan Mini Golf has been around since 1948 and families have been attending it since its opening. The facility itself has two different 18-hole courses, one of which is a little simpler than the other and involves easier shots. Taking the kids here will definitely make you feel nostalgic for your own childhood. Its courses have powerful dinosaurs, huge whales, and terrifying pirates and scream of the same retro-kitsch Americana as Atlantic City. Psst, mom, and dad, you can also BYOB.

[caption id="attachment_1030343" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030343" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/markus-spiske-1142251-unsplash-1-1-1024x657.jpg" alt="Mini Golf Austin" width="1024" height="657" /> Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>2. Dive into Ideas at the Thinkery</h2>
Are your kids obsessed with learning the how's, the why's, and the when's? If so, which they no doubt are, the Thinkery was literally made for their curious, expanding minds. The Thinkery is a children's science museum where almost each and every exhibit is a hands-on exploration into how stuff works. There's so much to do here that you might find yourself happily spending an entire day there. Whether rain or shine, make the Thinkery one of your first pitstops in Austin. You won't regret it, and who knows what <i>you </i>might learn.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030344" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1287096232.jpg" alt="Thinkery childrens' museum outdoor playground" width="1000" height="750" />


<h2>3. Visit the Galapagos Tortoise at the Austin Zoo</h2>
Is there anything like a great zoo for a day of fun, learning, and getting to feed cute animals? The answer, as you'll no doubt agree with, is certainly not! Austin has three zoos, the main of which - Austin Zoo - can be found in the Southwest section of the Barton Wildlife Preserve, West of downtown. Austin Zoo has more than 350 rescued animals on its grounds, its stars being the giant Galapagos tortoises Gertie, Muffett, and Wheezy. Every day, you can visit and learn about these majestic creatures that are far too cute when bobbing for apples.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030345" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_537690343.jpg" alt="Galapagos Giant Tortoise" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>4. Watch Thousands of Bats from Congress Avenue Bridge</h2>
Parents, grandparents, and kids alike will be fascinated by the nightly sight from Congress Avenue bridge. Every single night, at dusk, between March and October, millions of bats emerge from beneath the bridge and fly east into the night. Austin has some of the most stunning sunsets in the world, to boot. If you make sure you're there early, you'll get to see the bats entire flight and the sun disappear over the Western edge of the city. Never again will you wonder why one of Austin's nicknames is "Bat City."

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030347" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_84051646.jpg" alt="Congress Avenue Bridge bats in Austin during sunset" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>5. Be a Paleontologist for a Day at the Austin Nature and Science Center</h2>
Every kid dreams of being a fireman, a ballerina, or a paleontologist. At the Austin Nature and Science Center, yours can get the chance to dig around the Dino Pit for reproductions of real dinosaur bones that have been found around the State of Texas. As well as spending hours digging in the sand, there are lots of other activities that both help children learn about these ancient creatures and get the opportunity to teach the professionals what they know about them, too. As well as the Dino Pit, there's also a wildlife facility you can visit that houses bobcats, birds of prey, and other exhibits that focus on snakes, fish, and scaly lizards.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030349" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1293811096.jpg" alt="girl have fun digging in the sand at adventure park" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>6. Take a Tour of the Inner Space Cavern</h2>
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to venture into a prehistoric cave? In Austin, you can. You can and should even take the kids! Inner Space Cavern was hidden or more than 10,000 years before being accidentally discovered by the Highway Department as they were constructing Interstate 35. Prehistoric remains and artwork are still being found on the walls of these five-miles worth of caverns. The walking tours are safe and expertly guided, with three different ones you can take. Also, don't forget your camera.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030350" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_661656679.jpg" alt="Colorful scene in the Inner Space Caverns" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>7. Attend Storytime at the BookPeople Bookstore</h2>
One of the most amazing things for kids to do be it in Austin or anywhere else on earth is to read. Reading expands the imagination more than any smartphone or tablet ever could. BookPeople is the biggest independent bookstore in Texas. It's locally owned, full of exciting books to discover, and hosts regular readings for all ages. As well as this, the bookstore hosts tons of literature-themed events throughout the year and signings from famous authors abound.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030351" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_243275242.jpg" alt="Adorable little boy, sitting in a book store" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>8. Check Out Pioneer Farms' Petting Zoo</h2>
When the kids start getting antsy to pet some animals at the zoo, taking them to one of the five farms and petting zoos around Austin might be the best idea to put smiles on their faces. Pioneer Farms is a living history museum, bringing five different periods of Texan history to life. From a Tonkawa Encampment to a cotton planter's farm and turn-of-the-century rural village, there's so much for every member of the family to learn here. Its petting zoo also gives you the chance to feed the deer, sheep, and goats from a little cup as you pet them.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030352" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_240143401.jpg" alt="A young girl feeding goat" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. Pit Dad Against Kid at the Pinballz Arcade</h2>
Arcades are so much fun and never get any less fun as you get older. Luckily, Austin has one of the biggest and best video gaming arcades left in the entire country. Chock-full of new consoles and vintage pinball machines, you can find just about any game you can think of right there at Pinballz. On top of all of the games, there are go-karts you can ride, laser mazes you can navigate, and decently priced refreshments that mean you can spend hours here without even thinking of going back to the hotel. Nostalgia-tinged fun with Pac-Man? Sign us up!

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1030353" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1101219137-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Detail of a Pinball Arcade Game Tomcat" width="1024" height="683" />


<h2>10. Explore the Wiley Wonders of Patterson Park</h2>
With swings, tennis courts, a skate park, and plenty of green space to run around, Patterson Park has a wealth of things for you to do as a family. Think about setting at least one day aside to pack up a picnic and head on down to see what's in store. Alternatively, you can pick up food at the park itself. There's even a community pool, meaning the kids can easily make friends while you plan your next moves.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1030354 size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_649758004-1-1024x819.jpg" alt="a group of children on bikes in the park" width="1024" height="819" />

Fun Things to Do in Austin with Kids

Austin should never be compared to Portland. Partly because in Austin, the hippies have lept it weird, and because Portland by comparison is boring.

Austin should never be compared to Portland. Yes, each is college towns and a little full of themselves while beautiful in their own right. But, the hippy-dippy nonsense that Portland is famous for can't exist in Texas. In Austin, a vegan may very well have a gun rack in their truck. Visiting Austin, TX is an adventure and one that you should both look forward to ahead of your arrival and again when you have pledged to return.
<h2>1. Breakfast Tacos</h2>
The adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is made considerably less a chore and something fun to do when you realize that tacos are, indeed, breakfast food. There is no city in the world where this is embraced more than Austin, Texas. Many conversations can be had about who serves the best breakfast taco, and no answer is correct. Whether a Tex-Mex creation of BBQ and flour tortillas or simple beans, cheese, and eggs, Austin appreciates the tortilla-fed fuel you'll need to get through a day of adventure and sightseeing.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/490455477-1024x772.jpg" alt="A close-up shot of three breakfast tacos" width="1024" height="772" /><span class="image-caption">LauriPatterson / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Barton Springs Pool</h2>
Man-made and nature fed this 1,000-foot pool is a must at any time of the day to escape the heat. Swim, fish, do what you will with this unique addition to the urban landscape of Austin. There are few pools in the world that make a visit so memorable.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBpD4BAlbLU/" caption="bbyemy" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/bbyemy/"]


<h2>3. Head out to Mount Bonnell</h2>
If there is a better make-out point in Texas, please comment. The Colorado River and downtown Austin are on full display on this easy hike. Have a list of things to do while in Austin? Take it with you and put things in perspective with this easy overlook hike. Austin has an annoying habit of being far too hot, so go early or go late to take in this fantastic vantage point.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Gg8n7FodK/" caption="hikeaustin" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/hikeaustin/"]


<h2>4. Shop South Congress and Take In the Bats Under the Bridge</h2>
South Congress affords a wealth of shopping and dining options. However,  at dusk, the neighborhood explodes to life, with roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats leaving their home under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and taking flight. From early spring to October/November, depending on the weather, the largest urban bat colony takes to the night skies in a performance of mammalian flight. Whether you're on the bridge, under the bridge, or on a boat, it's a truly breathtaking experience that shouldn't be missed.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2420 size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-155012404-1024x683.jpg" alt="Free-tail bats flying over building in Austin, Texas" width="1024" height="683" />


<h2>5. Discover Hamilton Pool Preserve</h2>
Hamilton Pool is located in Dripping Springs, only 23 miles outside of Austin. An underwater river feeds the spring that fills the limestone pool with cool fresh water. The result is this hidden natural oasis with an abundant ecosystem tucked into the hill country. It attracts many visitors and is so popular that reservations are required from March through September.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-42595 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/shutterstock_357906086.jpg" alt="Person laying around Hamilton Pool" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>5. Festivals, Festivals, Festivals</h2>
They do everything bigger and Texas, but Austin does festivals better than all of the cities that dare compete, with the possible exception of New Orleans. Whether South by Southwest, a Texas wine festival, or a barbecue extravaganza, it's worth doing your homework to decide when to visit Austin to make sure you're a part of the way this city rolls.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/965223566-1024x660.jpg" alt="An aerial photo of a huge crowd of people at a music festival in a park" width="1024" height="660" /><span class="image-caption">Ryan Conine / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. It's All about the BBQ</h2>
You could argue that the true home of barbecue in Texas is in Denton. You would also be foolish not to enjoy some of Austin's offerings. It's Texas, so BBQ means beef, and Austin has been a city which chefs flock to. The humble fire pit becomes a cauldron of smoky genius in Austin.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/521997555-1024x683.jpg" alt="Sausages hanging over brisket smoking over a large BBQ pit" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">SamyStClair / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. Explore New Braunfels</h2>
New Braunfels is a modern city with small-town charm and is known for the beautiful Comal River, which flows right through the middle of town. Visitors enjoy floating down this river, with its clear and calm, spring-fed water. Canyon Lake is also close by and boasts plenty of fishing and water sports opportunities. In addition, summertime fun can be found at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, where all ages can relax in the lazy river, ride the water slides, and enjoy the kid's waterpark.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-42596 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/shutterstock_671498806.jpg" alt="Aerial photo of New Braunfels" width="1000" height="743" />


<h2>7. Discover Fredericksburg</h2>
Fredericksburg is home to a few unique attractions, such as the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a giant rock dome composed of pink granite. Visitors enjoy camping, stargazing, hiking, and other activities at this 1,644-acre park. The town is also home to the Old Tunnel Bat Colony, where 3 million Mexican free-tail bats live in an abandoned railroad tunnel. The National War Museum of the Pacific is also located here and educates visitors about WWII with modern technology and displays.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-42597 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/shutterstock_560101696.jpg" alt="Moss Lake Reflecting Enchanted Rock in Texas" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>7. Wander to Wimberly</h2>
Wimberly is well-known for the popular swimming spot in the Jacob's Well Natural Area. The round pond has a 30-foot drop that entices visitors to jump in from the rocks above. Many also visit nearby Blue Hole Regional Park for activities such as hiking, swimming, and fishing. Visitors can discover tours and wine-tasting events at several wineries and vineyards in the surrounding area.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1HmMa9JRj2/" caption="tourwimberleytx" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/tourwimberleytx/"]


<h2>7. Stay a While in La Grange</h2>
La Grange is home to many notable attractions, such as the unique Texas Quilt Museum and The Jersey Barnyard. Most striking, perhaps, are the breweries and historic buildings in the town, such as The Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites. Visitors can see the ruins of one of the first breweries in the state and a monument for two battles fought against Mexico in 1842.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKSNI7Pgq6l/" caption="junkgypsy" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/junkgypsy/"]


<h2>7. Eastside Taprooms</h2>
People in Texas always claim theirs is better. It's just part of being Texan. However, this boisterous nonsense comes to a screeching halt when it comes to craft beer. Everyone knows Austin does it best, and there are few willing to raise a contrary opinion. On the eastside alone, you have Blue Owl, Hops &amp; Grain, Zilker and others vying for the most people enjoying a cold beer in the same room each day.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOBtGYlvD6/" caption="austinbeerworks" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/austinbeerworks/"]


<h2>8. Play Some Pinball</h2>
Unless you're watching <em>Happy Days</em> reruns, there has likely not been a pinball machine in your life for quite some time. Enter Pinballz Arcade and its collection of nearly 300 vintage pinball machines that will bring out your inner child coupled with an adults' sensibilities as you push the limits between a tilt and a free game.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHd2LIyjQTU/" caption="nicolestrada3" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/nicolestrada3/"]


<h2>9. Check Out Longhorn Caverns</h2>
Longhorn Caverns, a short drive outside of Austin, has been home to numerous soldiers in the many wars that have befallen Texas over the years. This phenomenal limestone cavern was even a speakeasy during prohibition. Take a tour where you will learn the history of the outlaws, deserters, and more that have called this massive cave home over the years.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2413 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/shutterstock_44515888.jpg" alt="Beautifully formed and lighted formations and textures in this Central Texas Cave" width="1000" height="669" />

<h2>10. Live Music is the Lifeblood of Austin</h2>
Stubb's, Beerland, Mohawk, Red Eyed Fly, Elysium, Barbarella, Metal and Lace, Swan Dive, and Plush are just a few of the clubs that anchor the Red River Cultural District of Austin. You don't need a festival celebrating music to celebrate music in Austin no matter the day of the week. South by Southwest is certainly happening, but Austin doesn't slow its love of live music the rest of the year. Head down to 6th Street, and you'll come back to your hotel or Airbnb tapping your feet for days.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvhG6Jdl37p/" caption="codyrosscowan" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/codyrosscowan/"]

Austin's In-Town Attractions and Easy Day Trips

For anyone who is in Austin for whatever reason (which you don't need to visit), nights are the best time to enjoy everything that this city has to offer.

Austin is a great city with the perfect balance of work and play. There are plenty of daytime activities that you can do while exploring, such as visiting one of Austin's many museums to learn about the history or art scene in this bustling town. But what about when the sun goes down?

For anyone who is in Austin for whatever reason (which you don't need to visit), nights are the best time to enjoy everything that this city has to offer.  With an active nightlife and plenty of things to do, it’s hard not to stay up all night in this vibrant city. Here are some fun things to do when it gets dark in Austin!
<h2>1. Bars, bars, bars!</h2>
There are bars on just about every block in Austin, and they all have a different vibe to them. 6th Street is a strip that is chock full of bars. If you want to go somewhere to get a drink and listen to live music, there are many options for you.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_aLO5tl4Aa/" alt="Lone Star beer sign" caption="deepeddycabaret" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/deepeddycabaret/" /]


<h2>2. Red, white, and pink at a wine bar</h2>
Austin has always had a great wine bar scene. However, in recent years with Austin becoming the new Silicon Valley, these higher-end trendy establishments have become more popular. The wine bars scene in Auston provides patrons with an enormous selection of foreign and domestic wines that fit every budget. Whether you are looking for a quiet date night with your significant other or just want to relax and enjoy good food and drink, wine bars in Austin are an excellent option.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPbVR_rFxL4/" alt="the patio at Wanderlust Wine Co." caption="wanderlustwineco" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustwineco/" /]


<h2>3. Wet your whistle at a breweries</h2>
If you are into beer, there is no better place than Austin for your own brewery tour. Besides the many local breweries in Austin, such as Jester King, Black Star Co-op, and MoonDog, it is worth visiting other Austin breweries like Real Ale Brewing Company or Independence Brewing Company. If you're a fan of beer, the brewery tours are still a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Plus, you can sample a variety of tasty beers on the tour—some exclusive to the brewery and, of course, others that are widely available at liquor stores.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Hz_pHlRqZ/" alt="New beer from Austin Beer Works" caption="austinbeerworks" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/austinbeerworks/" /]


<h2>4. Jam-out at live music venues</h2>
The goal for any live music venue in Austin is to become the next big thing. When it comes to gaining notoriety, SXSW is the biggest event of the year to do so. SXSW is a massive music festival that brings together musicians from all over the world. However, in Austin's nightlife scene, there are a plethora of live music options.

Some of the best places to see live music in Austin include Mohawk, Stubb's BBQ, The Parish in Austin, and The Spider House Cafe.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJtm6vZFvdB/" alt="A band plays for sweaty fans" caption="rohofoto" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/rohofoto/" /]


<h2>5. Dance the night away</h2>
If you are visiting Austin and want to dance the night away, don’t worry because there are plenty of different clubs where you can do just that. One of the most popular spots is Barbarella. Even more popular is Elysium. Aside from those two clubs, there are also places like Cielo Night Club, Empire Control Room, and St. Edwards University that host their own dance parties.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CP4VNWUjOCR/" alt="Dancing at Cielo Night Club" caption="cielonightclub" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/cielonightclub/" /]


<h2>6. Late-night eateries</h2>
If you’re grabbing a bite of food or drink at the end of the night, you will find that there is quite a variety of great options. From the Asian-Texan fusion at Thai Fresh and down to delicious BBQ from Micklethwait, you won’t have trouble finding a place to eat during your night out in Austin.

Late-night amenities and recreation, too? You can’t go wrong with a trip to Austin, Texas. One of the best parts about visiting Austin, TX, is the countless things you can do no matter what time of day it is.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJlwARXlj8E/" alt="Various food from East Side King" caption="eastsideking" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/eastsideking/" /]


<h2>7. Take it easy in a speakeasy</h2>
Hiding in plain sight, speakeasies are popping up all over Austin. These local establishments have one thing in common: their hidden nature.  One location is a secret knock, while in another, you have to push a brick on the wall to access your clandestine bar. The best part is that even though you have to find them to enjoy a drink, these spots are walkable and close to downtown. So whether you want to have a quiet get-together or just enjoy a few cocktails with friends, speakeasies in Austin keep you on your toes.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNshPJwjlGr/" alt="A bartender cuts ice" caption="hntaustin" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/hntaustin/" /]


<h2>8. Watch a movie at the drive-in</h2>
You can enjoy a drive-in movie in Austin as well! In modern times, many people have never been to a drive-in theater. This unique experience is not only nostalgic, but it is fun! The drive-in experience is pretty much the same as when your parents were in high school, but now there are a few improvements. The drive-in theaters are more like amusement parks, complete with a playground, food stands, and movie play areas.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLQijh2FcnP/" alt="Classic movie from a drive in" caption="photosuze" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/photosuze/" /]


<h2>9. Eat from a food truck</h2>
Austin is a great city for food truck fans, with more than 200 trucks serving up a variety of cuisines at local food truck parks and other venues. Food truck fans can find food trucks popping up at various locations. Austin even has 8 permanent food truck parks across the city. Visitors to Autin can order everything from Texas BBQ to sushi.

Here are the current food truck parks: Rainey Street Food Truck Lot, 5000 Burnet, The Picnic - Food Truck Park, Thicket Food Park, South Congress Food Truck Park, Mueller Trailer Eats, University Co-Op Food Court, and St. Elmo Public Market Food Trucks.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/pHJA2PLmGa/" alt="Food truck in Austin" caption="consciouscravings" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/consciouscravings/" /]


<h2>10. Scoot a boot at a honky-tonk</h2>
Boot scootin’ to old and new country music is the main staple in Austins’ honky-tonks. Reminiscent of the  Don’t know how to dance to country music? No problem! Take some country music dance lessons. Get ready to learn two-step, waltz, polka, west coast swing, and more! You'll meet new people from all over Austin's music community who are looking for country music dance partners. Maybe you have always wanted to try riding a mechanical bull.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPV0bNsFUyR/" alt="Exterior of the Broken Spoke" caption="brokenspokeaustintx" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/brokenspokeaustintx/" /]

Loose Some Sleep and Enjoy Nightlife in Austin

Like an oasis spring in the desert, Austin rises out of the sand and overflows with culture, charm, and personality. It has a reputation for being a weird city, but that should encourage you to pay a visit rather than deter you. 

Like an oasis spring in the desert, Austin rises out of the sand and overflows with culture, charm, and personality. It has a reputation for being a weird city, but that should encourage you to pay a visit rather than deter you.  A lot of Austin's charm is predictable things like a thriving nightlife or a rich international food scene, but if you ask an Austinite about unique local things to do in Austin, the answers are sure to surprise you.
<h2>1. Go kayaking off Congress Avenue</h2>
Congress Avenue Kayaks provides rentals of kayaks and paddleboards for either half hours or half days. You might want to go for a shorter rental if you haven’t hit the gym recently, but it’s a highlight of any visit to Austin either way. You and your companions can easily go exploring the riverside or even take the short trip over to the Congress Avenue Bridge and go bat-spotting. That’s right, bat-spotting.

[caption id="attachment_34326" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1152946304.jpg" alt="Dozens of Austin kayakers" width="1200" height="799" /> RoschetzkyIstockPhoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Go bat-spotting on the Congress Avenue Bridge</h2>
From March to October, it’s bat season in Austin. As many as 1.5 million bats underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge form the largest urban bat colony in the United States. About twenty minutes before sundown every day, they begin to take flight in such great numbers as to turn the sky black. It’s an otherworldly sight, and to make it all the better the bats are there up until Halloween.

[caption id="attachment_34337" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-34337" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-136232304.jpg" alt="Bats flying from a bridge in Austin, Texas at sunset" width="2121" height="1414" /> <br />Aneese / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Immerse yourself in Austin’s Cathedral of Junk</h2>
The Cathedral of Junk is a tremendous assembly of other people’s trash, turned into a structure you explore inside out. The only explanation the creator Vince Hanneman has ever given about this work of modern art is ‘why not make a trash castle?’ Either way, the Cathedral of Junk is some of the most bizarre fun you can have in Austin.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34342" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_1163812057.jpg" alt="A view of the Cathedral of Junk, a unique structure made up from other people rubbish, in downtown Austin, Texas" width="1000" height="624" />


<h2>4. View the exhibits at Women &amp; Their Work</h2>
One of the best destinations for art lovers, feminists, and art-loving feminists, Women &amp; Their Work is a major voice in empowering female artists. They have a suite of rotating exhibits that draw crowds every year, but their support doesn’t end at the visual arts. Women &amp; Their Work is a regular venue for the performance arts, as well.

[caption id="attachment_34329" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1144643775.jpg" alt="A woman painting a beautiful portrait" width="1200" height="900" /> aldomurillo / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Explore the odd shops of South Congress</h2>
South Congress might be the weirdest part of Austin. Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds is a brilliantly-named shop where you can buy enough costumes, wigs, and makeup to assume a totally new identity. Another store is simply named “Uncommon Objects,” a hyper-eccentric shop where you can find one of America’s richest selection of purchasable antiques.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34338" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_730983346.jpg" alt="SoCo is the latest Austin trendy neighbourhood with a vibrant stretch of hip boutiques, trendy lodging options and Austin-original eateries" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>6. Tour Austin by land and water in a Waterbus</h2>
With Austin Duck Adventures, you can take a comprehensive tour of the city in one of their amphibious buses. You’ll start out on land, but eventually, the bus will drive straight into the water and float right along. If you’ve never ridden a waterbus before, it’s a novel experience that a regular bus tour can’t compare to.

[caption id="attachment_34331" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/173902795.jpg" alt="Town Lake in Austin, dotted with canoes and kayaks" width="1200" height="799" /> metschan / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Find magical creatures at the Zilker Botanical Garden</h2>
Walk along the carefully curated paths of the beautiful Zilker Botanical Garden and enjoy the lush and vibrant assortment of greenery there. However, be careful not to step on its tiny inhabitants! The garden is dotted with handcrafted villages of gnomes and fairies, and finding them all takes the form of a sort of treasure hunt. That said, if any Irish faeries request your name, do not give it to them.

[caption id="attachment_34332" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/455290781.jpg" alt="The fairytale world of the Zilker Gardens" width="1200" height="800" /> blanscape / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Enjoy modern art at the Contemporary Austin-Jones Center</h2>
The Jones Center is a great spot for anyone who appreciates contemporary art. People often visit to see the Moody Rooftop and Jim Hodges’ famous sculpture <i>Liberty and Justice For All (A Work in Progress). </i>To top it off, you can take breathtaking views of the Austin skyline from the Moody Rooftop too.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34339" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_1208688520.jpg" alt="The Contemporary Jones Center on Congress Avenue, Austin." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. Learn Texan history at the Bullock Texas State History Museum</h2>
The Bullock Texas State History Museum holds hundreds of artifacts, works of art, and pieces of history that educate people on the state's past. One of its most interesting exhibitions is the Texas Story Project, which compiles countless firsthand stories of living in Texas throughout its history. The blend of traditional museum exhibits and person-focused storytelling really makes for a unique site that should be on your Austin itinerary.

[caption id="attachment_34334" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/487422583.jpg" alt="The entry to the Bullock Texas State History Museum" width="1200" height="1111" /> demerzel21 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Dance at the Container Bar</h2>
If you love recycling, this is a bar for you. The founders of the Container Bar built it entirely out of recycled old freight containers. Despite the unusual construction, the bar has interior lighting, an impressive sound system, and everything else you'd expect fo find in a hole-in-the-wall bar like this. It’s surprisingly roomy, and it’s a favorite locale among the Austinites. It’s always full of people dancing, drinking, and having a good time. The Container Bar exclusively hires top-notch DJs who really know their way around a turntable.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34340" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_1349475872.jpg" alt="Container Bar in the Rainey Street Entertainment District." width="1000" height="667" />

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