Budgeting & Living on an AmeriCorps Stipend
Bargain-Priced Activities
VISIT THE TEXAS STATE CAPITOL!
The Texas State Capitol, built of native pink limestone, is taller than the US Capitol building and definitely worth a visit. The grounds are green and shady – great for a picnic. Bus it or Bike it! Or get free two-hour parking at the Capitol Visitors Garage.
SEE THE BATS FLY! – CONGRESS AVENUE BATS
Every evening from March through October, up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge and fill the surrounding sky. Get there early if you want a good spot on the bridge!
BE ACTIVE AT ZILKER PARK
Home to the annual Austin City Limits (ACL) Concert, a hillside theater, the Botanical Gardens, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Zilker Park offers playing fields, picnic tables, and playgrounds adjacent to the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail.
GO SWIMMING AT BARTON SPRINGS POOL
Considered by many to be the best swimming hole in town, this 900 plus foot pool in Zilker Park was formed when Barton Springs was dammed. The water is 68 degrees year-round.
HOOK ‘EM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS (UT) CAMPUS
UT is home to many museums including the Ransom Center (home of an original Gutenberg Bible), the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art, and the Texas Memorial Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum (complete with animatronics life-size joke telling LBJ!) is also on the UT campus. Check out the Bob Bullock Texas History museum too while you’re there!
GO FOR A BIKE RIDE, A RUN, OR KAYAK ON LADY BIRD LAKE
The Town Lake hike and bike trail offers multiple trails along Lady Bird Lake ranging in distance up to 10 miles. While you’re there, rent a kayak or learn to paddle board! The Texas Rowing center or The Rowing Dock are the places to go. The city of Austin website also has a complete list of the entire hike and bike trails around the city and where they are located.