Activities Archives - The Austinot

Day Trip in Austin: 10 Places To Visit Like a Tourist

December 1, 2021 by Yulia Dyukova 2 Comments

Day Trip in Austin: Even if you’ve been living in Austin your whole life, you can pretend to be a tourist for one day and discover the city with fresh eyes (Credit: Justin Snider/Rock Studios)

Let me start by stating the obvious: we live in one of the greatest cities in the world. Austin has so much to offer that my list of must-see places and must-do things keeps growing, even though I’m constantly exploring.

While I try to keep up with the latest restaurants and music festivals, there are a number of places in Austin I’ve been neglecting. You know, the kind of places at the top of TripAdvisor, where the tourists go.

So many times, I’ve thought of visiting these places, only to tell myself, “Oh, I live here. I can always go later.” For many people, years go by and they never make the time. But there are so many things that you could do just on a one day trip in Austin.

Ice Skating in Austin – Chaparral Ice & Fields in Cedar Park

November 29, 2021 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Ice Skating in Austin – Image Credit: Chaparral Ice & Fields

While ice activities may not be the norm here in Central Texas, Chaparral Ice is curating memorable experiences for all who visit. Even when the Texas temperatures get too high, you can grab a pair of skates and glide into winter temperatures!

Austin Trail of Lights 2021 – Main Attractions, Tickets, & More

November 25, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

The ending tunnel of the Austin Trail of Lights 2021 (credit: Bill Tucker)

The holidays are upon us! With a year of general craziness in the rear view mirror, we need a little December cheer. If you’re in the same boat, look no further than the 57th annual Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. While the event is drive thru instead of walk about, it’s still a wonderful opportunity to bask in the glow of holiday magic. Here’s everything you need to know to experience the trail right.

Austin Trail of Lights Is A Feast for the Eyes

One of 90 illuminated trees along the Trail of Lights (credit: Bill Tucker)

Like last year, the Trail of Lights is 100% drive thru. While there’s no opportunity to spin under the Zilker tree, I respect their desire to keep people safe during the ongoing pandemic. Luckily, driving the trail doesn’t hurt the experience. The display is nothing short of spectacular.

Over two million lights illuminate the Zilker Park path. Old school favorites like the Jackalope, Santasaurus and Cartoon Land make an appearance once again. Seeing these classics brought back memories of my first Austin Christmas nearly 8 years ago and it was heartwarming listening to my son laugh at the sights.

One of the trails highlights are the multiple light tunnels that section off the trail. Driving underneath these massive structures was a blast. All in all, the trip, from the opening gate to end, took around 20 minutes which was perfect for the two kiddos in the van.

Trail of Lights in Austin – Tickets & More

The holiday jackalope makes another appearance at the 2021 Trail of Lights. (credit: Bill Tucker)

Passes to the trail are available right now but tend to sell out quickly, especially for peak evenings and weekends.
Passes will cost you $30 – $40 per vehicle depending on when you choose to go.
Dash Passes are available for $65. These allow you early entry between 5:45 and 7:00 PM and include holiday cookies and bottled water.
Entry is one pass per vehicle containing up to nine passengers. Vehicles that hold 10+ require two passes. And all vehicles need to be street legal.
While it’ll take about 20 minutes to experience the trail, leave ample time for queuing up and crowds. This year will be a busy one!
90% of the lights and all of the attractions are on the passenger side of the vehicle. This helps the driver stay focused on the road, so if you have two kids, make them rock-paper-scissors for who gets to sit on the right.

Austin Trail Of Lights 2021 – Important Dates and Special Nights

Some of the beautiful sights along the 2021 Trail of Lights. (credit: Bill Tucker)

11/28 – Opening Night
Virtual Fun Run: The 10th annual Trail of Lights Fun Run goes virtual this year. Rather than jogging through the trail, you can pick a route, any route. Trail of Lights has a lovely route around Austin’s finest landmarks, or you can jog in your own neighborhood. Just make sure it’s fun and festive! Entrants receive a Fun Run t-short, a 2021 race bib, a rad swag bag and festive route recommendations.
12/12 – UT Night
12/28 to 12/29 – STARS at the Trail Night: The Trail of Lights team provides free entry to over 30 nonprofit partners in the Austin community. A great way to give back to organizations who give so much throughout the year. They also give thousands of passes to eligible families in the Austin Independent School District (AISD).
12/31 – New Years Eve and the last night of the trail.

Trail of Lights – An Enduring Tradition

2021 Trail of Lights (credit: Bill Tucker)

Whether it’s your first or 30th year, the Austin Trail of Lights is an enduring experience. While driving the park may not be same as walking it, cruising beneath a blanket of 2 million lights still captures the imagination and inspires holiday cheer. Come by yourself, as a couple, with friends, or a van full of kids. Everyone’s guaranteed to be delighted at this year’s Trail of Lights.

Want more Christmas Lights? Check out Best Christmas Lights in the Hill Country area, just a short drive away!

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8 Indoor Activities to Enjoy When Austin Weather Forces You Inside

November 20, 2021 by Jonas White Leave a Comment

The marvelous architecture on full display at the library — Best Indoor Activities in Austin – The marvelous architecture on full display at Austin Central Library (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)

Looking for indoor activities in Austin? You are in the right place!

As we know, Austin is built for outdoor hanging. There are outdoor and rooftop bars, restaurant patios, as well as all the bike and water activities you could possibly want. But sometimes outside just isn’t in the cards.

10 Best Austin Golf Courses: Top Public & Private Fairways

August 27, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

Image Courtesy: Soheb Zaidi Via Unsplash

If you have asked how many golf courses are there in Austin, then you’ve come to the right article. Austin golf courses are abundant and spread throughout the city. If you’re looking for a tee time or are interested in picking up golf as a hobby, try one of these Austin golf courses.

Public Golf Courses in Austin

Lions Municipal Golf Course

Image courtesy: Lions Municipal Golf Course

This is a popular public golf course in Austin. It was the first public golf course and now has 18 holes. Lions is in the Texas Golf Hall of Fame and is challenging for golfers at every skill level.

Where: 2901 Enfield Rd, Austin, TX 78703

Avery Ranch

Covered Golf Area — Image courtesy: Avery Ranch

One of the top golf courses in Austin is at Avery Ranch. Avery Ranch golf course now has covered TopTracer Bays on their range. It’s the ultimate practice tool that lets you compete against others, or get instant feedback. They also have a classic range.

Where: 10500 Avery Club Dr, Austin, TX 78717

Riverside Golf Course

With 18 holes, Riverside Golf Couse is fun for a day of golfing. It’s one of the few Austin golf courses lined with oaks, pecans, and maples. Great for golfers of any skill, book a tee time, or walk up.

Where: 1020 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741

Grey Rock Golf and Tennis Club

Golf course — Image courtesy: Grey Rock Golf Course

This golf and tennis club is also open to the public for a tee time! Grey Rock claims their toughest hole is No.7, a par-5 that goes back 542 yards. If you’re looking for challenge and beauty, try out this course.

Where: 7401 TX-45, Austin, TX 78739

Legacy Hills Golf Club

Legacy Hills is a golf course near Austin. This course is an all-around great one for any skill level. The course is open to the public and even has a 10-acre practice range.

Where: 301 Del Webb Blvd, Georgetown, TX 78633

Butler Park Pitch and Putt

Golf course — Image courtesy: Butler Pitch and Putt

Butler Park is one of the cheap golf courses in Austin. Instead of a private country club, Butler Park offers good rates, cold beer, and they only take walk-ins. That’s right! First to come is first to putt. This place is a true gem.

Where: 201 Lee Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Hancock Golf Course

Founded by the former mayor, this course is one of the best public golf courses in Austin. As it is only 9-holes, which is considered short, it’s perfect for someone whose just starting in the sport.

Where: 811 E 41st St, Austin, TX 78751

Onion Creek Club

Golf cart — Image courtesy: Onion Creek Club

This might be one of the biggest Austin golf courses. Onion Creek Club has 27 holes out in South Austin. If you’re looking to spend the entire day golfing, that can easily be accomplished here.

Where: 2510 Onion Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78747

Cat Hollow Disc Course

When people say golf they might think of disc golf. Luckily, there’s plenty of disc golf courses in Austin. If you’re looking for a new place to play or want to try it out, these holes offer beautiful scenery.

Where: 8334 Liberty Walk Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681

Fazio Canyons Golf Course

Course in Austin — Image courtesy: Fazio Canyon Austin

Fazio Canyon Golf Course is a part of the Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. This top golf course in Austin has scenic views that make the 18 hole game enjoyable. The Fazio Canyons preserve the natural environment. It’s even ranked at a Top Texas Tour Venue!

Where: 8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, TX 78735

It doesn’t matter if you meant disc golf or plain golf. There are many Austin golf courses open to the public! It’s all about finding the right one for your skill level and comfort. Why not try each of them out?

Still, want to take advantage of the heat? Try a lake day at one of the Best Lakes in and around Austin.

10 Best Austin Parks – Must Visit Recreation Areas

August 13, 2021 by Mirella Gonzales Leave a Comment

Image courtesy: Waterloo Greenway

For being a city, the parks in Austin are abundant. With plenty of spacious greenery for recreation or to escape the city, it can be hard to pick which park to visit. Depending on where you are in Austin, one of these parks is bound to not be far, so get ready to hop in your car and head to one!

Parks in Austin

Zilker Park

Image courtesy: Zilker Park and Zilker Dog Park

Zilker Park is probably the most popular park in Austin. After all, it is in the heart of downtown and is over 350 acres big. At Zilker, you can take part in a variety of recreational activities with a horizon view of the city. A few being sand volleyball or biking.

Where: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746

McKinney Falls State Park

Image courtesy: McKinney Falls

McKinney State Falls is a Texas State Park. There is a daily entrance fee. However, it’s not that expensive, and there are many things you can do, like hike, mountain bike, or even boulder off the rocky edges! This park is beautiful in the summer.

Where: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744

Pease District Park

Located in central Austin, Pease Park is urban with rich cultural history. Pease Park often hosts community events like luminarium and squirrel fest. Both haven’t happened yet, so check out their website to learn more!

Where: 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703

Waterloo Greenway

Image courtesy: Waterloo Greenway

Waterloo Park closed for a while for reconstruction. But, is now re-open and has free events and programs for anyone who lives in or visits Austin. Waterloo is a park that has art and trails in one space. It’s now one of the best parks in Austin.

Where: 1111 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Walnut Creek Metro Park

Northeast of Austin is where you can find Walnut Creek Park. It’s one of the fun parks in Austin if you like to do a bunch of outdoor activities. There are paved hiking trails with nine creek crossings, better prepare a snack and water!

Where: 12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

Red Bud Isle

Image courtesy: Austin Parks Foundation

Part of the Austin Parks Foundation, Red Bud is popular for being an off-leash dog park and area to go kayaking or canoeing. It’s one of the best parks in Austin to take your dog.

Where: 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746

Harper Park

This park in Austin has an upgraded playground area for the kids. While it’s not as big as the other parks in Austin, it still has plenty for people to do. For example, soccer fields, a trail, and sand volleyball.

Where: Harper Park Dr, Austin, TX 78735

Bull Creek District Park

Image courtesy: Austin Parks Foundation

Bull Creek is part of the Greenbelt in Austin. Its main focal point is the stream that passes through it. So it only makes sense that this park is most known for its recreation on the water and hiking trails. If you’re looking for a cool park to swim at it would be this one.

Where: 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Mary Moore Searight Metro Park

This metropolitan park in Austin is a local favorite. At Mary More, there are trails for hiking and even areas to go fishing. There are even horse trails if you feel up for the ride.

Where: 907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748

Mabel Davis District Park

Image courtesy: Mabel Davis Skatepark

Mabel Davis has a pool for the public, basketball courts, and is home to an Austin skate park. That’s right. Mabel Davis District Park rounds out this list by making sure that every park in Austin is as cool as the city.

Where: 3427 Parker Ln, Austin, TX 78741

As you can see, Austin parks offer many activities and a variety of fun for everyone. The parks in Austin are open, while the state parks require a reservation, the public Austin parks don’t. Whenever you feel like going outside, you can visit one of these parks anytime.

Do you prefer lake days? Check out the lakes in and around Austin here!

Hiking in Austin – 9 Best Hike Trails & Hiking Spots

August 13, 2021 by Jessica Pino 7 Comments

Best Hiking Spots in Austin

Hiking on the Greenbelt in Austin (Credit: Erin May)

It has been scientifically proven that spending time in nature has significant positive mental health benefits. With hundreds of parks and greenbelts all over Austin, we never lack access to nature. Our green space is one of the most unique things we have in Austin. With the help of a fellow blogger, I came up with nine of the best hiking spots in Austin for all of us to utilize and protect, organized by geographic area. [Read more…]

Meet People, Make Friends, Build Communities with Meetup

July 30, 2021 by Austinot Contributor 1 Leave a Comment

Are you always looking for fun things to do in Austin with people who share your interests? Introducing, Meetup, the perfect site for online and in-person events.

Classic Game Fest: More Than a Trip Down Memory Lane

July 20, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

A variety of classic game controllers at Classic Game Fest 2019 (credit: Bill Tucker)

When COVID-19 hit in March of 2020, it devoured events like a termite chews through wood. The rash of cancellations made sense given the seriousness of the pandemic, but it still stung thousands of organizers, venue owners, and attendees. Classic Game Fest, a yearly celebration of all things retro videogames, was one of the casualties.

Now with the pandemic slowed and restrictions lifted, Classic Game Fest is on with no limitations to the fun. Bigger than ever before in both size and scope, this love letter to the games of old offers something for everybody. Whether you’re an NES junkie or an Atari nerd, there’s something for everyone this year.

Austin Gilgronis Rugby Brings Intense Action to Bold Stadium

April 15, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

As a life long East Coaster turned Austinite, rugby’s been a mystery. Outside of catching a match at a British pub at 11:00 AM or the rare highlight on TV, this punishing yet fascinating sport has been lost on me. And I think if I took an informal poll, most locals would feel the same way.

If so, y’all are missing out! Last week, my wife and I had the chance to check out Austin Gilgronis (AG) Rugby’s home opener at Bold Stadium. We found a sport well suited for our Longhorn loving city. Hard nosed, aggressive, and exciting, the lads of AG Rugby are bringing good times and great play to Circuit of the Americas.

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