Austin for Less



Posted: Thursday, December 31, 2009

by
Austin real estate

Heading to the movies isn’t what it used to be – with snacks and drinks, you could easily spend more than $50 for a family of 4. Luckily, there are plenty of activities in Austin that don’t break the bank. Check out some of the best (and least expensive) ways to have a good time with your family and friends.

Austin Children’s Museum

On Wednesday nights, the Austin Children’s Museum opens its doors from 5 to 8 p.m. You can check out their many permanent and seasonal exhibits, as well as “Storytime," a special presentation of songs, stories, and activities for the whole family. Admission is donation-based, and is suggested at $1 per person.

Blanton Art Museum

Located on the UT Campus, Blanton Art Museum offers free admission every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is host to a variety of art, from permanent collections to modern art exhibitions. There are also several family programs that take place throughout the year, which are free to children 12 and under.

Zilker Botanical Gardens

Nestled on 31 acres, Zilker Botanical Gardens is along the Colorado River in Zilker Park. Families can stroll through the gardens and see an array of beautiful native and exotic plants, as well as educational displays. The area features many unique gardens including an herb and fragrance garden, Japanese garden, a butterfly trail, and much more. Zilker Botanical Garden is open year-round and draws more than 300,000 visitors each year.

Ruta Maya Coffee Company

Ruta Maya, located on South Congress, offers several classes throughout the week, from swing dancing to an intro to salsa dancing. Classes are free with the purchase of a drink. Aside from these, one of its most popular events is the Sunday Kids’ Show, held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The show features a variety of children’s performers that sing, dance and entertain. For a full schedule, visit their website at rutamaya.net.

First Thursday (on South Congress)

As the name implies, this family-friendly event happens the first Thursday of each month on the vibrant South Congress Avenue. All venues – restaurants, vintage stores, an old-fashioned soda fountain, a costume shop and more – are open until 10 p.m. The event also features door prizes, art openings, live music, and food and drink.

Congress Avenue Bridge

Congress Avenue Bridge – otherwise known as the “bat bridge" – draws thousands of spectators every year. More than 1 million bats make their home in Austin from March until October, making it the largest urban bat colony on the continent. Arrive just before dusk and you’ll be in the perfect spot see all of them as they fly high into the sky.

McKinney Falls State Park

Just 13 miles east of Austin, McKinney Falls State Park spans nearly 750 acres and is one of the most beautiful places to explore the great outdoors. The park is a great spot for hiking, fishing, picnicking, biking, and more. It’s also an excellent place for swimming, as the area is located right underneath the falls. You and your family are sure to enjoy an exciting day in the beautiful Austin climate.

This article was written on behalf of Brian Talley of Regent Property Group LLC, a top Austin REALTOR providing Austin real estate services and providing buyers with a tool to conduct an Austin home search.
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