Recreational Activities in Austin

kayaking parasailing


Just looking for some fun and unusual things to do on a day off in Austin? Here are some ideas. Some of these activities require advance reservations; be sure to check the website for further information.


Go Canoeing

Texas Rowing Center - Rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP on Lady Bird Lake or take classes.

Zilker Boat Rentals - Rent a canoe or kayak at Zilker Park

Gruene River Company - Rent a boat on the Guadalupe River

Daybreak Boat Rentals - Rent a boat on Lake Travis

Capital Cruises - Enjoy a pedal boat, canoe, kayak, or paddle board on Lady Bird Lake


Go Tubing

Tubing along the river is a popular pastime in central Texas. The scene can get rowdy on the weekend so if you're looking for a quieter ride, it's best to go on weekdays, or before 10 am on weekends.

Also, get a tube with a bottom if possible.

River Sports Tubes - along the Guadalupe River, a popular tubing location.

Rockin' R River - they also offer rafting and camping.

Gruene River Company - Rent a tube or raft on the Guadalupe River.


Take a Segway Tour

Take a segway tour of Austin.

Seg City - Segway rentals and sales


Take a Trolley Ride

Take a tour of Austin in an air conditioned, restored, wood and brass trolley or shuttle bus.

Austin Trolley Company


Rent a Bicycle

Go for a ride around Austin.

Barton Springs Bike Rental - bike rentals and tours


Ride a Hot Air Balloon

Get a view of central Texas from up high.

Austin Hot Air Balloons


Take a Boat Cruise

Capital Cruises - Take a lunch, dinner, afternoon, or bat watching cruise on Lady Bird Lake.

Lake Austin Riverboats - Charter a riverboat for your special event.


Take a Duck Tour

Duck tours are popular in many cities. Take a fun, informative tour on the streets of town and then finish with a cruise on the lake in a specially designed, US Coast Guard inspected amphibious vehicle.

Austin Duck Adventures


Ride a Steam Train

Take a steam train tour through the Texas Hill Country. Travel to a neighboring town, have lunch and do some shopping, then return in the afternoon. Special holiday and Christmas rides are also available (advance reservations required).

Austin Steam Train


Go Spelunking

There are two public caverns in the Austin area.

Natural Bridge Caverns, in New Braunfels about 1 1/2 hours drive south of Austin, offers several different tours of the cavern system and also climbing, ziplining, and panning for precious stones.
Natural Bridge Caverns

Inner Space Cavern is in Georgetown, north of Austin, and provides a tour of the caverns that gives visitors a glimpse of the past geology and wildlife of Texas.
Inner Space Cavern


Go Horseback Riding

Take riding lessons or board your horse.

Paul Cates Stables


Take a Zipline Tour

Just 30 miles from Austin, take a guided zipline tour of the Texas landscape from the treetop canopy. For adults and kids 10 years of age and older.

Cypress Valley Canopy Tours


Go Parasailing on Lake Travis

Just west of Austin, take a supervised, guided parasailing ride over the lake.

Airscape Parasail


Indoor Go Kart Racing

Just northeast of Austin, get a taste of Formula One racing with K1 Go Kart racing.

K1 Speed





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