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Parks and Recreation

A closeup of loblolly pine trees, with blue sky in the background.
Travel and Outdoors
Smelling the “Lost Pines” at Bastrop State Park
As part of our journey to visit eight local state parks, we recently spent a morning east of Austin, in Bastrop’s loblolly pine forest.
September 26, 2023 12:44 PM
 · 
London Gibson
An exercise equipment station with a tree branch in the foreground and tall buildings in the background.
Parks and Recreation
Get in a workout at the updated Butler Shores exercise area
The Butler Shores Exercise Equipment project was unveiled on Monday, Sept. 18.
September 19, 2023
 · 
Brianna Williams
Hamilton Pool on a clear sunny day.
City
Where should every Austinite visit at least once? A reader-suggested guide to ATX
We asked you, our dear readers, to share your Austin experience with us in the form of a Mad Lib. Now, we’re sharing your recommendations with this reader-suggested guide to ATX.
September 13, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_GoldenCheekedWarbler
Travel and Outdoors
How to help local birds during fall migration with Lights Out, Texas
By turning off non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. you can help local birds travel safely.
August 28, 2023
 · 
Nicholas Caballero
UT Austin tower
Culture
Welcome to Bat City: What to do in your first week in Austin
Calling college co-eds — this easy guide with places to eat, explore, and learn will help you feel like a local in your new town.
August 17, 2023
 · 
Kate Mazade
Inside a cave, with lights highlighting the craggy interior.
Travel and Outdoors
Spelunking through crystal caverns at Longhorn Cavern State Park
The Hill Country site was once home to an underground dance hall, an ancient river, and a church.
August 15, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
The Zilker Eagle in a vintage, black and white photo with a visible skyline.
City
All about Zilker Park’s mini-train, the Zilker Eagle
The train has been out of commission since 2019 and delayed re-opening for nearly four years, but the Zilker Eagle could come back this year
August 14, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Wellness
Where to work out, according to ATXtoday readers
ATXtoday readers are an active bunch, so we asked you to share how you stay in tip-top shape.
August 10, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
People splashing in a pool in the foreground, with a big, cloud-filled blue sky in the background.
City
City pools will be free for the rest of the summer
The City of Austin announced it would waive admission to city pools until Saturday, Sept. 30 due to ongoing excessive heat.
August 9, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
The Austin skyline as seen from Lady Bird Lake, with buildings reflected in the water.
Travel and Outdoors
Farmer’s Almanac predicts an unseasonably cold winter for Texans
This hot and dry summer won’t last forever, but it will last for a few more months before the cold weather rolls around in early 2024.
August 8, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The Great Lawn at Zilker Park on a sunny day.
City
Zilker Park Vision Plan “shelved,” Mayor Kirk Watson says
The expansive overhaul of Austin’s signature park will not be moving forward, the mayor announced Monday.
August 7, 2023
People sitting at picnic tables on the dock outside Mozart's Coffee Roasters, with Lake Austin in the background.
Culture
How to spend a perfect day in Austin
We asked our readers where they would take a friend from out of town — here’s the itinerary they gave us for a perfect day in the Capital City.
July 20, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
A swimming hole in the Blanco River peeks through trees
Travel and Outdoors
Splashing around at Blanco State Park
Blanco State Park is one of the state’s oldest and smallest parks — but there’s still plenty to do at this Hill Country gem.
July 18, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
Goats behind a sign reading "Goats Working."
City
Goats at work: Trail Conservancy releases herd to clear invasive plants
The Trail Conservancy partnered with Rent-a-Ruminant to clear the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike trail of unwanted brush in an eco-friendly way.
July 13, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The Sorin Oak at St. Edwards University
Travel and Outdoors
Nominations are now open for Austin’s Tree of the Year Awards
The annual event celebrates Austin’s most beautiful and storied trees.
July 2, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
The Red Line pulling into the Downtown station.
City
11 reasons to ride CapMetro’s Red Line, Austin’s first railway
The city’s current rail system is small, but mighty enough to take Austinites throughout North Austin and Downtown.
June 15, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A view of the Henry Green Madison Cabin, which sits behind a large tree.
City
The Henry Green Madison Cabin’s restoration project is underway
The Henry Green Madison Cabin will undergo a renovation project to the tune of at least $85,000 to preserve the site for future generations.
June 15, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Facing down toward pink granite at Inks Lake State Park, the scene shows a large rock with colorful lichen on it, underneath a blue sky.
Travel and Outdoors
Traversing rainbow rocks at Inks Lake State Park
The most recent edition of our state parks series takes us northwest of Austin, to Inks Lake.
May 31, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
A warm-toned photo of the Pennybacker Bridge looking South.
Travel and Outdoors
The zodiac signs as Austin landmarks
Combine your big three — or even add a loved one’s signs — for a tiny tour of Austin.
May 24, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Inside a cave, with stalagtites and stalagmites framing the image.
Travel and Outdoors
19 Central Texas attractions that won a Texas Travel Award
Why travel out of state when there’s plenty to do right in Texas? We’re breaking down the Texas Travel Awards that were given in the Austin area.
May 17, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
Picnickers sprawl out on the Waterloo Greenway lawn facing a screen for Friday Flicks.
Events
4 events at Waterloo Greenway this summer
Get in y’all, we’re spending all summer long at Waterloo Park.
May 12, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A view in front of Auditorium Shores at dusk with people in folding chairs.
City
Inside the Trail Conservancy’s Arts & Culture Plan
More art exhibits, artist residencies, and public spaces are en route to Austin’s green spaces.
May 12, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of Japanese honeysuckle, which has small white flowers on it.
Travel and Outdoors
How to combat invasive species in Austin
Help preserve local ecosystems in your own backyard
April 21, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
Two people and a dog walking along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, with buildings in the background.
Play
Hiking guide for Austin
Check out these 10 hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around Austin for outdoor adventures.
April 13, 2023
 · 
Trevor Peters
Crystal clear water with rock overhang, and hills in the background at Bull Creek Park.
Play
20 parks in Austin, TX
We’re highlighting the 20 best parks that Austin, TX has to offer — complete with swimming holes, pickleball courts, and playgrounds.
April 5, 2023
 · 
Victoria Bardega
A shot of people sitting on picnic blankets in front of a large screen on the lawn.
Entertainment
Austin Parks Foundation debuts 2023 Movies in the Park schedule
Plus, a few other ways to get outdoors this spring and summer.
March 31, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Kids standing in front of a table at the Thinkery.
Play
Kid-friendly activities in Austin
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Austin has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 14, 2023
 · 
Dylan Aycock
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