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Parks and Recreation

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.
December 18, 2024 03:40 PM
 · 
STAFF
The Texas Capitol as seen in the late 1800s, partially constructed. Most of the building is complete, save for the dome at the top.
Culture
Unwrap these 4 gifts given to the city of Austin
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
December 11, 2024
 · 
STAFF
A teddy bear made of colorful Christmas lights sits among lit-up trees on the path of the Trail of Lights.
Culture
You can ride the Zilker Eagle during the Trail of Lights this year
Plus, the music lineup for the annual tradition is here, featuring artists like Chief Cleopatra and Como Las Movies.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The front of Austin's downtown City Hall
City
What to know about Austin’s 2024-2025 city budget
The City of Austin’s highest budget yet — $5.9 billion — was proposed by new city manager T.C. Broadnax and begins on October 1, 2024.
August 15, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A person on a small sailboat on Lady Bird Lake with two people walking on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail in the background.
City
What is the Holly Project?
Years in the making, the Holly Project is breaking ground with a new fishing pier.
August 2, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A view of moveable logs and steps for kids to play in front of a large oak tree.
Travel and Outdoors
Rainey Street Trailhead opens at the tip of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
The new park area has something for all Austinites — young and old — with play areas, seating, a dock, and access to the rest of the trail.
July 12, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering of a lattice bridge above Waller Creek, surrounded by trees.
Travel and Outdoors
Expect detours on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and Bike Trail during The Confluence construction
With construction for The Confluence continuing along Waller Creek, trail users should expect route disruptions for the next several months.
July 10, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A monarch butterfly close-up on a flower.
Travel and Outdoors
It’s Pollinator Week — here are a few ways to get involved in Austin
Support Central Texas’ pollinators by planting native species, attending Pollinator Week events, and supporting local beekeepers.
June 17, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A blue locomotive engine trailing rainbow cars filled with waving people in the back on the tracks.
City
The Zilker Eagle mini-train is back on the rails
The highly anticipated mini-train at Zilker Park will reopen this week after four years of renovations.
June 10, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
View of the Austin, Texas skyline from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
City
Austin’s GIS mapping decoded
Did you know the city and county provide interactive GIS maps of Austin to connect you to resources and help you get to know your communities?
May 21, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
rendering features a two story mid-century modern building with pathways winding through wooded area
Arts
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum to reveal expansion plan
Event-goers will take a first look at the art institution’s future.
May 14, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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Fireworks exploding over the Google building and other skyscrapers in Downtown Austin.
Culture
25 conversations you want to have in 2025
Tell us what local knowledge you want to gain in 2025, and we’ll investigate until we find your answer.
December 16, 2024
 · 
STAFF
A single-story building with curved, layered walls made using 3D-printing technology, featuring a metal gabled roof, large glass windows, and a surrounding landscaped area with pathways and parking spaces.
Business
ICON unveils 3D-printed Innovation Center at Camp Mabry
The 3D-printing construction company partnered with Camp Mabry to bring fresh buildings to the home of the Texas National Guard and the Texas State Guard.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A colorful assortment of macarons arranged in a decorative gift box, featuring flavors in vibrant hues like blue, yellow, red, and brown against a red and patterned backdrop.
Food
Where to get holiday cookies in ATX
Treat Santa (or your loved ones) to some gourmet goodies from local bakeries this year — they’re a present all their own.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The iconic Hi, How Are You mural off of Guadalupe Stree.
Culture
Which locations around Austin deserve a historical marker?
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Austin?
December 12, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A tuna tower is plated on a white plate and garnished with cilantro. The colorful dish includes avocado, pineapple, edamame, and more ingredients.
Food
Food Network host to open new restaurant in Round Rock
Helmed by television host and restaurateur John Green, Odds Bar & Bistro will serve up elevated bar fare and craft cocktails.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A house and a red car are decorated with numerous strands of multicolored string lights, including blue, green, red, and yellow bulbs. The lights cover the exterior walls of the house, the car's roof, and the surrounding area, creating a bright display. A figure of Santa Claus sits in the backseat of the car. Additional lights hang from overhead wires, and the dark sky contrasts with the illuminated decorations. Bicycles and other objects are partially visible in the background.
Events
37th Street Lights returns this weekend
Don’t miss the annual DIY light display, which has brought joy to the weird in Austin since the 1980s.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_Waymo
Business
All the autonomous vehicles operating in Austin
The robots are driving in ATX. Keep your eyes peeled for these companies, which are driving or getting ready to deploy driverless vehicles in town.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Seven mannequins dressed up behind a table with flat laid accessories.
Culture
How to give a sustainable gift this holiday season
We’re dreaming of a green Christmas.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A gif that reads "2024 Wrapped" in large letters with the ATXtoday logo on top. Orange symbols like stars, pins, and smiley faces move around on the graphic.
City
2024 ATXtoday Wrapped: Austin’s top news of the year
Hi, Austinite. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
December 6, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal