Parks and Recreation

The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
City
How to protect Austin’s urban forest of 33 million trees
It may be Earth Day, but we’re offering tips and tools for supporting Austin’s thriving urban forest 365 days a year.
April 22, 2024 04:00 AM
 · 
London Gibson
Crystal clear water with rock overhang, and hills in the background at Bull Creek Park.
Play
One, two, tree: 22 parks to visit in Austin
We’re highlighting the 22 best parks that Austin, TX has to offer — complete with swimming holes, pickleball courts, and playgrounds.
April 16, 2024
 · 
STAFF
A rendering shows people walking along a pedestrian bridge over the water at dusk. In the background, tall structures with vines coverings are visible over a plaza-like shape.
City
What you need to know about the new, wishbone shaped Longhorn Dam Bridge
The east Austin bridge is nearly six years in the making and recently received $4.12 million in federal grant money.
April 11, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
To the left, a group of children stand on the Paramount's stage, in matching blue shirts and mid-dance. To the right, crowds of spectators watch them inside the historic theater.
Events
Summer’s calling: here are 12 great summer camps in the Austin area
Kids can learn about outdoor skills, robotics, and more at camps across the Austin area.
March 27, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
Malin the troll against a background of trees, with several children climbing on her.
Travel and Outdoors
Meet Pease Park’s 18-ft Thomas Dambo troll
The new troll, named Malin, is the 129th installation by the artist and sits at the park for all humans and animals alike to enjoy.
March 19, 2024
 · 
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, 2024
 · 
Dylan Aycock
A dog looking at a plate of ribs
Play
Calling all pet owners: Austin’s dog-friendly guide
Explore these dog-friendly places in Austin, from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.
March 4, 2024
 · 
STAFF
A woman in a boxing stance has her right arm extended, hitting a punching bag to her right. Behind her, other female boxers are visible.
Live
Get your sweat on at 35 gyms around Austin
Lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 35 gyms and fitness offerings around Austin.
February 27, 2024
 · 
STAFF
Two people and a dog walking along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, with buildings in the background.
Culture
Walking trends in Austin
Average daily walking trips dropped by 36% in the US between 2019 and 2022 — see how Austin compares.
February 5, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A rendering of people swimming in a pool on a high level of a tower, with the skyline behind them.
Development
10 developments we’re watching in 2024
Here we go, Austin — it’s time for some changes.
January 12, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
An orangey Texas Star Mushroom, with five blooming petals, pokes out of the ground.
Travel and Outdoors
Spotting the strange, noisy fungi that became Texas’ state mushroom
Texas Star Mushrooms grow only in Texas, Oklahoma, and Japan.
January 2, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
A drone footage photo of an expansive field at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, with trees in the background and curved sidewalks bordering one edge.
City
City of Austin gets moving on first-ever all abilities playground
Planning for the new accessible and inclusive playground, to be located in the Onion Creek area, will begin in January.
December 19, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
Two people and a dog walking along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, with buildings in the background.
Culture
Holiday help: Where to take visitors this season
Have friends or family in town this year? We’re here to help plan their visit.
December 15, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
People walking on Pedernales Falls, with light blue pools in the foreground.
Travel and Outdoors
What we learned visiting eight local Texas State Parks
We spent the 100th anniversary of Texas State Parks exploring the parks in our area.
December 5, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
A yellow golf flag as seen from in between trees.
Travel and Outdoors
A good walk spoiled at Lockhart State Park
This state park about 45 minutes from Austin features a swimming pool, playground, and golf course.
December 5, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
A tall Red Oak tree towers in the park outside Indeed Tower, with a glowing star installation in the foreground.
Real Estate
Sick heritage Red Oak tree to find a new life inside Indeed Tower
Arborists removed the 150-year-old tree this month due to a fungus and tree rot.
November 21, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
An illuminated sign for Creek Show in Austin, TX.
Culture
Experience Waterloo Greenway’s Creek Show
This annual event features eight illuminated installations and nightly music performances.
November 14, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A grey, cylindrical facility on a sidewalk with a photo of a rose on the door and a "restroom" sign next to the door.
City
Become privy to these privies: Austin’s modular public restroom
This Portland-made, free-to-use, stand-alone toilet is working to address common public bathroom concerns.
November 9, 2023
 · 
Brianna Williams
ATX_BuescherStatePark
Travel and Outdoors
Exploring winding trails at Buescher State Park
Buescher State Park offers opportunities to hike, bike, swim, and fish in Central Texas’ Lost Pines forest.
November 7, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
ATX_ItsMyParkDay
Travel and Outdoors
It’s My Park Day is this Saturday at parks across Austin
Volunteer for a cause — and get rewarded with some free treats — at this annual initiative to beautify Austin’s many green spaces.
November 2, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Buford Tower in Downtown Austin, with the sun setting to the left.
City
Buford Tower repairs complete two years after fire damage
The historic fire drill tower in Downtown Austin has been restored with new windows and updates to its brick and concrete plinth.
October 30, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
An "I voted early" sticker on a finger in front of a green background.
City
Your guide to voting in the Nov. 7 general election
We’re breaking down what’s on the ballot for the general election in Travis County, so you can cast your ballot on or before Tuesday, Nov. 7.
October 25, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A sign reading "Watch for Water on Road"
Weather
Why Central Texas is known as ‘Flash Flood Alley’
We’re talking about how Austin earned the nickname Flash Flood Alley and became the Flash Flood Capital of the US.
October 9, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
2019 July 5th Flo from south side.jpeg
Parks and Recreation
The life and times of Flo, Barton Springs’ most famous tree
Before the Austin community bids Flo adieu, let’s talk about why this tree means so much to locals.
October 3, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees lining the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail./
Culture
50+ expert tips from ATXtoday readers
Today, we’re putting someone extremely knowledgeable in the spotlight: you.
October 2, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
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
 · 
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
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