If you think you have to battle downtown traffic to experience the best of Austin, TX, these local North Austin gems are about to prove you completely wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Exploring the sprawling connected trail networks, swimming pools, and hidden waterfalls at Walnut Creek and Balcones parks is easily one of the best free things to do in North Austin.
- One of the best North Austin activities that’s sure to trigger nostalgia is a visit to Pinballz Arcade, where you can play classic pinball machines, retro games, and arcade favorites.
- If you’re figuring out what to do in North Austin for dinner, the area boasts incredible cultural food crawls along the North Lamar corridor and laid-back local pints at the historic Austin Beerworks taproom.
North Austin, Texas, tends to get overshadowed by the downtown scene, but this part of the city is worth making the drive. Travelers can spend the day hiking limestone trails, playing classic arcade games, or exploring local breweries and restaurants. With that much variety packed into one area, it’s easy to find so many memorable things to do in North Austin.
What Are the Best Things To Do in North Austin?
North Austin activities range from full-day outdoor adventures to laid-back evenings spent sampling local beer or working through a food crawl. Here’s a look at five of the best spots to put on your list when planning your Austin vacation.
1. Visit Walnut Creek Metro Park
Walnut Creek Metro Park is one of the top outdoor spots in North Austin, covering 293 acres of wooded, hilly terrain. The park features 15 miles of trails that wind alongside the creek and through the surrounding limestone bluffs. Hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers all share the network, with routes rated for a range of skill levels. A paved multi-use trail also connects the park to Balcones District Park for those who want to cover more ground.
Beyond the trails, the park offers:
- A swimming pool
- A recently upgraded playground
- A dedicated nature play space for kids
- Five softball fields
- Two basketball courts
- A volleyball court
- A large off-leash area where dogs can splash through the creek
Picnic tables and barbecue pits are spread throughout the grounds, making it a natural choice for a full afternoon outside. Admission is free, and the park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Play Games at The Original Pinballz Arcade
The Original Pinballz Arcade on Research Blvd has been one of the best things to do in North Austin since it opened in 2010. The collection is the largest at any single Pinballz location in Texas, with rows of classic pinball machines alongside modern arcade games, alley roller bowling, and VR options. There is truly something on the floor for every generation of gamers.
Original Pinballz Arcade is a no-frills setup that leans into the nostalgia factor, and it genuinely works.
3. Enjoy Free Outdoor Time at Balcones District Park
Balcones District Park is a 52-acre neighborhood park in North Austin that offers a quieter, more low-key outdoor experience. The park features:
- Paved and natural trails
- A lighted basketball court marked for pickleball
- A volleyball court
- Tennis courts
- Horseshoe pits
- A covered pavilion with picnic tables and grills
- A seasonally staffed swimming pool
One of the more memorable features of Balcones District Park is the trail behind the pool, which leads down to a natural waterfall that flows after a rain. The park also sits at the western end of the Northern Walnut Creek Trail, a 10-foot-wide paved path that links directly to Walnut Creek Metro Park.
4. Do a Chinatown Center Food Crawl on North Lamar
Chinatown Center on N. Lamar Blvd is a shopping mall anchored by MT Supermarket, the largest Central Texas Asian grocery store. There you can browse fresh produce, imported pantry staples, and specialty ingredients from across East and Southeast Asia. More than 40 retail shops and a variety of authentic Asian restaurants fill out the rest of the complex.
For a full food crawl, pair your Chinatown Center visit with other spots along North Lamar, including Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings and Tam Deli and Cafe, which serves Vietnamese banh mi and pho out of a small, well-loved strip mall nearby.
This stretch of North Lamar is one of the most culturally rich food corridors in Austin, and spending an afternoon eating your way through it is one of the most underrated things to do in North Austin.
5. Grab Local Beer at Austin Beerworks Tap Room
Austin Beerworks has been a craft beer institution in North Austin since 2011, and the Industrial Terrace taproom has been pulling in locals and beer tourists alike since opening in 2017.
The brewery is known for flagship beers like Fire Eagle IPA and Pearl Snap Pilsner, but the rotating wall of taps also includes seasonal releases and experimental RAD Lab brews you can only find at the taproom. Wine, cider, and frozen drinks are also on the menu. The whole place has the kind of no-pretense atmosphere that fits perfectly with an afternoon or evening out in North Austin.
Stay Near All the Best Things To Do in North Austin
If you’re still deciding what to do in North Austin, start by making Meadow Lane RV Park your home base. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Austin, the park keeps you close to the attractions on your list without the noise or expense of a city hotel.
Guests can enjoy a gated entrance for security and peace of mind, full hookups at every site, and a dedicated dog park for four-legged travel companions. With a luxury camping setup and easy access to Austin’s top attractions, Meadow Lane gives you a comfortable place to relax while you explore North Austin.
Ready to plan your visit? Book your stay at Meadow Lane, a top-rated RV park in North Austin, where you can unwind between adventures.