Ageless in Austin: A Playbook of Activities for the Young at Heart

Where do seniors hang out in Austin? Everywhere! They fill their bellies with smoked meats from InterStellar BBQ and feed their minds with fascinating Texas history at the Bullock Museum. They fuel their souls with blues at Skylark Lounge and wind down at Parker Jazz Club.

They ride horse-drawn wagons at Pioneer Farms, riverboat across Lady Bird Lake at sunset, and browse local handcrafted art at the Old Bakery and Emporium. They marvel at life-size dinosaur sculptures at Zilker Botanical Garden and gaze at colonies of bats on the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Things to do in Austin are as plentiful as cicadas in the summer, making it the perfect playground for the young at heart. This blog highlights the unique sounds, smells and sights in Austin. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, recent retiree or adult child looking for things to do with elderly parents, it’s easy to immerse yourself in our dynamic city’s culture, nature and community.

Tune Into Austin’s Vibrant Music Scene

Dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin’s eclectic mix of music experiences and welcoming spaces tops our list of things to do in Austin with parents. Older adults can watch friends jamming at an intimate coffee shop or attend sprawling events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival, where local and international artists perform various genres.

Live performances happen almost every night, whether you’re into country, rock, jazz, or something in between. One of the most popular Texas tours for seniors who love music is a self-guided, behind-the-scenes peek at The Moody Theater. Home to the legendary “Austin City Limits” TV show, the theater hosts around 100 live performances yearly with stars like Buddy Guy and Chris Stapleton.

For a different musical adventure, visit the Long Center for the Performing Arts and the Paramount Theatre for symphonies, Broadway musicals, films, comedy shows and more. The ZACH Theatre and Alamo Drafthouse offer theatrical performances and unique movie screenings. Plus, check out the Austin Rock and Roll Car Museum for free on the first and third Saturdays to see movie production vehicles, race cars and music memorabilia.

More Things To Do in Austin With Parents

Living here means you’re never too far from something interesting to do and there’s a vibrant mix of things to choose from. Here’s a list of 10 fun activities in Austin for older adults:

1. Take a short drive to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge for hikes and birdwatching amidst the beautiful Lone Star state landscape.
2. Wander through Zilker Park’s botanical gardens, then cool off with a refreshing swim in a natural pool.
3. Explore native plants with guided tours and educational lectures at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
4. Dig into Austin’s culinary scene with classic barbecue, Tex-Mex, cozy cafés, fine dining, international fare, gourmet vegan options and food truck bites. Tasty tip: Many spots offer senior discounts and early bird specials.
5. Enjoy an interactive and educational experience at the Austin Zoo or feed sharks, stingrays and otters at the Austin Aquarium.
6. Stroll through the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, a shaded oasis of art and nature.
7. Travel back in time to Mayfield Park with its charming flowers, fields, and ponds, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
8. Walk the Rainey Street Historic District, a trendy downtown neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafés, pubs and live music.
9. Head to one of the area’s 40+ farmers markets offering local produce, artisanal cheeses and homemade treats.
10. Check out senior activity centers in Austin. The Parks and Recreation Department’s Varsity Generation programs offer travel, hobbies, socializing and community involvement. Excursions include ziplining, indoor skydiving, cultural outings, entertainment events and fitness adventures like hiking and kayaking.

Budget-Friendly Things To Do Inside Austin

Seniors can cool off and explore some of the city’s cultural, historical and artistic gems without breaking the bank. Here’s a roundup of free indoor things to do in Austin.

• Blanton Museum of Art: On Thursdays, enjoy free admission and explore Central Texas’s most extensive public art collection.
• Harry Ransom Center: Just a short walk away, this UT center offers rotating exhibits of literature, photography, film and art.
• Texas State Capitol: Take a free tour and dive into Texas history.
• Texas Science and Natural History Museum: Discover natural history, paleontology and Texas wildlife on the UT campus.
• Austin Nature & Science Center: Explore fascinating indoor exhibits on natural science, including fossils and live animals.
• The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center: Free admission every Tuesday for art lovers.
• Mexic-Arte Museum: Enjoy Mexican, Latino and Latin American art with free admission on Sundays.
• Neill-Cochran House Museum: Free admission on Sundays to explore Austin’s history and Greek Revival architecture.
• Texas Military Forces Museum: Explore military history and artifacts at Camp Mabry.
• Austin Central Library: Enjoy six floors of books, reading nooks, art exhibits, a café and a rooftop garden with stunning views.

Whether you’re keen on staying active, learning something new, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds, Austin welcomes older adults with open arms — and so does Longhorn Village. One of the great things about living in our Steiner Ranch Life Plan Community is that everything Austin offers is within easy reach. Added bonus: Convenient community transportation means getting around is a breeze and you can explore the city hassle-free.

Interested in learning more about community life and all the fun things to do for seniors at Longhorn Village? Give us a call. 512.503.8288.

Featured Image: Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock