Whew, it’s hot out, Austin! If you want to cool off on the lake, we’d recommend getting out there early, and wrapping up your outdoor outing early as well. Stay hydrated, and check out 10 Fun Things to Do on Ladybird Lake.
About our contributing author, Reagan Crabb: I’ve lived in Austin my whole life and have enjoyed rowing competitively on Lady Bird Lake for the past four years. I’m a junior at Acton Academy West and hope you’ll enjoy spending time on the lake as much as I do.
Kayaking
Price: typically $15/hour & $35/day
Locations: view this big list of where to rent watercraft
Kayaking is a Lady Bird Lake favorite. During the summer, there will be hundreds of kayaks coasting along the lake. With single, double, and even triple kayaks, this activity accommodates all ages and group sizes.
Photo from Austin Rowing Club’s Facebook
Paddle Boarding
Price: typically $20/hour & $45/day
Locations: view this list of where to rent watercraft
Paddle along beautiful Lady Bird Lake, and get an up-close look at the surrounding trails. Bring friends for a fun activity or go by yourself for a peaceful break. Beginners can paddle, too! Paddle boarding is a little less stable than kayaking, but most of the time you’ll stay dry.
Photo from the Texas Rowing Center’s Facebook
Canoeing
Price: typically $25/hour & $55/day
Locations: view this list of where to rent watercraft
Canoeing is a great way to explore Lady Bird Lake in a bigger shell, as well as the perfect activity for two to three people. You can enjoy the lake without getting wet, as well as bring snacks and drinks for a portable picnic.
Photo credit: Sam Sweeney
Donut Boats
Prices: $100/hour – 2-hour minimum
Location: Capital Cruises – 208 Barton Springs Rd.
Websites: Donut Boat Rentals – Capital Cruises
Cruise around Lady Bird Lake carefree in a donut boat. This activity costs a bit more dough but with an umbrella for shade, a table in the center, and room for 10 people you’re sure to have an a-glazing time.
photo from Capital Cruises’ Facebook
Retro Boats
Price: $160 for 90 minutes
Location: Waller Creek Boathouse – 74 Trinity St., Austin TX
Website: Retro Boat Rentals
Do you ever wish you could go back in time? Explore Lady Bird Lake with Retro Style! Rent a retro boat for an hour or two, and cruise along the lake comfortably in a private motorized boat. You’ll also be sure to get some great pictures from this activity.
Photo from the Retro Boat Rentals’ Facebook
Swan Pedal Boats
Prices: $18.00/hour – 2 seats & $25/hour – 4 seats
Location: Capital Cruises – 208 Barton Springs Rd.
Websites: Swan Pedal Boats – Capital Cruises
Become one with nature and pedal near the swans in a giant swan boat. Pedal with friends in their four-seater swan boat or bring a date for a two-seater swan boat. This is another favorite for some fun pictures!
photo from Capital Cruises’ Facebook
Boat Tours & Cruises
Prices: $13/Adult, $8/Child, Get a quote for a private event.
Location: Lone Star Riverboat Cruises & Capital Cruises – 208 Barton Springs Rd.
Websites: Lone Star Riverboat; Capital Cruises
Whether you’ve lived in Austin for 20 years or are new to the city, this is a great way to learn more about Austin. Cruise around Lady Bird Lake on a guided tour, book a ticket on a public tour, or rent out a boat for an event.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise. Photo by Roger Ho
Rowing Lessons
Price: $200 & up
Locations: Texas Rowing Center – 1541 W Cesar Chavez St; Austin Rowing Club – 74 Trinity St
Websites: Texas Rowing Center; Austin Rowing Club
Wanna dip your toes into this Olympic sport? Take a rowing lesson and learn how it’s done! Whether you want to take a few lessons or row competitively, there are options for everyone.
Photo from the Texas Rowing Center’s Facebook
Bat Watching
Price: Free!
Location: Congress Avenue Bridge – Congress Ave. *Mid-March to November*
Are you an Austinite if you haven’t watched the bats? This is a classic Austin activity and a beautiful experience. Watch hundreds of bats fly out to “dinner” while the sun sets. You can watch on the bridge or from the water in a boat option above.
*Click here to learn more about bat season.
Bat watching, photo by Roger Ho
Waterside Picnics
Prices: $12-$18
Location: The Picnic 1720 Barton Springs Rd.
Website: The Picnic
Enjoy great Austin food steps from the lake. Stop by The Picnic food truck park and enjoy a waterside picnic. From Mighty Cone to Cannone Gelato Italiano there’s something at The Picnic for everyone.
Choose from a variety of foods at The Picnic. Photo by Sela Kime @selakime
More to Explore:
Boardwalk Trail, photo by Roger Ho
