About Guest Editor, Andreea Rotar: As an Austin local for the past nine years, Andreea is always on the lookout for things to do with friends. She’s a high school senior at Acton Academy West and after polling lots of friends, compiled this list of top places and events in Austin this fall for teens.
Things to Do in the Fall for Austin Teens
𑁋 ACL
On many teens’ bucket lists, Austin’s biggest music festival, Austin City Limits (ACL), is a two-three-day weekend event that’s held each October at Zilker Park. ACL is amazing for groups of friends for its diverse lineup, food, and experience.
Editor’s note: if you’re taking teens to ACL, you may want to invest in some walky-talkies to keep in touch with them as cell service can be spotty!
𑁋 Spooky Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are perfect for groups of friends — especially themed ones. PanIQ Escape Room has exceptional escape rooms perfect for Halloween. For a quick 45-minute spook, their Haunted Manor room is perfect. Need a little more of a challenge? Their 60-minute Insane Asylum has a perfect mix of challenge and eeriness!
𑁋 Get on Water
Fall in Austin loves to remind us that we’re living in Texas with the occasional 90+ degree weather. Perfect for those days, kayaking and paddle boarding with friends is a popular option. Great for cooling off and jamming out to music while getting a tan
Editor/mom note: use your sunblock pleeeease
𑁋 South Congress and Cafes
Convenient for those who have just gone paddle boarding/kayaking, cafes are everywhere downtown and the Fall weather makes South Congress a perfect place to socialize with friends and explore the stores and restaurants.
𑁋 Haunted Houses
With lots of thrilling jumpscares, Austin’s legendary Halloween event, the House of Torment, is perfect for friends who are looking for a Halloween-themed activity. However, this experience is not recommended for ages 12 and under.
*The top photo is from The House of Torment via Yelp.
𑁋 The Domain
Like South Congress, many teens love the Domain. Filled with restaurants, live music, tons of stores, bowling alleys, mini golf, and IPIC, which is perfect for movie dates with its capsule-like seating, complimentary pillows, blankets, and popcorn.
𑁋 Drive-in Movies
As the air gets chillier, what’s more perfect than a drive-in movie with friends? Austin has many spectacular drive-in movie theaters, mixed with newly released movies and classics that are perfect for the spooky season.
𑁋 Bat Bridge
For the spooky season, seeing the bats on their night flight is one of Austin’s most visited attractions every year. Make it fun: bring blankets and sit with friends at one of the many popular bat-viewing locations around Austin!
𑁋 The Mueller Farmer’s Market
Open on Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm, Mueller Farmers’ Market has been growing in popularity for hangouts with friends. A must for get-togethers, or solo dates this Fall!
More for (and from!) Teens in Austin:
