On many teens’ bucket lists, Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) takes over Zilker Park for two three-day weekends each October. With huge lineups, tons of food and plenty to explore between sets, it’s an especially fun fall experience for groups of friends.
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!
Hit the 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 paddleboarding 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, please
South Congress and Cafes
Fall weather makes South Congress a perfect place to meet up with friends, browse the shops and grab something to eat or drink. Make a coffee stop at Jo’s, grab a matcha at Magick Matcha, or check out La La Land Cafe, Sweet Memes, or Two Hands. If you’re coming from kayaking or paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, Merit Coffee in Seaholm is another easy stop nearby.
Haunted Houses
With lots of thrilling jump scares, 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.
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? The Austin area has some great drive-in movie theaters, mixed with newly released movies and classics that are perfect for the spooky season.
The 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!
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!
About Guest Editor, Andreea Rotar: As an Austin local, Andreea is always on the lookout for things to do with friends. She originally put together this guide by polling fellow Austin teens about their favorite places and events around town. We’ve updated her picks with plenty of fun things for teens to do in Austin this fall.
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