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Fun Fitness Activities To Do in Austin

by - January 28, 2020



1. Rock Climbing or Bouldering - We had a ton of fun trying out two different facilities; Crux Climbing Center and Austin Bouldering Project "ABP".

While both had bouldering (where you climb up a short height without any harness), as well as yoga and fitness classes, there were a few differences between them. Crux Climbing Center had rock climbing (with the harness and much higher) and was a little cheaper, while ABP had a loft with tables and chairs for you to relax in between fitness classes or climbing. ABP also had a much wider variety of bouldering options since they did not offer rock climbing. One cool thing about Crux's bouldering experience was "The Cave." It is exactly what it sounds like, a cave with rocks all over it so you are climbing upside down or around curves. ABP did have a very small version of "The Cave," but it did have a much wider variety of bouldering options in general since that is what it focuses on.

Pro-Tip: The shoes are free the first time you go to either place, so all you pay for is the Day Pass. The Day Pass ($17-$18) includes any yoga or fitness class that is happening that day, as well as access to climbing. I would recommend devoting a whole day to the place or at least a few hours and bring a book and some food so you can take a break, recuperate, and get back to it!

2. Relaxing Hiking Trails - For those looking for a free outdoor activity we would recommend Mayfield Park, Mount Bonnell, or the 360 Overlook.

These places are E.A.S.Y. hiking trails and are a fun way to spend a few hours outside and take in some great views in the process! Of course all of the places below are a wonderful place for a picnic and a great way to spend some quality time with your dog.

Peacock at Mayfield Park
Nikki on the Lake View Trail
Mayfield Park is always a fun time because it has peacocks that roam about freely on the grounds. Because the peacocks are constantly surrounded by people, you are able to get up close and personal with many of them and take some cute pictures in the process :) In addition to strolling around and admiring the beautiful birds, there are also a few hiking trails. As long as you stay on the paths it is very easy - I even did it in wedges!  If you take the Lake View Trail, it will lead you to a little wooden ledge that you can see some of Lake Austin from, and if you take Creek Trail, it will lead you across a creek to an area that is a little more difficult to hike on and to some giant rocks on a small cliff that are a cute area for a picnic! While dogs are welcome on the trails, you cannot bring them into the park with all the peacocks - for obvious reasons.


Mount Bonnell is definitely a fan favorite for it's beautiful views of the river and fun hiking trails. You have to climb up quite a few stairs to make it to the top but it's nothing too hard. One great thing about Mount Bonnell is that it provides picnic tables and other great spots to eat or just sit and talk while enjoying Lake Austin and the beautiful houses around it. 
















360 Overlook is the easiest and shortest option of the three. It is a one minute uphill hike for a beautiful view of the river. We picked up Chick-fil-A on the way there and found a spot overlooking the river to eat it. Parking is very easy and right off 360 before the bridge if you're driving south.


The view from the top of the 360 Overlook trail



3. Roller Skating - We had a great time at Austin Roller Rink.

Located in South Austin, this roller rink is ONLY for skating. They don't have any roller blades which was a challenge for people who had only ever roller bladed before. The music was okay but it was really the people there that make it fun. A lot of the skaters were dancing while skating around the floor and it was fun trying to learn how to actually roller skate by watching them.

Pro-tip: Wednesdays and Fridays are adult nights for only $8 and are BYOB! Wednesday runs from 7:30pm to 1:00am and Fridays are later from 11:30pm- 2:30am.

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