15 Fun Things to Do in Austin for Senior Skip Day
Look, I’m not saying you should skip school. Your teachers work hard, graduation is coming, blah, blah, blah… But if you happen to find yourself with an unexpected free day in Austin (wink wink), you might as well make it fun.
Whether you call it Senior Skip Day or Senior Ditch Day, Austin has plenty of ways to make the most of your time off. From iconic food crawls and epic outdoor adventures to roller skating throwbacks and amusement park thrills, here are the best things to do in Austin for Senior Skip Day no boring study halls required.
1. Movie Marathon at Alamo Drafthouse
Sometimes, the best kind of day off involves zero effort. Grab your friends, head to a theater with legit food (Alamo Drafthouse, obviously), and see how many movies you can marathon before someone falls asleep and get’s marker face tattoos.
2. Roller Skating at Pins and Wheels Playland Skate Center
Feeling a little more active? Roller skating is a classic and makes for the kind of embarrassing memories you’ll laugh about at your reunion. Hit up a local skate rink and show off (or wipe out) both are entertaining! Playland recently got a facelift and now offers bowling too so you can skate & bowl!
3. Skateboard Park Hangout at Heath Eiland and Morgan Moss BMX Skate Park
If skateboards or biking is more up your alley there are plenty of places for that too! Our favorite is the Heath Eiland and Morgan Moss BMX Skate Park on Shoal Creek in Mueller, but you can find several others. Maybe you even try to visit all of them and rank your favorite!
4. Go-Karts, Mini Golf & More at Austin’s Park n’ Pizza
For a high-energy Senior Skip Day, Austin’s Park n’ Pizza has everything—go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, and arcade games to keep the fun going all day. Want more adventure? Head to COTA Karting for high-speed racing, Urban Air for trampoline action, or test your skills at Activate Austin in The Domain. Whether you’re all about competition or just in it for the laughs, these spots guarantee a day well spent.
5. Austin Rodeo Adventure
If your Senior Skip Day lines up with rodeo season, you’re in luck! Head to Rodeo Austin for a day packed with live music, thrilling carnival rides, and classic Texas traditions. Watch bull riding, dig into some legendary BBQ, and, of course, grab a funnel cake (or two). It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline, nostalgia, and all-around fun.
6. Spring Festivals in Austin
Check for local music festivals or fairs happening around the city. SXSW is every spring and there can be tons of great artists to see during that time. There’s also the Sherwood Forest Faire which is a great excuse to dress up in your favorite medieval outfit and see who can stay in character the longest!
7. Record Store Hopping Around Austin
Spend the day flipping through vinyl at some of Austin’s best record stores, like Waterloo Records, End of an Ear, Breakaway Records, and Antone’s. Whether you’re hunting for a classic album or a hidden gem, it’s the perfect way to soundtrack your Senior Skip Day. Grab a stack, swap recommendations with friends, and build your ultimate playlist.
8. Austin Bookstores or Library Crawl
Not everyone’s Skip Day needs to be wild. Austin’s bookstores and libraries are basically paradise for book lovers. Find a cozy spot, grab a new read, and escape into another world. You have your choice of indie book stores in Austin or you can go with the tried and true classic the beautiful Austin Central Library or one of it’s other branches. If you’re a book nerd, don’t sleep on the Harry Ransom Center at UT. It’s an an archive, library, and museum at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in the collection of literary and cultural artifacts from the Americas and Europe with it’s very own permanent display of the Gutenberg bible.
9. Food Crawl Through Austin’s Best Eats
Tacos, BBQ, or dessert? Pick a theme and you’ll be hard pressed to hit every food spot. Taquero Mucho is a fun vibe and they have great tacos. Slab is our go-to for BBQ when we’re out running errands on the weekends, but Franklin’s is the most popular. And everyone should try the Ube taiyaki ice cream at OMG Squee… literally sooo freakin’ good!
10. Austin Mural Tour for the Best Photo Ops
Mural hopping isn’t just for tourists it’s an experience. Map out the best street art in the city, take some epic photos, and eat your way through the food trucks between stops. Snap pics at iconic murals like “I Love You So Much” and “You’re My Butter Half.”
11. Swimming & Sun at Barton Springs
Cool off in Austin’s famous spring-fed pool and soak up the sun at Zilker Park. or (if you’re brave) take a freezing plunge into Barton Springs.
12. Day Trip to Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Round Rock
Texas’ biggest indoor water park is perfect for a full day of waterslides and lazy river lounging.
13. Hiking & Nature Day at Greenbelt or Mount Bonnell
If you need an excuse to justify your day off, call it a “mental health reset.” Hike the Greenbelt, explore a state park, Get outside and explore any of Austin’s best scenic trails with your friends.
14. Volunteer & Give Back for the Day
If you’re feeling extra responsible (or just want an excuse your parents won’t argue with), spend the day volunteering. Austin has plenty of places that could use an extra set of hands. Spend senior skip day making a difference at places like Austin Pets Alive! or Central Texas Food Bank.
15. Book Your Senior Photoshoot
Weekdays are the best time for a stress-free senior photoshoot no crowds, no waiting for the perfect spot, and no unexpected events taking over your location. Plus, you can turn it into a whole experience by grabbing food after, bringing a friend for some fun behind-the-scenes content, or even filming TikToks to make the most of your day! Contact me to get started!
Skip Responsibly (Or Not At All, Of Course)
Whatever you do, make sure it’s all in good fun—no calls from the principal or awkward explanations to your parents. Keep it safe, legal, and memorable, and maybe don’t broadcast your entire day on social media until you’re officially in the clear. No need to leave a digital trail for future you to cringe at!
