There are lots of places we all can take advantage of to brighten our days. From the quiet shelves of the library to the rich culture of our museums, take a deeper look into the less spendy offerings around you.
Libraries
Libraries, as rare secondary spaces in our lives, are underrated for all the things they offer.
This entire list of places is underrated, but libraries have a special place in my heart. I’m a little biased, as a reader and writer, but still! They offer so many things for everyone they serve. If nothing I list seems exciting, talk to your librarian. They may have insights I can’t divine from Nebraska!
- Large print books
- Audio books
- Books-by-mail services
- Free movies
- Free Wi-Fi
- Moderate help with tech issues
Printing, sitting, quiet rooms to work in– libraries really have it all. Most importantly, libraries are a space that isn’t work or your house. If you’re in a slump, sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. Try heading to a library to do the things you would normally do at home.
Senior centers
Sometimes stereotyped by the media, senior centers are great places to socialize.
Senior centers are less underrated, but they do get a bad rep. Especially if you’ve never been to one. But they aren’t just gloomy places to sit around plastic folding tables– they have a lot of fun, worthwhile things to do.
- Bingo
- Dinners
- Dance nights
- Yoga
- Tai’chi
- Bowling
- Dominos, chess, cards, etc.
Your local center is likely to have info online about their activities. Take a look and see if anything’s interesting! A lot of the activities they host are great mediums for socializing. Lighter, less intensive things are super useful to chat over.
(Like, for example, Euchre. I have spent so many hours losing badly in that game… and it’s like they’re not even paying attention!)
Green places
Green places, by nature (hah!), are good for you.
The American Psychological Association says that “Exposure to nature has been linked to improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.” And just our luck, a lot of nature is free or incredibly cheap to access!
- Maintained gardens
- Parks (water & land)
- Nature & science centers
- Zoos
Walking around these places also counts as exercise. A steady, simple pace is great to stimulate the mind. As for science centers and zoos– they’re excellent places to reconnect with our own curiosity. Curiosity helps stretch our brains and keep our gears turning (mental exercise, I suppose!).
Museums
Rich culture, unexpected events– museums are a great choice year-round.
There’s more to do in a museum than simply wander around. Although that is always a fun time for my family, quite often museums host other ways to enjoy them. It might be a good way to kill an afternoon.
- Guided tours
- Hosted lectures
- Special events
- Collaborations with zoos & other places
The Blanton Museum in Austin has live music on second Saturdays at the time of me writing this. I didn’t expect to see that, personally. It’s absolutely worth looking up your local museums and seeing what events they put on! You might be surprised at the selection.
Look deeper into what you already have
Sometimes all we need is a space to be, that isn’t work or our homes. Places like libraries, senior centers, parks, and museums make it their mission to be helpful parts of the community. You’re doing them a favor by taking advantage of what they already put on.
If you need a place to start, try some of these local Austin sights!
Blanton Museum of Art
I mentioned this one before, briefly. It has an events page online with lots of cool things going on, like live music, conversation from artists, and more.
Pease Park Conservancy
Pease Park is an excellent place to bring the grandkids or nieces and nephews. With a treehouse hammock, shaded trails, a splash pad and jungle gym, I’m sure it’ll be a good time.
Butler Metro Park
The Butler Metro Park contains the Alliance Children’s Garden, Dougherty Art Center, Doug Sahm Hill, Butler Pitch & Putt, and more. A great place to be near the water and soak in some good nature.
Central Austin Library
The Central Austin Library comes recommended by our very own Amy. With excellent rooftop views, full events schedule and Austin soul, it’s a great place to spend a hot (or cold!) day.