Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Aleksandr Zykov from Russia / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge. It's the largest urban bat colony in the world, and they stream out around sunset. It's free, and kids never forget it. Mid-May to early July is maternity season, when flights often come after dark. The biggest shows are late July through September, when the pups start flying. Timing: March–October; best mid-March to early May and late July–September.

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   Aleksandr Zykov from Russia / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

   Bat viewing area under the bridge (south/southeast side)

   Sunset, March–OctoberFree

   Austin Bat Refuge recommends families with kids watch from UNDER the bridge, not on the busy bridge deck. Free educator talks are offered most Fri & Sat evenings March–October.

   Website Source
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   Photo: Capital Cruises (official website)

   Bat-watching boat cruises (Capital Cruises and others)

   Sunset, March–OctoberPaid; see operator

   Watch from the water. Book ahead on summer weekends.

   Website Source
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   Aleksandr Zykov from Russia / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

   Bridge deck (Congress Ave sidewalk)

   SunsetFree

   A view from above. It gets crowded next to traffic, so it's better for older kids.

   Website Source
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   Photo: Sparkeyemusic / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

   Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

   DowntownBefore sunsetFree

   Walk the trail to the bridge and make an evening of it.

   Website SourceSee in the guide

Dates and prices change — please confirm with each place before you go.

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