beat heat in austinEven as a life-long Texan, our summer heat always seems to sneak up on me. You know that day when you look at the temperature on your car dashboard and it says 90+ or 100+ degrees? You know the heat is here to stay!

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite activities for the whole family to beat the heat in Austin:

  • Library Events – Most Austin Library branches host several kid-friendly events throughout the summer. From story time to Wii tournaments to movie matinees, there’s free indooor fun for everyone. 
  • Play Classes – there are several indoor play gym classes for littles around Austin such as Gymboree Play & Music, MyGym and Little Gym. Many let you try out your first class for free!
  • Play Spaces – Little Land Play Gym just renovated (and is also opening several new locations!) There is also Catch Air that hosts events every week. 
  • Open Gymnastics Gym – Several gymnastics gym around Austin offer open gym, including Acrotex, Champions,  and Capital Gymnastics
  • Whole Foods Kids Club – Enjoy snacks, story time, crafts and more for free! All ages welcome: Whole Foods Market Lamar (Wednesdays at 9:30 AM), Arbor Hills (Thursdays at 10 AM), Domain (Tuesdays at 9:30 AM) and Arboretum (every other Saturday at Noon). 
  •  The Thinkery – Austin’s favorite indoor children’s “museum” that includes a fun water room, infant area and tons of hands-on activities to keep your kiddos entertained. They have programs for every age including camps and my personal favorite, adult-only Thinkery21. Free for kiddos under 2; $10 general admission; memberships available.
  • Tour of State Capitol – The Texas State Capitol offers free tours and they’re kid-friendly. It’s fun to be a tourist in your own city! 
  • Splash Pads – there are SO many around Austin that are safe for all ages. 
  • Movies – Whether it’s kids camp at Alamo Drafthouse, or Mommy Mondays or Tuesday morning free movies at Moviehouse & Eatery. 
  • Pools – Yes the obvious place to cool off in the summer, but we have them categorized by age so you can find the perfect fit!
  • Be an Artist – Whether you head to Smudge Studios or Painting with a Twist.
  • Do Some YogaLittle Yoga House offers family yoga as drop-in on the weekends.
  • Toybrary – This toy lending library offers events (music classes, character visits) that keep your little ones entertained in the air conditioning. 
  • Austin Aquarium – On select days, mermaids come out! You can also see sharks, stingrays, and and reptiles. 
  • LBJ Presidential Library – There are plenty of educational tours to help plan your time there. 
  • Texas Museum of Science and Technology – located in Cedar Park. this planetarium museum offers the current exhibit of items from Pharaoh’s Tomb.
  • Ice Skate – Public skating is offered every day at Chapparal Ice. Admission is $8.00 and skate rental is $5.00 for children and adults. Kids 5 years of age and under skate for ONLY $5 on Saturday and Sunday including skate rental.
  • Roller SkatePlayland Skate opens every weekday at noon for $8 skating. 
  • Main Event – From Laser Tag, to bowling, to rock climbing all under one air-conditioned roof. You can get a summer fun pass starting at $12.95
  • Cooking Classes  – Patricia’s Table offers kids cooking classes including workshops such as Master Chef, Jr. and Cooks and Books (where Children’s Books come alive.) 
  • Music Class  Both Heartsong and Armstrong Community Music offer summer music sessions.
  • Snow Cones  – Yes you’ll be out in the heat waiting for one, but you can cool off with one of the many delicious choices around town — including Bahama Bucks and Sweet Caroline’s

Be sure and also read the following for some cool summer inspiration:

2 COMMENTS

  1. You guys do an amazing job of compiling lists of places around Austin for kids to have an awesome summer! Thank you for that, these are some awesome places especially for children to keep cool. It is so important for them to stay hydrated while being active in this hot summer sun!

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