It won’t be long until the long hot days of summer are upon us. Whether you’ve lived in Austin for a long time or are new to this city, here are the top 50 family-friendly things to do in and around Austin this summer.
Top 50 things to do this summer in Austin:
- Barton Springs Pool. Nothing is as refreshing as jumping into the 68-degree water on a scorching day.
- Blues on the Green. Pack a cooler and a picnic blanket for this weekly concert series held in Zilker Park.
- Nothing says summer like having a cold drink while sitting on the pier of Hula Hut.
- Check out the exhibits and/or see an IMAX movie at the Bob Bullock Museum.
- Liz Carpenter Fountain on Barton Springs Road. The city may call this a fountain, but the kids call it a splash pad!
- Go to a Round Rock Express game. Take advantage of their family plan options or buy lawn tickets so the littles can run around during the game.
- 4th of July celebration at Auditorium Shores. This annual free family event features a live orchestra and fireworks.
- Pease Park Splash Pad is one of the best in Austin but parking can sometimes be tricky. Pack your sunscreen and some patience.
- Deep Eddy Pool. This spring fed pool offers a large shallow/wading area that is perfect for kids.
- Movies in the park. This movie series offers outdoor showings at various parks around Austin.
- Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown. Tours of the cave run every 20-30 minutes and children under 3 are free.
- Wildflower center. Bring sunscreen and a change of clothing as the kids love to get wet in the Children’s Garden area.
- Bartholomew Pool. This place shouldn’t be considered a city pool but more like a mini water park. It features 2 water slides and a leap pad obstacle course in one of the 3 pools.
- The Thinkery. Air conditioning. Educational Activities and snacks. Need I say more?
- Krause Springs in Spicewood Texas. This campground/swimming site is worth the drive.
- Little Stacy Pool. This wading pool is no more than 2 feet deep so it’s perfect for little swimmers.
- Clarksville Splash Pad. This pad is completely shaded and never seems crowded.
- Hamilton Pool. This natural made swimming hole is a must see but remember to make a reservation and bring those water shoes!
- Peter Pan Mini Golf. Play a couple rounds and then treat yourself to something yummy at Sandy’s Hamburgers (#20 on the list).
- Sandy’s Hamburger’s has been open since 1973 and their soft serve ice cream is perfect on a hot day.
- Micki Kreshback Pool in Round Rock. This place has a pirate ship in it!!!
- Rock’N River Water Park in Round Rock is a must on your summer to-do list.
- Bat Fest. The 14th annual bat fest will be held in August this year.
- Abel’s on Lake. This lakeside restaurant makes you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere tropical.
- Falcon Pointe Splash Park in Pflugerville is a shaded splash pad with a small picnic area and bathrooms.
- Get out of the heat and play some indoor laser tag at Blazer Tag.
- Quarry Splash Pad in Leander. This mega splash pad has everything you need to cool down and have fun.
- Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. No list would be complete without this iconic water park. Pack a lunch and stay all day.
- Scott Metzer pool has a small lazy river and water slides.
- Hot Sauce Festival. This annual event at Fiesta Gardens offers free admission to anyone who brings in 3 cans of non-perishable food items for the Capital Area Food Bank.
- She some music and Shady Grove. Unplugged at the Grove is a free event on Thursday nights through September.
- Check out the Main Event. This place has it all: bowling, karaoke, laser tag, video games and more!
- Visit the Splash Exhibit at Barton Springs Pool. This free exhibit in one of Austin’s best kept secrets. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.
- Grab a cone at Amy’s Ice Cream on SoCo. The yummy flavors are worth the wait in line.
- The Nature and Science Center. This hidden gem has live animals, an open Dino dig area and a stream for the kids to play in.
- Ride through Zilker park on the Zephyr train. The train departs every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Austin Botanical Gardens. There are lots of shaded places in the garden to explore and the pre-historic garden features Dinosaur statues that the kids love!
- Summer isn’t complete until you’ve seen at least one sunset on the patio of The Oasis.
- Typhoon Texas in Pflugerville offers water attractions for all ages.
- Check out the Austin Zoo. This zoo for rescue animals includes everything from Lions to barnyard animals.
- If you’d rather stay indoors, check out the Austin Aquarium. Kids love the various attractions including the hands-on stingray pool.
- Dave & Busters has indoor fun for the whole family.
- K1 indoor go-kart racing is a great place to have fun while getting out of the blazing hot sun.
- Ice Cream festival. This annual event held on June 23rd will feature kid-friendly events during the day (free ice cream samples) and more adult-friendly events in the evening (music and margaritas).
- Ricky Guerrero splash pad is nicely shaded and super close to downtown.
- Go shopping and let the kids get wet at the Splash pad in the Hill Country Galleria. The splash pad runs on mall hours: Monday- Friday 10 a.m. -9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Some Saturdays the splash put shuts down early for number #46 on the list.
- Saturday Night Concert Series at the Hill Country Galleria sponsored by Sun Radio. Sit back in your lawn chair and relax as the kiddos run around in the grass.
- Nothing says summer in Austin like stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on Lady Bird (Town) lake.
- El Salido pool in Anderson Mill has a toddler pool with sprinklers.
- Emma Long Park is a great place to camp, picnic and/or swim.