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:

  1. Barton Springs Pool. Nothing is as refreshing as jumping into the 68-degree water on a scorching day.
  2. Blues on the Green. Pack a cooler and a picnic blanket for this weekly concert series held in Zilker Park.
  3. Nothing says summer like having a cold drink while sitting on the pier of Hula Hut.
  4. Check out the exhibits and/or see an IMAX movie at the Bob Bullock Museum.
  5. Liz Carpenter Fountain on Barton Springs Road. The city may call this a fountain, but the kids call it a splash pad!
  6. 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.
  7. 4th of July celebration at Auditorium Shores. This annual free family event features a live orchestra and fireworks.
  8. Pease Park Splash Pad is one of the best in Austin but parking can sometimes be tricky. Pack your sunscreen and some patience.
  9. Deep Eddy Pool. This spring fed pool offers a large shallow/wading area that is perfect for kids.
  10. Movies in the park. This movie series offers outdoor showings at various parks around Austin.
  11. Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown. Tours of the cave run every 20-30 minutes and children under 3 are free.
  12. Wildflower center. Bring sunscreen and a change of clothing as the kids love to get wet in the Children’s Garden area.
  13. 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.
  14. The Thinkery. Air conditioning. Educational Activities and snacks. Need I say more?
  15. Krause Springs in Spicewood Texas. This campground/swimming site is worth the drive.
  16. Little Stacy Pool. This wading pool is no more than 2 feet deep so it’s perfect for little swimmers.
  17. Clarksville Splash Pad. This pad is completely shaded and never seems crowded.
  18. Hamilton Pool. This natural made swimming hole is a must see but remember to make a reservation and bring those water shoes!
  19. Peter Pan Mini Golf. Play a couple rounds and then treat yourself to something yummy at Sandy’s Hamburgers (#20 on the list).
  20. Sandy’s Hamburger’s has been open since 1973 and their soft serve ice cream is perfect on a hot day.
  21. Micki Kreshback Pool in Round Rock. This place has a pirate ship in it!!!
  22. Rock’N River Water Park in Round Rock is a must on your summer to-do list.
  23. Bat Fest. The 14th annual bat fest will be held in August this year.
  24. Abel’s on Lake. This lakeside restaurant makes you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere tropical.
  25. Falcon Pointe Splash Park in Pflugerville is a shaded splash pad with a small picnic area and bathrooms.
  26. Get out of the heat and play some indoor laser tag at Blazer Tag.
  27. Quarry Splash Pad in Leander. This mega splash pad has everything you need to cool down and have fun.
  28. Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. No list would be complete without this iconic water park. Pack a lunch and stay all day.
  29. Scott Metzer pool has a small lazy river and water slides.
  30. 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.
  31. She some music and Shady Grove. Unplugged at the Grove is a free event on Thursday nights through September.
  32. Check out the Main Event. This place has it all: bowling, karaoke, laser tag, video games and more!
  33. 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.
  34. Grab a cone at Amy’s Ice Cream on SoCo. The yummy flavors are worth the wait in line.
  35. 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.
  36. Ride through Zilker park on the Zephyr train. The train departs every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  37. 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!
  38. Summer isn’t complete until you’ve seen at least one sunset on the patio of The Oasis.
  39. Typhoon Texas in Pflugerville offers water attractions for all ages.
  40. Check out the Austin Zoo. This zoo for rescue animals includes everything from Lions to barnyard animals.
  41. If you’d rather stay indoors, check out the Austin Aquarium. Kids love the various attractions including the hands-on stingray pool.
  42. Dave & Busters has indoor fun for the whole family.
  43. K1 indoor go-kart racing is a great place to have fun while getting out of the blazing hot sun.
  44. 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).
  45. Ricky Guerrero splash pad is nicely shaded and super close to downtown.
  46. 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. 
  47. 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.
  48. Nothing says summer in Austin like stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on Lady Bird (Town) lake.
  49. El Salido pool in Anderson Mill has a toddler pool with sprinklers.
  50. Emma Long Park is a great place to camp, picnic and/or swim.

 

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