8 Ways To Beat The Heat In Austin

Guess what…it’s hot outside! As an Austin native, I’ve learned to adapt and survive the Texas heat year after year. Since having my daughter, I have become more aware of the impact the heat has on us. Children (and adults) can easily get overheated and dehydrated out there, so, here are some tips for staying cool during the summer in Austin:

Stay indoors

This seems like a no-brainer, but if you or your child is sensitive to heat, asthmatic, or allergy-ridden, don’t go out in it. Seek activities to do indoors during the hottest part of the day, such as indoor play gyms, museums and movies. Early morning and early evening are the best times to be outside if you just can’t miss out on the pool. Download a weather app to your smart phone that gives you the weekly forecast as well as an air quality reader to see what days are best to be outdoors.

Wear sweat-wicking materials

If you’re like me, you sweat! And you also hate being all soggy from sweat, which is why you will catch me in my active wear most days. Yep. Be that Mom. Just say no to sweaty underpants! They make adorable active wear for kids these days as well. Dress in lightweight fabric in light colors; for swimsuits, go for long sleeve rash guards with built-in SPF to cover up.

Wear a hat

Sometimes it feels like the sun is literally burning a hole in my head; Thank goodness for sweat wicking, mesh, running hats and lightweight baseball caps. Keep the sun off your head and neck. If you’re feeling festive, opt for a wide brimmed hat or even a sombrero; fedoras are fashionable as well, but beware of any hats that have large holes in them (straw hat, visors); be sure to spray your head with a sunscreen made for your head if you’re wearing your Sunday hat (holy).

Drink water AND electrolytes

Water is important, but when you sweat like a Texan in Summer, you also need some electrolytes: Gatorade, Powerade, coconut water, pickle juice (yep), and bananas can help keep you from cramping and becoming dehydrated. Juicy foods like watermelon and cucumber are also great.

Wear sunscreen

Don’t second guess it—put sunscreen/sunblock on. Whatever brand you feel comfortable with, go for it. We do sunscreen before putting clothes on to cover every spot, so we don’t miss the line between swimsuit and skin. If you do spray sunscreen, rub it in because it doesn’t always cover completely. Don’t. forget. Your. Feet. Be sure to use sunscreen that is age appropriate for your child; some are too harsh or contain alcohol that can damage a baby’s skin. Don’t forget to reapply as needed throughout the day.

Go to the water

Go to the water if you are hot! Another no-brainer. And if you’re really hot, go to Barton Springs. Take advantage of misting fans, water fountains, misting stations, hand-misters, sprinklers, splash pads, and rain (as long as there’s no lightning). Soak your bandana in ice water and wrap it around your neck if you get over-heated.

Seek the shade

Park in the shade even if the spot is farther away, use your windshield shades, carry an umbrella, and sit under a tree, pavilion or pergola. When I go running outside in the heat, I purposely run on the shady side of the street and try to stick to trails with tree coverage rather than blazing hot black asphalt.

Ice cream!!!

My favorite way to cool off: eat some ice cream or shaved ice! There are so many fabulous places in Austin to snag a cool sweet treat!

 

What do you do to beat the heat?

Erin Ellis
Erin owns Events by Erin, a custom event planning business and co-owns Ellis Designs LLC, a custom woodworking business with her husband, John Ellis. Together, their greatest design is their wonderful daughter, Elizabeth. Erin is an Austin native and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in English. She lives in Round Rock, enjoys running, going to the movies and the beach, and of course, writing for Austin Moms Blog!

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