It’s summertime in Austin, so only thinking about swimming holes, cool treats, and air conditioning hopping is totally normal, right? From pool passes to boozy ice cream milkshakes, we’ve got your list of Austin ways to stay cool (and safe) this summer.
Make A Splash
Take a dip in one of Austin’s best swimming holes.
Fly over Lake Travis like Iron Man with this aquatic extreme sport! Just bring along your sense of adventure and you’ll be hovering in the air and challenging gravity in no time.
Contains 12.68 miles of gorgeous trails, with the main trail spanning about 7 miles. This particular greenbelt is considered one of the top hiking trails in Texas.
Drive 45 minutes south of Austin to reach the glorious Blue Hole. The crystal-clear waters stay an ideal 75 degrees all year round and are shaded by towering cypress trees. Reservations are required.
Make some lake memories and cool off with Float On boat rentals. Great rates, new boats, and friendly staff make this local company the highest rated boat rental company in Austin.
Swim in an artesian spring of Jacob’s Well Natural Area. The cool, clear water is surrounded by rocky ledges and shady trees, creating a picture-perfect swimming hole. Reservations are required.
Spend a day or weekend camping and swimming in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Offering endless fun with lots of trails, wide-open spaces, and water that you can swim and jump in. Reservations are required.
From boutique hotels in eclectic neighborhoods to swanky downtown properties, beat the heat in one of Austin’s many hotel pools with a pool day pass. The Austin Motel, The Fairmont, Hyatt Lost Pines, and W Austin.
Rent a SUP board on Lady Bird Lake with the largest paddleboard company in the world. No reservations necessary, just show up!
Cool Treats
There is no better way to cool off than with a cold, sweet treat.
Stop in at this stylish local ice-cream shop where they feature creative soft-serve sundaes, shakes, floats, plus pints to go.
This friendly food trailer brings the flavors of Thailand to Austin. This Thai-style rolled ice cream is made to order from fresh, natural, and nostalgic ingredients.
Visit hip ice creamery, Lick, who churns out offbeat flavors made from local, natural, and sustainable ingredients.
A twist on a classic, Loro is serving up frozen Gin and Tonics that are refreshing and pair perfectly with their Asian smokehouse inspired menu and large patio.
Why choose a dessert or a cocktail when you can have both? This cocktail bar serves up three boozy milkshakes, all made with house-made vanilla ice cream.
Visit this cool spot for both boozy and alcohol-free ice cream and milkshakes. Available via dining in, delivery or curbside pickup.
This local favorite has been keeping Austin cool with sno-cones since 1993. Now to just decided on a flavor!
This charming Asian eatery offers ice cream in unexpected flavors like black sesame, taro root, and watermelon Thai basil.
Known for their indulgent ice cream creations, The Yard offers customizable milkshakes in a wide range of ice cream flavors and toppings.
Indoor Fun
Need a break from the heat? Here are a few fun and safe ways to enjoy Austin indoors.
Enjoy a concert while staying at home with At Home with ACL Live, a streaming series bringing live music from artists you love directly to your living room!
Take rock climbing but lose the ropes and harnesses, and you have bouldering. The world’s largest bouldering gym is located in Austin with this 50,000 square foot facility. Currently, only open to members.
UT’s Blanton Museum of Art has gotten creative in the age of COVID-19. If you’re sick of Netflix, consider adding a virtual art tour to your queue!
Make the dream of flight a reality with iFly Austin, offering indoor skydiving in a safe and fun environment. Fun for all ages and no special skills needed – they’ll teach you!
One of the best-preserved caves in Texas offering tours, a playground, a mining area, several fossil displays, and more. The cavern temperature stays a cool 72 degrees with 98% humidity year-round.
Feel the need for speed? K1 Speed is an indoor racing center featuring electric go-karting for all ages and skill levels.
A family-friendly arcade experience with an assortment of classic and new arcade gameplay. Don’t forget it’s also BYOB!
Roller skating rink offering the finest in skating entertainment with an impressive light show, fog machine, and state of the art sound system playing a wide variety of music.
Visit WonderSpaces new Austin exhibit that features twelve extraordinary works of art, spread across their 28,000 square foot space. Grab your tickets online now!