It’s summertime in Austin, so only thinking about swimming holes and air conditioning hopping is totally normal, right? From festivals to indoor activities to fun for the kiddos, we’ve got your list to experience all that’s happening in Austin this summer.
Mark Your Calendars
Here are a few of our favorite events happening in Austin this summer.
Quesoff | July 27
A celebration of all things melted cheese with vendors going head to head in four categories – meaty, spicy, veggie, and wild card.
Sound & Cinema | July 31 + August 14
Experience free live and local music combined with classic movies and cult films – all with a beautiful downtown view in the background.
Blues On The Green | August 7
Grab your blanket and head to Zilker Park for a family and pet friendly night of homegrown music in a relaxed atmosphere.
Jaws On The Water | Through August 17
A one-of-a-kind experience, watch cinema’s greatest great white with your feet dangling dangerously and deliciously in the water. Every Saturday.
The Little Mermaid | Through August 17
This free splashy musical adventure is sure to have audiences singing along with their favorite Disney songs! Every Thursday-Sunday.
Bat Fest | August 24
A festival featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food and drinks, and 1.5 million bats emerging from under the bridge at dusk.
Concerts in The Park | Through August 25
Each Sunday a different ensemble of the Austin Symphony will be featured at Hartman Park, performing music from jazz, light classical to pop selections.
Hot Sauce Festival | August 25
In addition to the hot sauce competition, this truly Austin food event features tastings from local restaurants, sauces for sale, cookbooks, and of course live music!
Summer Classics | Through August 31
Escape the heat and enjoy the well-preserved films and dazzling digital restorations at the Paramount – from romance and comedy, to thrillers, and more.
Make A Splash
Take a dip in one of Austin’s best swimming holes.
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.
Socialize, swim, relax, and cool off from the hot Texas sun at Barton Springs Pool where the water stays a cool 68 degrees all year long.
The state’s oldest swimming pool, Deep Eddy, offers lap swimming, wading pool and pool-side movies in the summer.
Take a day trip to cool off under the waterfall at Hamilton Pool. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
Spend a day or weekend camping and swimming in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Not a swimming hole but still offers endless water fun, especially for little kiddos, with a splash pad, playground, and picnic area.
Indoor Fun
Need a break from the heat? Here are a few fun ways to enjoy Austin indoors.
Take rock climbing but lose the ropes and harnesses, and you have bouldering. The world’s largest bouldering gym is located in Austin at the Austin Bouldering Project with this 50,000 square foot facility.
Whether it’s their world-famous themed karaoke rooms, dance parties, or their interactive events – there’s always something awesome going on at The Highball.
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!
East Austin’s premier circus and aerial arts training school! Build strength and flexibility while trying out trapeze or learning aerial silks.
Locally owned cinema showing indie, documentary and foreign films, with reserved seating, themed coaktails, and a cafe.
Outdoor Fun
Take advantage of Austin’s average 228 sunny days a year and enjoy the great outdoors.
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.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
It doesn’t get much better than having a picnic surrounded by wildflowers. Eat lunch and learn more about the conservation of native plants at this internationally recognized botanic garden.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Enjoy the amazing lake views and this outdoor adventure that is fun for people of all ages. They offer five ziplines, the last three being the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas.
Rent or have a SUP party on Lady Bird Lake with the largest paddleboard company in the world. No reservations necessary, just show up!
Volente Beach Resort + Waterpark
Boasting over 4 acres of Lake Travis waterfront, this boutique waterpark offers four slide attractions, a private beach, two pools, indoor and outdoor dining, bungalows for overnight stays plus so much more.
Wheather it’s with the whole family or just a night out with friends, Topgolf is a sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range and swanky lounge with drinks and games.
Kidville
Even the youngest among us can enjoy Austin. Here are some great activities geared towards kids.
Austin Nature and Science Center
Austin’s 80-acre nature center features free hands-on educational exhibits including replicas of fossils, dinosaur tracks, and awesome wildlife.
The Austin Zoo is a non-profit rescue zoo where families can visit and learn about their rescued animals. Be sure to buy a bag of food to feed the goats!
Operating since 1946, this cash-only family attraction feature a variety of characters, obstacles, and surprises on two 18-hole courses.
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.
Thinkery: Austin Children’s Museum
An evolution of the Austin Children’s Museum, Thinkery is Austin’s home for “why” and “how.” It’s a place where science and families play side by side.
After playing on the playground, hop on Zilker Park’s miniature train, which provides a 20-25 minute train ride around the park. Bring cash!