Summer in Austin means hot weather, long sunny days, and spending time in the water as much as possible! Whether you have a little free time or a LOT of free time to fill this summer, I’ve rounded up all my best ideas so you can find one to fit your mood, budget and interests.
Or if you’re looking to compile a bucket list for your family, take this list as a starting point and pick your must-dos for a summer of fun in ATX.
*denotes a free activity
In This Post
Splash Pads
1. Lakewood Splash Pad*
This Leander splash pad is possibly the best splash pad in the area. Squishy ground, big area of pooling water, water shooters, and an area for small kids.
2. Quarry Splash Pad
You do have to pay for this Williamson County splash pad, but it’s pretty inexpensive and so fun! There’s a lot of space and lots of different water features.
3. Brushy Creek Lake Park*
Cedar Park completely renovated this splash pad in 2025, and it’s awesome (and fully fenced in!). Lots of space and different elements, including a good area for small kids.
4. Ricky Guerrero*
This Austin splash pad is a favorite among locals (though it has been known to break frequently), and it has a ton of shade!
5. Steeplechase Park*
One of two new splash pads (summer 2024) in Kyle with a giant dumping bucket, a two-headed sunflower, two mushroom showers and water cannons.
6. Gregg-Clarke Park*
The other new splash pad in Kyle, Gregg-Clarke has a water tower, rain wall, dumping buckets and custom hoops.
7. Pease Park*
Pease Park in general is just so lovely, and that includes the little splash pad. It’s a bit shaded, and right between the playscape, bathrooms and amazing treehouse.
8. Rosewood Splash Pad*
This is a great little splash pad in Austin, right next door to the Rosewood Pool. It may be small but it has a lot of fun elements.
9. Falcon Pointe Splash Pad*
Fun splash pad in Pflugerville with some shade, dumping buckets and lots of splashing.
Need more splash pad ideas? Here’s a full guide to splash pads all over the Austin area.
Swimming Pools
10. Deep Eddy Pool
Classic Austin pool with cold spring-fed water. There’s a big shallow area with zero-depth entry, making it great for kids.
11. Big Stacy Pool*
Free pool, open year-round!
12. Bartholomew Pool
If you need some shade over your pool, Bartholomew is a good option. Plus there is a separate toddler pool, obstacle course and a water slide!
13. Lakeway Swim Center
This fun aquatics center in Lakeway has a family pool with zero-depth entry, frog slide, lily pads and slides.
14. Veterans Memorial Pool
I love this Cedar Park pool. It has a little water playscape for kids and some small slides, plus some bigger drop slides for older kids.
15. Elizabeth Milburn Pool
Another Cedar Park pool, Elizabeth Milburn has water slides and a little water playscape.
16. Micki Krebsbach Pool
The pirate ship pool! This Round Rock pool has a huge shallow area with a pirate ship playscape and mushroom waterfall. It also has an obstacle course and a slide.
17. Scott Mentzer Pool
Slides, a splash pad, shallow area and a little lazy river in this Pflugerville public pool!
Water Parks
18. Kalahari
Enjoy both an indoor and outdoor water park at Kalahari in Round Rock. There are tons of slides, a wave pool, kids areas and more.
19. Splash Shack
If a huge water park sounds overwhelming for you and your little kids, this indoor water park in Cedar Park is a good option. It’s small and best for kids 10 and under.
20. Rock ‘N River
This Round Rock water park in Old Settlers Park is a perfect day out with the family. All the things you want in a water park without being too overwhelming — lazy river, water playscape, slides and more.
21. Typhoon Texas
Pflugerville has a nice big water park with big fun slides, lazy river, obstacle course, and a big water playscape for kids.
22. Schlitterbahn
Make a trip down to New Braunfels for this huge, well-known water park. The kids area Storybook Park is perfect for little ones, and there are TONS of slides, pools, river rides and splash features.
23. Volente Beach
You can find this water park on the north side of Lake Travis. A little kids pirate ship pool, plus slides and pools.
More water parks and pools with a bit extra fun!
Swimming Holes and Lakes
24. Barton Springs
You can’t be in Austin in the summer without a trip to the cold waters of Barton Springs! Hang out, jump off the diving board, and enjoy the Austin vibes.
25. Emma Long Metro Park
My favorite lake beach in Austin, Emma Long has a sandy beach area, docks for jumping in, and shallow water that makes it fun even if you have young kids. Just watch out for the waves made by the boats!
26. Krause Springs
This is a cool spring-fed pool and swimming hole in Spicewood. Just gorgeous and fun for a day trip!
27. Blue Hole Wimberley
We go to Blue Hole in Wimberley annually. It’s the perfect summer day! Get in the cold water, swing on the rope swing, and then warm up on the lawn.
28. Blue Hole Georgetown*
Hit this river spot in Georgetown. There’s a little waterfall and pool, plus some shallow area for wading (depending on the rainfall).
29. Hamilton Pool
Make your reservations for the iconic Hamilton Pool this summer! There’s a short hike to the pool where you can swim, see the catfish and hang out on the small rocky beach. Just check before you go to make sure swimming is allowed for your reservation — it is often not allowed due to bacteria.
30. Lake Bastrop
Hit Lake Bastrop South Shore for a little sandy beach and swimming area. It’s a cute little spot, though the water gets warm in the summertime.
31. Lake Georgetown
Get your lake on in Georgetown. Head to Russell Park for a washed pebble beach where you can swim.
Animals
32. Austin Zoo
Austin’s rescue zoo out on the west side of town has lots of interesting animals, like tigers, monkeys and bears, as well as an area where you can feed some animals and a mini train.
33. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
This New Braunfels spot has so many animals to see — you can even book animal encounters with critters like lemurs, fennec foxes, snakes, capybaras and more.
34. Tiny Tails at BookPeople*
Every third Thursday of the month, Tiny Tails To You petting zoo hosts a story time at BookPeople, complete with time to hold small animals in your lap.
35. Crowe’s Nest Farm
See a cow milking demonstration, go on a hay ride to see bison and see all kinds of farm and rescue animals at this Manor farm.
36. Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
There’s a lot of fun to be had at this Georgetown farm, including pony rides, pig races and a petting zoo. Besides animals, you can let the kids run wild on the bounce pads, slides, zip lines, bike track and more.
37. Austin Nature and Science Center*
Right in the heart of Austin, you can find the Austin Nature and Science Center, which is totally free! There are lots of rescue animals to see — a bobcat, porcupines, lots of birds.
38. Purrfecto Cat Lounge
The cutest cafe! You book a session where you can go hang out with a bunch of adoptable cats and kittens.
Museums
39. Bullock Museum
Learn about Texas state history with lots of interactive exhibits and take some pics with the giant star outside.
Free on the first Sunday of every month (and also the second Sunday of July)*
40. Blanton Museum of Art
Grab a family activity box at check-in and make your way through this gorgeous art museum. And don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin building.
Free on Tuesdays*
41. Texas Science and Natural History Museum
Go see the dinosaurs and the new Discovery Center in the science museum on UT’s campus.
Free on the fourth Sunday of every month*
42. Museum of Ice Cream
All-you-can-eat ice cream and endless photo ops at the Museum of Ice Cream in the Domain. Catch it before it closes in July!
43. Museum of Illusions
Enjoy optical illusions and photo ops at this trippy museum in the Domain.
44. Wonderspaces
Lots of big and interactive art installations at Wonderspaces in Northeast Austin. 2025 is its final year in Austin, so go visit before it closes.
45. Mesmerize
If you like Meow Wolf, go visit this other-worldly spot in South Austin. It’s a much smaller scale than Meow Wolf, but it has some of the same vibe of dreamy elements and wild installations.
46. Dinosaur Park
This is kind of like an outdoor dinosaur museum, where you can walk around a trail with dozens of life-size dinosaurs. Plus playgrounds and a dino dig.
All the best museums in the Austin area!
Art
47. Create Studio
I love Create Process Art Studio! We’ve gone for open hours and for a day camp, and it’s all just the cutest. My kids love exploring the different stations and making whatever their hearts desire.
48. Saplings Studio
Make a masterpiece or play at sensory stations at this lovely little art studio.
49. The Art Garage
This is a spot for kids AND adults. There are lots of projects you can make, from pottery to mosaics to glass fusion.
50. The Hot Spot
Choose your project and get to work. They have everything you need for pottery painting, canvas painting, candle making, slime and more.
Live Music and Shows
51. The Drop-In at Long Center*
The free concert series at the Long Center’s 3D-printed stage is back for the summer! RSVP on Monday for the Thursday concert each week!
52. Star Spangled Fest
Celebrate July 4th in the most Austin way possible — at a concert with fireworks at Vic Mathias Shores.
53. Blues on the Green*
Free family-friendly music in Zilker Park, the perfect summer tradition.
54. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
This adorable musical at Zach Theatre based on the Mo Willems’ kids books has extended its run through July.
55. Zilker Summer Musical*
Catch Bring It On: The Musical at Zilker Park this summer from Zilker Theatre Productions.
56. Bands in Bloom
Zilker Botanical Garden is hosting a summer music series on select Fridays this season.
57. Music Under the Star*
Every Friday in June, Bullock Museum is holding free concerts in the Capitol Mall Amphitheatre.
Find more kid-friendly live music around town.
Indoor Play
58. Thinkery
Austin’s favorite children’s museum. Explore science concepts, build, play pretend, splash in the water and more.
59. Indigo Play
Beat the heat at this giant international-themed playscape. Plus a toddlers area, sensory room and snack bar!
60. Altitude
Jump out your energy at one of Altitude’s locations. All kinds of trampolines and some locations have playscapes too!
61. Catch Air
This space-themed play place is super fun with big slides and lots of features throughout the playscape. There’s also a toddler area with lots of fun for little ones.
62. Urban Air
All the best bits of indoor play places in one. Trampolines, obstacle courses, rock climbing, big playscapes, and more.
63. Ninja Nation
Become a ninja with open play on ninja courses. Obstacles courses, trampolines, monkey bars, warped walls and more.
64. Mt. Playmore
A giant playscape around an entire room! Plus a big arcade and restaurant.
65. Pikopye’s Town
The cutest pretend town for little ones! A bakery, grocery store, a vet, airstream trailer, fishing boat and more to play in.
66. Play Street Museum
Let your kids loose in one of Play Street Museum’s locations. The play towns are adorable and you can also do crafts while you’re there.
See all the indoor play options around town!
Nature
67. Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is such a treasure in South Austin! So much space, gorgeous native plants, and during most of the summer, they have life-size moving dinosaurs on display.
68. Zilker Botanical Garden
If you’re in the middle of Austin looking for a nature oasis, check out Zilker Botanical Garden. For the summer, they have their Woodland Faerie Trail to walk through!
69. Inner Space Cavern
Head to Georgetown to take a tour of a cavern with beautiful cave formations.
70. Barton Creek Greenbelt*
We’re so lucky to have this greenbelt running through the middle of the city! Great for a long hike or a short walk.
71. Turkey Creek Trail*
Out at Emma Long Metro Park (which you may know for its lake beach), take a hike on the Turkey Creek Trail.
72. Mount Bonnell*
Get one of the best views in Austin at the top of Mount Bonnell. Take the steps up and explore.
73. Bull Creek District Park*
You can go on a fun hike at this park and also take a dip (with some little waterfalls) if the water is flowing (don’t swim in stagnant water!).
74. Pedernales Falls State Park
This is our favorite state park in the greater Austin area! It’s not too far away, and it has such cool features to look at and climb all over.
75. McKinney Falls State Park
Visit the only state park within Austin city limits. You can take a hike or swim in the upper or lower falls if the water is flowing.
If you want more nearby state parks, here are a bunch of them within 90 minutes of Austin.
Games
76. Cidercade
I love a free play arcade! Pay $12 per person to get in, and then all the games are free to play. Great for kids who lose video games fast!
77. Pixel Palace
This Round Rock spot has an 80s/90s theme and lots of old arcade games. And most of them only cost 25 cents to play!
78. Pins Mechanical
You can find this new game hall in South Austin, and it has SO many games. Duckpin bowling, pinball machines, shuffleboard, foosball, plus a lot of free games like retro arcade games, ping pong, patio pong, bocce ball, skeeball and more.
79. Pinballz
Pinballz is a fun arcade with tons of games plus laser tag, axe throwing, bumper cars, escape rooms, mini bowling and more (location dependent).
80. Activate
This is a new concept in the Domain where you feel like you’re inside a video game! Complete challenges with your team to win. Probably better for bigger kids (to be able to reach far/high enough for the challenges).
81. Peter Pan Mini Golf
A classic Austin outing, on Barton Springs Rd. Play one of the two mini golf courses with fairy tales and nursery rhymes, or Peter Pan and a dinosaur!
82. Blazer Tag
Blazer Tag has a giant laser tag arena, plus arcade games.
83. Dart’Em Up
Have a foam dart battle with your kids or friends! There’s also an arcade.
84. Austin’s Park
Bowling, laser tag, arcade, mini golf, batting cages, and rides! Austin’s Park is a mini amusement park with tons to do.
85. Highland Lanes
Get that old-school bowling feeling at Highland Lanes.
86. Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl
This bowling alley and restaurant is connected to Bass Pro Shops in Round Rock and makes you feel like you’re playing underwater.
Skating
87. Pins & Wheels at Playland
Take a spin around the roller rink at Pins & Wheels at Playland (or do one of the other activities: axe throwing, bowling, arcade).
88. The Rock Sports Arena
Drop by for open skate at this Round Rock spot!
89. Chaparral Ice
Ice skating year-round! You can open skate here or take figure skating or hockey lessons.
90. Ice & Field at the Crossover
What better place to cool off than the ice rink? Take lessons or take part in open skate.
Libraries
91. Austin Central Library*
This is a real jewel in downtown Austin. Check out the kids area and reading porch and then pop to the roof to get a view of the lake.
92. Cedar Park Library*
This new library is so cool! There is an amazing bird playground out front, an amazing play area inside the kids section, and a little play area in the backyard.
93. Round Rock Public Library*
The downtown Round Rock library makes for a great outing, with a little play are in the kids area and a fun turf labyrinth on the patio.
94. Laura Bush Community Library*
Another local favorite library in the area, Laura’s Library has an enclosed kids area books, story times and things to play with and on.
Movies
95. Alamo Kids Camp
Catch a lineup of kids movies for a discount this summer at Alamo Drafthouse locations.
96. Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Get movie tickets to family-friendly films this summer for just $1.75. You can also gt $1 off some snacks and drinks.
97. AMC Summer Movie Camp
$3 tickets for kids movies at select AMC locations!
98. Mozart’s Movies on the Lake*
Every Thursday night through the end of June, you can catch free movies on the Mozart’s deck or even on the water.
99. KUTX Parking Lot Movie Night*
Join KUTX at Lou’s Eastside for free movie nights in the parking lot. May 30 is Clueless and June 27 is The Sandlot.
100. EVO Summer Movie Mornings
10 weeks of $1 movie tickets with daily kids movie showings.
101. Regal Summer Movie Express
$1 family movies all summer long.
Playgrounds With Shade
102. Play for All*
There are lots of great things about Play for All in Round Rock, but one of them is that lots of the playscapes have shade.
103. Walnut Creek*
This park has nice big and little playscapes plus a fairy house, and it’s all with loads of shade trees around.
104. Lost Creek Neighborhood Park*
This fully fenced-in park has lots of shade from trees. It’s a great spot for littles.
105. Circle C Ranch Metro Park*
This South Austin playground has lots to do, with some shade structures and big shade trees.
106. The Grove Signature Park*
Find The Grove Signature Park in central Austin, with unique obstacle course climbing structures, a hillside slide and an interesting treehouse.
What are your favorite summer activities? What did I miss?
All those fun activities can start to add up! Here are free things you can do around Austin.