There’s so many options for summer time in Austin!
Summertime is here in Austin, Texas and you know what that means! Record high temperatures outside! But that doesn’t mean you have to keep the kids cooped up all summer. We know having them home from school is great, but after a while, mama needs to get out and do something, too.
The good news is that Austin has plenty of summertime fun for you to do with your kids, indoors and out! So let’s get to it and check out some of the best summertime activities you can enjoy with your kids in Austin, Texas.
When You Want to Get Outside
To start, it’s important to take any opportunity you can when it’s not too hot to get outside in Austin, TX. Let the little ones run rampant at the park and take a dip in Barton Springs to cool off!
Zilker Park
Who doesn’t love Zilker Park? It’s located right downtown off of Lady Bird Lake so there are TONS of things to do with the kids. Visit during the day with a cooler and some kites to fly on a breezy day so the little ones can burn off some energy. Or, check out one of their family-friendly events! Our favorite is Movies in the Park, which happens at night so it’s a little cooler, and the whole family can catch a flick, eat some local food truck grub and enjoy the Austin skyline!
Barton Springs
While you’re at Zilker, be sure to cool off at Barton Springs Pool. The three-acre pool is a must during a hot Austin, Texas summer. Did you know that the springs are a federally protected habitat? They’re home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, so the springs are rigorously cleaned regularly. Now you have something to tell your friends when they visit!
Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is nothing like the big zoos you typically see. Their main goal is to assist animals through rescue, conservation, and education. You won’t find huge souvenir shops here, only animals that are well taken care of. There’s plenty of room to run around and spend an entire day here and check out the animals. Another note is that there is a lot of shade to stand in, so even if you’re outside it can be cooler at the zoo!
When You’re Tired of the Kids
Let’s be honest, at some point, you’re going to get tired of being around the kids. You love them to death, but mom needs her alone time! Not to worry, in true Austin, Texas fashion, there isn’t an average summer camp in sight. There’s something for every little one, and we’ve only named a few.
Summer Film Camp
If your littles are into movies, the Austin Film Festival hosts a Summer Film Program for kids 9-18. There are workshops in screenwriting, filmmaking, editing, and more! Again, if you’re raising a mini film buff, definitely check out this camp. They’ll love it much more than a traditional one!
Sur la table Summer Series
With such a great food scene, there are surely little aspiring chefs roaming around Austin, Texas! Sur la table hosts a summer series for kids and teens to dive into cooking classes that keep them busy and out of your hair. Maybe they’ll learn a thing or two and start cooking for YOU.
Club Pup Summercamp
If you’ve also got a pup at home, Club Pup Summercamp might be the perfect option for you. This camp will teach your child life skills and help them build their relationship with their pup outside enjoying summertime in Austin, Texas!
Girl Empowerment Summercamp
This one is for our girlies! The Girls Empowerment Network hosts a summer camp everywhere to give your little girl a chance to perfect her self-efficacy. Girl empowerment summer camp is for girls in grades 3-8, so keep that in mind for age requirements.
When It’s Way Too Hot
There are going to be points when it’s WAY too hot to be outside. Sitting in the house with the AC blasting is fine and all, but there’s still plenty to do! Don’t worry, all of these options have air conditioning, too.
Visit the Texas Capitol Building
There’s nothing like visiting one of the nation’s most distinguished capitols when it’s blazing hot out! Not to mention it’s free to enter the Capitol and walk around. You can explore on your own and let the kids run around, or schedule a guided tour for an actual history lesson. If you have young ones, a self-guided tour may be best if they have a hard time paying attention. And don’t worry, you’ll be in that lovely air conditioning.
The Blanton Museum of Art
Even if you’ve been to the Blanton dozens of times, they are always rotating the exhibitions so there’s something new! Spend an afternoon here teaching the kids about art and enjoy the exhibits yourself.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum has something for everyone. There are three floors to explore with all sorts of interactive exhibits. Not to mention an IMAX theater to kill plenty of time indoors. Not to mention, you’ll be able to give the kids a history lesson on Austin, Texas and the whole state.
The Thinkery
Visiting The Thinkery is the perfect option if you have very young kids. The recommended ages on their website are newborns through 11 years old. There are tons of hands-on activities to explore through and keep your kids busy. The Thinkery specializes in STEAM skills, so the kids will definitely learn something here while keeping out of the heat. It’s only for kids, however, mom is sure to have fun too!
Austin Aquarium
What better way to spend a summer day than at the Austin Texas Aquarium? Bring the kids by for an air-conditioned afternoon of learning and fun. During the summertime, you can catch the mermaids in the aquarium and get a picture with them, and you don’t want to miss that.
Conclusion
To sum it up, there’s plenty to do with the kids indoors and outdoors during summertime in Austin, Texas. Check out some of our recommendations, and let us know what you think!
