10 Local Family-Friendly Summer Activities

The Texas summer heat is definitely hard to beat!  Summer break can be a great time to let the kids unwind, prioritize family time, and engage in new fun activities. However, outdoors in over 100-degree heat can definitely hinder the types of fun that families and children can get involved in. But, all hope is not lost, so we rounded up some of Austin’s best summer activities to beat the heat!  Check them out below…

Outdoor Activities

St. Edwards Park Trail
One way to beat the heat is to get up for an early morning hike in the beautiful Austin area!  
This family-friendly trail is located in northwest Austin, off Bullcreek. There are various trails available, comfortably accommodating any hiking expertise level necessary.  Swimming access is available at the creek, featuring a very small but  popular waterfall to cool off and take pictures.  Don't forget your towel!

Austin Nature and Science Center
If hiking isn’t your favorite thing, but you still want to try to beat some of this intense heat with an early morning excursion, check out the Austin Nature and Science Center!  It’s located within the Zilker Park system, and this adventure park is entirely free of charge.  Wildlife, nature, and even some fossil exploration are all possible at this wonderful Austin park.  So pack a snack and get those little feet trekking! 

Kingsbury Commons
This newly remodeled space has a variety of options for the kiddos to explore! Start early at the giant tree house on the northwest side of the park, and work towards the playground.  End your day with some splash pad fun to beat the heat!

​Indoor Activities

Inner Space Cavern
If the outdoors is just not cutting it right now, I mean, who blames you with this heat? Try stepping into adventure at the Inner Space Cavern! Inner Space is one of the best-preserved caverns in the state of Texas, so don’t miss their guided tours between 9am-5pm.  You can explore the various cave formations, discover prehistoric animal bones, and the best part, they maintain a 70 -degree temperature inside (feels like 80 with the summer humidity) year round! You can even do a zip ride inside the cavern, but please check the schedule before you go, as the zip line is unavailable year-round. Time for adventure!​

​Kids Bowl Free
Kids Bowl Free is an amazing summer opportunity for kids ages 3-17.  This program lets children bowl up to two games per day for the entire summer!  This organization is providing this service to all children who sign up to give back to their community.  Various bowling centers are included, so go their website and plug in your zip code to see what bowling alleys are participating in your area! 

CiderCade Austin
This fun spot offers over 150 arcade games you can play for as long as you like, all for a $10 admission!  Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, off Riverside, it’s an easy drive and family- friendly until 8pm.  They serve pizza, soft drinks, and cider, so hop on over and treat yourself and the kiddos to some good ole arcade games!

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​Swimming Holes

It wouldn’t be an Austin summer without exploring at least one swimming hole before the end of summer.  What more perfect way to beat the heat than with  refreshing water to swim in! 
Check out a few of the most family- friendly options below…

Blue Hole Park
Described as a scenic lagoon, this swimming hole rests along the San Gabriel River in Georgetown, TX.  It’s a free swimming hole, and word is that if you go early  during the week, it’s not very crowded.  Pack a lunch, and you can have a picnic at the park, explore a bit of the trail, and then refresh in the water before heading home! 

McKinney Falls State Park
This beautiful park offers plenty of hiking opportunities, nature to explore and appreciate, and  beautiful falls to round it out.  Swimming is permitted in Onion Creek, and children under 12 years of age are free; otherwise, a small $6 fee is collected per person.  Enjoy! 

Arts & Learning

Zilker Hillside Theatre
Whether you enjoy Broadway shows or watching local talent shine, consider joining the Zilker Hillside Theater for one  of their free outdoor performances.  Shows often start in the late evening, allowing the sun some time to cool off. You are encouraged to pack a blanket and some snacks for a fun picnic night with your little ones at Zilker Park!

Austin Central Library 
The Austin Central Library just recently got a makeover, and the resulting space is a magical literary space for all!  There is something for everyone, offering 6 floors of resources, meeting space, and a dedicated children's corner. A patio that overlooks  Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake is offered, so pick a book and enjoy some shared reading time with those kiddos.  Be sure to stop by the Children’s Information Desk and request a pair of binoculars so the kids can peek out on the lake! 

The beauty of the city of Austin brings about many diverse offerings, whether you’re looking for family fun, or just a mini-break from the littles.  We hope this list provides you with some ideas to beat the summer heat.  Be sure to drop a comment and let us know what you’re favorite activity was, thank you! 

HealthStart Snack Science at Austin Central Library
HealthStart is partnering with the Austin Central Library to hold our Snack Science children’s health education workshop series from August 9th - September 13th, 2022. This workshop series offers young minds the “why” behind nutrition, or the science behind good health. Through fun stories, science based lessons, physical activities, and a fun snack art activity to wrap up the lesson, this workshop is sure to be a hit with your kiddos! Trying new healthy foods, or familiar foods in a new way, entices a child’s curiosity and expands their appetite for nutritious food which contributes to lifelong health. Come join us for the summer session, children ages 3-8 and parents are welcome, and you can sign up here for the next available session!

Get tickets here!