Summer’s quickly coming to an end, but there’s still time to maximize the joy of the season.   If you want to end your summer with a BANG, here are some ideas for packing in some great times and awesome memories with the kids.

Splash & play at Typhoon Texas!

Visit a local water park for ultimate splashing, water-sliding, lazy river raft-riding, and more! Some of our favorite local parks like Typhoon Texas in Pflugerville, the Rock’N River in Round Rock, Volente Beach on Lake Travis, and Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels are still open on a daily schedule but will be open with weekend hours for weeks to come.


Say “hi” to the bats flying by. Photo by Roger Ho

Head downtown at dusk to watch the bats. Check out our guide to seeing the bats on Congress Ave. Bridge or make a reservation to see them on board a sunset cruise. And mark your calendar for the annual Bat Fest on Saturday, August 26.


Barton Springs, photo by Roger Ho

— Dive into the cold waters of our area’s coolest pools. A dip in Barton Springs Pool tops the list of popular things to do in Austin, but this year you can also squeeze in extra time at six of the city pools, which have extended their season for 2023 due to the extreme heat. Check out the schedule here.

Also, check out our list of Awesome Pools & Splash Pads Around Austin.


Photo courtesy of the Round Rock Express

— Root for the home team at a Round Rock Express Baseball game. The remaining games take place through September 17. Remember that Kids Day events happen before and after every Sunday’s home games and there’s always a post-game fireworks show after each Friday home game. Click here for ticket info.


mtplaymore_kidsclimbing

Climbing around at Mt. Playmore

— Jump, bounce & climb on trampolines and inflatables in one of Austin’s indoor play places. Or check out one of the many local arcades to play some games, hit the go-karts, and more.


Johnson City’s Science Mill offers a fun day trip! Photo by Jess Kilbane

— Head out of the city for a little day trip, check out a children’s museum near Austin that’s worth the trip, visit one of our area swimming holes, take a “daycation” at one of the local hotels that offer pool passes, or try a weekend vacay at one of the family-friendly resorts around Austin.


Photo from the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook page

— Check out a free outdoor concert or show! Attend one of Austin Symphony’s Concerts in the Park at the Long Center on Sunday nights through August 20.  Austin Parks Foundation presents Movies in the Park at various parks through the fall. Also, Fareground in Downtown Austin hosts Screen on the Green films in their outdoor area.


There’s always room for ice cream!

— Indulge in some frozen treats (because ice cream tastes even better when it’s 100+ degrees outside, right?). Here are our favorite places for ice cream in Austin, dairy-free options, and a big list of Where to Get Frozen Treats in ATX.