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. Also, don’t miss our recent article on FREE and Low-Cost Ideas to Wrap Up Summer Break (plus a GIVEAWAY for one lucky parent!)
— 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.
— 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, September 7, 2024.
— 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 you can also squeeze in extra swim time at the city’s pool’s – check the late summer/early fall schedules here.
Also, check out our list of Awesome Pools & Splash Pads Around Austin.
— Root for the home team at a Round Rock Express Baseball game. The remaining games take place through September 15. Remember that Kids Day events happen before and after every Sunday home game, and there’s always a post-game fireworks show after each Friday home game. Click here for ticket info.
— 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.
— 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.
— 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 27. 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.
— Indulge in some frozen treats. Here are our favorite places for ice cream in Austin, dairy-free options, and a big list of Where to Get Cold Treats in ATX.
