How would you spend the ultimate summer day in Austin with the kids? We recently sat down to think about what we’d recommend to visitors, day-trippers, or even locals who want to explore some of Austin’s classic “must-do” favorites. Breakfast tacos, swimming, cold treats, and bats? They’re all here on our itinerary for How to Spend the Perfect Summer Day in Austin.
Cooling off our toes in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Photo credit: Nicole Basham
Morning: Rise and shine early to get out and beat the heat on a family hike! There’s nothing better than greeting the day with a nature walk and some fresh air. Keep things simple for your morning routine and pick up breakfast tacos – find a spot near you from this article by our friends at Do512.
For the hike portion of your morning, we’re fond of exploring the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Check out this list of 10 Best Hikes for Families in Austin for more options.
If hiking isn’t in the cards, pack up breakfast and enjoy a picnic at one of Austin’s Best Playgrounds.
Take a dip in the cool waters of Barton Springs. Photo credit: Heidi Okla
After some time outdoors, you’ll be ready to cool down and go for a swim! Check out Austin’s most famous and popular swimming hole — Barton Springs Pool! Located in Zilker Park, “the crown jewel of Austin”, Barton Springs is a three-acre crystal clear natural spring that stays an average of 68 degrees year-round, making it ideal for hot summer days. The pool is equipped with diving boards, a large shallow area, big grassy shores, public restrooms, and several lifeguards. Click here for hours, entry fees, and any updates. You can also check out our big round-up of Awesome Pools and Splash Pads for other places to cool down.
The Thinkery offers fun for even the youngest family members. Photo credit: Yuan C. from the Keep Austin Thankful Photo Contest
Afternoon: After getting some lunch at one of Austin’s many family-friendly restaurants, you must be ready for some air-conditioned fun. We’d suggest visiting the Thinkery, Austin’s museum for kids. Explore tons of hands-on exhibits, play in a pretend market, enjoy indoor water play, experiment in the kitchen, play in the colorful light lab, or climb in their backyard. Click here for Thinkery’s hours and admission rates. For other museum suggestions, check out our list of Top 10 Austin Museums for Kids.
By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite for a nice sweet snack. What’s better on a summer day than ice cream? Maybe a milkshake or a snow cone? Either way, time to consult our list of Where To Get Cold Treats in Austin.
Exciting to watch the bats from the water view! Photo credit: Roger Ho
Evening: After you enjoy dinner (and maybe a nap), there’s plenty to do once the sun starts to set and the air gets (slightly) cooler. Austin is home to a lot of fun outdoor movie nights and concerts, like Movies in the Park, or ASO’s Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park. Check the Do512 Family calendar to see what’s playing!
We can’t end an Austin summer adventure without a visit to see the famous bats. Austin is home to the largest Mexican free-tail bat colony in North America, and we love to celebrate these winged creatures that dwell underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Seeing the bats swoop out from under the bridge is an amazing site. Typically, late July and early August are considered “peak season” to see a spectacular bat show, and we think seeing them from the water by boat is the way to go. Click here for the schedule and ticket info.
There’s no one way to have a “true Austin” adventure. We’d love to hear how you’d suggest spending the perfect summer day with the kids. Let us know in the comments below.
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