Summer will be here before we know it, so here’s your reminder to book your family’s favorite local swim spots ahead! When the weather gets hot in Austin, these swim spots book up quickly. Luckily, there are so many choices you’re bound to find the perfect swimming adventure for your family.
Here’s a round-up of places where you can secure some swim time.
— Blue Hole Regional Park
100 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley
Blue Hole is a popular local swimming hole just a short 40-minute drive south of Austin in the charming town of Wimberley. Swim season is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cool off in the refreshing, spring-fed waters shaded by giant cypress trees on an awesome little day trip. The City of Wimberley manages the beautiful natural swimming hole within a 126-acre preservation that also includes trails and picnic areas. Before you pack up the family and head out for a swim, check here to read about our experience at the park. Reservations are required, and you can choose from 2-time slots per day: 9 am – 1 pm or 2 – 6 pm. Admission is $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 4-13, and free for ages 0-3. Book your reservation.
— McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy
McKinney Falls State Park offers so many activities, from swimming to hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Surround yourself with wide open spaces and water that you can wade or jump in. The park is open every day, and is $6 per day per adult; children 12 & under are free. While advanced passes are not required, the park strongly encourages you to purchase day passes in advance for weekends, school breaks, and holidays. Read more about our visit to McKinney Falls State Park. Book your reservation.
— Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City
This popular State Park is about 30 miles west of Austin at the Pedernales River in Johnson City, TX where you can go enjoy an afternoon swim, hike, and even ride horses. You can swim, wade, tube, or fish on the river, but note that swimmers are asked to read the park’s safety tips before heading in because the water in the river can rise from a placid stream to a raging torrent in a few minutes, and you’ll need to be alert to weather conditions. Pedernales Falls is open daily, 8 am – 4:30 pm (office hours), and admission is $6 per day; children 12 & under are free. Read more about our visit to Pedernales Falls. Book your reservation.
— Emma Long Metro Park
1600 City Park Rd.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a large municipal park on the shores of Lake Austin, and it’s a great place to spend a day with the family. It’s open seven days a week and includes a long stretch of lake lined with oak and juniper trees, offers boat access, plenty of room for swimming, a small sandy beach area for kids to play, lots of places to have a picnic, and hiking trails, too. The park entrance fee with a vehicle is $5 Monday – Thursday, and $10 Fridays – Sundays, and holidays. Cash is not accepted, so be sure to bring a credit card with you. Reservations are required Fridays-Sundays, as well as holidays. Book your reservation.
On this same reservation system, you can also book day-use passes at Commons Ford Metro Park and Walter E. Long Metro Park.
— Inks Lake State Park
3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet
Inks Lake State Park offers family fun on water and land, now with a day-use reservation system in place like other Texas State Parks. About an hour northwest of Austin in Burnet, TX, you’ll want to make a splash in the blue water at this Hill Country favorite. In addition to swimming, it’s great for a day trip because there are miles of hiking trails perfect for the whole family. Open daily. Admission is $7 per day per adult; children 12 and under are free. Book your reservation. Read more about our experience at Devil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake
— Blanco State Park
101 Park Rd 23, Blanco
Another Texas State Park about an hour from Austin is on the banks of the spring-fed Blanco River in Blanco, TX. This small park is on a one-mile stretch of the river where you can swim, fish, paddle or boat, or enjoy a picnic. Open daily, Blanco State Park’s admission is $5 per day per adult, and children 12 and under are free. You can rent tubes at the park store from 9 am – 2 pm. Book your reservation and read about our visit to Blanco State Park
— Son’s Blue River Camp
2769 Sherrill Rd, Kingsbury
Son’s Blue River Camp is located in Seguin, TX along the banks of the scenic San Marcos River, with two-story cabanas and a completely different water experience for cooling off on a warm day. The water here is shallow with a current that you can float down a small stretch of the San Marcos River, jump out and do it again and again, or simply sit in the water and hang out with friends. Prices vary by date for daytime, evening, and overnight experiences, and Son’s Island has six different locations to choose from here. Book your reservation and check here to read about our experience.
— Jacob’s Well Natural Area | *Jacob’s Well is Closed for Swimming Until Further Notice Due to Drought
Though currently closed for swimming due to drought, the park is open for hiking (free), and you can check here for the most up-to-date info on when swimming will open again.
— Resort Pools
Sometimes we just want to lounge and have a pool day with minimal effort. Many local hotels and resorts allow you to purchase a day pass to swim and soak up vacation vibes without the cost of an overnight stay. Check out our round-up of great pools that offer day passes to book ahead.
— Water Parks
Many local water parks open in early May! You can book ahead for savings, or get tickets the day of. If we’re having a gloomy spring or summer day, Kalahari Resort in Round Rock is open year-round and offers day passes. Check out our list of local water parks for ideas on where to plan a special splash day.
— More
Places to swim and play without planning:
- City of Austin Year-round Pools — Check the latest schedules to take a dip in Barton Springs or Deep Eddy.
- Travis County Parks — Parks like Pace Bend and Arkansas Bend do not require reservations and are open, but subject to capacity.
- LCRA Parks — You can swim at Muleshoe Bend, Lake Bastrop North Shore Park & Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, and Jessica Hollis Park.
- Beachside Billy’s Volente Beach boasts a beach and pool on Lake Travis with day-use admission fees.
- Lakeway City Park offers a small swimming area on the lake.
