Here’s a list of summer activities to do with kids in Austin, TX–for those of us who can’t stand the heat and those who don’t mind a little sunstroke now and again.
In June of 2009, my two year old lay down on the shaded platform with his sweaty head on his hands. When I asked if he wanted to slide anymore, he responded, “Too hot,” so I started looking for things to do inside or with water. Here’s what we’ve found so far.
Inside
- Austin Children’s Museum
- Austin Libraries (Free)
- Bookpeople Storytime (Free)
- Bouncy Castles and other Jumping at Locomotion, Wazoos, Jumpoline (parents get to jump too at Jumpoline).
Outside
- Austin Nature and Science Center (Free)
- Pick Your Own Fruit
- Wild Basin Preserve
- Zilker Botanical Gardens
Amusement Parks & Games
- Austin’s Park Lazer tag, all you can eat, mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, rock walls, video games – (Specials on Tuesdays & Thursdays)
- Kiddie Acres Amusement Park for Under 10 year olds
- Peter Pan Mini Golf
- Playland Skate
- Round Rock Express Games
- Westgate Lanes Bowling
Caves
Music
- Austin Summer Musical
- Bob Bullock Museum: Music Under the Stars Fridays in July
- Children’s Day Art Park June 13 – July 25
- Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park June 3 – August 26
Water
- Austin Pools & Splash Pads
- Best Swimming Holes in Texas
- Canoe and Boat Rental
- Deep Eddy Splash Movies
- Glass Bottom Boats at Aquarena Springs
- Lonestar Riverboat Cruises
- Seaworld San Antonio Aquatica Waterpark
- Schlitterbahn
- Shore Club Volente Beach
- Tube San Marcos
For updates on free events, check out Free Fun in Austin
Have a fun summer and don’t forget sunblock and water! If you have any additions or corrections, please comment below.
Posted on June 11th, 2012 in 
Summer Kids Camp at Alamo Drafthouse. Free Movies every week at the Alamo South Lamar and Village at 11 AM. http://www.originalalamo.com/Signature.aspx?id=35
Thanks for the suggestion! Yea for indoor activities.
Thanks for this list! I’m always trying to figure out what to do with my 16 month old and so far we’ve come up with stay indoors with the a/c on…
quick question – where is there a barnes and nobles with the train table? I’ve only been to the one in the arboreteum and i don’t believe they have one?
Thanks!
Brodie and 290 has a train table. If you’re up north, go to Terra Toys on Anderson Lane for their train table.
wow great list . personally Id have to say that I find the nature and science center isnt on my top 10 list but apart from that good stuff
I’m not crazy about the Nature and Science center either, but my kid likes it. What is on your top 10?
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