Summer is here, and there are so many things to get into all around Austin. From swimming holes to outdoor concerts and indoor activities, there are tons of ways to make it unforgettable. We made a list of 20 things to cross off your list to help celebrate the sunny season!
Catch a Free Performance of Matilda the Musical at Zilker
Matilda the Musical is coming to Zilker Park starting July 7th. From July 7th through August 12th, Zilker Theatre Productions will be performing Matilda at the park Thursdays-Sundays at 8:15 p.m. Matilda the Musical will be Zilker Theatre Production’s 64th Annual Zilker Summer Musical. Learn more about the show here.
Take a Water Taxi to Ski Shores
Our friends at Float On Boat Rentals will take you and your crew out to Ski Shores every Friday and Sunday with their Ski Shores Water Taxis. They’ll pick you up at the Walsh Boat Landing and bring you back when you’re done. Enjoy a 40-minute tour of Lake Austin along with free Watertight cocktails while on board. Book your ride here.
Cruise Around in Style With Retro Boats on Lady Bird Lake
Cruise around Lady Bird Lake in style with Retro Boats. These vintage fiberglass boats have been restored to their original jet-age beauty (1958–64), with mid-century retro cool colors, fins, and chrome details. The boats are super easy to drive and only go up to about 4.5 miles per hour so you can feel comfortable driving without any boating experience. The boats hold up to four people and are BYOB as long as your drinks aren’t in glass containers. Learn more and book your boat here.
Sip on $2 Margs at Doc’s
When temperatures reach $100 Doc’s Backyard Grill has you covered. Doc’s offers their frozen margaritas for only $2 anytime the temps reach 100+ degrees this summer.
Swim and Sun Bathe at Barton Springs
With water temperatures remaining around 68-70 degrees all year, Barton Springs is the perfect place to cool off during the summer. Barton Springs has both a free and paid side with free hours available in the early mornings and evenings. Find prices and hours here. Photo credit: @nicslevin
Hang out at Deep Eddy Pool and Pool Burger
One of our favorite ways to cool off is spending the day at Deep Eddy Pool and then walking over to Pool Burger for icy sips. Deep Eddy Pool is a man-made spring-fed pool and is open daily from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. There is a small fee to enter. Pool Burger is located just steps away serving up fresh burgers and fries, soft-serve ice cream, and tropical cocktails.
Try a Free Fitness or Yoga ClassÂ
Looking to get active this summer? Swift Fit Events puts on free fitness and yoga classes every week and weekend! Choose from downtown yoga at Republic Square, a strength and conditioning class at Fareground, early morning yoga at Boggy Creek Farm, and more. All of Swift Fit’s classes are free, open to all skill levels, and open to the public. See the full schedule and all the offerings here.
Hang at a Hotel Pool with ResortPass
Treat yourself to a little luxury by sippin’ and lounging poolside at some of the top hotel pools across the city. There are plenty of Austin hotels that allow non-guests to live a little and make a splash just for the day via ResortPass.
Make a Day Trip to Schlitterbahn
Perhaps Texas’ best-known water park, Schlitterbahn’s enormous water park is split into four sections with river rides, pools, waterslides, and “adventures from mild to wild” that will appeal to everyone. Every section of the park also has a swim-up bar, a “not-so-lazy river,” a children’s play area, and rides. Plus, Schlitterbahn allows guests to bring their own coolers with a picnic lunch.
Cool off With Sno beach
Sno Beach has been a summer Austin staple since 1993. Beat the heat at this shaved ice trailer serving up both classic and unique flavors like cantaloupe, coffee, sweet tea, and more.
Take a Dip in Krause Springs
Krause Springs is a camping and swimming site located in Spicewood, Texas about 30 miles west of Austin. There are 32 springs throughout the 115-acre property along with a manmade pool and natural pool that flows into Lake Travis. Food and drinks are allowed, while glass and pets are prohibited. It costs $10 to enter.
Grab Something Sweet at Zed’s Ice Cream
Zed’s Ice Cream is serving up unique creamy creations over on the east side. Zed’s ice cream is unique in that they use a blend of Tillamook vanilla soft serve swirled with fresh fruit from the Willamette Valley. Fruits include banana, pineapple, strawberry, blackberry, and blueberry with toppings like chamoy, honey, toasted coconut, Oreos, and more.
Explore Austin on the Water With Rowing Dock
Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard at Rowing Dock on Lady Bird Lake. All their transportation devices are dog-friendly so your pup can come with you to explore. Looking to get out on the water at sunset? Check out their Guided Bat Tour where you’ll get a picture-perfect view of over 1.5 million bats flying overhead. Learn more about all rentals here.
Indoor Mini Golf at Dirdie Birdie or Spare Birdie
Take cover from the sun and head indoors for a round or two of mini golf at Dirdie Birdie at the Domain or Spare Birdie in Cedar Park. Both places offer an extensive food and beverage menu so you can sip and snack while you get into a little friendly competition.
Experience a Concert at COTA’s Summer Concert Series
COTA just announced their lineup for their Summer Concert Series taking place at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin’s largest outdoor amphitheater. The venue is filled with rides, a ferris wheel, food and drink stands, and more. Find the full summer lineup here.
Sip on Giant Cowboy Hat Cocktail at Wax Myrtles
It’s pool party season, and Wax Myrtles throws a good one! Aside from this being a rooftop pool with amazing views, the food and drink offerings are also top-notch. Grab a group and order one of their giant cocktails served in acrylic cowboy hats and disco balls. The cocktails serve 4-6 people.
Shop for Seasonal Fruits and Veggies at a Local Farmers’ Market
As the seasons change, new fruits and veggies come into season, and with summer comes ripe watermelon, strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, corn, and much more. Austin has several farmers’ markets every weekend in different areas of the city where you can shop small and support our local farmers. Check out a list of Austin’s farmers’ markets, their hours, and where to find them here.
Pedal Kayaks on Lake Travis
Take a little trip out north and head to Lake Travis for the day. Austin Pedal Kayaks is located on Lake Travis and offers unique pedal kayaks that feel similar to biking on the water! Along with pedal kayaks, they also offer normal kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. They’re open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and are walk-up friendly. They also offer special sunset paddles that take off at 7:15 p.m. Learn more about Austin Pedal Kayaks and all they offer here.
See a Show During the Long Center’s Drop-In Concerts
The Drop-In is back at the Long Center with more music than ever. Now through August 10th, stop by the Long Center’s lawn on Thursdays for a free concert with the Austin skyline as the backdrop. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the tunes. Find the full summer schedule here.
Get Creative and Crafty at Upstairs Circus
Escape the heat and head indoors to grab a cold cocktail and try your hand at crafting at Upstairs Circus. Upstairs Circus is where a DIY workshop meets a cocktail bar. Choose from a menu of DIY projects, including woodworking, jewelry making, concrete work, painting, and much more. While you work, grab a cocktail (or three) from their bar. They offer happy hour specials and bottomless mimosas on the weekends. Learn more and make a reservation here.
