Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Greater Austin

Feeling stuck and as if there is nothing to do can be one of the WORST feelings during summertime. On the flip side, Austin is home to some of the most beautiful lakes, scenic routes, and events that it might even feel overwhelming. So, where should you start? You can read this list, bookmark it and head back to it when you’re feeling stuck again.

First things first: Austin’s amazing lake life! Our famous Lady Bird Lake is home to SUP (Stand Up Paddle-boarding), kayaking, canoeing and tubing. This makes for a fun weekday or weekend activity for family and friends! You can also take advantage of any of these activities on Lake Austin, or if you live a little further out west, Lake Travis. The water is warm and usually, the weather is absolutely beautiful to make any day a lake day.

Next, go to a park or walk on a nature trail. Downtown Austin has a trail that wraps around Lady Bird Lake and goes on for 9 miles. It’s a beautiful trail with amazing views of the skyline, and was a lifesaver for so many during quarantine. We recommend you take your dog or grab a friend and go for a jog, but remember to do so at a time that isn’t going to be extremely hot. The weather and temperatures out here in Austin fluctuate all the time, but mid-late afternoons can be scorching hot.

Right next to this trail is Zilker Park, Austin’s most well known park. Home to Blues on the Greens and Austin City Limits, this park is the perfect place to gather friends and have a picnic or play spike ball. We absolutely love going to Zilker after work or in the early morning for some yoga. There is never a bad time to go, but get there early to use the sport courts – they fill up fast! The kids will love Austin Nature & Science Center. The ANSC provides hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, they are dedicated to the exploration of the natural world.

Lastly, depending on the time you’re visiting Austin (or if you live here) will determine what events are going on. Usually in the later months of the year are when Austin City Limits and Blues on the Green take place, but there’s also live music and random pop-up events that happen continuously throughout the year. 

There’s never a dull moment here and there’s always something to do. If nature isn’t your thing, go to the Domain where there are hundreds of shops and restaurants, or you can rent a bike or scooter to bop around our city. Austin is one of the most diverse cities when it comes to activities and that’s why we can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Need to get out of the city and into the ‘burbs?

• Brushy Creek Lake Park is set around a 38-acre lake with 16 miles of trails, a playground, fishing pier & wildlife viewing area. The Mobile Kayak is there for all your paddle-boarding and kayaking needs!
• Lake Georgetown is beautiful with a great trail system. Use Overlook Park for good trail access and popular fishing points. There are a few picnic tables there!
• Garey Park in Georgetown amenities include a playground, a splash pad, a dog park, an equestrian arena, fishing ponds, the Garey House event facility, pavilions, picnic shelters, and more than 7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Heads up – there is an admission fee to enjoy the park!
• Robin Bledsoe Park in Leander is a 16-acre park that offers lighted multipurpose synthetic fields, a playscape, swimming pool, splash pad for the littles, pavilion (available for rent), BBQ grills, concessions, restrooms, lighted outdoor basketball court, amphitheater, and a walking trail!

Need some indoor activities to do?

• Austin Aquarium
• The Georgetown Palace Theater
• The Thinkery
• Indigo Play
• Altitude Trampoline Park
• iFly
• Bullock Texas State History Museum

Check back in for new blog posts throughout the month. We want to be your one and only resource whether that may be with home improvement tips, things to know or activities to do!