School is out! And with so many great activities for kids, it’s easy to see why Austin is such a great vacation spot for families. Here is our list of the top five family-friendly things to do in Austin this summer.

Aerial photo of Blues on the Green with downtown skyline in the background.
Blues on the Green. Credit Ryan Conine.

1. Jam Out at a Kid-Friendly Concert

Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World®, and that's not limited to adults. Austin has several options for the whole family to enjoy shows played by local musicians. Pack a picnic blanket and lay out on the lawn for free summer concert series like Blues on the Green (dates to be announced) or The Drop In (dates to be announced). If your schedule doesn't align with our summer events, check out family-friendly music venues like the relaxed Oak Garden at Guero's or Meanwhile Brewing's backyard, complete with a soccer field and kids' play area. 

Birds-eye-view of pathways and playscapes at Alliance Children's Garden in Butler Park.
Alliance Children's Garden. Courtesy of City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department.

2. Play in Austin’s Parks

Let the kids roam free at one of Austin’s many green spaces. Alliance Children’s Garden is a two-acre playscape with play experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities. Hang out while the kiddos jump on the backs of larger-than-life salamanders, traverse the climbing walls and net, perform on musical elements, and more. You’ll find another favorite park less than ten minutes down the road. Families could spend a whole day just in the Zilker Park area. Explore the Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature & Science Center, and UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum. Paddle around Barton Creek or Lady Bird Lake on a canoe or Kayak from Zilker Park Boat Rentals. After your big adventure, stop by the nearby food trailer park, The Picnic, and eat from one of the several food trucks.

Adults and children playing in and along the banks of Barton Springs Pool.Barton Springs Pool. Credit Cindy Bolanos.

3. Cool Off at a Swimming Hole

Fed by natural springs that keep the water a refreshing 68 degrees year-round, there's no better place for families to beat the heat than Barton Springs Pool, also located in Zilker Park. The huge Deep Eddy Pool is the state’s oldest pool and offers a more traditional public pool experience for lap and recreational public pool experience for lap swimming and recreational swimming in the center of Austin.

Family of four strolling across a crosswalk on South Congress Avenue with Texas State Capitol and Austin Motel in the background.South Congress Avenue. Credit @liz_granados_ on Instagram.

4. Stroll Around South Congress

Families love visiting South Congress Avenue. Head to the colorful strip of restaurants, shops, and murals for the afternoon. Some kid favorites include Big Top Candy Shop, Uncommon Objects, Amy’s Ice Creams, Home Slice, and Torchy’s Tacos. When it starts to get dark, head north towards the Congress Avenue Bridge to see the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk (spring-fall).

Children playing at Thinkery museum in austin texasCourtesy of Thinkery.

5. Escape the Heat in Mueller

Another area of town that has many options for families is Mueller. Head indoors to explore Austin's children's museum, the Thinkery. Here, kids can enjoy play-based, hands-on exhibits and programs six days a week. Then, head across the street to the Mueller Lake Park and playground to run off some extra steam. For lunch, enjoy food and a movie at Alamo Drafthouse. Also within Mueller are many restaurants, shops, and a Sunday farmer’s market.

Two children flying down parallel zip lines towards rolling hills and Lake Travis.Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Courtesy of Lake Travis Zip Line.

6. Delight in a Lake Day

In the hot summer months, head to Lake Travis for a family adventure on the water. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures will take you and your kids on a thrilling journey through Texas' picturesque Hill Country. Pack a picnic, rent a boat, and relax on the water. Austin’s Boat Tours has a huge range of options from speed boats to pontoon rentals, jet skis to party barges. End the evening at The Oasis for a family-friendly dinner and an amazing sunset.

Family plays at the indoor waterpark at Kalahari Round Rock TexasCourtesy of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions.

7. Vacay at a Resort

Spend some quality time with the family at one of these tucked-away gems and lakeside retreats for adventure, fresh air, and fine dining for the whole family. Splash around at America’s largest indoor waterpark in Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. The authentically African-themed resort brings a number of options for family fun, including wet and wild adventures at the indoor waterpark and arcade games and rides in their indoor theme park. The all-under-one-roof experience offers world-class dining, a luxurious spa, live entertainment, and diverse shopping experiences. Sink into spacious and luxurious accommodations with lavish beds and charming Southern décor at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. Golfers, novice to pro, will love the four spectacular onsite championship golf courses and kids have their own resort pool complete with waitstaff to bring family-friendly snacks. Omni Barton Creek recently underwent an extensive renovation which included the addition of a new resort tower with sweeping views of the Hill Country, an expanded pool-scape, a new tennis complex, a new golf clubhouse, and additional golf course renovations. Additional highlights include seven restaurants, including a coffee shop, pool grill, seafood restaurant, and a Bob's Steak & Chop House.

Want more info on things to do in Austin with your family? Check out our other resources on the Austin Insider Blog.