The heat is on. Staying cool during long hot Texas summer days is top priority. Despite the summer heat there’s plenty of great ways to stay cool. Jump start your summer with our ultimate guide to some great Austin area activities for your best summer ever. On your mark, get set, ENJOY!
Create your own culinary tour
If you like to eat and who doesn’t, summer is the ideal time to wanderlust through Central Texas and taste-test a delectable destination restaurant. After all, travel and food go hand-in-hand. You just can’t do one without the other. Grab a few of your besties and hit the culinary road out of town to 7 Central Texas Destination Restaurants Worth the Trip.
Check out events at your local library
Most often they are free especially if have a library card. But many times you don’t even need one. Free programs and age-appropriate events are the many benefits of public libraries. Summer reading programs with free prizes and incentives for active participation entice kindergarteners to high schoolers. Check your local library for a list of family afternoon movies. Both the movie and air conditioning are free. If you have never visited Austin’s Central Library you’re in for a treat. With the kids in tow make a day of it exploring all its glorious nooks and crannies. Its children’s area is on the third floor and bustling with activities. There’s also a plethora of great adult activities too. Take time out for lunch at the library’s CookBook Bar & Cafe, a quaint little spot with a well-rounded menu.
Explore the current exhibit at the Austin History Center
Did you know streetcars were a major source of transportation in Austin from 1875 to 1940? Explore this historical fact in detail at the Austin History Center’s current exhibit titled Off the Rails: The Rise and Fall of Austin’s Streetcars. Through photographs and documented exhibits discover the impact that the transit systems had on the city’s growth and development. The exhibit run through the end of summer. Admission is free. For additional information about current and future exhibits click here.
Find your happy medium at the Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton is a treasure trove of 18,000 curated pieces of art that transcends across the ages. Discover works from ancient Greek pottery to European paintings to abstract expressionism, and a fine collection of modern and contemporary American and Latin American Art. Through the end of July the museum celebrates summer with its Fridays Late Till 8 series. The late night series ends on July 26 by marking the opening of Blanton B Scene: A Love Supreme celebrating “Jeffrey Gibson: This is the Day.” Art, music, food, dancing and fun are on tap during the four-hour long celebration. It begins at 6 p.m. Members can attend for free; $15 for the general public.
Go down under
Take a tour at Inner Space Caverns. This underground cave is the ultimate destination to ward off summertime heat. Three unique tours are available. They vary by activity level and price. However, each tour covers the history and discovery of the cavern while viewing incredible rock formations. Temperature-wise its 72 degrees with approximately 98% humidity but you won’t break a sweat. With its convenient location off of I-35 in Georgetown, Inner Space Caverns is also very accessible. Check out their Texas Cave Trail passport series for an unforgettable experience.
Participate in Kids Bowl Free
This national program is co-sponsored by local participating bowling centers and school districts. The idea behind the effort is to give back to the community and provide kids under the age of 13 with a safe way to spend their summer vacation. Kids must register but there’s no fee to do so. Once registered kids can bowl two free games every day during the summer for free. A fee is required for shoe rental only. It’s great family fun at a very reasonable price. Check the website for participating bowling centers.
Pay homage to Lady Bird Johnson
On July 27 the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center honors its namesake and founder with a free event for the entire family. They are inviting the public to take part in Lady Bird Day an annual celebration that recognizes Mrs. Johnson’s environmental legacy and the legislation she inspired. The day-long festival begins at 9 a.m. Activities, crafts, seminars, and workshops for all ages.
Visit Travisso on your next Sunday drive to the hill country
Travisso, is a place to explore; a place to relax; a place to call home. Discover over-the-top amenities, fabulous home designs, natural beauty, and the Palazzo, our 9,000 square-foot award-winning clubhouse. When here explore our premier builders and our new neighborhoods and new model homes. Your personal oasis in the Texas hill country is waiting. Additional information is available by contacting 512-243-8583.
