1. Take a Dip in Barton Springs Pool
This legendary, spring-fed pool stays at a refreshing 68 degrees year-round. It’s the ultimate spot to dive in, float under the sun, and reset your body temperature instantly.
This legendary, spring-fed pool stays at a refreshing 68 degrees year-round. It’s the ultimate spot to dive in, float under the sun, and reset your body temperature instantly.
2. Dine Lakeside at Ski Shores Café
Escape the concrete and unwind on the shaded deck of Ski Shores. Grab a burger, sip something icy, and enjoy the cool breeze off Lake Austin — it’s classic summer done right.
Escape the concrete and unwind on the shaded deck of Ski Shores. Grab a burger, sip something icy, and enjoy the cool breeze off Lake Austin — it’s classic summer done right.
3. Paddleboard or Kayak on Lady Bird Lake
Get a little exercise while you cool off with a morning or sunset paddle. Rentals are easy to find, and the views of downtown from the water are unbeatable.
Get a little exercise while you cool off with a morning or sunset paddle. Rentals are easy to find, and the views of downtown from the water are unbeatable.
4. Chill at a Rooftop Bar with Frozen Cocktails
Head to Upstairs at Caroline or Geraldine’s at Hotel Van Zandt for icy drinks and great views. Misters and shade make rooftop lounging surprisingly refreshing.
Head to Upstairs at Caroline or Geraldine’s at Hotel Van Zandt for icy drinks and great views. Misters and shade make rooftop lounging surprisingly refreshing.
5. Get Lost in BookPeople or a Cool Coffee Shop
Spend a lazy afternoon browsing the shelves at BookPeople or hanging out at a local coffee shop like Summer Moon. The AC is strong and the vibe is always cozy.
Spend a lazy afternoon browsing the shelves at BookPeople or hanging out at a local coffee shop like Summer Moon. The AC is strong and the vibe is always cozy.
6. Visit Deep Eddy Pool
A quieter alternative to Barton Springs, Deep Eddy is great for lap swimmers and families alike. Bonus: It’s one of the oldest pools in Texas.
A quieter alternative to Barton Springs, Deep Eddy is great for lap swimmers and families alike. Bonus: It’s one of the oldest pools in Texas.
7. Kid-Friendly – Splash Pad at Domain NORTHSIDE
Free and full of fountains, the splash pad at Domain NORTHSIDE is perfect for little ones to cool off. Parents can relax nearby with snacks or coffee from local spots.
Free and full of fountains, the splash pad at Domain NORTHSIDE is perfect for little ones to cool off. Parents can relax nearby with snacks or coffee from local spots.
8. Kid-Friendly – Spend the Day at Thinkery
Austin’s interactive children’s museum is loaded with STEM-based exhibits and a water-themed outdoor play area. It’s educational, engaging, and ice-cold inside.
Austin’s interactive children’s museum is loaded with STEM-based exhibits and a water-themed outdoor play area. It’s educational, engaging, and ice-cold inside.
9. Kid-Friendly – Jump Indoors at Urban Air or Altitude Trampoline Park
For a high-energy way to beat the heat, trampoline parks are a win. Kids can climb, bounce, and play hard — all in air-conditioned comfort.
For a high-energy way to beat the heat, trampoline parks are a win. Kids can climb, bounce, and play hard — all in air-conditioned comfort.
10. Take a Quick Trip to SeaWorld San Antonio
Just 45 minutes south, SeaWorld offers splash zones, water rides, and aquatic animal shows. It’s a full-day adventure with enough water features to keep the whole family cool.
Just 45 minutes south, SeaWorld offers splash zones, water rides, and aquatic animal shows. It’s a full-day adventure with enough water features to keep the whole family cool.
Love where you live:Whether you're looking for a relaxing lakeside meal, a cultural escape, or a fun family outing, Austin has you covered. With these 10 options, staying cool can be the most fun part of your summer.
