Ways to Stay Cool in Austin During the Summer

Austin, Texas, is well-known for its scorching hot summers. Temperatures can easily reach the upper 90s throughout June, July and August. When exploring Austin during this season, it is essential to keep cool, drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the heat. 

Thankfully, there are many ways you and your family can stay cool and enjoy Austin during the summer. Whether you decide to visit a water hole, cool down in a museum or explore an interesting cave, you can handle the heat and make special memories together. 

Here are five ideas for what to do in Austin when it’s hot. 

Cool off at a Water Hole

Swimming is one of the best solutions to stay cool in hot weather. Austin is full of fun, family-friendly swimming holes and natural springs where you can cool off and enjoy a hot summer day. 

Here are a few spots to consider visiting this summer: 

• Barton Springs: Located near downtown Austin, this beautiful natural spring pool stays cool all summer long. There are shady trees for parents who would rather read or rest while their kids swim.
• Deep Eddy: Known as the oldest natural swimming pool in Texas, Deep Eddy is a must-visit while in Austin. It is also located near downtown. 
• Sculpture Falls: This Austin water hole includes a 3.2-mile hike out and back. Most of the trail is shaded, and this location is dog-friendly!

Because these swimming holes are fed by natural springs, they stay cool even in the heat of summer. It is incredibly refreshing to jump into one of these water holes during the summer season. 

However, before visiting any of these locations, for the heat. Have plenty of water for each person in your family, and drink extra water before heading outside. 

Chill in a Museum

If being outside is too much for your family, why not enjoy Austin from inside an air-conditioned building? Hot summer days are a great opportunity to visit one of the many museums in Austin, Texas, and learn more about the area. 

Consider these museums when you need to cool down: 

• Bullock Texas State History Museum: Learn more about at this fun museum. Enjoy its displays and IMAX theater. 
• Blanton Museum of Art: Visit, cool down and explore art with your family. Admission is free on Tuesdays!
• Elisabet Ney Museum: This fascinating museum celebrates the life and work of Elisabet Ney, a famous sculptor. Enjoy learning about her art from inside her home. If it is cool enough, you can also explore the grounds.

There are many other fun and interesting museums if you're looking for things to do indoors in Austin, TX. If your family loves museums, take the time to check them out. Exploring a museum is the perfect way to keep cool during hot summer days, especially in the afternoon when the air outside has had time to heat up. 

Take a Cave Tour

If you are looking for cool places to visit near Austin in summer, why not check out cave tours? This activity is perfect for hot summer weather since it takes you underground and out of the heat. Here are several interesting caves you can explore with your family this year: 

• Inner Space Cavern: Located about 30 minutes north of Austin, this cavern is full of stalactites and stalagmites and can be explored with guided tours. 
• Cave Without a Name: This cave is located almost two hours away from Austin. However, it is refreshingly cool inside and even hosts music performances underground. Call for reservations before heading there!
• Longhorn Cavern State Park: About 90 minutes from Austin, this cavern system is also a fantastic place to take a guided tour with your family. Described as the National Cave of Texas, this cave has a particularly fascinating history. 

For families who love nature but would rather avoid the heat, going caving is a wonderful without breaking a sweat. Enjoy the cooler temperatures underground while learning more about this part of the world. 

Splash at a Water Park

If you have young children, head to a nearby water park to stay cool in the hot weather. This is a great activity for staying active and burning energy without getting overheated. Your kids will have the time of their lives. 

Here are a few water parks in or near Austin you can check out: 

• Typhoon Texas Waterpark: This Austin water park includes a lazy river, slides, a kid play area and more. This is your quintessential water park!
• Schlitterbahn: About an hour from Austin, this water park is well-known and well-loved in Texas. If your kids love playing in water, this location is something you should not miss.
• Volente Beach: About 40 minutes from Austin at Lake Travis, Volente Beach offers waterslides, swimming pools and beach volleyball. While the lake levels vary, you can always enjoy a swim in the pool.

When visiting water parks, always often to protect against sunburn. You can also protect your skin by wearing light, long-sleeved clothing and a hat. Before you head out, always check the weather to ensure you are prepared for that day’s conditions. 

Relax in the Theater

If you are looking for more things to do indoors in Austin, TX, consider taking your family to relax in a cool movie theater. During the heat of the day, you can chill inside a dark room with popcorn and a good story. 

Here are a few theaters to consider: 

• Paramount Theatre: You can find this historic theater downtown. It hosts a ideal for families keeping cool in the summer.
• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: This theater is well-known for its good food and draft beers. It is geared toward adults, although there are some special kid showings.
• Violet Crown Cinema: Also located downtown, this theater is a great place to watch documentaries, indie films and popular releases. This venue has excellent snacks and is designed to bring the community together.

When your family gets tired from being outside in the heat, head to the movies. This relaxing experience helps you stay cool and refreshed even in the heat of an Austin summer. 

Explore Austin From Austin East KOA Holiday

Looking for a home base to explore Austin? Reserve a site at Austin East KOA Holiday. Conveniently located in East Austin, this campground offers a variety of campsites, including RV Sites, cabin lodging and Tent Sites to suit your needs. 

The amenities at Austin East KOA Holiday include a dog park, Wi-Fi, a giant sandbox and a pool for campers through the summer. This is the perfect place to rest between adventures and make memories as a family this summer. Reserve your spot today and enjoy the many fun indoor things to do in Austin!