Austin's Best Summer Activities - 2025 Edition
With summer in full swing, those summer doldrums can kick in fast without planning. Keenan Group, Northwest Austin's number one REALTORs, has rounded up a great group of summer activities for inspiration!
💦 COOL OFF: AUSTIN'S TOP SWIMMING SPOTS
Barton Springs
Located in Zilker Park, Barton Springs is 3-acre natural spring that stays a cool 68 degrees year-round. There are diving boards, a large shallow area, public restrooms, and several lifeguards.
Neighborhood Pools & Splash Pads
The Austin Parks and Recreation Aquatic Division operates 44 public aquatic facilities, which includes 7 Regional pools, 3 Community pools, 22 Neighborhood pools, 1 Wading pool, Barton Springs Pool and 10 splash pads. They also offer instructional programs such as Swim Team, lifeguard and water safety training and youth and adult swim lessons.
NEW FOR 2025: Waterloo Waterpark
Austin's newest aquatic attraction, Waterloo Waterpark, opens this summer featuring state-of-the-art water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. The park incorporates sustainable water practices and offers stunning Hill Country views. Perfect for families looking for a full day of water adventures!
🎨 KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD: UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is...a cathedral made of junk. Scraps have been painstakingly assembled into a magnificent visual attraction. This is the Junk King's backyard so make sure to call first to set up an appointment at (512) 299-7413.
Dinosaur Park
Check out the Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek, TX. Take a tour through the park grounds and marvel at how insanely big and awesome these long-extinct titans of the earth were.
NEW FOR 2025: Museum of Illusions Austin
The Museum of Illusions opens its Austin location in June 2025, bringing mind-bending optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits that challenge your perception. Located in the heart of downtown, it's the perfect air-conditioned escape on those scorching summer days!
🍦 SWEET TREATS: COOL DOWN WITH THESE DELIGHTS
Amy's Ice Cream
Amy's Ice Cream is an Austin original. They provide an abundance of flavors, over 350 to be exact, including a few options for the non-dairy folks. The ice cream wizards at Amy's will customize any flavor with toppings of your choice mixed in while you watch. Sweet Cream Vanilla with strawberries is Cara's favorite! Joe recommends Belgian Chocolate with peanut butter cups, or a hot fudge sundae in a cup. Yum!
Casey's New Orleans Snowballs
Casey's New Orleans Snowballs is a staple of the Austin hot-weather months with 60+ snowball flavors (featuring made-in-house simple syrup), and two classic picks in particular: chocolate and cream. Delicious! You haven't had a sno cone until you've tried Casey's delicious light-as-snow concoctions!
Loro
We couldn't leave out the adults! Loro, with locations on S. Lamar and at the Domain, purveys the ultra-delicious and refreshing Boozy Slushees. They have rotating flavors like Gin & Tonic, Frozen Peach Aperol Spritz, Mango Sake, Vietnamese Coffee, Pina Horchata (zero proof), and Killer Colada. Don't stress about deciding which you want to try, because you can try any three with their Slushee Flight.
NEW FOR 2025: Frost & Fire Ice Cream
Frost & Fire brings a unique twist to Austin's dessert scene with their spicy-cold combinations. Try their signature Mango Habanero or the Dark Chocolate Chipotle for an unforgettable taste experience. Their new food truck park location in East Austin also hosts live music on weekend evenings.
🎵 SUMMER FESTIVALS & EVENTS: 2025 HIGHLIGHTS
Blues on the Green
Blues on the Green returns to Zilker Park with an expanded summer lineup for 2025. This free concert series features both local Austin talent and national touring acts. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy music under the stars on select Wednesday evenings throughout the summer.
Bat Watching at Congress Avenue Bridge
A quintessential Austin experience! Every summer evening, watch as approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. For 2025, the Bat Conservation Alliance has introduced new viewing platforms and educational exhibits to enhance this natural spectacle.
Barton Creek Farmers Market
The Barton Creek Farmers Market has expanded for 2025 with more local vendors, cooking demonstrations, and live music. Open Saturday mornings, it's the perfect way to start your weekend with fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods from Central Texas producers.
🌿 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: EXPLORE AUSTIN'S NATURAL BEAUTY
Lady Bird Lake Paddleboarding
Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore Lady Bird Lake for breathtaking views of the Austin skyline. For 2025, Congress Avenue Kayaks offers new sunset tours with LED-lit paddleboards creating a magical evening experience on the water.
Violet Crown Trail
The Violet Crown Trail has added new sections for 2025, making it Austin's longest trail system. Stretching from Zilker Park through the Barton Creek Greenbelt and beyond, the trail offers everything from easy urban paths to challenging wilderness hiking. The newly completed South Austin extension connects previously isolated green spaces.
McKinney Falls State Park
Just 13 miles from downtown, McKinney Falls State Park offers swimming, hiking, and camping opportunities. For summer 2025, they've introduced new guided night hikes where you can discover the park's nocturnal wildlife and enjoy star gazing away from city lights.
🏛️ INDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR BEATING THE HEAT
Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art unveils its "Austin in Motion" exhibit for summer 2025, celebrating the city's dynamic growth through various artistic mediums. Enjoy the air conditioning while exploring works from local and international artists that capture Austin's unique spirit and evolution.
Alamo Drafthouse Summer Film Series
The beloved Alamo Drafthouse introduces its "Texas Heat" summer film series for 2025, featuring movies filmed in or about Texas, accompanied by themed menus and special guest appearances from filmmakers. Perfect for those days when the temperature climbs above 100!
NEW FOR 2025: Reality Labs VR Arcade
Reality Labs (website: TBD) opens in the Domain this summer, offering state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences. From tropical beach simulations to space adventures, you can escape the Texas heat while immersing yourself in fantastical worlds. Their multiplayer arenas make this a great option for group outings.
🌙 AUSTIN AFTER DARK - SUMMER NIGHTLIFE 2025
Rainey Street Live Music Gardens
The newly developed Rainey Street Live Music Gardens (website: TBD) transforms this popular district with outdoor performances spaces designed to maximize evening breezes. Enjoy local bands, craft cocktails, and food trucks in this reimagined entertainment zone.
Zilker Hillside Theater
The Zilker Hillside Theater presents free performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" throughout July 2025. Bring lawn chairs, pack a dinner, and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars in this beautiful outdoor venue.
Moonlight Kayak Tours on Lady Bird Lake
Experience Austin from a different perspective with Live Love Paddle's moonlight kayak tours. For 2025, they've added special full moon paddles with floating musicians performing ambient music as you glide through the water.
🏡 YOUR AUSTIN REAL ESTATE EXPERTS
At Keenan Group, we believe in helping you make the most of Austin living in every season. Whether you're a longtime local or just moved to our beautiful city, we hope this guide inspires memorable summer adventures! Need real estate advice or looking to make Austin your permanent home? Contact us at (512) 415-7653 or visit www.TheKeenanGroup.com to learn how we can help you build your Austin legacy.
Address: 4206 Venado Dr, Austin, TX 78731
