10 Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin
School’s out, sunscreen is on, and if you’re anything like me—you’re already wondering how to make the most of summer without hearing “I’m bored” before 10 a.m. Welcome to your go-to guide for the best things to do with kids this summer in Austin—a mix of creative, classic, and can’t-miss local adventures that are easy to plan and actually fun for grownups, too.
From lake days and library dates to GoPro-worthy moments (yep, I’ve got a tip for that), here’s how to soak up the sunshine with your crew and make this summer the one they talk about when they’re 35.
Start With a Summer Bucket List
We do this every year—and it’s always a favorite. We grab poster board, markers, and snacks (obviously), and sit down as a family to dream up what we want out of summer. From “eat popsicles every Friday” to “ride the train downtown,” it’s fun to see what your kids come up with—and even better to watch them light up when you actually check something off.
Some ideas to get you started:
-
Visit 3 new parks
-
Try every flavor at Amy’s Ice Creams
-
Go on a sunrise walk
-
Learn how to paddleboard
-
Book a lake photo session (just sayin’)
1. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Library Adventures
This place is basically a playground with books. The Austin Central Library is gorgeous, light-filled, and full of little corners that make exploring feel like a mini-adventure. The rooftop garden? Dreamy. The train-watching deck? A huge hit. And the kids’ section is packed with cozy reading nooks and hands-on exhibits.
Even better—join the Summer Reading Program. Your kids can earn prizes just for doing what they (hopefully) already love: reading. Afterwards, we usually grab a snack at True Food Kitchen or swing by Trader Joe’s for picnic fuel.
2. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Ride the Metro
Want a zero-effort adventure that feels like a big deal? Ride the train! Kids ride free on CapMetro all summer—and there’s something magical about letting your kids help plan the route and press the buttons. We love hopping off downtown for a scoop at Amy’s Ice Creams or watching the bats on the Congress Bridge.
Here’s how to ride with kids if you want the full scoop.
3. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Typhoon Texas
Located in Cedar Park, Typhoon Texas is big enough to keep kids entertained but not so huge you lose track of everyone. Think slides, splash zones, a lazy river, and yes—you will get soaked. No outside food allowed, so we like to eat before we go and arrive right at opening.
Pro Tip: Costco often has discounted tickets that include Fast Passes (worth it if you’ve got impatient kids or want to skip the heatstroke in line).
4. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Emma Long Metropolitan Park
One of my favorite summer hacks: Emma Long Park on Lake Austin. There’s plenty of room to spread out, jump off the dock, and play in the shade. We bring the kids’ kayak, some camp chairs, and a cooler full of lunch and LaCroix.
The docks on either side are the perfect height to leap off …for the adventure seekers in your family! Ours call it the “jumping lake,” and it’s become a summer tradition.
🛶 Book in advance here: Emma Long Reservations
5. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Quest ATX Cable Park
If your kids are a little older and looking for thrills, Quest ATX is so fun. This wakeboard cable park has retro summer camp energy in all the best ways—think inflatable obstacle course, hillside slides, and just enough challenge to feel like a big-kid adventure.
We usually head out after 2 PM to avoid the camp crowd. Bring snacks, towels, and your brave face.
🎯 Check out the camps + schedule
6. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Ski Shores Cafe
If you want a chill dinner (lunch or even breakfast) spot that lets the kids play and gives you a gorgeous lake view, Ski Shores Café is your answer. Tucked off the beaten path, this iconic Austin hangout has burgers, live music, shaded seating, and even a pickleball court.
Our kids like feeding the ducks while we sip a margarita. Win-win.
7. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Central Market Cooking Classes
When it’s too hot to think straight, air conditioning + food always saves the day. Central Market’s hands-on kids’ cooking classes are a fun way to beat the heat and sneak in some learning (shhh, don’t tell them). They’ll learn knife skills, taste new things, and maybe even be excited to help with dinner.
Spots fill fast, so check the schedule early on the Central Market website.
8. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Tesla Trucks + Plane Spotting
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Got a car kid or an airplane lover? Head out to the Tesla Gigafactory and let them marvel at the massive trucks outside (hats off to my client who gave me the idea and said she does this with her Tesla Truck obsessed toddler all of the time). Or post up in Austin-Bergstrom Airport family and friends viewing area and watch planes take off and land—it’s a thrill for toddlers and surprisingly peaceful for adults. I know from experience because I’ve taken my oldest who wants to be a pilot and we watched landings and take-offs for hours!!
9. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Paddle Boarding Downtown
This is a summer rite of passage. We love renting paddleboards or tandem kayaks downtown (we usually go with The Rowing Dock) and cruising the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake. The city skyline view is stunning, and it’s an easy, active way to spend a couple of hours.
Bring snacks, hats, and water shoes. And don’t forget to check the wind—trust me on this one.
10. Best Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Austin: Rock’N River Water Park
If you’ve got little kids and want a low-stress water day, Rock’N River in Round Rock is such a gem. It’s affordable, clean, and sized just right for early elementary and toddler fun. Lazy river? Check. Tiny slides? You bet. Shaded spots for snacks and reapplying sunscreen? Thank goodness.
Don’t Forget to Capture Your Summer
I never go anywhere in summer without our GoPro. Whether we’re jumping off docks or tubing down a river, it’s the easiest way to snag those epic “how is this real life” photos. I created a quick-start GoPro Guide for parents who want to get better shots—without needing a photography degree. It’s just $27 and packed with tricks I use for my own family.
Bonus: Sun Bum Deal
We love Sun Bum sunscreen in our house, and right now you can grab 40% off with code Vuori40 on their website. It might not last long—so stock up while you can!
📸 Book a Summer Session (Before They’re Gone!)
Want to capture this golden, goofy, sun-drenched season with your people? I just released summer dates for my two most popular photography offerings:
✨ Lake Sessions
Think kids jumping into the water, belly laughs, sunset light, and photos that feel like real life—not just posed perfection. These are some of my favorite sessions to shoot, and they book up quickly. It’s summer storytelling at its best.
🌿 Small Sessions
Perfect for quick family updates, milestone moments, or just getting one good photo with everyone smiling. These 20-minute sessions are offered through June and give you 20 beautiful images—with the option to purchase more if you fall in love with them (you will).
📅 Ready to book your summer session? Head here to see available dates + details
If you made it this far—you’re clearly ready to make this summer one for the books. Whether you’re chasing toddlers through splash pads or sneaking away for golden hour lake portraits, remember: it doesn’t have to be big or fancy to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s just about showing up, saying yes, and making memories in the moment.
Happy summer, friend. You’ve got this.
