https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/chronolog/2014-05-20/summer-fun-obviously-its-not-summer-without-them/

Summer Fun: Obviously, It's Not Summer Without Them…

By David Estlund, May 20, 2014, 10:00am, Chronolog

Each year, we make decisions about the focus of Summer Fun, where to draw the line, etc. We can't include everyone. But that doesn't make the classics any less worthy of our, or more importantly, your attention. Here are 10 perennial hotspots every newly minted and cynical ol' Austinite should know about. But, shhhhh, don't tell anyone…

Hamilton Pool This is the swimming hole we probably shouldn't have mentioned. Just forget it exists. Make sure everyone else forgets too, and then we can start going back.
Barton Springs It's fresh, it's cold, and it's packed on a hot summer day, but there's always room for a few more. For extra oomph, visit during a full moon on a steamy summer night, preferably wearing season-appropriate ninja and/or pirate gear.
Barton Creek Greenbelt Get your hike on, and on lucky days, a swimming hole or two might appear when the weather's right and the proper incantations are recited. Fear of dogs or bicycles might make this destination a no-go, but intrepid adventurers, sally forth!
Lady Bird Lake There are better (cleaner) options for swimming, but the lake bisecting Austin features abundant boat and raft rental options for an afternoon cruise.
McKinney Falls State Park For the real outdoor adventurers, this full-on wilderness destination is right around the corner.
Hippie Hollow Texas' only clothing-optional beach is nowhere to be found along the Gulf Coast; it's right here on Lake Travis, and, for the uninhibited, worth a visit, especially during Splash Days.
Krause Springs It's a park life escape, with dozens of spots for outdoor play and swimming, and a butterfly garden, natch.
Movies in the Park Just as it says on the tin, it's free movies in Republic Square Park, presented by the Alamo Drafthouse and the Austin Parks Foundation.
Zilker Summer Musicals This year to feature dream ballet and a surrey with a fringe on top.
Bicycling, like, everywhere Austin has hundreds of interconnected bike trails and off-the-beaten-path bicycle routes, which together make biking a fairly safe, definitely fun, and relatively quick transportation option. It's like flying with wheels!