During Austin’s endless summer, the temperature regularly climbs above 100 degrees, the sun is out for more than 12 hours, and you face a constant dilemma: Crank up the A/C and binge your millionth Netflix show, or go outside to enjoy all the activities Austin’s summer has to offer.
The former might be more comfortable, but the latter reaps greater rewards. So slather on the sunscreen and head outdoors to cool off in a spring-fed swimming hole, defy gravity and feel the air in your face, or enjoy the breeze as you catch a musical in the park.
Wakeboarding at Quest ATX
If you’ve been looking to try wakeboarding, there is no need to rent a boat for it. Quest ATX is the first and only cable wakeboard park in Austin. The facility has various rails, obstacles, and jumps for all levels: hardcore wakeboarders, casual enthusiasts, and first-timers. The park also hosts a summer camp for kids, plus non-wakeboarding activities like paddleboarding, rope swinging, and slides.
Barton Springs Pool
This crown jewel of Austin is part of Zilker Park, Austin’s 351-acre public park located in the middle of our city. Fed from underground springs, Barton Springs Pool‘s water stays a steady 68-70°F year-round. The people-watching is pretty great, too: Barton Springs attracts a diverse crowd of people, and the abundant grassy areas are perfect for lounging.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Also located within Zilker Park, the Zilker Botanical Garden presents – over 28 acres – a series of themed gardens joined through pathways with waterfalls, streams, and koi-filled ponds. Highlights include the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, butterfly trails, and a “prehistoric garden” filled with dinosaur sculptures. The garden is open to the public with a reservation system.
The Zilker Summer Musical
Bring a chair or a blanket from home and celebrate the magic of Broadway shows at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theatre at – you guessed it – Zilker Park. No tickets or reservations are required to enjoy one of the annual outdoor musicals put on by Zilker Theatre Productions; this year you can tap your toes to a production of Newsies, with performances running Thursdays-Sundays through Aug. 13. Coolers are allowed (no glass containers or alcohol), and a concession stand and rental chairs are available on-site.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Want to go flying? Only a 30-minute drive from downtown Austin, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers an aerial guided tour via some of the longest, fastest zip lines in Texas. After an exhilarating three-hour-long zip line experience coursing over canyons and Lake Travis, you can relax in hammocks, have a picnic, or go on a swim at their private lakefront property.
Find hundreds more things to do in Austin in The Austin Chronicle‘s events calendar. Coming in from out of town? Check out our Austin Visitors Guide.
This article appears in July 15 • 2022.