Austin · With kids
WITH KIDS
Spring-fed swimming, a bat colony and a children's museum — arranged around avoiding the afternoon heat.
Thinkery children’s museum
The city children's museum in Mueller, with water tables, a light lab and an outdoor yard. Aimed at ages one to nine; book weekend slots ahead.
Barton Springs Pool
A three-acre spring-fed pool that holds 20°C all year, which is a shock at first. Strong swimmers from six upwards; the shallow end suits toddlers.
Zilker Park
Three hundred acres with a miniature train, a playground and a sculpture garden alongside. Any age, and the flattest picnic ground in the city.
The Congress Avenue bats
A million and a half free-tailed bats stream out at sunset between March and October. Ages four upwards; watch from the lawn east of the bridge.
Heat, water and early dinners
July and August hold 38°C past six in the evening. Swim in the morning, hide indoors after noon, and eat at barbecue joints where children can roam.