With summer in full swing, what are your summer vacation plans? If you don’t have time take a long vacation, find that vacations can be tiring, or think that it is too much of a challenge to find a reliable person to look after your house and water your plants, try taking a daycation!
A daycation is just like a mini vacation. Take a day trip into or around the city and enjoy some quality time with your family. Whether your family is full of foodies, nature lovers, gamers, or all three, you will all find something fun to do in Austin. Take a look at some of our favorite spots and choose a few to visit this summer!
Barton Springs
Do you or your family love swimming? Barton Springs is one of the most popular places in Austin to go swimming, and with good reason! The cool water is a refreshing antidote for the hot Texas summers. This spot is perfect for families, adults, teens, and children alike.
The pool’s water is provided by underground springs, and the pool itself is over 3 acres long. Barton Springs is perfect getaway during hot summer days - even in the blazing sun, the water is only 68-70 degrees! In addition to the natural waters, Barton Springs has beautiful green grass and hills where you can have lunch with your family underneath the leafy trees.
South Congress Avenue
Does your family like to shop or just take fun family photos? South Congress, or SOCO, is a road just south of downtown that is flanked by unique shops, great restaurants, and many other attractions.
Visit family-friendly shops like Lucy in Disguise, a costume shop; Uncommon Objects, an antique store with objects as weird as the city itself; and Big Top Candy Shop, a classic candy store filled with all your favorite childhood sweets.
Every Saturday, from approximately 10am to dusk, South Congress has an outdoor art market that features local artists and their handmade work. There are a wide range of products, including paintings, necklaces, succulents, clothing, and coasters.
After shopping or dinner, you can visit Hey Cupcake! or Amy’s Ice Creams for a sweet dessert. South Congress has the perfect mix of amazing food spots, one-of-a-kind shops, and Austin-style fun.
Lady Bird Lake
Love the water but prefer to be near the city? Lady Bird Lake, also known as Town Lake or the Colorado River, is a beautiful daycation hotspot for young and old alike. There are plenty of activities to do here both on and off the water.
If you feel like getting in the river, you can go kayaking or paddleboarding. There are plenty of kayak and paddleboard rentals along the shore, or you can bring your own!
If you would rather stay on land, there are many things you can do near the lake. You can have a picnic lunch on the shore banks or one of the spots off the trail, feed the ducks and swans, take the dogs out to the off-leash dog park next to the lake (and take them swimming), or run or walk the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail alongside the lake. The whole family is guaranteed to have fun all day here.
Enchanted Rock
Want to get out of the city and be one with nature? Try Enchanted Rock, a hiking trail located right outside of Austin in Fredericksburg, Texas. A day trip to Enchanted Rock is perfect for the outdoorsy family. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in this beautiful area. There are nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, as well as rock climbing, birdwatching, stargazing, and camping. Many families even choose to bring their own food for a picnic lunch.
Don’t just stay in this summer! Get out, explore your city, and make memories you will cherish for a lifetime. For more information on how to keep your home safe while you’re away, visit our Facebook page for some helpful tips and advice.
Have fun and stay safe,
Hard Target Systems