Unlock the Secrets to a Manageable Austin Summer with Kids! 🏖️🍦
We can’t believe how fast this year has flown by, summer is already here! Whether you are embracing this season with a baby strapped on your back or with school aged kiddos (or both!), we understand the transition can be tough. Changes in schedules, routines and weather can bring a little chaos to the whole family. Fortunately, there are solutions to ease this change and even sprinkle in some fun!
Family Friendly Summer Activities in Austin
Water Play is Sensory Play!
It’s no lie that children love being in water. Water can be a sensorial experience in all the ways, from the sounds it makes when it splashes to how it feels when our body moves through it. Texas is known for the heat it brings in the summer months. We can still enjoy being outdoors with our kids while staying cool thanks to water play! Here’s some of our favorite spots:
Splash Pads - Click here to check out a list of free splash pads in Austin
Emma Long Park - This park has a sandy beach area shaded by trees, and is perfect for an all day hangout.
Hamilton Pool - This spot requires a small but stunning trail walk. The shallow area is accompanied by the cutest little fish that swim around your feet, sure to make your littles giggle!
Side note, as we enter summer you may want to brush up on water safety!
Libraries are your friend!
On the flip side, sometimes summer can mean more time indoors as it heats up. We can get creative about staying active without hanging at the park all day. We love libraries as a summer resource for parents, because
1. They’re free (summer entertainment costs can add up quickly!)
2. School aged kiddos can keep their brain active and learning
3. They’re quiet. No explanation needed.
Austin Public Library has a wide range of events like Family Game Night, Hip Hop dance class for kids, and even a Mermaid party! Some activities require registration, so click here to view their schedule.
Museums to beat the heat!
On days when the sun is relentless, museums provide sensory rich activities and socialization for kids and moms. Also, Austin is full of them!
Thinkery - This museum is HUGE and packed with the coolest indoor/outdoor activities to enjoy with your little one. They also offer a membership and summer camps.
Science Mill - Complete with a fossil dig, light room, and an axolotl named Aurora!
The Contemporary Austin - This museum has created an Outdoor Sculpture Park on Lake Austin. Kids can put on their explorer hats and walk around to discover all the sculptures!
Helpful tips and tricks
Any transition is tough. As occupational therapists we are passionate about using what is present to bring relief to any difficulty you might have. Here’s some practical tips to bring ease to this time:
Spend the first couple weeks feeling out your new routine, and give yourself all the grace while doing so. Routines can keep the whole family grounded in your days and weeks.
Don’t over schedule. While all the activities listed above are loads of fun, our energy can become depleted when we’re always going from one thing to another. Sprinkle in some days at home to balance out exploring!
Take a bit of time in the morning to prepare different play spaces for your child to help them stay entertained. If it is going to be a home day, it can feel overwhelming to provide your kids with enough stimulation so they’re not dependent on you being the main source of entertainment. Spend 30 minutes in the morning (after your coffee of course) setting up a couple different activities for them to engage in throughout the day. Think of it as a self care routine, reducing your potential overstimulation from the many “but I’m bored!” moments that come with summer break.
Try to make summer friends. Let’s be real, it doesn’t take but a couple days of being alone with our children before we want, no, need adult interaction. If your little one decides to make a friend, take that chance to see if you have anything in common with their new bestie’s caregiver.
Create sensory nourishing spaces in your home with your child that they can return to when you need space to do those dishes or finally fold that laundry. Hello, blanket fort that’s been up for 5 days!
You got this!
Here at Matrescence Occupational Therapy, we want you to know we see you in this transition. We hope this information helps you enjoy this season with your family while keeping your sense of self.
Occupational therapy for mothers can help support the mental and physical health of mothers, babies, and their families. If you think you might benefit from seeing an occupational therapist (OT) through your transition to motherhood, schedule a free consultation to see how we can help.