People don’t often connect rivers with Texas, but the central part of the state around Austin is remarkably lush and green, criss-crossed by a number of pleasant bodies of water. The most popular choice for innertubers is the San Marcos River; about a 40 minute drive from downtown Austin, it’s fed by underground springs, making it a pleasant 70 degrees during the floating season, which lasts from April through September. Starting below the Spring Lake dam, you’ll be on the river for between two and six hours. At certain points, you’ll cross over small dams with chutes to speed your ride up, which add a little bit of excitement. The Guadalupe River is another popular destination, with water that flows a little faster and colder but still very comfortable. There are a handful of companies that rent tubes and provide transportation to and from start and end points. Here are a few to check out:

Austin Float Trips
(512) 963-5628

Rockin "R" River RIdes
(830) 629-9999

Texas Tubes
(830) 626-9900

Austin is widely regarded as the intellectual center of Texas, so it should come as no surprise that a world-class natural science museum rests inside its borders. The Austin Nature & Science Center was incorporated in 1960 to bring the natural world to Austin residents, and it has since become a very popular destination for families. One of the biggest attractions is the animal exhibits—it is stocked with over 90 native Texas animals that have either been recovered, injured, or abandoned, and can't be returned to the wild. Each animal has a story that goes along with it, some of which are quite heartbreaking. Other public exhibits include the Dino Dig area, which lets kids get into paleontology as they excavate for prehistoric fossils; and an outdoor raptor enclosure that lets visitors get amazingly close to some spectacular birds of prey. The best part about the Austin Nature & Science Center is that admission is completely free.

Austin Nature & Science Center
301 Nature Center Dr.
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-3888

With sweet-sounding music filling the air, family-friendly concerts, and school and public programs, the Austin Symphony has something for everyone. As Austin’s most seasoned performing arts group, the Symphony has provided countless seasons of brilliant music from talented musicians—it was founded way back in 1911! Symphony performances take place at The Long Center for Performing Arts, and include the Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops Series, an array of special family and children’s concerts, as well as a season of eight classical concerts from the Symphony. There are also a number of free concerts put on for the community, as well as seasonal performances like the Halloween Children’s Concert and the July 4th Concert and Fireworks.

Not a seasoned symphony go-er? Make sure to check out the Symphony website's special section on Tips for Beginners—find out what to wear, what to expect, and anything else you may need to know. You can also purchase tickets and see what concerts are coming up, here.

The Austin Symphony
1101 Red River
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-6064