We’re getting to that time of year when it feels too hot to do anything. Sure, the AC is great at home, but spending summer cooped up in the house is a recipe for boredom.

However, if you plan it right, you can have tons of fun without melting in the crazy heat. Whether you want to stay in San Antonio or venture out for a bigger adventure, we rounded up 21 ways to have fun and keep cool while you’re at it.

Tube the Comal River There’s a reason tubing down the Comal is considered a Texan rite of passage. The cool waters of this river in New Braunfels are perfect for a leisurely float while you sip a refreshing beverage. Just make sure to double check the rules before you go. Photo via Instagram / 3104suntx
Take a driving tour of San Antonio’s street art San Antonio has tons of amazing murals and public artworks. You can keep cool with your car’s AC while exploring the city and seeing the amazing art it has to offer, like Angela Fox’s Secrets of the Wild Woman at 6th Street and Avenue B (pictured). For a list of different artworks to check out, see our roundup of public art in the Alamo City. Photo by Bryan Rindfuss
Hanamaru Cafe 7460 Callaghan Rd #333, instagram.com/hanamarucafetx Hanamaru Cafe made its debut next door to Minnano Japanese Grocery in April of 2022. In addition to offering sweet and savory versions of fish-shaped taiyaki cakes, Hanamaru has summer-worthy ice cream cone options on its menu, a tasty way to cool off. Photo via Instagram / hanamarucafetx
See an Outdoor Movie Seeing a flick through the windshield of your car or in a socially distanced outdoor space is a great way to lose yourself for a couple of hours. Look for the offerings at Fiesta Texas and those from Slab Cinema, or work a road trip into the deal and head to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels. Photo Courtesy of Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater Credit: Photo Courtesy of Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater
Kayak the San Antonio River Various Locations, mat-tx.com Looking for some water-centric entertainment? Mission Kayak provides guided and unguided kayak rentals, and now you can paddle down scenic stretches of the river downtown — both through the River Walk and the King William District. Photo via Instagram / missionadventuretours
Lose yourself in one of Hopscotch’s interactive art exhibits 711 Navarro St., Suite 100, letshopscotch.com Hopscotch’s immersive and interactive installations are the perfect way to while away a hot summer’s day. When you’re done perusing the gallery, you can keep cool with a refreshing cocktail in the lounge. Photo by Jaime Monzon
Try a locally brewed seasonal beer There’s few things better than a cool, seasonal beer on a hot summer’s day. Try out a brew like Shiner’s Strawberry Blonde, which is made with Poteet strawberries! Photo courtesy of Shiner Beer
Make a splash at a local water park If you want to amp up the fun while cooling down in the water, head to one of the area’s water parks for a rip roarin’ good time. You can stay in town and visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ White Water Bay or Sea World’s Aquatica, or drive up to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. Photo via Instagram / letsbefrankee
Go underground at Natural Bridge Caverns 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., naturalbridgecaverns.com Leave the summer sun behind by going underground at Natural Bridge Caverns. Plus, while you’re there you can enjoy the gorgeous cave formations. Photo via Instagram / naturalbridgecaverns
Take a swim at San Pedro Springs Park Pool 2200 N. Flores St., (210) 732-5992, sanantonio.gov San Pedro Springs Park Pool is the second oldest public space in America, so it’s possible that your ancestors have swam there. There’s no fee for San Antonians looking to jump in this cold and refreshing water hole this summer. Photo via Instagram / michelletcarson
Browse for a book at the San Antonio Library Whether you go to your local branch or take a trip to another San Antonio Library location, you can cool off and find something great to read at the public library. If you don’t feel up to browsing the shelves directly, you can also access the library’s ebook connection via the Libby app. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Public Library Credit: Courtesy Photo / San Antonio Public Library
Treat yourself to a raspa or slushie What better cure for a hot day than a brain freeze? San Antonio has plenty of delicious cold treats to enjoy, like the puro slushies, raspas and mangonadas available at Chamoy City Limitss and Las Nieves. Photo via Instagram / chamoycitylimits
Fall on your ass ice skating 17530 Henderson Pass, (210) 490-9550, northwoodsice.net Even if it’s not winter, ice skating can be a really romantic date. Just imagine how cute your love will look when they’re all bundled up and their cheeks are rosy from the cold. You might even get to hold hands to warm up a little as you wobble around trying to get the feel for skating. Once your feet hurt too much to skate any more, there’s an arcade and a snack bar on site to spend more time at if you’re not ready to leave. Photo via Facebook / Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods Credit: Photo via Facebook / Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods
Visit the sea creatures at SEA LIFE San Antonio 849 E. Commerce St Suite 600, visitsealife.com SEA LIFE San Antonio features 10 interactive zones including a stingray bay and a seahorse mangrove exhibit. It’s a perfect outing for kids — and those of us who are kids at heart. Credit: Photo via Instagram / sealifesatx
Browse a local art gallery or museum Cool down and get cultured at one of San Antonio’s art galleries or museums. You can roam the expansive San Antonio Museum of Art, check out the McNay’s recently updated grounds, visit Ruby City’s award-winning campus, or enjoy the latest exhibition at Blue Star Contemporary. Photo via Instagram / rubycity
Visit a great swimming hole Finding a secluded swimming spot is a great way to cool off before the fall weather arrives. Swimming holes including Jacob’s Well, Schumacher Crossing and Krause Springs are open, but if you’re looking for a more spacious place to swim, check out Guadalupe River State Park or Canyon Lake. If you need more suggestions, we’ve rounded up beautiful places to go swimming in Texas. Photo via Instagram / carlabossephotography
Go See One of South Texas’ Many Roadside Attractions Our neck of the woods is full of small-town kitsch. Take a trek for some weird Americana and take in the World’s Largest Pecan in Seguin, Stonehenge II in Ingram, or, strangest of all, Smitty the World’s Largest Gingerbread Man in Smithville. Photo via Instagram / houstongetaways
Cool down with the kids at a splash pad A splash pad is a simple pleasure that kids love. Many San Antonio parks have splash pads, including Pearsall Park and Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, as well as at Pearl Brewery near the Bottling Department. Photo via Instagram / bottlingdept
Credit: Jaime Monzon
Watch an independent film at Slab Cinema Arthouse 134 Blue Star, (210) 212-9373, slabcinemaarthouse.com Tired of summer blockbuster fare? Slab Cinema’s Arthouse space at Blue Star may have just the flick for you. The space hosts screenings of classic, independent and arthouse films, featuring a variety of cinematic options certain to widen your horizons. Credit: Photo via Instagram / slabcinemaarthouse
Take an indoor swim at San Antonio Natatorium 1420 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., sanantonio.gov If it’s too hot for you to consider going to an outdoor water feature, you can swim at the San Antonio Natatorium’s indoor facility. It’s the best of both worlds! Photo via Instagram / helainawiles