Take advantage of your numerous days off to enjoy some of the best activities and adventures in central Texas.

Perdernales Falls State Park

2585 Park Road 6026

Johnson City, Texas 78636

(830) 868-7304

Tired of being in the clutches of modern society? Take a hike, literally, throughout Perdernales Falls. Get some nice hiking boots, some wool socks, a backpack and some gear to take on an adventure away from the worries of your life and travel through the 20 miles of trails as it was intended — leaving little imprint upon the wilderness and just becoming part of it. Set up a basic camp in the primitive area when you are done hiking. It’s not for everyone, but for those that will undertake it will find an experience like no other.

-Phil Harlan

Leander/NW Austin KOA

1351 CR 269

Leander, Texas 78641

(888) 562-3426

One of the best things to do during the summer, or any time of the year for that matter, is to go camping. No matter where you go it’s always going to be an interesting time, full of memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

All you need is a tent, a sleeping bag, portable food, lighter fluid (for the camp fire or a grill), and S’more ingredients. When you arrive, put up the tent right away; this is a task you want to get done  while there’s still the light. Afterwards, you will be able to get straight to the fun.  After that it’s up to you, but definitely end the day sitting around the camp fire singing, telling scary stories and roasting marshmallows.

–Shelly Spencer

Blue Hole

West Second Street and Rock Street

Georgetown, Texas 78626

(512) 930-3595

Blue Hole is a great place to go with friends or family for a day of fun and swimming. Located five blocks north of the downtown square in Georgetown, the park is home to quaint picnic areas and plenty of swimming in the lagoon, which is the South Fork of the San Gabriel River.  Not to mention, the scenery provides great picture opportunities. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

–Kristina Jingling

Summer League Swimming

Block House Apache Pool

2800 Block House Dr.

Leander, Texas 78641

(512) 260-2699

Whenever people think of summer they think of no school, summer vacations, and most importantly, the pool. The pool is the best way to beat the summer heat. While most people are sleeping their summers away, others are waking up at 6:30 every morning to go to swim practice. Practice usually starts at 7 a.m., ending around 8:30. That is only practice though, because meets are on the weekends from 6 a.m. until 12 p.m. Summer league swimming is a great way to stay in shape while still enjoying yourself and having fun. A nearby summer league is the Block House Tidal Waves which is led by Coach Allen and Coach Zarsky.

-Nick Hage

Round Rock Express

Highway 79 at 3400 East Palm Valley

Round Rock, Texas 78665

(512) 255-2255

Bored with nothing to do this summer? Why not grab a few friends and head on over to Round Rock Express? The Express game is filled with many things to do. You can start the day off by taking a dip in the pool or relaxing in the hot tub. Then you can dry off and have some fun by playing many of the games offered here, like trampoline hopping and basketball. Next, you can feed your rumbling stomach at one of the many concession stands. If that’s not your thing, then you can watch live music, the baseball game, and finish the day off with a fireworks show. Either way, there’s guaranteed fun for you, your friends, and the whole family.

–Dominique Price

Paramount Theatre

713 Congress Avenue

Austin, Texas 78701

(512) 472-5470 

The screen comes down to cover the red velvet curtains, and you can barely take the anticipation building within you as you wait for the show to start. For the next two hours of your life, you’re transported back in time to the golden age of Hollywood. They have been showing movies since 1915 at the historic Paramount Theatre The theatre is adorned with intricate paintings and carvings that replicate the time period it was built. They show classic films throughout the summer, and they always show the best film of all time, Gone With the Wind, as the last film of the summer. The film schedule and more information can be found on their website at www.austintheatre.org.

–Caitlin Topham