The brutally hot days of summer are quickly approaching us here in Austin. Air conditioning bills are quickly rising, thoughts of moving to Colorado have probably crossed more than a few minds, and the local swimming pool will soon turn into a sauna. If you are like me, and have small children, the prospect of being stuck indoors with them for the seemingly endless days of suffocating heat is particularly daunting. With this in mind, I have compiled a list of kid-friendly, indoor activities around Austin to keep the whole family sane during the dog days of summer.

PLACES TO BOUNCE:

I am have only been a mother for about 4 years, but one thing I have learned for certain is that there is no better way to wear my toddlers out than to take them to a place where they can jump around. Luckily, the Austin-area has tons of places for the kiddos to bounce.

Altitude Austin (South Austin, 6800 Westgate Blvd. 78745)

Catch Air (Round Rock, 1401 S Interstate 35 #130 78664)

Hoppin’ House (South Lamar, 4040 South Lamar Blvd B. 78704)

Hop N Happy (North Austin, 10401 Anderson Mill Rd. 78750)

Inflatable Wonderland (Lakeline, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, 78613)

Jumpoline Park (North Austin, 13801 N Mopac Expy #200 78727)

JumpStreet Indoor Trampoline Park (Cedar Park, 12617 Ridgeline Blvd. B 78613)

Loco-Motion (Southwest Austin, 9811 Vikki Terrace 78736)

Pump It Up (North Austin, 9330 United Dr. Ste. 180 78758)

Urban Air Trampoline Park (Two Locations: South East Austin, 4500 South Pleasant Valley Rd. Bldg. 1, Suite #106, 78744 and North Austin, 13201 Ranch Road 620 North Suite B 78717)

INDOOR PLAY AREAS AND GYMS

Another great place to take your cooped up kids is an indoor gym. There are also quite a few of these options around town, many of which offer memberships and classes. Please check the facilities requirements for membership before you make the journey to these local spots.

Gymboree Play and Music (Cedar Park, 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd. #S120 78613)

The Little Gym (Four Locations: South Austin, 2716 W. William Cannon Dr. 78745; Kyle, 5401 FM 1626 Suite 310 78640; Lakeline, 14010 N US-183 Suite 445 78717)

Little Land Play Gym (Three Locations: North Austin, 13776 N. Highway 183, Suite 107 78750; Bee Cave 3620 RR 620 South 78738; and Buda, 17301 IH-35 N #101 78610)

Mt. Playmore (North Austin, 13609 N. Interstate Hwy 35 78753)

My Gym (Southwest Austin, 5307 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd. 78735)

Rolly Pollies (Lakeway, 12700 Shops Pkwy, Suite 450 78738)

We Rock the Spectrum (Southwest Austin, Center of the Hills Shopping Center, 7010 West Highway 71, Suite 200 78735)

STORYTIME

If your children are less rambunctious than mine, you may find storytime at your local library or bookstore to be a relaxing way to be the heat.

Austin Public Libraries (click here for a schedule of events at the many locations around Austin)

Barnes and Noble (Four Locations: Sunset Valley, 5601 Brodie Lane Suite 300 78745; The Arboretum, 10000 Research Blvd. #158 78759; Bee Cave, 12701 Hill Country Blvd. Ste O-140 78738; and Lakeline, 14010 US-183 78717)

Book People (Central Austin, 603 North Lamar Blvd. 78703

MUSEUMS/NATURE CENTERS

Since school is out, you might also find those developing little minds are yearning for a more educational experience. Fortunately, Austin has a number of museums where you can take your children for interesting learning experiences.

Austin Aquarium (North Austin, 13530 US-183 #101, 78750)

The Austin Nature and Science Center (Zilker, 2389 Stratford Dr. 78746)

The Blanton Museum of Art (Central, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 78712)

Texas Memorial Museum (Central, 2400 Trinity St. 78705)

Thinkery (Mueller, 1830 Simond Ave 78723)

Austin is a city with so much to offer and I am pretty confident that I have missed a few indoor summer activities in the area.

Please comment with your favorite places to take your kids to beat the heat on those 100 degree summer days.