Austin is a wonderful place to live, but summers can get HOT!
Pools, splash pads, and shaded areas help people stay active without getting too hot. Staying cool helps you enjoy summer while helping reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and stroke.
Here are some ways to stay cool and explore The University of Texas at Austin and the city of Austin, Texas.
Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex
The Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex offers many activities, including lap swimming, leisure swimming and water basketball. Located on campus, it offers several indoor and outdoor pools.
The complex is part of UT RecSports and is open to members. ELC students can buy a discounted membership through the RecSports office.
Hours
Hours listed below are valid through April 27, 2026. View additional hours for updates.
Natatorium
Monday-Friday: 6-9 a.m., 12-2 p.m., 5-7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Outdoor Event Pool
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12-5 p.m.
Outdoor Lap Pool
Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Outdoor Leisure Pool
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12-5 p.m.
RecSports Membership
The Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex is part of UT RecSports. Membership is not included in ELC tuition, but ELC students can buy a membership for $26 per month.
To purchase a membership, students must visit the RecSports Office in Gregory Gym (GRE 2.200).
Please Note: When purchasing a membership, you must tell the staff that you are an English Language Center student to receive the correct price.
Deep Eddy Pool
Deep Eddy Pool is a historic, man-made swimming pool. It is the oldest swimming pool in Texas.
In 1915, A.J. Eilers Sr. bought the land around a natural swimming hole and built the concrete pool there. The name comes from a swirling current (eddy) in the nearby river. Cold springs from the riverbanks still fill the pool with fresh water today.
Visiting Information
Staff begin filling the pool at 8 a.m. each day; the pool opens for swimming after it is full. The pool is closed every Tuesday for cleaning and maintenance.
Daily entry fee (Adult residents): $5
Location: 401 Deep Eddy Ave.
Watch the video below, courtesy of Austin Parks and Recreation, to learn more about Deep Eddy Pool.
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a natural, spring-fed swimming pool. Locals regard the pool as “the heart of the city.” The water stays cold year-round, at temperatures of about 68-70°F (20-21°C).
The area is also a protected habitat and home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander.
Visiting the Springs
Guarded swim (Except Thursday): 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Daily Entry Fee (Adult residents): $5
Location: 2201 William Barton Dr.
Note: Before visiting, check the list of items not to bring, listed on the visitor information page.
Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park
The Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park is a popular splash pad with a view of downtown Austin. It is a fun and refreshing place to cool off, and is especially nice at night when the lights turn on.
Hours and Location
It is part of Butler Metro Park (formerly Town Lake Metro Park).
Open Daily: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Location: 201 Dawson Rd.
Pease Park Splash Pad
The Pease Park Splash Pad is close to campus at the southern end of Pease Park in the Clarksville neighborhood. The location makes it a convenient place to cool off on hot days.
Visiting the Splash Pad
Open Daily: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (May through October)
Location: 1100 Kingsbury St.
Pools and splash pads are fun ways to stay active and cool during Austin’s hot summer months. There are options for everyone, from historic spring-fed pools to modern splash pads near campus.
Exploring these places can help you enjoy the city safely and comfortably all summer.
Austin Parks and Recreation operates 44 public pools and splash pads. Find one near you!
This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the Texas Global English Language Center.
It’s good to know that waters are everywhere near us. I’ve visited Pease Park last week and next to splash pad, there was a playground for kids! Also, I saw lots of students who wore orange T-shirts and played frisbee, basketball, and soccer. It was good to enjoy nature and have fun with a family and friends.
Thanks, Jeewon! I’m so glad you visited and had a good time. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Thank you for all your great details.
You’re welcome, Aristar. Thanks for reading.
It’s a great idea to spend time outside and stay cool during hot weather. I liked how you described the places to visit and gave helpful tips, like bringing sunscreen and water. I think splash pads are perfect for families with young children. Thank you for sharing these fun and safe ways to enjoy the days with hot weather.
Thanks for reading, Carmen!
Since the weather is slowly changing to fall, I guess I should hurry and plan some water activities. Thanks for the great info!
Agreed, Eojin. We will probably continue to have warm weather until mid to late October. So, you have a little more time. Thanks for reading!