Hot enough for you? Splash into some summer relief at these Bluebonnet-area rivers, lakes, pools and splash pads.
Story by Connie Juarez and Mindy Merten
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members know what July means: The days are long. The heat is serious. And sooner or later you’re going to need to find some cool, refreshing water. Preferably sooner.
From the more than 11,000-acre Lake Somerville to the easy-to-access splash pads in Giddings and Manor or the slow treks down the Colorado or San Marcos rivers, the Bluebonnet region offers plenty of ways to cool off without going far.
In Bastrop, an escape from the soaring temperatures is as close as the Colorado River. Bastrop River Company, founded in 2012, offers guided kayak and canoe trips that make it easy to get out on the water, paddle and take a dip when you please. “It’s about giving people a chance to enjoy the river at their own pace, whether it’s families, beginners or experienced paddlers,” says owner Lee Harle.
“Even on our busiest days, you’re not going to feel overwhelmed like you might on some of the more crowded tubing trips on other rivers.” With plenty of space to spread out and a backdrop of cypress and oak trees, river trips here offer a more relaxed alternative.
Whether you and your crew want to lounge, paddle, swim, fish or just splash around, it’s easy to find an oasis in the Bluebonnet service area that suits your mood. From lakes to splash pads, we rounded up the coolest options for beating the heat without emptying your gas tank.
Bastrop River Company
Address: 1200 Willow St., Bastrop
Phone: 512-321-4661
Website: bastropriverco.com
San Marcos River Resort
Address: 745 S Main St., Fentress
Hours: Day camp passes for 10 a.m.-8p.m. access daily
Phone: 512-213-0112
Admission: Day-use passes: $29 weekdays, $39 Saturdays; peak season (May 23-Aug. 16): $35 weekdays, $49 Saturdays and holidays; overnight lodging priced separately
Cool off in the San Marcos River with a day-pass, or extend your stay in a cozy cabin, or at a tent or RV site. Swim, fish or enjoy a two-hour tubing adventure with shuttle service. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, mini golf, basketball courts and shaded picnic areas. River currents and depth can vary, so don’t forget life jackets for the kids.
Why it’s cool: The San Marcos River is spring-fed, keeping the water clear and 72 degrees year-round.
Trip tip: Stay in one of the treehouse-style cabins for an elevated view of the river.
Website: sanmarcosriverresort.com
Morris Memorial Pool
Address: 802 N. Ave. C, Elgin
Hours: Varies with lifeguard availability, pool maintenance requirements and weather
Phone: 512-281-5724
Admission: $2 cash per person; free with recreation center membership
Cool off at Elgin’s go-to summer water escape. From late May through early fall, the lifeguarded pool invites swimmers of all ages. Its swim hours, lap sessions and evening swims make it a hub of summertime fun and neighborhood gatherings. Its relaxed atmosphere and multigenerational programming make it a perfect, affordable spot for anyone ready to dive in or dip their toes.
Why it’s cool: Adjacent to the pool, the renovated Elgin Community Hospital (circa 1938) now serves as the Fleming Community Center, showcasing its original Texas Deco style.
Trip tip: Step out of the pool and into the sights and flavors of historic downtown Elgin, where you can enjoy a freshly baked kolache and hunt for unique treasures in boutiques and antique shops.
Website: elgintexas.gov/270/Morris-Memorial-Pool
Veterans Park Splash Pad
Address: 191 Raymond St., Giddings
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Phone: 979-540-2710
Admission: Free
Bursting with pure summer energy, the Veterans Park Splash Pad is fun for everyone in the family. With an array of sprayers, arches and playful splash zones, this free attraction is an ideal stop for anyone wanting to relax and recharge while exploring the area.
Why it’s cool: The community pool is just steps away, giving visitors the chance to dive even deeper into a day of water-filled fun.
Trip tip: Don’t miss Veterans Honor Park nearby, where visitors can get an up-close.
Website: giddings.net/veterans-park/
Bastrop State Park Pool
Address: 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop
Hours: Park open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Pool open 2:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 1:30-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Phone: 512-321-3689
Admission: Pool pass: Children 5 and under free; children 6-12 $3; 13 and older $5
After hiking trails or biking scenic Park Road 1C connecting Bastrop and Buescher state parks, stop by the swimming pool to cool off. Completed in 1937, the Bastrop State Park pool was built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration under the Texas State Parks Board and is part of the park’s National Historic Landmark designation. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours, a separate shallow wading area is available for younger visitors.
Why it’s cool: The park is home to the famous Lost Pines, a rare stand of loblolly pines and hardwoods isolated from the forests of East Texas.
Trip tip: Extend your stay in one of the park’s Civilian Conservation Corps-built cabins for a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the era.
Website:
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop
Lake Somerville State Park at Birch Creek
Address: 14222 Park Road 57, Somerville
Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Phone: 979-535-7763
Admission: Adults, $5; children 12 and under, free; campsites available for an additional fee
Escape to the north shores of Lake Somerville at Birch Creek, where sparkling waters meet rolling woodlands. Spend your day fishing, kayaking, swimming or hiking scenic trails. At Birch Creek, visitors can also enjoy sunrise paddling or boating and evening campfires.
Why it’s cool: The lake covers more than 11,000 acres, making it one of the largest recreational lakes in Central Texas. Fishermen will like that its waters are home to bass, crappie and catfish.
Trip tip: Turn a day trip into a full getaway with an RV or tent campsite.
Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-somerville
Blue Bell Aquatic Center
Address: 1800 E. Tom Green St., Brenham
Hours: 12:30-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 979-337-7250
Admission: $5 for residents; $8 for nonresidents; children 3 and under, $3 for residents; $5 for nonresidents
Whether you’re there for a quick dip or a full day of water fun, the center delivers a sweet summer escape. The ice cream-inspired outdoor leisure pool boasts a beach-style entry and water up to 3½ feet deep. Stroll along the Popsicle Walk, glide down the Sundae Slide or tackle the twists and turns of the Big Yellow Slide.
Why it’s cool: There are also heated indoor competition and therapy pools, and the aquatic center welcomes swimmers year-round. All pools are accessible via chair lifts or wheelchair ramps.
Trip tip: Make time for a stop at Blue Bell Creameries, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and treat yourself to a $1 scoop at the ice cream parlor. It’s less than a mile from the pool.
Website: cityofbrenham.org/city_government/ departments /parks_and_recreation
Lake Fayette Oak Thicket Park
Address: 4819 W. State Hwy 159, Fayetteville
Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Phone: 979-249-3504
Admission: Day passes are $7 for adults; free for children 12 and younger; $4 for 65 and older. Cabins available for an additional fee
Just 15 minutes from La Grange, Lake Fayette is great for bass-fishing enthusiasts. Its warm waters keep bass active year-round, while the occasional redear sunfish or catfish bite can add variety to the day. With accessible piers, boat ramps and quiet shoreline spots, Lake Fayette is fun for trophy fishing or a laid-back day on the water.
Why it’s cool: At over 2,000 acres, Lake Fayette was built in the late 1970s as a cooling reservoir for the Fayette Power Project, operated by LCRA.
Trip tip: Bring your topwater bait for the best chance at a bass strike.\
Website: vista-rec.com/parks/texas/lcra/oak-thicket-park/
Fisherman's Park Splash Pad & Colorado River Access
Address: 1200 Willow St., Bastrop
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Phone: 512-332-8920
Admission: Free
This go-to spot for fishing, boating and cooling off is part of the LCRA Colorado River Trail and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department project. Cast a line from the riverbank, or use the public boat ramp to launch kayaks, canoes or small boats. Families can head to the on-site splash pad. With shaded pavilions, playgrounds and direct river access, the park offers a laid-back way to spend time chilling outdoors.
Why it’s cool: Since the park is just minutes from downtown, it’s easy to pair river time with live music, shopping and restaurants.
Trip tip: Check river conditions before you go at hydromet.lcra.org. Water levels, flow and wind can change quickly, so make sure conditions are safe.
Website:
cityofbastrop.org /page/parks.parks_and_trails
East Metropolitan Park Lake & Splash Pad
Address: 18706 Blake Manor Road, Manor
Hours: Park and wading pool open 8 a.m.-sunset daily. Pool open noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Phone: 512-854-7275
Admission: Pool: Children under 3 free; children 3-17, $5; adults 18 and older, $10
The park, on 273 acres about 19 miles east of Austin, offers a range of family-friendly water recreation activities. A wading area features interactive spray elements and gentle fountains where kids can cool off. More experienced swimmers may prefer the main draw: the park’s lifeguarded pool. The park also features two stocked ponds, where anglers with a valid license can fish from the banks or pier as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program.
Why it’s cool: Offering family fun since 2006, East Metropolitan Park’s wide open green spaces, picnic spots and playgrounds can make your trek to water spots into an outdoor day trip.
Trip tip: Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures and the most active ponds.
Website: parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/east-metro