This July has been a hot one!

I don't know about your pups, but my retriever wants to swim all day, every day because it's too hot for other physical activities. We heard his (and the other active pups) outcry and put together a list of safe, pet-friendly swimming holes in the Austin and surrounding areas.

Important Notes: Please follow local and city guidelines regarding safety and closures.

– Risk is high. Toxins have been detected in algae at Festival Beach and Red Bud Isle. We recommend you do not allow dogs to swim in or drink from Lady Bird Lake. Monitoring data is available on the dashboards at http://austintexas.gov/page/algae The City of Austin confirmed a harmful algal bloom on Lady Bird Lake beginning in July 2019 . This was caused by a rise in water temperature from the heat. As of July 20, 2020

Location: 920 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, US, 78701

Amenities: Pets love to run and play off-leash at this park, a great place for a game of fetch or Frisbee. As a bonus, it is located next to Town Lake. There's an area where dogs can enter the water but at their own risk. Be careful as the grassy area is not fenced and there is a busy road nearby.

﻿UPDATE: ﻿Due to toxins found in algae, the City of Austin recommends do not allow your dog to swim in or drink from Lady Bird Lake.

Closed until further notice - see all COVID-19 guidelines for recreation in the parks.

Location: walking distance East of 2201 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704

Hours: Sunrise to 10 p.m.

Amenities: Barking Springs (aka the spillover from Barton Springs Pool) is a popular spot in Downtown Austin for humans and pets to escape the heat by cooling off in the cold water from Barton Springs Pool. The spillover is located just east of the pool. Due to the constant flow of cold water from Barton Springs Pool, you may allow your dog to swim in the area at your own risk.

Location: 13731 Carpenter Lane, Manchaca, TX, 78652

Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:30am - 10am & 3pm - 7:30pm; Saturday-Sunday: 9am - 6pm

Amenities: Jumping Jack Dog Ranch has a large fenced-in yard with a dog-themed pool. The circular pool features a beach-front entry for dogs that like to romp and splash through the shallow end, as well as a deeper end for the pups who enjoy swimming and jumping in! It also has a fire hydrant water fountain in the middle of a bone-shaped island! How cute is that?!

Bonus: Rent the private dog park complete with a swimming pool for your pups for $50/hr. You can bring a few of your dog's friends, or just have your pup, it's totally up to you. There is no lifeguard on duty, so you are responsible for your dog's safety. Note that kiddos under 12 aren't allowed at the pool, but you can bring food or soft drinks (just no glass).

Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 2525 West New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, Texas 78613

Hours: Sunrise to 10 p.m. Note that the Bark Park is closed every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for cleaning and maintenance.

Amenities: The Cedar Bark Park is a 5-acre fenced in dog park located in Veterans Memorial Park at 2525 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613. Some of the amenities include a natural dog pond, pet waste stations, benches, drinking fountains, dog showers, and natural features. This park is a Cedar Park favorite!

Location: 12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753

Hours: 5am - 10pm, daily

Amenities: Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is an expansive 293-acre park situated just north of downtown Austin, and features miles of hiking trails, an off-leash dog area, a swimming pool, a playground, and sports and recreational facilities.

Location: 1600 City Park Rd., Austin, Texas 78730

Hours: 7am - 10pm, daily

Amenities: For years, the park on Lake Austin was named City Park. Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a large municipal park on the shores of Lake Austin that allows leashed pets.

*As of May, park patrons are now required to obtain vehicle and walk/bike in day passes for Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park, and Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park via an online registration system. A limited number of passes will be available per day. No entry will be granted without a pass. Learn more here.

Location: 14100 Low Water Crossing Road, Austin, TX 78732

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily

Amenities: Located on the north side of Lake Austin, adjacent to Mansfield Dam, this 62-acre day-use park is ideal for picnicking and swimming.

Closed until further notice - see all COVID-19 guidelines for recreation in the parks.

Location: 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Road Austin, TX 78732

Hours: Sunrise to civil twilight, daily

Amenities: As its name suggests, Mansfield Dam Park is located adjacent to Mansfield Dam on the main body of Lake Travis. Leashed pets are permitted but keep in mind this is a busy waterway with boats.

Location: 13601 Bullick Hollow Road Austin, TX 78726

Hours:8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Amenities: Cypress Creek Park is located on Lake Travis in the scenic Hill Country of central Texas. This small, easy-to-reach park, within a 30-minute drive from downtown Austin, is a favorite spot for leashed pets, boating, picnicking, and fishing.

Location: 3006 FM621, San Marcos, TX 78666

Hours: Office is open Monday - Friday 7:00-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m.; Saturdays from 7:00-11:00 a.m.

Their pool is open 7 days per week by appointment.

Amenities: K9 Water World was developed for dogs and their human companions. They offer a 48' x 21' swimming pool for exercise, therapy, and dock diving. You can even swim with your dog(s) if you like (and many people do).

Important notes before heading out for a swim:

Access to clean, drinkable water

Avoid warm, stagnant water in swimming areas

Rinse off after swimming

Unsure about your pet's safety at the mentioned swimming spots? A kiddie pool is another great option for your dogs to cool down while playing outside.

Know of any swimming holes that are safe and pet-friendly? Drop us a note at howdy@tomlinsons.com.