Hot, dry days can be miserable, but don’t let the heat get you down! This summer get out and about and keep cool, Lubbock-style.

Here are our some top-notch places to coooool down and enjoy your summer:

Public Pools

Nothing beats the heat like a cool, refreshing swim. Lubbock has four municipal pools open from 1pm to 6pm on Tuesdays through Sundays.

• Maxey Park Swimming Pool: 4007 30th St.

• Clapp Park Swimming Pool: 46th & Ave. U

• Mae Simmons Pool: E. 24th & MLK

• Montelongo Pool: 3200 Bates St.

($2.50/adult, $2/youth 17 and under, kids under 2 free)

Lakes

• Cool water and warm sun mixed with plenty of space for boating, camping, fishing, and simply lounging by the waves create the perfect recipe for summer fun. Buffalo Springs Lake provides all of this and more. Spend an afternoon at the beach or pack up the camping gear and stay for a few days.
• There’s something about a lake that draws people together. Dunbar Lake is a perfect spot for fishing and kayaking with family and friends. You’ll find this lake right along Canyon Lake Drive starting just east of Mae Simmons Park.

Water Parks

• Slide down a water slide, float on a lazy river, and wade in a wave pool at Lubbock Water Rampage. This water park is an entertaining treat for the whole family! Also check their website for this summer’s movie night schedule.

• Joyland Amusement Park has all kinds of amusement park rides, but when it’s hot outside you’ll want to head straight for the water rides. Check out the 40-foot water slide or one of the two crazy fun water roller coasters.

Back to Top

Cold & Sweet Treats

• Cool down and get a caffeine boost at the same time with a delicious iced tea from Tea2Go. They’ve got tons of unique flavors to choose from like lavender blueberry, pomegranate mojito, toasted cookie, and many, many more.

• What if we told you that you could get a popsicle made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients rather than a surplus of corn syrup? Frios Gourmet Pops serves gourmet popsicles in a variety of fruity and creamy flavors.

• Get a treat that’s cold AND healthy from Keva Juice. Choose from fresh-made smoothies, vegetable juices, a special brand of healthy frozen yogurt, and more.

• Get away from the heat and make your sweet tooth happy with ice cream from Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe. The ice cream is homemade and the vintage-style diner decor is fun and inviting.

• Try some of the best frozen custard Lubbock has to offer at J’s Creamery. The custard is made fresh daily and comes with delicious fruit and sugar toppings. Also try their smoothies, cakes, and other desserts.

• Insomnia Cookies is known for their fresh baked cookie delivery service, but did you know they serve ice cream treats as well? Taste a scrumptious cookie ice cream sandwich or a brownie or cookie topped with ice cream.

• If you like checking out the local food trucks, then you’ll love the local ice cream truck, Kurbside Sweets – especially when it’s hot and sunny. Try ice cream, floats, ice cream sandwiches, and other sweet treats.

• Snow cones, ice cream, and frozen yogurt….yummy yum yum. Tropical Icy serves all of this and more to keep you cool and satisfied this summer.

Back to Top

Public Libraries

The Lubbock Public Libraries encourage summer reading no matter your age! This summer, you can sign up for the adult summer reading program and get the children enrolled in the kids or teen summer programs.

• Children’s Summer Reading: Grades 5 and under are encouraged to pick up a reading log, and they’ll get a prize bag once the log is complete. There are also free, weekly programs.

• Teen Summer Reading: Teens will read books and complete the game cards to be entered into prize drawings and receive event passes. There are weekly programs for teens, as well.

• Adult Summer Reading: For those 18 and older, sign up for the reading program and receive a free tote bag. Each time you read a book or listen to an audio book, you fill out an entry form which is equivalent to a chance to win a gift card at the end of the summer.

• Mahon Library: 1306 9th St.

• Godeke Branch Library: 5034 Frankford Ave.

• Groves Branch Library: 5520 19th St.

• Patterson Branch Library: 1836 Parkway Dr.

Back to Top

While you’re keeping cool at these local spots, don’t forget to download Towny (for FREE) to not miss out on local Lubbock. Perks included!