Top 5 things to do during the Southwest Summer Nationals

With 125 teams set to suit up for the fifth annual TC Southwest Summer Nationals in Austin, TX, there’s already plenty of discussion about who will finish atop the brackets, with play set to run July 18-21 in age groups ranging from 10u to 18u.

The five-game guarantee will keep teams busy, but there are tons of entertainment options for those rare moments when players and their families can slip away from the diamond.

Congress Bridge Bats – Every night from mid-March to November, an amazing bat colony numbering more than a million streams from the bridge to feed on mosquitos. The bats can reach speeds of 60 mph; this is one tourist stop you’ll have a hard time replicating in your travels.
https://www.austinbattours.com/

Sixth Street – Really three distinct areas (East, West and Old), this is the historical setting for the entertainment and live music aspect of Austin that has defined to city to many people. For this stop, some parents stay back at the hotel with the kids while others can head here.
https://6street.com/

Lady Bird Lake – This is the epitome of the Austin lifestyle. Every day of the week, the lake is filled with people taking advantage of this stretch of dammed-off Colorado River that offers endless recreation opportunities. There is NO motorized boat traffic to deal with, either.
https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/your-guide-to-paddling-lady-bird-lake/

Tacos – One delightful, tasty element of Austin’s great food scene. There are loads of amazing ones to try, but Veracruz All Natural has the distinction of being named one of the Top 5 Tacos in America by Food Network.
https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/austins-top-tacos/

Peter Pan Mini-Golf – Located south of the river near Zilker Park, it features handcrafted sculptures of various animals, a giant T-Rex, a Chuck Taylor-inspired shoe, and, of course, Peter himself. The kids will love it, but it’s a grand time for adults.
https://www.timeout.com/austin/attractions/peter-pan-mini-golf​