Enriched Family’s August Activities List: At Home, Online, or Socially-Distanced
Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels
August (Safe) Fun in Austin
Hi, Austin parents! The end of the summer and the back-to-school transition is certainly going to be different this year. I have some information and resources coming your way to help with the school transition…keep your eyes on the blog! In the meantime, if you are looking for one last summer hurrah or some general family fun or new ways to entertain the kiddos, I have rounded up a post on at home, online, or socially-distanced/outdoor activities and resources in the Austin area for August. I haven’t done a monthly blog post on kids’ and family activities in Austin since COVID given the uncertainty of everything, as well as the need to quarantine. Like most of you, I have come to accept that there does not seem to be an end to this anytime soon, so I wanted to give y’all some safe family and kid activity options, as well as some parenting resources. As always, I have focused on a variety of educational, cultural, and fun activities that are both free and fee-based so that you can choose the best fit for your family. Resources are listed by date order in each section, as applicable.
(Please note, the following is provided for informational purposes only; the information is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, but there may be omissions, errors or mistakes, and no guarantees are made. This list is by no means exhaustive, just a sampling of events that caught my eye that I wanted to highlight. Additional good sources for activity lists are included at the end of the post.)
Highlighted Resource: The Homeschooling Open House, August 2nd-4th, 2020
Details: Thinking about homeschooling your children or want more resources for your homeschooled child? Check out The Homeschooling Open House, a three-day virtual open house to help you find what works in the homeschooling world with a live Q&A on the last day.
Explore popular homeschool styles.
Develop a schedule that meets your needs.
Learn how to incorporate the fine arts, sports, and drama into homeschooling lesson plans.
Schedule/details: This will be an online course format. Each day’s content will be released each morning and you can watch at your convenience anytime before the end of of the open house (Aug. 4th). Each training/session will be just 10-15 minutes long, and they have around 60 different sessions. If you opt for lifetime access you can come back and watch it whenever you have time! You can pick and choose those that are most relevant for you, or watch all of the content as you please. On August 4th at 8pm EST they will have a live Q&A panel. There will also be daily raffles for those registered, a printable resource list, and each expert will share freebies individually. This event also includes a vendor area where resource creators will share short commercials and coupons to help parents explore homeschooling resources.
Cost: $9.00 - Register here. Email for scholarship options: drew@schoolhouseoils.com.
Free Educational/Cultural/Fun Activities & Resources
Bosom Buddies: Lactation Support Group - Virtual
Details: The Bosom Buddies Online Milk Group is a weekly peer support group hosted by the Breastfeeding Success Company. Breastfeeding provides an optimal start for your baby. Parents need help beyond the first few weeks. If you’ve “graduated” from seeing a lactation consultant, but still need support, this is the group for you. This group is open to lactating mothers who provide breastmilk in a number of ways - you do not have to be exclusively breastfeeding or feeding at the breast to attend. Please remember that this group is for peer support. It is not the right setting for a full consultation. Information provided in the group setting does not replace an existing feeding plan, or change care instructions from your health care provider. If your issues are complex or you'd benefit from one-on-one care, please schedule an appointment with Breastfeeding Success Company by calling 512-808-0237. To join virtually, please visit this link. You will be provided the log in link upon form completion. Once you're in, please announce yourself and then mute your phone. Background noise can make it difficult for everyone to hear the person speaking.
When: Ongoing, Mondays (8/3; 8/12; 8/10, 8/17, 8/24) | 1-3pm
Austin Parks Foundation Parks Summit - Digital
Details: The Parks Summit Is Now Digital! Under normal circumstances, they would be gathering for a day full of learning, collaboration, and tacos. But these aren't normal circumstances. That's why they have transformed the Adopt-A-Park Summit into the Parks Summit Series! They will bring you monthly installments of educational videos and discussions on park issues. Next session’s topic:
Next Generation: Youth Leadership & Environmentalism. Asvini Thivakaran is an award-winning environmental activist and 5th-grade student at Brushy Creek Elementary. Join Austin Parks Foundation as they chat with Asvini about her mission to save the environment, how kids can get involved in big and small ways, and how Little Hummingbird Society is helping get kids engaged in protecting our parks and our planet!
When: August 5, 2020 | 10am
Cost: Free, RSVP here.
Details: Join in for a night of community building filled with comedy, music, poetry, magic--anything is possible! All are invited to support artists in this creative and safe space! Parental supervision suggested.
When: Thursday, August 6, 2020 | 8-9:30pm
Cost: Free. RSVP via Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link.
Girlstart STEM Extravaganza at Home
Details: Kick off the fall with hands-on STEM fun as part of Girlstart’s week-long STEM Extravaganza at Home! Get outside with the whole family to fly paper kites, explore astronomy, roast marshmallows in a solar oven, and discover the science behind making a slurpee! Join Girlstart for a free virtual event featuring daily hands-on activity blogs, how-to videos, and social media takeovers.
Monday, August 10th – Paper Kites
Tuesday, August 11th – Cartesian Divers
Wednesday, August 12th – Solar Ovens
Thursday, August 13th – Flying Dragonfly
Friday, August 14th – Slurpee Science
Saturday, August 15th – Astronomy Day
When: Monday, August 10th - Saturday, August 15th. Hands-on activity blogs released daily at 9:00am daily. Materials list for all activities is posted here.
Cost: Free and everyone welcome (donations welcome). RSVP today!
Details: Though not local, this is a fantastic resource to supplement your child’s remote learning. Think adult TED, but for kids. TED-Ed provides everything you need to spark and celebrate your child's ideas. Explore video-based lessons organized by age and subject. Check out Earth School, 30 quests for students around the world to celebrate, explore and connect with nature. Be sure to sign up for the daily email of lesson plans that span all subjects and age groups. Free.
Details: Welcome to Boggy Creek Farm! Take a step back in time, walk the grounds, see the crops, smell the flowers. The historic farmhouse hosted President Sam Houston at a wedding supper here in 1841. Say hello to the farm’s 100 hens who lay the best eggs and help to nourish the soil! Covid Safety information here.
When: August Market Days are Wednesdays & Saturdays only | 8am until 1pm
Location: 3414 Lyons Road, Austin, 78702
Cost: No cost to visit farm; market produce costs vary.
Fee-Based Events & Activities
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In Theater
Details: The Blue Starlite is the worlds one and only mini urban boutique drive-in movie theater - 10 years running! The most intimate, personal, one of a kind drive-in experience in the world! They concentrate on childhood favorites, drive-in classics, indie films, art house, Cult, and Gen X/Y pop culture faves. They are the drive-in movie theater for the modern age.
Where: Austin Mueller location - 2015 E.M. Franklin Ave., Austin, 78723.
Admission: Varies. Peruse screenings and ticket prices here.
Creative Action Together: Virtual Arts Enrichment
Details: Creative Action Together is a virtual program for the 2020 school year that engages, educates, and connects youth through high-quality arts programming. During these creativity sessions, students try a variety of activities such as visual art, music, movement, puppetry, creative writing, acting, and more with their team of trained professional teaching artists. Ages: 5-11. Features: Robust combination of engaging live programming (synchronous) + hands-on activities that students can complete at their own pace (asynchronous). Guided by Creative Action staff and their professional team of youth development experts. Content aligns with TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). Virtual learning environment that’s safe and supportive, where every student feels valued, included and empowered to participate. Teaching practices where students help shape and guide what they learn about. Activities and projects are grounded in improving the community and world. Current campuses include: Becker, Blanton, Brentwood, Bryker Woods, Campbell, Cunningham, Gullett, Maplewood, Reilly, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Travis Heights, and Winn. If your school is not listed, select the session “Open to all Campuses.” Technical Details:
Each campus will have its own Google Site to act as a digital hub—parents can see what projects students are working on, special announcements from Creative Action staff, and can even engage with other parents or staff (like a continuous eNewsletter!).
Pre-recorded materials, worksheets, and a schedule of live programming will live on Google Classroom.
Live programming will either take place on Google Meet or Zoom.
When: Live programming will take place Monday-Thursday during the following times: K-2nd grades | 2:30-3:30pm; 3rd-5th grades | 3:45-5pm. An additional 3 hours worth of engaging projects and hands-on activities will be available each week, which your child can complete at their own pace.
Cost: New students: $175/month; current students: $150/month (2nd child, add $50/month, 3rd child or more, add $25/month). Register here.
Infant Massage Classes by Baby Strokes - Online
Details: Classes are taught by Melanie Wattles of Baby Strokes - Infant / Child Massage. Melanie is a Registered Nurse (RN), a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI 1, 2), and a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT). Melanie received her CIMI certification through the International Association of Infant Massage in 2001. She updated her skills in January 2014 and received her CIMI2 Certification through WINC Without Borders (World Institute for Nurturing Communication). Melanie's personal philosophy is to promote infant/child massage to facilitate bonding and to enable all parents, babies and children to experience the many benefits of massage. Classes are hosted by Baby Strokes - Infant/ Child Massage and Breastfeeding Success Company.
Infant Massage Connection (All-in-One Class) | Thursday, August 6, 2020, 11am-12:30pm. This class will take place online using Google Meet for video conferencing. Participants will watch from their home. The class will be live and questions will be answered in real-time. This comprehensive 90-minute infant massage class can be taken prenatally, using a doll for demonstration, or as a fun and relaxing way to spend time with your baby. Space is limited, please use this ticket link to sign up. Video conferencing link will be sent to participants after registration. Cost: $50 *Class is discounted 50% when you use code COVID-CARE at checkout.*
Infant Massage Connection: Relaxation & Sleep | Thursday, August 13, 2020, 1pm-2pm. This class will take place online using Google Meet for video conferencing. Participants will watch from their home. The class will be live and questions will be answered in real-time. This 60-minute infant massage class is focused on general relaxation and better sleep. It can be taken prenatally, using a doll for demonstration, or as a fun and relaxing way to spend time with your baby. Space is limited, please use this ticket link to sign up. Video conferencing link will be sent to participants after registration. Cost: $40 *Class is discounted 50% when you use code COVID-CARE at checkout.*
Infant Massage: Sucking Skills & Tone | Thursday, August 20, 2020, 1pm-2pm. This class will take place online using Google Meet for video conferencing. Participants will watch from their home. The class will be live and questions will be answered in real-time. This 60-minute infant massage class is focused on sucking skills and tone. It can be taken prenatally, using a doll for demonstration, or as a fun and relaxing way to spend time with your baby. Space is limited, please use this ticket link to sign up. Video conferencing link will be sent to participants after registration. Cost: $40 *Class is discounted 50% when you use code COVID-CARE at checkout.*
Infant Massage: Digestion & Colic Relief | Thursday, August 27, 2020, 1pm-2pm. This class will take place online using Google Meet for video conferencing. Participants will watch from their home. The class will be live and questions will be answered in real-time. During this session you will learn massage techniques that focus on relieving tummy discomfort often associated with "colic." All babies have gas and sometimes difficulty with digestion which can be uncomfortable. Learn simple ways to soothe your baby and relieve gas and make your baby more comfortable and relaxed. It can be taken prenatally, using a doll for demonstration, or as a fun and relaxing way to spend time with your baby. Space is limited, please use this ticket link to sign up. Video conferencing link will be sent to participants after registration. Cost: $40 *Class is discounted 50% when you use code COVID-CARE at checkout.*
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Details: The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center uses native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes. They carry out their mission to inspire the conservation of native plants through our gardens, research, education, consulting and outreach programs. In doing so, they improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance human health and happiness. In 2017, they were officially designated the Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas. Admission is currently open by reservation only. Access to some features inside the gardens is limited.
When: Open daily from 9am-5pm (closed some holidays).
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, 78739
Admission: Free for members; $12 Adults; $10 Seniors (65+); $6 Youth (Ages 5 – 17; children 4 and under are free); $10 Non-UT Students (with college ID); UT students, faculty and staff are free (with ID).
Learn Spanish at Home with Mariposas en Casa
Details: Mariposas Spanish is excited to offer Mariposas en Casa – an on-demand Spanish class platform that you can watch from the comfort of home! Mariposas Spanish lessons on-demand include weekly video lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Classes are 15 to 20 minutes and can be watched/listened to whenever you want, as many times as you want. You can upgrade lessons for extra perks like bonus videos in Spanish and printable materials. It’s never been easier for your kids to learn Spanish with their award-winning program! Ages of children: 2 to 10 years old.
Cost range: Free (tutorial mini lesson) to $120/month, depending on package and lesson. Register here.
Mad Science Virtual Science Workshops
Details: Mad Science offers curriculum-correlated, hands-on, in person or virtual preschool and elementary-level workshops for kids that complement concepts taught in class. It's like taking a field trip without ever leaving the classroom or on the children's device at home! Designed for kids ages 3-12. Preschool workshops offer hands-on learning experiences for kids ages 3-4. Each one is an age-appropriate exploration of a single science topic, like air, animals, weather, and worms. Kids enjoy engaging demos, perform simple experiments, and discover how science helps us understand our world. The elementary-level in-class interactive workshops are aligned to STEM objectives and are curriculum correlated for each grade level. With professional lesson plans, pre-and-post activity guides, and animated instructors, Mad Science workshops are an ideal way to reinforce core science concepts.
Cost: $25/per screen (30-minute online workshop); $10 for each additional screen. Register here.
My Coding Place - Virtual Coding Classes & Camps for Kids
Camp: Chess Champion. Have you always wanted to learn chess? In this camp, students will develop their skills through puzzles, lessons, and games against other students. The camp will focus on the fundamentals of chess including strategies for the beginning, middle and endgame. The camp is designed for beginners and those new to chess that want to improve their skills. Ages: 7-14. Date/Time: Aug 24-28, 9:30-11:30am. Cost: $185/wk.
Camp: Math in Action. “How long will it take me to fly to Japan?” “How many possible chess moves are there?” “How does Mario jump on Goombas’ heads?” Welcome to Math in Action, where we seek to answer these questions and many more! What separates Math in Action from your typical math class is we are all about demonstration! Instead of worksheets and tests, we utilize projects and experiments to teach math concepts in a fun and engaging way. Topics covered will range from Pre-Algebra to the introduction of basic Trigonometry. By the end of the program, students will have a much deeper understanding of math and be able to apply math to real-world problems and computer programming. Please join in as we deepen our understanding of the world around us through math! Ages: 9-14. Date/Time: Aug 24-28, 9:30-11:30am. Cost: $185/wk.
Class: GameMaker Studio. Have you ever wondered how games like Hyper Light Drifter or Undertale were made? Learn to make 2D games in YoYo Games’ beginner-friendly game making tool! Begin with drag-and-drop coding similar to Scratch, then slowly transition to writing your own game code! Students will be introduced to the basics of game design including Level Editing, Sprite Animation, Physics, and more. Check out some projects made in GameMaker here. Ages: 9+. Date/Time: Mondays 4-5pm, ongoing starting mid-August. Cost: $169/mo.
Location: 3616 Far West Blvd #109, Austin, TX 78731
Details: The marketplace of live online classes for K-12 learners, Outschool connects motivated learners, parents, and teachers together to create great learning experiences. I recently discovered Outschool’s online classes and have already signed my youngest up for a flexible, six-week session focused on the history of Architecture + Minecraft Building (her mind almost exploded when I told her about the class). I have heard great things about Outschool from other parents as well. Outschool offers unique online classes from hundreds of independent teachers. Classes meet via group video chat. Outschool teachers may be certified teachers, artists, scientists, or other adults with an expertise or interest to share. 50,000+ unique classes span all subjects and reflect the diversity of their teachers. With Outschool, families choose their teachers and their classes based on their needs and interests. Class subjects range from Arts & English to Coding & Tech, Health & Wellness, Life Skills, Math, Music, Science & Nature, Social Studies, and World Languages. They have classes for all ages and interests.
Cost: Varies.
Rent a Boat and Explore Lady Bird Lake
Details: The following organizations have gained a concession to provide boat rentals from Austin Parks and Recreation:
Rowing Dock is located west of MoPac on the south shore of the lake, entrance off Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. They offer kayaks, canoes, fishing kayaks, pedal kayaks, and stand up paddle boards for rent, camps, and instruction. Hours: 7:30am-8:30pm daily. Note: Re-opening Saturday, August 8th. Cost: Kayak rental ($15-20/hr); Canoe rental ($25/hr); Stand Up PaddleBoard rental ($20/hr); Pedal Kayak rental ($30/hr). Visit the Rowing Dock web site for additional information.
Texas Rowing Center is located on the lake just south of Austin High School. They offer rowing, kayak/canoe rentals, and lessons. Hours: 6am-dusk daily. Note: Re-opening Saturday, August 8th. Cost: Kayak rental ($10/hr | $35/day); Canoe rental ($20/hr | $45/day); Stand Up PaddleBoard rental ($15/hr | $35/day). All prices +$5 on Fridays, weekends, and holidays. Double Kayak: $15/hr | $35/day; Triple Kayak: $20/hr | $45/day. Prices include tax. Kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals are available all day, every day – no reservations are necessary. Visit their web site for additional information.
Zilker Park Boat Rentals is located on Barton Creek, just east of Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. They rent canoes, kayaks, and SUPs. Hours: 9am-dusk daily. Note: Re-opening Saturday, August 8th. Cost: Rates Per Boat: $18/Hour | $54/All Day for canoes, kayaks and SUPs. Cash only, but they have an ATM on site. They do not take reservations. Visit their web site for additional information.
Science Mill Hands Free, Minds-on Visits
Details: The Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). If you’d like to keep your visit touch free, there are more than two dozen minds-on experiences for a day of exploration and inspiration. If you prefer to avoid indoor spaces, the Science & Art Park—their big backyard—is the place to be. It offers a mix of hands-on and hands-free experiences, including several new exhibits and the popular Fossil Dig (where they’ll have clean tools ready and sanitize regularly). Use the new Backyard entrance to check in outside, then head directly into the Park. For COVID-19 safety information, click here.
When: Thursday-Saturday, 10-1pm & 2-5pm and Sunday, 12-4pm.
Where: Science Mill, 101 S Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, 78636
Cost: Hands-free, general admission tickets are: 0-2 years old – free; ages 3-18 (or with student ID) - $9.50; adult - $11.00; seniors (65+) - $9. New online ticketing system for a “contactless” entry.
Details: A non-profit organization, ZACH creates intimate theatre experiences that ignite the imagination, inspire the spirit, and engage the community. As Austin’s leading professional producing theatre, ZACH employs more than 250 actors, musicians, and designers annually to create its own diverse array of nationally recognized plays and musicals that are timely and relevant to Central Texas audiences, under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Elisbeth Challener. Each year, ZACH serves over 125,000 Central Texans – over 55,000 of which are children and youth who participate in their education and outreach programs, as well as inspiring camps and classes. Offerings:
Class Pass & Drop-ins - First class is free! ZACH is offering live, interactive virtual classes through August 2020. The new Monthly Class Pass is the most flexible, and affordable option for parents and students. Unused classes will roll over month to month. All virtual classes will be held on zoom. Now offering classes in Disney Broadway, Improv, Acting, Makeup, Set Design, Stage Combat, Voice, and much more! Cost: One drop-in class ($20); four classes/month ($60); eight classes/month ($100); Unlimited classes per month ($150).
Multi-Week Class Series - Zach’s fall after school eight-week series classes will open on August 10 and classes will begin on August 24.
When: Varies.
Also, check out these sites for lists of community activities for kids and families in the Austin area:
https://www.austintexas.org/events/
http://austin.thinkbilingual.org/events/
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Hope you and your kiddos enjoy these safe and fun activities and resources!
Esha/Enriched Family
Enriched Family is dedicated to providing parents with the information, tools, and systems they need to organize their families and thrive. I help busy parents with a wide variety of practical, comprehensive family supports and solutions, including:
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