Enriched Family December 2020 Austin Activities List
Photo Credit: Austin Trail of Lights 2019, photo by Enriched Family.
Hi friends! I’ve missed curating the Enriched Family monthly activities lists for you. COVID realities put a stop to my blogging for the past few months, but I am happy to be back at it. Obviously the holidays are different this year, but there are still many Austin holiday traditions and December events to enjoy. I have rounded up a post on at-home, online, or socially-distanced/outdoor activities for you and your kiddos (please refer to the event websites for complete COVID-19 safety information).
As always, I have focused on a variety of educational, cultural, and fun activities that are both free (though there are not as many as in years past) 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. As always, this list is not exhaustive, but includes a sampling of events and activities that caught my eye that I wanted to highlight. Additional good sources for activity lists are included at the end of the post.
I have also included a section with some winter camp ideas (both virtual and in-person), organized by area of Austin. Finally, if you are looking for ways to give back to our community this holiday season, check out the highlighted resource: local charitable giving guides.
(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.)
Highlighted Resource: Local Charitable Giving Guides
It has been such a difficult year for so many. If you are looking for ways to give back to our community, I have rounded up some great guides to help facilitate your support of local nonprofits serving Austin residents.
The Austin Chronicle Nonprofit “Wish List” Guide to Charitable Giving
The Austin Chronicle’s local nonprofit wish list is an annual tradition. The wish list includes a list of needed donation items identified by local organizations (such as Austin Partners in Education, Girls Empowerment Network, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas, AIDS Services of Austin, Hospice Austin, Caritas of Austin, Casa Marianella, etc). Let’s help support our local nonprofits as they continue to serve our community in these trying times.
Generation SERVE 2020 Holiday Giving Guide
Learn how your family can support more than 40 local nonprofit organizations working in a variety of service areas during this holiday season! Find out how you can volunteer, donate, or contribute to the wish lists of your favorite Austin organizations doing important work in the areas of Children, Environment, LGBTQIA+, Education, Poverty, Senior Support, and more!
Winter Camp Ideas
*See camp websites for specific COVID-19 precautions.
Central/North Austin
Crenshaw Athletic Club Winter Break Camp
Details: Crenshaws is offering a fun-filled program for Kindergarten through 5th graders whose parents are looking for all day activities during the winter school break. This program is just the vacation your hard-working kids deserve. Activities: Gymnastics, Tumbling, Outdoor Fun, Trampoline, Bars, Beam, Rings, Fun Games, Arts & Crafts, Recreational Swim, movies, and much more!
Available dates:
Week 1 (3 Days): Monday-Wednesday, Dec 21-23 | $150
Week 2 (4 Days): Monday-Thursday, Dec 28-31 | $200
Hours: 8am-5:30pm
Location: 5000 Fairview Drive, Austin, 78731
Idea Lab Kids Single Day Camps
Details: Join Idea Lab over the winter holiday break for an assortment of different single-day camp options.
Available dates:
December 21 | End of Semester Minecraft Party! (Juniors) (ages 5-7) & End of Semester Minecraft Party! (Seniors) (ages 8-12)
December 22 | Chef Academy: Sweets And Treats (ages 8-12) & Wacky 3D Art Studio (ages 5-7)
December 23 | Jr. Chef Academy: Chemistry Of Cookies (ages 5-7) & Deep Space Robotics (ages 8-12)
December 28 | Minecraft Coding (Powered By CodaKid Curriculum) (ages 8-12) & Tinker Shop: Toy Engineering (ages 5-8)
December 29 | Scratch Coding Powered By CodaKid Curriculum (ages 5-8) & Volcanic Science (ages 8-12)
December 30 | Onward: A Scientific Adventure (ages 5-8) & The Mandalorian: The Way Of The Scientist (ages 8-12)
December 31 | Black Light Science New Year’s Eve Party! (All Ages) (ages 5-12)
Hours: 9am-3pm, with extended care available for an additional fee.
Location: 8620 Burnet Rd, Austin, 78757
Cost: $65 per day
My Coding Place Winter Blast Holiday Camps (in-person & virtual)
Details: My Coding Place started in 2018 to teach kids in Austin to code. Teachers are coders and the mission is to expose kids and adults to the art of computer programming and broader STEM topics. They want kids to love coding as much as they do and to be inspired and challenged in a creative environment. Camps are available online and in-person. For all in-person camps, computers will be distanced, temperatures will be taken, and masks will be required. Students are also welcome to bring their own laptops.
When: December 28-31.
Games and Robots (in-person) | 9am-2pm | Cost: $350
For ages 7-18, this camp introduces students to coding with Scratch, a block-based programming language that exposes students to basic coding constructs in a creative, engaging way. Learn to use loops, counters, conditionals, and other basic coding constructs through building projects in Scratch. Build fun animations, keep score, change backdrops, create colorful characters, and learn to accept user input and respond to keys or mouse clicks! Through application and practice, students will learn the fundamentals of programming. After lunch, they will learn about robotics using Ozobot Evo or Makeblock mBot. Learn to program them using their block-based coding platforms. Students will learn basic coding constructs such as event-handling and conditionals through the process of manipulating and directing their robot.
Games with Scratch (virtual) | 10-11:30am | Cost: $125
For ages 7-12, this camp introduces students to coding with Scratch, a block-based programming language that exposes students to basic coding constructs in a creative, engaging way. Learn to use loops, counters, conditionals, and other basic coding constructs through building projects in Scratch. Build fun animations, keep score, change backdrops, create colorful characters, and learn to accept user input and respond to keys or mouse clicks! Through application and practice, students will learn the fundamentals of programming.
Great Graphics (virtual) | 1-2:30pm | Cost: $125
For ages 8-18, students will have fun engaging their artistic side in this Digital Art camp! Create and edit images, shapes, and text, and learn how to make photo collages, use selection tools, filters, digital brushes and more! This is an introduction to photo editors and visual communication, solving visual problems with digital solutions. Throughout the course, students will establish proficiency with the photo editor interface and tools, and will gain an understanding of file formats, color management, image resolution, and pixel depth for differing output needs. They will learn about texturing, compositing, and various effects that can be applied when creating and manipulating images.
Location: 3616 Far West Blvd. #109, Austin, 78731
YMCA of Greater Williamson County - Holiday Camps
Details by camp: Full and half day camps during winter break in the Round Rock and Cedar Park area.
Cedar Park (204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, 78613) - Camp Twin Lakes Holiday Camp.
Day Camp - K-9 grades: December 21-23, 28-31, and January 4 (7am-6pm); Daily rate: $45 Members/$55 Community Members; $270 Members/$330 Community Members, if you sign up for all 8 days in December & January.
Round Rock (1812 N Mays St., Round Rock, 78664)
Day Camp - K-9 grades: December 21-23, 28-30, & January 4-5 (7am-6pm); Daily rate: $35 Members/$45 Community Members.
Multiple Locations: North and South
ATX Ballers Coed FREE Outdoor Basketball Camps
Details: Free lessons are solely for families with financial need. Coed, PreK-5th grades.
South: Monday, December 21 | 10-11:30am - Austin Oaks Church, 4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd, Austin, 78749
Central/North: Tuesday, December 22 | 10-11:30am - Hyde Park Christian Church, 610 E 45th St, Austin, 78751
ATX Kids Club School Holiday Adventures
Details: Campers learn so much about the Central Texas region. During Covid-19, they use their vans to explore and focus primarily on excursions that keep campers outdoors and in nature. Ages 4-12. Single day camps.
Available dates:
December 21 (North-Central: Brentwood Neighborhood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco, Austin, 78757. South: Garrison Park, 6001 Manchaca Road, Austin, 78745. East: Rendon Park, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin, 78702)
December 22 (North-Central: Brentwood Neighborhood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco, Austin, 78757. South: Garrison Park, 6001 Manchaca Road, Austin, 78745)
December 23 (North-Central: Brentwood Neighborhood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco, Austin, 78757. South: Garrison Park, 6001 Manchaca Road, Austin, 78745)
Hours: 9am-5pm.
Cost: $100 per day; 15% sibling discount available.
South
ATX Ballers Indoor Basketball Camp
Details: Co-ed camp, Pre-K through 8th grades. December 28-30 | 9am-12pm - Home Court Training Center, 12701 Lowden Ln building 4, Manchaca, TX 78652
Cost: $100 for 1 player; $190 for 2 players; $290 for 3 players.
Austin Sports Academy Winter Break Soccer Camp
Details: Half-day and full-day options available, as well as single days. Boys and girls, ages 5-14.
Available dates: December 21-24 & 28-31
Hours and cost:
Half Days (8am-noon): Single half day $60; four half days $200
Full Days (8am-5pm): Single full day $75; four full days $250
Location: 275 Lotus Circle, Austin, 78737
Figment Creative Winter Workshop
Details: No matter what your holiday season looks like this year, it is always a gift to take a little time for yourself. Figment Creative Labs is offering two days of festivities for your child to create moments full of cheer. Send your little elf to tinker and fiddle at their jolly winter workshop! They will walk away with handmade presents for loved ones and gleeful memories that will last a lifetime. Ages 5 - 11 yrs. Safety precautions: The safety of participants is their top priority. Because of this, they will separate the children into small groups and sanitize whenever necessary. They are monitoring local authorities’ requirements and will be following suggested guidelines. At this time, that means temperature checks upon arrival, maintaining social distancing indoors, and no groups larger than 10 at a time. All staff will be wearing masks as mandated and masks on children are encouraged inside (but not required). No parents will be allowed inside Figment’s Labs.
When: December 21-22 | 9:30am-2:30pm
Where: Figment Creative Labs, 7809 Brodie Lane, Austin, 78745
Cost: $300 for both days; $150 for one day.
Kidventure Winter Camp (Lakeway)
Details: Kidventure is proud to offer it’s famous Winter Camp at Camp Rough Life in Rough Hollow. There are two sessions available for kids grades K-5th.
Available dates: December 21-23 | 8am-4pm; $180 & December 28-30 | 8am-4pm; $180
Where: Camp Rough Hollow, 1901 Highlands Blvd, Lakeway, TX 78738
*My children participated in Kidventure winter and summer camps for years when they were younger and always enjoyed them.
Virtual
Fantastic Magic Camp (virtual)
Details: Teaching life skills and confidence through magic, juggling, and puppets to kids ages 5 through 12 since 1993 (campers are grouped by age and experience). Each day will be filled with online and offline Fantastic Magic, Juggling, Puppets, and Fun! Online classes run from 2-4pm every day, but the learning, fun, and excitement last much longer. Campers will receive a packet with all the materials they need before the start of the program. Each day they will be taught two magic tricks with the props included in their packet. They will have some juggling, jokes, stories, and the usual Fantastic Magic Camp madness. Campers will also be given instructions on how they can create some magic using items they can find lying around the house. At the end of each magic class, campers will be given a link to a video that reviews the magic they just learned, so that they can practice the tricks when they go offline. Campers will also be given a couple of additional challenges to complete after their online activities are done. They will be given a special Puppet Making Kit and each day they will share their progress with the rest of the campers. They will also be assigned a crazy nonsense challenge to complete for the next day. Campers will most likely spend at least four hours every day on camp-related fun. Registration will be limited to 12 campers.
Available dates: December 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, & 31, plus a special Magic Show for the WHOLE family on January 1 (in evening) | 2-4pm each day
Cost: $325 per camper. Register by 12/15.
kidsActing - Winter Break Camps (virtual)
Details: Sing! Dance! Act! and play fun theatre games in this online version of everyone’s favorite musical theatre combo camp! You’ll be a triple threat when you and your friends perform a mini-musical revue at the end of the camp that you and your family can watch on kidsActing's private YouTube channel! This class is an online interactive experience, therefore you will need access to the internet and the online-meeting program Zoom. Your teacher will provide songs and scripts for you to print, you just need to bring your imagination and a pencil & paper.
December 21-23:
Beauty & the Beast | 10-11:30am & 1-2:30pm CST (Ages 6-13); $215
Elf | 10-11:30am & 1-2:30pm CST (Ages 6-13); $215
Sound of Music | 10-11:30am & 1-2:30pm CST (Ages 5-12); $215
December 28-30: Tangled | 10-11:30am & 1-2:30pm CST (Ages 5-12); $215
*kidsActing received the Austin Family Magazine 2019 Readers' Poll Favorites Award, the Austin Chronicle Best of Austin Hall of Fame, and the HappiFamili 2019 Best Camp Award.
EAST
Rio Vista Farm and Tack Shop Winter Break Horseback Riding Camp
Details: Do you know some horse-crazy kids? What about a winter break horse camp!? Beginners receive a good foundation from which to continue their riding experience, and more advanced riders have the opportunity to improve their skills. Girls and boys, ages 7-16. No prior riding experience is necessary. Children are divided into riding groups based on their riding skill level. Camp application available here.
Location: 1000 Fallwell Lane, Del Valle, TX.
Available dates and hours: December 21-24 & 28-31, 2020 | 9am–4pm
Cost: $300 via check for four-day camp session or $315 via credit card.
*My older daughter has attended this camp multiple times and loved it.
Free Educational/Cultural/Fun/Holiday Activities (Virtual & In-Person)
2020 DeSTEMber presented by Girlstart (Virtual)
Details: DeSTEMber was created by Girlstart as a month-long virtual program to build awareness for STEM, showing children and families that ‘STEM is everywhere. DeSTEMber’s online activity blogs and write-ups are provided as a resource to explore STEM at home, or for educators to use in their classrooms. Each year of the DeSTEMber curriculum is archived and available for educators and families.
When: Daily themes throughout the month of December. Weekly materials list available here.
Community Virtual Hanukkah Candle Lighting (Virtual)
Details: Shalom Austin and a variety of Austin congregations and Jewish institutions are partnering to create a virtual community candle lighting every night of Hanukkah, starting December 10th. Join in to light candles together, learn about the various organizations and populations that make up the Austin Jewish landscape, and see a different segment of the community showcased each night.
When: Nightly, 12/10-12/17, 2020 | 6pm*
Thursday, 12/10 - Synagogues (KULANU Concert)
Friday, 12/11 - Seniors | *4:30pm (please note earlier start time)
Saturday, 12/12 - Volunteers
Sunday, 12/13 - Young Families
Monday, 12/14 - Day Schools
Tuesday, 12/15 - Youth Groups
Wednesday, 12/16 - Young Adults
Thursday, 12/17 - Leadership
*Please note that there is one registration and one Zoom link for all events. Register here.
My Coding Place Free Virtual Coding Workshops
Details: Introductory coding workshop to give students the opportunity to code for one hour during CS Education Week. Instructor will lead the kids in creating a fun game with Scratch. No coding experience is necessary.
Dec 7 Virtual Hour of Code Workshop (free) | 5-6pm
Dec 9 Virtual Hour of Code Workshop (free) | 6-7pm
Dec 11 Studio Hour of Code Workshop (free) | 5-6pm
Fee-Based December Holiday Activities (Virtual & In-Person)
The Hip Hop Nutcracker (Virtual)
Details: A holiday mash-up for the whole family, directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. A unique and joyful event, this production is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Just like the original, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets, and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th-century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Through this re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take us on a journey that celebrates love, community, and the magic of the holiday season. Recorded live at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2020 | 7pm (general admission) - Livestream + On Demand
Cost: $20 general admission. $50 VIP. Available here.
Details: A magical drive-thru holiday experience at Circuit of the Americas. Follow Pepper and Mint on their journey down COTA’s Tunnel Road as they race to deliver their letters to Santa. The thoughtfully designed holiday experience will feature dancing elves and other festive entertainers strolling through dazzling scenes, transporting guests from Candy Cane Lane to an enchanted forest, and so much more.
When: November 27 – January 3 | 6-10pm
Location: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, 78617
Cost: Per vehicle, $35-90.
Luminations at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Details: Here to light up your nights, the Luminations tradition is going to keep on glowing in 2020! Experience the calm of winter at the Center with the shimmer of thousands of luminarias lighting the way. This year, for the first time ever, stroll through their naturally beautiful Texas Arboretum among the illuminated oaks and the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia. Enjoy a special seasonal menu of take-along foods from Wildflower Café. Order ahead here. Safety guidelines here.
When: November 27-Jan 3* (*closed Dec 24-25, 31 and Jan 1), Mondays are member only nights | 6-9pm
Where: Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, 78739
Cost: $18 per adult ($13 for members*); $10 for kids - ages 5 to 17 ($5 for members); children up to 4 years old are free.
Details: This year, the Austin Trail of Lights will be extended by two additional weeks. This year will be a little different as the 56th annual Austin Trail of Lights returns to Zilker as a drive-thru event. Ticketed and timed vehicle entry will be required for all participants.
When: Open nightly, 11/29-1/3 (except for 12/6 & 12/29-30) | 7-10pm
Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, 78704
Cost: General admission tickets range from $25-35 per vehicle depending on entry time and night. Dash passes, priced at $60 per vehicle, allow for early entry between 5:45-7pm. Guests will receive a box of holiday cookies and the ATX Lights Savings Card.
Mozart’s 2020 COVID Cautious Christmas Light Show
Details: Mozart’s Christmas Light Show has become an annual tradition and was voted the Best Local Event for 2020. Now in its 11th year, the lights are STILL on! For the safety of customers and staff face masks are required when not seated at your reserved table.
When: December 2 – January 6 | Reservations available between 6-11pm.
Location: Mozart's Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, 78703
Cost: Reservations start at $10/table and are available now for parties up to 6 people. Children over the age of 18 months will be counted toward your party size. All tables will be spaced 6 feet apart.
Details: Socially distanced, live outdoor concerts on the People's Plaza at ZACH! Celebrate the season with the stellar singers from ZACH’s A Christmas Carol as they perform a merry mix of traditional favorites and classic rock-n-soul hits—guaranteed to lift the spirits of the scroogiest Scrooge! Rock the ultimate holiday bash at a joyous new outdoor concert, perfect fun for all ages, starring CHANEL, Kenny Williams, Roderick Sanford, Leslie McDonel and Daniel Rowan. As their gift to you, the festive ZACH glowsticks you know and love from A Christmas Carol are included in your purchase!
When: December 10 – January 3 | Matinee and evening tickets available
Location: People’s Plaza at ZACH Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, 78704
Cost: Tickets $77-413 per pod (2-6 people); available here.
Austin Scottish Rite Theater Streaming On-Demand Performances (Virtual)
Details: Enjoy some classic Austin Scottish Rite Theater performances from your home!
A Christmas Carol - Reduced, Reused & Recycled
Snow Queen
A Long Winter’s Night (in Texas)
Rosita y Conchita
Little Red Chunari
Armadillo Alice
When: On-demand.
Tickets: $15 each to rent.
Ballet Austin The Nutcracker: Home for the Holidays (Virtual)
Details: Support Ballet Austin and bring your favorite holiday tradition, THE NUTCRACKER, “home for the holidays” this December through a multi-day, multi-media celebration you can enjoy from anywhere! Claim your “key” to unlock the fun from the comfort of home and look forward to fresh content delivered daily, including…
On-demand access to THE NUTCRACKER digital film, a vibrant, feature-length presentation of Artistic Director Stephen Mills’ THE NUTCRACKER;
Bonus material, cast and crew interviews, and behind-the-scenes featurettes;
Holiday recipes and decorating ideas, health and wellness tips;
On-demand, holiday-themed dance lessons, and live-streamed dance & fitness classes; and
Family-friendly contests and games, Nutcracker traditions, and more!
When: Begins December 12, 2020
Cost: Tax-deductible donation option packages to Ballet Austin range from $30-500.
Also, check out these sites for good lists of community activities for kids and families in the Austin area:
https://austinkidsdirectory.com/events/
https://www.austintexas.org/events/
http://austin.thinkbilingual.org/events/
*************
Happy Holidays! 2020 has been a doozy. I am certainly looking forward to a new year.
Esha/Enriched Family
Enriched Family is a unique, custom research and consulting business dedicated to providing families with the information, tools, and systems they need to live more organized and joyful lives. Services include: Custom family-focused research (child care, education, health and wellness resources, camps, and enrichment activities), family organization solutions (stuff & family systems), and productivity consulting for busy, professional parents (planning and prioritizing, productivity coaching, and time management coaching). I offer a free, 20-minute initial phone consultation to all new clients to discuss matching your needs and priorities with my services. I invite you to check out my services and click the "Let's Get Started!" button below to contact me with questions.