May Activities for Kids and Families in Austin
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It's time for Enriched Family's May roundup of kid's and family activities happening in the Austin area. As usual, this list is not exhaustive, but includes 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.
(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.)
General Events
Highlighted activity: Pack a picnic and consider a family trip to Sweet Berry Farm, in Marble Falls, TX.
Details: Family-run Sweet Berry Farm is lovely and offers a wide range of activities. The girls and I made a visit last Fall and had a wonderful time -- they made colored sand necklaces, jumped on a bounce pad, explored the seasonal kid corn maze, took pictures in the pumpkin patch, checked out the amazing goat "house," and sampled pumpkin ice cream. We definitely have plans to return as we didn't get through all the activities. On our list for our next visit is the barrel train or maybe riding horses (weekends only). May would be a great time to go -- Strawberry picking season is currently "in full swing," and now through mid-May many of the farm's crops are also in season (according to the Sweet Berry Farm seasonal calendar), including blackberries, peaches, potatoes, and onions (you pay for what you harvest).
When: Open weekly, M, Tu, Th, Fr, and Sat from 8:30am-5:30pm; Sunday 1-5pm; closed Wednesdays.
Cost: No admission or parking fee, simply pay for the fruit you pick or the activities you wish to participate in. Prices for activities listed here.
Where: Sweet Berry Farm, 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, Texas 78654
Event: Alamo for All
Details: Welcome to Alamo for All - a movie program for young families and guests with special needs. All shows starting before 2pm on Tuesdays follow Alamo for All rules, with more shows on the weekends at Lakeline and Slaughter Lane. Schedule may vary during holidays. At sensory-friendly Alamo for All shows:
Lights are turned up and sound is turned down
All ages are welcome (including infants)
Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around
Latecomers are admitted
Adaptive technology is welcome (but no other electronics, please)
When: All shows starting before 2pm on Tuesdays at various theaters, with more shows on the weekends at Lakeline and Slaughter Lane.
Where: Various Alamo Theaters, check out some top movie picks for kids here.
Event: Elmo Visit at Toybrary Austin
Details: Come laugh and play with Elmo! Toybrary Austin is a toy lending library for children ages 6 months to 5 years old.
When: Tuesday, May 15th – 10:30am-12pm
Where: Toybrary Austin, 2001 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757
Cost: $12 per child.
Event: Maker Faire Austin
Details: Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments, projects. We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth - a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Glimpse the future and get inspired!
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 5th and 6th – 10am to 6pm
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase here. Tickets range from $12-42 (e.g., $12 youth/single day; $18 adult/single day). **Many tickets will no longer be on sale after 5/1.
Event: Petting Zoo at Toybrary Austin
Details: It's petting zoo time at Toybrary Austin! Toybrary Austin is a toy lending library for children ages 6 months to 5 years old.
When: Friday, May 18th – 10:30-11am
Where: Toybrary Austin, 2001 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757
Tickets: Tickets are $12 per child and available for purchase here. Stay and play afterwards for as long as you like!
Free Educational/Cultural Activities
Event: Cinco De Mayo Celebration presented by Southwest Key Programs
Details: Free Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Join us for a celebration of music, dance and art for Cinco de Mayo. Special activities for kids, including STEM activities & arts and crafts.
Performances:
11:00am: Trajes Típicos de Latinoamérica
11:20am: Ballet Folklorico Highland Park Elementary
11:30am: Mariachi (LAPP)
12:00pm: Ballet Folklorico (LAPP)
12:10pm: Teatro (LAPP)
12:30pm: Plow Boyz (Special Performing Artists)
When: Saturday, May 5, 2018, from 11am-1pm
Where: Southwest Key Centro de Familia (6002 Jain Ln., Austin, TX 78721)
Event: Do512 Day Family Party Presented by Do512 Family and Top Notch Burger
Details: The City of Austin Mayor's Office declared May 12th (5/12) "Do512 Day" to celebrate Do512's commitment to helping people answer the question, "What should I do today?" Each year, Do512 and Do512 Family honor the occasion with some fun festivities. Our pals at Top Notch are offering free kid-sized milkshakes all day (11am- 10pm) with the purchase of a burger or kids meal when you mention Do512. Family Party, 5-6 p.m. Join us for a little party! We'll be there with bubbles, face painting, photo ops, and games. Our friends from ZACH Theatre will be there hosting crafts, too! And at exactly 5:12 p.m., we will raffle off some fun giveaways! *Help us get a headcount! RSVP requested here (not required).
When: Saturday, May 12, 2018, from 5-6pm (Family Party)
Where: Top Notch Burger, 7525 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78757
Event: Girlstart's STEM Studio and Mini-Planitarium Starry Nights Program
Details: Girlstart’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Studio and Mini-Planetarium is a unique space for families to explore astronomy! Starry Nights are held the 1st Thursday of every month (except January, June, July, and August), with each month featuring a new astronomy experience and related hands-on activities. Everyone is welcome (all ages); RSVP is recommended, however it is not required. Free. Thursday, May 3rd event will feature Ancient Egyptian Mythology Star Shows. Come for the last show before the summer break!
When: Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 5:30-7pm
Where: 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757
Event: Senior Living Truth Series
Details: Westbank Libraries is partnering with Austin Senior Resource Alliance to present a year-long series of candid conversations with local experts focusing on the specific concerns faced by senior adults and their families. Join in on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10:30am at Laura’s Library to be part of the conversation. The Tuesday, May 22nd talk will focus on "The Truth About Avoiding Homeowner Scams."
When: Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018, 10:30am-12:00pm (and the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 10:30am-12pm)
Where: Laura Bush Community Library, 9411 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78733
Mama Support Events
Event: Mom's Day Out!
Details: Join Stork Maternity Consulting at OBGYN North for a fun event celebrating mom; Mom's Day Out! This family-friendly event is for expecting mothers, moms with kiddos at home, and women just starting their journey to motherhood. Come indulge in chair massages from Stork Maternity Consulting, treats provided by Bare Mama Kitchen, a photo booth with Mosaic Birth Stories, a raffle with items from some of our favorite venders and shops around Austin, swag bags featuring some of our favorite products and discounts for the first 30 attendees, and a special project just for your little one! You will also have the opportunity to meet the Midwives from Natural Beginnings Birth Center, Birth & Postpartum Doulas, Lactation Consultants, as well as some wonderful resources for pregnancy and postpartum.
When: Saturday, May 12, 2018, 2-4pm
Where: OBGYN North, 12221 Renfert Way #330, Austin, TX 78758
Cost: Free. Register here.
Event: Mother's Tea - South Austin
Details: Hosted by Vibrant Life Chiropractic & Coaching - Austin. It takes a village to raise a family. We all hear that repeated so frequently, but so few of us have actually found our own mothering community. This event aims to help every mother on their journey. One of the main goals for Vibrant Life is to foster a sense of community for mothers and mothers to-be in Austin. Mother's Tea is an informal event meant to bring together mamas in the area from all backgrounds and walks of life. We will have a selection of teas to choose from as well as light snacks. This group will be facilitated by Kristen Lucas Postpartum Doula; however, there will not be any formal discussion topic, just an icebreaker question and budding friendship. Kiddos under 5 years old are always welcome, but due to limited space and the nature of the event, please leave older siblings with a trusted caregiver. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is located beside the building (Hill Country Wellness Center).
When: Wednesday, May 30 at 10am. This is a repeating event, occuring the last Wednesday of every month at 10am.
Where: Vibrant Life Chiropractic & Coaching, 9300 W Highway 290 Building A, Austin, Texas 78736
Cost: Free.
Event: Relax. Reconnect. Recharge. A Mother’s Day Workshop.
Details: A Mother's Day Workshop hosted by Blissful Mama Coaching and Sol Healing & Wellness Center. What does your heart want? What does your body want? What does your relationship want? What does your soul want? The answers to these questions are important and are key to living a happy fulfilled life, especially while raising your family. But I know it’s often difficult to find the time when juggling all.the.things.
This Mother’s Day, I invite you to stop, reflect, reset and get clear on what you really want. During this two hour workshop, you'll identify your deepest intentions and desires in one particular area of life. You'll relax. You'll reconnect. You'll recharge. You’ll walk away feeling reenergized with clarity about how you want to feel. You'll know what to do to start feeling that way now. About the Facilitator: Jenny Flanagan is a certified coach that helps moms remember who they are. In addition to being a wife and toddler mom, she is passionate about teaching moms how to maintain a healthy sense of self while raising their family. In this place, they show up more authentically in their life and teach their children to also be true to themselves. About Sol Healing & Wellness Center: Sol is a hidden gem in North Austin. The second you step foot on the grounds, you know you're somewhere special. It's incredibly peaceful. After the event, you're welcome to stay on the grounds. There are several seating areas specifically built for reflection. This is truly an escape from the everyday rush of life.
When: Saturday, May 12th from 2-4pm.
Where: Sol Healing and Wellness Center, 13805 Ann Place, Austin, Texas 78728
Tickets: Here. $50/individual; $75/bring a friend. Your registration includes the following: A printed guide with prompts to use during the workshop; water and tea during the workshop; and a commitment to honoring and creating space for your wants and needs.
Camp and School Open Houses
Open House: Camp Doublecreek Open House
Details: Check out Camp Doublecreek for your summer camp needs. Camp Doublecreek features horseback riding, all kinds of sports, miniature golf, baby animals, arts and crafts, archery, tennis, tumbling, a playscape, and many other games and activities for children ages 4-14.
When: Saturdays in May - May 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 10am-12pm
Where: Camp Doublecreek campus in Round Rock, 800 Double Creek Dr, Round Rock
Cost: Free.
*Received the Austin Family Magazine 2017 Readers' Poll Favorites Award for “Overall Fun” in camps category
Open House: Lake Hills Montessori Open House
Details: Give your child the gift of Montessori! Join Lake Hills Montessori, a private Montessori school for children ages 2-6 (preschool through kindergarten), at an open house. Visit our campus where you and your child can explore our classrooms and discover the benefits of Montessori.
When: Saturday, 5/5/2018, 9am-12pm
Where: Lake Hills Montessori, 600 N. Cuernavaca Dr., Austin, TX 78733
Museum Exhibits
Exhibit: Neill-Cochran House Museum Sunday Funday & History Lab
Details: Every first Sunday of the month from September through May (except New Year’s Day 2018), the Neill-Cochran House Museum (NCHM) opens its doors to feature free, hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, self-paced tours, and (weather permitting) lawn games with space to picnic in the shade.
The theme of the Sunday Funday & History Lab on Sunday, May 6th is NCHM at Work: Simple Machines. Use the force, my friends! The Neill-Cochran House was built before powered tools were portable enough to use at a construction site. The answer? Levers, pulleys, and wedges. Learn more about how we used to get the job done. History lab experimenters will be able to test their hypotheses on two full scale models of a first-class lever and a block and tackle (recommended for ages 10 & up or 6-10 with help from an adult or parent). We will also build our own force meters to investigate how pulleys, levers, and other kinds of simple machines make work go farther (recommended for ages 10 & up). Weather permitting, we will also have croquet in the lawn.
Museum/Location: Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Sunday, May 6, 2018, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Exhibit: Prayer Phone
Details: Prayer Phone, a handmade altar with a disconnected phone, is an invitation to the public to “call” their deceased loved ones while giving offerings and prayers. This project reflects a common custom of many Asian traditions: commemorating ancestors and venerating the spirit world. Two essential elements compose this installation. The old fashioned phone is a symbolic artifact that represents humanity’s desire to connect and communicate with others. Its historic form evokes passage of time. By contrast, the spiritual act of lighting incense symbolizes the following: sacredness when the element of air is ignited, purification of the environment’s energy, and blessings in return for offerings. These two elements combine to help connect the earthly to the heavens.
This project is inspired by an episode of This American Life featuring stories about Telephone of the Wind in Otsuchi Town, a small seaside town in northeastern Japan. An iconic English telephone phone booth connected to nowhere was repurposed, and people began “calling” family members lost during the tsunami caused by the 2011 Great Japan Earthquake. Telephone of the Wind became a public space for people to grieve for their lost loved ones. In response, Prayer Phone shares in the deep tradition of respecting spirits and coexisting with entities beyond the physical realm, as well as providing a physical space and an outlet to feel connected with the departed.
Museum/Location: Asian American Resource Center, Zen Garden, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin
When: Semi-permanent art installation (open M, Tu, F, Sat, 9am-5pm; W and Th, 9am-9pm)
Admission: Free
Exhibit: Recollecting Memories: Community Art Exhibit
Details: Artist Caroline Ryan explores family dynamics using old candid family photographs as references for her paintings. The artist reveals the astounding differences between her parents and her family’s struggle to communicate with each other as a means of accepting and understanding the past and present.
Museum/Location: Asian American Resource Center, Ballroom, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin
When: On display April 13 - June 19 (open M, Tu, F, Sat, 9am-5pm; W and Th, 9am-9pm)
Admission: Free
Exhibit: Where I Belong
Details: Mixed-race families open their doors to share lived experiences of Asian American Pacific Islander youth in Austin. This photography exhibit is co-curated by Lizzie Chen and the Asian American Resource Center.
Museum/Location: Asian American Resource Center, Ballroom, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin
When: On display through June 29th (open M, Tu, F, Sat, 9am-5pm; W and Th, 9am-9pm)
Admission: Free
*If you and your family enjoy exploring Austin's many fantastic museums, check out Do512 Family's list of free times to visit Austin museums.
Theatre and other Performances
Show: Find Your Light
Details: Zach Theatre's Pre-Professional Company presents Find Your Light, a Musical Theatre Revue that takes the audience through the journey of what it truly takes to be a Musical Theatre Performing Artist. The Artist’s tell their story, from their perspective, about creativity, disappointment, acceptance, vulnerability, discipline, hard work, passion, growth and love. Join us for an uplifting evening that we hope will inspire the whole family! Pre-Professional Company (PPC) is an ensemble of ZACH’s most dedicated up-and-coming performers. Students are divided in Companies based on age and ability. PPC is for serious students looking for a professional training experience. The goal of PPC is to improve technique, prepare students for college and career, and to provide opportunities to grow students as performing artists.
When: May 11-13, 2018, various times
Where: Zach Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd, Austin
Tickets: $20 for youth; $22 full price
Show: Goodnight Moon
Details: Zach Theatre, Theatre for Families, presents this production of the classic story. Step into the Great Green Room as one of the most iconic children’s books of all time is brought to life. In this lively musical, Bunny’s room magically comes alive with stunning puppetry, tap dancing bears, and even a trip through the night sky with a constellation light show. Age recommendation three and up.
When: Weekends March 2 through May 27, 2018
Where: Zach Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd, Austin
Tickets: $18 for youth; $24 full price
Show: Mr Johnny's Kids' Club Music Hour
Details: A "come to life" storytime on the stage. Sing, dance, jump, and shout with Johnny, Sharon, Nick, Amber & the HOPSTERS. Enjoy shakers, streamers, scarves, rhythm sticks, bubbles, stuffed animals, balloons, and weekly themes. Come early for juice, granola, coffee, muffins and more in the lobby. Seating is limited. Please reserve tickets in advance here.
When: Sundays at 10am, April 3rd - May 8th
Where: Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th St., Austin
Tickets: $1/person
Show: Peter Pan
Details: Ballet Austin presents Peter Pan in Dell Hall at the Long Center. Indulge your inner child with a trip to Neverland and the Austin premiere of Choreographer Paul Vasterling’s ballet about a boy who refuses to grow up. This action-packed, family-friendly production features all the characters you remember from J.M. Barrie’s novel, including the beautiful Wendy and her brothers, the villainous Captain Hook, a posse of Lost Boys, a man-eating crocodile, and the meddling Tinker Bell. If you believe in fairies, grab some pixie dust and join us Mother’s Day weekend for this magical end to our 2017/18 season! All ages.
When: May 11-13, 2018
Where: Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: Start at $15
Also, check out these sites for lists of community activities for kids and families in the Austin area:
http://austinkidsdirectory.com/events/all/
Happy exploring Austin's many offerings with your families! Please feel free to send us local kid's and family events to: hello[at]enrichedfamily.com.
Esha/Enriched Family
Enriched Family is dedicated to providing parents with the information, tools, and systems they need to organize their families and thrive. Enriched Family provides custom family-focused research, as well as organizational services. If you ever need help finding the right camps, children's enrichment activities, childcare options, or schools, or need some help with family organization, please reach out! I offer a free, 20-minute initial phone consultation to all new clients to discuss matching your needs and priorities with my services. In addition, I am offering a 15% discount to all new clients through May 2018. I invite you to check out our services and click the "Let's Get Started!" button below to contact me.