Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Austin, TX

Everyone is watching their wallets these days, and if you stay at home with your little ones, it's easy for a $5 admission "every once in a while" to add up.  Also, if you are like me, credit card bills are now arriving, documenting how much you REALLY spent this holiday season.  But we are lucky here in Austin, as there are lots of free family-friendly options right in our own backyard. 

Here are some free suggestions for every day of the week:

MONDAYS
Mondays are harder in terms of organized events, but it's a great time to check out one of the over 200 parks in Austin.  There are maps, pictures and descriptions online.  Take advantage of the sometimes summer-like weather we enjoy in January to find a new favorite park!  Our favorites at the moment are Reed, Bartholomew, and Ramsey.  Or, organize a standing playdate with a friend or friends and rotate playdates at your houses.

TUESDAYS
Check out a library storytime.  Our favorite is the Preschool storytime at Yarborough on Hancock Drive with Ms. Elizabeth.  A trip there every week encourages you to check out books and DVDs for yourself and your children and make sure you return them on time - a definite money saver!   

WEDNESDAYS
When it's cold or rainy, I think about the Texas Memorial Museum.  Hidden on the UT campus, this museum has dinosaur bones downstairs (and an area with pullout drawers of fossils called the Paleo Lab - a big hit with my son), minerals and gems on the ground floor, animals on the second floor (and a boat Will sat in for a while), and an evolution exhibit on the top floor (admittedly over my child's head).    

THURSDAYS
Depending on the age of your preschooler, you can try the Blanton Museum, also on the UT campus, which is free on Thursdays.  The last time I took my son, he was securely in the Baby Bjorn, and I don't think he can be trusted yet around works of art.  If all else fails, the "Spaghetti" interactive sculpture outside is sure to be a winner.
 
FRIDAYS
If you haven't been, get thee to Family Connections storytime.  Every other week, Ms. Staci performs, reads books, and presides over bubble mosh pits, and on the alternating weeks, Ms. Amanda reads stories and has a craft.  Family Connections has an extensive lending library with toys, books, and more, and on a rainy day my son has played in their play area (complete with a kitchen, pretend food, table, couches, and toys) all morning.

WEEKENDS
Many of the venues above are also options on weekends (parks, Texas Memorial Museum, and Family Connections), although with more limited hours.  Some libraries have weekend events on occasion, and other museums have free events, although they often aren't very well-publicized.

Anything I'm forgetting?