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

Other Great Savvy Source Things to Do

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Beat the Heat and the Crowds at the Texas Memorial Museum

July 13, 2009

If the thought of another day running after your preschooler/s drenched in sweat does not appeal to you, I wanted to introduce you to (or perhaps reminder you about) an indoor option: the Texas Memorial Museum.

Other than having AC, here are some reasons to visit:

Finding Fish in Austin

by Nicole Basham

June 23, 2009

Yes, it's Tuesday, so that must mean it's List Day here at Savvy Source. Today I'm going to suggest places to see fish in Austin. Unfortunately, we don't have an aquarium per se, but that just means we have to get creative!
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Animals, Animals: Texas-Dwelling Creatures

by Nicole Basham

May 26, 2009

Hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend! It's Tuesday, and that must mean it's List Day here at Savvy Source. I was bummed to hear the recent news that the Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo has been suspended due to lack of sponsorship commitments, as we have yet to make the Expo and from what I have heard it sounds right up my son's alley. We'll just have to cross our fingers that it returns when the economy rebounds.

However, there is plenty you can do to instill a love for Texas animals in your little one! Read more...

Wild-Connections Butterfly Farm & Nature Center

by Nicole Basham

May 24, 2009

It seems as though our weekends fill up quickly with birthday parties, spending time with my parents and errands, so it seems a rare weekend that we take advantage of the events I write up for Thursdays' Out and About feature. This three-day weekend finally afforded us a chance to visit a place I had been curious about for a while: Wild-Connections Butterfly Farm & Nature Center.

Wild-Connections was created in 2004 to reconnect children with their natural environment, in hopes of instilling a love and interest in protecting it. The property has a nice shady area with ponds and native plants for picnicking, an education center, hiking trails, a gift shop, and of course, the Butterfly House. Until the end of May, Wild-Connections is open 10-4 Tuesday-Saturdays. Then it will re-open in late September. Admission is $4 (plus tax) per person for everyone over 2. Group tours for 15 or more are available by reservation.

We headed out on Saturday, hoping to get there around the time they opened. The farm is located a few minutes from the Nutty Brown Cafe (not too far past the turnoff for the Austin Zoo), off 290 heading towards Johnson City. It took us about 20 minutes to get there from North Central Austin.

You check in at the gift shop, and the Butterfly House is only a few minutes walk away. Cut up cantaloupe is near the door to entice the butterflies to feed, but we didn't have any luck (doubt that my son stood still long enough for that, anyways!) The House is pretty amazing and teeming with all sorts of butterflies. The flora is impressive and we also spotted some caterpillars. I have been to some hot/humid indoor butterfly exhibits, so this was nice in comparison, although it is not shaded, so I can see why they close during the summer.

There are also a few turtles in the House, and while we were there, one laid eggs and spent a long time painstakingly covering them up!

We then checked out one of the hiking trails, but by then it was pretty warm and my son had no interest in walking, so we headed back to the Education Center. One room had some wildlife samples out for viewing and some stamps and crayons out for crafts. It might have been an age thing, but my son was most interested in trying to play with the toy insects in the gift shop. And after hearing the owner stress the importance of kids being out in nature, I felt just a little sheepish!

Had we been more prepared, a picnic on the grounds would have been pleasant, or even a stop at the Nutty Brown (we haven't been) or another eatery on the way back in town. But we headed home, and will look forward to visiting again next year, when my son will be another year older and more interested in all that Wild-Connections has to offer.

It's Not Just the Fire Truck: Five Things About Zilker Park

by Nicole Basham

May 19, 2009

Hope you are having a great week so far! Tuesday is List Day here at Savvy Source, and for today's post, I'll be taking a relatively well-known spot, Zilker Park, and pointing out five things you (hopefully) don't already know about this destination. Read more...

Beat the Heat at Hamilton Pool

by Nicole Basham

May 11, 2009

Remember those amazing Spring days we had? Unfortunately, it appears those are gone and we are starting our LONG summer. Luckily, there are plenty of ways in Austin to beat the heat, and we visited one of them last week: Hamilton Pool.

I hadn't been in ages, and certainly not since my son was born, and I wasn't sure if we'd see any impact from the construction runoff that polluted the Pool. I'm glad we made it out, as it was a great morning. Do call ahead before you go, especially after a rainfall, to make sure high bacteria levels haven't closed the Pool.

We made the trip on a Friday morning, and it was about an hour's drive from our house in North Central Austin. We arrived at 10:00, and we were the third car there (it is an $8 charge per vehicle). There is a compost toilet by the parking lot, but it does not have running water, so you need to bring your own. The trail down to the Pool is 1/4 mile and suitable for a preschooler (and downhill). We did pass another set of portable toilets closer to the Pool.

The pool has a large shallow area where kids can wade and see the bottom. There are fish, shells, and the ground is pretty rocky (my son didn't mind, but adults might want to bring water shoes). There is some shade provided by the limestone outcropping, but not a lot. We had a great time splashing, "swimming", and pretending we were various water animals.

There is also a trail which goes underneath the outcroppings which is short and easy for a preschooler to take. My son pointed to several spots on this walk which he said were "caves" and he suggested that maybe bears lived inside. There is certainly a lot of opportunities to talk about earth science here!

We weren't prepared to picnic, but it would be a great place to bring a lunch. Instead, we headed to the Salt Lick (we had an out of town guest in tow, so great excuse!), ate our fill, and were home at 2:00, in time for nap!

Hidden Gem: Reed Park

by Nicole Basham

May 04, 2009

Today I bring you another Hidden Gem: Reed Park in Central Austin. Basically hidden from the road, you might have trouble finding it, even if you are looking. When we were checking out library storytimes, we headed to Reed after visiting the Howson branch.

East Side Finds

by Nicole Basham

April 27, 2009

Austin's "Upper East Side" (I had never heard of the name until I saw it on a bumper sticker) has garnered a lot of attention, particularly since folks started moving into the Mueller development. But don't forget, there is a lot more to East Austin than Lake Park! Here are just a few things you should check out:
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Hidden Gem: Brushy Creek Lake Park

by Nicole Basham

April 20, 2009

It's time for another Hidden Gem. Last time I reviewed Mayfield Park, an urban oasis with something for everyone in the family. This time, I'm heading north to Cedar Park's Brushy Creek Lake Park.

The park is 90 acres, only five years old and very picturesque. I actually discovered it trying to find a place to jog sans kid, although I had heard about the sprinkler park, which is open 10-8 from May until September (hence, no children in my photo). I have heard the sprinkler park gets a little nutso in the summer, but I guess that's par for the course. There is also a playground, covered pavilions, picnic tables, BBQ grills and a sand volleyball court.

What makes the park a hidden gem is that in addition to the sprinkler park and usual amenities, there is a fishing pier, a canoe/kayak launch and what appears to be a place to rent some, a hike and bike trail in great condition, and down the trail, Champion Park, with a host of fun possibilities for preschoolers. I love finding places that I think we will "grow into", if that makes sense - just lots of stuff that my son will appreciate more and more as he grows older.

The Lake is a Community Fishing Lake, meaning it's periodically stocked with catfish and/or rainbow trout. Many times I have visited, I've seen families heading out with poles. We still haven't tried fishing with our three year old, but I keep thinking about it, so this might be the first place we try!

A mile and a half down the trail from the main entrance of Brushy Creek is Champion Park, which I discovered will be the venue for the First Annual Dinosaur Day on May 9th. You can access the park from Brushy Creek Road, where there is a ton of parking. Unlike the Dino Pit at the Nature Center, which we also enjoy, Champion Park has a covered area to dig, which makes it MUCH more amenable to the Texas heat. There is also a whale which sprays water and specially designed boulders intended for climbing. Another fishing area is located closeby, and the Trail continues to the Avery Ranch subdivision. You can continue on the trail down to Olsen Meadow Park, which has fields for soccer and baseball and a playscape.

Now that I've reviewed a north and central Hidden Gem, I need ideas on a place to explore that's south! Southie mamas, please send your ideas to beingsavvyaustin@savvysource.com!

Locally Grown: Where Your Kids Can Choose What's For Dinner

by Nicole Basham

April 14, 2009

Now that the Easter bunny has come and gone and left a trail of empty foil wrappers and chocolate-covered fingers, it's time to get back to eating right. So...just step away from the Peeps and read on for today's List, where I'll cover the local farmers market, farm stand and CSA scene. Markets are a great place for kids, and who knows what your kids will eat if they learn more about how and who grows it!

Farmers Markets

Sunset Valley Farmers Market - Located in the Burger Center parking lot in South Austin, this is what I consider to be the "original" farmers' market in Austin, although it has not always been in this location. It's open 9-1 every Saturday and always has live music and plenty for kids to see, taste, and explore.

Austin Farmers Market - Located downtown, this market is also open 9-1 on Saturdays and also has live music and lots of yummy prepared foods. The Market is a project of the Sustainable Food Center, a non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant, local food system.

On Wednesdays from 4 until 8pm, the Market is open at the Triangle, which has become a real meeting place for many moms and their charges.

South Austin Farmers Market - I haven't checked this out for myself, but there is a "growers only" market open from 8-1pm on Saturdays at the El Gallo parking lot on South Congress. Reviews on Yelp and other sites were favorable.

Markets in surrounding cities (Taylor, Bastrop, Manor, Elgin, San Marcos and Sun City, among others) are listed here and here.

Farm Stands

Angel Valley Organic Farm - Located in Northwest Austin, this farm stand is open 10-2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays from February until December.

Arnosky Family Farm - Best known for their amazing flowers, produce and prepared foods are also available Saturdays 9-5pm at the farm, located 8 miles from Blanco.

Austin Farmers Market - In Dove Springs, this stand operates from 12-3pm May to mid-August.

Boggy Creek - No longer a secret, Boggy Creek Farm in East Austin has a surprising array of produce, flowers, and prepared foods. The stand is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 until 2pm.

Green Gate Farm - This farm stand and "U Pick" is open from noon until dark on Thursdays and Fridays, March until November near Decker Lane & MLK.

Pure Luck Organic and AA Dairy - Pure Luck artisan cheeses can be purchased at Wheatsville, Farm to Market, Whole Foods and Central Market, but you can also visit the farm stand Saturdays from 9-5pm near Dripping Springs.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs)

CSAs are a service provided by local farms whereby you can subscribe and either pick up or have delivered what's in season. There is a comprehensive list of CSAs on the Edible Austin website. I know mamas who have been very happy with Johnson's Backyard Garden and, although it's not a CSA, Greenling provides produce (some local) and grocery service right to your doorstep.

Are you hungry yet?

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A moo moo here...and a moo moo there at Crowe's Nest Farms

by Nicole Basham

March 30, 2009

If there is one thing cuter than a (human) baby, it might be a baby farm animal. We got to check out lots of baby, mommy and daddy animals last week at Crowe's Nest Farm.

Crowe's Nest is located in Manor, about thirty minutes east of Austin. The 100-acre working farm is a non-profit with the mission of fostering public appreciation, knowledge, and wise stewardship of both the agricultural and wildlife resources of Texas. Tours are available by appointment only (M-F at 10 and 11:30) and the farm is also open on weekends for parties and group tours of 20 or more.

Spring Into Spring With These Outdoor Games

by Nicole Basham

March 24, 2009

Tuesday is List Day here at Savvy Source, and in recognition of the first week of Spring, I'm sharing a list of fun outdoor games to play with your preschooler/s. These games get you and your kid/s moving (and possibly napping?!), get you out of the house, require little money or time, and can be done with just you or a group.
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Twice the Fun!

by Nicole Basham

March 17, 2009

Wow, talk about a 180 in terms of the weather, huh? Hope you are enjoying your Spring Break so far! For ideas of things to do around town this week, you can check my Monday post.

Tuesday is List Day here at Savvy Source, and today I'm bringing you some ideas for "two-fers": two places relatively closeby you can visit in the course of a morning or afternoon. Read more...

Hidden Gem: Mayfield Park

by Nicole Basham

March 09, 2009

Although Central Market may be Austin's WORST kept secret for family-friendly fun, there are many places off the beaten path where you can enjoy a pleasant outing with your preschooler/s. For this reason, I decided to start an occasional series on this blog called Hidden Gems. Today's Hidden Gem is actually quite close to Central Market North, although it seems worlds away.

Any guesses yet? I'm referring to the urban oasis that is Mayfield Park,