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

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...

Great Excuses for a (Short) Road Trip

by Nicole Basham

April 07, 2009

Now that my son is a bit more amenable to car rides (and I fear naps won't last too much longer), I have been thinking about all the fun stuff I did growing up that was just an hour or two from Austin. So for today's List, I bring you Great Excuses for a (Short) Road Trip:

• Bastrop - You can enjoy the "Lost Pines", fishing and hiking at Bastrop State Park.
• Burnet - A beautiful State Park with Highland Lake views is Inks Lake Park and you can explore one of the few river-formed caverns in the state at the Longhorn Cavern.
• Fredericksburg - There is plenty for adults and family in the city, and Enchanted Rock has some kid-friendly hikes, although it's quite popular, so get there early!
• Georgetown - Lauded by Texas Monthly as one of the best places for kids to play IN THE STATE, the Creative Playscape evokes memories of my childhood, before the wooden play structures were replaced by the 5 or so plastic models we have become accustomed to at our local parks. Plenty of room for imaginary play here! If you need to escape from the heat, try the Innerspace Cavern.
• Lake Travis - Volente Beach opens in mid-April and has an array of water-related activities for kids.
• New Braunfels - I am grateful to have a child interested in all things nature and animal-related, so I think a trip to the Animal World & Snake Farm is in order. You can also bring friends and family to Schlitterbahn on weekends starting in late April (in late May the Park opens during the week).

• San Antonio - There is a lot for preschoolers to do and see at Sea World (including a sprinkler area and bounce house for when your little one's eyes glaze over at the sea life), and if you miss having a traditional zoo here in Austin, the San Antonio Zoo (and Aquarium) is impressive.
• San Marcos - Texas State purchased Aquarena Springs in 1994 and changed the focus from an amusement park to education and conservation. Kids enjoy the Glass Bottom Boat tours and older preschoolers can learn about the role of water on the planet in the aquarium and wetlands boardwalk. Preschool tours are also available.
• Waco - If you are looking for a zoo north of Austin, head to the Cameron Park Zoo.

What else would you recommend?  Read more...

Pass the dog biscuits

by Jonathon Morgan

December 18, 2008

First, congrats to Veronica for winning the Austin Events 2009 calendar giveaway ! I have one of those days ahead of me that I dread: too chilly to want to play outside, my son is borderline sick and so I don't want him around other kids, I'm not feeling 100%, and I want to stay far away from any holiday shoppers. Oh, and I don't think I can stay in the house all day... On days like  Read more...