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

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...

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.

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,

What Matters & What Doesn't to My Little Austinite

by Jonathon Morgan

January 06, 2009

This month's theme at Savvy Source is Resolutions and Reflections, and Tuesday is List Day. Today's list is about what really matters to preschoolers - and what doesn't. For a local spin, I've chosen to reflect on the Austin sights that my preschooler really digs (sometimes literally!) and what I've been surprised he hasn't taken to...at least not yet. Top 5 Austin Institutions My  Read more...

Fun in a box

by Jonathon Morgan

December 29, 2008

We have completed Round One of Christmas present opening here in Virginia (when we return to Austin, we will commence Round Two), and so far one of the favorites has been the Crazy Creatures Balloon Modeling Fun Kit . Apparently, this kit includes everything you need to keep a house full of adults and parents entertained: an instruction kit on how to make everything from a dog to a  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...

Great reads

by Jonathon Morgan

December 04, 2008

Still searching for the perfect book to round out your gift giving? I've combed the recommendations on the SavvySource Books, Toys, & More section, and come up with reviews for five of our favorites. Feel free to browse the entire section for additional comments or for more ideas. Sally Gets a Job by Stephen Huneck If your child is like mine, at least once a week we engage in a  Read more...

Put your thinking cap on: places that inspire imagination

by Julie Holden

October 14, 2008

Sometimes, the topics we're tossed here at Savvy are real stumpers. This week I'm mulling over "places that inspire imagination." There's the obvious, such as the Austin Children's Museum , which strives in every which way to get a kid's brain a-workin'. But where have I seen children at their most excited and imaginative? The first thing that pops to my mind is, of course, the  Read more...

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Discovering the wilderness of the urban jungle

by Nicole Basham

May 21, 2008

As far as I can tell, animals are far more interesting to toddlers than people could ever hope to be. Whether it's because they're novel, they're cute, or that the possibility they might start talking like cartoons is totally engrossing, we'll never know. Regardless, here's a few places to spot wildlife around town. 1. Mayfield park : this small nature reserve in west Austin is the perfect  Read more...