The Weekenders: Events for Austin Families, November 28-30, 2008

Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade- Giant inflatables, marching bands, classic cars and children’s characters! Be sure to bring a toy to be donated to Operation Blue Santa! The toys will be picked up along the parade route. FREE!! Saturday, 11:00am. The parade route begins on Congress at the Capitol and ends at Cesar Chavez.

Saturday Morning Kids Club- This month’s feature film is The Labyrinth by Jim Henson. Children six and up must be accompanied by an adult. No children under 6! Saturday, 10:00pm. Alamo South Lamar.

Cirque Dreams- An exotic encounter inspired by “nature’s unpredictable creations” that are brought to life by an international cast of 25 soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. Perfect for the entire family! Friday and Saturday, 2:00 and 7:30. Sunday, Noon and 5:00pm. $25-$65 price range. The Long Center for Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr.

The Extinction- Come and say goodbye to the life-size dinosaurs at the Dinoland exhibit as they leave Austin for another park. $5 Adults, $3 Children. Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm. Zilker Botanical Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs Rd.

TEXplorations- Come out to the museum and enjoy live entertainment by Craig Toungate, an Austin musician who has recorded over 50 songs for Disney including a duet with Mickey Mouse! FREE with museum admission. Saturday, 2:00-4:00pm. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave.

Rockin’ Christmas Party- Reigning as one of Austin’s longest-running traditions, this year’s show is bigger, brighter and merrier than ever! They’ll put the Christmas spirit in your heart and your booty as they shake, rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane. It’s great fun for the whole family and open to all ages. Friday and Saturday, 8:00pm; Sunday, 2:30pm. Tickets starting at $42. Zach Scott Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd.

Gifts From The Heart- Central Market artist Clav and chef Amanda team up to spark children’s creativity with holiday-themed art projects, tips, and tasty treats. Each student designs and decorates containers, then fills them with a variety of cookie creations. Register in advance by calling 206-1014 or online. $40. Saturday, ages 5-8 from 10:00am-12:30pm; ages 9-12 from 3:00-5:30pm. Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd.

Crafts for Kids- This week’s craft is a Family Tree with little leaves featuring the name of every family member. Every Saturday from 11:00am-3:00pm for kids ages 3 and up. FREE!! Lakeshore Learning Store, 9828 Great Hills Trail.

Family Yoga- FREE! With purchase at cafe, enjoy family yoga with Cindy for both kids and adults. Saturday, 10:00am-11:00am. Ruta Maya, 3601 S. Congress Ave.

Terri Hendrix Concert- The Wild Basin hosts a concert with popular folk musician, Terri Hendrix. Saturday, 7:30pm, recommended ages 4 and up. $20 at the door or $15 in advance. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy.

FREE Photos with Santa- Save some money and stop by every Saturday (11:00am-6:00pm) and Sunday (Noon-5:00pm) until Christmas for a free photo with Santa! Enjoy FREE story-time for kids with a free gift and refreshments on Saturday from 1:00-2:00pm. Mitchie’s Gallery, 6406 N. IH-35.

Wimberley Trail of Lights- Spend an evening in Wimberley celebrating the 11th year of The EmilyAnn Theatre’s Trail of Lights. Here you will find an enchanted pathway that winds up a six acre hill where the EmilyAnn Christmas tree awaits you. Enjoy the 360-degree view of the Wimberley Valley. Enjoy live entertainment and a visit from Santa! The opening festivities begin at 4:00pm on Saturday. FREE! Donations appreciated.

The Toys Take Over Christmas- A selfish toymaker’s special magic brings his creations to life and they long to be loved by children. Saturday, 10:00am and Sunday, 2:00pm. Children 1-12, $7; Under 1 year, $3; Adults, $10. Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 W. 18th Street.

Austin Toros Opening Weekend- The NBA D-League season opens with games against the Utah Flash on Friday at 7:30pm and Tulsa on Saturday at 7:30pm. Ticket $8-23. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez.

Gingerbread House Workshop- Experience the thrill of making a mess in someone else’s kitchen! Kids and parents will love covering themselves in sugar icing while creating a candy-covered holiday tradition with real, soft gingerbread made right here in Austin! Register in advance by calling 472-2499 ext. 201. $28 member or $33 non-member prices for 3 people per house. Take home kits available for $23. Saturday, 10:00am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm; Sunday, 12:30pm. Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado St.

Sunday Kids Show- This week’s performance by Mr. Steve. Enjoy the open drum circle. instruments are limited and families are encouraged to ring their own. FREE!! Tips for performers are appreciated! Sunday, 10:30am-11:30am. All ages. Ruta Maya, 3601 S. Congress Ave.


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