Texas Day Trips
Drive-Thru Zoos Near Austin
We are big fans of the Austin Zoo, but when we are in the mood for adventure, it can be fun to check out a drive-thru zoo. At some, you can feed the animals, which […]
December 2015
Austin
Event: STEMpreneur 2016
STEMed Labs is an Austin-based non-profit organization which works to increase opportunities for children to have exposure to innovative and experiential STEM education programs with the goal of producing a workforce ready to face the […]
Austin Travel Mama
Insider’s Guide: Visiting Washington, D.C. With The Family
Sometimes it seems like just yesterday that I lived in the Washington, D.C. area, and sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago. I was there for five years, and since that’s where my husband’s family […]
Events
Event: PBS Kids Is Coming To The Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse recently announced a year-long partnership with PBS KIDS to bring high-quality family programming to the big screen. Starting in January, Alamo locations in Austin and 11 other cities will host regular “PBS KIDS […]
Austin
Best Hot Chocolate in Austin
Granted, it’s not cold for much of the year here in Austin, but when it is, we are never really ready for it. Whether you need a break in between errands, need an excuse to […]
Events
Event: Felt Friends Teen Make and Craft Events, January-May 2016
Join the Felt Friends World Tour January through May as we sew fun, cute and simple felt creatures. The projects use sharp sewing needles and so are recommended for ages 10 and up. Adults are […]
Events
First Day Polar Splashes in the Austin Area
It’s a tradition for many to ring in the new year by jumping into freezing cold water. While we may not have freezing lakes to jump into here in the Austin-area, we do have a […]
Events
Event: Family Fun Celebration, 12/31
Spare Time, a locally-owned entertainment facility with bowling, laser tag (minimum height is 44″), an arcade with a Winner’s Corner to redeem points for prizes (and a lazer maze) and a full-service bar and grill, […]
Austin
First Day Hikes 2016
Start the year off on the right foot, the left foot, or any foot — find a First Day Hike in a state park near you on New Year’s Day! First Day Hikes vary from […]
Features
Austin
Holiday Tree Recycling Programs and Drop Off Locations
Already thinking about reclaiming your house after Christmas is over? Here’s what you need to know about recycling or disposing of your tree: AUSTIN City of Austin curbside customers can recycle their trees by leaving […]
Events
Event: AISD High School Showcase
Austin ISD invites students, their families and the community to the inaugural High School Showcase! The showcase takes place from 9 a.m.–noon Jan. 9 at the Palmer Events Center. This free event is open to […]
Austin
2015 Austin Bucket List: Year In Review
For the second year, a group of us mamas made our lists and checked them twice. No, not lists of gifts – lists of things we wanted to do with (and without) kids in and […]
Events
Austin Public Library’s 2016 Book Clubs Starting in January
Do you love reading, but need an excuse to get motivated? Stop procrastinating and start the New Year off right, by joining a Book Club at the Austin Public Library! Read and discover new books, […]
Events
Event: Noon Year Countdown Party on NYE
Count down to the new year with your kids at Springfree Trampoline’s Noon Year’s Eve Party! Unless you’ve got a new baby in the house that likes to eat at all hours of the day […]
Austin
Give Back: Keep Austin Beautiful
We are thankful to live in such a fabulous place. How can we make sure it stays that way? We’ll be bringing you ideas on how you can keep Austin a special place all year […]
Features
Weekly Planner Extended: December 21 – January 3, 2016
Welcome to Holiday Break, 2015! We’ve put together an extended planner as we’ll be taking a little time off to spend with our friends and family. Happy Holidays! Happening Daily Mozart’s Light Show – 6 […]
Events
Event: New Year’s Lock-In, 1/1
Looking for some fun for your older kid this New Year’s Day? Blazer Tag is hosting a lock-in on January 1, 2016 for kids 13 or older (anyone younger allowed with another adult or guardian […]
Austin Travel Mama
Holiday Traditions: Christmas in France
In the spirit of sharing, we will be bringing you stories about how different families celebrate the holiday season. Today, we have a special article that is written by a French teen who shares how […]
Events
Event: Shake Up The Way You Shop, until 12/23
The Domain, in collaboration with Bank of America and Starcom, invites area shoppers to experience “Shake Up the Way You Shop,” a 3-dimensional anamorphic installation designed by Dutch pop-surrealist Leon Keer. Designed specifically for the […]
Events
Holiday Weekender: December 18-20, 2015
Happening All Weekend 40th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Opening December 15 and running through December 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Hot music, fine art, and cold beer make the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar […]
Features
How I Learned to Stop Saying “I’m Sorry”
If you are a woman, I’m assuming you’ve struggled with apologizing way too often for things that are not your fault. Do you use “sorry” as a filler word in awkward situations? Do you say […]
Features
Things To Do With Teenage Kids in Austin
Teens are in that oh-so-delicate balance of needing independence but still needing their elder, wiser parents to guide them. And let’s not kid ourselves, it can be somewhat of a struggle as they get into […]
Ask the Expert
Ask The Expert: How Can I Avoid Winter Illnesses?
These days we have so much information at our fingertips to help solve any parenting dilemma (admittedly, most of the times we may have too much). You could argue the Internet was both the best […]
Austin
Things To Do In Austin With Elementary Schoolers (Ages 7-12)
Got an elementary school child and are looking for an excuse to get out of the house? Here are our ideas of things to do in Austin with your 7-12 year old: Austin Nature & […]
Events
Event: 40th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, 12/15-12/24
Hot music, fine art and cold beer have made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar the place where Austin shops in the giving season. The show is one of Austin’s longest running art and music festivals with […]
Features
Give Back: Austin Diaper Bank
We are thankful to live in such a fabulous place. How can we make sure it stays that way? We’ll be bringing you ideas on how you can help our fellow Austinites all year long […]
Austin
Event: Austin’s New Year, 12/31
Austin residents can enjoy a free, family-friendly way to ring in the New Year this year. The Austin’s New Year line-up includes Grupo Fantasma, Golden Dawn Arkestra, and Carolyn Wonderland. The annual alcohol-free celebration will […]
Features
Weekly Planner: December 14-20, 2015
Happening Daily 40th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Opening December 15 and running through December 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Hot music, fine art, and cold beer make the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar the […]
Features
Holiday Traditions: The Kallikantzaroi In Greece
In the spirit of sharing, we will be bringing you stories about how different families celebrate the holiday season. Today, we will be bringing you the story of the kallikantzaroi, which is part of the […]
Events
Event: Austin Wear Orange Walk, 12/13
Join supporters of Moms Demand Action, Texas Gun Sense, and Gun-Free UT for a Wear Orange Walk. Gather at the South Steps of the Capitol to hear from local gun violence survivors and community leaders […]
Events
Event & Giveaway: Super League Gaming (Minecraft)
Play Minecraft on a big movie screen! Have you or your kids ever wished to play games on a big movie screen? If so, Christmas is coming to Austin a little early! Super League Gaming […]
Austin
2015 Austin Experience Gifts {And A Giveaway}
‘Tis the season of stuff…and lots of it. More and more families are opting to substitute gifts of experiences for their children. Many of these are portable, involve spending quality time with our kids and […]
Features
Special Edition Weekender: December 11-13, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015 Invincible Czars 6:30-9 p.m., The band plays The Nutcracker and more. FREE! Central Market, 4001 North Lamar Blvd. Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story – 7–10 p.m., This special interactive program based […]
Austin
Where To Find Stocking Stuffers In Austin
If you are anything like me, I focus on getting a few gifts for under the tree, and scurry around, right before school is out, to find things to stuff his stocking. It’s usually a […]
Events
Event: Pediatric Meet & Greet at Scott & White Healthcare Round Rock, 12/16
Ready to make a change in the new year? New to town? Looking for a pediatrician? Expecting? If so, you might be interested in this upcoming event. PEDIATRICIAN MEET & GREET Choosing a Pediatrician for […]
Events
Event: Light the Night Chanukkah Family Celebration, 12/13
The Hebrew Preparatory School is hosting a Chanukkah Family Celebration for kids of all ages. The free, glow in the dark event will include an ice menorah, a fire juggler and activites and food. Family […]
Events
Event: Cherrywood Art Fair
The Chula League’s 14th annual Cherrywood Art Fair is coming up on December 12th and 13th! This much loved holiday shopping event, taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, is geared […]
Austin Reading Mama
Gifts For Book Lovers In 2015
Books are a great gift. They force us to slow down, they are inexpensive, they are portable and for our kids, they help them grow and learn. Here are a few things to pick up […]
Austin
Give Back: Capital Area Food Bank
We are thankful to live in such a fabulous place. How can we make sure it stays that way? We’ll be bringing you ideas on how you can help our fellow Austinites all year long […]
Austin Theatre Mama
Review and Giveaway: A Long Winter’s Night (in Texas)
Oh, the plight of a Texas child who yearns for snow. It’s tough to live out winter days in shorts and flip-flops when one dreams of scarves, and gloves, frosty temps and snowball fights. Admittedly, […]
Features
Weekly Planner: December 7-13, 2015
Happening Daily Austin Trail of Lights – Opening December 8 and running through December 22, from 7-10 p.m. nightly. Visit the AustinTrail of Lights and take a spin under the Zilker Tree! Kids will enjoy an […]
Austin
Holiday Traditions: Celebrating Chanukah in Austin
In the spirit of sharing, we will be bringing you stories about how different families celebrate the holiday season. Since the first night of Chanukah is this Sunday, we’d like to start with the Jewish […]
Features
Event and Giveaway: 2015 Trail of Lights
It’s the most wonderful time of the year which means Austin’s Trail of Lights is back! This year, Trail of Lights will be open for two full weeks of holiday fun. General Admission nights begin […]
Austin Theatre Mama
Austin Theatre Mama: December 2015
There’s no doubt that Austin is flush with creative, artistic individuals. Beyond the live music shows that we’re so well-known for, Austin is also home to a thriving performing arts scene. While it make take […]
Weekend Events
Special Holiday Edition Weekend Events: December 4-6, 2015
Wondering what’s happening this weekend in Austin, Texas? Check out the events below to plan your weekend fun for the family. Friday, December 4, 2015 Lakeway’s Lights On! – A Holiday Celebration – 6-8 p.m., […]
Events
Event: Jumping Into the Holidays with Springfree Trampolines
Don’t miss the Jumping Into the Holidays event at the new Springfree Trampoline store in the Domain on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. From 3:30-5:30 p.m., guests of all ages will enjoy cookie decorating, crafts, and […]
Events
Event: Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll, 12/5
The annual Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll is a FREE, family-friendly event that celebrates the arrival of the holiday season and the joy it brings. The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, […]
Events
Event: 2015 Lights of Love 5k, 12/4
Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights, the 8th Annual Lights of Love 5K and Family Fun Run on December 4, 2015 kicks off the holiday season. The fun begins in the Mueller Hangar with […]
Austin Theatre Mama
Austin Theatre Mama Review: Zach’s A Christmas Carol
Somehow, we had never made it to ZACH Theatre’s A Christmas Carol as a family during the holiday season, despite the fact that it is the most popular show in ZACH’s history. This year, I […]