Priorities. It’s something most new parents think about quite a bit (well, at least in those moments when you aren’t thinking, Did I remember to brush my teeth today? or Is there anything edible in the fridge?).

For many of us, a child’s arrival forces us to rethink what’s most important, and make changes to adjust to that new reality.

I had done my homework. I lined up my mom to watch my son two days a week, and a daycare which was recommended by a friend of a friend for the other three days. As my maternity leave whizzed by, I was both scared about returning to work full-time, and excited. You see, work was a huge part of my identity: I worked at a small nonprofit. My fellow employees and I poured our souls into our jobs. We worked long hours. We took work home. We went to events on weeknights and worked with volunteers and donors on nights and weekends. We were all friends and, during certain times of the year, all pitched in to pull off larger projects and events.

Despite all of this, I struggled with what was my new reality after my son was born. I knew there was no way I could live up to my pre-baby work ethic (which I took great pride in). I could no longer be the last person at the office, and I cried on the way to pick up my son.

Every. Single. Day.

I had to face the reality that full time work wasn’t working for our family, and so I called the daycare and let the director know that I would be pulling my son out at the end of the month. He was just over two months old.

It’s now seven years later, and I still don’t have an answer to what I want to be when I grow up.

In that time, I have a new appreciation for the struggles moms (and all parents, really) face, whether they decide to go back to work full-time, find something part-time, start their own business or non-profit, stay at home or seek ways to make their jobs more family-friendly. There is no way to really prepare for what being a new parent is like, and to brace yourself for the life shift that takes place when you first hold that utterly helpless being in your arms. You know, the one that you spent nine months preparing for, but that you realized, in a panicked state, would eventually need to come out.

As is the case with many of the parents in my circle, I know who they are now, but may not know the story of how they got here, especially since you tend to meet other parents once you have emerged from the newborn haze. There is no need to exchange more than pleasantries with other newbie parents, since you tend to spend the most time talking about the here and now. So I went out and found some other moms who had faced a career transition when they became parents to learn more about how they had gotten to where they are now, and what they learned along the way.

Although each story was different, I found some common themes in the responses. Many of these women, like me, had some part of their identity wrapped up in their jobs. For that reason, the search for an alternative to their childless days came with some sacrifices, whether that meant a lack of a steady income, transitioning to a new and unfamiliar field or shedding a job title and the cache that came with it.

Jodi Egerton, who left a hard-earned tenured professorship, was, like me, worried she was letting her family, her colleagues and herself down when she left her position. It took a move with her family to Los Angeles for a semester while her husband Owen worked on a screenplay to give her “the space to make peace with the decision.” Jodi continued, “I told myself that my job while I was in LA was to just ride the journey of uncertainty, and not try to immediately find solutions or make decisions. It was hard at first, but once I made it my mantra it actually seeped into my subconscious and I was able to just be present with the kid and with our adventures.”

Taryn Skees had always planned to be a stay at home mom, but when faced with the financial uncertainties of starting a family, she and her husband brainstormed how to make it work. In the end, Taryn submitted a proposal to her boss to reduce her hours from full-time to 20 hours a week and telecommute a few days a week. “I believed it was the perfect compromise”, Taryn recalled. “I could continue to earn an income in a job I enjoyed while also spending time bonding at home with my child.” After the proposal was approved and as her son grew older, Taryn found herself needing to enlist family members to help care for her son while she struggled to meet her commitments at work and home. “Once again, I was spending less time with my son than I wanted,” she noted.

For Brianna Walsh, layoffs meant she had time to rethink her employment options. “When it came time to start up my job search again, I was determined to find something that allowed me more of a life while my kids were young,” Brianna said. “It was definitely a more difficult search as most jobs don’t tout themselves as ‘flexible’, ‘family-friendly’ or even ‘telecommute’,” she acknowledged.

For other moms I connected with, starting a family also meant starting a business. One of my mama friends who I met when her family relocated to Austin from California, Miriam Rosenberg, decided with her husband when she was pregnant that she would quit her full-time job. “It was important to us to have one of us home with the baby,” she explained. Like me, Miriam never planned a career that would mesh with family life. “I was very naive and just thought, ‘Things will work out,’’ she confided. “Thankfully, they did work out!”

Veronica Barrio, one of my co-workers at the non-profit I mentioned earlier, had freelanced before, but it wasn’t until her son was two years old that she met two other moms and the three decided to start a marketing boutique. The moms pledged to support each other in working part-time and keeping their lives balanced. In addition to having the flexibility to work at night and during nap times, Veronica mentioned, “I also like that my kids see me go to work and know that their mommy has her own company.”

Karen Shopoff Rooff left an academic career to launch a personal training business. “Living a lifestyle of everyday wellness has been a priority for me, even as I transitioned into motherhood”, she shared, “so helping other people do the same is really just sharing my tips and tricks for doing so.”

Taylor Hengen Newman was climbing the corporate ladder in New York City when she learned she was pregnant. Feeling unfulfilled and a little uneasy with all of the change taking place in the media industry, Taylor had an epiphany when getting a massage in New Hampshire, three months pregnant and the day before her wedding. Her massage therapist was not much older than she was, but was living a life so different from hers: she had purchased a home, had a steady job, was in charge of her own schedule and lived a seemingly easy and carefree life. As she reflected on where she had been and where she was going, Taylor observed, “falling in love and starting a family brought my more authentic desires and dreams forward; I couldn’t ignore them…I didn’t care about titles anymore, or what people thought; I cared about my lifestyle and my freedom.” These reflections led to a cross country move to Austin, which at times felt like a huge risk and a nearly impossible juggling act, but which now she calls entirely worthwhile.

What advice do these women have about managing a job change?

• Boundaries are key. “Setting boundaries is key to keeping your sanity!” urges Karen. “Keeping a work schedule will allow you to remind both yourself and your clients that you are a professional and your time is valuable.”

• Find help. “Get help when you need it,” Veronica suggested. “I have a part-time nanny and I honestly couldn’t do this without her. Having her allows me to schedule client meetings or phone time and few solid windows of time where I can focus and get my work done. Find something that works for you even if it is a few hours a week.”

• Don’t lose sight of why you made the change in the first place. “If I’m checking my email on my phone, or thinking about a project, or worrying about a paycheck, while also playing with my kid, I’m not doing what I set out to, and the whole thing was pointless to begin with,” Taylor confided. “So I bring myself back to the present moment again and again, enjoying it for all it’s worth.”

• If you are moving to a new field, lean on your spouse. “It helps a lot to have your partner work full time to give yourself room to grow and gain confidence, if possible,” recommended Miriam.

• Sometimes you have to take a step back to get on the track that is right for you. “I feel like I’ve definitely made some career sacrifices,” admitted Brianna. “But now I work 8-2 and I’m getting a promotion and title change this summer…I have what I always wanted — work flexibility, rewarding work for a non-profit and time with my kids. It’s really the best of both worlds.”

What are these ladies up to now? Jodi launched a business, Write Good Consulting, which builds upon her writing, teaching and improvisation skills and allows her to work with businesses to help employees hone their writing skills. Taryn, who I first met through her blog More Skees Please, is in the early stages of launching a nonprofit to assist families affected by a medical condition her middle son has. Brianna works part-time, very close to home, and gets to school in time to pick up both her kids and help them with their homework. Miriam is eight years into her own bookkeeping business. Veronica remains a partner at Three Defined. Karen continues to train clients through Balance Personal Fitness Training while helping other fitness professionals build their own businesses through her new venture, EQUIP Fitness Business Development. Taylor will continue her part-time job when baby #2 comes in the fall, do massages a few days a week and continue to take freelance writing jobs.

Did your career path change when you became a parent? Do you feel the changing nature of jobs is allowing more parents to explore adjustments to the career ladder? Has your experience influenced how you talk to kids about what they want to be when they grow up?

A native Austinite and soccer-playing mom, Nicole uses her newly-minted-7-year-old son as an excuse to rediscover her hometown through his eyes. In Thoreau’s words, her mission is to “suck out all the marrow of life”, or in her son’s words, to cultivate in him a love of “advenchers”.

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If only I had the Quinny Yezz!

Quinny had an exciting day this past Sunday as the new Quinny Yezz conquered New York City, giving 400 lucky Big Apple Moms and Dads their very own strollers. They lined the streets of Manhattan to receive a free Yezz stroller. Some Quinny fans braved the rain to line up as early as 2:00 a.m. at locations including Giggle, Albee Baby, the New York Family Baby Show and more!  But you, dear reader, have a chance to win one for yourself without having to leave the house!

Some quick facts:

•   Approximately 11 lbs
•   Interchangeable seats to allow parents to change the fashion
•   Ultra compact quick fold
•   Available Accessories: WeatherShield
•   Stands when folded, includes adjustable carry strap
•   Frame is made of IXEF® material, a high performance
•   SRP $279; additional seats for $69
• Switches from pushing to carrying and back again within seconds

The Quinny® Yezz features six interchangeable seats so parents can change the fashion easily. It is available in the following fashions: Blue Loop, Yellow Move, Blue Track, Grey Road, Red Signal and Purple Rush. For children from 6 months to 40lbs.

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What do you have to do to win?  Leave a comment or fill out the form below by 9:00am CST on Saturday, May 25, 2013. One winner will be chosen and contacted via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to claim the prize. You must be at least 18 years old. The giveaway holds no cash value. You must live in the United States of America.  By leaving a comment or filling out the form, you agree to the above terms and conditions.

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ZACH Theatre is giving away one spot to three lucky readers in their Story Drama and Create-A-Play camps!

STORY DRAMA | Ages 3.5-4.5
June 17-24 & July 15-19
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Each day in Story Drama students step into a different book from the best of children’s literature.  Class starts by exploring the themes, characters and environments of the story through creative play.  Then students read the book and as an ensemble investigate their own solutions to the story’s problem.  Students learn to work together, creatively problem solve and share ideas.

CREATE-A-PLAY | Grades 3-7
JULY 1-3 |
9 a.m.-4 p.m.

In true ZACH tradition, CREATE-A-PLAY offers students a chance to shine in an original play written by them! Each morning students will rotate through classes in voice, movement and playwrighting then put those skills to use in their afternoon rehearsal. With a focus on acting, story-telling and character creation, students will work as an ensemble to devise, rehearse and stage a workshop production of an original script.

Theme of the week: WILD WEST: Head ‘em up and move ‘em out as we create our own cowboy/girl characters and the greatest western tall tale ever told.

The Performing Arts School believes in life skills through theatre skills placing emphasis on creating well-rounded people capable of artistic and self-expression through body, voice and mind. All programs end in a final sharing for family and friends featuring skills, exercises and scenes students have worked on during the week.

What do you have to do to win a spot in one of the classes above? Leave a comment or fill out the form by 9:00am CST on Thursday, May 23, 2013. Three winners will be chosen and contacted via email. Each winner will have 24 hours to respond to claim the prize. You must be at least 18 years old. The giveaway holds no cash value. The dates are non-transferable. By leaving a comment or filling out the form, you agree to the above terms and conditions.

 Featured Events:

Kyle Movies in the Park- Bring along a lawn chair, blanket, and snacks and enjoy Puss in Boots. Friday, 30 minutes after sunset.  Gregg-Clarke Park, 1100 W Center St, Kyle.

Leander Movies in the Park: Wreck It Ralph- Friday, May 17 at dusk. Often described as a combination of state-of-the-art technology and the nostalgia of the 1950s drive-in, the Movies in the Park series provides families the opportunity to spend time together under the stars while enjoying first run movies…all for FREE!! We encourage you to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. Glass containers are prohibited.  Friendly pets are welcomed on a leash. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Road, Leander.

Pflugerville’s Deutschen Pfest- Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19th. Check hours and schedule here. Celebrate Pflugerville’s German heritage with carnival rides, a parade, live music, food, and more! Gates open Friday at 5 p.m. The children’s parade kicks off at 10:45am on Saturday followed by the main parade which includes local marching bands, community groups and organizations. Next head to Pfluger Park for festival food, booth vendors, children’s petting farm and puppet shows. Also, consider a jump into Gilleland pool which is open for free on Saturday, May 18, a special Deutschen Pfest treat. Admission is $5 on Friday and Sunday, and $7 Saturday. Children 6 and under are free. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Road.

Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy- 7:30 p.m. May 16-18, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. May 18, and 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. May 19. Lightning McQueen, The Little Mermaid, Tinkerbell and Buzz Lightyear among other Disney stars put on their skates.  Tickets: $10-$55. Cedar Park Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park.

Plus Meets Minus- Saturday, May 18 at  11am, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. (followed by a “PAY WHAT YOU LIKE” party  where you get to mix and mingle with the performers! Addy Plus loves to put things together, collecting all sorts of things into larger and larger groups. Addy finds great joy in adding. Minus Takeaway likes nothing more than taking things apart. When these two characters meet, there is considerable confusion and conflict! PLUS MEETS MINUS is a fun, colorful exploration of two very different personalities and the results are many discoveries about both human nature and math. Designed for very young learners, PLUS MEETS MINUS will be best enjoyed by children ages 4 – 7, but is entertaining for audiences of all ages. Tickets: Tickets to public performances are $7.75 for children under 12, $8.75 for students ages 12-18, seniors, & Austin Creative Alliance members, $9.75 for adults. Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside Drive.

Kids Culinary Workshop- Saturday, May 18 from 10-11am. Join us for an hour long workshop that’ll teach your little ones about food, gardening and the joys of cooking. The folks from New Day Community Garden will host an outdoor cooking class for kids ages 6-12, teaching them how to make a simple dip/dressing using in.gredients found in our garden and store. After their culinary experience we will share, eat and play! FREE!!  In.gredients, 2610 Manor Road.

O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships- Saturday, May 18 from 11am-5pm.  Enjoy this annual competition of the best and worst puns with two core events: “Punslingers” and “Punniest of Show”?. The 36th Annual Championship featuring music by the Greatest American Heroes and food trucks from the Peached Tortilla and Mmmpanadas. FREE!! O. Henry Museum, 409 E. 5th Street.

Around the World Tea: Japan- Saturday, May 18 at 10:30am. An event for children ages 5+ to discover Japanese tea culture through learning about and seeing a live Japanese Tea Ceremony. Registration begins May 1st. FREE!! Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Drive.

The Odd Squad- Saturday, May 18 at 2pm. Central Texan and “Over the Hedge” creator presents his new children’s series. FREE!! Book People, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.

Tour a Fire Truck- Saturday, May 19 at 11am. The Westlake Fire Department with be at Brilliant Sky Toys and Books with a Fire Truck for your munchkins to check out! (Note: If the fire department receives an emergency call, the event will be cancelled). All Ages. FREE!! Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.

Literature LIVE! Presents Mr. Tamarin’s Trees- Saturday, May 18 at 1pm. Join Austin Public Library’s Literature LIVE! for Mr. Tamarin’s Trees. In this traditional puppet show, Mr. Tamarin learns the true value of trees the hard way, and discovers what winter, spring, summer, and fall are like without them. The show is FREE to all.  Groups of 5 or more should contact the branch librarian before attending. Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Road.

Whole Food’s Block Party- Saturday, May 18 from 11am- 5pm. Join the downtown store for a block party! We’ve invited all of our neighbors out to host free activities, and we’re going to be grilling up a storm! Enjoy live music, free fun for the whole family, local beers, and grilled grub from 11 am until 5 pm in our front parking lot.  FREE!! Whole Foods, 525 N. Lamar Blvd.

YMCA Community Splash Day- Saturday, May 18, 2013, times vary by location. Join us for a FREE, fun, family day at the YMCA of Austin! Enjoy free swimming, swim lesson evaluations, water safety information, water sports and games, giveaways and more! Check the website for locations and times.

Art Museum Day- AMOA-Arthouse will celebrate Art Museum Day with FREE and programming at Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center. Visitors are invited to participate in family-friendly, interactive activities throughout the day, enjoy docent led tours from 1-3pm at both sites, and attend Küçük Sinemalar! Experimental Cinema from Turkey, a special film screening in the Jones Center Community Room at 7pm. AMOA- Arthouse, The Jones Center at 700 Congress Ave. and Laguna Gloria at 3809 West 35th Street.

Design and create your own magical fairy! Supplies and refreshments will be provided.

When: Thursday,June 6th and Wednesday, June 12th
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Cost: FREE!
Where: Terra Toys, 2438 West Anderson Lane

The event is free, but each person must have a ticket to participate. Tickets are now available at Terra Toys. Come and get them before they are gone!

*Each attending adult may bring up to three children.

For more information, check Terra Toy’s Facebook event page.

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Thursday, May 16th 7-9pm: Bump Club and Beyond University: Finding Mary Poppins, Everything You Need to Know About Childcare in Austin. All the information you need from Bump Club and Beyond’s panel of experts on choosing and finding the best childcare and enrichment options for your family from nannies and au pairs to day care, preschool and summer camp (including seasonal options — just in time for Summer!). http://bcbaustinchildcare.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, May 22nd 7-9pm: BCB’s Expectant Mom Dinner Series: Pregnancy Awareness Month Panel, What to REALLY Expect. What everyone is thinking but no one is saying… Bump Club and Beyond’s expert panel including a labor & delivery nurse, midwife, social worker, and licensed professional counselor focuses on YOU and everything you REALLY need to know about labor, delivery and coming home (including tips for an easier recovery and how to transition to being a “family”).  http://bcbwhattoreallyexpect.eventbrite.com

Thursday, June 6th 7-9 pm: BCBU Toddler Picky Eating. At your wits’ end with your picky eater? Join us for a nutrition seminar focused on picky toddlers over 12 months. Led by Cheer Up Buttercups nutritionist, Allison Reyna, you’ll learn tips for getting your selective toddlers to eat a more balanced meal. We’ll highlight how much food toddlers actually need, selective eater strategies, resisting veggies, how to take the battle out of mealtimes, and recipes/ideas for quick & innovative snacks and meals. http://bcbatxpickyeaters.eventbrite.com

Saturday, June 8th 8:15-10 am: Beautiful Bellies FREE Prenatal Fitness. Join us at lululemon athletica The Domain for a prenatal workout followed by fitness fashion tips, healthy snacks and giveaways. Studio of the month: barre3.  Every month a lucky Mama wins a BOB Jogging Stroller for working out with us!  http://beyondthebellyjune2013.eventbrite.com

Sunday, June 23rd 9:15-11 am: Beyond the Belly FREE Postnatal/Moms Fitness Series. Join us at lululemon athletica 6th Street for a Moms’ workout followed by fitness fashion tips, healthy snacks and giveaways. Studio of the month: barre3.  Every month a lucky Mama wins a BOB Jogging Stroller for working out with us! http://beyondthebellyjune2013.eventbrite.com/#

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Austin

• Bailey Park - Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  1101 W. 33rd Street. (Photos)
• Bartholomew Park - Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Bartholomew Park, 5200 Berkman Drive. (Photos).
• Chestnut Park - Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 2207 East 16th Street. (Photos).
• Clarksville Splash Pad - Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 1811 W. 11 Street. (Map). (Review).
• Dick Nichols District Park - There is a kids water-play area with a seal spitting water and hike and bike trails that wander throughout. 8011 Beckett Rd.
• Eastwoods Park - Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 3001 Harris Park Blvd. (Review).
• Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park - Open year-round. Hours of operation are: Monday: noon to 9:45 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Closed for maintenance Mondays from 8 a.m. to noon. 1000 Barton Springs Rd. (just south of Auditorium Shores). (Photo).
• Lott Splash Pad - Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 1108 Curves Street.
• Metz Splash Pad - Free sprinkler park by Metz Recreation Center. Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  2407 Canterbury St. (Review)
• Pease Park’s Water Sprayground -  Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  1100 Kingsbury St. (Review)
• Rosewood Splash Pad -  Open May 18 – September 8, 2013 daily from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  The neighboring Rosewood Pool is also free, but is open different hours for recreational swimming. 2300 Rosewood Ave.
• Ricky Guerrero Splash Pad -  Open May 18 – September 8, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., every day except Wednesday. On Wednesdays it will be closed for maintenance. 2006 S. 6th Street.
• Southpark Meadows - Small bubbling fountains are located in The Grove, behind Mama Fu’s, next to a great big, fun playground. Kids enjoy splashing and running through the water. The fountain is not always  turned on and there is no set operating schedule. 9600 IH-35 South in South Austin.
• The Triangle - The park at The Triangle offers a fountain for children to play in. Adults enjoy shopping at the Austin Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays from 3 – 7 p.m. The fountain is not always  turned on and there is no set operating schedule. 4700 N. Lamar Boulevard. (Photos).
• The Domain - There is a little splash pad with bubblers located directly in front of Guest Services. There is another bigger fountain that you can play in, located in Domain II, on the walkway between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Dillard’s, in front of Gold Class Cinemas. (Photos). At the time of this posting, the water is still turned off. You should contact Guest Services at (512) 873-8099 to see if the water is turned on before heading over there. 11410 Century Oaks Terrace.

Bastrop

And now, a handy interactive map! If you are on a smart phone, go here to see the Splash Pad map. Otherwise, you should be able to see the map below.

To view the splash pad map in its own window, click here.

Want more free water fun? Head over here to see the 28 Free Austin Pools 2013 Schedules.

You may also be interested in these Google maps:

• Free Pools in Austin
• Austin Area Splash Pads (desktop computer version)
• Austin Area Splash Pads (smart phone version)
• Interactive Map of Free Fun in Austin

Heidi Gollub loves exploring Austin and beyond with her 5 kids. For more local adventures for families, visit her site FreeFuninAustin.com.

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This Spring has reinforced why many of us live in Austin: the gorgeous weather. Yes, we’ve had to endure years of heat and drought to get here, but we’ll take a May where it’s still possible to wear a light jacket on the walk to school.

We all know what’s around the corner, though: the unrelenting, run-from-the-car-to-an-air-conditioned-structure time of year we call summer. Many parents survive our Austin summers by either being submerged in water or with a cool drink in hand (and depending on how the day’s going, I won’t judge if it’s a margarita). Since many of the neighborhood pools don’t open until June 10th, it’s the perfect time to take the family out on a canoe, kayak or another watercraft to enjoy greener shores, wildlife and nature. Since we are moms, we have to remind you to take along water, sunscreen and snacks for your crew. Here are some places to head if this kind of an outing sounds up your alley:

Zilker Park Boat Rentals – Located just downstream from Barton Springs is the Zilker Park Boat Rentals, which rents canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards (perhaps, better known as SUPs) by the hour or day (if you hope to stay out a few hours and wrap up your trip by noon, you can use this coupon). Rentals are by cash only, you need to leave a photo ID while your boat is out. Some of the benefits in starting from this spot are that you can combine a canoeing outing with some playtime at Zilker Park; you can get the chance to see both sides of the shoreline (and the wildlife) as you paddle out to Lady Bird Lake; you will pass by Lou Neff Point, where there are nearly always ducks to feed and you get a chance to begin your journey in the relatively calm waters before going out into the huge expanse that is Lady Bird Lake, complete with a current and lots of other folks doing the same thing. On busy weekends, you may find the area downstream of Barton Springs can get pretty crowded too. If you head out on a weekend between March and November, you’ll need to bring along a few dollars to pay for parking at Zilker (and keep in mind there is additional parking east of the main playground, if you want to minimize your walking time. Just cross the Zilker Zephyr track and follow the signs down the stairs to the boat rental.)

Congress Avenue Kayaks – Located next to the Four Seasons Hotel on the north side of Lady Bird Lake is the Waller Creek Boathouse, which is a collaboration between the City of Austin and the Austin Rowing Club. One and two person kayaks, as well as SUPs (stand up paddling, for those ages 16 and older) are available for rental by the hour or half day. Cash and credit cards are accepted, but you must leave a valid drivers’ license while you are out. Since construction on Waller Creek is ongoing, check ParkMe for parking options nearby. In the morning on the first Saturday of the month, there are specials on kayak rentals, as well as classes and other offerings. Alta’s Cafe is located at the boathouse that serves caffeinated beverages and locally-sourced food.

Texas Rowing Center – Another option north of the Lake and right next to Austin High is the Texas Rowing Center, which also rents canoes, kayaks and SUPs by the hour and by the day. Parking nearby is free and usually plentiful. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

Rowing Dock – On the south side of the lake, west of Mopac is the Rowing Dock, which also rents canoes, kayaks, SUPs and paddleboats by the hour. You have to leave an ID or a set of keys while you are out and you can pay with either cash or a credit card. Parking is available.

The Expedition School – In addition to offering classes, camps and trips, you can rent canoes, kayaks and SUPs on weekends from their dock near Fiesta Gardens. You can also purchase SUP, canoe and kayak memberships for 6 or 12 months or by punchcard. Proceeds from the memberships help the School provide programs for Outdoor Education Off Campus PE programming, TX School for the Deaf, TX School for the Blind, City of Austin PARD Youth programs and Expedition and Surf Camps.

Capital Cruises –  On the south side of Lady Bird Lake, at the boat dock at the Hyatt, you can rent canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and even swan pedal boats by the hour. Free parking can be a little tricky if you don’t snag a spot at Auditorium Shores — here’s a map of your options.

Quarries Lake – Quarries Lake is part of Quarries Park, which is located off of Mopac between Braker and Duval. To rent a canoe, you must purchase a lake permit, although the fee is waived for Hyde Park Baptist Church/Quarries and Christian Life Center members. Rentals are for two hours maximum per day and a 24-hour notice is required for reservations. See other Lake policies here.

PflugFun – If you live north of the city, you can check out PflugFun, which rents kayaks, pedal boats and SUPs on weekends until Memorial Day and then during the week during the summer.

Austin Canoe & Kayak – Austin Canoe & Kayak sells as well as rents SUPs, canoes and kayaks for 24 hour periods from its locations in Austin and San Marcos. So, if you have the means to get whatever you rent down to a body of water, you’re set.

State Parks – If you don’t mind a little road trip, you can also visit one of our state parks and enjoy some time on the open water.

Sadly, we learned in writing this article that there is currently no way to rent canoes and kayaks at Brushy Creek Lake Park in Cedar Park, but hopefully that will change in the future, since it’s a pretty spot.

Where’s your favorite place to rent canoes and kayaks in Central Texas?

A native Austinite and soccer-playing mom, Nicole uses her newly-minted-7-year-old son as an excuse to rediscover her hometown through his eyes. In Thoreau’s words, her mission is to “suck out all the marrow of life”, or in her son’s words, to cultivate in him a love of “advenchers”.

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Featured Events:

Pachanga Latino Music Festival- Friday, May 10 doors open at 6:30pm and Saturday, May 11 doors open at noon. Ninos Rock takes place from noon- 4pm. Pachanga is a Latin-themed music, cultural arts and food festival dedicated to showcasing the vibrant blend of Latino-created music and art and the impact it has on American culture today. Bands performing include Vallejo, Intocable, Los Lobos, Grupo Fantasma and many more. Tickets: starting at $39 for advance purchase. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse Segovia.

Faerie Landscaping Workshop- Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 9-11am and Noon- 2pm. Create adorable faerie saucer gardens using live plants and natural materials to take home and invite a faerie into your backyard. Working with gardeners and horticulture staff, learn what is needed to keep your miniature landscape alive. $5 (plus kit costs).  Registration required. Additional accessories will be available for purchase. Cost: $5 plus kit. Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Rd.

Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid- Friday, May 10 at 7pm and Saturday, May 11 at 11:00am and 2:00pm. This original retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic combines modern technologies and the ancient art of storytelling to put a new twist on this well-loved fairy tale.  Using  projections, fabric and a whole lot of theatre magic, the ocean comes to life (along with your imagination) in this one-person journey of love, sacrifice and courage.  For ages 6 and up. Tickets: $18- 16. ZACH Theater, 202 S. Lamar Blvd.

We are just weeks away from the official start of summer, and in Central Texas, that means blazing hot temperatures.  Cool treats are always a great way to beat the heat.  In recent years, it has seemed as though snow cone stands have become very common, and it has become very easy to compare and contrast this sweet treat over and over.

A couple summers ago, my family checked out Kawaii Shaved Ice in Round Rock and found the opportunity to be very creative when blending flavors. We also found that we could opt to get condensed milk on our shaved ice treat, which surprised me.  After a bit of internet sleuthing, though, I learned that including condensed milk and other food items is part of international snow cone culture.  Check out this interesting Wikipedia article all about shaved ice.

Speaking of shaved ice…what is the difference between shaved ice and a snow cone?  As far as I can determine with internet sleuthing, there is no difference – each term means the same thing.  I have found, though, that I seem to like shaved ice better than a snow cone. When I have gotten a shaved ice, I have found that the ice is finer and the sweet flavoring blends with it better than when I get a snow cone. My experience with snow cones has been that the ice is larger and all the sweet flavoring goes to the bottom of the cup or container.

Without further ado, here is a list of snow cone goodness in the Austin area:

• The Purple Tongue- 1012 W. Anderson Lane (in the NATY)

• Sno-Beach Hawaiian Shaved Ice- 801 Barton Springs Road

• Bahama Freeze-8213 Brodie Lane and 5715 Burnet Road.

• Baltimore Ballers- 95 Rainey Street

• Snow Beach- 3402 Guadalupe Street

• Kawaii Shaved Ice- 113 N. Mays Street, Round Rock
  

•  South Austin Sno- Manchaca and Stassney

• Frost Bites- 110 W. Pflugerville Pkwy., Pflugerville

• Jim-Jim’s Italian Water Ice- 615-A E. 6th Street (there are also Jim-Jim’s concession stands all over town, including Barton Springs pool and the three SFC Farmers’ Markets).

• GBJB’s Shaved Ice- Hwy 183 N. (Check map here)

• Sweet Caroline’s Snow Shack- 13497 Hwy 183 N

• Refrescos del Sur- 1009 W. Slaughter Lane

• Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs- 808 E. 51st Street

• The Austin Frigid Frog- 1603 S. Congress

• Hola Aloha- 2113 S. Lamar Blvd.

Before you head to one of the locations, be sure to check as some locations are only open from May 1 through October 31. Most of the trailer’s hours are from Noon- sundown, but we do recommend that you click on each link to verify locations and operating hours prior to heading out. Keep in mind also that many of these are trailers and will shut down in inclement weather…. not that you would be sitting outside in a tornado eating a snow cone, right?

Did we miss any? If so, please feel free to leave a comment with your favorite snow cone/ shaved ice location in the greater Austin area.

Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/snow-cones/

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