Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo– Live music, cook-offs, rodeo competitions, a carnival, pig races and more- it’s all part of Rodeo Austin! The rodeo will go through March 24th. For a complete schedule of events, click here. Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Lane.
Friday Night Storytime- Enjoy two delightful new books: All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri and You’re All My Favorites by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram. FREE!! Friday, 7:30pm. Barnes and Noble, La Frontera Village, 2701 Parker Road Bldg A Suite 700, Round Rock.
ScreenBurn Arcade – Friday, March 9, from 3-7 p.m., Saturday, March 10, from 12-9 p.m. and Sunday, March 11, from 12-7 p.m. FREE and open to non-badge holders. Take the kids to see the latest innovations in the gaming industry! Children will enjoy game-making stations, demos, Stormtrooper photo ops, a LEGO pit, and more! For a great article the highlights the family friendly aspects of ScreenBurn Arcade, click here. The nice thing about this venue is that for $7, you can park in the Events Center garage and avoid the hassle of trying to find a spot! Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road.
Central Market North Lamar – Live music, and dancing, and a puppet show, oh my! This is a great spot for parents to enjoy music while letting their kids burn some energy on the playground. There are also ducks to feed in the nearby pond. Here is the lineup of FREE entertainment:- Friday, March 9, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – The Carper Family brings together three of Austin’s most talented young country and bluegrass singers and pickers: Melissa “Daddy” Carper (vocals, bass), Beth “Mama” Chrisman (vocals, fiddle) and Jenn “Little Sister” Miori (vocals, guitar).
- Saturday, March 10, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Magical Marionettes Puppet Show. This variety show sponsored by Music Forever Music Together features marionette jugglers, singers, soldiers, acrobats, musicians, dancers, skeletons, grandparents and animals. Together they create a magical world of characters and stories that will delight both kids and parents.
- Saturday, March 10, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Austin Bluegrass Cover Band Featuring Graham Wilkinson.
Storytime- Pete the Cat is back! He discovers the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song… because it’s all good. FREE!! Saturday, 11:00am. Barnes and Noble, 10000 Research Blvd.
The Wizard of Oz – A cherised family favorite, don’t miss your chance to see Auntie Em, Toto, Dorothy, the Wicked Witch and the rest on the BIG screen in a stunning new 4K digital presentation! Children age 3 and over will be allowed at all screenings of this show. No infants however, and families with loud children will be asked to leave. FREE! Saturday, 10:40am. Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter, 5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin.
SXSW Community Workshop: Austin School of Film Youth 3D Workshop – Saturday, March 10, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Under the guidance of professional award-winning animator Jeanne Stern, participants use their imagination to create miniature worlds that will then be presented as 3-D film on the big screen. No experience necessary, and lunch will be provided. This workshop is FREE and open to ages 11–18. Finished work will screen at SXSW on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Vimeo Theater (Austin Convention Center). George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina Street.
Family Storytime– Family Storytime is open to all ages. Come enjoy books, music and crafts with Miss Kit. FREE!! Saturday, 10:00am. Cedar Park Public Library, 600 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park.
Disney Craft Celebration- Kids create their own festive party hat to help celebrate Disney Store’s 25th anniversary. FREE!! Saturday, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm. The Disney Store, 11200 Lakestop Blvd.
Hands on History: March Madness- Learn about sports through artifacts of the past and Southwestern University Sports Teams. Get ready to cheer on your home team and make your own trading card. FREE!! Open to children of all ages. Saturday, 10:00am- 2:00pm. The Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Avenue, Georgetown.
How to Train Your Dragon – Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Children age 3 and over will be allowed at all screenings of this show. No infants however, and families with loud children will be asked to leave. FREE!! Saturday, 1:00pm. Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter, 5701 W. Slaughter Lane.
Sensory Friendly Film: The Lorax-AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the “Sensory Friendly Films” program.In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets: $4-6. Saturday, 10:00am. AMC Barton Creek 14, 2901 Capital of Texas Highway.
Do-Re-Me-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do Storytime- This morning we’re having a very melodious storytime for all of you young songbirds out there. We’ll be reading the classic picture book The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback along with other lyrical tales that will leave you on a high note! So whistle your way down to the store for a marvelous storytime full of songs and stories and surprises! FREE!! Saturday, 11:30am. BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic: Carnival Hoops– Step right up and try your luck with carnival hoops! Your child will love building and playing with this kit. FREE!! Saturday, 10:00am. All participating Lowe’s locations.
Craft Time for Kids: Totally Wild Animal Headband- Children create their own animal-shaped headband… and then slip it on for some totally wild fun! FREE!! Saturday, 11:00am- 3:00pm. Lakeshore Learning Center, 9828 Great Hills Trail.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie– It all starts so simply – a day like any other. A boy stays home alone when his mom goes to visit Aunt Rose. With a few cookies and a good spot to read, everything seems so perfect. When the Mouse shows up, hungry – talkative – and not to be ignored. What can the boy do but give the Mouse a cookie? So… what do you get when an energetic mouse and an obliging boy spend the afternoon together? Cookie crumbs, spilled milk, and a whole lot of outrageous physical comedy that will have you rolling in the aisles. Perfect for ages 3 and up. Tickets: $15 per adult, $12 per child. Saturday, 11:00am and 2:30pm. ZACH Theatre, 1510 Toomey Road.
Storytime at Mitchie’s- Enjoy a FREE storytime and language featuring African-American folktales from 1:00-2:00pm every Saturday. Kids receive free refreshments, a free book and a 30% discount! Mitchie’s Gallery, 7801 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. B, Suite 148.
Second Saturdays are for Families: Art and Yoga on the Green– Join us as we stretch our imaginations to make unique art pieces inspired by the new mini-golf exhibit, Art on the Green! And don’t miss a special outdoor yoga class at 1pm with Bea Love Yoga. Cost: $10 per family, $5 for member family. Saturday, Noon- 3:00pm. Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street.
Food-Free Family Storytime- Enjoy a reading activity that welcomes families with children of all ages to a fun environment that’s safe for individuals affected by food allergies.This interactive program includes a variety of activities such as books, fingerplays, music, movies, and puppets. FREE!! Saturday, 10:30am. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main Street, Round Rock.
Crafts at Michael’s- Craft a fashionable bag from a T-shirt. Make-It Take-It with purchase of shirt. While Supplies Last / Ages 3 and up. Saturday, 1:00- 3:00pm. Learn to make a playful doll with yarn. Free Make-It Take-It While Supplies Last / Ages 3 and Up. Saturday, 3:00- 5:00pm. All participating Michael’s locations.
Storytime- A weekend storytime for families with kids of all ages. FREE!! Saturday, 11:00am. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Drive.
Ghostbusters: The Play – The group of friends who last year brought us The Princess Bride: The Play, is back with another loose adaptation involving paper mache, rookie actors, and a lot of heart. With stunts spectacular and paranormal excitement, Ghostbusters: The Play will be just what you subcreatures have been waiting for! Bring your own blanket. Parking is limited, so please bike, walk, or carpool if you can. FREE!! Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. Metz Park, 2407 Canterbury Street (where Pedernales Street dead-ends into the Holly Street Power Plant).
Sunday Morning Kids Show: Mr. Johnny and Sharon- Bring the entire family for a FREE show with live music! Sunday, 10:30am. Ruta Maya, 3601 South Congress Avenue.
Flying Theatre Machine: The Adventure Room– Sundays at the Hideout, Flying Theater Machine presents the only kid-oriented improv in Austin. The audience will help us with suggestions and sound effects, and a few lucky kids will even get to join us on stage. Tickets: $8. Sunday, 2:00pm. The Hideout Theater, 617 Congress Ave.
Whole Foods Kids Club– What is a Zoetrope? Find out at Kid’s Club and celebrate the film festivals with this activity. Make your own movie with film strips and creativity. FREE!! Sunday, Noon- 3:00pm. Whole Foods, 525 N. Lamar Blvd.
Groundwork Music Kids Show-Come out for coffee and FREE live music for the kids on Sunday at 10:30 am. Cherrywood Coffee Shop, 1400 E.381/2 Street.
Sunday Storyime- Enjoy an all-ages, FREE storytime on Sunday at 1:00pm at Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe Street.
