Metz Movies in the Park: Pocahontas- Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy a movie under the stars. FREE!! Movie begins on Friday at dusk. Metz Recreation Center, 2407 Canterbury Street.
Friday Night Storytime– Enjoy two delightful stories tonight: On My Way to the Bath by Sarah Maizes and Michael Paraskevas and Time for a Hug by Phillis Gershator, Mim Green and David Walker. FREE!! Friday, 7:30pm. Barnes and Noble, La Frontera Village, 2701 Parker Road Bldg A Suite 700, Round Rock.
Cedar Park Movies in the Park: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax– Bring your blankets and lawn chairs as there will be plenty of grass area available. Concessions will not be available; you are welcome to bring a picnic. FREE!! Friday, 8:00pm. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park.
Leander Movies in the Park: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island-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!! Movies begin at dusk. 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. All movies are rated “G” or “PG” by the Motion Picture Association of America unless otherwise indicated. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad, Leander.
Central Market North Lam
ar – Live music and dancing, 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, 6:30 – 9:00pm Milkdrive- What a great bunch of talented guys! Former members of the South Austin Jug Band bring a project the blends the best of the jazz world with that of bluegrass. Some great swinging pickin.
- Saturday, 6:30- 9:30pm- Beto & Fairlanes- Latin jazz, swing, salsa, Beto and the Fairlanes have created a tribe of loyal fans who continue to gather for rituals of dance, song and tropic frolic.
- Sunday, 6:30- 9:00pm The Invincible Czars- Invincible Czars will perform Russian and French classical music and end with the 1812 Overture in a bicentennial anniversary tribute of the historical battle between Russia & France.
Leap Into Jump! – Jump Gymnastics is presenting a FREE day of demos, discounts, and gymnastics challenges joining in the national ‘Turn the World Upside Down’ event—for gymnast participants to “invert” all together at noon around the world. The program is designed for kids 2 – 12. Saturday, 9am-7pm. 2919 Manchaca Rd. #205.
Lowe’s Build and Grow: Fire Truck– Kids can make a wooden fire truck at this FREE clinic. They will get to take home their newly created project as well as goggles, an apron, and a patch of completion. Online registration is required. Recommended for ages 5-11. Saturday, 10:00am. All participating Lowe’s locations.
Harvest Moon Festival -The Asian American Cultural Center will celebrate its 12th birthday and host a Harvest Moon Festival. This FREE festival will feature Asian and Pacific Rim cultural performances and martial arts demonstrations, as well as a moonwalk and activities for the entire family. There will also be resource booths and Asian foods in the tradition of the Asian American Cultural Center. Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Asian American Cultural Center, 11713 Jollyville Road, Austin.
Curiosity Storytime Party -BookPeople is having a super duper special storytime/party all about everyone’s favorite precocious and lovable, literary monkey, CURIOUS GEORGE! Libraries and bookstores from all over will be celebrating the birthday of Curious George author, Hans Rey, decidedly the ‘Father of Curiousity’. It’ll be a big celebration with treats, stories, and crafts. FREE!! Saturday, 11:30am. BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar, Austin.
What’s the Story Steve? – Move Your Tale and ColdTowne Theater collaborate to present this fully improvised theatrical journey through a story of the audience’s making. Featuring Steve the improvising poodle, a portion of the show follows Steve through an original tale. Pay what you wish. Appropriate for audiences of all ages. Saturday at 10 a.m. ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd.
Kids Fitness Fun Day – Take part in this FREE community event designed to educate parents and children on the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle. Bring the whole family out to enjoy fun activities that include live music, a moon bounce, face painting, vendors, giveaways, raffle drawings and free food. There will be 12 different stations set up at Kids Fitness Fun Day, each consisting of a single-player physical challenge. For every completed station, the child will be rewarded with a silly band. Those who complete all 12 stations will be rewarded with a “Kids Fitness Fun Day Champ” button and ribbon. FREE!! It is not required, but if you register online, you will receive a Fit Kids Coupon Book on the day of the event. Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Cat Hollow Park, 8600 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock.
Amplify Credit Union Grand Opening Event– Amplify Credit Union Parmer Branch will celebrate their grand opening with food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. Kids will enjoy a velcro climbing wall, a bounce house and miniature horses. There will also be face painting, balloon art, treasure hunt, a bungee run, music, food, prizes and more. Saturday, 10:00am- 2:00pm. Amplify Credit Union, 3600 West Parmer Lane.
Jungle Jim Program– Jungle Jim will bring live reptiles, insects, and arachnids, and will teach kids all about the various critters. Free. All ages. Saturday, 11:00am. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr.
Talk Like a Pirate Day– Dress up like a Scurvy Pirate ‘n receive free Pirate Treasure! Be off, on an in-store Treasure Hunt, Scurvy Pirate crafts, Learn to speak like a Scurvy Pirate! FREE!! Saturday, 10:00am- 4:00pm. Kaleidoscope Toys, 1601 S. IH-35, Round Rock.
Camp Fire Nature Tikes Storytime- Camp Fire facilitators guide parents and their toddlers in fun nature stories and activities. This week’s theme will be Bugs. The book will be Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! by Bob Barner. FREE!! Saturday, 10:30- 11:30am. Laura’s Library, 9411 FM 2244, Austin.
Music in the Park with Mother Falcon – The City of Austin’s FREE music series, Music in the Parks, will feature Mother Falcon, CJ Vinson, and Nano Whitman. Saturday, 1:00- 4:00pm. Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin.
Food-Free Family Storytime-The Round Rock Public Library presents Food-Free Family Storytime, 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, 10:30- 11:00am. The Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main Street, Round Rock.
FAAN Walk for Food Allergy – The 2012 Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network’s Walk for Food Allergy will take place at Mueller Lake Park. The event, to be held in 44 cities across the country as well as online to support FAAN (the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network), increases awareness about food allergies and raises money for research, education, and advocacy. Saturday, 9:30am- Noon. Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin.
Saturday Night Concert at Hill Country Galleria – Hill Country Galleria will host FREE concerts in their outdoor amphitheatre on Saturday nights this fall. Bring a blanket and enjoy this free Saturday Night Concert Series. Clay McClinton will perform on Saturday at 7:00pm. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave.
National Hunting and Fishing Day – FREE and open to the public, this free family-oriented event will feature fun and educational hands-on activities that everyone will enjoy. Introduce youth and newcomers to outdoor sports while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing play in Texas’ wildlife conservation programs. Saturday, 8:00am- 1:00pm. Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock.
Ugandan Orphan’s Choir- Take a musical journey through Africa with the Ugandan Orphans Choir at One World Theatre. Ugandan children are known for their musical talents and their outstanding ability to perform. The children in The Ugandan Orphans Choir dance in their colorful, traditional costumes accompanied by authentic African instruments. They sing African songs in their native language, which is Luganda, These children are orphans who live in one of our children’s villages on the Ssese Islands located on Uganda’s Lake Victoria. You will not only enjoy this musical treat, but also be truly blessed by these talented children. Tickets: $12 adult, $9 child. Saturday, Noon. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Road.
Craft Time for Kids: Autumn Tree Collage- Welcome Autumn with a leafy tree that features all the colors of the season. FREE!! Saturday, 11:00am- 3:00pm. Lakeshore Learning Center, 9828 Great Hills Trail.
Geocaching in McKinney Falls State Park – Come out to McKinney Falls State Park and learn the basics of a fast growing sport that is loved by kids and adults alike. Geocaching uses GPS technology to help you find items hidden throughout the park. All necessary equipment will be provided while you discover a game that can be played almost anywhere. Take the skills home with you and join in on the fun using a Smartphone App or your own handheld GPS. Live a happier and healthier lifestyle by getting outside and venturing down the beautiful trails that our state parks have to offer. Meet at the Smith Visitor’s Center. Reservations necessary – (512) 243-1643, groups welcome. All ages welcome but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. FREE with admission to the Park. Admission is $6 per person age 13 and up (kids 12 and under are free). Saturday, 10:00- 11:30am. McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway.
Storytime- A weekend storytime for families with kids of all ages. FREE!! Saturday, 11:00am. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Drive.
Jake and the Neverland Pirates Event- Come join the fun at Disney Store this weekend at the “Jake and the Never Land Pirates Jake Saves Bucky Great Never Sea Race Event”. Join Jake and his crew as you play a fun-filled board game and compete in a Great Race against Captain Hook. This FREE event will take place on Saturday, from 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. The Disney Store,
Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr # F9 , Cedar Park.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs-Based on the hilariously popular book, the play begins where the book leaves odd, with the trial of a much-needed citizen of the piggy public, Alexander T. Wolf! The Honorable Prudence Pig, a tough-as-nails judge with a weakness for musical theater, presides over the case. GUILTY or NOT GUILTY? When all the witness statements are in, the audience piglets become the jury and determine Al’s fate. Tickets: $12. Sunday, 2:00pm and 4:30pm, doors open at 1:00pm. The Paramount Theater, 713 Congress Ave.
Whole Foods Kids’ Club – Hey kids, stop by and check out what’s going on at Kid’s Club. Each week we have an exciting activity that will let you play with your food plus learn a couple things along the way. FREE!! Sunday, 1:00pm. Whole Foods Market, 525 N. Lamar.
Sunday Storytime- Enjoy an all-ages, FREE storytime on Sunday at 1:00pm at Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe Street.
Wonderland-Wonderland is a magical, silly place, chock full of delightful and whimsical characters. Our heroes land there after being swept away from the real world and its boring problems. They meet astounding creatures, dazzling landscapes, and exciting challenges. Our audience helps us discover exactly what kind of world Wonderland is, and what marvelous creatures live there. They even help explore it, as kids (and sometimes their parents!) get to participate in the story as it unfolds, becoming the hero’s brave and daring sidekick, or perhaps a sparkling magical fairy – or anything else we can dream up! Tickets: $8. Sunday, 2:00pm. The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave.
Austin Museum Day – Sunday, September 23rd. The Austin Museum Partnership will host the 15th annual Austin Museum Day, a community wide event for which almost 40 of Austin’s museums will be open to the public for FREE. Check out the entire list of Austin Museum Day activities (pdf) at various museums around the city. Below are some of the events that you will find throughout the city on Museum Day!
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum: Space Junk Day-The Museum is collaborating with NASA and the Austin Planetarium to investigate the legacy that space exploration has had on earth’s orbits. Examine real space junk, explore the challenges of protecting the earth’s orbit, and become part of a new age of space discovery with hands-on activities. Then check out a FREE screening of Space Junk 3D at 12:30 in the IMAX Theatre.Sunday, Family Activities from Noon- 4:00pm, Screening at 12:30pm. Seating for the free screening of Space Junk 3D is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to ensure a seat! Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave.
French Legation Museum- Join the French Legation Museum in celebrating their Grand Re-Opening, following the quarter million dollar house restoration, on Sunday, September 23, 2012, from 1 – 5 p.m. Learn to play petanque with the Heart of Texas Petanque Club or have a picnic under the oak trees while enjoying live music, kids activities, and some of Austin’s finest food vendors. The Museum will also host free tours. French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St.
Blanton Museum of Art-On Museum Day, visitors can browse the Museum’s extensive permanent collection, along with its current exhibitions. From theatrical portraits to large-scale sculptures to exciting images of athletes in motion, discover artworks with a sense of drama through making your own marionette, watching a live theatrical performance, taking part in a scavenger hunt, and many other fun activities.Sunday, Noon- 5:00pm. The Blanton Museum of Art, 200 East MLK Blvd.
Texas Memorial Museum– Come celebrate everything prehistoric at Texas Memorial Museum! Make discoveries in the NEW fossil dig pit, talk with paleontologists and do a little time-traveling…. There will be plenty of activities to keep the kids and adults entertained which include: The Case of the Missing Clam—with Dr. Ann Molineux, TNSC invertebrate paleontologist. Follow the forensic trail and gather evidence for the case in this hands-on activity, Ice Age Austin—with Dr. Pamela R. Owen, TNSC vertebrate paleontologist. Come for a hands-on exploration of fossil mammals including saber-toothed cats, mammoths and giant armadillos, The Voyage of Turtle Rex—storytelling for the whole family, with Ms. Patricia Ramsey, children’s librarian, Crafts and games, Mesozoic Time Travel, Dinosaur Track Mats, Fossil Identifications. Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity.
Republic of Texas Museum- Experience a day in the life during the Republic of Texas era. Children are encouraged to dress up and take a look at what life was like for a child during that historical era in the exhibit “A Texas Childhood.” Another exhibit, “The Albert Sydney Johnston Family,” gives visitors a brief history on Albert Sydney Johnston, General in the Texas Army, US Army and the Confederate Army and his wife Eliza Griffith Johnston and family. Also on display, original drawings or Texas wildflowers by Eliza Griffith Johnston. Sunday, Noon- 4:00pm. 510 East Anderson Lane.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center- Join the Wildflower Center for the annual Women in Science program, which encourages and inspires young women (and boys) to pursue science careers. Participants will be able to talk to biologists, horticulturists, astronomers, engineers, marine biologists and other women scientists from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Visitors Gallery. Also enjoy seed planting demos outdoors at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Docent led garden tours occur at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and there will be special discounts in the Store. Join author Cherie Colburn and illustrator Joy Fisher Hein to create a plantable bookmark based on their new children’s book, BLOOMIN’ TALES in the Little House, and learn about plant names there from 11 a.m. till noon. This activity is for children of all ages. Colburn and Hein will also sign their book from 1 to 4 p.m. in the store, and Tula Hats representatives will be on hand there in the afternoon. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave.
Pioneer Farms– There will be five themed historic areas to explore on Museum Day: a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, a German Emigrant Farm, a Texian Farm, a Cotton Planter’s Farm and a rural village called Sprinkle Corner. Visitors can explore our more than 90 beautiful, wooded acres, and even get some close ups with the animals! Sunday, 10:00am- 5:00pm. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive.
Texas Military Forces Museum- Take part in a special Community Day, in support of the Texas National Guard troops serving overseas. With 30,000 square feet of exhibits from the Texas Revolution to the War on Terror, the museum is proud to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Texas Military Forces. Sunday, 4:00pm. Located on Camp Mabry at 2200 W. 35th Street.
AMOA at Laguna Gloria-On Museum Day, come explore the beautiful grounds of Laguna Gloria, design your own artist sketchbook, embark on a sculpture scavenger hunt, and make your artistic mark on a collaborative collage! See live artist demonstrations and enjoy dynamic performances by the U Better Sing! youth chorus. Finish your visit with a healthy MamboBerry treat. Sunday, Noon- 4:00pm. 3809 W. 35th Street.
