January Activities for Kids and Families in Austin
Partners in Parenting When I Grow Up Festival
There are always a ton of fun kids and family activities happening in the Austin area. Included below is a list of events and activities occurring in and around Austin in January. Many great activities are occurring this weekend, so check it out so you don't miss out. This list is by no means exhaustive; just a sampling of events that caught my eye that I wanted to highlight. Additional good sources for activity lists are included at the end of the post.
Please note, the following is provided for informational purposes only; the information is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, but there may be omissions, errors or mistakes, and no guarantees are made.
Free Educational Activities
Highlighted Activity: Partners in Parenting When I Grow Up Festival
Details: A fun, interactive, and free event. Kids can learn what it would be like to take on a variety of roles when they grow up by interacting with professionals (e.g., dentists, ballet dancers, police officers, etc.) that will “share the tools of their trade.” Food and drinks will be sold onsite from a variety of great food trucks. There is a baby area as well.
When: Sunday, January 14th, 2018, 10am-2pm
Where: Asian American Resource Center (Cameron Road)
Activity: Zach Theatre Performing Arts School Open House
Details: Kids can sample classes in creative drama, acting, musical theatre, and improv. Ages 3.5 to 5th grade. Free.
When: Saturday, January 13th, 2018, 10am-noon
Where: Zach Theatre Main Campus (Toomey Road)
Activity: Infant Massage Workshop by Baby Strokes
Details: Free infant/child massage workshop for parents, expectant parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Learn the benefits of massage for infants/children, massage strokes and techniques, and what oils are safe to use. Wear comfy clothes and bring your baby, child or favorite doll or teddy.
When: Wednesday, January 17th, 2018, 10:30-11:30am
Where: Laura Bush Community Library (Bee Cave Road)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Activities
Event: 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Details: Honor Dr. King's legacy by participating in the 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. United Way for Greater Austin and Keep Austin Beautiful are recruiting volunteers for this year's MLK Day of Service. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available. Check the website for details.
When: Saturday, January 13th, 2018 (various times and locations)
Event: MLK Community March, Community Festival, & Food Drive
Details: The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. The MLK Community March kicks off at 9am with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus. Participants will then march to the south steps of the State Capitol for a short program and marchers will continue on to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. All businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.
When: Monday, January 15th, 2018 at 9:00am
Where: MLK Statue on UT Campus, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Summer Camp and Preschool Fairs
Fair: The BIG Preschool Roundup
Details: MOMS Club® of Cedar Park presents the 2nd Annual Preschool Fair. This free annual event is a one-stop shop for "All Things Preschool." Connect with a variety of childcare facilities, extra-curricular activity groups, and family-friendly businesses from Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock that offer programs, products, and services for children 6 and under.
When: Saturday, January 13th, 2018, 10:00am to 1pm
Where: High Hopes Sports Center (Clover Lane in Cedar Park, TX)
Fair: Austin Family Magazine's 20th Annual Summer Camp Fair
Details: Free event showcasing local and out-of-area spring and summer day and overnight camps for kids ages 4 to 18.
When: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 11am to 4pm
Where: Palmer Event Center (Barton Springs Road)
Museum Exhibits
Exhibit: Where I Belong: Exhibit Opening and Artist Talk
Details: Mixed-race families open their doors to share lived experiences of Asian American Pacific Islander youth in Austin. This photography exhibit is co-curated by Lizzie Chen and the Asian American Resource Center.
Museum/Location: Asian American Resource Center, Ballroom (Cameron Road)
When: Opening reception January 13th, 2018, noon-4pm. Artist talk begins at 3pm. On display through June 29th.
Admission: Free
Exhibit: Pong to Pokémon: The Evolution of Electronic Gaming
Details: Explores the past and future of electronic gaming through the player's experience.
Museum/Location: Bullock Museum (Congress Ave)
When: Through March 18th, 2018 (museum galleries are open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday noon to 5pm)
Admission: $13 adult and $9 youth; children under 4 free (non-members)
Theatre Performances
Show: Go, Dog. Go!
Details: Paramount Theatre presents this musical based on P.D. Eastman’s classic book.
When: Sunday, January 14th, 2018, at 2pm
Where: Paramount Theatre (Congress Ave)
Tickets: Start at $10 for youth; $15 adult
Show: Finding Neverland
Details: Broadway Austin performance of Peter Pan musical.
When: January 16th-21st, 2018, at various times
Where: Bass Concert Hall (UT Campus)
Tickets: Start at $30
Show: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Details: Zach Theatre, Theatre for Families, presents this production of the classic story. Age recommendation five and up.
When: Weekends through February 25th, 2018
Where: Zach Theatre (South Lamar Blvd)
Tickets: Start at $18 for youth; $24 full price
Show: The Adventures of Enoughie (Las Aventuras de Enoughie)
Details: Zach Theatre, Theatre for Families, presents this bilingual puppet production.
When: Weekends through February 25th, 2018
Where: Zach Theatre (South Lamar Blvd)
Tickets: Start at $14 for youth; $16 full price
Also, check out these sites for lists of community activities for kids and families in the Austin area:
http://austinkidsdirectory.com/events/all/
Happy exploring Austin's many offerings with your families!
Esha/Enriched Family