Enriched Family's September 2019 Austin Family Activities List
Photo by Nicholas Githiri from Pexels
Hi friends! We are swinging into fall, even though it still feels like summer in Austin! Now that we've had a little time to ease into the new school year, you may be looking for some fun, family activities to do in Austin this month....Check out Enriched Family's roundup of kids and family activities below.
Today, Labor Day, is Free Day of Yoga, at participating locations all across Austin. Take your family and enjoy some flow. Or participate in a Scavenger Hunt at the Science Mill. There are lots of fun, free activities this month. Be sure not to miss Austin Museum Day (free admission to participating Austin museums all day); plus a number of additional free, museum family days at specific museums throughout the month (UMLAUF, Thinkery, Bullock Museum, et cetera); Austin Symphonic Band’s Fall Concert in the Park; Creative Action’s Community Art Sunday; Girlstart’s Starry Nights; the Mother Earth Day Festival; Sábados en Familia: Cultural Fun for Families, and quite a few free, family movie nights around town. Wonderful fee-based activities include Pioneer Farms’ Fall Homeschool Day, Zach Theatre performances of Jungalbook, and an Art Barn ATX Kids Night Out. And so much more! I hope you have fun planning and exploring with Enriched Family’s September Activities List! Please share the list with your friends.
(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. 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.)
Free Educational/Cultural/Fun Activities
Details: Explore Austin-area museums -- for free! The 22nd Annual Austin Museum Day is a free celebration of art, culture, history, music, nature, and science. More than forty-three museums in central Texas will welcome visitors with special programming - including guided exhibition tours, hands-on activities, and more - for visitors of all ages. Go here or here for more information. Participating museums are listed below:
Brush Square Museums: Susanna Dickinson Museum and O. Henry Museum
Landmarks, The Public Art Program of The University of Texas at Austin
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 9am-5pm
Where: Various museums across Austin
Austin Symphonic Band: Fall Concert in the Park
Details: The Austin Symphonic Band presents its Fall Concert in the Park. Audience members are encouraged to picnic and spread a blanket under the pecan trees at the beautiful Zilker Hillside Theater, then watch the stars come out as the band showcases music as big as the great outdoors! Free and open to the public! Program - Marches Around the World!
When: Sunday, September 15th | 7pm
The concert is weather permitting. In case of rain or other inclement weather, please check ASB Social Media for updates or call (512) 956-7420 for information. Concert will not be rescheduled.
Where: Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr., Austin, 78704
Creative Action’s Community Art Sunday: Back to School Creative Reuse
Details: Join Creative Action as they kick off the 2019-20 school year with the environment in mind! Enjoy feature activities and art workshops to illustrate how creativity and art can spark solutions for a better future. Plus: live performances, complimentary food and drinks, community atmosphere, and more! Community Art Sunday is a free, recurring event that builds and engages community through live performances, art workshops, active learning experiences, and fun for all ages. The event series is a collaboration with nonprofit partners, local businesses, schools, and community leaders. Participating Community Artists and Partners include:
Austin Creative Reuse
Letterpress PLAY
Soul Tree Collective
Lannaya Drum & Dance Ensemble
Smart Trips Austin
YWCA ATX
More to be announced!
When: Sunday, September 15, 2019 | 2-5pm | RSVP here
Where: Creative Action, 1023 Springdale Road, #Bldg 3, Austin, 78721
Details: All day Monday (Labor Day), September 2, 2019, participating studios across the Austin area will offer free classes as an opportunity for people of every age and fitness level to:
Try yoga for the first time
Experience a new style of yoga
Visit a new studio or take a class from a new instructor
Share yoga with friends and family
Discover the benefits of yoga
When & Where: Monday, September 2, 2019 - various times and locations across Austin. See the full day's schedule here.
Girlstart's Starry Nights are Back!
Details: Girlstart’s STEM Studio and Mini-Planetarium is a unique space for families to explore astronomy! Starry Nights are held the 1st Thursday of every month, with each month featuring a new astronomy experience and related hands-on activities. All ages are welcome to stop by anytime between 5:30pm and 7:00pm. RSVP is recommended, however it is not required, to join. The Thursday, September 5, 2019 Starry Night will feature Ancient Greek Mythology Star Shows.
When: Thursday, September 5, 2019 | 5:30-7:00pm
Where: The Girlstart STEM Center, 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, 78757
Mother Earth Day Festival Back-to-Nature School Bash
Details: This Festival is designed for environmental awareness and fun, especially relating to Barton Springs and Barton Creek. Special emphasis is placed on water conservation. Every activity is made to ensure that kids from 4-13 years of age have a great time and an interactive learning experience. The event is completely FREE and open to kids of all ages and all families are welcome.
When: Friday, September 13, 2019 | 9am-1pm
Where: Austin’s Zilker Park, in a large picnic area, across the parking lot from Zilker Hillside Theater, next to Barton Springs pool & bath house. Click here for a map.
Sábados en Familia: Cultural Fun for Families
Details: Sábados en Familia provides free cultural art activities created by the Mexican American Cultural Center. Participants will engage in a bilingual storytime and hands-on art projects. On September 14th, this free family activity will explore the theme of Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling!). All ages welcome.
For more information, please email: macceducation@austintexas.gov
When: Saturday, September 14, 2019 | 10am-1pm
Where: Central Library, Children's Area (3rd floor), 710 W. César Chávez St., Austin, 78701
General Events
Details: Enjoy an evening out while the kiddos create beautiful art. Ages 6 and up (completed kindergarten and independently able children). Cheese pizza from Domino’s will be provided, gluten free pizza available for additional charge. If time allows after project, a G-rated movie will be shown (Disney).
When: Saturday, September 14, 2019 | 5-9pm (recurring event on the second Saturday of each month)
Where: Art Barn ATX, 14284 FM 2769, Volente, Texas 78641
Cost: $45.00 per child (discount of $10 for siblings - use code “KNO”), available here.
Fun and Productive Events at The Hive Austin in September
Details: Looking for a cool co-working space with childcare? A fun place to meet up for playdates with your kids? A place to get your fitness on? Or maybe get your happy hour on? All this and more is available at The Hive. Feel free to come sans kiddos OR reserve a spot in the supervised childcare area for only $10/hr. Productivity here we come! There is a beautiful cafe area and lounge where any and all are welcome to visit or work at no charge. The Hive hosts a wide variety of events monthly. September events include Saturday Morning Kids Live Music Series (Saturdays at 9am, music starts at 10am); Stories of Strong Texas Women (Friday, September 27th | 6-9pm); and Live at The Hive Saturday Night Music Series (Saturdays, 5pm; music starts at 6pm). Check the Hive events page on Facebook for details, including cost (if applicable), and more events.
When: Various events in September.
Where: The Hive Austin, 10415 Old Manchaca Road, Austin, 78748
Details: Step into the past during Pioneer Farms’ fall homeschool day. Meet fellow homeschool families as you explore the farm’s five historic areas. Your children will have a chance to dress like a pioneer, play like a pioneer, and even do chores like a pioneer!
When: Friday, September 13, 2019 | 10am-5pm
Where: Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, 78754
Admission: Bring your families -- $5 admission for all!
Labor Day Weekend Puzzler Scavenger Hunt at the Science Mill
Details: Round up your team, grab a smartphone, and set off on the ultimate scavenger hunt! This one is a real puzzler — search for answers hidden throughout the museum. Solve the crossword or word search puzzle and discover your favorite Science Mill exhibit along the way! They have over 50 hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages.
When: Monday, September 2nd, 2019 | 10am-4pm
Where: Science Mill, 101 S Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, 78636
Cost: Puzzler Scavenger Hunt is FREE with general admission (0-2 years old – free; ages 3-18 [or with student ID] - $9.50; adult - $11.00; seniors [65+] - $9.00).
Wide Variety of September Events at the Toybrary Austin
Details: Music Classes with Miss Ariel (September 4, 11, 18, 25); Gardening Classes for Kids (September 5, 12, 19, 26); Free Baby Play Date (September 3, 10, 17, 24); Playdough Play Time (September 3); Free Business Workshop for Mamas (September 6); Healthy, Happy Babies Workshop (September 6); Free Chinese Demo Class (September 13); Kids Yoga with Melanie (September 14); Come Meet Skye! (September 14); Kick the Sick! An Immune Workshop (September 20); Date Night Child Care (September 7, 14, 21, 28); and more! Toybrary Austin is a toy lending library and kids' birthday party venue that also offers drop-in childcare in Austin.
When: Various.
Where: Toybrary Austin, 2001 Justin Lane, Austin, 78757
Cost: Varies. See website for details.
Film
Details: Welcome to Alamo for All - a movie program for young families and guests with special needs. All shows starting before 2pm on Tuesdays follow Alamo for All rules, with more shows on the weekends at Lakeline, Mueller, and Slaughter Lane. Schedule may vary during holidays. At sensory-friendly Alamo for All shows:
Lights are turned up and sound is turned down
All ages are welcome (including infants)
Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around
Latecomers are admitted
Adaptive technology is welcome (but no other electronics, please)
When: All shows starting before 2pm on Tuesdays at various theaters, with more shows on the weekends at Lakeline, Mueller, and Slaughter Lane.
Where: Lakeline, Mueller, and Slaughter Lane Alamo Theaters; check out some Alamo for All movie picks for kids here.
Admission: Varies.
Austin Parks Foundation’s Movies in the Park
Details: Austin Parks Foundation's (APF) Movies in the Park is a free series of films presented in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Rolling Roadshow. For over 10 years, APF has brought movies to neighborhood parks across Austin ensuring Austinites of all backgrounds have access to free outdoor entertainment. APF will be visiting nine different parks this year, so head out to grab some food from the food trucks and enjoy a night under the stars and in front of the screen. Movies start at dusk and will be showing monthly through October 2019.
When and where:
Friday, September 13, 2019 | 8:00pm - Film: Freaky Friday (PG) | 97 minutes. Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park, 2803 Loyola Ln., Austin, 78723
Mobile Loaves & Fishes Community Cinema
Details: Mobile Loaves & Fishes is thrilled to partner with Austin’s iconic Alamo Drafthouse to present the most exciting movie experience in town. The Community Cinema presents free weekly screenings throughout the year – and you’re always invited! They regularly host guided tours of the Village so come have a blast and learn about the Community First! Village too. The Community Grille (staffed by Community First! neighbors earning a dignified income) serves up hot food, concessions, snacks, and drinks. The Community Cinema & Amphitheater is a place where film, family, and fun come together at Austin’s coolest outdoor venue. Nestled into the Community First! Village countryside, the outdoor cinema and amphitheater has room for hundreds to catch a show under the stars. Grab chairs and a blanket, bring family and friends, and enjoy these special screenings.
When: September films:
Friday & Saturday, September 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9pm - Film: Aladdin (PG) | 2h 8min
Friday, September 20, 2019 | 7-9pm - Film: X-Men: Dark Phoenix (PG-13) | 1h 53min
Friday & Saturday, September 27 & 28, 2019 | 7-9pm - Film: The Secret Life of Pets 2 (PG) | 1h 26min
Where: Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd., Suite 950, Austin, 78724
Admission: Free, though donations are welcome.
Museum Exhibits and Special Programs
A River Across the East and West
Details: Father-son artist duo Messrs. Su redefine the boundaries of Chinese water ink painting. Photographer and digital artist Pin-Chih layers the traditional calligraphy of his father, Hsuan-Te, to explore psychedelic art, the universe, Chinese characters, philosophy, and architecture.
When: Exhibit on display through September 22, 2019. During Center hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday and Thursday: 9am to 9pm
Where: Asian American Resource Center (AARC), AARC Foyer and Hallways, 8401 Cameron Rd., Austin, 78754
Admission: Free
Bullock Museum H-E-B Free First Sunday
Details: Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase artifacts from around the state.
When: Sunday, August 4, 2019 | 12-5pm
Where: Bullock Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, 78701
Admission: Free
Inter/Sected: The Art of Ben Aqua
Details: sian American Resource Center (AARC) is proud to present Inter/sected, a photo exhibit that celebrates identities within two diverse and vibrant cultures by featuring portraits by local photographer Ben Aqua (Instagram: @b3naqua). The show highlights Queer Asian Pacific Americans by encouraging participants to explore the myriad ways they self-identify while collaborating with the photographer to make a picture.
When: Exhibit on display July 5-September 22, 2019. During Center hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday and Thursday: 9am to 9pm
Where: Asian American Resource Center, AARC Ballroom, 8401 Cameron Rd., Austin, 78754
Admission: Free
Motown: The Sound of Young America, A 60-Year Retrospective
Details: Curated by the GRAMMY Museum®, Motown: The Sound of Young America is the first major museum exhibition to embrace all facets—music, culture, and politics—of the 1960s biggest sounds in soul. Visit the exhibition at the LBJ Library to explore the evolution of the label, view personal artifacts from some of its biggest artists, and do your take on some of Motown's biggest hits.
When: Exhibit on display through January 26, 2020. Open daily from from 9am-5pm.
Where: LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River St., Austin, 78705
Admission: Adults - $10; seniors (62 and over) with valid ID - $7; former military with valid ID - $5; college students with valid ID - $3; Youth 13-18 - $3; children 12 and under - free.
Details: MAKE and DO together at Community Night! Every Wednesday, Thinkery stays open late for families to discover new ideas and learn together. Enjoy the exhibits and educational programs facilitated by staff.
When: Wednesdays in September | 4–8 pm
September 4th Community Night Spotlight: Latino/Latinx Heritage
During Community Night Spotlight evenings, Thinkery shines a light on a unique aspect of the rich diversity that makes Austin such an amazing place to live, play, and learn with educational activities facilitated by staff and special community presenters. On September 4, join in for a festive evening of food, performance, and culture in celebration of Latino/Latinx Heritage. Activities will include:
Grab a tasty (and healthy!) snack from the folks at Acai Hut, who will be giving away free samples of their acai and pao de queijo.
Enjoy performances by Bidi Bidi Banda, Austin's first all-star Selena Tribute. Comprised of members of some of Austin's premier Latin bands, Bidi Bidi Banda's interpretation of Selena's greatest hits will leave you belting lyrics, doing the washing machine, and reliving the greatness of the Queen of Tejano Music.
Make a button that expresses who you really are with El Buen Samaritano.
Join RAICES to write an encouraging carta de corazón (letter from the heart) to an immigrant family or child.
Get crafty with our friends from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.
From Selena to Sonia Sotomayor, learn about Latina and Latinx legends who've made significant contributions to society--while creating your own trading cards based on these legends--with artist Stephanie Sandoval.
Be in the know about the City of Austin's new Block Party permit and make a door hanger invitation to give to your neighbors.
Other partners include Mexic-Arte, AVANCE, Univision & Latinitas.
This event is for everyone! More information here.
Where: 1830 Simond Ave., Austin, 78723
Cost: Admission to Thinkery is FREE on Community Nights, but donations are welcome! There is no pre-registration for admission. In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all guests, Thinkery has a set number of visitors that can be allowed into the museum at any one time. Guests will be admitted on a first-come, first served basis.
Details: Join in for Family Day at the UMLAUF! Bring your whole family and enjoy a full day of fun activities. This event is free and open to the public! The monthly Family Days are designed for families and friends to explore and create. On the second Sunday of each month, they feature a line-up of activities for families to enjoy together. September 8th activities:
12:30 Yoga with Leti
1:30 Book signing with Allyson
2:30 Carolina Storyteller
All day:
Sculpture Search
Arts/Crafts Activity
Springfree Trampolines
Amy's Ice Cream
When: Sunday, September 8th | 12-4pm
Where: 605 Azie Morton Road (formerly Robert E. Lee Road), Austin, 78704
*If you and your family enjoy exploring Austin's many fantastic museums, check out Do512 Family's list of free times to visit Austin museums.
Theatre and other Performances
Details: Zach Theatre presents Jungalbook, adapted by Edward Mast, based on the Mowgli stories of Rudyard Kipling. Adventure awaits in a jungle where danger lurks in every tree and only the brave dare enter! This energetic and creative reimagining of the timeless tale ignites imagination and propels the audience through a world ruled by the wild. When her parents are killed by Sherakhan, the young Humancub is raised by wolves, under the protection of her friends Bagheera and Baloo. In this tale of loyalty and betrayal, they must find the courage to face this challenge and choose their fate under the consequences of jungle law. Age recommendation: 5 and up. Run time: 60 minutes with no intermission.
When: September 7 - November 10, 2019 at various times (mostly matinees).
Where: Zach Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, 78704
Tickets: Start at $19, available here.
Also, check out these sites for lists of community activities for kids and families in the Austin area:
http://austinkidsdirectory.com/events/all/
https://www.austintexas.org/events/
http://austin.thinkbilingual.org/events/
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Happy exploring Austin's many offerings with your families! Please feel free to send us local kids and family events to: hello[at]enrichedfamily.com.
Esha/Enriched Family
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