February 2019 Activities List for Families in Austin
Hi, friends! February is looking like a fun and educational month in Austin. This month’s post includes lots of STEM activities, a camp fair, a Black History Month Kid’s Day, as well as parenting support groups, cultural activities, and performances. Hope you enjoy Enriched Family’s February 2019 Activities List!
(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
Black History Month Kid’s Day!
Details: Black History Month Kid's Day! is complete with crafts, storytelling, and activities to learn more about Black Heritage. Something for the entire family! Free event and open to the public.
When: Saturday, February 16, 2019, 10am-3pm
Where: George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
Bosom Buddies: Lactation Support Group
Details: FREE, weekly lactation support group. Bring your infant under 12 months of age to Bosom Buddies, a weekly peer-to-peer group that’s facilitated by an IBCLC at the Breastfeeding Success Company’s South Austin clinic. A scale is available for you to weigh your baby or do your own weighed feeding. This group is open to families who provide breastmilk in a number of ways - you do not have to be exclusively breastfeeding at the breast to attend. This group is open to all, not just Breastfeeding Success Company clients. Please note: while happy to discuss common concerns, more complex issues will require a separate IBCLC visit.
When: Ongoing, Mondays from 1-3pm (2/4; 2/11; 2/18; and 2/25).
Where: Breastfeeding Success Company - South Austin office (111 Ramble Lane, Suite 115, Austin, Texas 78745). RSVP here.
Free Trial Coding Classes at Launch Coding
Details: Sign your child up for a free, trial coding class at Launch Coding. Spending only an hour a week at Launch can give your child tools and skills that will help them excel in tomorrow's digital world.
Where: 3801 N Capital Of Texas Hwy, Bldg D-Ste 130, Austin, TX 78746
Sign up: Schedule your free class at this link.
Details: Students and their parents or educators are invited to UT for an afternoon of hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fun. UT’s national award winning Girl Day, presented by the Women in Engineering Program (WEP), gives elementary and middle school students a chance to explore STEM through grade-appropriate, hands-on activities hosted by volunteer scientists, engineers, and STEM enthusiasts from over 160 student organizations, research centers, corporate partners and community organizations. Both girls and boys are welcome! Girl Day at UT Austin is a free event for K-8 students held on the Cockrell School of Engineering and Natural Sciences complexes on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Over 8,000 students are expected to participate in over 150 free-flowing hands-on activities and demonstrations hosted by volunteers, student organizations, corporate partners and community organizations.
When: Saturday, February 23rd, 2019 from 11:30am-5pm. Check out the schedule here.
Where: Cockrell School of Engineering, 301 E Dean Keeton St., Austin, TX 78712. Parking information here.
Register: Free, register here. Registration is open to individuals and groups.
HappiFamli 5th Annual Camp Fair Event
Details: The HappiCampr Camp Fair is a free, annual event for families. Bring the whole family down to check out over 50 great summer camp options, including title sponsors Mad Science, Kids Acting, and Kids Directory. Learn about and sign up for all kinds of summer programs (as well as Spring Break camps) all over the Austin area and beyond. The Camp Fair will include a wide variety of camps from art to sports, science to horses, sleep-away to day camps, and so much more. There is something for every kid, ages 4-18. There will also be free, fun activities for the kids throughout the fair, as well as prizes and giveaways from vendors.
When: Sunday, February 24, 2019, 1-4pm
Where: Norris Conference Center - 2525 W Anderson Lane, #365, Austin, TX 78757
RSVP: Tickets are FREE! RSVP here.
*Note from Enriched Family: Yes, it is already time to start thinking about summer camps. Many camps offer early bird registration specials in January and February, FYI, and many popular camps fill up quickly. If you need help finding the right camps for your kids, give Enriched Family a ring-we offer custom camp research and consultations! Also, don’t forget that Spring Break is around the corner! Look for Enriched Family’s Spring Break Camps post coming soon!
H-E-B Free First Sunday: Deep in the Heart of STEM
Details: Dive into the heart of Texas with Girlstart in partnership with the Bullock Museum. Explore the connections between history and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through interactive demos and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Engineer a propeller-powered boat as you discover the ship that changed history, La Belle, head over to the Becoming Texas exhibit to experiment with accuracy and consistency as you design a slingshot, get hands-on experience with mining in the chocolate chip cookie mining activity, and so much more! Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month.
When: Sunday, February 3, 2019, from noon-3pm
Where: Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Details: Don't miss the first Starry Nights of the season! Theme: Ancient Chinese Legend Star Shows. Hands-on activities include:
Build a Chinese drum and observe how sound travels
Engineer a unique bamboo scroll
Make a Chinese New Year lantern
Explore geometry through paper origami
Program SpheroTM robots to help your paper crane migrate
When: Thursday, February 7th, 2019, anytime between 5:30-7pm (recurring event - first Thursday of each month leading up to summer)
Where: Girlstart STEM Center, 1400 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
RSVP: Free and everyone welcome. RSVP here.
General Events
Dinosaur Day at Zilker Botanical Garden
Details: Zilker’s big dinosaur event of the year! Come on out and enjoy science-based activities covering topics such as plant evolution, a dinosaur parade, a scavenger hunt, and more!
When: February 9th, 2019, 10am-2pm
Where: Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, Texas 78746
Cost: $3/non-resident adult, $2/resident adult, $1/children & seniors. RSVP here.
Fortlandia at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Details: Welcome to Fortlandia! Your secret hideout awaits at the Wildflower Center, where you can explore 10 unique forts designed and built by local architects, designers, artists and students from The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. These creative spaces will transport you to fantastic imaginary worlds and spark an appreciation for art and nature — and the curious, wonderful ways in which they intersect.
When: Check out Fortlandia before the last day-February 25th! Center is open daily from 9am-5pm.
Where: Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739
Cost: Entry is included with regular admission (Non-member adults – $12; Youth – $6); admission is always free for members.
Fun and Productive Events at The Hive Austin in February
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. February events include a Super Bowl Party: Family-Friendly Football Fun (Feb 3); Strawbitty Yops Kids Concert (Feb 9); Valentine's Theme Yoga with ATX Goat Yoga (Feb 10); Valentine's Event: Music with Staci Gray, Cookies, and Crafts (Feb 16). Check the Hive events page on Facebook for details, including cost (if applicable).
When: Various events in February.
Where: The Hive Austin, 10415 Old Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748
Infant Massage Classes by Baby Strokes
Details: Private and weekly infant massage group classes offered at Precision Chiropractic ATX. Class rates include handouts and a bottle of massage oil. Wear comfy clothes, bring your yoga mat, a towel or blanket, diaper bag and baby essentials and your baby or favorite doll.
When: Private classes offered Wednesdays from 9-10:30am. Group classes are offered Mondays from 9-10:30am and Wednesdays from 10:30am to noon.
Where: Precision Chiropractic ATX, 300 W Highway 290 Building A, Austin, Texas 78736
Cost: Group Class - $69; Private Session - $99. Schedule here.
Details: Partners in Parenting (PIP) improves the well-being of Austin’s new parents so they are confident, connected, and have the tools to blossom into their full potential. PIP’s proven approach connects parents of babies with peers, trained facilitators, and experts so they can share the joy and weather the storms of new parenthood together. Click on the links below to find the right PIP group for you:
Find a Newborn Group (for families expecting baby #1 or with babies 2-16 weeks old)
Find a Baby Group (for families with a baby 4-10 months old)
Find a Second Time Around Group (for families expecting baby #2)
Find a Free Community PIP Group (for families with babies 0-6 months)
When: Varies. Newborn PIPsqueaks Groups meet once a week for 10 weeks. Baby PIPsqueaks Groups and Second Time Around Groups meet once a week for 8 weeks.
Where: PIP places families together based on their location in Austin as well as their child's age. Neighborhood-based group meetings usually take place in the group members' homes. The first meeting will be held in your facilitator's home. Community-based groups meet on site at community partner locations.
Cost: All Newborn PIPsqueaks Groups are $169 for the 10 weeks, and the Baby PIPsqueaks Groups and Second Time Around groups are $139 for 8 weeks (This is per family, including spouses/partners who may wish to attend as well). Need-based half and full scholarships are available. Additionally, there is no fee to join one of PIP’s community-based programs.
Wide Variety of February Events at the Toybrary Austin
Details: Music classes (Feb 6, 13, 20, 27); Sensory-friendly playtimes (Feb 1, 8 15, 22); Superhero party! (Feb 5); Baby Sign Language (Feb 7, 14, 21); Daddy & Me Event-Make Valentines for Mommy (Feb 9); Mommy & Me Food Event-Make Chocolate Strawberries (Feb 12); Valentine’s Day Party with Milly McSilly (Feb 14); Daddy & Me Dinosaur Playdate (Feb 16); Alphabet Party (Feb 19); and more! Toybrary Austin is a toy lending library and kids' birthday party venue that also offers drop-in childcare in Austin, TX.
When: Various.
Where: Toybrary Austin, 2001 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757
Cost: Varies. See website for details.
Museum Exhibits
Let the Colors Speak: Exhibit Opening and Reception
Details: Artists Rashmi Thakur and Supriya Kharod, both born in India and both proud Austinites now, document their individual journeys through watercolor and acrylic paintings. Drawing inspiration from the two communities they love, the artists seek to depict the colorful traditions, vibrant life, and diverse culture found in each. Whether it is expressed through work in watercolors, acrylics, oils or textiles, Thakur is inspired by the people, animals, her travels and the culture that surrounds her. Kharod’s inspiration is drawn from the continual drive for self-improvement through her watercolors. The manner of which pigment interacts with water and flows unpredictably has helped her learn to let go and become less of a perfectionist. The pathway to creative expression for each artist is unique but their collective exhibit reflects a similar happiness and beauty found in their everyday lives.
When: Exhibit on display through March 30, 2019.
Where: Asian American Resource Center (8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, Texas 78754)
Admission: Free
Subwaves: An Installation by Eto Otitigbe
Details: Exploring both the physical and ideological shape of currents, Otitigbe uses sculpture, performance, and sound to probe the intersections of race, power, and technology.
When: The exhibition will be on view through February 28, 2019 during regular museum hours (M, T, W, & F - 10am to 6pm; Thursdays - 10am to 9pm; Saturdays 10am to 4pm; Closed Sundays)
Where: George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, 1165 Angelina St., Austin, TX 78702
Admission: Free
*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: Acrobats, aerialists, and a "water circus" in a big top tent! Check out the video here.
When: February 1-3, 2019 (matinee and evening showings)
Where: Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
Tickets: Start at $10 for children; $20 for adults. Available here.
Details: Light & Sound, presented by Let’s Hopscotch, is a uniquely curated interactive art exhibit featuring 13 distinctive installations that showcase works from a variety of artists, most of whom are Austin based. The art installations within the space encourage guests to participate and explore their surroundings in a playful manner. Don't miss your chance to experience Light & Sound. Proceeds from this exhibit will be donated to a local art-focused non-profit.
When: February 14th - March 31st, 2019
Where: 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Tickets: Ages 13+ are $23; Children 4-12 are $15; Children 3 and under are free. Guests 18+ only after 7:00pm. Tickets available here.
Details: Full-scale musical production with kidsActingStudio’s very own Center Stage Theatre Elite Ensemble. Based on Victor Hugo's novel of the same name, this international smash-hit may be the most popular musical in the world. Epic, grand, and uplifting, Les Misérables packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences everywhere with its glorious music and unforgettable characters.
When: Weekends, February 22-March 10, 2019 (matinee and evening showings)
Where: Center Stage Theatre, 2826 Real Street, Austin TX 78722
Tickets: Tickets on sale starting February 4th at noon. Available here.
Me… Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall
Details: Before she was a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, and animal activist, Dr. Jane Goodall was a little girl with a very special toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. Together, Jane and Jubilee went on outdoor adventures and observed all the miracles of nature around them. Jane dreamed of spending the rest of her life living with and helping animals. And one day, she would go on to do just that. In this brand new musical adaptation, join young Jane and her special friend as they learn about the world around them and the importance of protecting all living species. With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall’s autobiography, this adaptation makes this very true story accessible for the very young—and young at heart. Best for K-5th graders.
When: Sunday, February 24, 2019, at 2pm and 4:30pm
Where: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Tickets: Start at $10 for children; $18 for adults. Available here.
Details: X barks the spot in the new tour, PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure!” It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. When they do, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map! The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway’s celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first! The pups will need all paws on deck for this pirate adventure, including some help from the newest pup … Tracker!
When: February 22-24, 2019
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
Tickets: All guests (including infants and children) must have a ticket to enter the venue. Tickets start at $26. Available here.
Singin’ in the Rain Film with Orchestra!
Details: “Everybody should see Singin’ in the Rain on the big screen at least once in their lives” (Musical Theatre Review)… now is your chance! Topping the American Film Institute’s list of 25 Greatest Movie Musicals of all time, this film masterpiece comes to life with your Austin Symphony Orchestra accompanying the award-winning on-screen performances by Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds.
When: February 9, 2019 at 8pm
Where: Dell Hall at The Long Center for Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: Tickets start at $35. Available here.
Details: Ancient versus modern. Brain versus brawn. Peace versus war. Reptile versus mammal. The ultimate culture clash between two tribes and a fantastical race to decide the fate of them all. Written by the talented Allen Robertson and Damon Brown, with modern music and energetic re-imagining of the ancient fable that will delight tortoises and hares of all ages! Age recommendation: 5 and up. Run time: 55 minutes and a 10 minute intermission.
When: February 3, 2019, at 2pm
Where: Zach Theatre, The Kleberg, 202 South Lamar Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: $18 (adults and youth), available here.
Details: Theatre for the very young uses music, art and hands-on sensory experiences to connect children to literature. ZACH is proud to present Wake Up, Brother Bear! a unique, intimate production geared toward children ages 6 and under. Watch Brother Bear and Sister Bear experience a full year of glorious seasons: together we see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish and skate on an icy pond. Children are invited to join the action to help create magical moments.
When: Through April 2, 2019
Where: ZACH North Location, 12129 Ranch Road 620 N, Austin, TX 78750
Tickets: $12 (adults and youth), 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/
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
Enriched Family is a unique, family concierge and consulting business dedicated to providing families with the information, tools, and systems they need to live more organized and joyful lives. Services include: Custom family-focused research (child care, education, health and wellness resources, camps, and enrichment activities), family organization solutions (stuff and systems), and productivity consulting for busy, professional parents (planning and prioritizing, productivity coaching, and time management coaching). I offer a free, 20-minute initial phone consultation to all new clients to discuss matching your needs and priorities with my services. In addition, Enriched Family is offering a 15% discount on all services in February 2019. I invite you to check out my services and click the "Let's Get Started!" button below to contact me.
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