January 2019 Activities List for Families in Austin
Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash
Happy new year, friends! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Our family has enjoyed our “staycation” with festive holiday activities (Austin Trial of Lights and The Nutcracker, anyone?), lots of delicious meals, hikes, movies, museum exploration, and a family game day (bowling, laser tag, and arcade games, oh my!). It was really nice to slow down a bit and reconnect. That said, I think we are all also suffering a bit from cabin fever and ready to get back to our regular routines. With that in mind, as you transition back into normal life and are filling in your January calendar, I hope Enriched Family’s January 2019 Activities List will be a helpful resource. As always, there are lots of fun activities and events to explore in Austin this month with your families. Let’s keep the connection going in the new year! More family fun is always a good resolution.
(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
Austin Family Magazine's 21st 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. Fun for the entire family, entertainment, and a free camp give-away the day of the event.
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019, 11am to 4pm
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
*Yep, 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!
Bosom Buddies: Lactation Support Group
Details: FREE, weekly lactation support group. Breastfeeding provides an optimal start for your baby. Parents need help beyond the first few weeks. If you’ve “graduated” from seeing a lactation consultant, but still need support, this is the group for you! 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: Mondays from 1-3pm starting January 7th (1/7; 1/14; 1/21; and 1/28).
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. And, if you decide to sign them up as a new student, weekly classes are free during the month of January. 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. Not to mention give you an extra hour for your own resolutions! The sooner you bring your child in, the more potential classes you can get for free before the end of the month. Use the end of winter break to find out if Launch is right for your child!
Where: 3801 N Capital Of Texas Hwy, Bldg D-Ste 130, Austin, TX 78746
Sign up: Schedule your free class at this link.
Upcoming Elementary Open House: Saturday, January 5, 9-10:30am (Register at this link)
At the Elementary Open House, guests (adults only, please) will have the opportunity to visit campus, see the classrooms, and explore the outdoor play areas. Montessori Guides will present different aspects of the curriculum and host Q&A sessions. The Head of School, Program Head, and Director of Admissions will be in attendance.
Where: Creek Campus, 9607 Brodie Ln., Austin, TX 78748
Upcoming Early Childhood Open House: Saturday, January 5, 10-11:30am (Register at this link)
At the Early Childhood Open House, guests (adults only, please) will have the opportunity to visit campus, see the Young Children's Community and Primary classrooms, and explore the outdoor play areas. Montessori Guides will present different aspects of the curriculum and host Q&A sessions. The Head of School, Program Head, and Director of Admissions will be in attendance.
Where: Springs Campus, 6305 Manchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745
Partners in Parenting When I Grow Up Festival
Details: Does your kid ever wonder what it would be like to play music onstage, wear a police badge, or go fishing with a park ranger? At the Partners in Parenting When I Grow Up Festival kids can do all of that and more. Tables will line the venue and professionals will interact with the children to share the tools of their trade. On the mainstage, kids can learn about artistic and entertainment fields through children’s musicians, storytimes, dance, yoga, and other exciting performances throughout the day. The littlest children and their parents can explore the Baby Room and enjoy demos and information sessions by local business offering music classes, baby massage, baby wearing, sleep consultation, and more. Food and drinks will be sold onsite from a variety of great food trucks.
When: Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 9:00am to 1pm
Where: The For the City Center, 500 E St. John's Ave., Austin, TX 78752
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Activities
2019 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Details: Honor Dr. King's legacy by participating in the 2019 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 19th, 2018 (various times and locations)
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 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. The MLK Community Festival kicks off at 11:15am at Huston-Tillotson University and will last until 3:30 p.m.; it will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year’s celebration the best ever! Marchers are asked to help by donating canned goods or non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank.
When: Monday, January 21st, 2019 at 9:00am
Where: MLK Statue on UT Campus, Austin, TX and Huston-Tillotson University (900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702)
General Events
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: Now through February 2019. 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 January
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. Check the Hive events page on Facebook for details!
Featured event: Jazz Brunch with The 20. Join in for a fun, family-friendly jazz brunch. About The 20: Amelia Love loves to sing songs from the 20’s. Sam Witt loves to play jazz piano. Together, they form a husband and wife duo that plays flapper era 1920’s jazz favorites.
When: Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 10am-12pm
Where: The Hive Austin, 10415 Old Manchaca Road , Austin, TX 78748
Ice Skating on the Plaza @ Whole Foods
Details: A must-do for locals and visitors alike, Ice Skating on the Plaza at the Whole Foods Flagship store (located in Downtown Austin)!
When: The ice rink is open daily from 10am-9pm through Monday, January 21, 2019. *Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are always open to the public, but please contact the Lamar Guest Services team at (512) 476-1206 for updated information on public skate hours during weekdays as they sometimes close the rink for private events.
Where: Whole Foods Downtown (525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703)
Cost: $10 per person (includes skate rental)
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.
Wide Variety of December Events at the Toybrary Austin
Details: Music classes; sensory friendly playtimes, story time; Nappy Time Photo session; 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.
Winter Faerie Tea Parties at Zilker Botanical Garden
Details: Come dressed in your faerie best for a tea party overlooking the garden and practice faerie etiquette. Includes fruit, miniature cakes, tea, juice, a nature-based activity, and garden exploration.
When: Sunday, January 13, 2019 11am-1pm and 2:30-4:30pm (Register by January 7th, limited space available).
Where: Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Cost: $20/resident child; $22/non-resident child. Available here.
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: Opening reception Friday, January 18, 2019 from 6-8pm (snacks and refreshments provided). 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 from October 18, 2018 - 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: Based on the timeless tales of Vasilisa the Beautiful from Russia and the Grimm Brother’s Hansel and Gretel, comes the world premiere of the new musical Gretel! A young motherless child, Gretel, is sent by her wicked stepmother and evil step sister deep into the woods to steal a flaming skull from the great witch Baba Yaga. Along the way, Gretel discovers her own courage, strength, cleverness and the fact that, despite all obstacles, she is truly a survivor. This adventure story for the whole family has been brought to vibrant life with music by the Paramount’s own Jenn Hartmann Luck and a book begun by Austin playwright, Jason Tremblay, before he passed away in April 2017. Theatre Heroes, one of Austin’s most exciting emergent companies, surrounds the story with innovative projected scenic elements, three exceptional Austin-based actors, live music, and features cellist, Nora Karakousoglou, playing live. Celebrated playwright, Suzan Zeder, has joined the creative team to help ensure that this story will live on in the hearts and minds of all who see it. Best for 4th-8th graders.
When: Monday, January 7, 2019, at 7:00pm
Where: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Tickets: Start at $10 for children; $18 for adults. Available here.
This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing
Details: In this modern-day fairy tale, three young sisters are left in the forest by their woodcutter father and three resolutions are made: One sister takes one path, one sister a different path, and the third decides to stay right where she is. After twenty years of wild adventure, heartbreak, and big victories, the three meet again as women. An imaginative blend of creative puppetry, live music, and fantastical storytelling, this is a story of family and friendship you won’t want to miss! ZACH Theatre, in partnership with The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance, presents This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing by Finegan Kruckemeyer. Production conceived by Jada Cadena, Lina Chambers, Sam Provenzano, Ally Tufenkjian and Kriston Woodreaux. Age recommendation: 5 and up. Run time: 55 minutes and a 10 minute intermission.
When: January 13, 2019–January 26, 2019
Where: The Whisenhunt, ZACH Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, 78704
Tickets: $18 youth; $24 adults, available here.
Details: ZACH Theatre's Theatre for Families presents the Tortoise and Hare, a musical based on the story by Aesop. 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 turtles and hares of all ages! Age recommendation: 5 and up. Run time: 55 minutes with a 10 minute intermission.
When: Weekends, September 8, 2018–January 27, 2019
Where: ZACH Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, 78704
Tickets: $18 and up, available here.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Details: Paramount Theatre presents The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show From Rockefeller Productions, New York. Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 – selling more than 45 million copies worldwide and captivating readers with the colorful, hand-painted tissue collage illustrations. This timeless classic leaps off the page and onto the stage in a new critically acclaimed production. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 charming puppets, faithfully adapting four Eric Carle stories: Brown Bear, Brown Bear; 10 Little Rubber Ducks; The Very Lonely Firefly; and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Best for Pre-K to 2nd grade children.
When: Sunday, January 27, 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: 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: October 16, 2018–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, in honor of our one-year anniversary, Enriched Family will be offering a 15% discount on all services in January and February 2019. I invite you to check out my services and click the "Let's Get Started!" button below to contact me with questions. Reserve your spot on the January/February Enriched Family calendar now!
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