Enriched Family’s March 2019 Austin Activities List
Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels
Hi, friends! March is looking like another entertaining and educational month in Austin. This month’s post includes lots of free educational, arts, and cultural activities, as well as a career fair, college fair, and camp fairs/open houses. Look for information on the Austin Rodeo and the Sherwood Forest Faire…as well as a variety of family-friendly dance, theater, and music performances (please note age recommendations). Hope you enjoy Enriched Family’s March 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
Details: Held each year in March, the ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s most beloved, family-friendly traditions. ABC Kite Fest boasts day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite flying contest and showcase, a fun run and MossFest, and a children’s music concert. Soar into spring and join thousands of Austinites for a free, all-day event filled with kite making, flying, and gazing.
When: Sunday, March 31, 2019, 10am-5pm
Where: Zilker Park. Maps and parking information here.
Art Free-For-All @ The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
Details: Get to know all The Contemporary has to offer during this free, family-friendly open house. Enjoy hands-on Art School demonstrations, check out new sculptures on the grounds, take in a cool performance by School of Rock, and make art to take home. Art Free-for-All will feature food by épicerie, Rosarito, and Cold Ones Pops, plus refreshments courtesy of Austin Eastciders, Chameleon Cold-Brew, Richard's Rainwater, and Topo Chico. Bring the entire family and spend the day at Laguna Gloria! Reserve a free ticket and be entered to win a prize package including a free summer class at the Art School and a one-year membership to The Contemporary Austin! Advance reservation not required for entry, but reserving a ticket in advance will ensure the quickest check-in.
When: Saturday, March 9, 2019, from 11am-3pm
Where: Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Details: Free and open to the public, National College Fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of postsecondary institutions. The Austin National College Fair is sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). List of participating schools here.
When: Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 5:30-8pm
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Free; register here.
Details: Looking for fun, active summer camp options? Check out Camp Doublecreek, which features horseback riding, all kinds of sports, miniature golf, swimming, baby animals, arts and crafts, archery, tennis, tumbling, a playscape, and many other games and activities for children ages 4-14.
When: Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 10am-12pm
Where: Camp Doublecreek campus in Round Rock, 800 Double Creek Dr, Round Rock (During the summer, Camp Doublecreek provides transportation for campers to Round Rock from 13 locations in Austin).
*Received the Austin Family Magazine 2017 Readers' Poll Favorites Award for “Overall Fun” in camps category.
Details: Exploring the work of tomorrow, today. For college and high school students curious about their future. Explore YOUR career future with a wide range of industry innovators in town for SXSW. Sessions will feature 45 min of stage presentations followed by a personalized future-forward career readiness workshop. Students may attend any or all of the following sessions:
The Future of Smart City Living, 9-10:30am
The Future of Making + Building, 11-12:30pm
The Future of Play + Pay, 1:30-3pm
The Future of Medicine, Well-being, and Self, 3:30-5pm
Students, register here. Please note: Seating is very limited. Adults are invited to attend as mentors and may register here.
When: Sunday, March 10, 2019, 9am-5pm
Where: Austin Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
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 the free class at this link.
Details: Girl Advocacy Day, hosted by Girls Empowerment Network (GEN), inspires youth to be civically engaged and helps them develop their unique voice to advocate for themselves and the wider community. Youth of all genders in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in Girl Advocacy Day; you do not need to be a current GEN program participant to attend Girl Advocacy Day. Note: Breakfast and lunch will be provided and there is no cost to attend. What does Girl Advocacy Day have in store for participants? Below is the agenda:
Welcome, breakfast goodies, introductions, and ice breakers.
The Power of Advocacy: What is advocacy and what can it look like? How can we use our voices and collective power to contribute to positive change in our circles (friends and peers), schools, neighborhoods, and communities?
Texas Legislature 101.
Advocating Like a Boss: Learn best practices in communication and public speaking to grow your confidence and impact as an advocate.
Small Groups: Identify community needs you're passionate about and create group consensus on how to address these needs.
Panel with Legislators: Hear from female Senators and Representatives about their experience as political leaders.
Visit legislative offices.
Stress Management and Self-Care: Avoiding advocate burnout.
When: Friday, March 22, 2019, 9am-4pm
Where: Texas Capitol - Legislative Conference Center
Register here. Note: Once you've registered for Girl Advocacy Day, you'll receive an email with additional helpful logistics information. Additionally, if you are under the age of 18, you will receive a guardian permission form that must be signed and returned to the Girls Empowerment Network prior to Girl Advocacy Day. If you have any questions at all, feel free to email brittany@girlsempowermentnetwork.org, call 512-808-4044, or visit www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org.
Little Seedlings Storytime: Japan
Details: Explore Japanese culture through Kamishibai storytelling and crafts! Kamishibai (“paper play”) is a popular form of Japanese story theatre. This month's books features Momotaro, The Peach Boy, and The Farting Wife. Recommended ages 3-5.
When: Friday, March 15, 2019, 10-11am
Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754
Free; RSVP here.
Details: Austin families: Are you ready to ROCK?! And READ?! Looking for some family-friendly live music to listen to during SXSW? Rock + Read, the annual music and book fest, is back at The Domain on Saturday, March 16, 2019! This FREE, family-friendly event features live music from Koo Koo Kanga Roo, The Not-Its!, RIDERS AGAINST the STORM (RAS), and Red Yarn. In between music sets, kids will delight in stories being read on stage by authors Kat Kronenberg, Jason Gallaher and Scott Fitzgerald of Buddy Pegs. Be sure to visit the authors after their readings in the Do512 Family Book Tent where kids can buy their very own signed copy of their favorite book and make a scratch bookmark to take home. Recommended for kids ages 0-100! Additional activities include:
Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids - Arboretum will be doing punk rock hairdos
Create Bedstock branded pillow cases with MyMusicRx
Ride bikes in the woombikesUSA and Buddy Pegs Bicycle Playground
Jump on a Springfree Trampoline Austin
Decorate cookies with Baked by Amys
Grab a bar from KIND Snacks
When: Saturday, March 16, 2019, 2-6pm
Where: The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, Texas 78758
The Slants: Behind the Music - Story of Civil Rights, Art and Activism
Details: Join in at the Asian American Resource Center for a night of storytelling, music, and discussion of Asian American representation in the arts! Simon Tam, founder of the world's first and only all-Asian American band, The Slants, wanted to change the world by creating an anti-racist band. Little did he know, that the music would take him from the studio to the state penitentiary, and the stage to the Supreme Court. Hear this fascinating tale of how the worlds of civil rights collided when an ordinary trademark application turned into an eight-year journey for self-identity, blurring the lines between art and activism. Learn the "Behind the Music" story of the most discussed Supreme Court case on free speech in recent history and the lessons gained for those wishing to change the world through art. In addition to storytelling, the evening will also include an acoustic performance by The Slants and a discussion on arts and activism. You'll also get a special preview of Tam's new memoir about the band's journey to the Supreme Court! Free and for all ages.
When: Thursday, March 14, 2019, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754
Snapology Austin 2nd Annual Camp Fair
Details: You are invited to the 2nd annual Summer Camp Fair at the Snapology Discovery Center. Staff will demonstrate activities from Snapology’s favorite camps, answer any questions, and help you enroll. Anyone enrolling in camp before April 15th will save 10% on their camp tuition! Bring your friends! This summer, Snapology camps will be held at:
Circle C Community Center (78739)
Northwest Hills UMC (78731)
Snapology Austin Discovery Center (78704)
West Austin Youth Association (78703)
When: Sunday, March 31st from 1-4pm
Where: 1910 Fort View Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Starry Nights at Girlstart: Featuring the Mayan Skies Star Shows
Details: Hands-on activities include…
Explore Mayan archaeological sites through Virtual Reality
Learn about adaptations of the Mayan stingless bee
Design and create a circuit to light up an ancient ceremonial mask
Construct a replica of an ancient Mayan pyramid
When: Thursday, March 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.
Details: Indoor booths, solar viewing, food vendors, planetariums, speakers, and activities. The schedule for the three stages at the Texas Night Sky Festival® is packed with delightful speakers and performers! After sunset, there will be a Star Party! Yoga Under the Stars, and more!
When: Saturday, March 30th from 12pm-11pm
Where: Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center, 1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
General Events
Details: Make a lucky horseshoe and an inspirational (prayer) box. All students will leave with an art project. Come dressed in your PJ’s. Ages 6 and up, completed kindergarten/ independently able children. Cheese pizza from Domino’s will be provided, gluten-free pizza available for additional charge. If time allows after the project, arcade room and a G-rated movie will be shown (Disney). Kids may bring a blanket and pillow to lay on during the movie.
When: Saturday, March 9, 2019, from 5–9pm
Where: Art Barn ATX, 14284 FM2769, Volente, TX 78641
Cost: $45.00/per child. Discount of $10 for siblings. Use code “KNO” - register here.
Bosom Buddies: Lactation Support Group
Details: 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 (3/11; 3/18; and 3/25).
Where: Breastfeeding Success Company - South Austin office (111 Ramble Lane, Suite 115, Austin, Texas 78745). RSVP here.
Cost: $5 per week.
Dinosaur Day Re-Do at Zilker Botanical Garden
Details: Zilker’s big dinosaur event of the year! Come out and enjoy science-based activities covering topics such as plant evolution, a dinosaur parade, a scavenger hunt, and more!
When: Saturday March 16, 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.
Fun and Productive Events at The Hive Austin in March
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. March events include Third Thursday Trivia (March 21); Groundwork Music Orchestra with Dan Piccuirro and Friends (March 23); and Story Time & Craft with Usborne Books (March 27). Check the Hive events page on Facebook for details, including cost (if applicable), and more events.
When: Various events in March.
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.
Details: Over the years, Rodeo Austin has grown from a stock show featuring 16 animals into one of Austin’s premier events, featuring a top 10 ProRodeo, daily concerts, a world class livestock show, fairgrounds, and more. In addition, the Rodeo Austin Scholarship Program has impacted the lives of thousands of Texas youth, donating millions of dollars to their education.
When: March 16-30, 2019
Where: 9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin, Texas 78724
Cost: Tickets are on sale now and range in price from $5-$175. Fairgrounds tickets: One day adult (ages 13 and up), $8; One day child (ages 3 to 12), $5; Military & First Responders, $5; Seniors 60+, $5; Children 2 and under, free. Parking is $15 per vehicle.
Details: Sherwood Forest Faire is a locally owned medieval-style village nestled in the Lost Pines section of Central Texas. Over 100 permanent buildings on 25 acres, including stages, pubs, merchant shoppes, wedding venues, a complete castle, and more. During Robin Hood’s Spring Faire, there are over 150 shows per day by more than 40 different stage acts: full contact jousting, falconry, fire juggling, knife throwing, 10+ live bands, comedy, sword fighting, and a castle siege. Shows for kids, adults, and both!
When: Weekends, March 2-April 21 & Friday, March 22, 2019.
Where: 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade, TX 78650 (35 miles east of Austin)
Cost: Adults (age 13+), $22 Online/$25 At Gate; Youth (age 6-12), $12 Online/$15 At Gate; Children 5 and under - free of charge, no ticket required. Tickets 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: Exhibit on display through March 30, 2019.
Where: Asian American Resource Center (8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, Texas 78754)
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: Ballet Austin presents Grimm Tales. They were meant to guide us and keep us on the straight and narrow. But many of the saccharin stories we were told as children started as grim reminders of what happens when naiveté meets wickedness, and the balance between good and evil is in question. In this new, full-length work, made possible through the generous support of the Butler New Choreography Endowment and funded in part by a gift from Dr. Beverly Dale, Artistic Director Stephen Mills delves into the underbelly of some of your favorite fairytales and shows you the real beauty of the lessons they impart. Inspired by the visual art of Natalie Frank, the world premiere of Grimm Tales will leave you unsettled, unafraid, and undeniably hungry for more. Note: The production runs approximately 90 minutes without intermission and is recommended for ages 10 and older.
When: March 29-31, 2019
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: Start at $15. Tickets available here.
Creative Expressions: Celebrating Women Composers
Details: A real musical treat served up by your Austin Symphony Orchestra, celebrating treasures composed by women through the ages. The evening’s banquet begins with “Overture in C Major” by Fanny Mendelssohn and continues with expressive works by “Lili” Boulanger, Clara Schumann, Vítĕzslava Kaprálová, and award-winning American composer Jennifer Higdon. Joined by the famed group Time for Three and prominent pianist Michelle Schumann, ready your taste buds for a palette of artistic decadence!
When: March 22-23, 2019 at 8pm
Where: Dell Hall at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: Start at $19. Tickets 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: Kids $13; adults $18. Available here.
Details: Created and written by Anna Deavere Smith and directed by Dave Steakley. One of the most acclaimed and provocative theatre artists of our time, Tony and Pulitzer Prize nominee Anna Deavere Smith (Let Me Down Easy; “Nurse Jackie”), shares her “most ambitious and powerful work to date” (Variety). Incredibly timely and moving, Notes from the Field depicts the personal accounts of individuals caught in America’s school-to-prison pipeline as they navigate inequities in their communities. Based on interviews with over 250 people living and working within a challenged system, Notes shines a light on a lost generation of American youth. Note: Due to the interactive nature this performance, including an audience discussion, the actual run time may vary. Notes from the Field is performed in two acts with an intermission that includes facilitator-lead audience breakout discussions.
Age recommendation: 14 and up for some strong language and mature content.
When: March 1-31, 2019 (evening and matinee performances available)
Where: Zach Theatre, The Kleberg, 202 South Lamar Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: Start at $30, available here.
Details: Tapestry Dance Company presents The Souls of Our Feet – A Celebration of American Tap Dance. Chosen as a National Endowment for the Arts Masterpiece production and touring the US, Canada, and China 2009 – 2012, The Souls of Our Feet – A Celebration of American Tap Dance, celebrates legends of tap dance including stage and screen! See the likes of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers come to life with a backdrop of tap-dancing Hollywood classics, as well as contemporary choreography set to the jazz standards of Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin and others.
When: March 28-31, 2019
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: From $35 (student and senior tickets are available for $24), 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: March 24-May 26, 2019
Where: Presented at Whisenhunt Studio, 202 South Lamar Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: $10 (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/
http://austin.thinkbilingual.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. I invite you to check out my services and click the "Let's Get Started!" button below to contact me.
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