Festival highlights include:

• Children’s tent featuring crafts, activities, and drawing demonstrations for children ages 3 and up
• Cooking demonstrations in the Central Market Cooking Tent
• Book signings happening after each author session
• Food trucks
• Teen Tent with activities for kids ages 13 and up
• Exhibitor tents
• Storytime sessions and so much more!

The festival is free to attend, with a select number of ticketed sessions featuring authors such as Mitch Albom, Chelsea Handler, Matthew McConaughey, Ariel Sullivan, Ibram X.Kendi, and Viet Thahn Nguyen. Ticket holders receive admission to the session and a signed copy of author’s featured book.

When:

• Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 10 am – 5 pm
• Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 11 am – 5 pm

Where: Texas Capitol, Congress Avenue, 11th Street, and Colorado Street

Parking: Free parking is available in multiple State Lot parking garages on San Jacinto between 12th and 16th Streets

More Information: https://texasbookfestival.org/

The post Texas Book Festival appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

All-Star Sports Camp

We promote teamwork and sportsmanship through healthy competition via sports and active games. Teaching children basic skills and game rules allows every child the chance to discover new talents and push themselves to refine their natural abilities. Above all, we want to ensure that every kid has fun exploring a variety of sports while making friends and memories along the way! Full day campers are also provided lunch from amazing local restaurants.

Ages:
5-13 years old

Dates:
Spring Break, March 11-15 / Summer, May 24 – Aug 19

Locations:
Austin: SoccerZone South Austin, 9501 Menchaca Rd
Cedar Park: SoccerZone Lakeline, 920 Old Mill Rd

Cost:
$395/week (full-day); $245/half-week (half-day)

More Information
Phone: South Austin 512-280-2244 / Lakeline 512-940-4025 
Email: play@allstarsportscamp.org

Art Camps at Art Garage

The Art Garage camps are a place where your kiddo can explore unique art mediums: ceramics, glass fusion, painting, sculpture, make new friends, and thrive under the care of our amazing art teachers. Each camp has a unique theme, with curated projects that stem from a subject or art medium your artist is already drawn to. We lovingly put together some of the most creative art camps in Austin! Join us this year for favorites like Slumber Party, Art Around the World, Swifties, and Hogwarts, and check out our new curriculum themes: Barbie, Animal Crossing, Star Wars, and Music Fest Art Camp! Camp runs 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., with flexible care available 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mom owned and operated in Austin for over 15 summers!

Ages: 6-15 years old

Dates: Both Spring Break and Summer: May 27 – August 15

Locations:
11190 Circle Dr
5501 North Lamar Blvd

Cost: Single Day $95 / Full Week $399

More Information
Phone: 512-852-9900 or 737-330-3289
Email: hello@theartgarageaustin.com

Art Camps at Cordovan Art School

Cordovan Art School has been voted the BEST creative Art Camps in the greater Austin area! Unlock your kids’ imagination in a fun, engaging Art Camp with a variety of weekly themes, and media, including Clay, Pottery Wheel, Watercolor, Oils, Acrylics, Pastels, Pottery Painting, Mixed Media and more!

Popular themes include: “Island Art with Moana, Lilo & Friends”, “Talk with the Animals” (with visits from live exotic animals!), “Yay Clay”, “Pokemon”, “Pikachu”, “Under the Sea”, “Good vs. Wicked”, “Minecraft & Gamers Guide to Art”, “Canvas and Clay”, “Hidden Clues & Mystery Art”, and more! Full or half day camps with extended care available.

Ages: 5-16 years old

Dates: Spring break: March 17-21 / Summer Camps: May 27 – August 15

Cost: Starting at $299. Prices vary by location for half-day/full-day options. See website for more details.

Locations:
Round Rock: 3810 Gattis School Rd, Suite #108
Cedar Park: 200 Buttercup Blvd, Suite 122
Northwest Austin: 8108 Mesa Dr, Suite B-102
Southwest Austin: 9217 Highway 290 West, Suite 140
Georgetown: 816 South Main St

More Information
Email: Info@cordovanartschool.com

Badgerdog Creative Writing Camp

Badgerdog Creative Writing summer camps fun yet challenging camps provide a space for young writers to immerse themselves in an imaginative writing experience. Camps are intimately-sized and led by Austin’s professional writers.

Our traditional three-week camps include fun exercises in poetry, fiction, and revision. We also offer two-week camps and one-week camps which cover a specific genre such as screenwriting and novel writing.

At the end of the summer, all camp students will have their work published in one of two professionally produced anthologies: ‘Rise’ for elementary-aged writers, and ‘Emerge’ for middle- and high-school writers.

In the fall, Badgerdog hosts a Young Authors Reading & Anthology Launch where selected campers perform their work and celebrate the launch of the anthologies.

Ages: 8-17; rising 3rd to 12th graders

Dates: Session A: June 2 – June 20 / Session B: June 9 – June 27 / Session C: July 7 – July 25

Cost: $400 to $550

Locations:
Griffin School, 5001 Evans Ave
Meridian School, 2555 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock
Parkside Community School, 3207 W Slaughter Ln
Austin International School, 4001 Adelphi Ln
Trinity Episcopal School, 3901 Bee Cave Rd

More Information
Phone: (512) 542-0076
Email: badgerdog@austinlibrary.org

Camp GG: Fortnite Elite Training

Camp GG: Elite Fortnite Training – The Ultimate Gamer’s Experience! Are you ready to level up your Fortnite skills and dominate the competition? Camp GG: Elite Fortnite Training is the ultimate 5-day gaming experience, designed to take you from a casual player to an elite competitor. Whether you’re aiming to out-build, out-edit, or out-strategize your opponents, this camp will teach you everything you need to win more fights, think like a pro, and build unstoppable teamwork skills.

Each morning, you’ll dive into pro-level training, mastering aiming mechanics, building strategies, edit speed, and movement techniques. Through custom drills, Aimlabs training, and game-based coaching, you’ll sharpen your reflexes and improve your decision-making under pressure. Our expert coaches will help you analyze your gameplay, break bad habits, and train like an esports athlete.

But Fortnite isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about strategy and teamwork. You’ll practice clear communication, role delegation, and tournament-level tactics with your squad. Ever wondered how pros rotate late game, manage materials, and make clutch plays? We’ll teach you exactly that.

In the afternoons, it’s time to take the action off-screen with Gellyball, Laser Tag, Urban Air, and more! These activities will sharpen your teamwork, reflexes, and endurance, just like a true competitor. The week builds up to the final Fortnite Tournament, where you’ll put your skills to the test, compete for glory, and celebrate your progress at the Awards Ceremony!

If you love Fortnite and want to train like a champion while having a blast, Camp GG is where you belong! Ready to drop in and prove you’ve got what it takes? Let’s go!

Ages: 9-15 years old

Dates: Summer Camp 1: June 23 – June 27; Camp 2: July 7 – July 11

Cost: $550

Location: NextGen Academy Campus – 13915 US-183

More Information
Email: admissions@nextgenacademy.school

Creator Camp

Creator Camp, as seen on Shark Tank, brings an unforgettable summer experience to Austin! We offer hands-on creative tech programs for kids ages 6–13, designed to spark creativity and teamwork. From filmmaking and animation to YouTube content creation and game development, our camps have something for every aspiring creator. Kids can produce short films with Hollywood-style effects, design custom games in Roblox and Minecraft, or create their own music tracks. Led by experienced instructors, each camp encourages collaboration, innovation, and a love for learning.

Drop-off begins at 8:30 AM, with aftercare available until 4:30 PM for an additional fee. Families can enjoy sibling discounts, bundle deals, and early registration savings to make summer camp even more accessible. Don’t miss this chance for your child to learn cutting-edge skills while having fun in a supportive and exciting environment. Unlimited Camp Access with Summer Pass starting at $999! Reserve your child’s spot today and watch their creativity shine!

Ages: 6-13 years old

Cost: 3-Day Camps (Monday–Wednesday): $238–$266 / 2-Day Camps (Thursday–Friday): $159–$178

Dates: Weekly from June 2 to August 8 with flexible 3-day and 2-day options Visit creatorcamp.org to explore camp details, schedules, and enrollment options.

Locations: Cedar Park, Central Austin, South Austin, Lakeway

More information
Phone: 512-753-5878
Email: support@creatorcamp.org

Elite University Summer Camps

Elite University Summer Camp is Austin’s premier summer camp program for ages 5 – 11. The variety of camps that Elite University Summer Camps provides means there is something for everyone! Camp offerings includes: nature camps, stem camps, visual and culinary arts camp, and sports camps. Each program also features fun field trips! With three Austin area locations there is bound to be an Elite U in your neighborhood. Don’t miss out on the best Elite U has to offer. Register online today!

Ages: 5-11 years old

Dates: May 27th – August 8th

Locations:
Camp Lakeway, 3000 Bee Creek Rd, Spicewood
Camp Steiner Ranch, 5000 Marshall Ford Rd
Camp West Lake Hills, 3525 Bee Caves Rd

Cost: $325 – $485

More Information:
Phone: 832-350- 6194

Fantastic Magic Camp

Kids ages 5-12 will have a blast at Fantastic Magic Camp! Since 1993, Fantastic Magic Camp has incorporated magic, juggling, puppetry, and a LOT of fun to foster empathy and cooperation while building children’s self-esteem. Our Camp will keep your kids engaged all day – and long after they come home in the afternoon. Our Spring and Summer Camps are fully inclusive day camps that children often cite as the most fun they’ve had at any camp. 

We do not foster competition among the campers; instead, we provide them with a safe place to try new things and improve their skills. Campers’ days will be filled with fun, adventure, and discoveries. Each day ends with a show by a professional magician, juggler, or clown. 

Camp starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., with an optional rehearsal time between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

All camps include teaching material – at no additional cost!

Ages: 5-12 years old

Dates: Spring Break, March 17-21 / Summer, June 2 – August 15

Locations: North Central Austin (Crestview) and NE Austin in Pflugerville ISD (Mt Playmore)

Cost: $425 per week

More Information
Phone: 512-988-3045
Email: peter@magiccamp.com

Idea Lab Kids

Celebrating 8 years in Austin! Unleash your child’s creativity and curiosity this summer at the 2025 Idea Lab Summer Camp! Designed for young innovators aged 5-12, our hands-on programs combine the thrill of discovery with the power of imagination. Our award winning STEM Curriculum will keep your kids engaged throughout the summer with awesome projects! From coding and robotics to engineering projects, science experiments, and entrepreneurship, campers will dive into dynamic summer camps led by experienced educators. Every week features a unique theme, ensuring a summer packed with learning, laughter, and memorable experiences.

What to Expect:

● Interactive STEM sessions
● Collaborative projects to build teamwork and problem-solving skills
● Active play activities and gym games to connect with nature and peers

Give your child the gift of exploration and growth this summer in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment. Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!

Ages: 5-12 years old

Dates: Spring break and summer camps available

Cost: $445 per week

Locations:
Idea Lab Central, 8620 Burnet Rd
Idea Lab NW, 13642 Research Blvd
Magellan International School, 7501 N Capital of Texas Hwy

More Information
Phone: 512-494-6744

Jump! Gymnastics

Imagine a world where superheroes are real, pirates are friendly, and every little girl is a princess. Grab your passport and join Jeremiah Frog as he embarks on an adventure like no other. Camp Jump! offers week-long, half-day, and full-day opportunities for children to explore their imaginations through a theme-based curriculum featuring gymnastics, art exploration, interactive centers, sports skills, social integration, dramatic play, yoga, music, and dance. Voted Austin Family Magazine’s Most Fun Camp 8 times. Come find out why!

Ages: 3-10 years old (must be potty trained)

Dates: Spring break: March 17-20 / Summer: June 2-August 15

Locations: 
North Austin: 2117 W. Anderson Ln
The Domain: 10910 Domain Dr, Unit 112
South Austin: 6800 West Gate Blvd, Unit 111

Cost: Full day: $445 / Half Day: $355

Discount: Receive 10% off when registering siblings

More Information
Phone: 512-593-6226

Kidventure Summer Day and Overnight Camp

As a parent, you desire a summer experience for your child that combines fun, safety, and personal growth. At Kidventure Summer Camp, we recognize this aspiration and have dedicated ourselves to crafting such enriching experiences since 1994.

Finding a summer camp that offers both enjoyment and meaningful development can be daunting. Kidventure’s Passport to Adventure 2025 is designed to be your child’s gateway to a summer filled with exploration, learning, and timeless memories. Each week, campers embark on new journeys to thrilling destinations, making new friends and discovering their potential.

With over 30 years of experience, Kidventure provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive. Our programs are tailored to different age groups, ensuring age-appropriate activities that foster growth and development.

By enrolling your child in Kidventure Summer Camp, you’re providing them with opportunities to engage in diverse activities such as sports, art projects, team-building exercises, and more. These experiences are designed to build self-esteem, develop teamwork skills, and create lasting memories.

Don’t let this summer be just another break. Give your child the opportunity to embark on adventures that build character and create lifelong memories. Enroll now to secure a spot for your child at Kidventure Summer Camp. Let’s make this summer the start of something extraordinary!

Ages: Day Camp: 3-5 years old & 1st-5th grade / Overnight Camp 8 – 16 years old

Dates: Spring Break: March 17-21 / Summer: June 2 – August 8

Cost: Day Camps: $360 Overnight Camps: $1620

Locations:
Camp Lakeway, Camp Rough Hollow, Camp Steiner, Camp Blue House (Westlake), Camp Sweetwater, Camp Round Rock (Avery Ranch)

More Information
Phone: 512-263-8993
Email: Austin@kidventure.com

Neuron Garage

Neuron Garage is a weekly summer and spring break camp where children use a variety of recycled materials to build solutions to weekly themed challenges. Campers cultivate a growth mindset through this hands-on building, collaboration, and meaningful discussions. Our program is designed to teach children that their talents and abilities can be developed through good strategies, hard work, and feedback so that they take on bigger challenges in life and stick with those challenges longer, unlocking their full potential.

Our camp serves children ages 5 -12 from 8:30am – 3:30pm with the option to extend the day until 5:30pm. Campers are divided into groups based on age, and activities are tailored appropriately. Some campers come for just one week, while others experience the benefits of our program all summer long.

Join in the building fun this summer at the Neuron Garage and help your child unlock their full potential!

Ages: 5-12 years old

Dates: Spring Break at North/Central location: March 17 – 21 / Summer Camp Dates: June 2 – August 1

Cost: Spring Break Camp: $400 / Summer Camp: $425

Locations:
North/Central Austin: St. Francis School, 300 E Huntland Dr
South Austin: Wayside Eden Park Academy, 6215 Menchaca Rd
Westlake: Trinity Episcopal School, 3901 Bee Cave Rd

More Information
Email: info@neurongarage.com

Summer Wonders

Summer Wonders at ACE Academy is an exciting, hands-on summer program designed to spark curiosity and creativity in campers of all ages. Since 1999, we’ve provided a fun, challenging, and inclusive experience, led by enthusiastic teachers who bring learning to life.

Located on our picturesque Austin campus, Summer Wonders offers a diverse range of engaging activities in STEM, arts, humanities, and more. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a two-week theater camp, where young performers will develop their acting skills, explore storytelling, and work together to stage a full production of Matilda Jr. at the end of the session! We’re also partnering with Sticky Fingers Cooking to bring delicious, hands-on cooking classes to our campers, helping them build confidence in the kitchen while learning about nutrition and global cuisines.

For gamers and builders, we’re offering Dungeons & Dragons, Minecraft, and LEGO camps, where campers can embark on epic adventures, unleash their creativity, and solve challenges in collaborative, immersive environments.

Whether your child is an aspiring scientist, artist, actor, chef, or adventurer, Summer Wonders provides the perfect space to explore new interests, make friends, and create lasting memories. Join us for an unforgettable summer of discovery and fun!

Ages: 6-17 years old

Dates: Week 1: June 9-13 / Week 2: June 16-20 / Week 3: June 23-27 / Week 4: July 7-11 / Week 5: July 14-18/ Week 6: July 21-25

Cost: $430 per week

Location: 5206 Balcones Dr

More Information
Email: summerwonders@austingifted.org

UTeach Outreach Summer STEM Camps

Registration is now open for all 2025 UTeach Outreach summer camps! We offer a variety of programs that inspire and engage 3rd-12th graders with inquiry-based, hands-on STEM content. All camps are held at UT Austin and give students an opportunity to engage in inquiry-based STEM activities, explore campus, tour research labs, interact with industry professionals, and play sports at Gregory Gym. Camps include the UT PREP Summer STEM Pathway, Chemistry, Research in Life Sciences, Physics & Math, Research & Statistics, and Engineering & CS. Early bird pricing ends March 1st!  

Ages: 8-17 years old

Dates: June 2 – August 1

Cost: $599-$2,700

Location: The University of Texas at Austin, 103 W 24th St

More Information
Phone: 512-471-4992
Email: summercamps@uteach.utexas.edu

The post 2025 Camp Guide appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

With breathtaking views and adrenaline pumping heights, kids and adults can make a day of the adventure by riding on either six or three zip lines. For the novice who wants to try it out before committing to a full day, the Big Zipper will have you up in the sky and back on the ground within 30-45 minutes. Buddy up on the dual-lines while creating lasting memories with friends and family.

For those who wish to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, Zip Lost Pines offers a base camp with yard games, plenty of seats, and even a water bowl for those four-legged family members that come along on the adventure. Our family took full advantage of the base camp while there over the holidays. Our adrenaline-loving nieces zipped until their hearts were content while the rest of the family enjoyed ping pong and the comfy hammock chairs after a hike to watch them fly through the sky.

The zip line tours are perfect for groups, so whether you have family and friends visiting from out of town or you are looking for a memorable day with your family, book now for an adventure they will never forget!

Zip Lost Pines
1760 State Highway 71W
Cedar Creek, Texas
512-761-2323

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For the Unstoppable Activist Spark Kit, girl experts created more than two dozen fun activities that help girls identify and live out their values to make the world a better place. The all-in-one girl power activity boxes also connect girls to girl experts and peers, creating community that many girls have been missing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of the activities will help them find their voice so they can confidently advocate for themselves and their communities for change. The Spark Kits also connect girls to girl experts and peers on weekly calls (now available in English and Spanish) and virtual workshops. It also includes an invitation to Spark Change Day on May 15, a virtual training for youth on the power of advocacy, a review of the legislative process, interactive exploration of issues which impact girls in our nation and the opportunity to hear from local and national policymakers.

What’s Inside?

The Unstoppable Activist Spark Kit features a colorful journal and all the supplies for 25 hands-on activities that show girls how to identify social causes that are meaningful to them, how to effectively advocate for an issue, how to practice authentic self-care, and how to use their voice for a more equitable and just world.  

A sample of activities include: 

• Tree of Life – Drawing their “Tree of Life,” girls reflect on how their experiences shape the activist they want to become.
• The 5 Whys – Girls question their “why” to discover why an issue is true, why it is happening and why it is important for them.
• S.M.A.R.T. Demands – Activating their critical thinking skills, girls learn how to be a powerful advocate for the changes they want to see in the world.
• How a Bill Becomes Law – Girls imagine themselves as a Texas legislator and confidently write about a bill they would like to have passed.  
  
• Radical Rest and Relaxation – Girls create a relaxing rice and lavender sachet, using aromatherapy as a coping skill and learn the importance of self-care. 

The activities are self-led and come with virtual check-ins with girl experts via phone, text, or video call. Girls may also access upcoming virtual workshops and events, and this Spark Kit will be available through the end of May 2021. 

For the first time, a translated UNSTOPPABLE ACTIVIST Spark Kit journal will be available digitally in Spanish along with girl expert, Spanish-facilitated groups.

Spark Kits are so much fun girls will never know it’s designed to teach them skills that improve their mental health and make them feel more confident.

How Do I Get One?

Unstoppable Activist Spark Kits are available to order online. 

Valued at $500 each, the kits are made possible with the support of donors and sponsors, making the cost to families and schools only $35 plus tax, with shipping calculated at checkout. Spark Kits can be mailed anywhere in the United States. 

Spark Kits can also be hand-delivered via a “Spirit Squad” within a 30–mile radius of its Austin and Houston offices during weeks designated on the website. Deluxe Spark Kits are $50 and include fast shipping plus a limited–edition Girls Empowerment Network t-shirt and water bottle while supplies last. 

Additional Opportunities include sponsoring a Spark Kit, as well as Girls Empowerment Network virtual volunteer opportunities, such as writing relatable role model letters to girls.

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Imagine a world where pirates are friendly, mermaids are real, and going back in time is as easy as 123. Grab your passport and join Jeremiah Frog as he embarks on another adventure. Camp Jump! offers 1-week half, full and extended day opportunities for children to explore their imaginations through a theme-based curriculum featuring gymnastics, art exploration, interactive centers, social integration, dramatic play, yoga, music, and dance. Voted Austin Family Magazine’s Most Fun Camp 4 times. Come find out why! Please Note: We follow all CDC recommended Covid procedures including masks for all children 6 years and older.

10% sibling discount. Half, full, and extended day options available.

Camp Dates:
Spring Break March 15-19; Summer camps run weekly from June 7-August 13

Cost:
$265 – $470

Locations:
2117 W Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757
6800 West Gate Blvd., Austin, TX 78745

Online: www.jump-austin.com
Email: north@jump-austin.com or south@jump-austin.com

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Sweet Eats Fall Festival

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
14400 E. State Highway 29, Georgetown

September 19 – November 8; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

General admission: $16

Enjoy the 4.5 acres of a carefully carved corn-themed maze, Texas-sized pumpkin patch, and 30 different activities that are included with admission. On Friday and Saturday nights in October, the corn maze is open late for the Pitch Black Flashlight Maze. The flashlight maze is included with the price of general admission, so come early to enjoy the festivities, and stay late to experience the maze in the dark!

Harvest the Fall Fun

Sweetberry Farms
1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls

September 19-November 8; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Closed on Wednesdays, Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission: free but there is a cost for individual activities

Sweetberry Farms is known for its year-round family activities, and fall is no different. Spread out over 60 acres, Sweetberry Farm’s Harvest of Fall Fun offers hayrides, candy corn kid maze, scarecrow stuffing, flower picking, sand art, train rides, bouncer fun, corn maze, pony rides, and pumpkin patch. The Pumpkin Grille is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends in October and serves hot dogs, pb&j, pickles, chips, and drinks. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and socially distance. Check their website for updates on conditions.  

Fall Family Fun Days

Crowe’s Nest Farm
10300 Taylor Lane, Manor

Saturdays and Sundays, Oct 3-Nov. 1; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: Adults $10; Children (3-12) $8; 2 year-olds $4; Under 2 free

Fall Family Fun Days are a special time at Crow’s Nest Farm. Bring the kids to see farm animals, wildlife, cow milking demonstrations, hayrides, gardens, animal shows, pumpkin patch, homemade food and loaves of bread, crafts, and more. 

Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Barton Hills Farm
1115 FM 969, Bastrop

Weekends, October 3-November 15 

Admission: $16.95 plus tax; Columbus Day weekend $19.95 plus tax; 2 and under free

Family-owned Barton Hills Farm, located in Bastrop, offers fall fun for the whole family. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, corn maze, biergarten, live music, hayrides, archery, jumping pillow, Texas-sized tree fort, apple cannons, train ride, and more. Replenish your energy at one of the 7 food and drink stands. All transactions are cashless and capacity is limited. Buy tickets online to reserve a spot.

Fall Fun at Elgin Christmas Tree Farm

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
120 Nature’s Way, Elgin

Oct. 3 – Nov. 1, 2020; Monday–Thursday, 10-2; Friday and Saturday 10-5:30; Sunday 12-5:30

Admission: $7 ages 2-99

Includes all activities offered (with social distancing and sanitizing)

Take your family to the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm for a day of fall fun! The farm offers a “crazy” maze, corn maze, duck races, hayride, and more. Pumpkins are available for photo ops, but not for sale.

Texas Pumpkin Fest

10930 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander

Admission: $5 weekdays; $10 weekends

Sept 26 through Oct 31; 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Enjoy over 5 acres of fall fun with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, face painting, yard games, and more.  Parking is free and food trucks will be onsite. The fest has partnered with Texas Humane Heroes, a no-kill animal adoption center.  

Pumpkin Hunt at Evergreen Farms

Evergreen Farms
242 Monkey Road, Elgin

October 1 – November 1; Monday-Friday 12 – 5 p.m.; Saturday  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday  1 – 5 p.m.

Free admission and parking

Start a new family tradition and hunt for mini pumpkins in the Christmas tree fields. Each ticket includes a wagon ride and two pumpkins. Additional tickets can be purchased for the pumpkin launcher, train rides, bounce track, maze, zip line, and more, at only $3 per activity.  Pumpkins are available for purchase and photo opportunities. 

The Farm offers a 10% discount to all active Military Personnel and First Responders. 

Jersey Barnyard Pumpkin Patch

Jersey Barnyard
3117 State Hwy 159, LaGrange

Last week of September through October

Admission: Free; cost for tours and pumpkins

Choose from a variety of pumpkins, jack o’lanterns, gourds, squash, specialty pumpkins and more. Paint your own pumpkin on Saturdays in October, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Shop for fall decor and plants. Stop by the farm store to purchase grade A raw Jersey milk, grass-fed beef, organic pastured chicken, eggs, and pork.

Fall Days at the Robinson Family Farm

Robinson Family Farm
3780 White Owl Lane, Temple

Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 19 – Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Open Columbus Day 10am-6pm

Admission: $9.95 online; $12.95 at the gate

Take a day trip to Temple to enjoy this picturesque farm that features a pumpkin patch, pumpkin barn, bounce pad, corn maze, corn pit, hayride, fall photo ops, and more (all included in the price of admission). During weekends in late October, you can pick your own sunflower from their beautiful fields. Choose from rows of gorgeous blooms, $3 each. 

The post Fall Family Fun appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Take advantage of the nice weather this weekend and head to the backyard for an Argentinian Asado (barbecue), Buenos Aires Café style! The local Austin restaurant is offering a DIY BBQ food kit for a day of fun at home.

When cooking an ‘asado’ or barbecue in their native Argentina, co-owners and mother/daughter duo Chef Reina Morris and Paola Guererro-Smith make it a fun affair, lasting most of the day and involving all members of the family. Their Familia Dinner package serves 4-6 people and is a unique and engaging all-inclusive experience for the whole household. Gather your family on this special day as the pros guide you through the cooking & grilling process step by step with a video from the Master of Grill herself, co-owner Paola Guerrero-Smith.

Order a Familia Dinner, $125 per ticket (+ tax and fees), which includes:

• Recorded Video with Master of Grill Paola Guerrero-Smith
• SAUSAGES: salchicha parrillera, morcilla x 2, house-made bratwurst x 2
• MEATS: half organic, free range chicken, 14 oz ribeye x 2
• SAUCES: 8 oz chimichirri, ingredients to make salsa criolla
• SALAD: organic field greens and house lemon balsamic vinaigrette
• SIDES: provoleta (provolone to grill), chapa bread (ready to grill)

Additional wine pairings will also be available on the website featuring some of the best wines from Argentina such as: Areyna Torrontes, Lunta Malbec, Tikal Blend, and more.

Pick up will take place on Friday, September 25 at Buenos Aires Café, 1201 E. 6th Street, Austin.

Reserve your meal in advance: https://resy.com/cities/atx/venues/buenos-aires-cafe-este/events/virtual-asado-en-familia-pick-up-2020-09-25?date=2020-09-23&seats=2

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As things started to open back up, I knew a professional haircut was in order for the ladies in the family, but I was hesitant to step into a salon with the rise in Covid-19 cases happening in Texas. I happened to come across some recommendations on a neighborhood group page that mentioned SpaDash, a mobile hairstyling service, and I jumped into action to get our overgrown manes back into some sense of style.

SpaDash is an app that was created by three Austinites in 2019, and it handles everything from scheduling a licensed stylist to show up at your location to processing the payment. The app allows you to store your home, work, or other addresses so scheduling is done in a couple of quick steps. The haircut options range from long, short, and buzz cuts to beard trims. The prices are super reasonable, especially considering that the stylist comes to you! A long cut is $45, a short cut is $28, and a discount is given for children and seniors.

Our stylist, Shannah, was on time, professional, and did a fantastic job. We were a little hesitant to try a new service, a mobile one at that, but it all worked out perfectly. Shannah was happy to set up her mobile station outside in our backyard, and we all wore our face masks for the entire time. She did a great job with my daughter’s curly hair, even earning high praise for being one of the best haircuts she’s ever had. The mobile station includes a tarp that is laid down on the ground to catch all of the hair, making cleanup super easy. All equipment is sanitized in between cuts, giving us additional peace of mind in this time of Covid-19.

Interested in trying it out for yourself or learning more about their service? Download SpaDash in the App Store or in Google Play.

The post SpaDash Mobile Haircuts appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

If you are ready to lighten your load a little by making sure your family doesn’t run out of essentials, consider shopping at Thrive Market, an online membership-based grocery delivery service that has a wide range of organic, healthy, and sustainable products for the whole family. Thrive members save 25-50% off retail prices on over 6000 items. With many families struggling with food insecurities, Thrive Market gives a free membership to a low-income family with every new paid membership. Win-Win!

Take a look at our Top Five Thrive Market Picks for the Family

1. Greens Happy Puffs – Dusted with spinach, collard greens, and kale. The puffs melt in Baby’s mouth and encourage self-feeding!

2. Chicken & Maple Snack Sticks – Give the mini version of you, a mini version of your favorite snack. Each bag contains 5 individually wrapped sticks with 7 grams of protein and only 2 grams of fat.

3. Yogurt & Fruit Snacks – These freeze-dried organic yogurt drops melt in baby’s mouth, and they taste so good, you may not be able to resist sneaking a few for yourself!
4. Smarty Pants Gummys for Toddlers – includes omega-3, probiotics, and 14 essential nutrients! The bottle includes 60 gummies so you really can’t beat the price.
5. Apple, Kale & Avocado baby food – in easy to serve pouches. Happy Baby makes it super easy to boost Vitamin A in your baby’s diet with kale, the leafy green superfood; creamy organic avocados, and sweet apples.

Ready to try Thrive Market? 
Sign up today and receive $20 off your first order for 365Family readers! Receive free shipping on orders over $25 and a free gift to all new members.

COVID19 Relief Fund Information:
Thrive Market COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised over $500,000 to support those impacted by COVID-19, including 5,000 families and more than 500 first responders and healthcare workers.

Thrive Market co-founder and CEO Nick Green announced in a letter to members that he will be donating the remainder of his 2020 salary to the Thrive Market COVID-19 Relief Fund to help meet the overwhelming need and ensure that every deserving family who applies for a grant can become a recipient.

Thrive Market COVID-19 Relief Fund donation page as a way for members and non-members alike to show their support without needing to place an order. Donating is easy and takes just a few minutes—simply select the amount you’d like to donate to affected families, seniors, and healthcare workers, and indicate whether it’s a one-time or recurring donation.

Some members have asked how they can use Thrive Market to get supplies to an elderly or immunocompromised neighbor, relative, or friend, and we want to help! If you know someone who needs groceries or supplies and is unable to leave home, please send an email with details to covid19relief@thrivemarket.com and we’ll help you coordinate getting an order to them as soon as funds are available.

The post Clean Eating for Kids with Thrive Market appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

For the partners of those awesome moms reading this or the moms who are looking for ideas on how to spoil themselves or their own moms on Mother’s Day, we’ve got some ideas below to make sure moms know just how much they are appreciated now and always.

It goes without saying that if at all possible, moms get the day off on Mother’s Day. If funds are tight, a great way to make her feel cherished is to make sure she gets to do whatever makes her happy ALL DAY LONG! The gift of time so that she has the ability to do the things that make her happy is a great gift.

The gift of time AND breakfast in bed? Yes. Check out these special Mother’s Day gift bundles that make breakfast in bed a breeze to pull off:

Brentwood Social House

Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed by Brentwood Social House includes your choice of a scone, croissant, pastry, and tea with the option to add on a DIY mimosa kit. These kits must be purchased by Thursday, May 7, 2020. Pick up is available on Saturday, May 9th, from noon to 3 pm. A Strong Woman mug, cards, Milk & Honey lip butter, and loose leaf tea are also available as add-ons. Order online here.

Mozart’s Coffee

The Mother’s Day High Tea gift box is specially curated for Mother’s Day, stocked with the following Mozart’s treats: white chocolate cranberry scones, a trio of Mozart’s special Grand Macaron, shortbread cookies, savory spinach and leek quiche, cucumber sandwich with herbed mayonnaise/pimento cheese, vanilla tart shell filled with lemon curd and topped with toasted meringue, chocolate tart, fruit tart, campfire mug, 1/2 lb Mums Blend coffee, English Breakfast tea, Lemon Drop Eucalyptus tea. This box is available for pick up only and requires a 2-day advance order. Order online here.

East Social House (Hutto)

Give mom the gift of sweets, coffee, and dried flowers this Mother’s Day with the East Social House bundle that includes: 1 bag of Third Coast Coffee, 1 East Social House Coffee mug or tumbler, 1 Pink House Alchemy syrup (pick your flavor), and 1/2 dozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (GF). The deadline to order is Saturday, May 9 at 10 am with pick up available starting on Friday, May 8th at 10 am. Order online here.

Cafe No Se

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop 

Easy Tiger

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