Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Texas Tuesday: Five Things to Do With Kids in the Summer in Austin.

Howdy, y'all! It's Texas Tuesday (hence the deep South intro), and I have to admit, this is one of my favorite weekly installations! If you see here, here, and here, I love participating, but am happier still to be co-hosting this week! If you're new to the Texas Tuesday link-up, here's a bit about what's going on from the hosts, Amanda at Princess of the Panhandle, and Crystal at Mason's Mama:


What is Texas Tuesday?
A chance for you to show off the awesomeness that is TEXAS!! You can blog about anything; restaurants, vacation spots, venues, concerts, your hometown, shops, fashion, sports, etc. The linkup is not limited to Texans, we just ask that the post is about Texas.

Masons Mama

As you all know, Austin is my all-time favorite city. I write constantly about how much I adore living here, and how family-friendly it is. I couldn't imagine raising my family anywhere else. Now that we'll be adding a new baby to the family, I thought today's post should be about my top five favorite things to do in Austin with your child(ren):

1. Kids N Play - During these hot summer months (not to mention the hot spring and fall months, as well!), finding a place you can play indoors without breaking the bank is a big challenge. With Kids N Play, as well as many other bounce houses across town, children under one are allowed to play for free, even if they're your only child! How fantastic is that? While they clearly won't be able to bounce in the bounce houses (unless they're nearing their first birthday and are early walkers, like A!) Kids N Play has a great floor space with an awesome baby gym type structures to create little play areas and crawl spaces for children! Not only that, but they also have a great room, complete with blocks, a kids table, baby books and more, so if you're there with children of multiple ages, everyone will be sure to be entertained!

2. Austin Parks & Rec Splash Pads - Not only are these gems free (with a couple of exceptions), they're also a great way to beat the heat and enjoy some water play without the complications that come with getting the whole family ready for the pool. To be honest, there've been days where we've been hot and not had a swimsuit handy, and I've let her play in the splash pad fully clothed to cool down. They're a pretty laid back space :) Two of our favorites are the Pease Park Splash Pad, as well as the Ricky Guerrero Park Splash Pad. You can check the full listing of locations and, if applicable, cost here.

3. Austin Parks & Rec Pools - If you do have the time (And patience. And stamina.) in your day to take the family to the pool, Austin Parks and Recreation has many options for you to choose from. While there is a fee associated with many, some - such as the West Enfield Park Pool - are free! Free. Pool. Summer. Are there any three words that go together better? You can find a full listing, as well as fees and hours, here.

4. Rockin' River Aquatic Center - I was hesitant to include this one, because I feel like it's a bit lesser known and secretly want to keep this gem to myself, but it is too much fun to pass over! Though not technically in Austin (it is located about twenty five minutes north in Round Rock, near the Dell Diamond), a trip to Rockin' River makes for a great way to spend the dog days of summer. Boasting two large water slides (for the 48" and over crew), a baby water slide that culminates in a foot of water for the little ones, a lazy river you can ride tubes around until your lazy heart is content, and a zero entry beach area that opens up to a water playground. All the fun of a water park, with far less cost and right in your own backyard! Yes, please!

5. Alamo Drafthouse Kids Camp - Last, but not least, this list would be completely remiss if I failed to include the free movies for kids (and accompanying adults!) at Alamo Drafthouse theatres. In case air conditioning and sitting down for an extended period of time aren't enough of a draw for you, Alamo also has a full service kitchen and bar - and I can attest personally to how delicious it all is! You can find the full schedule of movies (and a menu!) here.

Have a post pertaining to Texas? You can link up below!

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