Plus, ICON's affordable housing project

It’s play time

Where to have fun with kids in Austin

Kids standing in front of a table at the Thinkery.
Kids can learn hands-on at the Thinkery. | Photo by @brindisirahne/@brindisirahnephotography
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Thinkery to hidden gems like the Dinosaur Trail, there’s something in the Capital City for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 26 kid-friendly activities around the 512.

🎨 All about the arts

UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum, 605 Azie Morton Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
This outdoor sculpture garden is filled with more than 200 whimsical bronze sculptures, paintings, and drawings.

Hideout Kids, 617 Congress Ave.
The comedy theater’s 27-year-running “Family Maestro” improv show is performed by adults and children. Kids will remember contributing ideas to help build the scenes.

The Austin skyline as seen from a hill at Zilker Botanical Garden

Scope in Austin skyline views at Zilker Botanical Garden. | Photo by @tanodddot

Photo by @tanodddot

🌳 Great outdoors

Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Keep an eye on this downtown garden’s event calendar, because they often host kid-centered activities.

Austin Nature & Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr.
Your kiddos will be able to take on hands-on activities related to nature and the environment. As a bonus, admission is always free.

Inner Space Cavern, 4200 S. I-35 Frontage Rd., Georgetown
Walk through 10,000 years of history at this cave, which features rock formations and prehistoric animal bones. Kids will remember the new Saber Tooth Zip Ride.

A kid put-putting in front of a dinosaur statue.

Trex the T-Rex is a great cheerleader. | Photo by Ted McCoy @_t__e__d_


⛳️ Get moving

Peter Pan Mini Golf, 1207 Barton Springs Rd.
This family-owned spot has been a staple on Barton Springs Road for more than 70 years. Kids will remember the larger-than-life animal sculptures at every hole.

Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, 14529 Pocahontas Trl., Volente
Thrill-seekers will love taking a ride on the longest zipline in Texas — make sure to spend some time on the beach when you visit.

COTA Karting, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle
Kids 12 and under can participate in “Kiddie Karting”, but big kids will enjoy an adult race around 15 high-speed corners.
18 MORE IDEAS

Kid-friendly bars and breweries are:

A. A life-saver for me and my family
B. A fun place to gather with a group of friends
C. Places I actively avoid
LET US KNOW

Click here to have your event featured.

Wednesday, March 15
  • Restless Fest Austin | Wednesday, Mar. 15 | 1-10 p.m. | The Far Out Lounge & Stage, 8504 S. Congress Ave., Austin | $35-$85 | Dance all afternoon and night at this music showcase.
  • South Bay Lakers vs. Austin Spurs | Wednesday, Mar. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park | $10 | Cheer on the Austin Spurs at this weeknight game.
Thursday, March 16
  • BUAverse Art Lounge Experience | Thursday, Mar. 16-Friday, Mar. 17 | 2-6 p.m. | Native Bar & Cafe, 807 E. 4th St., Austin | Free | Preview the latest artworks and NFTs by BUA.
  • Spring Clothing Swap | Thursday, Mar. 16 | 5 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | Swap your clean clothing and accessories at this pop-up put on by GOOD group.
Friday, March 17
  • Nightbird | Thursday, March 16-Sunday, March 26 | Times vary | Austin Playhouse, 405 W. 22nd St., Austin | $17-$38 | Follow artist Chelle as she refurbishes her childhood home in Baltimore and confronts the racism in America’s history.
  • Disc Golf Pro Tour | Friday, Mar. 17-Sunday, Mar. 19 | 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Harvey Penick Golf Campus, 5501 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin | $10-$150 | Some of the world’s best disc golfers will stop in Austin on this tour.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather
  • 75º | Partly cloudy | 3% chance of rain
  • Get ready for a cold snap, Austin. Starting this Friday, March 17, high temperatures are expected to drop into the 50s. (KXAN)
Announced
  • Austin-based ICON, the company famous for 3D printing homes, announced a new design competition for homes that can be built for $99,000 or less. Registration for the competition, called Initiative 99, opens this summer.
  • Cody Johnson, Keith Urban, and Blake Shelton will perform at the CMT Music Awards at the Moody Center on Sunday, April 2. Tickets are still available for the awards show, starting at $229.
Development
  • A five-story condo on South Lamar Boulevard is officially under construction. The project, named Montage, will include 182 units ranging from 520-1,400 sqft. (KXAN)
Film
  • The Kingsland restaurant featured in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is now known as Hooper’s, in honor of the film’s director, Tobe Hooper. The owners are also constructing an art piece from donated chainsaws. (Eater Austin)
Travel
  • Port Aransas is the No. 1 spring break destination for Austinites, according to a recent report. Other popular destinations included Colorado’s Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs. (CultureMap Austin)
DYK
  • Did you know our online store Six & Main features Sourhouse, a company that creates simple tools for sourdough bakers to care for their starters? The Goldie by Sourhouse + Cooling Puck is one of the most popular items. Let’s start baking. 🍞
Watch
  • It’s time for biscuits with the boss. Season three of “Ted Lasso premieres today only on Apple TV+, which means AFC Richmond is hitting the pitch and Jason Sudeikis will surely have some feel-good life advice for us. Bonus: Get your first week free when you sign up to stream. 📺 *
Finance
  • This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — and its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards a more comfortable retirement. Try it out for yourself.*
Wellness
  • AG1 by Athletic Greens is so much more than “greens.” With one scoop, AG1 empowers the gut for whole-body health. (And, ICYMI, we can’t achieve a healthier everything else without a healthy gut.) Try it and receive a free one year supply of vitamin D and 5 free travel packs.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Stress less with TSA PreCheck ✅

Enroll in TSA PreCheck ahead of spring travel

tsa-precheck-custom-section.jpg
Cut down your travel time with TSA PreCheck. | Photo via Pexels
Planning a spring getaway? Don’t forget to add TSA PreCheck enrollment to your pre-vacay to-do list.

The government program provides an expedited security lane at 200+ airports for travelers that pass a security screening — which includes a short application and a 10-minute in-person enrollment appointment — and are given a Known Traveler Number. Bonus: The screening is good for five years and costs $78.

The main benefit of enrolling? Save time when traveling. Recent data found that 96% of TSA PreCheck passengers spent less than five minutes at airport security checkpoints.

To apply, find out if you are eligible, then fill out an application and schedule an appointment at a nearby enrollment center. Most people will know if their application has been approved within three to five days.

Psst — don’t forget to read our airport guide before heading to AUS, and grab these airport essentials: a memory foam travel pillow, this smart luggage carry-on set, and an AirFly wireless headphones transmitter.
THE WRAP
 
A new image from the James Webb Space Telescope, showing a star shedding dust

NASA’s newest image from the James Webb Space Telescope depicts star WR 124 shedding dust.

Photo by ATXtoday


Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: City Editor Figi and I got a first look at a new image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope yesterday. The photo shows star WR 124 with layers of dust shedding around it.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Participate in our Austin brewery bracket.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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