KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The February my daughter Ella was 1, she caught a cold that lingered for months. There were short stretches of relief, but mostly there was congestion, disrupted sleep, and a level of crankiness that turned my sunny baby into someone I barely recognized. The clouds around her felt constant, and one day, I caught myself labeling her in my head as “the crabby one.” But of course,
if I had a perpetually runny nose and no way to manage it, I’d be irritable, too! I needed to remember this wasn’t her personality, it was a season. What we needed to get through it was distraction: something fun to do "right now" and also fun things to anticipate. Aside from those who live in paradise pockets like San Diego, most of our readers are in the thick of a particularly dreary winter. The world feels heavy and gray, energy runs low, and
it’s easy to fixate on how dispirited we feel. But we need to remember that this isn't our personality, it's a season. What we need to get through it is distraction in the moment and also something positive we can place on our horizon. My family is counting down to the March 20 release of Project Hail
Mary, which stars Ryan Gosling. The movie is based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian. You don't have to be a science nerd to love Weir's books (although science nerds DO love Weir's
books), because in all of them, the real hero is human ingenuity—curiosity, flexible thinking, doing what needs to be done even in extreme circumstances. When things are going awry, the answer isn’t despair, it’s problem-solving, and I always emerge from a Weir book feeling spiritually lighter. While I immerse myself in Weir and Gosling, you, of course, should do YOU! Let the art or sport that grabs you and your kids be your launch ticket to optimism now, and lift you to fun
in the future. We're glad to provide the fuel!
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
|
|
|
KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes
from Deb" section of our site. |
Discover the Best of Texas & Beyond Want to stay in the know on the best places to go, things to do, and experiences worth exploring? The Lone Star Low Down from Texas Lifestyle Magazine highlights top
travel destinations, family-friendly outings, local events, dining, and exclusive giveaways. Whether you’re planning weekend adventures, road trips, or looking for inspiration close to home, this is your go-to source for discovering the best of Texas and beyond. Sign up here to receive
the Lone Star Low Down. |
|
|
|
|
Train-A-Palooza #12 model train show will be held at the Grapevine Convention Center located at 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine, Texas March 14 & 15, 2026. Model train layouts will display various gauges of trains.
Choo Choo Express trackless train will be providing train rides in the parking lot.
Admission is for both days and the Lone Star Hi-Railers huge three rail O guage model railroad layout inside an actual 70-foot-long baggage car, located in the historic Grapevine Railyard area. Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Grapevine Shuttle for attendees is free.
|
|
|
|
Kids 5-12 years old love playing at Central Texas #1 sports camp, the All-Star Sports Camp, where our coaches keep kids active with various games and sports each day of Spring Break and Summer. Located at SoccerZone South Austin (512-280-2244) and
SoccerZone Lakeline (Cedar Park, 512-940-4025). In age-specific groups, we play badminton, dodgeball, kickball, whiffleball, basketball, soccer, flag football, capture the flag, ultimate frisbee, battleship, field hockey and more. Early-bird pricing is only $245/week for mornings or afternoons, and $395/week for full days. Sibling and multi-week discounts available.
www.AllStarSportsCamp.org
|
|
|
|
Ballet Austin Academy – Summer Camps & Classes
Ages 15 months – 12 years
Since 1956, Ballet Austin Academy has inspired young dancers with creativity, movement, and a love for dance. This summer, your child can take center stage in a fun, supportive environment designed to spark imagination and build confidence.
Our Summer Children’s Program offers classes and camps for ages 15 months to 12 years. Dancers can start in the Young Children’s Division, a gentle introduction to dance, move to the Pre-Ballet Division for formal ballet prep, or continue in the Elementary Division, where ballet training begins. In Broadway Kids Camp, kids celebrate what makes them unique through song, dance, and a special performance for family and friends.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate everything feathered, furred, smooth and scaled at Texas Science & Natural History Museum! Learn about Texas wildlife and participate in hands-on activities led by local nature groups and the museum’s education team. Get up close with live
animals like raptors, turtles, snakes and more, brought to you by WILDcenter! Plus, get 20% off select merchandise in the Museum Store. All Texas Wildlife Day activities take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are free with the purchase of museum admission.
|
|
|
|
Last year, all of our tulips were pre-picked. This year is completely different. We planted more than 380,000 tulips across 4.5 acres and for the first time ever, you can enjoy pick-your-own tulips throughout the festival.
About half of the field is already blooming earlier than expected. After a hard freeze followed by daily temperatures above 85°F, large sections of tulips are coming into bloom right now. Once tulips bloom, they typically last 10–21 days depending on temperature. With this unusual heat, we’re expecting blooms to peak closer to 10–12 days, which means the clock is officially ticking.
In addition to the tulip fields, your ticket also includes full access to Baby Animal Days petting Zoo, happening at the same time. Enjoy the baby animal petting zoo, farm attractions, and family activities across the property.
Optional add-on experiences include Bottle feeding baby calves, baby sheep, and baby goats.
|
|
|
|
Join the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and UT Austin’s Department of Integrative Biology for the annual Jean Andrews Plant Biology Seminar and science activity fair. Enjoy demos and activities at an all-ages science-themed fair, celebrating discovery
and the natural world for the first part of the event.
Then hear research ecologist and cultural fire practitioner, Dr. Frank Kanawha Lake’s science talk, “Indigenous Fire Stewardship, Pollinators and Eco-Cultural Restoration.” Seating is limited. RSVPs are encouraged.
|
|
|
|
Join us as we welcome Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat to celebrate their book DON'T TRUST FISH! They will be reading from the book as well as signing copies afterwards!
This is a special storytime with a different date and time-Sunday at 11am-so be sure to mark your calendars and come out and join us!
|
|
|
|
Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Take this chance to explore Texas under one roof through three floors of exhibitions with ever-changing artifacts and incredible stories.
|
|
|
|
Come paint a watercolor at the upper falls with local artist Mark Gale
We supply the sketch and watercolors and a bit of guidance. You add some energy and take home a 5 X 7 souvenir. Free, fun, and easy!
|
|
|
|
Come kick off the season with us at Lakeline Park with a FREE outdoor soccer class for kids of all skill levels!
|
|
|
|
Join Texas Science & Natural History Museum during STEM Girl Day at UT Austin! Activities are free for registered participants of STEM Girl Day, which welcomes elementary and middle school students, families and educators to a day of free STEM fun
across the UT campus. Regular admission prices apply for museum admission.
|
|
|
|
Xin Nian Kuai Le! Saehae Bog Manh-i Bad-euseyo! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! Happy New Year! Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in some Asian countries. 2026 is the Year of the Horse! You will make crafts, play fun games, find out your zodiac sign,
and learn more about the histories and traditions of the Lunar New Year. Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team will wrap up the event at 3 PM. Everyone is welcome! Celebrate with the Library! All ages welcome,
Celebrate with the Library!
|
|
|
|
Pop in for a pop-up! Art in Cahoots activities are free, led by Austin Artists, and designed specifically for children ages 2.5-5 years of age working cooperatively with an accompanying adult caregiver. This is a great way to collaborate creatively with
your child and connect with your community through the arts!
Free! Spots are limited! Register in advance to reserve space!
|
|
|
|
Family Night Out is the perfect way to kick off the weekend with splashes, smiles, and family fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of
entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Austin area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more. Our
guide puts summer fun right at your fingertips!
|
|
|
- Preschool Storytime - 1100
Church Street, Bastrop, TX 78602, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:30 am
- Baby Lapsit (0-18 months) - 405 East Loop Street, Buda, TX 78610, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Family Storytime - 402 West 8th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626, Friday, February 27, 2026, 9:30, 10:15, and 11 am
- Asian American Resource Center - Art In Cahoots - 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10-11 am
- Music/ Movement Storytime - Main Street, Liberty Hill, TX, Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:15 - 11 am
- Frost Chuck Wagon Breakfast - 281 N Financial Center, Austin, TX, Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
- Karaoke on Lake Travis - Last Friday of Every
Month! - Farm to Market Road 2769, Leander, TX, Friday, February 27, 2026, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
- Black History Month Story Walk - Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway, TX, Friday, February 27 - Saturday, February 28, 2026, all day
- Texas America250 Reading Challenge - 1201 Brazos St, Austin, Texas 78701, Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1, 2026, all day
- Family Night Out: Share the Love - 8038 Mesa Drive, Austin, TX 78731, Friday, February 27, 2026, 4:30-6:00 PM
- Soccer Stars Free Demo Day - Ages 1-10 at Lakeline Park - 234 Escarpment Way, Cedar Park, TX, Saturday, February
28, 2026, 10:00 AM
- STEM Girl Day at UT Austin - Trinity Street, Austin, TX, Saturday,
February 28, 2026, 11 am- 4 pm
- Caturday Saturday - 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666,
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
- Lunar New Year Celebration Featuring Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team - 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2-3:30 pm
- Read with Ruby the Therapy
Dog! - 501 Sportsplex Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30 am- 12 pm
- Baby Time with Ms. Melissa - Pfluger Street West, Pflugerville, TX, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30 am
- Pokémon Club - East Liberty Avenue, Round Rock, TX, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 9-10:30 am
- Family Storytime - East Liberty Avenue, Round Rock, TX, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11-11:30 am
- Cat in the Hat Costume Storytime - 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Austin Camp Fair: Find the Perfect Summer Camp for Your Child - University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, Saturday, February 28,
2026, 12 - 3 pm
- Carmela Full of Wishes - 405 W 22nd St, Austin, TX 78705, Saturday, February 28, 2026,
11 am and 1 pm
- H-E-B Free First Sunday - 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX
78701, Sunday, March 1, 2026, 10 am-5 pm
- Texas Science Festival: Activity Fair and Plant Biology Talk - La Crosse Avenue, Austin, TX, Sunday, March 1, 2026, 11:30 am- 3 pm
- Special Author Storytime: Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat - 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, Sunday, March 1, 2026, 11 am- 12 pm
|
|
|
|
Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Austin area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Austin area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping a
spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Planning a kids birthday party in the Austin area? Here are lots of ideas for where to have it! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly.
|
|
|
Enjoy the weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
