Top 10 Austin Animal Adventures – Fun Ideas for Kids

Top 10 Austin Animal Adventures – Fun Ideas for Kids

Fun things to do in and around Austin – Animal Edition

 

Do your kids love hanging out with animals? And do they want to get hands-on with a favorite furry or scaly friend? See below for my Top 10 suggestions of where to take them in and around Austin as a family:

 

hand bottle feed baby goat

1) Sweet Eats Farm

Location: 14400 E State Hwy. 29, Georgetown, TX 78626

Animal Activities: Farm & Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Pig Races (3x/day), also has seasonal activities such as “hand bottle-feeding baby animals”

Cost: General Admission – $18.95 online/$23.95 at the gate, Special Events will require tickets (and may cost extra)

Details: Located in Georgetown but so family-friendly with jump pads, mazes, swing, slides and my kids’ personal favorite: apple cannons.

Website and list of events.

 

beekeeper holding hive full of honey bees

2) Two Hives Honey Tour

Location: 7617 Nez Perce Trce, Manor, TX 78653

Animal Activities: Bee Hive Tours, Honey Harvests, Intro to Bees & Beekeeping

Cost: Prices vary – but Kids Hive tours start at $35

Details: Located in Manor. Dress up as a beekeeper and learn all about these busy bees. 

Website and list of events.

 

Austin Humane Society

3) Volunteer at the Austin Humane Society

Location: 124 W Anderson Ln., Austin, TX 78752

Animal Activities: So many options – check their site for details – but can include being a pen pal to a cat or dog, reading to rescue animals and learning about dog training.

Cost: Free, but registration is required

Details: Check age requirements – some are for 5 and younger and some are for 6 and older

Website and list of events.

 

list of birds found at Commons Ford

4) Bird Watching at Commons Ford Ranch

Location: 614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733

Animal Activities: Bird watching and fishing

Cost: Free

Details: This 215 acre lakefront park is great for bird walks in all seasons. Don’t forget your sunscreen, water and bug spray!

Website

 

horse trail ride in Texas

5) Book a Trail Ride

Location: Book with Tri-Star Farms (Coupland, TX) – seen above, Texas Trail Rides (Austin), or Maverick Horseback Riding (Austin)

Animal Activities: Horseback trail riding

Cost: Varies by location, starting prices from $95/person – $150/person 

Details: Remember to wear close-toed shoes and long pants. 

Tri-Star Farms (Coupland, TX) 

Texas Trail Rides (Austin)

Maverick Horseback Riding (Austin)

Goats at Jester King Brewery

6) Visit the Goats at Jester King Brewery

Location: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736

Animal Activities: Learn about, feed and pet their herd of Nigerian Dwarf Goats 

Cost: Buy tickets on-site (price not currently listed on their website – but we paid $12/person when we went last Spring)

Details: They also offer Brewery Tours. And keep an eye on their events page for Goat Yoga. 

Website

kitten yoga

7) Take a kitten or puppy yoga class

Location: Various locations such as Oak + Lotus, Austin Humane Society and Austin Pets Alive

Animal Activities: Usually a 45-minute yoga class with time for playing with puppies and kittens through out 

Cost: Prices vary from $5 (AHS), $35 (APA) to $49/person (O+L)

Details: Dress for yoga and don’t forget to take fun photos!

Oak + Lotus

Austin Humane Society

Austin Pets Alive

Purrfecto Cat Cafe

8) Visit the Purrfecto Cat Lounge

Location: 2300 S Lamar Blvd unit 104, Austin, TX 78704

Animal Activities: You can book a 30 minute or 70 minute Catx-perience to pet and possibly adopt your next cat

Cost: $15 plus tax (30 minutes) or $30 plus tax (70 minutes)

Details: They also have various events like “Trivia & Toe Beans, Stretch & Snuggle (Yoga) and Wine & Whiskers”

Note: Minimum age is 6 years old. 

Website

peacocks at Mayfield Park in Austin, Texas

9) Visit the Peacocks at Mayfield Park

Location: 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703

Animal Activities: Watch (but don’t touch) the Peafowl that live at Mayfield Park. You can also search for turtles and fish in their ponds.

Cost: Free

Details: Information on the almost two dozen Peafowl that live at the park HERE.

Website

central texas pig rescue

10) Central Texas Pig Rescue

Location: Smithville, Texas

Animal Activities: They offer volunteer workdays, public tours and seasonal events

Cost: Varies – but volunteer events are $10/person and public tours are $25/person

Details: Tours are two hours long and involve lots of walking. “You’ll get to get up close and personal with our residents to give lots of belly rubs, hear rescue stories, learn about how we care for over 200 pig residents as a volunteer team, and you’ll learn about the intelligence and joy of pigs!”

Note: Children must be at least 10 years old to attend a Volunteer Workday.

Website

Know of other Austin animal friendly outings to recommend? Please contact me with your suggestions!

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Top Parents Night Out Places in Austin – where to send your kids on date night

Top Parents Night Out Places in Austin – where to send your kids on date night

f you’re lucky to have family in town or kids old enough for sleep-overs or to stay home by themselves – you may not need this advice. And while we have some favorite babysitters, we’ve also been checking out the local Parents Night Out options around town. So I wanted to share what I’ve researched. Here are some options if you want your kids to get a night out at the same time as you get a date night:

Thinkery

Location: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723

Age range: 4+ years old (must be potty-trained)

Cost: $45 first child, $25 each additional child ($5 discount for Members)

Details: Kids have the museum to themselves and live it up with pizza, hands-on STEAM activities, exhibit exploration and MORE!

Extra perks: Check out the special discounts offered in the Mueller community for your date night

Schedule and to book: Tend to fall on Friday nights from 5:30pm – 10pm

Crenshaw’s

Location: 5000 Fairview Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Age range: 5-11 years old

Cost: $30 first child, $20 for second child

Details: Night out of fun that includes gymnastics, trampoline, pit time, recreational swimming, games, snack, and a full length movie (G-PG) on a HUGE movie screen (includes a mid-evening light snack and a drink). Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit and a towel.

Schedule and to book: Saturday nights once/month 6:30pm – 10:45pm (Registration for each Kids Night Out starts TWO weeks before the date of the night.)

YMCA

Location: various

Age range: 3 – 12 years old

Cost: $30 members ($60 non-members)

Details: swimming, gym games, pizza, crafts and more

Schedule and to book: Saturdays from 5:00pm-9:30pm

Austin Ninjas

Location: 6001 W Parmer Ln #430, Austin, TX 78727

Age range: 5 – 12 years old

Cost: $30/child

Details: Gym time, 2 slices of pizza and water bottle included (must sign waiver)

Schedule and to book: Saturday nights, once/month, 6:30pm – 10pm

Lifekido

Location: 3636 Bee Caves Rd #212, Austin, TX 78746

Age range: 5 – 7 years old

Cost: $35 for current students, $30 additional siblings; non-members: $40 for first, $35 for additional siblings

Details: martial arts games, an obstacle course, movie AND pizza!

Schedule and to book: Saturdays from 5:30pm – 8pm (usually once/month during the school year)

crux climbing gym

Crux Climbing Center

Location: 121 Pickle Rd #100, Austin, TX 78704

Age range: 4 – 10 years old

Cost: $35/child (members); $45/child (non-members)

Details: Date Night is a 4 hour guided play session run by our professional and experienced staff. During these 4 hours your kids will climb and play in our awesome Pandamonium room! Kids will have toys, games, and all the climbing they can handle! Our classes are capped at 6 participants to ensure that your child gets plenty of attention and supervision. Crux will provide cheese/ peperroni pizza for your kids for no additional cost!

Schedule and to book: Ever first Friday of the month from 6:00pm – 10pm

My Gym

Location: 5307 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd, Austin, TX 78735

Age range: 2-9 years old

Cost: $30/child members, $35/child non-members (discounts are offered when enrolling siblings)

Details: games, rides, songs, dances, relays, obstacle courses and more.
* Pizza and juice are provided for dinner.

Schedule and to book: Fridays from 5:30pm – 8:30pm

toybrary mural

Toybrary

Location: 2001 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Age range: Site doesn’t list age range

Cost: $35/child ($10 per additional sibling)

Details: Kids craft, play dress up, play outside and more

Schedule and to book: Saturdays from 5pm – 8pm

LittleLand

Location: Various locations in and around Austin

Age range: 2+ years old

Cost: $45/child (10% discount per additional sibling)

Details: Kids play and get pizza and juice

Schedule and to book: Alternating Friday and Saturdays from 4:30pm-8:30pm

Austin Bouldering Project

Location: 979 Springdale Rd #150, Austin, TX 78702

Age range: 5-12 years old

Cost: $40/child, $30 for sibling ($20/child and $15 sibling if Members)

Details: Kids climb and get pizza and a movie

Schedule and to book: Two Fridays a month from 5:30pm-10pm

Austin Gymnastics Club

Location:13776 US-183 Hwy, Austin, TX 78750

Age range: 4+ years old and up

Cost: $40/child, $35/sibling, $45/day of walk-in

Details: Gymnastics, pizza, games and crafts

Schedule and to book: Monthly – see site for dates

Capital Gymnastics

Location: They have Cedar Park, Pflugerville and Round Rock locations

Age range: 3-12 years old

Cost: $30/child, $25/sibling, +$5/day of walk-in

Details: Gymnastics, movie and dinner

Schedule and to book: Fridays from 6pm-10pm – see site for dates

Code Ninjas

Location: 3621 E. Whitestone Blvd. Suite 500, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Age range: 7+ years old

Cost: Not listed on site

Details: Games, puzzles, building and more

Schedule and to book: See site for dates


Enjoying dinner out on South Congress WITHOUT OUR CHILDREN

Now if you need ideas for things to do WITH your kids, you can also check out my blog posts on:

  1. Top 10 Hikes around Austin with Kids
  2. Top 12 Ideas from January to December in Austin with Kids

Have other Parents Night Out locations you’ve used? Please contact me with your suggestions!

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Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

So you’re pregnant and excited to document the milestone of your upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience?

artwork showing a pregnant woman with tips for a birth photo session

Tips for a successful birth photography experience

My Top Tips for Parents-to-be:

  • Ask your OB/GYN for permission for a photographer to attend the birth
  • Decide what type of moments you want most documented (and how comfortable you are with more graphic imagery)
  • Decide who will be in the room with you (your partner, a doula, other family members, etc.)
  • Share any relevant pregnancy/birth history with your photographer
  • Keep your photographer posted the last month of your pregnancy with updates after each of your (weekly) check-ups
  • Give your partner the photographer’s contact info to call AND text them for when the big day comes
  • Once in the hospital, try to relax and focus on the birth process while the photographer works on documenting all the special moments
  • Have special one-of-a-kind photos to look back on and share with your child in the future
woman holding newborn baby while husband puts his hand on her head in hospital bed setting

So you’re new to birth photography and excited to document an upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience as a photographer?

 

    My Top Tips for Birth Photographers:

    • Pack a go-bag with snacks, possible overnight supplies (toothbrush, blanket, etc.), camera gear, extra cards and batteries as well as all the charging cables (consider a power strip as well to share the delivery room’s outlet)
    • Have phone nearby at all times and on alert the closer the due date comes
    • Have at least half a tank of gas at all times
    • Have a plan for childcare coverage when on-call (if needed)
    • Wear comfortable clothes (including bringing extra layers) in case the hospital room is cold
    • When arriving at the hospital, introduce self to on-call staff and family
    • Act as a “fly on the wall” taking photos but also be an extra pair of hands if needed
    • Focus on connection and emotion
    • Shoot wide-angle to establish the scene as well as close-up to get expressions and details
    • Document the action and the waiting
    • Stay until baby is born and placed on mom’s chest
    what to pack to photograph a birth photo session at the hospital

    Pregnant and interested in a birth photo session? Please contact me for more information.

    close-up of newborn baby's leg

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    Austin Spring Checklist – Fun Things to do with Kids

    Austin Spring Checklist – Fun Things to do with Kids

    Looking for fun Kid-Friendly ideas this Spring in Austin?

    austin fun with kids spring checklist

    Looking for suggestions for fun things to do with kids in or around Austin this Spring?

     

    Print out my checklist above and have a great time this season.

     

    Need more ideas?

     

    You can also check out this informative article on Redfin that I contributed ideas to.

    Austin, TX is a vibrant and diverse city with something to offer everyone. From its world-renowned music scene to its delicious food culture, Austin is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and exciting travel experience. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home in Austin or rent an apartment in the area, be sure to add these must-see attractions to your bucket list. From swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Barton Springs to exploring the colorful murals of East Austin, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in this vibrant city. So come on down, experience the energy and excitement of Austin, and check out the Ultimate Austin bucket list.”

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    What to Expect at your Family Photo Session

    What to Expect at your Family Photo Session

    What to expect at your family photo session and how to prepare:

    WHAT TO EXPECT:

    Kids are unpredictable – and I like to go with the flow. Leave all the hard work up to me – just relax & enjoy spending time with your loved ones. I’ll give plenty of directions and have games for us to the play if the little ones want to run off and explore. I’m there to capture the moments that make you all the family you are. 

    You may be asked to play chase, twirl in a circle, toss your youngest into the air or participate in a hug attack. And if you have ideas of images you want, please let me know. 

    HOW TO PREPARE:

    1. Pick out what everyone is going to wear (and bring backups if little ones are involved) & book haircuts if needed
    2. If you enjoy getting manicures/pedicures – make time for yourself for a little pampering before your session
    3. Make sure everyone is fed before you arrive (and pack a few snacks/water just in case) – even if “we’ll be getting dinner after” – give the kids some food before you arrive
    4. Depending on the location – bring something that your family enjoys. If we’ll be shooting at a park, bring along a ball, a kite or a favorite toy (but if you can’t think of something you want to bring, it’s purely optional)
    5. Right before you get out the car – do a once-over for the kids – brush their hair, clean their face/put chapstick on their lips if needed 

     

    I’ll have my tool kit with me (mirror, combs, wet wipes, etc.) if you need to do some touch-ups before we begin. I’ll also bring a blanket so we can do some shots sitting down as well (just let me know what colors you’re wearing). 

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    What to Wear for Branding Photo Sessions

    What to Wear for Branding Photo Sessions

    chart listing three outfit categories for a branding photo sessionTips:

    Your three outfit categories are: On the Job, Professional Headshot and Brand Style (see chart above).

    Most importantly – make sure you are comfortable and confident in what you are wearing.

    -Bring extra clothing options to your session if you can’t decide what to wear (you can also bring layers to change up your look)

    -If you want to use your photos throughout the year, have your clothes fit different seasons (Ex. Bring summer dresses AND winter sweaters)

    -Do you have brand colors you want to incorporate and match for your photos as well? 

    Prepare your clothes

    1. Pick out your wardrobe at least three weeks before your session to make sure you don’t have to shop for anything new.
    2. Make sure everything is clean, pressed and fits. 
    3. Try on your complete outfit – accessories, underwear and shoes – before your session.

    Props

    Equally important are any props you want to bring to your branding photo session

    • Your computer and cellphone (where the work happens)
    • Your favorite coffee mug
    • Your planner, journal or any other office supplies you use daily
    • Tools of your trade
    • Something fun that showcases your personality (ex. what are your hobbies outside of work?)
    • Something to celebrate with (ex. bottle of champagne, confetti, etc.)
    • Any products that you sell
    • Other ideas you have!

     

    Ready to Book?

     

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