Free Fun in Austin

New Central Library Groundbreaking Event

Monday, May 20, 2013

Join the City of Austin on Thursday, May 30, 2013 to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Central Library and Lower Shoal Creek Area Project. Live Music begins at 10:30 a.m., with light refreshments provided. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m.

For more information, visit the City of Austin website.

Project Site, East of Seaholm Redevelopment
710 West Cesar Chavez

Austin, Texas

Internet Safety Event with DadLabs Host

Join Famigo and Clay Nichols this Wednesday from 4:15 – 5:15 at the Yarborough Branch of Austin Public Library to learn about family internet safety from an expert in the field. Children who attend will be able to explore various fun and educational apps on multiple tablets and gaming devices.

Clay Nichols, creator and developer of DadLabs, will be partnering with Famigo to teach families about internet safety. He is currently in the process of partnering with LookOut Social, a curriculum and content-based site educating users about the digital life of today's families. Whether you want your child to understand safe ways to surf the web, or you want to learn how to restrict your child from getting into unsafe territory on the internet, Clay Nichols will teach everything you need to know!

Who: All parents and children of any age throughout the Austin area

When: Wednesday, May 22, 2013, from 4:15 until 5:15 p.m.

Where: Yarborough Branch of Austin Public Library, 2200 Hancock Dr. Austin, TX 78756

Be sure to check it out for some fun games and useful information. You may even go home with a free Famigo t-shirt!

Free KidFish Event in Pflugerville

Each June, the City of Pflugerville partners with the KidFish Foundation, Inc to offer a free, outdoor fishing opportunity for kids. Children age 16 and under are invited to attend this year's event on Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 9 a.m. - noon. Registration will be held onsite.

KidFish and Texas Parks and Wildlife have stocked additional fish in Lake Pflugerville to boost kids' fishing experience at the event. Head to the lake on June 1 to enjoy a morning of free fishing fun!

For more information, visit the City of Pflugerville website. Click here for a map.

Giveaway: $100 off CroTex Home Services

CroTex Home Services is a new, locally based company offering various home improvement services from painting to flooring, and even masonry. The company was founded in 2013 by Marko Misura. Misura, a Certified Engineering Technician, has been working in construction and home services for over 15 years and built his entire house in his home country of Croatia.

CroTex offers the following services:

Painting - $1 per square foot, with 10% discount if you schedule a consultation before May 31, 2013.
Laminate installation - $2 per square foot, with 10% discount if you schedule a consultation before May 31, 2013.
Tile installation - $3 per square foot, with 10% discount if you schedule a consultation before May 31, 2013.
Masonry projects such as balconies, outdoor fireplaces, walls, and more - call for estimate. 10% discount also available on masonry services if you schedule a consultation before May 31, 2013.

Contact them at 512.660.7460 or 214.909.8505 for an estimate, or fill out the contact form.

CroTex is offering a special JUST for Free Fun in Austin readers! Mention FREEFUN75 when you call, to get your bedroom, dining room, or living room painted for only $0.75 per square foot. (Please note that this does not include the cost of paint.) Don't forget to mention FREEFUN75!

In addition, we also have a $100 off coupon, good towards any service offered by CroTex Home Services, to give away. For your chance to win, simply fill out the form below. One winner will be selected using random.org on Monday, May 27, 2013 and notified by email. By submitting the form below, you are agreeing to the Sweepstakes Official Rules.

Can't see the form below? Click here to enter.

Disclosure: This giveaway was sponsored by CroTex Home Services.

Image credit: CroTex Home Services

Smudge Studios: Free Open Studio Days

Austin families are invited to check out the new Smudge Studios space and make some art! Here are two exciting events coming up - both are free and no RSVP is required:

Free Open Studio Day - Saturday, May 25, 2013, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Grand Opening Party - Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Enjoy a D.J., a chainsaw artist, splatter painting, screen printing, spray painting, snacks and drinks, and a photo booth!

Smudge Studios Austin
500 West 38th Street

Austin, Texas 78705

Image credits: Smudge Studios

STAR Flight Open House with Helicopters

Travis County recently announced that their aircraft fleet now includes a UH-1H aircraft, called SF4, a helicopter that is specially equipped for fighting wildfires, a first for the program and for local and regional flight programs across Texas. Travis County is the first area in Texas to receive such an aircraft.

The public is invited to STAR Flight’s Open House on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at their hangar at 7800 Old Manor Road. STAR Flight will conduct water drops and patient rescue demos, and the public can view and get into the helicopters, including SF4. The open house is free and open to the public.

The S4 will be used for response to regional disasters, as a part of homeland security and in support of Travis County Parks’ projects, such as controlled burns in greenbelts and preserves. If it is not carrying a full load of water, SF4 can also transport additional firefighters, increasing access to wildfires or disasters in remote or difficult terrain.

For more information, visit the STAR Flight website.

STAR Flight Hangar

7800 Old Manor Rd

Austin, TX 78724

Image credit: STAR Flight

Free Alamo Kid's Club Movie: Forbidden Planet

Ain’t It Cool, Austin Chronicle, and Toy Joy present an absolutely free 35mm screening of the classic film Forbidden Planet (1956) at Alamo Drafthouse The Ritz on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11 a.m. Seating is first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early!

Children 3 and up will be allowed only with a parent or guardian. No children under the age of 3 will be allowed and families with loud children will be asked to leave.

For more information, visit the Alamo Drafthouse website.

Alamo Drafthouse The Ritz
320 E 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-1320

Image credit: Alamo Drafthouse

Be an Extra in Transformers 4

Third Coast Extras is taking submissions for extras to work on the upcoming Transformers film sequel, directed by Michael Bay, shooting in the Austin area June 3-20, 2013.

Interested in being an extra? Third Coast Extras needs adults ages 18-80s of all ethnicities and all types, including great character faces. They also need kids ages 9-12 of all ethnicities.

-READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT-

You'll need a flexible schedule with the ability to clear your schedule for both all day/night shoots if necessary and have reliable transportation to get to the set either in Austin or outside of town on location. You must have good follow-through and be able to commit to dates since the wardrobe department will need to have pre-fit clothing so you'll need to be able to attend a wardrobe fitting the week before shooting during the last week of May.

Minimum pay guarantee for extras is $58 for any shoot up to 8 hours. If past 8 hours, time and a half overtime pay kicks in (example: a 12 hour shoot day would be $101.52)

To submit, email thirdcoastextras@gmail.com with the subject heading "Transformers Extras" and follow the directions below exactly:

Men: include name, age, phone #, height/weight, jacket size, collar size/sleeve length, pants size (waist/inseam), and shoe size. Attach clear, current photos in high resolution - including a close photo (no professional headshots however) and a full length photo also. Please only casual photos not professionally taken.This Director wants to see your current everyday appearance.

Women: include name, age, phone #, height/weight, dress size, bust-waist-hips measurements, and shoe size. Attach clear, current photos in high resolution - including a close photo (no professional headshots however) and a full length photo also. Please only casual photos not professionally taken.This Director wants to see your current everyday appearance.

IMPORTANT: Must be Texas resident with valid Texas ID who lives in (or at least nearby) Austin, TX since shoot days can change at the last minute. Please don't submit if you're not local to the area or nearby.

For more information, visit the Beth Sepko Casting and Third Coast Extras Facebook page.

Image credit: Third Coast Extras via Facebook

Weekend Top 10 FREE Events (May 17-19, 2013)

Friday, May 17, 2013

Shakespeare in the Park:

The Winter's Tale - Friday, May 17, Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m. Austin Shakespeare presents The Winter's Tale, a dark tale of romance fueled by the contrast of jealousy and joy. Head to the park early for a Samba demo on Saturday and a Tango demo Sunday Night, staring at 7:30 p.m. The production runs Thursdays through Sundays, through May 26, and is free to the public. Check the website for weather updates. Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
Two Gentlemen of Verona - Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m. Join Something for Nothing Theater for a free evening of Shakespeare under the stars. All shows are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket and enjoy the play. Check the Something for Nothing Facebook page for weather updates. Ramsey Park, 4301 N. Rosedale Ave., Austin.

Kids Culinary Workshop - Saturday, May 18, from 10-11 a.m. Join In.gredients for an hour long workshop that will teach your little ones about food, gardening and the joys of cooking. The folks from New Day Community Garden will host an outdoor cooking class for kids ages 6-12, teaching them how to make a simple dip/dressing using in.gredients found in the In.gredients garden and store. After their culinary experience, guests will share, eat and play! In.gredients, 2610 Manor Road, Austin.
Renegade Craft Fair - Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Enjoy a curated, modern craft fair that appeals to all ages and features hundreds of contemporary makers, creators, movers, and shakers. Renegade Craft Fair is free to attend. Download the vendor map here. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin.
O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships - Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Enjoy this annual competition of the best and worst puns with two core events: “Punslingers” and “Punniest of Show.” The 36th Annual Championship featuring music by the Greatest American Heroes and food trucks from the Peached Tortilla and Mmmpanadas. See the schedule here. In the backyard of the O. Henry Museum also known as Brush Square Park, 409 E. 5th Street, Austin.
YMCA Community Splash Day - Saturday, May 18, times vary by location. Join the Y for a free, fun, family day at the YMCA of Austin! Enjoy free swimming, swim lesson evaluations, water safety information, water sports and games, giveaways and more! Check the website for locations and times.
May Fest and Village Mini Fair - Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. Come make a Peep (a 3″ tall doll) and take it for a whirl on the miniature Ferris wheel. Or, if your Peep is feeling very adventurous, take off on the Bubble Blaster – always a wild ride and a hoot! Or go the Peep Disco Dance Hall, or the zip line race course, or the Whirling Fan of Doom (sure to big a hit with the hard core thrill seekers!) – or, well, the list just goes on and on…. Perhaps your Peep is a little more low key, more of a shopper than a thrill seeker – well then, take it on the tour of Peep Homes or to the Village Market and see what simply cannot be lived without! Peep hats, shawls and shoes, pets and exotic animals from far and wide, dishes, tools, furnishings and more. In addition to the Village Mini Fair, there will be live youth music groups, food, various “green” info stalls, and a fun activities for the kids. Austin EcoSchool, 4105 Manchaca Road, Austin.
Art Museum Day - Saturday, May 18. AMOA-Arthouse will celebrate Art Museum Day with free admission and programming at Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center. Visitors are invited to participate in family-friendly, interactive activities throughout the day, enjoy docent led tours from 1-3 p.m. at both sites, and attend Küçük Sinemalar! Experimental Cinema from Turkey, a special film screening in the Jones Center Community Room at 7 p.m. AMOA- Arthouse, The Jones Center at 700 Congress Ave. and Laguna Gloria at 3809 West 35th Street, Austin.
Viva Streets - Sunday, May 19, from noon- 5 p.m. Join the energetic fun at VIVA STREETS! – a free festival that invites you to bicycle, play, get fit, people watch, and celebrate good health. On Sunday, May 19, over two miles of Sixth Street will become a car-free and tobacco-free playground for thousands of Austinites. Sixth Street from Brazos to Robert Martinez Street, Austin.
Esperanza De La Herencia - Sunday, May 19 from 2 - 4 p.m. Each year, PRFDance brings the rich heritage of Puerto Rico to life with “Esperanza de la Herencia,” a performance event dedicated to inspiring Youth. This live music and dance recital showcases cultural arts students and the PRFDance & Jr Company. Free and open to the public. The Emma S. Barrientos Mexica American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, Austin.
Austin Federation of Musician Music Series - Sunday, May 19, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. The Museum is once again bringing live music to the Lone Star Plaza. In collaboration with the Austin Federation of Musicians, this free spring concert series will feature some of Austin’s finest musical acts. This week’s performers are Bob Meyer’s Concept Quartet and Larisa Montanaro. Doors at 5:30 p.m. Bring chairs and picnics, but no alcohol. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress, Austin.

Bonus Free Celebrations:

SFC Farmers’ Market 10th Anniversary - Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown at the historic Republic Square Park! Enjoy some giveaways and a back-to-back trio of chefs demos, along with customer appreciation drawings, children’s activities, and more. SFC Farmers’ Market downtown at 400 Guadalupe Street, Austin.
Whole Food’s Block Party - Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join the downtown store for a block party! There will be free activities and the store is going to be grilling up a storm! Enjoy live music, free fun for the whole family, local beers, and grilled grub from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. in our front parking lot. (You could also head next door to BookPeople for storytime at 11:30 a.m.) Whole Foods, 525 N. Lamar Blvd.
Texas Capitol Quasquicentennial Celebration - Saturday, May 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. The Texas Capitol was formally dedicated on May 16, 1888, and 125 years later, it still stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people of Texas. This year marks the building's Quasquicentennial, and the State Preservation Board invites the public to help celebrate the Lone Star spirit during a free ice cream social on the south Capitol grounds Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. On Saturday, visitors will enjoy music at the Capitol's south steps provided by the Lost and Nameless Orchestra and four flavors of ice cream generously provided by Blue Bell Creameries. Texas State Capitol, 112 E 11th St, Austin.

Bonus Events in the 'Burbs:

Movies in the Park or Pool:

Kyle Movies in the Park - Friday, May 17, 30 minutes after sunset. Bring along a lawn chair, blanket, and snacks and enjoy Puss in Boots. Gregg-Clarke Park, 1100 W Center St, Kyle.
Leander Movies in the Park - Friday, May 17 at dusk. Often described as a combination of state-of-the-art technology and the nostalgia of the 1950s drive-in, the Movies in the Park series provides families the opportunity to spend time together under the stars while enjoying first run movies… all for free. On Friday, catch a free screening of Wreck-It Ralph. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. Glass containers are prohibited. Friendly pets on a leash are welcome. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Road, Leander.
Dive In Movie: Brave - Friday, May 17 at 8:30 p.m. This free screening is in conjunction with Night Out at Cat Hollow. Cat Hollow Pool, 8600 O'Connor Dr, Round Rock.

Deutschen Pfest Children's Parade - Saturday, May 18 at 10:45 a.m. Everybody loves a parade...and Pflugerville has two of them on Deutschen Pfest weekend! The parade is held complete with marching bands, community organizations, and community dignitaries. The children’s parade is held just prior to the main parade on Saturday morning. Children dress up in costumes, decorate their bicycles and/or wagons and walk down Main Street. Ribbons are given to with awards for the following categories: best German theme, most decorative wagon/bicycle, most creative entry, funniest entry and youngest participant. The parade starts at the corner of Main Street and Railroad (judging at 10:30 a.m. at Wordyisms). Later in the afternoon, head over to Pfree Splash Day at Gilleland Creek Pool!
Unity Park Community Garden Open House - Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy hands-on gardening demonstrations starting at 11 a.m., learn sustainable gardening tips from seasoned members, take a tour of the gardens and learn how you can be a part of a vibrant community garden experience. Children can make their own eco-friendly paper flowerpot and take home a plant start. Fun for the family and all are welcome. Unity Park Community Garden, 2746 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock.
Dirt Dauber Festival - Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19. Join Eye of the Dog Art Center for two days of clay celebration! Demonstrations on two stages, live music, free hot dogs, and 30 fantastic clay artists. Fun for everyone with a clay play area for the youngsters. Free admission. Music lineup includes Ike Ike Eichenberg, Gorman, Merlin Scott, and the Alex Dormant Texas Swing Band. Eye of the Dog Art Center is located 5 miles from San Marcos at 405 Valley View West Rd.
Hill Country Galleria Events:

Whole Foods 1 Year Anniverary Grill Out - Saturday, May 18, from noon - 7 p.m. Celebrate Whole Foods' 1 Year Aniversary with a fun grill out event! Live music by team member bands, kids activities will include face painters, hula hoops, & bubbles! They will also have a special anniversary cake/cake cutting and champagne sampling toast. Whole Foods, 12601 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave.
Saturday Night Concert Series - Saturday, May 18, from 7 - 9 p.m. Listen to live music by Karen Goh. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave.

Want more? Check out the Free Fun Calendar!

$3.99 GattiLand Buffet on Saturday

Gatti-Land Round Rock will offer $3.99 buffets on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. This does not include the cost of a drink, which will be an additional 49¢ for kids and 89¢ for adults.

For more information, visit the Gatti-Land Facebook page.

Gatti-Land Round Rock
1112 N. I-35
Round Rock, Texas 78681
512-255-6699

Culinary Workshop for Kids at In.gredients

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Want to teach your little ones about food, gardening, and the joys of cooking? Head to In.gredients for a free, hour-long workshop on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 10 a.m.

The folks from New Day Community Garden will host an outdoor cooking class for kids ages 6-12, teaching them how to make a simple dip/dressing using in.gredients found in the In.gredients garden and store.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

In.gredients
2610 Manor Road

Austin, Texas 78722

Image credit: In.gredients via Facebook

Play in the Street at Viva! Streets Austin

On Sunday, May 19, 2013, from noon - 5 p.m., head down to Sixth Street for some good old fashioned daytime fun. Two miles of the street, from Brazos to Robert Martinez Street will be closed to traffic for Viva! Streets Austin, a fun new festival where a car free and tobacco free street becomes a playground for all.

Everyone is invited to bike, play, jog, skate, dance, or even just people watch and celebrate good health. There will also be yoga, Zumba, live music and dancing, rock wall climbing, healthy food demonstrations, soccer, ultimate frisbee, hula hoops, dodgeball, street chess, bike skills rodeo, spinning classes, and more. Pets on a leash are welcome.

Viva Streets Austin is free and open to the public. For parking information, visit this parking map (some parking fees may apply). For more information, visit the Viva! Streets Austin website.

Image credit: Viva Streets Austin

101x Summer Cinema at Central Market

Beginning June 12, 2013, 101x brings back its Summer Cinema, thanks to the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow. The summer movie series features five free movies at Central Market North Lamar, starting at sundown. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs.

2013 Summer Cinema schedule:

June 12 - Can't Hardly Wait
June 26 - The Karate Kid (1984)
July 10 - The 5th Element
July 24 - TBD
August 2 - TBD

Movie lovers are encouraged to vote for the movies they want to see featured. The last two titles are to be determined, and voting is currently open for which 90s era movie will be shown. Vote on the 101x website.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Central Market Cafe, including $2.50 Blue Moons. For more information, visit the 101x website.

Central Market North Lamar

4001 North Lamar Blvd

Austin, TX 78756

Image credit: 101x

Free Bring it Austin Bag Giveaways

Get your free Bring It Austin reusable bag at events below, while supplies last. Bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Other community bag giveaway events are listed as well.

May 17, 2013 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

Chinatown Center Bag Giveaway

Bring It Austin bag giveaway

10901 N. Lamar Blvd.

May 17, 2013 - 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Bag Giveaway at North Park Shopping Center (Dollar Store)

Bring It Austin bag giveaway

9616 North Lamar Blvd.

May 18, 2013 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

Bag Giveaway at H-E-B

Bring It Austin bag giveaway

H-E-B at 2701 E 7th Street

May 18, 2013 - 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Bag Giveaway at H-E-B/T-Mobile

Bring It Austin bag giveaway

2508 E Riverside Drive

May 19, 2013 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Viva Streets Austin

Bring It Austin bag giveaway event

Sixth Street

For more information, visit the Bring it Austin website.

You may also be interested in: Free Shred Day

Image credit: City of Austin

Renegade Craft Fair at Palmer Events Center

The Renegade Craft Fair (RCF) returns to Austin's Palmer Events Center on May 18 and 19, 2013, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. RCF is a curated, modern craft fair that appeals to all ages and features hundreds of contemporary makers, creators, movers, and shakers. Shoppers will find a wide variety of goods including jewelry, custom clothing, pottery, artisanal food, perfume, textiles, and original artwork from fan favorites like Son of a Sailor, Satchel & Sage, BDJ Craftworks, and many more. This year the fair will also host an intimate vintage bazaar pop-up within the fair -- complete with a vintage RV mobile shop.

Attendees can come for the shopping and stay for tunes by local Waterloo Records DJs, as well as life-size games, interactive installations, and workshops by MAKEatx, Class Attire, and, local non-profit, Girl's Guild. In addition, there will be cocktails and food to enjoy while resting on furniture and admiring decor by Loot Vintage. Last, shoppers can capture their finds and good times in the free photo booth by Magnolia Photobooth Company.

Renegade Craft Fair is free to attend. For more information, click here. Download the vendor map here.

Palmer Events Center

900 Barton Springs Rd.

Austin, TX 78704

Image credit: Renegade Craft Fair via Facebook

Free Re-Use Materials for Educators

Are you an educator or do you work for a non-profit organization that could use books, art and craft supplies, toys, and other items?

Treasure City Thrift would like to offer you free reuse materials, between 5 and 6 p.m. this Saturday, May 18, 2013 (following the store's 25 cent sale). A wide variety of items will be made available to educators and non-profits who sign up ahead of time.

Click here to find out how!

Treasure City Thrift
2142 E. 7th St.

Austin TX 78702

Image credit: Treasure City Thrift

Free Single Moms & Military Wives Oil Change

If you are a single mother or a military wife, Celebration Church in Georgetown would like to change your oil for free on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 8 a.m. to noon. Not only that, but while you wait, you will be pampered! As the oil change team takes your vehicle in for a FREE servicing, you will be spoiled with a FREE manicure, massage, and waxing! Children are invited to enjoy fun activities with the church's Kids Team, so you can truly relax.

Head over here to register.

For more information, visit the Celebration Church website or contact Derick Zwerneman at dzwerneman@celebrationchurchtx.com.

Celebration Church

1202 Rabbit Hill Rd.

Georgetown, Texas

Vote for Your Favorite Free Fun Spots

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Summer vacation is nearly upon us. Kids are counting down to the last day of school and many parents are scrambling to make plans. Three months with no school might strike fear in even the most adventuresome of parent. We could all use a go-to list of the best, local, free entertainment to help round out the schedule, don't you think?

We would like to invite you to help out your fellow parents! Please share your favorite free adventures in the greater Austin area by filling out the ballot below. We will leave the ballot up until the end of May. Then, just before school lets out for summer, we will share the results on Free Fun in Austin. You'll be able to start vacation with a list of the most popular free adventures in town. Hopefully we will all discover some new favorites this summer!

Email subscribers, you can find the ballot here.

Free Drop-In Teen Club - Summer 2013

Have a teenager you'd like to keep active this summer? The Camacho Teen Club offers high energy mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, caving, archery, digital photography, cooking, art projects, video production, and more. This drop-in program is free for students entering grades 7 - 10. It runs for ten weeks, starting June 10, 2013. Every Wednesday, Teen Club will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., in order to participate in the city wide Teen Club Challenges, held at different locations each week.

Summer Drop-In Schedule (June 10 - August 16, 2013, excluding July 4):

Mondays, from 1 - 6 p.m.
Tuesdays, from 1 - 6 p.m.
Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursdays, from 1 - 6 p.m.
Fridays, from 1 - 6 p.m.

If you sign up before the program begins, you can get the schedule of each week's activities in advance. Registration must be done in person at the Camacho Activity Center (click here for hours). For more information, call (512) 391-1863 or email Erick.Olivares@AustinTexas.Gov.

Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho Activity Center

34 Robert Martinez Blvd.

Austin, Texas 78702

Bike to Work Day on Friday

Join the Austin Cycling Association for Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17, 2013. Ride your bike and get rewards! You can stop at several stations, both to and from work, to get free food (tacos! pizza!), coffee, beer, souvenirs, and more.

Morning hubs, from 7 - 9:30 a.m. (map):

City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street
City-Public Works, Cycle Track Dedication, 1st & Barton Springs
Mueller at Mosaic Apartments, 4600 Mueller Boulevard
Bouldin Creek Café, 1900 S. 1st Street
JuiceLand, 7329 Burnet Road
Wheatsville Coop, 3101 Guadalupe Street

Evening hubs, from 4 - 6:30 p.m. (map):

Bicycle Sport Shop, ‪517 South Lamar Boulevard
Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces Street
Ozone Bike Dept With Austin’s Pizza, 3202 Guadalupe Street
Bike A lot, 4418 Pack Saddle Pass

For more information, visit the Bike to Work Austin website.

Image credit: Austin Cycling Association

Free Summer Bowling at Showplace Lanes

This summer AMF is reinstating AMF Summer Unplugged, a free summer bowling program for kids age 15 and under. Kids registered in the program can bowl two games per day, every day, all summer long, through September 2, 2013. Shoe rental is not included.

The only AMF center in Austin is Showplace Lanes, at 9504 N IH-35. Register online at the AMF website. You will periodically get emails reminding you of your free games. To redeem your free bowling games, just have either your name, member ID number, email address, or mobile phone number handy.

Families can also add on an AMF Summer Pass for $34.95, which allows families of up to four ages 16 and up bowl up to two games per day through September 2, 2013. Shoe rental not included.

Showplace Lanes

9504 N IH-35

Austin, TX 78753

You may also be interested in:

Image credit: AMF

Art Museum Day at AMOA-Arthouse

AMOA-Arthouse will celebrate Art Museum Day on May 18, 2013 with free admission and programming at Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center. Visitors are invited to participate in family-friendly, interactive activities throughout the day, enjoy docent led tours from 1-3 p.m. at both sites, and attend Küçük Sinemalar! Experimental Cinema from Turkey, a special film screening in the Jones Center Community Room at 7 p.m.

For more information, click here.

The Jones Center
700 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
512.453.5312

Laguna Gloria
3809 West 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
512.458.8191

You may also be interested to know:

Blanton Museum of Art offers free admission to the public every Thursday (children 12 and under are always free).
Mexic-Arte Museum is free on Sundays.

Free Summer Playground Program - 2013

The City of Austin's Summer Playground Program is a free, supervised, drop-in program for children ages 6 - 12. Austin Parks and Recreation Department staff offer a fun variety of games, crafts, active play, and science & nature activities for children to enjoy. Children can come and go throughout the day, and all program leaders have been trained in first aid and CPR.

The Summer Playground Program runs from Monday, June 10, 2013 at 9 a.m. through Friday, August 2, 2013 at 5 p.m. All sites will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2013. Drop in care is available Mondays - Thursdays, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Your child can attend multiple playgrounds, but you must register them once at each playground. Registration will be available onsite on your child’s first day of attendance.

Pick any playground listed below and drop your child off on any weekday (excluding Thursday, July 4, 2013). When you drop your child off, be sure to leave them with a morning snack, a sack lunch, an afternoon snack, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

Participating playgrounds:

Balcones District Park - 12017 Amherst Dr. 78759
Oak View Neighborhood Park - 10902 Oak View Dr. 78759
Quail Creek Neighborhood Park - 1101 Mearns Meadows Dr. 78758
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park - 12138 N. Lamar 78758
Bartholomew District Park - 5201 Berkman Dr. 78723
Dick Nichols District Park - 8011 Beckett Rd. 78749
Garrison District Park - 6001 Manchaca Rd. 78745
Kendra Page Neighborhood Park - 2203 Blue Meadow Dr. 78744
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park - 907 Slaughter Ln. 78748
Franklin Neighborhood Park - 4800 Copperbend Blvd. 78744
Chestnut Pocket Park - 2207 East 16th St. 78702
Civitan Neighborhood Park - 513 Vargas Rd. 78741
Davis-White Northeast Neighborhood Park - 6705 Crystalbrook 78724
Barton Hills School Park - 2009 Homedale Dr. 78704
Ramsey Neighborhood Park - 4301 N. Rosedale Ave. 78756
Shipe Neighborhood Park - 4400 Ave. G 78751

Park sites are subject to change. For more information visit the program website or call (512) 974-3906 or (512) 974-3909.

Image credit: Austin Parks and Recreation Department

Free Activities at Bricks 4 Kidz in Round Rock

The Bricks 4 Kidz®Creativity Center in Round Rock will kick off summer with free activities for kids! Join the center at two Open House events on Saturday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 11, 2013.

Open House events will include race car building workshops, motorized remote control model building lessons, and creative building time. Families can meet instructors and learn more about summer enrichment opportunities offered at the Bricks 4 Kidz®Creativity Center. Activities are free, but seats are limited, so registration is recommended.

The Bricks 4 Kidz®Creativity Center, located in La Frontera Village, Round Rock, has recently expanded its franchise territory. It now serves families in Georgetown, Pflugerville and Leander, in addition to Cedar Park, Austin, and Round Rock.

Bricks 4 Kidz® summer enrichment classes and camps feature LEGO® Brick building games, crafts and other activities related to the weekly theme. In Bricks 4 Kidz® classes, students build LEGO® Brick models that move!

Summer 2013 themes include Miners and Crafters, Stop Motion Animation, Animal Brickology, Inventions, Space Adventures, Extreme Expedition, Amusement Park, Remote Control Mania, and Model Designer.

Single-day summer exploration classes, and workshops for Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts are also scheduled.

Schedules, instructor information, and registration for Bricks 4 Kidz events are available online.

10th Annual Terra Toys Fairy Tea Party

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Tickets are now available for Terra Toys' 10th annual Fairy Tea Party! This year there will be two free parties to choose from: Thursday, June 6 and Wednesday June 12, 2013, both happening from 1-3 p.m.

Design and create your own magical fairy! Supplies and refreshments will be provided. The parties are free, but everyone must have a ticket to attend. Each attending adult may bring up to three children. Free tickets are now available at Terra Toys. Get yours before they are gone!

For more information, visit the event pages on Facebook.

Terra Toys
2438 West Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas

Scholastic Book Fairs Warehouse Book Sale

Scholastic Book Fairs will host a Warehouse Book Sale on Wednesday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, May 16, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Educators, including homeschool teachers, are invited to:

Take an extra 50% off permanently reduced red tag items.
Maximize Title I funding and purchase order dollars.
Browse hundreds of items priced at $2.00 or less.
Build-a-BOX for $24.95 plus tax. Fill a box with books from a specially selected collection.

Preferred payment methods are credit cards, checks, purchase orders, and Scholastic Dollars. Note: Items purchased with Scholastic Dollars do not qualify for further discount pricing and will sell at the full cover price.

Skip the sign-in lines by registering online for your Fast-Cart Pass and coupon. Go here, search by zip code to find the Austin event, click the "Sign Up" button, and enter the promo code PDF.

For more information, visit the event website. See the event flyer here.

Norris Conference Center
Pecan Room
2525 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757

Thanks Houston on the Cheap and What to do in San Antonio!

Schulman Theaters Family Film Festival

Each Tuesday from June 11 - August 20, 2013, Schulman Theaters Lost Pines 8 in Bastrop is hosting their summer Family Film Festival, with $0.50 movies on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. and seating is limited with no reservations. All proceeds benefit the Bastrop Boys & Girls Club. The theater also offers a 12 oz kid's drink and popcorn tub for $3.50.

The 2013 movie schedule:

June 11 - Ice Age: Continental Drift
June 18 - Rio
June 25 - Horton Hears a Who
July 2 - The Smurfs
July 9 - Hotel Transylvania
July 16 - Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
July 23 - How to Train Your Dragon
July 30 - Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
August 6 - Rango
August 13 - Monsters vs Aliens
August 20 - Puss in Boots

For more information, visit the Schulman Theaters Lost Pines 8 website.

Lost Pines 8

1600 Chestnut (corner of Hwy 95 and Hwy 21)

Bastrop, TX 78602

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Image credit: City Lights Theater

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