Toys are important, and let’s face it—super fun!
The best ones ignite a child’s imagination, boost creativity, and make learning feel like playtime.
But let’s be real—many toys are just flashy packages waiting to be torn open on Christmas morning, a birthday, or any gift-giving occasion. They bring a quick thrill, then get tossed aside, forgotten, and eventually end up in a landfill.
Luckily, Austin is an amazing place to raise kids, and it’s packed with fantastic gift alternatives that go beyond toys. These options aren’t just fun—they’re meaningful, memorable, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
By
Birgit Sund on December 2, 2024
Get ready to let your inner child loose because something incredibly exciting is bouncing its way into Austin!
FUNBOX, The World's Biggest Bounce Park is gearing up to bring an explosion of joy, laughter, and high-flying excitement to Barton Creek Square. This is not just your average amusement park – it's an inflatable wonderland with 25,000 sq. ft. of continuous jumping zones, connecting 10 different play areas, that promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're aiming to conquer the tallest slides or simply looking to bounce your cares away, this is an experience you won't want to miss. So, grab your friends and get ready to bounce your way to happiness!
Read on and enter for a chance to win one of three family-4 pack of tickets!
By
Birgit Sund on September 4, 2023
The world’s largest bounce house ever assembled is on tour and will make its way to Austin from Friday, November 5 through Sunday, November 7, 2021!
Featuring 13,000 square feet of inflatable elation, The Big Bounce America is not your average bounce house. People of all ages are invited to get big-air on the basketball court, compete against one another on an obstacle course, and plummet from a giant slide into a massive ball pit outside the main structure.
Read on for details and to enter for a chance to win a family-4-pack of tickets!
By
Birgit Sund on October 13, 2021
And the Best Birthday Party Ever-Series continues!
We love having our kids’ birthday parties at home AND supporting local businesses at the same time. Whether it’s a humongous bounce house and slide in the backyard, a magical magician in the house, a pizza baking party, a fun foam party, or – like last weekend – a Dunk Tank Dunking Booth!
Read more about the fun and learn how your kids can play for 4 days for the price of 4 hours!
By
Birgit Sund on September 28, 2021
Obviously, this is a difficult time for everybody and many local businesses are getting hit extremely hard. We therefore want to use our little platform and help in any way we can.
We asked local businesses to let us know of any products, services, or activities they're currently offering, that can help Austin families keep their kids busy and make this time as enjoyable as possible for their kids and their whole family. In the coming days, we will be introducing those offers on our blog.
Read about Freedom Fun USA's Fun Party Packs.
By
Birgit Sund on March 24, 2020
Come out to Barton Hill Farms and make memories with friends and family at the Barton Hill Farms Fall Festival And Pumpkin Patch!
Enjoy acres and acres of pure family fun! From taking Fall photos and picking out your pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, to getting lost in the corn maze, jumping on the jumping pillow, playing human fooseball, corn hole, and more, you are sure to have a great day!
Read on for details and to enter for a chance to win a family-4-pack of tickets to this fun event.
By
Birgit Sund on September 19, 2019
Looking for some fun things to do with your kids this year?
Visit and enjoy some of Austin’s favorite indoor and outdoor activities without breaking the bank. We’ve partnered up with POGO Pass, a membership that provides you with 12 months of free access to fun entertainment venues in and around Austin.
We’re giving away two POGO Passes to one lucky winner, read on for details.
By
Birgit Sund on May 11, 2018
This Mom just won the “Best Mom Ever-Award” for throwing the “Best Birthday Party Ever” for our now 5-year old!
I must say, it feels good to be the Best Mom Ever, and I’ve been using this award a few times since the birthday party, as a reminder when things weren’t going that great.
Best thing about it? The birthday party was at our house. Read how I pulled it off and how you can enter to win an awesome bounce house for your little one's party.
By
Birgit Sund on February 13, 2018
“Fun kids activities in and around Austin are 100% free” – said no one ever. Unless you're one of three lucky Live Grow Play Austin readers that win free admission to over a dozen venues in Austin, San Marcos, and Waco.
Read on for details on how to enter our giveaway and how to save 60% on visits to the Austin Aquarium, Austin Park & Pizza, Austin Sports Arena, Urban Air Austin, Austin Rock Gym, Austin Spurs, Quest ATX - The Wakeboard Park, and more.
By
Birgit Sund on May 1, 2017
It's raining; it's pouring.
Sitting at home is boring.
Despite the rain, despite the cloud,
Grab your kids and get them out!
What to do with kids when it's raining in Austin...
By
Birgit Sund on August 14, 2016