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
While summer camps are able to open, many summer camp providers are still hesitant and have decided to either offer virtual summer camps only, or to offer both, virtual camps and in-person camps.
Virtual summer camps are — well, they're virtual, and not location-bound. Technically, a child in Austin, Texas could participate in a camp in Anchorage, Alaska this summer. However, we encourage you to support local businesses and give one of the following a try.
By
Birgit Sund on May 28, 2020
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. Sign up for our
newsletter, so you don't miss any of these awesome deals.
Read about Sportball's free Zoom Classes.
By
Birgit Sund on March 30, 2020
The Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) is a national, community-based non-profit that provides a fun, inclusive five-week running series for ages 2-14, designed for kids to get active, feel accomplished and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. HKRS is coming to Cedar Park again this April and May.
Read on for details and how to register.
By
Birgit Sund on March 2, 2020
Kids are back in school, summer is considered to be over, pools and splash pads are closed. Or maybe not?
Here’s a list of pools that are open during the month of September or even until late October. Read on.
By
Birgit Sund on August 26, 2019
“Dance serves all the ends of individual growth; it helps to develop the body; it stimulates the imagination and challenges the intellect; it helps to cultivate an appreciation for beauty; and it deepens and refines the emotional nature." - Margaret H'Doubler
Let your child dance through summer! DANZA, Center for the Arts, offers week long summer camps for little artists ages 4-12.
By
Birgit Sund on April 23, 2019
Are you looking for a fun team sport for your 2nd-9th grader? Give volleyball a try!
Spike Frog offers a positive and safe environment where skills, knowledge, self-confidence, teamwork and friendships are gained.
We've completed our first Spike Frog season in the fall and can't wait to start spring season.
By
Birgit Sund on January 23, 2019
"When I grow up I want to be a mermaid!"
Sound familiar? Then "mermaiding" might be the right thing for you and your mini-me’s. Find out what mermaiding is, where you can mermaid in Austin, and how you can enter for a chance to win a free mermaid lesson for your child and a friend.
By
Birgit Sund on September 20, 2018
Are you looking for tips for healthy living at home and ways to reinforce those healthy habits at school? Apply for the Parents for Healthy Kids grant and start promoting school-based physical activity and nutrition initiatives!
Not sure what to do? Here are some ideas:
- Help your school start or grow their school garden and use their harvested vegetables and fruit in the school kitchen or the cafeteria
- Organize a sporting event or an event that includes healthy activities
- Create a running group or some other group that supports physical activity
- Raise money for playscapes and other play spaces at your child's school
- Organize a field trip to local farms and food banks
- Bring in nutritionists, farmers, doctors, nurses, or other professionals to talk about healthy foods and healthy living
And here's how to apply for the grant.
By
Birgit Sund on April 12, 2018
Want to show and teach your kiddos that active lifestyles are fun, build confidence, and are a great way to meet new friends? Join the Healthy Kids Running Series in Cedar Park this spring! No matter your size, your speed, your athletic ability, or your competitive spirit, everyone fits right in. It is not a popularity contest; it is not ‘win at all costs.’
Register your child for the Healthy Kids Running Series, a five week running program in the spring and fall for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade.
By
Birgit Sund on March 20, 2018