Merry Christmas!!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We will be back in 2009 with lots of fun activities for your family!

Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker

What: Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker

When: December 6^th – 23^rd at 2:00 and 7:30 PM

Where: 701 W. Riverside Drive

Cost: $15-$71

For More Information: www.balletaustin.org

If the music sounds sweeter than sugarplums, the dancers seem lighter than air, and the snowflakes sparkle more brightly than ever before, you’re not dreaming. After all, experiencing the 46th annual production of this Austin holiday tradition in our shining new performing arts center is sure to be an exceptionally festive feast for the senses. Ballet Austin’s production of The Nutcracker is Texas’ longest running production of this classic and with a different “celebrity” playing the role of Mother Ginger in each performance, every show guarantees an extra bit of memory-making merriment.

Wimberly Trail of Lights

What: Wimberly Trail of Lights

When: November 29^th – December 31^st 6:00PM – 9:00PM

Where: 1101 FM 2325, Wimberly

Cost: FREE, Donations accepted

For More Information: http://www.emilyann.org/trailoflights.htm

Spend an evening in Wimberley celebrating the 11th year of The EmilyAnn Theatre's Trail of Lights. Here you will find an enchanted pathway that winds up a six acre hill where the EmilyAnn Christmas tree awaits you. Enjoy the 360-degree view of the Wimberley Valley. Over 100 lighted exhibits created by churches, families, businesses and civic groups highlight every aspect of the Christmas season. Come roast a hotdog or marshmallow at the Yule Log and celebrate the season with friends and neighbors. Enjoy live entertainment on most nights. The magic and beauty of this outdoor environment captures the true spirit of the season. Prepare yourself, your family, and your friends for the real meaning of Christmas. Come. Lift up your eyes unto the hills and go home enriched with limitless possibilities of Peace on Earth and Good Will toward all..

Zilker Tree

What: Zilker Tree

When: December 7^th – 31^st

Where: Zilker Park

Cost: $15 per car, shuttle service available too

For More Information: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/tol/tree.htm

The Zilker Tree Stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25 watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower.

Zilker Trail of Lights

What: Trail of Lights

When: December 14^th -23^rd, 7:00 -10:00 PM

Where: Zilker Park

Cost: $15 per car, also a shuttle service available

For More Information: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/tol/events.htm

From the dynamic Victorian Entry Gates, to the enhanced "Shooting Star Exit Gate," this year's Trail of Lights will provide visitors an opportunity to celebrate life and share the season with their families, friends and neighbors. New features at this year's Trail of Lights include a new Peace on Earth globe at the entrance. The United States Post Office will provide an opportunity for children to write letters to Santa and the Max the Wild Thing display.

Family Photos with Santa

What: Family Photos with Santa

When: Monday through Saturday 10-9, Sunday 12-6

Where: Barton Creek Mall, Lakeline Mall,

Cost: Varies depending on photo package chosen

For More Information: www.simon.com

Santa Claus will be at your favorite Simon Mall. And that means it’s time to create the Christmas memory your child will forever treasure—a photo with Santa. So bring the kids to the mall, along with their wish lists and best holiday smiles. A photo with Santa—it’s more than a picture, it’s a holiday memory! And don't forget your furry family members, Santa Pet Photos are available at some participating Simon Malls.

Cedar Park Tree Lighting

What: Cedar Park Tree Lighting

When: Friday, December 5^th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Where: Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway

Cost: FREE
For More Information: http://www.cedarparktx.us/cp/pr_events_tree.aspx

Over 50,000 lights illuminate the largest Live Oak in Cedar Park. Enjoy caroling, carriage rides and the Yule fire.

Flying Theater Machine's Monter Party

What: Flying Theater Machine’s Monster Party

Where: The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Avenue

When: Every Sunday afternoon at 2:00 (through December 14^th)

Cost: $5.00

For More Information: http://www.flyingtheatermachine.com/

When Baby Monster can't fall asleep, silly stories are the solution. Come help the Monster Family put some together! Flying Theater Machine is the only kid-oriented improv in Austin. The audience will help us with suggestions and sound effects, and a few lucky kids will even get to join us on stage. This is interactive theater at its best.

20th Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade

What: 20^th Children Giving to Children Parade

When: 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 29^th

Where: Congress Avenue

Cost: FREE

For More Information: www.chuysparade.com

Giant balloons, elaborate floats, live music, dancers, and plenty of Holiday cheer take over downtown Austin. There is no better way to set the tone for the holidays than to see a child excited and anxious to give a toy to a child in need. Toy Donations accepted.

Inflatable Wonderland

What: Inflatable Wonderland

Where: Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park, Texas 78613

Cost: $10 all day pass, $5 all day pass on Tuesdays and Thursdays

When: Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM , Sundays 12:00 - 6:00 PM

For More Information: http://www.inflatablewonderland.com/

IW provides wholesome fun for the entire family. Kids look forward to all of the giant slides, crawl mazes, moonwalks, and games. Parents look forward to playing with their kids or watching them from one of the wi-fi enabled viewing areas. Inflatable Wonderland engages children in a healthy, active lifestyle. Kids increase their motor skills while running, jumping, singing, clapping, laughing and playing, and IW employees make sure that everyone has a good time.

The Domain Macy's Christmas Tree Lighting

What: The Domain’s Lighting of Macy’s Christmas Tree

Where: The Domain, 1140 Burnet Road

When: Saturday, November 22^nd at 6:00 PM

Cost: Free

For More Information: www.simon.com

A towering 40-foot Christmas tree, glowing with more than 6,000 holiday lights, 400 ornaments and a stunning five-foot star topper, will light up the tree-lined streets of The Domain during The Domain Lighting of Macy’s Great Tree. The holiday event will feature a special performance by Jordin Sparks, recently nominated by the MTV Video Music Awards for Best New Artist of 2008 and Best Female Video.

Very Hungry Caterpillar

What: Vey Hungry Caterpillar

When: Sunday, November 16 2: and 4:30 PM

Where: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

Cost: $15.5

For More Information: www.austintheatre.org

. Retold on stage in black light, The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the wonderful adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar that progresses through an amazing variety of foods towards his eventual metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. .

Hey Cupcake

What: Hey Cupcake

Where: 1600 South Congress Avenue

When: TUES-THUR 12 to 9pm (OR UNTIL SOLD OUT), FRI-SAT 12 to 10pm (OR UNTIL SOLD OUT, SUN & MON CLOSED

Cost: $2.00/per cupcake

For More Information: www.heycupcake.com

Come try out an assortment of cupcakes! Many different flavors to try and they will deliver for birthdays and other celebrations!

Hornsby Bend Bird Walk

What: Hornsby Bend Bird Walk

When: Saturdays, 7:30 AM

Where: 2210 South FM 973

Cost: FREE

For More Information: www.hornsbybend.org

This free monthly birding field trip takes place on the third Saturday of each month. You'll see many birds and explore new parts of Hornsby Bend.

Fossil Fest 2008

What: Fossil Fest 2008

Where: Old Settlers Park, 3 miles east of IH35 on Hwy 79 - next to the Dell Diamond

Cost: Adult $2, Student $1, under 6 FREE

When: November 8-9, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 9-4,

For More Information: http://www.texaspaleo.com/

Features displays, demonstrations, kids activities, fossil dig, spin the Wheel of Fossils, fossil identification, free teachers' kits, dealers and door prizes. Sponsored by the Paleontological Society of Austin.

Fall Fun Fest

What: Fall Fun Fest

Where: Old Settlers Park soccer fields, Round Rock

When: October 31, 2008

Cost: FREE

For More Information: http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/

The festival is a fun and free event for toddlers and preschoolers with carnival games including Haystack Hunting, Cookie Stackin, Spider Ring Toss and much more. The Round Rock Library will be there reading books at the festival and guests can climb on board a fire truck! There's even a hayride! Bring your trick or treat bags and collect goodies. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned item for our local Round Rock Serving Center.

R.L. Stine's Halloween Party

What: R.L.Stine's Halloween Party

Where: Austin Children’s Museum

When: Friday, October 31, 2008, 3:30-5:30pm

Cost: Free admission up to 350 guests (free admission starts at 3:00pm)

For More Information: www.austinkids.org

Join The Texas Book Festival and Austin Children's Museum in celebrating R.L. Stine's new book, Goosebumps HorrorLand: Dr. Maniac vs. Robby Schwartz. R.L. Stine will be here in person to read from his new book, talk about his life and writing process and lead a communal ghost story where the kids get to add in the spooky details!

Mr. Stine will also sign copies of his new book, Goosebumps HorrorLand: Dr. Maniac vs. Robby Schwartz. Barnes and Noble will be on-site selling copies of the author's book. This event is free and is limited to 350 guests so come early! Stop by before you head out trick-or-treating - kids are welcome to wear their costumes!

Fall Festival/Halloween Carnival

What: Fall Festival/Halloween Carnival

Where: Lakeline Mall (Womens Dillards Court)

When: October 25, 12:00 PM

Cost: $5

For More Information: www.simon.com

You can try out your Halloween costume early, make a craft, win prizes playing carnival style games in our pumpkin patch, get safety tips from McGruff the Crime Dog, and Picture People will take pictures of Kidgits Members for our Costume Contest. Categories are: Kookiest, Most Creative, and Hometown Hero.

Boo at the Zoo

What: Boo at the Zoo

Where: Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, 10807 Rawhide Trail, Austin ,TX, 78736

When: Evenings of October 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31. The train will depart at 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm, and 8:30pm.

Cost: $10 (includes haunted train ride and zoo admission)

For More Information: www.austinzoo.org

Boo at the Zoo is an event held for a few nights during the week of Halloween. Individuals and families with children of all ages are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and experience the zoo in the dark. The animals are active at night, and though there will be some overhead lighting, be sure to bring a flashlight to watch them in their cages! Boo at the Zoo isn’t an event meant to frighten. It’s wholesome fun for the entire family (though the special haunted train ride may be a bit startling for children under five). So put on your costume, bring a picnic dinner and flashlight, and enjoy our exciting and special Halloween event at Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary!

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

What: Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Where: 1800 North Congress Avenue

When: Monday through Saturday 9 am - 6 pm, Sunday 12 - 6 pm

Cost: Ages 4 and under – FREE, Ages 5-18 $4.00, Ages 19 and up - $7.00(Additional charges for IMAX and the Texas Spirit Theatre)

For More Information: www.thestoryoftexas.com

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in downtown Austin, Texas, tells the “Story of Texas” with three floors of interactive exhibits, the special effects show, The Star of Destiny, in the Texas Spirit Theater, and Austin's only IMAX Theatre, featuring the signature large-format film, Texas: The Big Picture. A 35-foot-tall bronze Lone Star sculpture greets visitors in front of the Museum, and a colorful terrazzo floor in the Museum’s rotunda features a campfire scene with enduring themes from Texas’ past. The Museum also has a Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a Museum Store with something for the Texan in everyone.

Spook-tacular Creations at Westcave Preserve

What: Spook-tacular Creatures

Where: Westcave Preserve, 24814 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, Texas 78663

When: October 19, 2008, 3 – 6 PM

Cost: $5 adult; $2 child; $15 family

For More Information: www.westcavepreserve.org

Bats and spiders and owls, oh my! Learn about the creatures of Halloween night at Westcave Preserve. The afternoon includes storytelling in the cave and a bat nature trail, as well as other fun crafts and activities featuring our favorite Halloween animals.

Seussical the Musical

What: Seussical

When: Sunday, October 12, 2:00 and 4:30 PM

Where: Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.

Cost: $15.50

For More Information: http://www.austintheatre.org/,(866) 4GET-TIX.

"Oh, the thinks you can think" when Dr. Seuss' best-loved characters and stories hit the stage in this unforgettable musical adventure by Broadway veterans Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

Storytimes at BookPeople

What: Storytimes at BookPeople

When: Wednesdays 10:30 AM, Saturdays 11:30 AM

Where: 603 North Lamar, Austin, TX

Cost: FREE

For More Information: http://www.bookpeople.com/, (512) 472-5050.

Some of the best storytimes in town! A different theme each day.

Sweet Berry Farm

What: Sweet Berry Farm

Where: 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, Texas 78654

When: 8:30 to 5:30 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat, 1pm - 5pm Sunday, Closed Wednesday

Cost: No entrance or parking fee, but activities have a minimal cost

For More Information: http://www.sweetberryfarm.com/

September 27th thru November 16th

Pumpkin Painting , Stuff Your Own Scarecrow (tons of family fun!), Hayrides, Kiddie Hayfield Maze for children, The 'Texas' Hayfield Maze for ages 6 and up, Face Painting and Horse Rides (on weekends only), Ice Cream (you've got to try the Pumpkin Pie flavor, Picnic tables for you to enjoy, Open spaces for the kids to run, Pet the Horses and Goats, see the Chickens, and of course: tons of Pumpkins, Gourds, Squash and More!

Infant Day at Alamo Drafthouse

What: Infant Day at Alamo Drafthouse

Where: Alamo Village, Lake Creek, and West Oaks locations

When: Every Tuesday, first movie showings of the day

Cost: $6.50 (adults), plus the cost of food/drinks

For More Information: http://www.drafthouse.com/lakecreek/

The Alamo Drafthouse understands that it is hard for new parents to get out for an evening on the town. That is why we proudly offer Baby Day, for the first showing of any of our films, on Tuesday afternoons. Infants are welcome to these shows, and of course, are allowed in for free. For our baby day shows, we keep the lights up a bit, and the sound down a bit, so your little one never has to know they even went to the movies! Take some time for yourself, pack up the kids, and head out to the Alamo Drafthouse for some much needed entertainment!

Call 512-219-5408 for more information and call 512-219-8135 for show times.

Austin's Park

What: Austin’s Park

Where: 16231 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660

When: Monday – Friday 3 PM to 10PM, Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 10 PM

Cost: Kids under 40” FREE, Kids 40” to 47”$15.95, Adults $21.95 (See website for weekly specials)

Every all-day fun package includes:

• Admission to the Park

• All-U-Can-Eat Buffet

• Bumper Boats

• Miniature Golf

• Laser Tag

• Unlimited Video Arcade Games

• Indoor & Outdoor Climbing Walls

• Kiddie Park

• Go-Karts

For More Information: http://www.austinspark.com/ Austin's Park is an Austin Restaurant and Recreation Center where you can enjoy a Pizza Buffet, Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, a Rock Climbing Wall, a huge Arcade and more!

Austin Kiddie Limits

What: Austin Kiddie Limits

When: September 26^th 3:00 to 7:00 PM, September 27^th and 28^th 11:00 to 4:30 PM

Where: Zilker Park

Cost: Kids 10 and under are FREE (with a ticket holding adult)

For More Information: http://www.aclfestival.com/2006/kiddies.aspx
The excitement keeps growing and Austin Kiddie Limits promises to be one of the hippest areas of the festival. Little kids and big kids (grown-ups) alike will have a great time because we have built in fun for all ages. The schedule is jam-packed with music, activities, gaming, giveaways and more.

Maker Kids Showcase

What: Maker Kids Showcase

Where: Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701

When: September 21, 1 – 5 pm

Cost: Maker Kids and 2 guests (adults or children) are admitted free to the Museum.

For More Information: http://www.austinkids.org/. Present your creations at the 2008 Maker Kids Showcase! Kids are invited to show something fun they’ve invented and talk about their creative process with ACM staff and visitors on Sept. 21. Then these Maker Kids will be invited to join ACM and other student exhibitors at the Austin Maker Faire on Oct. 18 & 19.

Appointments are 15 minutes each, starting at 1:00pm on September 21. To register for an appointment by September 18, call 472-2499 x201 or email reservationist@austinkids.org. Please RSVP with the following information: adult’s name, child’s name, contact phone number and email. Get ready to show off!

Mayfield Park

What: Mayfield Park

Where: 3808 West 35^th Street

When: Dawn to Dusk everyday

Cost: Free

For More Information: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/cepreserves/mayfield.htm. Mayfield Park is a small nature preserve overlooked by Austinites. At 22 acres, what the park lacks in size it makes up for in convenience and solitude. Mayfield features peacocks that live around the stone fenced house and garden that sits near the preserve entrance. The peacocks, garden and koi pools all lend a sense of tranquility just a stone's throw from 35th street.

DinoLand at Zilker Botanical Garden

What: Zilker Botanical Garden – DinoLand Exhibit

When: Now through November 6^th, Every Day 7 am to 7 pm (check website for current schedule)

Where: Located in Zilker Park just south of Town Lake and east of MoPac (Loop 1), Zilker Botanical Garden is easy to reach from both MoPac and I-35

Cost: $5 adults, $3 children

Need More Info: http://www.zilkergarden.org/Visitors during the 3-month DinoLand Exhibit will travel back in time, coming face to face with thirty life-like dinosaur models of every shape and size. These prehistoric creatures will take up temporary residence along the new Escarpment Trail (near the Hartman Prehistoric Garden).
Includes fun and educational activities for the entire family, lectures about dinosaurs, entertainment, dino crafts for the kids, tours of the exhibit trail, and a dino dig for fossils.

Austin Children's Museum

What: Austin Children’s Museum

Where: 201 Colorado Street

When: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday Nights 5 pm to 8 pm (admission by donation), Sunday Noon to 5 pm (4 pm- 5 pm FREE)

Cost: Adults $5.50, Children 2 years and older $5.50, 12-23 months $3.50, under 12 months FREE

Need More Info: http://www.austinkids.org/The Austin Children's Museum exhibits are designed to educate and entertain the curious minds of children and their grown-ups. With over 12,500 square feet of gallery space, there is plenty of room to learn, explore and play.