Local Favorites

The info here is always growing, as members contribute via our listserv, newsletter and playgroup chat-time. Found a great website, product, activity, service, destination, or heck, BOOK that APMC moms might like to hear about? Contact Julie Kennedy at Julie@austinmothers.org to have it added to the list! And keep ‘em coming…

AUSTIN KID-FRIENDLY PLACES AND SPACES
Fun places to check out with your infant, toddler & preschooler

Austin Botanical Gardens
www.zilkergarden.org
Right in central Austin, great paths, a butterfly garden and water to follow all the way down the hill!

Austin Children’s Museum
www.austinkids.org
Check out the Monday’s Baby Bloomers for the 0-3 year old set.

Austin Farmers’ Market
www.austinfarmersmarket.org
Held Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, it’s a great outing-eating-learning combo.

Austin Science and Nature Center
www.ci.austin.tx.us/ansc/
We can’t say enough great things about the animals-dino pit (aka GIANT sandbox) combo!

Austin Public Libraries (Storytime info)
www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/storytimes.htm
Some of the best storytimes in town, including toddlers and preschool levels, bilingual and PJ storytimes!

Austin Zoo
www.austinzoo.org
It’s small, yes, but it’s a rescue zoo with a mission, has a great train ride, and for the little ones, it’s just the right size!

BookPeople storytimes
www.bookpeople.com/index.php?com=bkkids (look for the “This Week at BookKids” section)
Austin’s gi-normous but still groovy bookstore at 6th & Lamar – just watch out for the “I wannas” from the kids that can talk (or point!) as they have some awesome toys and gadgets nearby, in addition to books.

Boggy Creek Farms
www.boggycreekfarm.com
Located in East Austin, it’s a short distance from downtown, and offers pick-your-own options AND great educational value.

Family Connections
www.familyconnectionsonline.org
Friday storytimes and sing-a-longs, free toy/book/video lending library, great parenting classes and an all-around great resource.

Sunset Valley Farmers Market
www.sunsetvalleyfarmersmarket.org
On the south side, held Saturday mornings with lots of fresh Texas produce!

Zilker Park, Playscape & Zephyr Train
www.ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/
What can we say? It’s is in the heart of Austin, and in so many ways IS the heart of Austin!

AUSTIN’S EVENT SCENE
Austin is known for its festivals, and many are kid-friendly, from the Kite Festival to the Keep Austin Weird. Plus there is always something fun happening around town. Here are some great local websites and newsletters to keep you in the event loop.

Austin360
www.Austin360.com
A broad array of events, but since its part of the Statesman, it’s a great resource.

Austin Chronicle
www.austinchronicle.com
Music, arts, events – it’s all here! And of course, great grown-up events, too.

Baby Scoop Austin
www.babyscoopaustin.com
Launched in 2007, offers a great email newsletter with events and local info plus an online calendar.

KidBits
austinkidbits.gotidbits.com
Same folks as “Tidbits”, offering a newsletter/email with short event and other local highlights that even a mom has time to read.

Mr. Johnny’s Events Calendar
www.mrjohnny.com/kidevents
Mr. Johnny and Sharon play music for kids and families around Austin, and they have an awesome, free email-based events listing!

ParentWise online calendar
www.parentwiseaustin.com
Well-known around town as particularly comprehensive, although check with event organizers for last-minute changes.

MOMS’ RECOMMENDED READING
Articles, books and such…to take a personal time-out with

ParentWise – THE Austin resource for kid-friendly events (their online calendar is awesome) and good reading.

Have you hit the Terrible Twos, Threes…and beyond? Three books recommended by an APMC mom for readability (and SCANability for those little pockets of time we moms have) and some great ideas about how to keep sane while helping your kids through the rough spots. All available through Amazon and the Austin Public Library.

• How to Talk So Your Child Will Listen and Listen So Your Child Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
• Kids, Parents and Power Struggles by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
• The Discipline Book by William & Martha Sears

GEARING UP
Stuff our members recommend

Foggo stainless steel sippy cups
Save the planet while saving your home from spillage…PLUS the contents stay cool for 6 hours!
Now available at some HEBs as well as online through Amazon and other outlets.

More coming…

AUSTIN STARS
Services APMC moms give a thumbs up

More coming…