Although winter is still in full swing, it’s time to make plans for that Spring Break to be sure your kids have the best one yet!
We’ve searched around the neighborhood and just outside of your apartment at Juniper Springs in Austin, Texas, to find some fun ideas to keep your kids happy and having fun throughout their entire Spring Break!
Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary
Located in Austin's Hill Country, 15 miles east of the city center, the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary plays host to more than 300 different animals, including Galapagos tortoises, African lions and North American black bears. The zoo allows guests to feed animals such as sheep, goats and llamas. The mission of Austin Zoo is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education and where visitors where residents like you can come to learn about animals close-up, spend some time outdoors, get exercise and have fun, too!
Austin Children's Museum
Situated in the heart of downtown, the Austin Children's Museum features such exhibits as engineering workshops, construction zones, pet clinics, train depots and grocery stores. The museum also provides story-time sessions, as well as camps during spring break and summer vacation.
The Thinkery
And off-spring from the popular Austin Children’s Museum, The Thinkery offers exhibits that revolve around educational experiences curated by staff, so each trip with your family will be different from the last. Each gallery supports hands-on learning, with activities and content appropriate for visitors with children of all ages.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Spread across 350 acres of land, Zilker Metropolitan Park lies along the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. The park plays host to such attractions as a botanical garden, a hillside theater, a miniature train ride and Barton Springs, a three acre man-made swimming hole.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum sits directly across the street from the UT campus. The three-story museum details the storied history of Texas via a special effects theater, an IMAX theater and interactive exhibits, exploring such aspects as the lives of Native Americans and battles fought throughout the state.
Scottish Rite Children's Theatre
Just one block south of the Bob Bullock Museum, the Scottish Rite Children's Theatre offers staged work geared to young children. Past performances include shows like Rapunzel and The Biscuit Brothers, a musical comedy. The theater also provides summer drama camps, highlighting lessons in everything from Shakespeare to directing.
Kiddie Acres
This children's amusement park offers a variety of carnival rides, including trains, boats, a carousel and Ferris wheel. The park also features miniature golf and more.
And right at home at Juniper Springs!
If you choose to stay close to home in your apartment in Austin, here are some other ideas to keep your kids and your neighbors using their brains and brawn right inside and outdoors this spring!
- Have a scavenger hunt.
- Bake cupcakes.
- Host a Pizza Party (and give awards for Best Color, Best Use of Vege’s, etc!)
- Build a fort.
- Have a movie night.
- Go on a nature walk in your backyard.
- Night time ring-toss using glow sticks.