is austin a city of kids? I don't think so (McLean: renting, college)

[jthomas45]

I know theres lots of kids here in austin and that thay have some things for kids to do ,but when its cold out the pickings are slim .I use to live in mclean virginia in the 60-70s and I can tell you about a boring town with nothing to do ,but Austin is a big city and its hard to find stuff for kids to do ,and I think they should have a big sign on 35 that says "we don't like kids " plane and simple .
yes some of you well say austin does a lot for kids ! and I wouldsays thats great ,but have ever looked in the newspaper and EVER scene a kids only page ? NO
sometimes there well be a storty about this evet or that event ,then thats it.
Its a total bummer to find out that there was something happening for the kids but there was no storty in the papaer about it .and that goes for the austin chronicie too !
maybe there should be a paper called the showdow kids of austin .

[gigi927]

Try picking up the free Austin Parenting or Parents Resource magazines that they have at the local grocery store or other retailers. They have everything going on for kids each month.

I think because Austin doesn't typically have this much cold weather that more of the kids' activities here are geared toward outdoors. Fortunately we have a lot of activities right within our community!

[traceyr13]

Hmmm...well, I guess I agree that the advertising isn't as strong for kids events, but coming from Rhode Island, I feel like there is SO much to do here with the kids, and that the general vibe is very kid friendly (but with 3 young children, maybe that's more due to the places I hang out in?) I can think of several restaurants that have kids' areas and playgrounds (Central Market, Whole Foods, etc) and there are so many festivals and parks and TONS of opportunities for activities - way more than New England.

I guess it's all perspective?

[cathyjean]

Welcome to Austin! I've been here over 20 years. I've found Austin to be very kid friendly. Here's a few websites with listings of events:

http://parentwiseaustin.com/index.shtml

http://www.austinfamily.com/

http://www.kidevents.com/

I agree you don't find some of these events in the Statesman, but you certainly can find out about them if you know where to look.

By the way, my mother in law lives in McLean, that's where my DH grew up (when they weren't overseas for the State Department.) Not a lot to do there, but of course D.C. is close, so we do all the museums/monuments when we go visit.

Cathy (mom to 4 kids)

[jread]

I have no idea what you mean about Austin not being kid-friendly. You shouldn't rely so much on the newspaper. There are a zillion things for kids to do around here.

[jthomas45]

Thank you all for your input ,yes sometimes I feel like my head is in the send and thank you for leting me where to look ie websites ,the bottom line is I'm 30 miles out of austin and have beeen trying to find folks to talk too and keep me in line and in touch .
I'm moving in to town this weekend and well look forward to be able to doing thing in austin with out worrie about a 60 miles r/t gas bill .
ps I think the stateman still needs to do a better job .

[jthomas45]

Originally Posted by cathyjean

Welcome to Austin! I've been here over 20 years. I've found Austin to be very kid friendly. Here's a few websites with listings of events:

http://parentwiseaustin.com/index.shtml

http://www.austinfamily.com/

http://www.kidevents.com/

I agree you don't find some of these events in the Statesman, but you certainly can find out about them if you know where to look.

By the way, my mother in law lives in McLean, that's where my DH grew up (when they weren't overseas for the State Department.) Not a lot to do there, but of course D.C. is close, so we do all the museums/monuments when we go visit.

Cathy (mom to 4 kids)

Thank you Cathy , great links and yes I'll check them out ,ps I sent a thank you to everyone I hope they get it ...jp

[Spookmeister]

One of the reasons you won't find the events calendar in the AAS as complete as it should be is, most people no longer read it. News 8 Austin, the local cable news channel, has a pretty extensive online listing of events.

[K Brown]

Another good resource:

KidzAustin.com - Kid activities, party planning, kids eat free, more in or around Austin

Includes places you can take the kids that are indoors for those cold days you're talking about.

[scongress1234]

Originally Posted by jthomas45

I know theres lots of kids here in austin and that thay have some things for kids to do ,but when its cold out the pickings are slim .I use to live in mclean virginia in the 60-70s and I can tell you about a boring town with nothing to do ,but Austin is a big city and its hard to find stuff for kids to do ,and I think they should have a big sign on 35 that says "we don't like kids " plane and simple .
yes some of you well say austin does a lot for kids ! and I wouldsays thats great ,but have ever looked in the newspaper and EVER scene a kids only page ? NO
sometimes there well be a storty about this evet or that event ,then thats it.
Its a total bummer to find out that there was something happening for the kids but there was no storty in the papaer about it .and that goes for the austin chronicie too !
maybe there should be a paper called the showdow kids of austin .

Well, if you look at the demographic, it skews towards people 20-34......its a city of kids, but college kids......and up to recently, there were even fewer kids AND kid thingies to do. No Bob Bullock museum, no nothing, excepting perhaps Zilker Park. I think they are changing that, but it will take time. And if you do find kid-orientated things, it is far more likely you will find them in the new areas and burbs, and that it will be business-orientated, like those Fun Places, chuckie cheesie things. I mean, even eeyore's has naked people running around with butt cheeks hanging out, and painted bare bosoms........this is prob the most adult orientated city outside of san francisco.........I think more so, as even SF has the exploritorium and such.
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