This weekend, you can celebrate Mother Earth at Zilker Park, shop for bargains at a huge consignment sale, peek into artists’ studios at WEST, climb aboard tons of big trucks, enjoy free Alice in Wonderland activities, watch a children’s play (or two), check out a new farmers market, go geocaching, and be sure to shower Mom with lots of love.

Other stuff:

topfamilypicks

Here are our Top Austin Family Events

 

friday

 

— Take the kids to Zilker Park from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for the 14th Annual Mother Earth Day Festival at the Springs. Enjoy music, puppet shows, murals, interactive booths, games, art and more. This events celebrates Barton Springs, Barton Creek, and this special watershed in and around Austin. You can enjoy these free activities just across the parking lot from the Zilker Hillside Theatre. All are welcome! (Rain date is scheduled for May 15, if needed.)

— Get ready to find some bargains at the Fairytale Threads Consignment Sale at the Austin Sports Center in Cedar Park today (and tomorrow, too). This consignment event gives you the opportunity to find gently-loved clothes, books, toys, maternity wear, baby gear and more for great prices. Open today from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. with many items marked at 25% off! Free admission.

 

saturday

 

— You can take the kids to get up-close with vehicles of all shapes and sizes like an ambulance, fire truck, bulldozer, military transporter & more today at Camp Mabry during the annual Touch-a-Truck event that raises funds for kids at Austin Children’s Services. You’ll also find food trucks, a petting zoo, face painting, & barrel train rides, too! The event is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and general admission is $5 per person.

— The West Austin Studio Tour (WEST) starts today! From 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. artists will open their studios for free tours to the public. (You can also check it out tomorrow as well as May 16-17.) There is a lot going on, so pick browse the WEST Catalog to choose studios and events that sound most appealing to you and your family. Click here to view some suggestions for family friendly events at WEST.

— Stop by the Harry Ransom Center on the University of Texas Austin campus today from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. to check out the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland exhibit and enjoy special Family Day activities. Kids can enjoy story times and writing activities. Click here for more details and to read our review of the exhibit.

— Today at 11 a.m., you can check out Austin Scottish Rite Theater’s newest production, Ashes, Ashes. Read our review to learn all about this steampunk-style show. Child tickets (ages 12 and under) are $8, and adult tickets (ages 13 and over) are $12. You can click here to purchase tickets online.

 

sunday

 

— HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Click here for some ideas on where to go, what to do, where to brunch, play, picnic and more.

— Check out a new farmers market location in Austin! Starting today, you can shop for veggies, fruits and handmade goods at the new Texas Farmers Market at The Domain on Sundays from 3-6 p.m.

— On Sundays during the month of May, you can head to McKinney Falls State Park to learn all about geocaching during their Geocaching 101 workshops (free with paid park admission of $6 per adult, and kids 12 & under are free). Today’s session is at  9 a.m., and pre-registration is required. Please register by e-mailing [email protected]. Contact (512) 243-1643 with questions.

— The Pollyanna Theatre Company has a new play for children at the Long Center. The Big Bolt is geared towards children ages 3-7, and it explores the concept of cause and effect as well as basic pre-math concepts when the main character discovers what can happen when a very big bolt is taken out of its intended place. Showing today at 2 p.m. with a post-show “Meet the Cast Party”. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online here.

Have a fun weekend!