Have you printed your Summer Fun Checklist yet? There are 10 items on the checklist each month- June, July and August- with recommendations for activities to keep your kids active and engaged in the Austin community this summer. It’s FREE, printable, and the kids can earn rewards all summer long when they complete 5 of the 10 items on the checklist each month!
You can also win giveaways throughout the entire summer just by uploading and tagging (#AustinSummerFun) a photo of your child(ren) doing something from the Summer Fun Checklist on Instragram. This week, Do512Family is happy to be giving away a $25 gift card that can be used at Galaxy Cafe, Zocalo Cafe or Top Notch Burgers! A winner will be chosen on Friday morning so be sure to get those Summer Fun photos tagged by midight on Thursday, June 12, 2014. For complete rules, click here.
Listen to a storytime at BookPeople is one of the items on the checklist for the month of June. Read an article below on all that BookPeople has to offer. The article originally appeared on FreeFuninAustin.com.
_____________________________________________
It’s no wonder that BookPeople is voted Austin’s favorite bookstore year after year. It’s the largest independent bookstore in Texas, and it was even named the Best Bookstore in the US in 2005 by Publisher’s Weekly. Besides packed shelves full of any book you might be searching for, the store also includes lots of terrific gifts, toys, t-shirts, locally-crafted jewelry, etc. as well as a cafe within the building. But it’s the Austin spirit in iconic BookPeople that makes it stand out. You can count on friendly, knowledgeable staff, fun (sometimes quirky) events, lots of BIG name authors doing in-store signings and readings.
BookPeople offers a free storytime every Saturday at 11:30 am. Throughout the week, there are events for children on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am. These weekday storytimes are often guest-hosted by local companies, such as Armstrong Community Music School or Tiny Tails Petting Zoo. Check out their events on Do512 Family’s calendar for the latest offerings.
Recently, I took my three boys to a storytime event. It was packed, and mostly full of babies and toddlers on that day. It’s such nice location to meet friends, and all ages are welcome, so I can see why it’s so appealing to the mom community. A member of the BookPeople staff stood and read loudly to the big crowd, but it was still a little too noisy for my oldest to hear the book. So I will remember that he needs to sit right up front next time if he’s eager to be a good listener. After three books were read, the kids were given free cookies and coloring pages. My boys loved those treats at the end.
In addition to the events, BookPeople also offers a free Birthday Club for kids. Parents can simply fill out a short form in the store, and BookPeople will mail a postcard to your child during his or her birth month for $5 to spend in the store. $5 for free? Yes, thank you!
603 N. Lamar, Austin TX 78703
(512) 472-5050
Open daily, 9 am – 11 pm
You may also be interested in a visit to Whole Foods Market. It’s walking distance from BookPeople!
This article originally appeared on FreeFuninAustin.com.
Freelance web producer, Heidi Okla is mom to three boys (ages 3, 5, and 7), and can’t pass up any
opportunity for fun family adventures. Browse her literacy-focused kids
activities on her blog, Read ‘Em and Leap.
