This weekend, the kids can check out the SXSW Gaming Expo, spend a night playing unlimited laser tag, race in the Rodeo Rumble, create art at Laguna Gloria’s family open house, show off their moves at Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls dance party, enjoy tons of free bands during Rock the Lot, spend a day at the Sherwood Forest Faire, watch a modern musical version of The Three Little Pigs, check out SX Create and the Eco Light Garden and much much more.

Other stuff:

topfamilypicks

Here are our Top Austin Family Events…

 

friday

 

— You and the kids can visit the SXSW Gaming Expo for free today through Sunday, Mar. 15 at the Palmer Events Center. Try out games and embrace all that the geek culture has to offer. Open from noon – 8 p.m., the Gaming Expo is open to the public with free Guest Pass wristbands, available in advance or onsite at the event. (Click here to learn where you can pick up your free Guest Pass.)

— Sign the teens up (ages 13 +) for a super fun night out at the Lock-in at Blazer Tag. Drop them off at 11 p.m. on Friday  and pick them up at 7 a.m. on Saturday. They can enjoy a whole night of unlimited laser tag, prizes, plenty of fun activities. The Spring Break Lock-In costs $24.95, or $16.95 for groups of 10 or more. You can register the kids online here or by calling 512-462-0202.

 

saturday

 

— Lace up your kids’ running shoes and bring them to the Rodeo Rumble at the Travis County Expo Center. In this annual kids 1K Fun Run, children ages 12 and under are invited to race around Luedecke Arena (on the dirt where the cowboys and cowgirls compete each night). Racers are organized by age, and the first race starts at 9:30 a.m. Runners will receive a custom back number for the race and cowbell and treat for finishing the course. You can pre-register to participate online here.

— Take the kids to a spring celebration of the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria and get to know all The Contemporary has to offer during this free, family-friendly open house. Stop between noon – 4 p.m. to enjoy hands-on art demonstrations by Art School faculty, check out new sculptures around the grounds, enjoy some outdoor yoga and make art to take home.

— Bring your smart girls (and boys) to a free party hosted by Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls at Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden at 6:45 p.m. The Smart Girls Party at SXSW includes a great lineup of entertainment that is free for all ages with no RSVP or wristbands required. Enjoy a marimba performance by 17-year-old Sarah Ortiz, a Q&A with skateboarding superstars, Sowle Sisters, a rockin’ set from Austin’s own teen indie pop act, Charlie Belle, and then a special dance party with DJ Lauren LaRose!

— Kick up your weekend plans with music, food, and good times at the third annual Rock the Lot presented by American-Statesman and Austin360.com. Bands will set up in the west parking lot of the Austin American-Statesman. This event is free, open to the public and for all ages. In fact, on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., you can even plan on catching a set geared just towards kids from local hip hop artist, Big Don.

— The 6th Annual Sherwood Forest Faire! runs every weekend through Sunday, Mar. 29 from 10 a.m. – dusk in McDade, Texas — rain or shine. Be magically transported back in time at this fun-filled, charming Renaissance Faire based on the tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Enjoy faeries, swordplay, theatre, magic, comedy, and games. Tickets at the gate are $20/per adult and $10/per child. If you order online here, you tickets are only $17/adult and $9/child. Read about our trip to the Faire here!

 

sunday

 

— The Three Little Pigs is a “Great Big Little Broadway Show” that’s playing on weekends now through Saturday, Apr. 25 at ZACH Theatre. Perfect for ages 3 and up, this family show is filled with laugh-out-loud humor and really fun music. Playing today at 2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Youth tickets are $15 & adult tickets are $20. Tickets can be purchased online here. Plus, today you can pet the piggies! Fry’s Fun Farm will be hosting a Petting Zoo on the People’s Plaza from noon to 2 p.m. Cost is $4 per child. Cash only. Want to learn more about this show? Read our review…

— The Eco Light Garden opens tonight at 7 p.m. in Republic Square Park. It’s a dreamy illuminated art installation that’s free and open to the public and will run through Saturday, Mar. 21. You can check it out from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

— Don’t miss your last chance to check out SX Create at the Long Center. From 3D printing to drones to biohacking and more, you can enjoy an interactive playground with games and Imaginarium and more. SX Create is free and open to the public (with a Guest Pass), and  open from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Have a fun weekend!