Happy 2016! We wish you a happy, healthy, fun new year! Make the most of the last of Winter Break by swimming like a polar bear, marching in a parade, playing all-night laser tag, ice skating, learning about Texas ranching, creating hot air balloon crafts, making “Frozen” art projects with Queen Elsa — and much more!
Other stuff:
- Where to Take Out-of-Town Guests
- How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree
- Win Stuff
- Do512 Family Best in Austin Survey
Here are our Top Austin Family Events…
— Happy New Year!–
We wish you a very happy, healthy, awesome year ahead!
— Do you like the idea of literally taking the plunge into 2016? If you’re up for a frosty cold swim to kick off the new year, you can head to Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park at 9 a.m. for the annual Polar Bear Splash. Save Our Springs Alliance will host this annual free event and provide complimentary coffee, donuts and a commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last).
— The Alamo Drafthouse’s Kids Camp is offering kids movies for only $1-3 admission during Winter Break. You can take the kids to see The Little Rascals (1994 version) at 11 a.m. at The Village. You can choose your own ticket price and buy your tickets online here. 100% of ticket sales are donated to local nonprofits.
— The Minor Mishap Marching Band will lead an annual New Year’s Day Parade from the top of Doug Sahm Hill down to the magical waters of Lady Bird Lake. The parade begins at 2:30 p.m. Follow along in the merriment. Free.
— Teens ages 13 and up can have a blast at the annual New Year’s Lock-In at Blazer Tag. Check-in begins at 11 p.m. on New Years Day. Enjoy all night laser tag games, arcade game competitions, trivia, and a raffle! Tickets are $21.95 per person plus tax or $16.95 per person plus tax for groups of 10 or more. You can reserve your spot by calling 512-462-0202.
— Don’t miss the The Mutt-Cracker (Sweet!) — a show starring six rescued circus dogs, a performing parrot, juggling, unicycling, balancing acts, puppets, accordion music and a live jazz piano rendition of Tchaikovsy’s “The Nutcracker Suite”. (Done in 55 minutes.) You can see this show today at The Vortex at & 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for children and $25 for adults. You can order tickets online here or by calling 512-478-5282.
— Don’t miss the spectacular light show at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Music and lights are choreographed in a most entertaining display. The light show starts at 6 p.m. and replays at the top of every hour until closing. The last night to see the light show is January 3.
— The family-friendly feature film Norm of the North will premier in theatres on Jan. 15, but Austinites can gear up for some polar bear-style fun with some ice skating on at the rooftop ice skating rink at the Whole Foods Market Downtown from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Go #ShakeYourBearThing on the ice! The first 100 people to arrive during this time, will receive free entry compliments Lionsgate Film’s Norm of the North!
— It’s the Bullock Texas State History Museum’s monthly Free First Sunday event. Enjoy free admission and special family programs from 12-3 p.m. with this month’s theme — Texas Ranching! Explore all the elements of a chuck wagon. Try your hand with a lasso, and learn more about the equipment cowboys used on the trail. Free!
— Take the kids for a Sunday-Funday at Neill-Cochran House Museum! You can stop by this historic home from 1 – 4 p.m. for historically-inspired activities for kids, scavenger hunts in the house, and informal tours of the museum. This month’s theme is Hot Air Balloons! Free.
— Get creative at The Art Garage‘s Free Family Fun event from 2 – 4 p.m. Families are welcome to pop in for “Frozen” fun and celebrate the season with Elsa! Learn how to make snowflakes, enjoy free face-painting and take photos with your favorite princess.
These are just some of the fun events happening in Austin this weekend. For much more, browse our daily calendar of events!
Have a great weekend!
