Calling all young animal lovers — Austin Humane Society’s 7th Annual Summer Kids Series is back! Now in its seventh year, this family favorite invites kids to get hands-on as they learn more about the world of animals and how to care for a pet of their own. Through this free series of story times, art workshops, teddy bear surgeries, tail talks and more, kids are inspired to help animals in need.

Summer Kids Series kicks off on June 4th and runs through August 13th with several weekly sessions. Each session aims to inspire this next generation of animals lovers to learn more about animal behavior, and animal care and help them find ways to give back.

“There is nothing better than seeing a child connect with an animal during one of these sessions. When you see that connection you know you’ve just seen the start of a lifelong love for animals and we often see our SKS kids come back throughout the following year to drop off donations or participate in our Rescue Reading program – it’s truly something special!” — AHS’ Development and Outreach Coordinator, Ishmael Behrhorst

How to Participate: You can register online for as many sessions as you’d like. All are FREE. You are definitely encouraged to register early because spots do fill up.

There is a wide variety of programming offered at the Austin Humane Society on many dates throughout the summer. Read about sessions below and click here for the full schedule.

Austin Wildlife Rescue: Central Texas is brimming with wildlife. Who better to help your kids explore than our friends at the Austin Wildlife Rescue. We’re teaming up to bring the wild to you! Your young explorers will learn all about baby animals, what to do if you see them, and how they live in the wild. Plus, we’ll have a special guest on hand…Tito the Tortoise! This session is recommended for children 8 and younger.

Art Workshop: When art and animals meet, who knows what will happen! Bring your budding artist and their creativity and we’ll supply the rest. Kids will have plenty of time to get artsy and create a fun animal-themed work of art all while learning about either cats or dogs. This session is recommended for children 8 and younger.

Humane Hero Hour:  Keeping our animals happy and healthy, has never been more fun! The kids will get crafty as they work on making toys that will actually be used by our animals at the shelter! These toys help keep the dogs and cats active and engaged while they wait to find their forever home. Once they make them, they’ll get to see the toys in action. You’ll meet some furry friends along the way. Plus, we’ve got some surprises in store! This session is recommended for children 8 and younger.

Story Time: Each Story Time session focuses on either feline friends or canine companions. Children will learn about the animal through a silly and sweet storybook. Then, new this year, our Rescue Readers will spread out through our shelter to give the animals some love too! This session is recommended for children 8 and younger.

Teddy Bear Surgery: The all-time family favorite is back! Through Teddy Bear Surgery, your little one and their favorite stuffed animal can step into our world at Austin Humane Society and a real-life animal clinic. Kids are invited to bring their stuffed animals along for a little TLC as our shelter team helps diagnose and then cure what ails them. One visit with our staff and everyone will be feeling better in no time! This session is recommended for children 8 and younger.

Tail Talks: Why is our cat doing that? How do we get our dog to sit? What baby animals live in Texas? If your child has ever asked any questions along these lines – Tail Talks is for you! Join the fun as we dig a little deeper into the world of dogs, cats and shelter life at the Austin Humane Society. These interactive sessions are best suited for 8-12 year olds.

It’s Showtime: Outdoor Movie Night: Grab your picnic basket and load up your pack for a family-friendly movie night at the Austin Humane Society. These once a month events will feature an animal-themed movie fit for the entire family. Plus, we’ll have concessions, games, and kid’s activities, too. Movie nights will be held outside on the AHS lawn. The movie will start at sundown. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join the fun! (In the event of rain, the movie will be shown inside the AHS Auditorium.)

For more info, please visit www.austinhumanesociety.org. Don’t forget to sign up for each session in advance.

Have fun!