Halloween Party on the Plaza at the Domain ~ Austin, TX

In Austin, there tend to be many different ways to celebrate Halloween, but none quite so family-friendly as the Halloween Party on the Plaza at The Domain on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Free to everyone, you are encouraged to dress in your best Halloween costumes (moms & dads too!) and join an afternoon of family fun and thrills when The Domain hosts its annual Halloween party and the first event on the new Plaza.

Bring the whole family for trick or treating, face painting, Halloween crafts and a cake walk to live music by Superband.   There will even be a mini pumpkin patch for a photo!

The Domain recently just added play elements in The Domain II. There are three one-of-a-kind play areas that feature interactive designs and climbers, slides and individualized storyboards appropriate for children of all ages.

The Halloween Party on the Plaza has a Facebook Event Page to follow for updates. And make sure to Follow The Domain on Facebook & Twitter for all their upcoming holiday events.

Texas Book Festival in Austin, TX October 25-26, 2014

October 25-26, 2014

Texas State Capitol Building

Austin, TX

The 19th annual Texas Book Festival is a free event that celebrates authors held over 2 days on the Texas State Capitol grounds.  This year, it has over the largest number of authors in it's history, over   280 authors at book readings, signings, and panel discussions as well as exhibitor booths, live music and themed events.  

Established in 1995 by First Lady Laura Bush, the Texas Book Festival has quickly evolved into one of the "premier literary events in the country."  It honors and features over 200 Texas and nationally-known authors.  The schedule is packed with events - from sessions discussion author's books to story time and puppet shows for little ones.

The schedule is packed full with fun events to attend, including some new ones.  Check out the Lit Crawl with R.L. Stine held on Saturday night at the Texas State Cemetery!!   There are authors from all genres featured - biography, mystery, cooking, politics, etc.  Click here to see the full schedule. 

I was most excited about all the fun for children that is scheduled at the Texas Book Festival:

Children's Read Me a Story Tent (13th & Colorado)

Every half hour, a new story will be read by the author, including some of the following:

• Pumpkin Time by Erzsi Deàk
• Ninja! by Aree Chung
• The Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale
• Under the Freedom Tree by London Ladd
• Blizzard by John Rocco
• The Boy Made of Lightning by Barbara Renaud Gonzalez
• Baby Penguins Love their Mamma by Melissa Guion
• Attack! Boss! Cheat Code! by Chris Barton
• I Love You Too by Ziggy Marley

Also, on Saturday at 3:00, be the first to find out who made the list of Texas Literary Association's Bluebonnet Master List. 20 books are picked each year to promote reading in 3rd thru 6th grade.

Children's Entertainment Tent (West Capitol driveway near Colorado St.)

Every hour features fun entertainment for little ones (and their parents!).  Here is just a few examples of the fun:

• Magician Ken Cummins
• Singing Zoologist Lucas Miller
• Poetry Fun
• I Knew an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
• Biscuit Brothers
• Joe McDermott

Children's Activity Tent (Colorado St. between 12th & 13th)

Fun, hands-on activities for kids with various authors.  Here is just some of the fun:

• Austin Dog Alliance - Meet the Bow Wow Reading Dogs and create your own book to read to your pets at home
• All Over the Alphabet - learn how to make fun alphabet crafts
• Create a Calavera
• Create your own Texas Book Festival Souvenir 

Also, don't miss the Kid's Fashion Show, where they are encouraging kids to dress up as their favorite book character from 11 am - 12 pm on Saturday.

Please check the Texas Book Festival website for a full schedule - you will be amazed at how much there is to do!

This is such an awesome opportunity for kids to meet the authors behind some of their favorite books and learn about new favorite authors too.  We can't wait to go!

About the Texas Book Festival:

• Sessions are FREE and open to the public, with a first come, first serve policy
• When the sessions are full, no one will be allowed in, so come early to ensure a seat
• No food or drinks allowed in the Capitol, but a food tent will be on grounds
• Adult & Young Writers Authors book signings will be in the Book Signing Tent (Congress, between 10th & 11th)
• Children's Book Signing Tent is at 13th & Colorado
• Proceeds from book sales help fund the festival, therefore all books to be signed MUST be purchased at the Barnes & Noble Sales tents. (a receipt must be presented)
• FREE parking will be available at the event at the following locations:
• Granger Parking Garage (12th & Guadalupe)
• Capitol Visitor Garage (12th & Trinity)
• State Lots 8 & 11 (15th & Colorado)
• State Garage A (14th & San Jacinto)
• State Garage F (13th & San Jacinto)
• State Lot 15 (9th & Colorado)

Cirque Dreams Holdiaze at Cedar Park Center December 29-30, 2014 - Giveaway!

It's hard to believe that we are already thinking about holiday shows in Austin, but I have a giveaway for Cirque Dreams Holdiaze coming to Cedar Park Center December 29-30, 2014. 

Cirque Dreams Holdiaze will light up the 2014 holiday season with its newest holiday stage spectacular at Cedar Park Center, December 29 – 30!  It’s a cirque show, Broadway musical, holiday spectacular and family show all in one.

Broadway director Neil Goldberg re-imagines the holiday season with over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 performers from 12 countries showcasing an endless variety of imaginative, heart-pounding and gravity- defying feats you have to see to believe. Experience gingerbread men flipping midair, toy soldiers marching on thin wires along with snowmen, icemen and penguins, balancing, jumping and spinning in disbelief.  The show celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with singers, choreography and exciting production numbers. 

Here's a preview of what you can expect:


Tickets are available at the Cedar Park Center Box Office (512-600-5001), www.ticketmaster.com , by calling 800-745-3000, or click here (http://bit.ly/CirqueDreamsRWTYM )

Cedar Park Center is offering my readers the chance to win one Family Four Pack of tickets to the  opening night of Cirque Dreams Holdiaze at the Cedar Park Center December 29, 2014!   Easy giveaway using the rafflecopter below.  Contest begins Monday, October 13, 2014 and concludes at 11:59 pm Friday, October 17, 2014.  Winner will be drawn randomly on Saturday, October 18, 2014 and notified by email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Making of Gone with the Wind Exhibit at Harry Ransom Center Austin, Texas

Are you a Gone with the Wind fan?  We are HUGE fans!  So I was thrilled to see the Making of Gone with the Wind exhibit was going to be at the Harry Ransom Center on the UT Campus for the next few months.

I took my mom as a surprise for her birthday last week.  This free exhibit is easy to get to, packed with history and so worth the visit......even if you have only seen the movie one time.  The back story of how the movie came to exist was absolutely amazing.

The exhibit is laid out on a time line, showing all the behind-the scenes work to get the movie produced - from getting approval from the book's author, Margaret Mitchell, to finding the perfect actress to play Scarlett (which took YEARS!).  There are over 300 articles that tell the story, including 2 dresses that have not been on display in over 25 years.

I'm sure you recognize this famous dress!

These gorgeous dresses are so much better in person - to see the amount of work that went into their intricate detail - it's amazing.

I don't want to give away all the fascinating things you will see at the Making of Gone with the Wind, but you will see scripts, actual audition tapes of the potential "Scarletts", fan mail, costumes, and producer David O. Selznick's memos.

It's a great exhibit that takes less than an hour to see.  While you are there, make sure to see the Gutenberg Bible and the world's first photograph.

There are several fun events that correspond with this exhibit in Austin, including this:

The Paramount Theatre commemorates the 75th anniversary of the December 15, 1939, premiere of Gone With The Wind. Tickets required and may be purchased online, by phone at 512-474-1221, or at the Paramount's box office.

Exhibition Galleries
Extended Hours for Gone With The Wind (starting Sept. 9):
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
10 a.m.–7 p.m. Thursday
Noon–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Tours
Noon Daily
6 p.m. Thursday
2 p.m. Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday

Gone With The Wind screentests will be shown in the Ransom Center's first-floor theater at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekends, immediately following the public tour.

Closure Dates
The Ransom Center Galleries are closed the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.

Location
21st and Guadalupe Streets - park in any of the nearby parking lots ($3-5)

Walking with Dinosaurs Cedar Park Center Ticket Discount November 14-16, 2014

The Dinosaurs are coming to Cedar Park - Walking with Dinosaurs that is, and we have a GREAT deal for you to get tickets this month!

Cedar Park Center is pleased to announce the The Walking with Dinosaurs Tour is coming to Cedar Park November 14-16, 2014.  The Cedar Park Center has offered my readers an Exclusive Discount and Walking With Dinosaurs Activity Book for the First 100 Purchasers:

This is your chance to  save $10 on select tickets to Walking With Dinosaurs The Arena Spectacular! Follow this link  http://bit.ly/WWD_RWTYM and enter promo code TREX in the "Offer Code" box to purchase your tickets. For the first 100 purchasers you will receive a Walking With Dinosaurs Activity Book for your family that you can pick up at guest services the day of the show!

Dinosaurs once again roam the earth when the spectacular production, Walking with Dinosaurs The Arena Spectacular, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series, returns to North America this summer. The show that critics have called ‘awesome’, ‘spectacular’ and ‘breathtaking’ will bring the new tour to Cedar Park Center November 14-16 for six performances only.  This updated production will showcase changes to the dinosaurs based on the latest scientific research including the likely feathering of some species. Worldwide, more than eight million people have seen this show in 243 cities and over 2,000 performances.


Don't miss your opportunity to get the $10 off discount and your activity book! 
*All tickets subject to additional fees. This offer is valid Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. – Friday, October 31, 2014 at 11:59 p.m.

Top 11 Halloween Events in Austin 2014

It's that time of year to get spooky - Lots of Fun Halloween Events in Austin!

We narrowed it down to 11 must-do Halloween events for all ages in the Austin area:

Boo at the Zoo!

Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary

October 10th & 11th and 17th & 18th and 24th & 25th, 2014 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Enjoy after hours at the zoo! Come dressed in costume and make sure to bring a flashlight to see the animals at night.  Take a ride on the Haunted Train, all decked out for Halloween. Tickets are $12.50 and include a train ride and unlimited Haunted House visits.  Purchase tickets in advance through the website. So fun to see the zoo at night!

Haunted Trails

Pioneer Farms

October 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th and 24th & 25th, 2014 7 PM - 10 PM

Walk the 3/4 mile trail all decked out for the holiday with spooky scarecrows, lanterns, historic haunted houses, story-tellers, and more! This year's theme will be "Disappearance," featuring a haunted trail where guests will help search for missing loved ones who vanished without a trace from the Sprinkle Corner village, at the hands of legendary Creatures of the Night.  Fortune tellers & hayrides are available for an additional fee. Admission is $12.

Salado's Halloween Fright Trail

Salado's Tablerock Trail

October 18 & 25, & November 1, 2014 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Talk a walk along this spooky trail and see scenes from chosen classical tales of terror and Grimm's Fairy Tales will be reenacted for both the young and the young at heart. $3 per child, $5 per adult

Spooktacular

Bullock Museum

October 24, 2013 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Discover the spooky side of Texas at this family-friendly Halloween extravaganza, featuring performances, games, interactive activities, art, and more for kids ages five and up.  Museum admission is free.

Spooky Skedaddle 5K & Halloween Festival
Texas School for the Deaf
Saturday, October 25, 2014 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
This is Austin's only Halloween-themed evening 5K and family fun festival. Come in costume! Runners and walkers of all ages welcome. Registration for the 5K is $30 and includes all festival events and free trick or treating.(1102 S. Congress Ave)

Dia de los Muertos Festival

Pan American Recreation Center
October 25, 2014 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Come learn more about a Celebration of Life at the Day of the Dead Festival  $20 per person

Halloween at the Y

Old Settler's Park, Round Rock

October 25, 2014 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Come to one of the largest Halloween events in Central Texas, this festival includes carnival games, inflatables, rides, climbing walls, FREE Halloween candy, music, prizes, concessions, and more.  There will also be a fun costume contest!  Admission is $6 per person

Halloween Children's Concert

Austin Symphony

October 26, 2014 2:00 PM

A family fun "spook-tacular" show featuring chilling songs for everyone.  Come dressed in your best costume!  What a fun way to get you in the spirit! At the Long Center for Performing Arts, tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.

Halloween Hootenanny

Thinkery

October 31, 2014 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

One of Austin's best family Halloween events, Thinkery's event will feature spooky science activities, a not so scary Storytime and a pumpkin patch that the little ones will love. Come dressed in your Halloween best for their costume parade! Member Child $15, Member Parent $12; Child $17, Parent $15; Children under 2 are free.

Trick or Treat Trail 

Pflugerville Hawaiian Falls

October 31, 2014 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This is a special event and part of the Hawaiian Falls Pfall Pfestival. Admission is free; activities are $1-8.

Fall Fun Fest

Old Settler's Park in Round Rock

October 31, 2014 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

This year's theme is Pirates! and is THE place to be if you have a pre-schooler! Featuring pre-school & toddler carnival games, hayrides, and fun entertainment. Bring canned goods to donate, as all donations benefit the Round Rock Serving Center. Free Admission

For a really BIG list of October fun, head on over to Free fun in Austin's list of 2014 Halloween Events.

Don't forget that we have already lined up the Best Pumpkin Patches in Austin for you.  And check out the Top 5 Corn Mazes in Texas as well!

Lastly, make up your own spooky visit to an actual ghost town in Manor, TX - read about our experience here. 

Have a Spook-tacular Halloween!!

Barton Hill Farms in Bastrop, Texas {Coupon}

Barton Hill Farms in Bastrop, TX opened this past weekend and it's the perfect place to have the quintessential harvest experience!  With outdoor games, pumpkin patches, play areas, big swings and the best corn maze around, Barton Hill Farms is a fun place to spend an afternoon with the family.  I want to tell you all about why you need to plan a Saturday or Sunday to go AND make sure you take advantage of the Coupon link at the bottom of this article.

Let's face it, here in Central Texas, we don't get a traditional fall.  In fact, we are down right HOT most of September & October.  So it is really great that we can still experience some fall fun with Barton Hill Farms so close to us.

We have visited Barton Hill Farms the past 2 years and plan on doing so again this year.  Here is some of the fun you can experience:

History 
Barton Hill Farms is dedicated to bring outdoor fun and educational events to families in Central Texas.  The history of the farm itself is fascinating, dating back to the 1830s, when it was first settled by Josiah Wilbarger, a survivor of an Indian ambush that left him scalped (read the whole story here).  I loved reading about the history of the land and area on the historical signs that are peppered throughout the farm.

Photo Credit: Barton Hill Farms

Go Horns Corn Maze
In honor of Coach Strong's first year coaching the University of Texas Longhorns, Barton Hill Farms created this AMAZING corn maze (see above - isn't it AWESOME?).  The maze is my family's favorite thing to do here, as it is a challenge. There are themed sets of clues (we chose Halloween History) to help you through the maze.  I had never worked my way through a corn maze before when we tried it 2 years ago and was overwhelmed with how tall all the stalks were.  It was extremely well done, with just the perfect amount of difficulty to make it challenging.  We never got lost and we never wanted to give up.  It really was a great family time. And every Saturday night, they host a Flashlight maze!

Outdoor Fun 
The best part about Barton Hill Farms, other than the corn maze, is the relaxing atmosphere.  There are so many fun things to do at the Farm as a family that you can take your time with and really enjoy yourselves.  throw washers, play in the massive pirate ship/sand box, run around like frontier men in the Fort, hula hoop, and take tons and tons of pictures.  Picnic tables are scattered around with great big shade awnings to sit under.  There are a few drink & food tents as well. This year, they also have a jumping pillow, kayaking on the Colorado River, calf roping, John Deer Trike Track, and farm animals.

Photo Credit: Barton Hill Farms

Pumpkin Patch
Barton Hill Farms also has a great pumpkin patch to select the perfect one to carve or decorate for Halloween.

Live Music
We loved the fact that we could sit as parents and enjoy live music with a cold drink and warm kettle korn.  The farm has live music all day, which makes for a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  After getting their fill of popcorn, the kids ran off to swing some more and allowed us parents to relax and enjoy the farm.  It was wonderful.

Barton Hill Farms will be open on weekends through November 9.

Texas Travel Facts for Barton Hill Farms:

Location: 1115 Farm to Market 969 Bastrop, TX 

Hours: Saturday: 10 am - 10 pm  Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm (Open until November 9)

Admission: 11 and up: $11

                    3 - 10: $8

                    2 and under: free
                    Buy tickets online in advance and save $1!!

Recommended Time: 2+ hours

Good to know: All ages welcome, lots of walking, bring a picnic lunch (tables are available), no pets, bring your camera - lots of fun pictures to be taken!

Website: http://bartonhillfarms.com/

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Barton Hill Farms.  All opinions of the farm, including how amazing I think the corn maze is, are all mine.  

Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville Pfall Pfestival ~ Weekends October 4-November 2, 2014

Even thought Austin doesn't get a true fall with cooler temperatures and leaf-changing like our friends in the North may experience, we do know how to celebrate the fall season with fun festivals.  And I was excited to see another new festival come up this year at Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville - Pfall Pfestival every weekend from Oct. 4 through Nov. 2, 2014.

Hawaiian Falls’ outdoor Pfall Pfestival starts this upcoming Saturday, October 4 and features arts and crafts, bounce houses, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating stations, daily Monster Mash Dance Party, live entertainment and the Spooky Family Adventure Maze of Fun.

Entrance to the festival grounds and family arcade is FREE. Attractions will be priced individually, ranging from $1 to $8 each. Hours will be 3-9 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.

Hawaiian Falls Adventure Park, which opened last summer, will also be open and features a three-level Family Adventure Trail with 18 rope bridges; a 70-foot high, 1,000-foot long Zip Line Canopy Tour; three-level Challenge Course with 45 different activities; six-story Free Fall; 45-foot Climbing Wall; and 45-foot Cargo Net Climb.

Adventure Park attractions will be available for  $29.99 Big Kahuna Day Passes (guests 48 inches and taller) and $22.99 for children 42 - 47 inches tall, senior citizens and active duty military personnel. Children under 42 inches can participate on the Family Adventure Trail for $5 per child. All Big Kahuna Day Pass admissions receive 10 festival tickets.

Other fun events happening at Pfall Pfestival:

• Oktoberfest October 15 – October 19 - with a Stein & Dine event Oct. 17 at the Aloha Event Center. Tickets are $19.99 per person in advance or $25 at the door. Admission to the event includes a full German meal of ale-brewed bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, braised cabbage, mini-pretzels, specialty mustards and a German Chocolate brownie bar; 2 beer/soda tickets; a souvenir Oktoberfest stein; and live entertainment in the Beer Garden.
• LeadChurch will host a Trick-or-Treat Trail on Friday, October 31 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

For more great Fall Events & Pumpkin Patches in the Austin Area, click here

Best Pumpkin Patches in Austin, TX for 2014

One of our favorite things to do in the fall around here is to find the Austin Pumpkin Patches.  Here is your list of all the Pumpkin Patches we could find in the Central Texas area.

Austin Area:

Austin Oaks (Austin): Open October 13th - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch & Photo Opps
• 4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd., Austin, TX
• Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:30-11:00 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m.

ACTS Church (Lakeway): Open October 4th - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch
• 1304 RR 620, Austin, TX
• Monday - Friday (noon-6:30) Weekends (10 am - 6:30 pm)

Bethany Lutheran Church (Austin): Open October 12th - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch
• Storytelling & Children's activities
• 3701 W. Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX
• Mon-Sun (10 am - 7 pm)

Hawaiian Falls (Pflugerville): Open October 3rd - November 2nd

• FREE Fall Festival each weekend
• Friday (3 pm - 9 pm), Saturday (10 am - 7 pm), Sunday (10 am - 5 pm)
• 18500 N SH 130 SVRD SB, Pflugerville, TX

First United Methodist Church of Georgetown (Georgetown): Open October 6th -  31st

• Pumpkin Patch
• Hours (9-dusk)
• 410 East University Ave, Georgetown, TX

King of Kings Lutheran Church (Round Rock): Open October 13th - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch
• Hours Vary (check the website)
• Fall Festival on Nov 2. (1-3 pm)

Kyle United Methodist Church (Kyle): Open October 12th - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch 
• Monday - Friday, from 2:30 - dusk, Saturday, from 9 a.m. - dusk, and Sunday, from noon - dusk p.m. 
• 408 West Lockhart, Kyle, TX
• Fall Festival on October 18 (11:30 am - 1: 30 pm)

Manchaca United Methodist Church (Manchaca): Open October 4th - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch
• Mon-Fri from 2:30 - 8:00 pm, Saturday 10 - 8 pm, Sunday 1 pm - 8 pm
• MUMC Fall Festival (October 25, 2014) from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.   
• hay ride, children's games, a moon jump, food, a cakewalk, crafts, prizes, clowns, music and more (FREE).
• 1011 FM 1626 at Manchaca Rd, Manchaca, TX

Red Barn Garden Center (Austin): Pumpkins available all Fall

• Pumpkin Patch
• Sat. October 18th : Inflatables & Barnyard Animals from 10 am - 4 pm
• 12881 Pond Springs Rd, Austin, TX

St. John's United Methodist Church (Austin): Open October 14th - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch
• Hours Vary (Check website)
• 2140 Allendale Rd, Austin, TX

St. Mark United Methodist Church (Austin): Open October 18th - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch (daily til 7 pm)
• 601 W Braker, Austin

St. Richards Episcopal Church (Round Rock): Open September 27th - October 31st

• Pumpkin Patch
• Benefiting NetsforLife, The Round Rock Serving Center, and St. Richards Episcopal Church
• Sun-Fri (noon-dark); Sat (9am-dark)
• 1420 E. Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX

Tarrytown United Methodist Church (Austin): Open September 29th - pumpkin sell out

• Pumpkin Patch
• Monday to Friday (2-7 pm), Saturday (9 am - 7 pm), Sunday (12-7 pm)
• 2601 Exposition Rd, Austin, TX

YMCA Camp Twin Lakes (Cedar Park): Open October 1st - 31st

• Pumpkin Patch
• Weekdays: (9:30-12 & 4-7:15); Sat (9-4); Sun (12-4)
• Fall Festival (Oct 19): Inflatables, Hay Rides, Petting Zoo, Vendor Fair and more
• 204 E Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, TX

Outside Austin:

Barton Hills Farms (Bastrop):  Open Weekends September 27th - November 9th

• Pumpkin Patch
• 5 acre Corn Maze
• Live Bands
• Frontier Games
• Saturdays 10 am - 10 pm; Sundays 10 am - 5 pm 
• Adults $11; Children $8 (Save $1 by purchasing online)
• Read about our experience here

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm (Elgin): Open Weekdays 

• Hay Rides
• Hay Jumping
• Mazes
• Kiddie Train Ride (weekends only)
• Pumpkin Painting
• Animals to Visit
• October Fall Fun: Weekdays & 1st & 4th Weekends - Admission $6
• Pumpkin Festival: 2nd & 3rd Weekends - Admission Adults $8; Children $6

Evergreen Farms (Elgin): Open All Weekends in October

• Pumpkin Hunt
• Wagon Rides
• Petting Zoo
• Pumpkin Launcher
• Train Ride
• Pumpkin Maze
• Rides on an authentic pumper fire truck
• Saturdays (10 am - 5 pm) & Sundays (1 pm - 5 pm)
• Admission is free; Select activities have a fee ($2.50 - $5)

Silo Christmas Tree Farm (Temple): Open Weekends in October

• Kiddie Train Ride
• Maze
• Hay Ride
• Pumpkin Painting
• Feed the Farm Animals
• Pony Rides
• Stuff the Scarecrow
• Weekends 10 am - 5 pm
• Admission is canned food or monetary donation; Purchase tickets for activities ($2-$15)

Sweetberry Farms (Marble Falls): Open September 27th - November 2nd

• Texas Hayfield Maze
• Stuff Your Own Scarecrow
• Scarecrow Island Hayrides
• Sweetberry Express Barrel Train
• Horse Rides
• Berry Bounce
• Pick your own Pumpkins
• Free Admission; Activities are individually priced ($2.50 - $16.50)
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday (8:30 am - 5:30 pm) Sunday (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
• Closed on Wednesdays
• Read about our experience here

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Bass Concert Hall ~ Austin, TX ~ October 7-12, 2014

I grew up watching Disney Princess movies.  Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, & The Little Mermaid were my favorites.  Until we were introduced to Belle in Beauty in the Beast.  Belle made being smart look cool - she wasn't just your typical princess who just looked pretty.  She loved to read and had an opinion.  I loved Belle and I loved that my daughter loved her as well.

And when I heard that Disney was producing a Broadway musical based on the movie, I couldn't wait to see it. Lucky for us here in Austin, Beauty and the Beast is coming to Bass Concert Hall on October 7-12, 2014.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast features the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs composed by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice.

The original creators of the Broadway production are together again for this new touring production.  The play is Directed by Rob Roth and Choreographed by Matt West, with Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award® winner for her work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Lighting Design by Natasha Katz (three-time Tony Award® winner), Scenic Design by Stanley A. Meyer, Sound Design by John Petrafesa Jr. and Music Supervision by Michael Kosarin.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress.  If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self.  But time is running out.  If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has become an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 22 countries and has been translated into 9 different languages.  This production launched in February 2010 has been seen by over 2 million people while playing over 1,000 performances in all 50 United States and 6 Canadian Provinces.

For more information and tickets, please visit austin.broadway.com

The King and I ~ ZACH Theatre ~ September 17-October 18, 2014 {A GIVEAWAY}

{Disclosure: I received tickets to see The King & I this week.  I was not paid to write a review of the article, so when I tell you how incredibly great it was, you can believe it to be true as all below opinions are my own (and my daughter's). }

I'm not a Broadway critic and I was never trained in theatre arts.  However, I do love to see a musical production - from the local high schools in the Austin area, to the big stages downtown, I know what I like. I like to be entertained - if you can make the world disappear and pull me into a glorious story, then I am throughly entertained.  And y'all, ZACH Theatre's production of The King and I did just that.

Rodger's & Hammerstein's classic started it's run this past week at ZACH Theatre.  My daughter & I had a date to go and see it Saturday night and we both walked out of there with huge smiles on our faces.  The story is a classic, you may have seen it in a past production or in movie form, but this show has not been on the Austin stage for over 25 years.  Based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon, the story is about Anna Leonowens, the governess of the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860's.

I was thrilled to see Jill Blackwood as Anna, she is a long-time favorite of mine at ZACH - she was in Les Miserables last year and she commanded the stage as Anna.  She and Mel Maghuyop (the King of Siam) had terrific timing and played off each other well.  I was also very excited to see the cast was filled with dynamic Asian performers, as ZACH's Producing Artistic Director mentions, "The growing Asian community has been underrepresented on local stages and this ambitious undertaking is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the artistry of Austinites whom most will have never seen perform."

The cast is filled with children who were precious. I really love that ZACH went after such a production, allowing the youth of Austin to have opportunities like this. It's great for children to see other children pursuing their dreams.

Beyond the incredible acting, everything was done so very well.  The stage design was stunning - with the golds & reds richly representing the orient.  The costumes were breathtaking and so very detailed, full of rich bright colors and sparkling headdresses and crowns. And the choreography was outstanding. I was mesmerized by all the folk dances - especially the interpretation of "Uncle Tom's Cabin".  Again, everything was just so well done.

Is this a good show to take children? Yes.  I took my 13 year old daughter, who loves the theatre, but I wished I had thought to bring my 12 and 5 year old sons.  You don't need to have a deep appreciation of the theatre to enjoy The King and I.  It's simply entertaining.  From the dancing, to the amazing voices singing love songs, to the laughs from The King, everyone in the family will enjoy this show.

The Topfer Theatre is such a great place to see a show in Austin -  it's so intimate that there is not a bad seat in the house.  Tickets prices start at $25 and are available online at www.zachtheatre.org

GIVEAWAY

The kind folks at ZACH are giving my fans a chance to win two pairs of tickets to see The King and I at one of 4 Saturday matinees:
Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 2:30 pm

That's 2 different winners!  Take a moment and fill out the entry below.  Contest starts on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 12:00 am and continues through Friday, September 26, 2014 at 8:00 am.  Two random winners will be drawn at that time and emailed.  Winners will have 24 hours to respond to the email or I will pick another winner.  Good luck!


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8 Family Museums to see on Austin Museum Day - {FREE ADMISSION} ~ September 21, 2014

The Austin Museum Partnership is proud to host the 17th annual Austin Museum Day on Sunday, September 21, 2014. Area museums open their doors to the public for FREE in an effort of re-discovery of all the amazing institutions we have here in Austin.

I love this initiative and wish it was a week-long, not just a day!!  Having only one day and so many museums to choose from, I wanted to provide you with a few ideas of what museums your family might enjoy best.

Here are 8 Family Museums to Visit for Free for Austin Museum Day:

Thinkery
Austin's Childrens Museum, Thinkery has been open for less than a year and has quickly become one of the best children's museums in Texas.  With tons of hands-on activities, like making your own airplane and flying it or creating music out of water, there is never a dull visit to this museum.  On Austin Museum Day, Thinkery will have all of its regular displays available as well as special activities all day in Innovators’ Workshop, Spark Shop, & Kitchen Lab. Here is our experience there.

Sunday Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: 1830 Simond Ave. 

Bullock Texas State History Museum
One of our families' favorite Austin museums, the Bullock Texas State History Museum is a vast collection of rotating Texas artifacts.  Every time we visit, we see something new on display.  The museum also houses an IMAX theatre and an interactive theatre.  This Sunday, the museum will discover the wide variety of symbols that represent the state with hands-on activities perfect for ages 5 and up, art making, performances, and more!

Sunday Hours: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: 1800 N Congress Ave.

Elisabet Nay Museum
The historic Elisabet Ney Museum is the former studio and portrait collection created by 19th century sculptor Elisabet Ney.  This Sunday, they will host Portraiture in the Park. Have a free caricature, make a cyanotype portrait, create masks of your friends and family, have a portrait bust made of you in the photo booth, write word portraits, watch stone portrait carving, and much more.  Feel free to picnic. Food and dessert trucks will be on site.

Sunday Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: 304 E. 44th Street

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Take a walk in the beautiful gardens the Wildflower Center has blooming. The new Luci and Ian Family Garden is now open for little ones as well. Discover nature art, hear a story, and go on a scavenger hunt. Enjoy a BIG Tic-Tac-Toe game along with bubbles and Hula Hoops in the play lawn.  Here is our experience there.

Sunday Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: 4801 La Crosse Avenue

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
Take a step back in time at the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms in Northeast Austin.  Five individual settlements with working docents provide families with hands-on experiences that really show what life was like in the past.   The living-history park and museum has new exhibits and displays, historical reenactments and family fun. On Sunday, there will be Artisans, food, much more.

Sunday Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr

Texas Department of Public Safety Historical Museum
This fun museum is a treasure trove of historical DPS vehicles and artifacts, one my son really enjoyed. It's not as well known as most of the museums in town, so I wanted to highlight it for Austin Museum Day.  Learn about the Four Alerts and how DPS locates, rescues, and identifies missing persons. Interact with Forensic Artists, crime lab scientists, law enforcement officers, communications officers and emergency managers. See current and retired DPS vehicles, police dogs and the new mounted patrol. They will also conduct an informational scavenger hunt.

Sunday Hours: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location: 5805 N Lamar

Texas Military Forces Museum

One of my son's favorite museums in town, the Texas Military Forces Museum is full of military history & vehicles.  He loves the collection of tanks. On this Sunday, they will have specialists on hand who will demonstrate leather working, Vietnam era weapons, Civil War uniforms and equipment and a plastic model activity. Here is our experience there. 

Sunday Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: 2200 W. 35th Street

LBJ Presidential Library

At the LBJ Presidential Library you can experience the 1960s with Sixty from the’60s, featuring 60 icons of that era. See original lyrics written by Bob Dylan, a Telstar satellite, a dress worn by Jacqueline Kennedy, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s communications headset, a boxing glove worn and signed by Muhammad Ali, and an original Peanuts comic strip – just to name a few items. Special activities and refreshments from 2-4 p.m., including free gelato for each visitor!

Sunday Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: 2313 Red River

There are so much more than just these 8 - I wish it lasted for a full week.  Check out many of the historical walking tours, such as the Capitol, the grounds of University of Texas, and the Oakwood Cemetery.  For a full listing of all the Museums participating in Austin Museum Day, click here. 

And here's something cool for those on Instagram: Participate in the Austin Museum Day Instagram contest for a chance to win great prizes. The contest is open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 21.
To play:
1. Follow @TxHistComm and @austinmuseums on Instagram (link below)
2. Take a photograph at one of the participating Austin Museum Day institutions
3. Post it to your Instagram (make sure your profile is public!)
4. Tag the participating institution and #museumday2014
Multiple submissions are allowed. Contest closes at 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 21; submissions posted after 9 p.m. will not be included.

A total of 3 winners – 1st through 3rd places—will be selected by a panel of judges that include staff from Texas Historical Commission and Austin Museum Partnership. Prizes to be announced.

2014 Round Rock Chalk Walk & Arts Festival ~ October 3 & 4, 2014

One of our favorite fall events in the Central Texas area is the Round Rock Chalk Walk and Arts Festival.  It's a fun weekend of amazing art that is created right in front of your eyes.  This year's festival will be held in a new location in downtown Round Rock – Centennial Park – on October 3 and 4.

Imagine getting to show your children how calk art can be created - it's as if you were strolling down a plaza in Italy. The family-friendly event is FREE and open to the public, and will feature art activities for all ages, including musical performances on multiple stages, food vendors, area businesses, and artists. But the best part of the whole event is to see professional fine artists create their works on the streets of downtown Round Rock. And you can even have the chance to make your own chalk art -  buy a square of asphalt for the weekend as an individual, family or just for your kids.  It's fun to see the creativity that comes from it.


On Friday night, the festival will present an evening of “Blues, Brews and BBQ,” with barbeque and live music from Texas great John Blondell (who has performed with the likes of Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Willie Nelson and countless others) on the main stage. We like to go on friday night to see the artists starting their artwork along the streets of the festival grounds. It's really cool to see it come to life and talk with the artists.

On Saturday, The Atlantics and The Biscuit Brothers will be the featured artists on the main stage. The day’s festivities will include chalk artists, local musicians on three stages, visual artists, crafters, food trucks, jugglers, pony rides, a petting zoo, a train, street performers, and special activity areas for children and families. There will also be a performance by Round Rock Ballet Folklorico and activities inside of the Allen R. Baca Center for Senior and Community Activities.

We are excited to see a special event added this year - the first annual donut-eating contest, pitting the Round Rock Police Department against the Round Rock Fire Department, with donuts provided by Round Rock Donuts.

You can buy a piece of the art at the Saturday Art Auction, to which selected artists, school art programs, teachers, individuals and businesses will submit a work of chalk art (created during the festival on ampersand boards) to be auctioned off for art program funding. Each item will judged and has a chance to win a cash award.  Festival attendees are invited to start placing their bids at 6:00 PM on Saturday.

Bring the whole family for a fun day of art in Downtown Round Rock!

5th Annual Chalk Walk & Arts Festival in downtown Round Rock

Friday, October 3, 2014 - 5:00 – 9:00 PM 

Saturday, October 4, 2014 - 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock

25 Fun Things to do in Austin this Fall ~ 2014

I love when fall comes to Central Texas there are so many fun things there are to do here in Austin!!

Here are 25 Things to Do in Central Texas this Fall (2014)

UT Football Game - September 6 - November 27 - UT football is great fun for the whole family - even if you just go down to tailgate and don't even go into the game, it's great fun. Here's 10 Tips to going to a game with kids.


The King & I at ZACH Theatre - September 17 - October 19 - I love the musicals ZACH Theatre brings to Austin, and the King & I will be a great show!  Click here for tickets.

Austin Museum Day - September 21 - The Austin Museum Partnership hosts a day of free admission to over 40 participating institutions.  Check out the details here.

Barton Hills Farm - Saturdays & Sundays September 27 - November 9 We love Barton Hill Farms - this amazing farm has a HUGE corn maze (Horns Themed this year), lawn games, food, and live music.

A Day Out with Thomas - September 27 & 28 -  Everyone's favorite train is coming to Burnet for the weekend.  Head on out to catch a ride....your little one will love it! Here's our experience.

Old Pecan Street Festival - September 27 & 28 - Head on out to the largest arts & crafts festival in Central Texas.  Free admission, festival includes vendors, music, food, & fun.

Spend an evening out in Walburg - Weekends - Have some schnitzel with your Spaten by celebrating Oktoberfest at Walburg's gorgeous Biergarten.  They have some pretty great music too.

Round Rock Chalk Walk - October 3 & 4 - The streets of downtown Round Rock are turned into an Italian street painting festival where everyone is encouraged to create a chalk drawing for free.  Other activities, live music and food are offered at this annual event as well.

Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg - October 3 & 4- Chicken Dance down Main Street at Oktoberfest - Tons of family activities and lots of great food.

Austin City Limits - October 3-5, 10-12 - ACL is 2 weekends full of music and there's plenty to do with the whole family.  I have friends that take their kids each year!

Beauty & the Beast - October 7-12 - Bass Performance Hall presents this Broadway musical - fun for all ages - you can probably sing along!

LIBERTY! EQUALITY! AND FIREWORKS! - October 11 - October 19 - The Pollyanna Theatre Company presents this theatrical exploration of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. Best for students grades 3 – 6 and their families.

Social City Dash - October 18 - We can't wait to try this new race around town using social media clues - great for families too!

Sweetberry Farm - Daily except Wednesdays - One of our favorite Central Texas Farms, Sweetberry features pumpkins, corn mazes, farm animals, rides, flower-picking, and more.

Boo at the Zoo - October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, & 25 - The Austin Zoo's annual fundraiser features a unique way to see the animals - at night.  They also have a haunted train ride that is way fun!

Austin Celtic Festival - October 18 & 19- Join this 19th annual festival for food, dance, sports, music and more!

Shaping Sound at Long Center - October 18 - This is some hard core dancing coming to Austin - check out the video here to see this amazing group.  Any dancers in your family would love this.

rePlay Symphony of Heroes at Long Center - October 18 - Your heroes come to life with this amazing symphony concert.  See the heroes battle on the screen as you hear the music come to life.

UT Star Parties - Wednesdays  - Every Wednesday night while UT is in session the astronomy department sponsors free public star parties on the top roof of Robert Lee Moore Hall. Fridays & Saturdays Every Friday and Saturday while UT is in session the Department of Astronomy hosts free viewing on the Painter Hall Telescope.

Texas Book Festival - October 25 & 26 A FREE family fun event featuring literary sessions, book signings, music, crafts, and more on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. And don't miss the Teen Texas Book Festival held the weekend before - October 18.

Dia de los Muertos - October 25- The Austin Day of the Dead Festival benefits Easter Seals of Central Texas.

Manor Ghost Town - Daily - Right on the edge of Manor sits a complete "Ghost Town" for you to explore. Check out their calendar of events for movies, concerts, dinner, and more.

New Braunfels' WurstFest - November 7 - 16 - Enjoy the best sausage in Texas at this year's WurstFest in New Braunfels, TX Fun for all ages!

WWII Living History Reenactments - October 11 & 12, November 8 & 9 - The Pacific War Museum in Fredricksburg hosts actual Pacific War combat reenactments.  They are fantastic and a great way to spend Veteran's Day.

Walking with Dinosaurs - November 14-16 - If you have a dinosaur fan in the house (and even if you don't), you are not going to want to miss this cool experience at the Cedar Park Center!

Thundercloud Sub's Turkey Trot - November 27 - Benefitting the Caritas of Austin, what better way to burn off that turkey and spend time with family than a fun run?? Click here to register.

Enjoy Austin in the Fall! - Daily - Now that the weather has cooled down a bit, take advantage of all the great outdoor fun we have - Here's a few ideas to get you started:

• Climb to the top of Mt. Bonnell
• Enjoy a day at Zilker Park- Austin Nature & Science Center, ride the Zilker Zephyer, canoe around Town Lake
• Take a leisurely walk around the grounds of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Learn how to Geocache
• Do a Hill Country day trip out to Inks Lake State Park or Enchanted Rock
• Go back in time with an afternoon spent at Pioneer Farms
• Or go wayyyy back to the Prehistoric times at Dinosaur Park 

Happy Fall Y'all!