Austin Family Magazine is compiling a list of 365 things to do in and around Austin, TX. Here is our list, one item for each day of the year:

#69 Second Saturdays are for Families

Drop in and create with the whole family. Make a work of art to take home and discover interactive performances and activities.



12 noon to 4 p.m.

Austin Museum of Art-Downtown

823 Congress Avenue

495-9224

#65 From a rockband to fairies- Zilker's Hillside Theatre is keeping it weird!

A friend of a friend says her kids absolutely loved this production of a Midsummer Night's Dream-  a 1960s-style musical version on the lawn of the Hillside Theatre of Zilker Park with fairies, comics,  and even a rock band all with the beauty of Shakespeare's poetry- picnics, blankets and even dogs (on a leash) are welcome at this family-friendly outdoor theatre!

The free show, features a four piece rock band live on stage,and follows a magical story of young lovers who flee the conservative world to the forest, where they are enchanted by the Fairies. Simultaneously, a group of comic workmen, including a mailman, a plumber and a waitress on roller skates, are also beset by the Fairies in the forest. Audience members are encouraged to dress in 60s-era clothes to join in the spirit of the show.

When: Thursdays - Sundays, April 29 - May 30, 8PM (except Mother's Day May 9th, which will be 2PM)

Where: Zilker Hillside Theater

Price: FREE!

For information regarding cancellations from inclement weather and other acts of God please call 477-5335.

To inquire about possible rental of the theater please call 974-4009 or e-mail the Special Events and Facility Manager at bill.wise@ci.austin.tx.us.

https://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/hillside.htm

#64 Your Mission: (should your family accept it) Nature Challenge 2010

Think Amazing Race meets Mission Impossible meets Austin, Texas- and you’ll discover Nature Challenge Austin 2010- a free, nature hunt/mission for families to complete before July 10, 2010. This three-month long game and competition kicked off on April 1, but only a handful of “diehards” have yet to catch on. Missions include 18 nature-focused activities to explore close to home- some are as simple as a stop by local REI stores while others will require a roadtrip!

A “mission” is defined as a written set of activities to accomplish and specific information to gather at particular sites- its age appropriate, includes entry fees, approximate hours to complete, GPS coordinates and more. Simply obtain completion verification with site officials. Prizes and recognition ceremony happens July 10.

Be sure to officially register and obtain completion stamps to win prizes.

Official Website: http://texasnaturechallenge.com

Great Explanation: http://shopping.statesman.com/SS/Page.aspx?sstarg=&facing=false&secid=80035&pagenum=1&artid=1280601#1280601

Missions Austin and surrounding Central Texas Region
Blanco State Park
Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory
Lockhart State Park
Splash!
Texas Memorial Museum
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Aquarena Center
Austin Nature and Science Center
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve
Bastrop State Park
LBJ State Park
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
REI Downtown
REI Gateway
REI Round Rock
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Westcave Preserve

#63 Music, Food and Shady Oaks at Freddie's tonight in South Austin!

Take a load off under the large shady oaks of Freddies on South 1st- while Mr. Johnny entertains the kiddos on the outdoor stage with classic sing-a-longs, open mic, and plenty of games and fun from 6-8 p.m. tonight!

This is one of my family’s favorite places to eat, have a drink, play old-fashioned washers, catch some live music, and let the kids play ‘til the sun goes down. Freddie’s place is a classic, laid-back, south Austin-vibe, family-friendly Austin eatery with the creekside ambiance -plus tasty burgers and margaritas.

Every Monday through May 10th, Mr. Johnny will perform along with balloons to twist, bubbles and Freddie’s playground to keep ‘em busy.

Every Tuesday in the spring and fall, is Freddie’s Backyard Big Screen- tomorrow night, April 27, at 6:30p.m., you can catch Horton Hears a Who.

Remember: Half price appetizers for Happy Hour customers, Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm. Tuesdays, you can shoot washers to try and win a free meal! Kid chow options include cheddar cheese burgers, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, all served with small order of fries.

www.freddiesplaceaustin.com

1703 South 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704-4249
(512) 445-9197

#62 Eeyore’s Birthday Festival

Few events celebrate Austin’s Weirdness like Eeyore’s Birthday- and this is the big 47! Yes, the festival is name in honor of Eeyore, the character from Winnie-the-Pooh. And best of all- this Austin tradition (since 1963) is absolutely free.

People-watching is the number one attraction- but this festival includes everything from live music, food, drinks, colorful costumes, and drum circles. The festival benefits local non-profit organizations.

A few things you should know before heading going:

-WEAR A COSTUME – there will be costume contests, games, the more colorful and extravagant the better.
-Musicians playing non-amplified instruments are invited to come play.
-PARKING AT THE PARK IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! BE WARNED! Take a bus, ride a bike or walk. Anyone that has parking suggestions please feel free to leave a comment. Free Parking at Garage “E” and lots 3 & 8 on Colorado between 16th & 17th Streets – Shuttle buses will pick you up.

Time: 11:00am-dark
Children’s Area: 11:am-4:00pm
Live Music from noon-7:00pm.
Featuring: Graham Wilkinson and the Underground Township, The Harringtons, Mystic Moot, and Tavana.

Pease Park
1100 Kingsbury St.
Austin, Texas 78703

http://www.eeyores.com/
Eeyores Birthday Party is a fund-raiser to benefit non-profit groups in Austin. These groups will be selling hot and cold food (including vegetarian), soft drinks, juices, spring water, and Texas beer. Look for commemorative Eeyore Birthday Party T-shirts

Links:

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