Local entertainment and outings for those long summer days
Words by Sam Lauron Photo by Roger Ho
If the kids are getting restless while out of school this summer, plenty of activities and events are happening over the next few months that are sure to keep them entertained. Best of all, these affordable activities are all free or low-cost.
What’s the Story, Steve?
Kids can kick off the weekend by flexing their creative muscles at Coldtowne Theater’s weekly improvisation show for kids, What’s the Story, Steve? Each Saturday morning at 10am, children can join the Coldtowne troupe for an entertaining round of improvisation along with the company of their resident improvising poodle, Steve. The recommended age is between 3-12 years old and tickets can be purchased for $8 at the door.
4803 Airport Blvd. | coldtownetheater.com
Mabel Davis District Park
Located in the East Riverside-Oltorf area, Mabel Davis District Park is home to one of two city-operated skate parks. The park offers 12,000 square feet of space to roll, skate, and glide for skaters of all ages and levels. With a skate bowl, railings, and other concrete elements, there’s no telling how much time can be spent here throughout the summer.
3427 Parker Ln. |austintexas.gov
That’s My Face
For a unique cinematic experience this summer, head to Carver Museum for their youth and young adult film series, That’s My Face that takes place through September. Teens can visit the museum for two more showings this summer, one on July 12 and the other on August 9. The screenings are free and open to the public.
1165 Angelina St.
Austin Library Summer Reading Program
With prompts for youth, teens, and adults, summer reading has never been more fun or accessible than with the Austin Public Library’s summer reading program. For youth, kids can Visit the library June through August to pick up a reading log, or download one online, and for every 20 minutes they kids read, they get to color in a section of their log. Once the log is complete, kids they can earn a prize book.
austinsummerreading.org
Community Nights at Thinkery
Every Wednesday night from 4-8pm, Thinkery opens its doors and welcomes the entire community to join them at no cost. The museum stays open later to offer guests a free night of exploring the exhibits and enjoying select educational programs. In addition to exploring the museum, guests can also participate in Bilingual Storytime which also takes place during Community Nights. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
1830 Simond Ave. | thinkeryaustin.org
Sound & Cinema
Few things are more entertaining than movies and music, so why not combine the two? Austin’s annual Sound & Cinema is back at the Long Center lawn this summer and promises plenty of free fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music from local musicians, followed by screenings of fan-favorite movies like Harry Potter and Guardians of the Galaxy on an inflatable outdoor screen. There are also food trucks on-site for the night, so come hungry and get ready to settle in for dinner and a show.
701 W. Riverside Dr. | soundandcinema.do512.com
