The oldest bakery in Texas, it has been around since 1868. It sells American baked goods and German specialties.
The tree-covered patio hosts free, unplugged concerts every Thursday night from early spring through the summer. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
The coffeehouse hosts free, live concerts and shows for kids on Sunday mornings at 10:30. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
Be sure to check the summer schedule for Splash Party Movie Nights, when families can float and catch a free flick on an outdoor screen. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
Kids not-so-excited by communing with flowers might be drawn in by checking out the Hartman prehistoric garden, which brings to life a local dinosaur habitat. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
Stock up your shelves for less: Clearance-priced kids’ books can be had for $3 and under – some as low as 50 cents. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
Portable restrooms are located in the parking area, but no picnic facilities are available, so leave food at home (but DO bring water). Powered by ParentsConnect.com
The Little House Courtyard is perfect for young kids - a well-shaded area with tree stump stools, a framed hut, and large pots for digging up plastic lizards and insects. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
In addition to looking at the animals, kids can also meet some goats, deer, and llamas up close and personal at the petting zoo. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
We'll be here with delicious empanadas from 11am-3pm, Friday Mar. 9 through Sunday Mar. 11. Come say hi, take a photo, and tweet it with the hashtag #mashsxsw!
Yeah, I know it's packed but you gotta get the steak with the butter sauce (shit, what kind of sauce was it?) and the side of mac and cheese. Bananatown delicious.
Driving across the Congress Avenue Bridge, you'd never know the world's largest urban bat colony (1.5 million at summer peak) lives under it ... unless you show up at sundown to see them.
The site of the infamous SXSWi “backstroke” competition. Dens is confident in a win this year.
Best food truck in Austin. Bahn Mi Taco is heaven, ditto the sweet potato fries.
Hip and stylish and permeated with South X Southwest musical ambiance.-Ilene Chaiken
Austin: This ornate two-bedroom home is part Gaudi, part Dr. Seuss. It has a raised footbridge, fire poles, and an "Elvis in Las Vegas" room. Make reservations for a guided monthly tour. - IFC Viewer
Don't miss Valient Thorr on the black stage at 2:20PM on Saturday - plus go party at their tent signing after at 3:30PM
When you first sit down and get your bowl of chips, a server mixes the salsa to taste (spicy or mild) right at your table. Plus, kids’ menus come with crayons. Total entertainment! Powered by ParentsC
The museum offers storytimes, complete with songs and activities, every day at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
Tours run about 75 minutes, so plan those potty breaks accordingly. Restrooms are available inside the Austin Visitors Center, the tour departure point. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
The museum offers free admission to the exhibits (2pm-6pm) and family story time (2pm-4pm) on the first Saturday afternoon of each month. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
Kids can suggest plot details and even take a turn onstage during the improv comedy shows on Sunday afternoons. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
An ankle-deep creek runs alongside the park - perfect for little ones to tiptoe in and explore the water. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
The museum stays open late and offers free admission on the third Thursday of every month. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
Kids love the dinosaur bones, fossils, and meteorites – and parents love that the museum is always free! Powered by ParentsConnect.com
The functioning, historical farm offers birthday parties with Wild West dress-up and Victorian tea party options. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
A lot of the daily flavors might seem a bit too esoteric for kids, but not to worry: “Just Vanilla” is always on the board. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
A tap wall decorated with over 50 various Texas beers, 2 cask engines, enthusiastic cicerones, and a bacon brewing bus in the backyard area. Come here to hone your craft of beer and bacon consumption. Read more.
This family-friendly Italian eatery is comfortable and sedate, staffed with eager to please servers. Its Lincoln Village setting is a touch uninspired, but Verona is indisputably a good value. Read more.
Widely considered one of the finest indie record stores in the world, Waterloo boasts an impressive selection of music, knowledgeable staff, fun in-store performances, and much more. Read more.
Symphonies in the park. Phenomenal SXSW line-ups. Bats at dusk. Pups diving into nearby Town Lake. Best yet: The town's best free entertainment venue boasts the Austin skyline as backdrop.
A comfy old house with a brief but nicely chosen wine list, all at good prices, with additional daily specials ("happy hour every hour"). The food is simple but geared toward accentuating the wine.
Pair the house-made merguez with a seasonal salad, and go ahead and order a bottle of wine; it beats getting back in line for another glass, and the ambience is so nice you're going to want to linger. Read more.
