AUSTIN, Texas — With school out for winter break, families across Central Texas are looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids entertained.
Mandy Heintzelman, editor of Do512 Family, shares with Sierra Waggoner her top picks for free and low-cost festive activities around Austin!
Mandy joined Sierra Waggoner to talk about how Do512 Family helps families plan their holiday activities.
“We help families figure out what to do in Austin with kids. We cover everything from special events and family-friendly hikes to restaurants that actually keep children entertained — and so much more,” she said.
For a festive outing, Mandy recommends visiting the Austin Motel, which is decked out for Christmas. “I have three kids myself, and we recently went to the Austin Motel — they’re completely decorated for the holidays. It’s totally free, which we love, and it’s walking distance to Home Slice Pizza, always a hit. During their Winter Wonderland, they host special events in the early evening, and after that you can just hang out and play shuffleboard. The trees are all decorated, there’s a cocoa bar — it’s so cute and definitely worth checking out,” she said.
For a festive outing, Mandy recommends visiting the Austin Motel, which is decked out for Christmas. Courtesy: Austin Motel{ }
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hikes and nature activities to burn off energy. “There are so many great hikes and outdoor spots, especially with this nice weather. I’m planning to take my kids to Lady Bird Lake today — it’s always great to get everyone out of the house and burn off a little energy. On December 26th, families can head to Zilker Botanical Garden, which has plenty of space for kids to run around and explore,” Mandy shared.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hikes and nature activities to burn off energy. “There are so many great hikes and outdoor spots, especially with this nice weather. I’m planning to take my kids to Lady Bird Lake today — it’s always great to get everyone out of the house and burn off a little energy. On December 26th, families can head to Zilker Botanical Garden, which has plenty of space for kids to run around and explore,” Mandy shared. Courtesy: Zilker Botanical Garden{ }
Museum visits offer a fun mix of education and entertainment. “The Texas Natural History Museum is offering a free day on December 28th, which is great because kids love seeing the dinosaur bones and even getting to touch a meteorite. Plus, there’s free parking, which is always a bonus. Anything that’s easy to get out of the house and free is especially welcome during the holidays,” she said.
Museum visits offer a fun mix of education and entertainment. “The Texas Natural History Museum is offering a free day on December 28th, which is great because kids love seeing the dinosaur bones and even getting to touch a meteorite. Plus, there’s free parking, which is always a bonus. Anything that’s easy to get out of the house and free is especially welcome during the holidays,” she said.Courtesy: Texas Science and Natural History Museum
For more family-friendly events, ideas, and updates throughout winter break, families can visit Do512 Family online or follow along on social media.
For more family-friendly events, ideas, and updates throughout winter break, families can visit Do512 Family online or follow along on social media.