Take a hike! Awesome Austin’s best trails
Austin is awesome for so many reasons, not the least of which is its natural beauty. Here we present a list of hiking trails for your enjoyment. Start at the beginning for a leisurely stroll befitting beginners, or work your way to the end of the list for a real...
A chat with Paul Cruz
By Sherida Mock On April 15, the Austin Independent School District named Paul Cruz as Interim Superintendent. Dr. Cruz had previously served as AISD’s Chief Schools Officer for five years. We sat down with him to find out more about his family, his background and his...
Readers’ Poll Favorites
2014 Readers' Poll Favorites Congratulations to our 2014 Readers' Poll Favorites! These businesses and services are our readers' top picks for the best places in Austin. Voting took place online at www.austinfamily.com March 1 through May 15, 2014. Camps Day...
Natural Swimming Holes…and more family fun locations
Looking for a great spot to cool off the whole gang? Try one of these old-fashioned swimming holes, full of natural, non-chlorinated water. But be warned: because these cool spots rely on natural water inflows, recent rains can affect the quality of the water....
Put Down that Phone, CRANKY PANTS!
By Alexa Bigwarfe They are certainly alluring, but those electronic devices, used in excess and at the wrong times, can be damaging to our relationship with our children. It probably comes as no surprise that parents are more distracted than ever in this day...
Where the Wild Things Are: Tips for camping with babies and toddlers
By Malia Jacobson In the summer, campgrounds are crawling (sometimes literally) with babies, toddlers and young families. But many new parents may hesitate to head into the wild, as they wonder whether camping with a tot will be safe, enjoyable or worth the...
Static hearts and electric souls – Local organization supports underage artists
By Barb Cooper Like many high-school sophomores, Katherine Cooper is passionate about make-up, the mall and music. But unlike many of her peers, Katherine spends most of her weekends playing live music with her band, The Red Tent, at a variety of venues...
Life lessons through the art of leisure – Family adventures build bonds
By Sara Swofford Overscheduling is the norm for today’s family. Work, school, sports, family events and extracurricular activities have many working at a deficit with their time and energy. Frankly, many families don’t spend enough time together. Going away for...
Summer Job Success – Building blocks to help teens at work
By Carol Alexander “Don’t cha think he should’ve taken off his shades, Mom?” asked my teen one evening about a young man who came into his place of employment looking for a job. Even though this restaurant was not hiring, the manager took the time to speak with...
Motivation Ovation – How the March of Dimes touches every family again and again
By Paula Halloum Supported. Connected. Hopeful. These are the words that come to Kelly Wadsworth’s mind when she reflects on the role that the March of Dimes had on her infants and how the organization continues to impart its mission to her family and hundreds of...
Get To Know Luci Baines Johnson
Her family came into the national spotlight under difficult circumstances, but the Johnsons have enchanted Americans ever since. Luci Baines Johnson, second daughter of the iconic Lyndon Baines Johnson, has made Central Texas her home for most of her life. Get to know...
Flight Plan – A parents’ plan to taking the fear out of flying
Frazzled parents with bags under their eyes; overtired toddlers kicking the seats in front of them; wailing infants unable to handle changes in air pressure. If you’ve ever flown on a plane, you’ve witnessed the sights (and sounds) of traveling with little ones....










