Cool, crisp days are coming, and with them, a whole new world of possibilities for exploring the city. While you may have escaped the summertime heat with trips to the Thinkery Children’s Museum, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, or the Texas Science & Natural History Museum, now is the perfect time to get outdoors for museum tours.
One of Austin’s most scenic art museums, The Contemporary at Laguna Gloria, boasts beautiful structures and surprising art pieces that crop up in unexpected places, making it fun to tour. Stone-lined paths slope down from an Italian-style villa to a wooded walking path along the shores of Lake Austin. As you wander, you might also happen upon a visiting peacock from the neighboring Mayfield Preserve. Kids can check out a backpack at the Visitor Center with art-making activities and games, too. Visit on Thursdays, and admission is free.
The Umlauf Sculpture Museum also combines art and nature seamlessly in a tree-filled outdoor setting. Ask at the front desk for a scavenger hunt that makes exploring the exhibit feel like an exciting quest, past a waterfall, along streams, and across wooden bridges, in search of sculptures. Strategically placed works by Charles Umlauf, set into the landscape, range from a cluster of intriguing animals to the boy “Diver,” poised to plunge into a pond where a couple embraces in “The Kiss.” This museum makes a great outing for adults and kids of all ages.
Storytimes are held every third Saturday of the month at 12:30 p.m. Visit on Oct. 25 to celebrate the Umlauf Museum’s annual StrawFest. The fall festival includes pumpkin painting, sculpture-making, a costume parade, live birds of prey demonstrations, yard games, and other fun activities. Plus, it’s free.
Typically a traditional indoor gallery with a focus on Latin culture, Mexic-Arte Museum takes art to the streets each year during its Viva la Vida Festival and Parade. Crowds line the streets to watch giant papier-mâché puppets, mariachi bands, floats, flamenco dancers, and a moving lowrider exhibition parade through downtown. Festivities begin at noon on Oct. 24 with the Grand Procession and run until 6 p.m., with kid-friendly activities, traditional foods, and live performances.
October is a great month to venture out into the arts.
Annette Lucksinger is author of the local guidebook “Exploring Austin with Kids” that includes a whole section on annual events. She is currently at work on a book about life in Austin, Texas.
