On a beautiful day, the city of Austin offers plenty of educational activities available to the family. There are many opportunities to get you and your kids outside, having fun, and learning at the same time. The Wild Basin Preserve offers 227 acres of forest and trails that are open to the public. The Preserve became protected in the late 1970s as habitats were starting to decline in Austin. Now, you and your family can explore the wilderness without even having to leave Austin. The Preserve offers environmental education and helps protect eight endangered species. Since the Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, you could easily bring a picnic and make this into a day trip.

Along the same lines as the Wild Basin Preserve, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is also a great place to bring the family for some outdoor fun. Lady Bird Johnson was well known for her stance on sustainability.  At the Wildflower Center, visitors can use many of the online resources to learn about how to “be green” by planting native species. The Center offers an impressively large Native Plant Database that gives visitors the best information on thousands of species. There is also a wide variety of how-to articles and information on green roofs, how to “be green”, how to reduce your carbon footprint, and other different aspects of conservation. You can also take a walk around the grounds to enjoy all the lovely flowers and plants.

If an outdoor activity doesn’t agree with the weather or it just isn’t your family’s forte, there is always the Austin Children’s Museum. The museum strives to create an environment that not only inspires but also involves its visitors. There are over 12,500 square feet of exhibit space and plenty of hands-on activities. Watch your children learn about gravity, friction, and energy in the “Ready, Set, Roll” exhibit by playing with golf balls. Learn all about tools and building in the 3-level “Funstruction Zone”. Or take your children to the “Design Center” where they can design crafts using new and recycled crafts materials. If you find your children loving all the activities the Museum offers, you should look into their many camps. They offer a wide variety of summer camps as well as school sleepovers!