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June 2022 FREE
smart parenting • healthy homes Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992
k y a r d s
un B a c
F15+ Ideas
To Inspire
Nature Play
NOT JUST
FOR BOOKS!
Surprising Summer
Library Resources
NEW GIRL DAD
4 Parenting Tools
From a Dad of Twins
HARD TALKS
Talking to Kids
About Divorce
Plus Summer
Fun Guide,
Camp Guide
& Summer
Giveaway
Austin’s Best Science Summer Camps
FUN! SAFE!
SCIENTIFIC!
Club
SciKidz
Where Sc ience & Te chnology Co nnect!
• Veterinary Medicine • Robotics
• Minecraft • American Doll
• Coding
austin.clubscikidz.com
Please support our advertisers. June 2022 1
june 2022
contents smart parenting • healthy homes
columns
7 Family Matters. Talking to Kids
About Divorce
Family Matters can be found in Spanish at
austinfamily.com.
10 The Learning Curve. Not Just for Books!
Surprising Summer Resources at Your
Local Library
24 Just for Grins. So Long, Farewell
calendar
22 Calendar
Check www.austinfamily.com for daily updates.
In every Issue
4 Austin in Action. News and Notes
6 Play It Safe. Recalls on Consumer Products
21 Smart Screen Time. Juneteenth
Smart Screen TIme can be found in Spanish at
Photo by Karen Andrews at Jordan-Ashley Photography.
austinfamily.com.
25 Places To Go & Things To Do. 8 Kid-Friendly Backyards
Summer Outdoor Activities To Inspire Nature Play
extras
12 Summer Giveaway
12 Summer Fun Guide 4 Parenting Tools
16 Camp Guide From a Dad
20 of Twins
fByIJack review
lmKyser
Top Gun: Maverick
Read online at: www.austinfamily.com/films follow us:
2021
Cover Kid Winner Aria
graces this month’s cover.
She loves photography,
theatre, dance and
a whole list of other
things! Photo by Karen
tune in:
Andrews at Jordan-Ashley
Photography.
Catch Austin Family magazine live on
“Good Day Austin” every Thursday morning.
2 June 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
® I happened upon a statistic from the
American Camping Association that
said kids report that “92% of people
June 2022 Vol. 31, No. 3 at camp helped me feel good about
myself.” The report also mentioned that
campers said they left camp with an
“appreciation for diversity, living in the
PUBLISHER
Kaye Kemper Lowak
editor’s note moment, empathy and compassion,
perseverance, self-confidence, and
EDITOR self-identity.” The experience also give
Annette Lucksinger: editor2003@austinfamily.com ANNETTE LUCKSINGER kids space to try new things and explore
Lucksinger is a mom of two and author of the areas of interest. If you are still on the
COPY EDITOR
Barb Matijevich guidebook and app “Exploring Austin With Kids.” lookout for summer camps, our Camp
Guide can direct you to some amazing
ADVISING EDITORS Welcome to summer! This month, we ones in the area.
Dr. Betty Richardson, Barb Matijevich look forward to all of the great things that
come with this season. Our feature gives Summer also brings special celebrations.
CALENDAR EDITOR
Betty Kemper: calendar2003@austinfamily.com tips on how to turn your backyard into This month’s Smart Screen Time column
a haven for kids to spend summertime shares ways to celebrate Juneteenth
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS days. There are so many benefits to with children. Finally, I’m excited that in
Cate Berry, Alison Bogle, Dr. Benjamin Kramer, outdoor play. honor of Father’s Day, a new dad – to
Jack Kyser, Dr. Betty Richardson, Sandi Schwartz,
Ashford Sonii twins, no less – shares his insights into
As temperatures peak in the afternoons, the joys of fatherhood.
MEDIA RELATIONS check out the education column that
Alison Bogle highlights the many resources that public So much to celebrate!
libraries provide for cool, summertime
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Layout and Ads: Don Huff fun. They house so much more than just
books.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jordan Ashley Photography Many kids will be spending their days
at summer camps as well. Recently,
ADVERTISING SALES
Kaye Kemper Lowak: kaye2003@austinfamily.com
BUSINESS MANAGER
Greg Lowak
We are dedicated to serving the Greater Austin
area by providing up-to-date information and
ideas that promote smart parenting and healthy
homes. We promote our clients’ businesses by
increasing their customer bases and enhancing
their public images.
Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper, Inc.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 7559, Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559
Phone Number: 512-733-0038
On the web at: www.austinfamily.com
Advertising rates are available upon request.
While we use great care in creating our display
ads, mistakes can happen. Austin Family and the
publisher are not liable for any damages arising
from any typographical or mechanical errors
beyond the cost of the ad. Austin Family does
not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers,
products or services listed in this publication. We
do not assume responsibility for statements made
by advertisers or editorial contributors.
Subscriptions are available for $30 per year.
Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.
No portion of Austin Family magazine may be reproduced
without written permission from the publisher.
Please support our advertisers. June 2022 3
G O TO AU ST I N FA M I LY. C O M F O R W E E K LY U P DAT E S O F AU ST I N I N A C T I O N N E W S
Double Scouting Awards Betty earned the honor for her many
years of service that have included
Tina Carter is one of the first girls to
medical trips to Mexico and Central
earn both the Girl Scout Gold Award
America where she served as a leader
and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Eagle
and nurse. Her skills at grant writing and
Rank. Congratulations, Tina!
oversight have also resulted in a new
playground and restroom for children in 2/3
This local Austinite has enjoyed scouting of fathers took leave from
India, beds for immigrants at the Texas
since kindergarten. Starting as a Girl work after the birth of their
border and equipment for a tuberculosis
Scout, she worked her way up to earn first child
clinic in Mexico. Many of her grants have
Girl Scouts’ highest award, the Gold source: census.gov
focused on improving the lives of family
Award. In 2019, Tina joined BSA Troop
and children, from building needed
4540, in large part because of its
libraries, soccer fields and computer 32
emphasis on outdoor adventures. She number of libraries in the
labs to working with the Red Cross blood
recently earned the Grand Slam of High Austin metro area
banks and assisting families across the
Adventure after camping on the ice source: tsl.texas.gov
nation after natural disasters.
at 40-below-zero at Okpik (Northern
Tier), backpacking through the Sangre Betty joined the Austin University Area 74%
de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Rotary Club in 1987, the first year Rotary of kids tried new things at
Ranch, paddling 50 miles down the New International allowed women to become summer camp that they
River at Summit and sailing 120 miles members. In that time, she has dedicated had been afraid to try.
through the Florida Keys at Sea Base. countless acts of service to improving the americancampassociation.com
lives of many people around the world.
Her projects for both the Gold and
Congratulations on being recognized for
the Eagle awards benefited the local
your amazing work, Betty!
community. She improved the safety of
a horse-trail street crossing and led a
neighborhood tree-planting effort.
interactive exhibits with Austin’s LGBTQIA+
nonprofits, small businesses and health
service providers. Participants can also
learn more about the history of Pride,
the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall, and
the local LGBTQIA+ heroes at the History
and Heroes of Pride historical exhibit. The
event takes place at Waterloo Park on
June 11 from noon to 9 p.m.
Mary Reynolds and Betty Richardson are two
of the three women to ever receive the Service
Tina Carter earns the highest awards in both
Above Self Award from the local district’s Rotary
Juneteenth Celebration
the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Photo courtesy
Club. Photo courtesy of Betty Richardson. The 2022 Central Texas Juneteenth
of Becky Carter.
Rainbow on the Creek Celebration will take place on Saturday,
Award for Serving Others June 18, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event
Waterloo Greenway and community celebrates Emancipation Day when the
Betty Richardson, Austin Family
partners will celebrate Pride Month abolition of slavery was announced
magazine’s longtime “Family Matters”
with the family-friendly Pride Festival, in Texas. A parade will kick off the
columnist, recently earned the Service
Rainbow on the Creek. The celebration event, starting at Martin Luther King Jr.
Above Self Rotary International Award.
will feature live music performances, Boulevard and Salina Street. Traveling
In the history of the local district, which
drag storytime, family-friendly activities down Chicon Street, it will lead to an all-
includes over 50 clubs, only three
and much more. Families can engage in day festival at Rosewood Park and along
women have ever received the award.
4 June 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
the Boggy Creek Greenbelt. Vendors
and family-friendly entertainment begin
population. Horns With Heart student
athletes will help build and create the Things To
at noon and conclude with a fireworks
show at 9:30 p.m.
actual Discovery Dens and then become
reading ambassadors to kids at schools. Celebrate
Former Longhorn Gives Back June 3
Derrick Johnson (DJ), a former Texas World Bicycle Day
Longhorn and Kansas City Chiefs
linebacker, has returned to Austin to June 14
give back to his community through Flag Day
the creation of the nonprofit Defend
the Dream Foundation. Through June 19
partnerships with Austin Ed Fund (Austin Father’s Day
ISD’s nonprofit education foundation) Derrick Johnson meets with students in their Juneteenth
and Horns With Hearts (affiliated with updated library. Photo credit Defend the Dream.
the University of Texas), DJ is creating
“Discovery Dens” in AISD elementary Round Rock ISD Recognized
schools. The goal is to transform these
Round Rock ISD has been honored
libraries into places that inspire young
with the Best Communities for Music Since the passage of the Every Student
students to read and start imagining
Education designation. The recognition Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 and a
their own dreams.
comes from the National Association renewed focus on the importance
The Foundation is investing nearly of Music Merchants Foundation for the of a well-rounded education, many
$58,000 into Oak Springs Elementary, district’s outstanding commitment school districts have re-committed to
the first school to be updated. A multi- to music education. To qualify for the music and arts education programs.
functional space is being installed for Best Communities designation, the Jager Loyde, director of fine arts and
students to read and learn. Flexible district had to provide evidence and music, said, “This distinction exemplifies
furniture, bookshelves and flooring data related to program requirements, Round Rock ISD’s commitment to music
will be donated along with new books funding, instruction and support education and the strong support of fine
that will update the current collection for innovative music programs and arts in our community!”
and better reflect the diverse student community music-making programs.
Please support our advertisers. June 2022 5
Play it
product
recalls
sa fe
Government Recalls
Infant Garments
About 46,500 infant garments from
Winter Water Factory are being
recalled. The recall involves all infant
French terry jumpsuits, rompers,
snap suits, baby dresses and bibs from the fall 2020, spring
2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022 seasons. The snaps on these
garments can detach and also expose small, sharp prongs,
posing choking and laceration hazards to young children. The
clothing items were sold at small boutique stores nationwide
and online at winterwaterfactory.com from August 2020
through April 2022 for between $19 and $49, depending on
style. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled
garments and contact Winter Water Factory for instructions
on how to receive a full refund or store credit.
The US Consumer Products Safety Commission works to
protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or
death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products.
6 June 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
famIly matters
BETTY RICHARDSON Talking
to Kids
Richardson, PhD, RN, CS, LPC, LMFT, is an
Austin-based psychotherapist.
Q About
My wife and I are divorcing.
She doesn’t want a divorce
and is angry with me. I’m
insisting on one. We have two
children, ages 6 and 9, who we both
love. I’m hoping that we can share
Divorce
custody of the children. I want to
make this as easy on them as we
can. What suggestions do you have
for my wife and I to make this divorce
less difficult for the kids?
VISIT austinfamily.com
Asuntos Familiares.
Hablar con los Niños
Sobre el Divorcio
A
One out of two marriages today other’s faults with your kids. Setting it 7. Spend some time in activities with
will end in divorce, according to up for them to take sides (your or your your children every day if you can. When
the American Academy of Child wife’s side) is not good for their well- allowed and possible, eat lunch with
and Adolescent Psychiatry. Regardless being. You don’t help them through the them at school. Time and attention tell
of the reasons for divorce, parents need divorce by encouraging them to see one your children that you love them.
to talk about, and agree on, ways to help of their parents as “bad.”
the children get through the experience 8. Get the children emotional support
without trauma, or with the least amount 3. Let your kids know they are loved and through counseling as well as through
of trauma. Here are some suggestions can love both parents equally. Let them family and friends. There are numbers
on how you and your wife can help your know that both of you will always be of books for kids of various ages on
children best deal with your divorce. their parents. the topic of divorce. You can find some
for any age. Books include “Dinosaurs
1. The day or so before you both tell your 4. Tell your children that the divorce is Divorce” by Laurene and Marc Brown,
children about the divorce, talk to their not their fault. Children often believe that “Two Homes” by Claire Masurel and
teachers so that they will be aware of they did or didn’t do something, which “Divorce Is Not the End of the World”
the situation and can be prepared for led to the current situation. Sometimes by Zoe and Evan Stern, along with
changes in the children’s behavior. Your parents hear children asking “What did I many other useful titles. Give your kids
kids may also have questions that they do?” They might promise to stay good if appropriate books to read and then
will want answered from a trusted adult, their parents will stay together. discuss them together.
such as their teachers. Ask the teacher
not to mention the divorce unless the 5. Give your children room to feel how Once divorced, if you have joint custody,
child brings it up first. they feel. Let them know that their you still need to work together in co-
feelings are normal and that you will parenting. Rules and routines need to
2. Ask your wife to tell the children with work through things together. Having be as close as possible in both homes.
you. Getting her cooperation may not kids draw or journal may help identify These provide reassurance to kids. Avoid
be easy since she does not wish to what they are experiencing inside. being critical of the other parent. Don’t
separate. However, experts agree that try to outdo each other in buying or
telling the children together helps them 6. Answer their questions. They may ask
doing things for the kids. Parenting is not
to better handle the divorce. Experts also why you are divorcing. Have a truthful
a competition.
agree that you should not discuss each answer ready.
Please support our advertisers. June 2022 7
Fr i e n d l y B a c k y a r d s
Ki d - y
a t u r e P l a
To Inspire N
SANDI SCHWARTZ extracurricular activities and other commitments.
Schwartz is a journalist, mother of two and author of “Finding
With kids’ outdoor play time declining sharply in
Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel recent decades, it is more important than ever
Happier and Calmer” and “Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness.” to incorporate nature time into family routines.
Learn more at ecohappinessproject.com.
Fortunately, many of us have the perfect place to do
just that: our own backyard.
As the weather warms up, it is a wonderful time to
encourage outside play. The natural world offers So, how can we make our backyard more attractive
both physical and emotional benefits for our kids, to kids so they will want to head outside? There are
helping them feel happier, healthier and calmer. Yet, many fun, easy ways, including water play, arts and
it can sometimes be a challenge to compete with crafts, animal connection and gardening.
screen time. Plus, kids are busy with schoolwork,
Sisters Aria and Eliza build a birdhouse.
Photo by Karen Andrews at Jordan-Ashley Photography.
8 June 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.comWater Play Have science kits or outdoor exploration backpacks on hand.
Spending time in and around water has a tremendous Locally, Keep Austin Beautiful offers in-home learning activities
soothing effect, helping kids feel more relaxed and refreshed. and kits filled with lesson plans and materials. Topics include
Both swimming and floating have been shown to reduce composting, recycling and more.
stress and boost mood. These activities also provide hours
of enjoyment and exercise for kids of all ages, whether they Sign up for a citizen science project, which involves
are swimming laps, doing cannonballs, playing Marco Polo, volunteering to collect scientific data for government offices
or engaging in water sports like basketball, water gymnastics and other organizations. Many of the projects ask people to
and volleyball. count or take backyard pictures of nature, such as butterflies,
flowers or birds. Your kids will not only help the scientific
You can be sure the kids enjoy water time out back by community, but also discover how incredible their own
providing a few key items. You might decide to invest in a pool backyard is!
for your family, but you do not need to build an expensive in-
ground pool. A large inflatable one will do the job. Make sure to Gardening
have all the toys and equipment that make pool time a blast, Getting kids involved in the family garden is a wonderful way
such as goggles, rafts, tubes, sports games, snorkels, water to make outside time enjoyable. They can help by planting,
squirters, and of course, sunscreen. watering and weeding. Gardening offers so many benefits,
such as teaching kids about healthy eating, providing some
You can also add water fun by setting up a water table for the exercise, and offering a time to unwind and be mindful. The
kids to splash around in. Be sure to include some floating toys like best part about this activity is that your children will want to
boats and marine animals for them to play with. Sprinklers are visit over and over again to water the plants and check on
also an enjoyable way for kids to cool off and get some exercise their progress.
as they run around in the backyard. Finally, every child will love
playing out back on a Slip ‘n Slide or similar water play product. You can engage your children in gardening by buying them
their own gardening tools, asking them to pick out the seeds
Arts and Crafts they want to plant and using the vegetables you grow to cook
Another way to get the kids interested in heading outdoors is meals together. Setting aside a section of your backyard to
to set up creative activities for them. Children love arts and grow fruits and vegetables creates a special place for kids to
crafts, and it is a wonderful way to keep them busy and calmly gather outside. If digging an entire garden in your backyard
focused on a project. Try setting up an outdoor easel or craft sounds intimidating, start small and grow a few herbs in
station filled with art supplies. They can paint a picture of a containers or one vegetable at a time in large flowerpots.
favorite tree or draw a bird they see.
You can also encourage more outdoor time by hosting a
You can also encourage them to collect nature items they find backyard barbeque or picnic featuring the produce from your
in the yard – such as sticks, flower petals, rocks and grass – to garden. Any time you can take a meal or family gathering
create a collage, nature mandala or even musical instruments outdoors, you are helping to build a nature connection for your
to play. Some kids also enjoy making fairies and fairy houses, children that they will then end up seeking on their own.
which leads to hours of imagination time. Another fun activity
is to create your own inks, paints and brushes out of natural
materials. The brushes, for example, can be made by wrapping
yarn around sticks and making a brush head from straw, grass Make Your Backyard More Playful
or leaves.
Some ideas to include in your backyard:
The options for nature art in your backyard are endless. Some
other ideas include nature photography, keeping a nature • Digging pit
journal, sculpting animals out of clay, doing leaf prints and
• Dirt pile
making your own paper. The trick is to have the supplies on
hand and ideas ready to go to inspire kids. • Plants
Animal Connection • Rocks and boulders
Children tend to love animals, so what better place to connect
• Rain barrel
them to both pets and wildlife than in your own yard? If you
have a dog, for example, be sure to encourage your kids • Sandbox
to play outside with your furry friend. There is also so much
wildlife if we just pay attention. • Somewhere to sit
(swing, hammock, bench, Adirondack chair)
Here are some ways for your kids to enjoy animals out back:
• A play log that can be used as a table, bench,
Make your own birdhouses to attract more birds to your balance beam and more.
backyard. Your kids will love looking out for new visitors and
listening to their cheerful birdsong. It is also handy to have some essential nature play
tools around like shovels, rakes, hoes, buckets,
Create a wildlife bingo game or scavenger hunt to find collection boxes, binoculars, a compass, a
animals in your yard, such as lady bugs, squirrels, types of magnifying glass, flashlight, tweezers, bug cages
birds, bees, spiders or ducks. and nets.
Please support our advertisers. June 2022 9Not Just for Books!
Surprising Summer Resources at Your Local Library
the learnIng curve It turns out that books and audiobooks
are not the only reason to head to the
challenge is complete, the reader can
claim a prize. (Adults can participate as
ALISON BOGLE library. In fact, summer is a wonderful well and earn adult prizes.) To join the
Bogle is a writer living in Austin with her time to visit because there are so many Austin Public Library challenge, pick up
husband and three children. A former fourth extra and exciting resources for families a paper form from your local branch
grade teacher, she now enjoys writing to explore. or sign up online at: https://library.
about children and education. You can also
catch her talking about articles from Austin
austintexas.gov/summer.
Family magazine each Thursday morning Reading challenges
on FOX 7 Austin. Summer, with its absence of dedicated Storytime
learning time, leads to what is known Where can you go to escape the heat
as “summer slide,” the loss of learning and also get a short respite from
Each summer I impose a special kind of
that typically occurs when kids are out active parenting duties? To a library
cruelty upon my children – a dreaded
of school for such an extended time. storytime! Almost all public libraries
“no screens” rule for our long car trips.
Reading is one of the best ways you offer scheduled English and bilingual
And when I say long, I mean 12+ hours of
can help your child avoid summer slide, storytimes for various age groups.
riding in the car. I had hoped that being Some locations also offer storytimes
screen-free would build their frustration and most public libraries offer reading
challenges to help keep kids engaged in American Sign Language. You can
tolerance and adaptability, and it relax on the carpet with your child as
definitely has. My kids journal, read, with books.
someone else reads a story. Then check
daydream and play car bingo to pass This summer, Austin Public Library out your own books to take home for
the time. We also stock up on loads of branches are offering the “Austin later. Additionally, storytimes are a great
audio books from the library before our Completely Booked” challenge. Kids can way to meet other parents and kids of
trips. These, more than anything, are the log 10 hours of reading time over the similar ages. You don’t have to be a
magic that gets us through. The kids love summer and earn five “activity badges” member of a library to attend, so you
picking out titles, and I love that we have by reading, exploring and creating in might even want to explore storytimes
yet another reason to visit our library. their chosen badge categories. Once the all over town.
10 June 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.comFun physical spaces
If you haven’t stopped by your local
library lately, you might be surprised
to find that they no longer house just
bookshelves filled with books. Many
teen-specific special events and a for a long road trip or looking for ways
libraries now offer fun physical spaces
summer youth volunteer program. (The to fill the long, hot days at home, stop
that are a great option for filling summer
application deadline has passed, but the in to your local library. You’ll be amazed
free time. For example, our local library
fall application is available.) by how many fun things there are to
has a playground, complete with a
do, and you may just discover your new
sandbox and dinosaur sculpture that This summer, whether you’re gearing up favorite place to be!
kids can climb on or through. Many
branches of the Austin Public Library
offer a “Lego Lab” where kids can build
to their hearts’ content. Both the Round
Rock Public Library and Cedar Park Public
Library have planned ample, interactive
outdoor spaces for their new libraries,
which are projected for completion in
2023 and 2024, respectively.
Classes
While summer camps and enrichment
classes can be costly, you can look to
your local library to provide interesting
and fun learning opportunities to keep
kids busy. A quick online search of local
libraries resulted in this selection of
summer classes available to kids: knitting,
meditation, writing workshops, magic
workshops, book clubs, online game
design, computer programming, crafting,
cooking, chess and more. Best of all, these
classes and workshops are free!
Special programming
Many libraries bring in special guests
over the summer to offer exciting
programming. The Round Rock Public
Library is hosting the Austin Reptile Show
where kids will have a chance to see live
lizards, snakes and turtles from around
Unmatched Academic Results
the world. They also have a magic show, Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
suitable for all ages, on their calendar.
Check with your local branch for
upcoming events.
Teens
Being a teen and avoiding boredom Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic
in the summer can be tricky. Many classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students
teenagers feel too old for summer learn to think for themselves and to value independence.
camp, but they may lack access to a
car or are considered too young to get
a job. Libraries have done a great job of Avery Ranch (PS–8) (512) 341-8000
developing spaces and programming 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin
specifically for teens so that they feel Round Rock (PS–1) (512) 255-8844
welcome and valued year-round. 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock
The Central Library downtown has a Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299
dedicated “teen area” on the third floor, 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin
reserved just for kids ages 13-18. Adults
and younger kids are welcome to “stop
An independent private school offering preschool
in and take a peek around, or borrow
through eighth grade
a book, but all the seats, computers,
© 2022, Challenger Schools
programs and resources are reserved Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
just for teens.” The Austin Public library
also offers a teen-run magazine,
Please support our advertisers. June 2022 11AFM SUMMER
FUN GIVEAWAY!
WIN A
4 Night SUMMER F
STAY at
LEGOLAND Zoo
Cameron Parkgames
eo
UNPLUG those vid
Florida Austin Yacht Club
The Club’s mission is
to be a
and conn ec
creatures. How
t wi th colorful
about an
Resort premier sailing clu
emphasis on sa ilb
sailing education an
b
oa
wit
t
h an
rac
d sa g
ing,
ilin
oasis of natura
this summ er ?
l wonder for
., Waco
1701 N. Fourth St
activities for the en tire family. parkzoo.com
www.cameron
Dr ., Au sti n 00
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sti ny ac htc lub .net
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Theme Park 512-266-1336
LEGOLAND ®
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Dripping Springs
www.dreamland.us
512-827-1279
AUSTIN ParkS
Movies in the Park are back,
HOW TO WIN! imbing
Rock-About Cles
plus play dates, fitness, trails
and more. Check our calendar
1 – Go to AustinFamily.com and
Adventu r for all the latest events all
click on Summer Fun Contest. fe vertical
Experience a sa over Austin.
2 – Submit your favorite W e ar e the oldest
adventur e. www.austinparks.org
Summer Fun photo. tfit in Central
rock climbing ou
3 – Get your family & friends to go es provide a
Texas. Our guid
online and vote for your photo. m en t in which you
safe environ
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4 – The photo with most votes can experience
and climbing.
by midnight June 15 WINS! seeing, camping
Marble Falls
ut.com
www.rock-abo
*Restrictions apply and reservation
must be made 21 days in advance. 08 04
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NO TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED.
12 June 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.comFUN GUIDE
NEW WATER
LEGOLAND Florida
Theme Park and
Bob Bullock Stat
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Adults and child
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Water park the Story of Texa
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Creek Play
This summer try a new type of water
play at one of these area creeks. Most
have free admission.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
(multiple locations)
www.austinparks.org/barton-creek-
greenbelt
City of Austin Parks
(multiple locations)
www.austinparks.org
Irving and Hazeline Smith Trail
5479 Old Spicewood Springs Rd.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.
Northern Walnut Creek Trail
12138 N. Lamar Blvd.
Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City
River Place Nature Trail
9000 Big View Dr.
St. Edward’s Trail
7301 Spicewood Springs Rd.
Turkey Creek Trail
1600 City Park Rd.
Zilker Nature Preserve and Hiking Trails
301 Nature Center Dr.
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From a Dad of Twins
Our home life with twin girls is a blessing, but to be honest, it can be rough. We are
mixing a sleep-deprived couple, two rightfully demanding babies, and a to-do list of
tasks unrelated to babies. It’s not the best mixture. As a first-time dad of twin girls, I
joke about how I am outnumbered in the house – it’s dad vs. girls.
Though I joke, there are several things I have noted in the time these two additional ASHFORD SONII
ladies came into my life, causing me to balance loving my wife and loving my two Sonii is a writer, primarily
daughters. As dads, it seems like every day a new tool is needed to help repair focusing on family and fatherhood.
He is co-founder of YoungHearts
something, but we don’t always have all the tools needed. So, here are four tools I’d
Ministries. Visit youtube.com/c/
love to share from my toolbox to yours. YoungHeartsMinistriesKidsFamily.
#1 - Don’t forget about mom #2 - Be open to learning and
A few weeks after the twins came home, it came to a point implementing new things
where I wondered if my wife and I had forgotten about
I will never forget the day I confidently dressed one of
each other as the twins became our main focus. After
our girls with the clothes mom left out for me. There I
a couple of comments and expressions of annoyance
was, proud of how I overcame the rigor that some of
passed between us, I realized that in some cases, I had
these baby blouses bring when trying to place them on
put the twins before my wife. Though it is not intentional
newborns. As I walked out of our nursery with my head
to forget our spouses, we dads (moms too) may tend to
held high, my wife busted out laughing. “Honey, her
do this as we are absorbed by babies’ feeding schedules,
blouse is on backwards.” As dads, many times we will
their sleep schedules or simply the twinkles in their eyes
have to humble ourselves, especially when it comes to
that wrap us around their little fingers. Being deliberate
the girl stuff. At times, we’ll need to laugh and take the
about how you are also going to love and take care of
egg off our faces if we get it wrong (and that’s okay).
your spouse daily is important as you both adjust to a new
Always be open to learn and implement new things that
norm. Even if it’s the little things you do in showing your
aren’t second nature, especially as a dad of girls.
appreciation for her, don’t forget about mom.
#3 - Bond, The Dad Bond #4 - Go ahead and plan it!
You know how money typically grows over the years
Imagine a connection with your 18-year-old daughters
when you invest? The same thing applies for investing in
that started from the moments you rocked them in
our newborns now for tomorrow. When I became a dad,
your arms as infants. Today, there is so much research
I was thrilled to plan a life for the future of our daughters
available that teaches us about the art of bonding with
with college funds, journals filled with letters from me
our newborns – through locking eye contact with them,
throughout the years, and traditions formed now that we
reading to them, speaking words of affirmation over
would hold as a family later. I want them to know they
them, or just talking to them about the plans for the
are beautiful, special and loved. Sometimes it feels silly to
day. Even when they aren’t responding yet, there are so
plan for such things, years in advance, when they aren’t
many non-verbal ways to bond with our little ones. As
even saying “da-da” yet. But after learning from an older
a new dad, I have learned how bonding not only helps
generation about things they had done years ago that
developmentally with our daughters’ cognition as they
their kids are benefiting from today, it reminded me that
grow, it also forms the foundations of our relationships.
though we don’t see or feel the investment today, we
Simply aiming to be the best father you can be today
shouldn’t lose stamina in being intentional in planning
makes a great place to start a lasting relationship with
for the future. We can’t always know tomorrow, but we
your daughter. I encourage fathers to investigate ways
can do our best to help their tomorrow. Though our labor
they can strengthen bonds with their children at every
in sentiments, traditions and literal investments may not
stage of their lives, even newborn!
seem to be worth much today, they will be worth more
every day that passes by.
20 June 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.comSMART
SCREEN
TIME
BENJAMIN KRAMER
Kramer, PhD, is the director of education for
Austin PBS.
Juneteenth
As we celebrate our second national and Chair of the History Department at serious wrong. Juneteenth then offers
Juneteenth this month, fine Texans will the University of Texas at Austin. an opportunity to give attention to
quickly say: a) the holiday first started the individuals and communities who
here and b) some of us have been Dr. Berry suggests we lead by discussing were enslaved and who obtained their
celebrating for over a century! slavery, which essentially forces others freedom. They used that freedom to
to work for free, and keeps them working go to school, take up new jobs, build
With Juneteenth leaping into national through fear and force. Though we see communities and produce future
attention, I wondered how to talk to this today as fundamentally wrong generations of free Americans. Dr. Berry
young children about the central issue and illegal, slavery, particularly of Black encourages us to examine the true
of Juneteenth. After the conclusion of Americans, was part of life on this land stories and artifacts of enslaved and
the Civil War, federal officials traveled for 246 years. It lasted from the colonial freed peoples at two online sources:
to Texas to spread the word that slavery period through the first 89 years after People Not Property and UT’s own
had ended, a message that many the U.S. became its own nation. Teaching Texas Slavery. Austin PBS has
Texans were not eager to accept. So, for 13 episodes of our own show, Juneteenth
some kid-friendly answers, I turned to Dr. Juneteenth starts with the recognition Jamboree, at austinpbs.org/juneteenth.
Daina Ramey Berry, Professor of History that we as a country corrected a Happy Juneteenth, ya’ll!
Virtual
and in-person
experiences
Music for
all ages and
skill levels
Think again
this Juneteenth 512.474.2331 • ACMSaustin.org
with Austin PBS.
Juneteenth is a time for community
service and celebration. Learn more
about Juneteenth and its importance
by watching Juneteenth Jamboree
with your family on
austinpbs.org.
Please support our advertisers. June 2022 21June 2022
Go to austinfamily.com for expanded listings. calendar
Any family-friendly events can be by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The Movies in the Park. 8 p.m. Bring the
posted at austinfamily.com and will Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. FREE. whole family for “The Little Rascals”
be made live once approved. Certain
austinsymphony.org. (rated PG). The movie will begin at
Wed 1 sundown. Gregg Park Clark, 1301 Center
Music on Main. 7-9 p.m. Join us Mon 6 Ave. FREE. cityofkyle.com.
Wednesday nights in May and June in Summer Reading Kickoff Concert With
downtown Round Rock. Prete Main Street Joe McDermott. 10 a.m. Summer Reading
Sat 11
Plaza, 221 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov. at Round Rock Public Library is back, Kyle Market Days. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The
and Joe McDermott is helping us celebrate. Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is
“Paper Moon” (rated PG). 7:30 p.m. Part All ages are welcome. Prete Plaza on hosting Kyle Market Days. cityofkyle.com.
of Paramount Summer Film Classic Main, 221 E. Main St. FREE. bit.ly/37JByQi.
Series. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration.
Congress Ave. $10. austintheatre.org. Tue 7 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The celebration of
Juneteenth continues at 10 a.m. with the
Fri 3 Austin Humane Society’s Kids Summer
Grand Parade. After the parade there will
Series. 10 a.m. Featuring interactive
Rhythm & Reels. 6 p.m. A music and be activities at Veterans’ Memorial Park
sessions with our partners plus art
movie summer series. Music by Stoney downtown until 6 p.m. elgintx.com.
projects, storytimes, yoga and more.
Gable and movie “Parent Trap” (rated PG). This year, we are so excited to bring
Lakeway City Park. FREE. lakeway-tx.gov. Pop Up Play Day. 5-7 p.m. Round Rock
back our beloved Teddy Bear Surgery Parks and Recreation Department’s
(2 sessions) and our Outdoor Movie Pop Up Play Day is coming. Join us
KUTX98.9 Rock the Park. 6 p.m. Come enjoy
Night (June 23). Priced by each session. in the park for family activities. Rock
Joe McDermott. Mueller Lake Amphitheatre,
austinhumanesociety.org/sks2022. Hollow Park, 1415 Appollo Circle. FREE.
4550 Mueller Blvd. FREE. kutx.org.
roundrocktexas.gov.
“Family Fun Nights” at Yonders Point - Wed 8
Country Hoedown. 6:30-9 p.m. “Friday CONTINUED: Music on Main, see Wed 1; CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s
Fun Nights” at Yonders Point is back Austin Humane Society’s Kids Summer Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7.
for 2022. Yonders Point, 3103 Aten Loop. Series, see Tue 7.
roundrocktexas.gov. Sun 12
Thu 9 Cardboard Boat Regatta. 6 p.m.
Country Music With Zach Day. 6 p.m. Join Lakeway Parks and Recreation
Little Texans: Calm. Kick off the season
Country blues with The Zach Day Band. for a splashing good time. Lakeway
with calming activities to keep the
Live music in the covered beer garden. Swim Center, 3103 Lakeway Blvd. FREE.
peace during the hot summer days.
Dreamland, 2770 U.S. Highway 290, lakeway-tx.gov.
Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800
Dripping Springs. FREE. dreamland.us.
Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com.
CONTINUED: Concerts in the Park, see Sun 5.
Sat 4 CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s
National Trails Day Scavenger Hunt. Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7. Mon 13
9 a.m. to noon. The City of Kyle Parks Vacation Bible School at Redeemer
and Recreation Department invites you Fri 10 Austin. 9 a.m. to noon. Join us for a
to participate in the National Trails Day Summer Concerts in the Park. 7-9:30 “Monumental” Vacation Bible School
Scavenger Hunt. Waterleaf Park, 628 p.m. Enjoy a free concert in the park (VBS) experience at Redeemer this
Abundance Lane. FREE. cityofkyle.com. and prepare to have a rockin’ good summer. Redeemer Austin, 1500 W.
time. Blankets, chairs, food and drink are Anderson Lane. FREE. redeemer.net.
Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline.
allowed. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Texas Farmers Market Run With Round Rock PD. 5:45-7 p.m.
Chase Blvd. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov.
at Lakeline is open every Saturday, rain The leisurely-paced, socially-distanced
or shine. Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Juneteenth Street Dance. 7 p.m. to 5K starts at 6 p.m. at Fleet Feet running
Drive. visitcedarparktexas.com. midnight. The Juneteenth Celebration store. 3750 Gattis School Road, Suite 500.
kicks off the weekend-long event with roundrocktexas.gov.
Sun 5 vendors in Veterans’ Memorial Park and
Concerts in the Park. All ages, including the annual street dance held in historic Tue 14 - FLAG DAY
pets, enjoy relaxing Sunday evenings with downtown Elgin at Depot Street. CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s
different musical ensembles presented elgintx.com. Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7.
22 May 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.comWed 15 World Refugee Day. Learn about the Sat 25
cultures that continue to make Texas the
Build a Native Bee House. 8 a.m. to
CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s diverse place it is today. Bullock Texas
noon. Join the City of Kyle Parks and
Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7. State History Museum, 1800 Congress
Recreation Department as they host
Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com.
Thu 16 the Build a Native Bee House event in
Sun 19 celebration of National Pollinators Week.
Pop Up Play Day. 9-11 a.m. Round Rock cityofkyle.com.
Parks and Recreation Department Pop FATHER’S DAY
Up Play Day is coming. Join us in the JUNETEENTH Summer Family Film Series: “Up” (rated
park for family activities. Chisholm Valley Rock and Roll Playhouse for Kids: Bob PG). Noon to 1:30 p.m. Take an incredible
Park, 1201 Trey. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. Marley. 11:30 a.m. Bring entire family to adventure with the most unlikely of friends
celebrate Father’s day and Juneteenth at a special multi-sensory screening of
CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s this family film favorite. Bullock Texas State
listening to music by Bob Marley.
Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7. History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave. $8 -
Mohawk Outdoor, 912 Red River St. $12.
therockandrollplayhouse.com. $12. thestoryoftexas.com.
Fri 17
Family Skate Nights. 7 p.m. Awesome CONTINUED: Concerts in the Park, see Sun 5. CONTINUED: Elgin Western Days, see Thu 23.
opportunity to get the family out together
as you skate to music at the Ash Pavilion. Tue 21 Sun 26
We will have music, lights, concessions and CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s “Annie” (rated PG). 1 p.m. Come
a fun skating environment. Ash Pavilion Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7. celebrate the 40th Anniversary of “Annie”
at Gregg Clarke Park, 1231 W. Center St. $4 (1982) as a part of the Paramount
adults, $3 kids. cityofkyle.com. Wed 22 Summer Classic Film Series. The
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
CONTINUED: Vacation Bible School at Tuneful Tales (formerly Children’s $10. austintheatre.org.
Redeemer Austin, see Mon 13. Day Art Park). Austin Symphony will
kick off the kids summer program. CONTINUED: Concerts in the Park, see Sun 5.
Sat 18 Watch for details on the AFM website.
Cedar Park Market Days. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. austinsymphony.org/education- Tue 28
Head out to Cedar Park Market Days the community-concerts/aso-tuneful-tales. CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s
third Saturday of every month for live Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7.
CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s
music, yummy food trucks and over 70
Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7.
local artisans. 11066 Pecan Park Blvd. Wed 29
visitcedarparktexas.com.
Thu 23 CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s
Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7.
Round Rock Pop Up Art Show. 10 a.m. Elgin Western Days. 6-10 p.m. Carnival
to 3 p.m. Shop for unique and original opens the weekend-long event, followed
Thu 30
artwork by local and area fine artists. by a parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday,
Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E. Main St. music in the park at 11:30 a.m. and more. “Dinosaurs of Antarctica.” 4 p.m. From
roundrocktexas.gov. elgintxchamber.com/western-days. glaciers to Glacialisaurus, with real
expedition footage and next-level CGI,
Juneteenth Festival Round Rock CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s this film introduces the amazing and
2022. 4-11:30 p.m. This year’s event Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7. bizarre of the prehistoric age. Science
includes the legendary Hip Hop Duo Kid Mill, 101 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City.
N Play, a health fair, moonwalks, games, Fri 24 sciencemill.org.
food, retail vendors and more. Old
CONTINUED: Elgin Western Days, see Thu 23.
Settlers Park. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. CONTINUED: Austin Humane Society’s
Kids Summer Series, see Tue 7.
ery day
Open ev ay 30th
M
starting mer hours
for su m
Please support our advertisers. June 2022 23So Long,
Farewell
Just for grIns
CATE BERRY
Berry is an Austin-based children’s book author
and mother of two. She also teaches writing
workshops for young people at cateberry.com. as we part ways, avoiding that sad, oogy loud party, diving into our cozy beds and
tummy feeling. snuggling up with a book. I’m certainly
Don’t you love the party scene in in that camp from time to time. Funny
“The Sound of Music”? If you’re not But I’m making myself stay and say that I remembered it as sad. But I think
familiar (we can no longer be friends, goodbye to you all, wonderful readers, more accurately, and probably why I
for starters), the seven von Trapp instead of ghosting this time. I’ll be remembered the lyrics incorrectly, I
children sing a delightfully, heart- moving on from spinning these columns will be so terribly sad to no longer leave
tugging “goodnight” song to a glittering after today. (Don’t worry, I’m leaving you these words for you every month. Not
ballroom of dinner guests. My cousins in good hands!) Like the seven von Trapp glad at all. But, it is time.
and I used to act out that scene on my children singing:
Grandmother’s terrace steps, over and I hope all your goodbyes are filled with
over, growing up. I’m sure when I die, I’m sad to go, I cannot tell a lie, more sad than glad. After all, laughter
that song will be the last to leave my I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly. and joy are the B-side of sadness. You
addled brain. can’t have one without the other. So
Fleetly? Overlooking the bad rhyme
let’s laugh at our collective goofs, share
I’m terrible at goodbyes. I invented and the made-up word— I realize
our misadventures and not take life too
“ghosting” in adolescence long before my mistake. Young Brigitta sang that
seriously. That was my aim every month,
it was an expression. And the deeper stanza, but instead of “sad” she actually
at least!
my emotional ties to a person, place or sang “glad.” We introverts understand
thing, the more I dissolve into the ether Briggita. We know the relief of leaving a So long, farewell. For now.
24 June 2022 View the magazine online at austinfamily.comYou can also read
