As the weather starts to get cooler and leaves start to fall each year, there are so many things to do in and around Austin! We gathered these activities to help you and your little ones have some nature-themed fun this Fall and Winter! To quash any weekend boredom, check out our list of crafts and events we compiled just …
Paving the Way for Austinites: 6 of Austin’s Best Paved Trails
Here at Austin Parks Foundation, we know there’s lots of reasons to love a paved path. From mobility aids to strollers, bikes or even just enjoying a walk with ease, there are paved paths at parks and trails all over Austin that will make your next park adventure a breeze! Check out these 6 paved path in parks and trails …
Nature Play as Development with the Rivera Family
Presented by Little Hummingbird SocietyWritten by Barry Rivera, Volunteer Manager at Austin Parks Foundation In addition to just getting kids outdoors, nature play offers some cognitive and behavioral benefits to kids of all ages. The good news is – nature play is the perfect way to combine sensory, imaginary and motor skill development all in one! Sensory Experiences For smaller …
6 Fun Nature Play Activities with the Rivera Family
×Hey there! COVID-19 has changed how we do things, and your safety is our priority. Please keep social distancing best practices in mind if you choose to visit parks, trails and green spaces. Thanks, y’all!Presented by Little Hummingbird SocietyWritten by Barry Rivera, Volunteer Manager at Austin Parks Foundation It’s a common misconception that in order to entertain kids you need …
Nature Play 101: The Basics and Benefits of Nature Play
Nature Play is any open-ended, unstructured play opportunity using objects from – you guessed it – nature! Children are naturally drawn toward natural phenomena, and exploring objects in their natural environment, where they can independently observe, make connections, problem-solve and interpret these items. Numerous studies have found cognitive benefits to Nature Play. These include increased attention, memory, creativity, and problem-solving …
People + Parks: Outside Om
By Elizabeth McGuire “If everybody grew up with a meditation mindset and the ability to use it to reduce stress, the world would be a much better place.” That conviction anchors and motivates An Dang, co-owner of The Little Yoga House and supporter of Austin Parks Foundation’s Fitness in the Park program. For the last several years Dang has been …
Playtime
Since my husband and I recently added a two-year-old to our household, I’m re-exploring Austin’s parks with a new perspective. One of my favorite neighborhood parks has long been Shipe Park, and it still is. Shipe is a small park, but I find it has everything I want. Here’s what I think makes a good park to bring small children …