Even kids can appreciate that new book smell, the sounds of a freshly cracked spine, the crisp, organic texture of the unturned page. These are integral parts of the reading experience that are slowly being forgotten, but the savvy staff at this Austin staple work overtime to ensure reading remains an art of all the senses, for all generations.

BookPeople
603 N. Lamar
512/472-5050
bookpeople.com

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This year, we've got a tie between two fabulous options for kid-centered – and kid-friendly – shopping. Up first is Baby Bugaloo, a hip spot for hip kids' clothing and accessories – and we mean hip, as in it carries brands like Deux Par Deux, Rabbitmoon, and Beatrix, making this a South Austin must-shop for baby showers and birthday parties. And when kids outgrow that couture, those very items will have chance at a second life at your other fave. Pumpkin Patch resale shop has a bit of everything you're looking for – from cribs to clothes to toys and accessories. Plus, these locals care: They check everything they receive for recent recalls. You know that's big in the baby field.

Baby Bugaloo
5700 W. Slaughter #220
512/301-3800
www.babybugaloo.com

Pumpkin Patch
2324 S. Lamar
512/804-2008
www.pumpkinpatchresale.com

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It’s fitting that the winners here are on or near Red River; the area has been a draw for teens since at least the 1950s, when they flocked to the New Orleans Club. Today, Red Eyed Fly offers U18 performers a friendly, almost wholesome intro to club life, and punk cousin Red 7 captures hearts with its gritty mien, liberal booking policy, and CBGB’s-esque bathrooms. Teenage kicks, indeed.

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Once registered, moms or dads can drop off their little ones for some active play (art! Internet! games!) at Kid Spa Austin. Unlike other drop-in child care facilities, there's no minimum time, nor do they round up to the nearest hour. Guardians are charged by the minute, so go on, girl! Get that mani-pedi, buy an ice cream cone with bacon, and sit in your car blasting Hüsker Dü. When you pick up your progeny, they'll be none the wiser.

Kid Spa Austin
5700 Slaughter #380
512/301-5772
www.kidspaaustin.com

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From Alice in Wonderland to Zathura: A Space Adventure, the obsessive-compulsive team of perennial "Best of Austin" winners at Vulcan Video are here to make sure your kid gets the stimuli a growing brain needs. With about 2,000 children's films in stock, they may even help you find something even your pickiest future Kurosawa wouldn't mind watching.

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Can you think of anyone better suited to cut your baby bird's hair than the be-tatted, dashing, fun-loving, Mohawked young man or woman that you're likely to get at this haircuttery? Neither can we.

Various locations

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In the magical world of kids, Main Event is Valhalla. In the magical world of adults charged with the task of entertaining those kids' overstimulated butts, Main Event is also Valhalla. And it has mead. Mead produced from the udders of the goat Heiðrún. OK, we're totally joking about the last part, but it does have booze and a pool hall that's as big … well, as big any that Odin could conjure, we bet. So if you or your spawn wish to challenge your own Hunding to a showdown of billiards, bowling, Skee-Ball, laser tag, or by the gods' own decree, glow golf, then we say: No need to draw the broadsword, hero, just load up your funcard and get to swipin'. Just don't keep Sigrún waiting.

Main Event
13301 Hwy. 183 N.
512/401-0000
www.maineventusa.net

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Our readers have crowed about Sandy's for almost every year of the last decade (WTH, 2005?) that this tot shoe-porium is a great place for kids to get those fresh zapatos everyone seems to be wearing, yadda yadda yadda …. But we've got a tip for you adult Austinites with little feet: If you fit into children's shoe sizes, you can make out like a bandit while your amigos are paying double or triple at Nordstrom. Can we get an amen up in here?

Sandy's Shoes & Toys
2525 W. Anderson, Bldg. 1, #150
512/452-8697
www.fb.com/sandysshoes

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Counselor (to camper): "So you know that you're attending one of the most creative, active, and well-run camps in Austin, with options for 4- through 14-year-olds that engage both body and mind. Right?" Camper (to counselor): "B'duh!"

Various locations

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Is it any wonder that once again Summer Wonders takes the Best Summer Camp award? It's been recognized year after year for its ability to create engaging academic curricula that manage to excite the often easily bored and distracted brain of a pre-K through sixth-grade gifted kid. Well, "gifted" doesn't stop at grade school. Its new Mind Games program cranks the mental stimulation up a notch for students entering grades six through 10, with college-level challenges and, most importantly, fun.

Summer Wonders
3901 Shoal Creek Blvd.
512/206-4070
www.summerwonders.org

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Water babies are spoiled by the sheer scope of dope Central Texas swimming holes, but sometimes we crave something bigger. Something badder. Something hotter, cooler. We need a water park as epic as its name. That's when we bust out the bikinis and board shorts and migrate south to what is advertised as "the hottest coolest time in Texas" and what we call "oh, hell yeah!" Seriously fresh water from the adjacent Comal River supplies the power for the most ridiculously fun and harrowing water rides in the state. Even after they electrified and Auto-Tuned the jingle for 2011, after a day in the sun at our readers' favorite amusement park, you won't be able to get "Schliiiitterbahn (bahn bahn)" out of your waterlogged head (head head).

Schlitterbahn
381 E. Austin St.
New Braunfels
830/625-2351
www.schlitterbahn.com

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Terra Toys and Toy Joy have their subtle differences. Terra is more classic and cerebral, where Toy Joy is nearly seizure-inducing in its modern, DayGlo craziness, yet both of these wonder emporiums strike the balance between fads and infinitely fun, affordable and uppity, new school and Playskool, pink and blue. Though people get old and gross, these stores' youthful spirits will endure, and they’ll still have what we like and welcome us.

Terra Toys
2438 W. Anderson Ste. 1-C
512/445-4489
terratoys.com

Toy Joy
403 W. Second
512/320-0090
www.toyjoy.com

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We're all aware that this is a national chain, but not only did our readers choose it, you also have to give it credit for being one of the last game stores standing as physical game discs slowly go the way of the CD. Not to mention that we cheapskates can't find a better selection of used games to satisfy our need for play.

Various locations

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