Reader's Poll: Kids

Camps/Classes / Drop-Off Childcare

Austin Nature & Science Center Sweeping two categories, the newly renamed Nature & Science Center is the place to go to learn all about Austin-area ecosystems, wildlife, conservation efforts, and natural history. The center says that despite the readers kudos, theirs is not technically a "drop-off" childcare facility, and that you should call ahead for program information.301 Nature Center, 327-8180

Camps/Classes / Drop-Off Childcare Austin Nature Center photograph by Minh

Entertainer

Captain Connie, aka Connie Leaverton Creative, captivating, cute, classy, but not a clown: Captain Connie keeps the kids cutting up with her curious capers.Desert Rose Entertainment, 457-9033

Entertainer Captain Connie photograph by Minh

Clothing

Gap Kids Clothing for the kiddie cool set. Whether or not your child is a follower of fashion, they'll outgrow 'em before they wear 'em out.Barton Creek Square, 328-6288; Highland Mall, 452-5440; 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, 257-1774

Kids' Space

Open Door Open Door, and its director Nira, have an "inconspicuous" approach to teaching, so that kids learn while having fun. They welcome pre-school kids of various learning levels and abilities.603 Bouldin, 445-2698; 1717 W. 10th, 477-9632; 3804 Cherrywood, 481-0775

Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Hang Town Grill Actually, Hang Town is kid-friendly because they serve the traditional burger-fries-shake fare with such panache that parents don't mind coming back for more.2828 Rio Grande, 476-8696; 9828 Great Hills Trail, 349-9944; 701 Capital of Texas Hwy., 347-1039

Library

John Henry Faulk Central Library Austin's kids don't take chances when it comes to good books: They head for library headquarters.800 Guadalupe, 499-7300

Park / Playscape

Zilker Park What can we say about Austin's favorite city park? It's where kids go to play, splash, learn, and ride the Zilker Zepher.2100 Barton Springs Rd., 499-6700

Resale Clothing

TIE: Between Friends, Second Time Around Yet another category Austin shoppers know well: old clothing. This year, Between Friends and Second Time Around tie.Between Friends, 8108 Mesa, 346-1656; Second Time Around, 3704 Crawford, 451-6845

Shoe Store

Payless Shoesource Payless beat out last year's winner, Sandy's, by a foot. The pair have been alternating as winners for the past four years.Various locations

Toy Store for Kids

Toys R Us It was neck and neck with Terra Toys, but Geoffrey's neck is longer.5451 N. I-35, 450-1807; 			4025 Capital of Texas, 441-7216

Video Selection

Blockbuster It's everywhere!Various locations

Baby Presents

Menagerie For high-end baby commemoratives, this is the place. Previous winner, Li'l Things ('95 and '96) takes second.1601 W. 38th, #7, 453-4644

Kids Bookstore (New)

Toad Hall Croak it from the hilltop: Toad Hall is the winner of this category since 1994. 1206 W. 38th, 323-2665

Kids Bookstore (Used)

Half Price Books Even kids have heard HPB's new ads: "You're a book lover, you're happy when you read."3110 Guadalupe, 451-4463; 2929 S. Lamar, 443-3138; 8868 Research, 454-3664

Party Supplies

The Party Pig Don't take the kids or you'll leave with at least one of everything.2900 Anderson, 454-2518

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