For high-end baby commemoratives, this is the place. Previous winner, Li'l Things ('95 and '96) takes second.
La Menagerie
512/326-4090
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Austin's kids don't take chances when it comes to good books: They head for library headquarters.
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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.
Austin Nature & Science Center
301 Nature Center Dr.
512/327-8180
austintexas.gov/ansc
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Croak it from the hilltop: Toad Hall is the winner of this category since 1994.
Toad Hall
1206 W. 38th, Ste. 1101
512/323-2665
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Even kids have heard HPB's new ads: "You're a book lover, you're happy when you read."
Half-Price Books
3110 Guadalupe
512/451-4463
www.halfpricebooks.com/
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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.
The Gap
Gap Kids, Barton Creek Square, 512/328-6288
2354 Guadalupe, 512/482-0355
Gap Kids, Highland Mall, 512/452-5440
Gap Kids, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., 512/257-1774
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photograph by Minh Carrico Minh Carrico
Creative, captivating, cute, classy, but not a clown: Captain Connie keeps the kids cutting up with her curious capers.
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Yet another category Austin shoppers know well: old clothing. This year, Between Friends and Second Time Around tie.
Between Friends
8108 Mesa
512/346-1656
Second Time Around
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Payless beat out last year's winner, Sandy's, by a foot. The pair have been alternating as winners for the past four years.
Payless Shoesource
2301 E. Seventh, 512/472-8616
2326 S. Congress, 512/326-4515
www.payless.com/
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It's everywhere!
Blockbuster
1112-A N. Lamar
512/440-7710
www.blockbuster.com/
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photograph by Minh Carrico Minh Carrico
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.
Austin Nature & Science Center
301 Nature Center Dr.
512/327-8180
austintexas.gov/ansc
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Don't take the kids or you'll leave with at least one of everything.
Party Pig Superstore
2900 W. Anderson, 512/454-2518
Tech Ridge Shopping Center, I-35 & Parmer
5601 Brodie, 512/892-2721
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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.
Open Door
603 Bouldin, 512/445-2698
1717 W. 10th, 512/477-9632
3804 Cherrywood, 512/481-0775
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What can we say about Austin's favorite city park? It's where kids go to play, splash, learn, and ride the Zilker Zepher.
Zilker Park
2100 Barton Springs Rd.
512/974-6700
austintexas.gov/zilker
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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.
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It was neck and neck with Terra Toys, but Geoffrey's neck is longer.
Toys R Us
4025 Capital of Texas Hwy.
512/441-7216