Looking for ways to entertain the kiddos as we gear up for summer? Local orgs and museums have so much to do every week, both virtual and IRL. Here are a few to check out, and be sure to take a look at our Summer Camp Guide, which has new camps being added regularly.

Virtual Activities

Austin Public Library

APL has taken storytime and book club to the virtual realm, and there’s a ton of chances to catch up with them online, with virtual group activities for all ages available each week and resources for at-home activities posted on their website, such as storytime kits. Get the full activity schedule at library.austintexas.gov/events.

Club Latinitas

Enrollment is open and ongoing for this free bilingual afterschool club for all girls age 9-14, which includes fun, educational activities with technology and media. Daily, 4-6pm. www.latinitasmagazine.org

Girlstart Starry Nights at Home

View a starry skies show on a different theme each month, then do a related activity. Materials list is posted the Monday prior. First Thursdays. www.girlstart.org.

Texas History Tuesdays

A Bullock Museum educator, primary sources, and interesting content come together to teach elementary and middle school audiences about the history of Texas, and anyone who is looking for an enriching and fun experience is invited to join in online. Tuesdays, 10am & 1pm. www.thestoryoftexas.com

¡VAMONOS! A Caminos Talk Show

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center’s Caminos program has created ¡VAMONOS!, an arts and variety show by teens for teens. Tune in via Facebook Live or Instagram TV. Every other Friday, 6pm. www.fb.com/austinesbmacc

In-Person Fun

Indigo Play

Spanish Circle Time

Enjoy Spanish class free with admission to Indigo Play, which features a huge educational playscape, dedicated baby area, imagination play space, and sensory room. Kids will practice Spanish through songs, stories, and games. Tuesdays, 10am.
Indigo Play, 13530 Research #102; www.eventvesta.com/events/4031

Baby Bloomers

A special program for visitors ages 0-3 and their families, providing caregivers and early learners the chance to experience the children’s museum together. Thinkery will host two storytimes and free play that support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of the earliest learners. Capacity limited to allow for social distancing. Saturdays, 9-11am.
Thinkery, 1830 Simond, 512/469-6200; www.thinkeryaustin.org.

Plan your summer with our Summer Camp Guide and find more kids’ activities at Chron Events.

This article appears in April 2 • 2021.

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Kat grew up in Dallas and got to Austin as soon as she could, attending UT and sticking around afterward like so many Austinites. She started at the Chronicle as a proofreader in 2015, and became an events listings editor in 2020, covering community events, film screenings, summer camps, sports, and more.