15, who spend either all or part of five days at the Farm, experiencing work
and play as it might have been during the 1880’s. Dressed in period clothing,
the children care for the animals, prepare meals, and work on appropriate
crafts. Sessions begin June 2 and run through August 8. Registration began
March 3, but note that this year’s registration will be handled differently
than in years past. PF will begin accepting reservations BY MAIL, through March
14. Walk-in registration will begin March 17. These camps are widely popular,
and sell out quickly, so the earlier you register, the better. For specifics,
call the farm at 837-1215.
THE NATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL is currently taking
submissions for their local film, video, and animation competition. All youth
age 9-18 are eligible to participate. Sponsored by the Austin Children’s
Museum. Submission deadline is May 15, 1997, so start working now! For details,
look up http://www.amplify.com/acm or call 472-2499, ext. 235.
THE AUSTIN NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER, located in Zilker Park,
provides exhibits and educational programs for children of all ages. Free.
Hours are Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm. The center is a variety of classes
and workshops for both children and families throughout March, including
Enchanted Rock Rockclimbing (Mar 17, 21-23); Turtles are Terrific! (March 22);
Go Fly a Kite! (March 25 & April 1); Splash into the Edwards Aquifer (March
28); Canoeing Adventure (March 28); and more. Call for specifics and fees.
327-8181.
AUSTIN ZOO is a user-friendly, hands-on, interactive, happy kinda
zoo. Come see the new Black Bear exhibit and grab a ride on their miniature
train, the “Rawhide Rocket.” Open daily, 10am-6pm; 10807 Rawhide Tr. Call for
prices and events updates. 288-1490.
NATIONAL WILDFLOWER RESEARCH CTR., 4801 LaCrosse, Saturday
activities featuring nature walks, planting, leaf-printing, stories, and more.
March 15 is National Wildflower Research Center’s Kids’ Day, held 9am-5:30pm.
The event will include Children’s Nature Discovery, book-signings, and more.
Call for details. 292-4200.
PIONEER FARM, 11418 Sprinkle Cut Off Rd., shows how pioneers
settled and farmed the land. Visitors can see farm animals, take part in daily
chores, and tour historic homes and barns. Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm is open
Sundays, 1-5pm; Mon-Wed, 9:30am-1pm. Admission is $3 adults/$2 children 3-12.
837-1215.
AUSTIN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM “Inside the Looking Lens – The Art and Science of Photography” is the latest exhibit at the museum. A
variety of events for the whole family will be held throughout the exhibition’s
run – participants can work in a dark room, select their own tools in a camera store,
compose their own photographs on a computer, and capture images on film in the
museum’s photo booth.
Playscape Escape, an educational, hands-on activity program for parents and
children (up to age 2), is held every Monday, 10am-1pm ($3 members/$3.50
non-members).
Admission is free every Wednesday, 5-8pm. Hours: Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun,
noon-5pm (closed Mon). 1501-A W. Fifth. 472-2494.
This article appears in March 14 • 1997 and March 14 • 1997 (Cover).