Now, that the holidays are over, January is a great month to explore and discover all the wonderful events and things to do in the Austin area. Family activities abound! Whether you like to take a hike, ice skate, swim in winter, or learn how to repair your stuff, we’ve got you covered. Many of the events listed below are either free, or require a nominal admission fee. They are also a short distance from Travisso. Which means that it won’t take you long, or cost much money to get you there. Gas prices are very reasonable. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s our list of great activities for the month of January.
January outdoor activities
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers all residents and visitors the opportunity to take advantage of their First Day Hikes program on New Year’s Day. Take the family outdoors for the day and discover a world of nature and beauty with a guided walk through one of our state’s greatest natural resources—our parks. Over 70 First Day Hikes are taking place in Texas Parks all throughout the state. From Austin to the Texas Hill Country to Johnson City to Galveston and more. Distances, terrain, and events vary from park to park. During the hike learn about the park’s history and native plant and animals from trained volunteers and state park staff. For a complete list of scheduled hikes at a state park near you click here. Admission is free.
Make a splash
Make a dash and a big splash for Robin Bledsoe Park pool during the second annual Polar Bear Plunge: Freezin for a Reason. The Leander Parks and Recreation Department hosts this second annual event that takes place on Jan. 1 from 1:30-3:30. Not only is this event a whole lot of fun for the entire family but it’s also for a great cause. This year all proceeds will go toward funding the Veteran’s Park Eagle Sculpture. Register online or the day of the event. The fee is $35. T-shirt size guaranteed only for pre-registrations. “Too Chicken to Plunge” t-shirts will also be on sale. All are welcome!
Ice skate on a rooftop
Spend the day sliding and gliding on the rooftop ice skating rink of Austin’s Whole Foods Flagship store. Ice Skating on the Plaza takes place daily from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Nov. 23 to Jan. 21. If you haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy this great family activity during the holidays, there’s still plenty of time. The $10 per person fee includes skates. However, before you go check their website for holiday hours of operation including New Year’s Day. Hot chocolate, cider, and live music on the weekends makes this a great destination for visitors and the entire family.
Play in the snow
Though Johnson City is a small trek from Travisso, the Science Mill’s fourth annual Snow Day: Making Science Snow Much Fun is well-worth the trip. Join them from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 for a day of learning and plenty of old-fashioned fun. During this six-hour free event the museum transforms its Science & Art Park into a winter wonderland of science with 20 tons of snow. Both kids and adults will have a blast learning about the science of making snow because there’s four hours of special activities and workshops. Learn the how and why of ice sculpting, making a snowball slingshot, measuring the speed of a snowball, and playing an icicle xylophone. But, there’s oh so much more. Building snowmen and making snow angels encouraged! Food, a 3D movie, and over 50 hands-on exhibits keep kids busy all day long.
January inside activities
Take in a movie
The Cedar Park Public Library is hosting a free showing of Captain Underpants and an afternoon of family-friendly fun on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. This PG-rated movie centers around two pranksters that hypnotize their school’s principal into thinking he’s a superhero named Captain Underpants. Watch the fun unfold as Captain Underpants gets himself into some unpredictable situations. Legos, coloring, and much more!
Explore the history of Texas
On the first Sunday of every month admission to the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin is free courtesy of the H-E-B Free First Sunday program. On Sunday, Jan. 6 from noon to 5 p.m. families can take advantage of the free admission and experience the museum’s new first floor gallery titled Becoming Texas. Explore and discover history in the making through this unique, hands-on, immersive environment. This one-of-a-kind journey through more than 16,000 years of Texas history documents the rise and fall of nations up to Mexican Independence in 1821. WOW!
Learn to fix your stuff
Do you need a piece of clothing repaired? Is your child’s favorite toy in need of some TLC? Or, do you have a can opener that needs a replacement part? You can learn how to fix these household items and much more during the Austin Public Library’s free Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, Jan. 26 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Recycled Reads Bookstore. A broken item in need of repair and the desire to learn how to fix it is a requirement for admission. This three-hour workshop for do-it-yourselfers is all about do-it-together hands-on disassembly, troubleshooting, and repair knowledge. Volunteer coaches provide guidance, know-how, and first-hand knowledge. There is a two-item per visit limit. Sewing machines and tools are available for use. Items to bring to the clinic include clothing, toys, jewelry, small appliances, accessories and electronics. View their website for registration information.
Visit the master-planned community of Travisso today!
Travisso is a place to explore; a place to relax; a place to call home. With over-the-top amenities, fabulous home designs, natural beauty, new model homes, and the backdrop of the Texas Hill Country, what’s not to love? Visit Travisso today. Contact our information center at 512-243-8583 for additional information.
