Kids Learn and Create at the Thinkery

The Thinkery takes the STEM a step further, adding an A to the mix—for "arts." With the fields of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) in mind, curators for the children's museum have designed a collection of interactive exhibits that are as engaging as they are educational.

Many families particularly enjoy the Backyard, an outdoor play area where kids organically learn about body mechanics while they play. Its jungle gym is probably unlike any you've seen at a park, enormous and accessible for kids of all physical abilities. Watch while your little one scurries up the enclosed ramp to a bulbous watchtower or as he splashes in a winding stream. Inside the museum, kids can learn about the chemistry of cooking in the Kitchen Lab, let their creativity run wild in the Innovators' Workshop, or master the art of sewing or soldering in the Space 8 area (which is only open to ages 8 and older).

Thinkery
The Meredith Learning Lab
1930 Simond Avenue
Austin, TX 78723
(512) 469-6200
thinkeryaustin.org
www.yelp.com/biz/thinkery-austin

Toy Time: Where It’s Always Time to Play

Just about every store in the Austin area is a bit quirkier than most, and Toy Time is one of those truly unique establishments. This independent toy store carries a wide selection of toys that you won’t find at most big box toy stores, and it even offers pop culture memorabilia that adults will love, as well.

The colorful, jam-packed shop is small, but it’s filled to the brim with children’s dolls and toys. The candy selection includes hard-to-find items like chocolate rocks, and the walls are lined with electronic games, costumes, model kits, and much more. Toy Time also includes a party room where guests can book fun-filled birthday parties. This room is set up like a treehouse, and the affordable package includes your choice of entertainers ranging from magicians to princesses and even full-scale petting zoos.

Toy Time is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and the store is closed on Sundays.

Toy Time
101-B Pecan Street West
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 990-8697
www.toy-time.com
www.yelp.com/biz/toy-time-pflugerville

Terra Toys: An Independent Toy Store for Kids and Adults Alike

While there are a number of big box toy stores in every city, there’s something charming and nostalgic about visiting an independently owned toy store. Terra Toys is just that type of store, with a sweet storefront tucked into a plaza near popular restaurants and other shops.

It’s very easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing the endless selection of unique toys here, so be sure to visit when you have some time to spare. The inventory is stacked from floor to ceiling, with a number of cozy nooks and play areas scattered throughout. The book section has a few small tables where kids can read, and there’s a large train table to check out the model trains.

Terra Toys carries all types of toys, from dolls and action figures to games and science toys, and it can seem overwhelming to attempt to locate a particular item. Regulars recommend sending the knowledgeable employees on a mission to track down the toy you need, and don't forget to grab some novelty candies before you go.

Terra Toys
2438 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 445-4489
www.terratoys.com
www.yelp.com/biz/terra-toys-austin

Maverick’s Country Rock: Pull on Your Boots to Boogie the Night Away

Austin is known for its live music venues, but Maverick’s Country Rock shows off the city’s dance moves, as well. If you love to kick up your heels to upbeat country music, Maverick’s spacious dance floor and some of the area’s best DJs will ensure that you have a rocking good time.

The dance floor isn’t just your usual open space, however: Here, a 5,000-square-foot dance floor features state-of-the-art lights and sound and a number of multimedia projectors that work in time with the music. Outside, Maverick’s 3,000-square-foot deck area features lots of outdoor seating and another full bar to service those who wish to enjoy the Texas evening. The bar also makes a fun place to dance the night away.

Maverick’s is open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Maverick’s Country Rock
1700 Grand Ave Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 514-5650
www.maverickscountryrock.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mavericks-country-rock-pflugerville

Front Porch Frozen Desserts: Not Your Typical Fro-Yo Shop

While most cities have their fair share of chain frozen yogurt shops, Austin’s Front Porch Frozen Desserts is a family-owned operation with a whole lot more charm. This stylish shop serves sorbet and frozen yogurt made with real milk and fruit purees and sourced from Honey Hill Farms, and the yogurt is certified to contain live and active cultures. Front Porch also offers more than 90 different topping choices to jazz up your already delicious yogurt, from fresh fruits to syrups and even crushed candy pieces.

The shop itself is just as high quality as its yogurt, featuring walls constructed out of reclaimed wood from all over Texas and tables handcrafted out of reclaimed long leaf pine to create a uniquely modern, rustic look. Front Porch Frozen Desserts does a great job of creating a casual, welcoming atmosphere while still taking the quality of its desserts extremely seriously.

Front Porch Desserts is open noon to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Front Porch Frozen Desserts
3107 South IH 35
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 388-6330
www.frontporchrr.com
www.yelp.com/biz/front-porch-frozen-desserts-round-rock

Little Deli & Pizzeria: A Delicatessen With Texas Flair

Little Deli & Pizzeria is a neighborhood favorite in Austin, offering locals a quick place to grab lunch with friends, pick up the slice of the day, or take the kids for a quick bite. It’s situated in a hip area of town, and the casual interior and outdoor picnic table seating options make this a fun and popular spot.

Regulars rave about the hidden bursts of seasoning in all of Little Deli’s foods, from the crust of the pizza to the oils on the sandwiches. The sandwiches at Little Deli are all made on fresh baked breads, and each one is piled high with traditional deli meats like pastrami, meatballs, and thick-sliced turkey. There’s even something for vegetarians, with loads of veggies perfectly seasoned and stacked on the crusty bread. The pizzas come on a thin and crispy crust.

Little Deli & Pizzeria
7101-A Woodrow Avenue
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7402
www.littledeliandpizza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/little-deli-and-pizzeria-austin

Tejas Golf: Learn the Ropes at This Accessible Driving Range

Beginning golfers know all too well how intimidating some golf courses can be, but Austin’s Tejas Golf caters especially to those just learning the game. This driving range and learning center features real turf tee boxes and an 11,500-square-foot putting green that feels anything but amateur, but the professional golf instructors and informative clinics are meant to help visitors to learn the basics of golf.

The course’s short game practice area is the ideal place to practice for those who are already familiar with the game, and the stylish clubhouse is much larger than most. Tejas Golf also offers all of the balls that you can hit for $15 max, no matter how long you choose to stay, so it’s just as cost efficient as it is approachable.

Tejas Golf is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Monthly memberships are available for $125 per person or $190 for families.

Tejas Golf
3631 Greenlawn Boulevard
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 310-8911
www.tejasgolf.com/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/tejas-golf-round-rock

Blue Velvet: A Vintage Clothing Store with 20 Years of History

With a long-standing community presence and a loyal customer base, Blue Velvet is considered one of the best vintage clothing stores in a city that boasts quite a few. In fact, Austin’s Blue Velvet clothing store has been in the area for so long, many of the items that came out when it opened are now considered vintage! The prices are very reasonable for the items that the store sells, and the knowledgeable, stylish salespeople are friendly, but not overly pushy.

Blue Velvet offers a wide variety of women’s dresses and skirts, vintage band t-shirts, men’s jackets and buttondown shirts, and a number of retro accessories. From the fedora hats to the rows up on rows of vintage jewelry and sunglasses, this store sells the types of items that you’ll wear for years to come.

Blue Velvet is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Blue Velvet
217 W. North Loop Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 452-2583
www.bluevelvetaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/blue-velvet-austin-2

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Pfluger Park: Embark on a Shady Retreat

A neighborhood park is a valuable asset to the entire community that it serves, especially one as clean and well maintained as Pfluger Park. This park is a shady respite from Austin’s fast pace, and it offers something for visitors of any age. The colorful play area is filled with monkey bars and climbing structures that the kids will love, the gazebos are ideal for an outdoor birthday party, and dog owners love the tree lined walking trails. The 30-acre Pfluger Park also features a sand volleyball court and a basketball court for more athletic visitors. Whether you come to relax or to get in a bit of exercise, this park offers a taste of nature to Pflugerville-area residents.

In addition to its regular activities, Pfluger Park hosts neighborhood activities such as the Deutschen Pfest and the Music in the Park series. Check the park’s website for more information about upcoming events.

Pfluger Park
515 City Park Road
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 251-9321
www.pflugervilletx.gov/index.aspx?NID=1309
www.yelp.com/biz/pfluger-park-pflugerville

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