What do you do with babies that aren’t quite mobile enough to tote around to all the traditional children spots? Here’s my list of the best baby-play activities around Austin. Whether your babe hasn’t hit the ground crawling yet or if they are already doing the drunk stumble walk, these places have enough stimulation, excitement, and interaction to keep them entertained!
Thinkery – Monday and Saturday mornings babies and toddlers take over the museum for their Baby Bloomers program. Baby Bloomers is open Monday mornings (9am-12pm) and Saturday mornings (9am-10am) for guests ages 0-3 years old. Take advantage of the entire museum (Saturday limited to only second level) open to exploring with others their own age. Reservations are required and can be made online. Pricing per person, including adults, is $5
Locomotion – Plenty of inflatable options for physical fun, a children’s play town to explore and a specific baby zone make this a great option for young ones. Locomotion will entertain older siblings as well, so bring the whole family! You may bring your own food and enjoy the tables inside at your leisure. Open play hours every day and babies under 1 are free.
My Gym – Offers specific classes throughout the week for babies or public drop-in hours. Baby specific programs are Tiny Tykes for ages 6-13 months and Waddlers 14 months – 22 months. Hours for these programs will vary depending on the day of week and membership fees vary. Open Practice & Play hours are M-F 10 am-6 pm & S-S 9:30 am-1:30 pm, $10 per child.
Austin Public Libraries: Books and Babies – With various story time options the ideal for young ones is their “Books and Babies” story time sessions. This is a lap sit story time especially for non-walking babies 0-18 months and their caregivers. Very short stories with songs, rhymes, and finger plays keeps them engaged and entertained. A brief playtime follows. Check their events calendar to find specific times and locations.
iPlay – Over 15,000 Square feet of the ultimate indoor bounce house experience. A large toddler area is designed with a play structure for ages 4 and under giving babies and toddlers the perfect safe place to play. Babies under 1 are free, toddler pricing is $4.50 (ages 1-2).
Little Land Play Gym – With locations in North Austin, Bee Cave, Buda and Leander this indoor play area aims to fulfill a different purpose than most tradition jump houses. Designed by a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Little Land Play Gym was built with the following principles in mind; sensory development equipment and activities, fine and gross motor skill development, building social skills and interaction with other children and the development based play. Unlimited membership options and single day pass options available. Bonus: they have an indoor café for those mamas in need of more coffee!
What a great list!!! We have never been to austin but when we do we will now where to go!