The weather is great and the mosquitoes are not biting. Below are a few things you’d want to do even if you didn’t have kids! Bring along your camera in case you pass a bluebonnet, or two.

Walk around a local Farmers Market.
Take your own bags and your cash. Start off small. Visit the booths and buy organic veggies to make a salad. Your kids can choose the “ingredients”. Let them pay and get the change. Have them help you make the salad for lunch or dinner. It will be the best salad you’ve ever had. Fresh = Yummy! If it’s close enough to your house, ride your bikes and wear a backpack.

Downtown @Fourth and Guadalupe http://www.austinfarmersmarket.org

Westlake @Barton Creek Mall-parking lot near Dillard’s. Overlooking Downtown! http://www.sunsetvalleyfarmersmarket.org

Below is the information from the Barton Creek Mall Farmers market website.
Saturday, March 27, Full Quiver is coming with their fantastic fresh and aged cheeses and grass fed pork and beef; Gundermann Farms has a huge variety of vegetables and lots and lots of tomatoes! Willie McKemie is bringing his famous asparagus and we have lots of other great farmers bringing a variety of locally grown vegetables. Way Back When Dairy bring absolutely delicious low temperature, non-homogenized milk, buttermilk, cream, yoghurt and butter that will revitalize your love for milk. Vital Farms has fantastic organic yard eggs. Hillside Farms has been supplying us with great cauliflower and delicious brussels sprouts. Acadian Family Farm and Springfield Farm has great lettuces, spinach, swiss chard, green onions and more exotic lettuce greens. Ringger Family Farm is bringing their nice soap made from goat milk. It is almost berry season and we have lots coming soon.

We have some great prepared foods and talented artisans to start our market off. Jimmy Joe will be there with a host of great musicians.

Hike Wild Basin

Below is the information from the Wild Basin Website. http://www.wildbasin.org

Hiking Trails
Trails are open sunrise to sunset every day. Trail maps are available at the Environmental Education Center or at kiosks at either trailhead. Please stay on the trail, and leave pets, bicycles, and picnics at home. During the hot summer months, please bring water to carry with you on the trails. Bottled water is available for purchase in the Environmental Education Center. Portable restrooms are located in the parking area; no picnic facilities are available. Leave all plants, animals, rocks, and other elements in place. Everything is protected on the preserve. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and children 5-12 years old.

How to Find Wild Basin Preserve
The entrance to Wild Basin is on the east side of Loop 360 (805 N. Capital of Texas Highway). Entrance is approximately 1 mile north of Bee Caves Road, or approximately 3 miles south of the Loop 360 bridge over Lake Austin (Colorado River).

Hours of Operation
The Environmental Education Center (EEC) and offices are open every Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am – 4 pm. The EEC is closed on all major holidays.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve was founded in 1974 to protect 227 acres of Texas Hill Country. Come and enjoy over 3 miles of hiking trails through woodland, grassland, and streamside habitats. Wild Basin also hosts a variety of family events, concerts, adult workshops, children’s and school programs. Wild Basin’s nature education programs are funded by special events, memberships, corporate donations and grants. Join us and explore nature, together.

The Renaissance Fair
http://www.sherwoodforestfaire.com

Where else can you experience jousting and flowered headbands in the same place as meat on a stick? This is an all day adventure. Pack your cooler with water, fruits and veggies for some healthy snacking on the drive home. You and your kids will walk and walk and walk. This runs weekends only through April 4th.