Catch a drive-in movie
Graceland Oaks Event Center,
8907Circle Drive, Austin,
512-850-6127
www.bluestarlitedrivein.com
$10-$35 per ticket
Classics, pop culture favorites, indie and cult films are shown at the Blue Starlite Mini-Urban Drive-in’s pop-up in Oak Hill. Concessions and a bar are available on-site.
Cook alongside an international chef
Freda’s Kitchen
Locations vary
512-900-6643
www.fredaskitchen.com
$55-$67 per class
Freda’s Kitchen features international chefs teaching the recipes and methods of their native cuisines in an interactive family-style setting. After cooking together, participants enjoy an intimate chef’s table dining experience. Events include in-home classes, farm-based events and weekend culinary adventures in the Hill Country. Freda’s Kitchen specializes in private events that host 8-15 people. The events are held at various locations, including South Austin and Dripping Springs.
Dine at a haunted pizza garden
Austin Pizza Garden
6266 Hwy. 290, Austin,
512-891-9980
www.apgatx.com
Menu prices vary
Ghost hunters and employees have reported close encounters with the paranormal throughout the Austin Pizza Garden restaurant in Oak Hill, particularly in the upstairs dining area. The historic building was constructed in 1898 under the supervision of Texas Ranger James A. Patton, who used the space as a general store. Since then, it has housed a post office, steakhouse, masonic lodge and art gallery.
Distill your own barrel of whiskey
Still Austin Whiskey Company
440 E. St. Elmo Road, Austin,
512-276-2700
www.stillaustin.com
$250 per person
The three-hour class includes information on milling grains, making mash, fermentation, distilling and barreling whiskey. Guests receive a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery, a tasting and a 750ml bottle of Still Austin whiskey. A food truck and live music is also included.
Geocache in a Texas state park
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin,
512-243-1643
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
$6 for ages 13 and older; children are free
Geocaching is known by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as the “modern-day treasure hunt” and allows visitors to hunt for items hidden in the wilderness. Using www.geocaching.com and a smartphone, hunters can track down geocaches, which contain a logbook to sign your name and a family-friendly tradeable item.
Learn about Texas native plants
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin,
512-232-0100
www.wildflower.org
$15-$100 per class
The wildflower center offers an abundance of classes and opportunities to learn about Texas native plants, gardening, nature art, photography and writing. Classes and programs such as moonlight hikes and the native plant gardening series happen regularly throughout the year.
Learn to tango
Tango Tribe
5446 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 105, Austin,
512-917-6488
www.tangotribe.com
$10 per group lesson; $70 per private lesson
Argentine tango classes for beginners and experienced dancers are offered at the Tango Tribe studio in Oak Hill. Classes are led by tango masters who teach techniques in private lessons, group classes and workshops.
Sip wine and paint
Painting with a Twist
6705 Hwy. 290, Ste. 501, Austin,
512-774-5703
www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/south-austin
$10-$35 per class
Painting with a Twist offers a laid-back environment for amateur and experienced artists to enjoy their beverage of choice while painting. Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks. Classes are led by expert artists.
Shoot a gun
The Range at Austin
8301 S. I-35, Austin,
737-802-3700
www.therangeaustin.com
$25-$30 per hour for lane rentals
The Range offers hourly lane rentals as well as classes and private instruction for experts and beginners. Guests may bring their own firearms or may rent from a variety of firearms, including basic pistols, rifles, full-automatics and elites.
Take an assault prevention course
Tanglewood Forest Park
9801 Curlew Drive, Austin,
512-760-4741, jwagle316@gmail.com
$20 per class
South Austinite and veteran martial artist Jeremy Wagle teaches this female-specific assault prevention course rooted in the ideas of evolution, science and psychology. Participants are given a tactical-prevention tool handcrafted by Wagle and are guaranteed to learn life-saving assault-prevention tactics or they get their money back.
Take a beekeeping class
Bee Friendly Austin
9874 Weir Loop Circle, Austin,
512-560-3732
www.beefriendlyaustin.com
$60 per person
In this beginners’ class, participants learn about bees and what it takes to become a beekeeper. Topics include learning about beneficial plants for bees, honey and hive products, bee biology, how to avoid stings and buying bees.
Walk the Austin SkyTrail ropes course
Blazer Tag Adventure Center
1701 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin,
512-462-0202
www.blazertag.com
$10 per trek
The Austin SkyTrail is a 20-foot ropes course that includes seven challenging elements. Players are strapped into a body harness and walk along the ropes that sit above the arcade. Each course lasts about 20 minutes. Blazer Tag also includes laser tag and an arcade center. Food and drinks can be purchased on-site.
