David Vitter, a former US Senator, once said: “I continue to believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams!”
Today, we thought we’d take a moment to consider some of the best kids organizations in Austin dedicated to giving them exactly that: the necessary tools to succeed.
Some are charity programs, while others are paid-participation/membership kids organizations and communities.
However, what makes them all alike is they’re designed to help enhance the lives of those who are the future of our nation.
Let’s get started!
Andy Roddick Foundation
The Andy Roddick Foundation, started by one of Austin’s very own tennis stars, has made it its mission to engage local kids in experiences that will enrich their lives.
Events take place primarily in the after-school hours when many parents are still at work, while others keep kids constructively busy during the summer holidays.
Any Baby Can
Any Baby Can takes a family-focused approach to improving the circumstances of Austin kids.
The organization relies primarily on Angel Society donors, as well as general volunteers and other donations, to help provide family counseling, community classes, education, and assistance with pre-natal care (as well as home visits).
ATX Kids Club
A great program for Austin kids from all walks in life is the ATX Kids Club.
The non-profit’s stated mission is “to inspire youth to fearlessly explore and become independent, self-confident individuals through year-round educational and health-minded field trip adventures.”
Austin Youth Fitness
An active lifestyle has benefits for everyone – and the younger we learn, the more likely we are to stay active later in life.
Austin Youth Fitness gives local kids with an interest in running and mountain biking an opportunity to learn the proper form and technique necessary to enjoy themselves in a healthy way.
Book People’s Book Kids
Book People’s Book Kids is an Austin kids organization and program dedicated to – you guessed it – literacy.
There are whole sections of the bookstore (which is also the largest independent bookstore in Texas) for young readers in two general groups: ages 0 to 7 and 7 to 12.
Not only do they host book-related events, but there are even book camps and book clubs.
C2 Change
We’re no strangers to the fact that kids are affected by mental health issues just as much as adults are.
C2 Change is an agency dedicated to helping people of all ages – and especially kids – get the mental health treatment they need, no matter what their financial situation.
Anyone and everyone is welcome to join, whether as donors, volunteers, or as someone in need of assistance.
EDIT: C2 Change closed their doors on January 31, 2019. Their website is a great resource for alternative options.
Club Z
If you’re looking for kids organizations in Austin that offer after-school and summer camp programs, then you might be interested in joining Club Z.
There are a bunch of programs for Austin kids, such as karate, dance, and acting. The supervisors will even help with homework, so you can spend more quality time together once everyone comes back home.
The Comfort Crew for Military Kids
Military families face many challenges others wouldn’t ordinarily think of. This includes the emotional and psychological difficulties military kids often struggle to overcome.
The Comfort Crew for Military Kids seeks to help them in a myriad of ways and is a recommended organization for military families in and around Austin.
Communities in School
We don’t like to think about it too much, but the sad reality is many children end up dropping out of school.
The reasons are incredibly varied, but organizations like Communities in School are trying to change that sad statistic by helping foster a sense of community among students and empowering them to remain dedicated to their studies.
Creative Action
Kids are some of the most creative spirits in the world – and that’s awesome! Creative Action gives Austin kids the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and learn how to communicate through their creative projects.
Explore Austin
You know what else kids are?
Inquisitive! Give your kids the opportunity to Explore Austin (pun intended) with the 6-year program dedicated to helping kids grow in every way while getting out and about in the world around us.
The Little Yoga House
The Little Yoga House is an organization offering yoga classes for kids as well as families.
You can even get started with prenatal yoga if you have a little one on the way, then move on to infant and toddler yoga classes. There are even yoga camps for Austin kids.
The Pink Flamenco Children’s Dance Academy
Dancing is a fun, full-body exercise and cultural activity.
The Pink Flamenco Children’s Dance Academy is an Austin Flamenco Academy subdivision specially dedicated to younger dancers.
The academy has something to offer Austin kids aged 3 to 14 looking to learn flamenco dancing, as well as contemporary ballet classes for kids aged 4 to 10.
Sports Movement
Because leading an active lifestyle is so important for healthy, happy kids, sports are an awesome investment to make in your children’s lives.
If they’ve expressed an interest in playing soccer or cricket, why not consider Sports Movement? There’s a wide variety of programs to choose from for all seasons of the year.
YMCA of Austin
YMCA of Austin has a host of awesome programs for kids, including healthy lifestyle options for swimming and gymnastics.
You can drop your kids off or join in on the family-oriented programs available.
Wonders and Worries
Wonders and worries is a fantastic organization helping children get through the difficulties and trauma of having a seriously ill parent.
Through individual and group counseling, parenting support, bereavement support, and family friendly events, they do everything in their power to help kids through one of the most difficult challenges they’ll ever face.
Are Those All of the Kids Organizations in Austin?
Of course not!
We know you’re a busy parent, so rather than list all the kids organizations in Austin, we narrowed it down to these 16 for you.
Even though we focused on so few of the many options out there, we tried to add a little something for everyone.
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