Fun Things to do in Austin – January 2026

Fun Things to do in Austin – January 2026

by | Jan 1, 2026 | Austin

Cold Plunge, Dolly Parton and 1,000 Hours Outside | Austin Family Photographer

Happy New Year! Ready for a fun mix of events, classes and places to visit in Austin, Texas in 2026?

Check out some links below for inspiration.

NEW YEARS DAY

Dive into 2026 with the Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool. Brrr! If you prefer to cold plunge any other day of the year – check out these chilly options.

Get out in nature with a First Day Hike at various State Parks. Some locations offer guided hikes; some are self-guided.

Eat some black-eyed peas and greens for luck and money.

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JANUARY EVENTS

You could see Hot Wheels Monster Trucks “Glow-N-Fire” at the Moody Center January 9th and 10th. Vroom, vroom.

Shop for new-to-you collectibles at the City-Wide Vintage Sale on January 10th and 11th. And perhaps wear your vintage finds to your next photo session.

Give suggestions to the performers during the Improvised Shakespeare Company performance starting on January 16th.

Buy some new shoes at the SOLED OUT Sneaker Convention on January 17th.

Run into the new year at the Spurs Austin Half Marathon (formally the 3M Half Marathon) on January 18th.

There’s the MLK March, Festival and Food Drive kicking off at the State Capitol on January 19th.

Figure out whodunnit at the Agatha Christie “Murder on the Orient Express” show at Zach Scott Theater starting January 22nd.

Dolly Parton’s birthday is January 19th. Put on “9 to 5” or play her greatest hits and make your family and friends eat some themed baked goods.

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JANUARY CLASSES

Design your dream life with a Vision Board Workshop on January 5th at Make at Rosie.

​Get Crafty: Spa Night Edition at the Howson Branch Library and make some bath salts and scrubs on January 6th.

Make savory and sweet crepes at Central Market North Lamar on January 11th.

Jolene! Jolene! Celebrate Dolly Parton’s birthday on January 17th with a Oh Dolly Junk Journal Craft Night class at Figment Creative.

​Forge Horseshoe Hearts on January 28th at the blacksmith smithy at Pioneer Farms. Make a date night of it.

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JANUARY CHALLENGE

For the past three years, I’ve done the Spend 1000 hours outside yearly challenge – and have not accomplished it yet. (I usually manage to get about 2/3s of the way there).

But hope springs eternal (is this the year we take up camping?) – and I plan to try again.

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JANUARY PLACES TO VISIT

​Fortlandia at the Wildflower Center is up until Feb. 1st, 2026.

Check out the eight different installations in the family garden before they go away.

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JANUARY PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book a family photos or a senior photo session this month, reach out and let me know.

​

I’ll be back in touch in February for the next monthly list of fun items to do around Austin.

 Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

 

stephanie friedman headshot

Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Lakewood Park in Leander – Family Photo Session

Lakewood Park in Leander – Family Photo Session

by | Dec 21, 2025 | family, photography

Sculpture Garden Trail | Austin Family Photography

Last year for their holiday photo session, I met up with this family at Mayfield Park.

mayfield park family photo session austin, texas

    This year, we met up at Lakewood Park in Leander (the site of their family photos two years ago).

    We made sure to revisit some of our favorite pieces of art on the hiking trail.

    sculpture garden trail in leander texas family photo session by stephanie friedman photography

    If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Family Photo Session at the Sculpture Garden Trail at Lakewood Park in Leander, check out my tips below.

    Tips for Family Photo Sessions at Lakewood Park:

    • This 125-acre park has lots of great spots to explore. I recommend parking near the kayak rental area for easy access to the Sculpture Garden Trail.
    • Make sure to also walk over to the dock to get some water views.
    • There are restrooms by the pavillion and the kayak rentals.
    • The Sculpture Garden Trail has calls for new artwork on occasion so keep an eye out for new rotating pieces. 
    • Lakewood Park also has a skatepark, splash pad, playground, volleyball courts (and more) – so expect crowds on nice weekends.
    • If we’ll be exploring all over the park, bring a pair of comfortable shoes to wear for all the walking between different locations.

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    Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

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    Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

    Contact Me

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    Family Photo Session Games for Kids

    Family Photo Session Games for Kids

    by | Dec 12, 2025 | family, photography

    List of Fun Games to Play at your Photo Session | Austin Family Photographer

    It’s rare that a toddler will want to stay still for long at a family photo session. Or maybe they fell asleep in the car on the way to the session and needs some time to warm up first.
    So, I like to have a variety of games and prompts in my back pocket. This keeps things moving and the expressions natural.

    Ten Games and Prompts to use at your Family Photo Session

    family photo session in austin, texas

    1) Walk & Talk – Not so much a game, but a prompt. I consider this suggestion “easy mode” as a way to get family members interacting with each other and moving. You can also upgrade this to a “silly bump walk” where the family members have to bump hips (gently) as they walk towards you.

     

    kid running under a blanket at a family photo session at a park in austin by stephanie friedman photography

    2) Run under a blanket – Not every kid will want to play this game. But, it’s another fun activity to get kids moving around. And you’ll get genuine smiles as they race towards you. Though maybe save this suggestion for the end of your session in case you want to keep the energy more chill.

     

    family playing the telephone game at photo session in austin

    3) Telephone game – This secret sharing game gets the family all snuggled close together and interacting with each other as they play.

     

    siblings at a family photo session

    4) Fart Machine – sometimes you just have to bring out the potty humor. I have a remote controlled fart machine that gets kids giggling. Just make sure each kid gets a turn holding the remote.
    family photo session with dog at austin park
    5) Run and Surprise – Kids love this game! Just warn them not to knock over their parents. You can have the kids run up to hug their parents from the front or the back. You can also mix it up and have the Parents run up from behind to surprise their kids. I love the interactions I get from this prompt.
    kid in flowers at family photo session in austin
    6) Peek-a-boo – Have the kid hide in some greenery and pop up to surprise you for your camera.
    holiday family photo session at mueller southwest greenway park in east austin by stephanie friedman photography
    7) Climb up – Again, more of a prompt than a game – kids like it when you have them higher up than their parents for photos.
    family photo session with dog in austin by stephanie friedman photography
    8) “Everyone look at X…” game. Take turns with everyone looking at and loving on one person in the family at the time. Definitely include the dog.
    father and daugher at family photo session
    9) Give Nose kisses and cheek kisses – This is another prompt to keep families close and connecting during their photo session.
    dance party photo session
    10) Have a dance party – encourage the kids to jump and dance around while you take their photos. You can also have the kids twirl under their parents arms.

    And if you want even more games to try, consider:

    • Simon Says – make one of the kids Simon so they can tell their parents what to do. You can also rename Simon Says to one of the Kid’s Names Says.
    • Tickle Time – pay attention to make sure the kids are having fun, not everyone wants to be tickled. You can also have the kids tickle the parents.
    • “Superman” flight – have one parent lift a kid up in the air (or hang them upside down)
    • Ring-around-the-rosie – have the kids spinning and circling around together
    • Follow the Leader – have the youngest lead the family in a line
    • Hot Potato – pick a topic and have the family take turns naming as many different types of that topic until they run out (easy ones to suggest are colors, fruit, sports). If you know what the kids are into – you can also do something more specific like “name Minecraft block types” or “name Pokemons”
    • Piggy back or shoulder rides – get the youngest up in the air

    family of four plus their pet dog at mueller greenway park in east austin for a holiday family photo session with stephanie friedman photography

    Making a Family Photo Session feel more like a playdate in the park is one of my goals as an Austin Family Photographer.

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

    Please contact me if you’d like to book your own Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

    Client Advice and Feedback

     

    1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Time is a thief and it’s important to us to capture these moments with our kids before we blink and they’re off to college. 
    2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? Refresh our photos in our house and include them on a holiday card that we send to family and friends. 
    3. How did you choose your location for your session? A setting with options in nature is important to us. We like to give our kids space to be themselves and also allow our dog to be in the family pictures. 
    4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Relax, as much as you can and go with the flow. Trust in your photographer to make the most of the moments and just enjoy the moment. Also, bribes work really well with kids and pets! 
    5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is absolutely wonderful to work with. She’s organized, brings positive energy and has a lot of tricks up her sleeve to help the kiddos feel comfortable. 

    stephanie friedman headshot

    Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

    During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

    Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

    Contact Me

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    Tips for a Photo Session at the Blanton Museum Courtyard

    Tips for a Photo Session at the Blanton Museum Courtyard

    by | Dec 7, 2025 | family, photography

    Tips for Photo Sessions in the Blanton Museum Courtyard | Austin Family Photographer

    One of my favorite locations to recommend for Senior and Family Photo Sessions is the Blanton Museum Courtyard.
    This artistic and colorful setting is on the University of Texas campus in Central Austin.
    Renovated in 2023, this space is full of interesting backdrops like the petal sculptures, the green mural and the Ellworth Kelly “Austin” building (that was opened to the public in 2018).
    Austin families are so lucky to have such a fun spot to explore. ♥

    ellsworth kelly austin building in family photo session

    If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard, here are my Top 5 Tips below:

    1. PARKING: I always recommend paying for parking at the Brazos Garage on MLK and then walking over.
    2. LOCATIONS: There are so many interesting and colorful backgrounds in this one small area. I love that you can see the Texas Capitol peeking from behind when you are seated under the Petals sculptures. Don’t forget about the alphabet mural on the backside of the Museum as well. ***If you want to take any photos inside the Museum itself, The Blanton is not available for professional photoshoots inside the museum at this time. They also have some lovely landscaping to get some close-up greenery shots. 
    3. WARDROBE: You’ll be surrounded by some bright, vivid colors, so keep that in mind when planning your outfits.
    4. SCHEDULE: Double check the Blanton’s Events page and the University of Texas Football schedule to make sure you won’t have conflicts. Also the Museum is closed on Mondays if you want the Courtyard when it’s least crowded. Or aim for UT Student holiday breaks.
    5. EAT & STAY FOR THE ART: End your photo session with a visit inside the Museum to appreciate the art. Also, their French Cafe will be open starting in 2026. But other great restaurants nearby to make a night of it (that the Museum recommends) include:

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    Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

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    stephanie friedman headshot

    Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

    During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

    Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

    Contact Me

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    Holiday Photo Gift Guide

    Holiday Photo Gift Guide

    by | Dec 6, 2025 | photography

    Creative Custom Photo Gift Ideas for the Holidays | Austin Photographer

    The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to turn your recent photo session into something meaningful and memorable. Custom photo gifts are thoughtful, personal, and fun.

    Besides framed prints and photo albums, here are some creative ideas of different things you can make.

    Top Custom Photo Gift Ideas

    1. Ideas for the Kitchen

    Perfect for the home cooks, entertainers, and food lovers in your life. Add a photo to:

    • pot holders
    • wine bottles
    • aprons
    • placemats
    • dish towels

    A practical gift becomes extra special with a favorite pet photo front and center.

    custom photo gift potholder

    2. Holiday specific ideas

    Make the holiday season feel extra special with these festive custom photo touches:

    • photo wrapping paper
    • holiday ornaments
    • holiday card
    • holiday scented candles

    These extra details turn the season into something even more magical.

    custom photo wrapping paper gift guide idea

    3. Wearable Photo gifts 

    If you want a memorable and playful present, wearable items are always a hit:

    • custom photo socks
    • custom ties
    • personalized t-shirts
    • baby onesies

    These gifts are fun, lighthearted, and guaranteed to get laughs (or happy tears).

    custom photo socks

    4. Photo gifts for Game Lovers

    Know someone who loves games or sports? Try one of these creative options:

    • photo golf ball
    • custom playing cards
    • photo puzzles

    custom photo golf ball

    5. Edible Photo Gifts

    For the foodie or sweet-toothed friend, try edible treats with a custom twist:

    • bag of coffee
    • candy with your face
    • photo cookies

    Delicious—and unforgettable.

    custom photo coffee bag

    A simple search will lead you to these ideas, but some sites that offer a lot of different custom photo gift options include:

    These sites offer everything from simple stocking stuffers to premium custom items.

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    From small stocking stuffers to the white elephant exchange, add some extra fun into your gift giving this year. The best holiday gifts are meaningful and personalized to the recipient.

    These custom gifts need extra lead time, so get your holiday ordering done early this season.

    Happy creating!

    stephanie friedman headshot

    Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

    During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

    Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

    Contact Me

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    read more
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