Kids + Pets
WELLNESS
INSIDE THE CHILD LIFE PROGRAM AT TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
ARTS + CULTURE
ZACH THEATER’S YOUTH PROGRAMS TRANSFORM AUSTIN KIDS
EDUCATION
TEXAS SPORTS ACADEMY REIMAGINES EDUCATION AUGUST 2025
When the waters rise, so do we.
When disaster strikes, we show up for each other. Flooding across Texas has uprooted families and disrupted daily life across entire communities but hope is never far when neighbors come together. City Lifestyle is identifying those most affected and helping deliver real support where it’s needed most.
KNOW SOMEONE IMPACTED?
Nominate a family, individual, or local leader in need of care and restoration. our voice can help us reach the people who need support the most.
NOMINATE SOMEONE IN NEED
Hearts, Tails and Big Dreams
In this Kids and Pets issue, we spotlight the people and programs shaping young lives — and the furry companions that bring them joy. At Zach Theater, youth education programs are building confident and compassionate performers on and off the stage. Across town, certified child life specialists at Texas Children’s Hospital help young patients navigate healing through play and emotional support.
Austin Smiles takes that healing further, performing life-changing cleft surgeries for children in need. At Ally Medical, a partnership with Austin Pets Alive! brings awareness to pet adoption — something Dr. Arthur Abello knows firsthand after rescuing his own pup.
We also highlight Texas Sports Academy’s use of AI to boost kids’ academic and athletic success, explore pet-friendly staycations around Austin and to the Gulf Coast and step into Zoocade, where holographic animals and hands-on learning collide.
Together, these stories remind us that with the right support, kids — and their pets — can thrive.
JULIE ROYCE, MANAGING EDITOR @ATXCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Julie Royce | julie.royce@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
Juan Martinez | juan.martinez@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Felicia Lillard-Humphrey
felicia.lillardhumphrey@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ellise Perry
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Common Symptoms We Treat
• Respiratory Distress
• Pediatric Illnesses
• Chest Pain
• Abdominal Pain
• Broken Bones
• Concussions
• Blood clots Walk-in with little to no wait
• Seizures & Strokes
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN AUGUST
city scene
1: Alexis Ramirez, owner of 808 Barbershop on North Loop, celebrated the shop's first anniversary. 2: The relatives of Willie-Ray Davis pose in front of his portrait on Juneteenth. 3: The Domain hosted the Exotics & Elegance car show on June 7. 4: Tony Award nominee, "Waitress," live at the Zach Theater. 5: Austin yogis cuddled with some adorable puppies at Puppy Yoga hosted by Hotel Viata. 6: FVF Law's co-founder, Josh Fogelman, was sworn in as President of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association. 7: APD hosted the 2nd Annual Autism Awareness & Acceptance Event for autistic adults.
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JULIE ROYCE
JULIE ROYCE
JULIE ROYCE
FELICIA LILLARD-HUMPHREY
AXELB PHOTOGRAPHY
business monthly
House Wine turns 17!
House Wine has been a staple in Austin since 2008, first located on Josephine Street and as of this past September, in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. This Austin staple celebrated 17 years of business on May 31. What an achievement! Be sure to check out their Wine Club and see what all the fuss is about at https:// www.housewineaustin.com/.
Scan to read more
Independent music festival Levitation is back!
Beloved independent festival LEVITATION returns September 25-28 with an expansive four-day lineup and new venue home, Palmer Events Center, with downtown venue programming each night in the heart of Austin. The lineup includes TV on the Radio, Pavement, Mastodon, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and many more!
The Kimberly is now open!
Chef John Carver's new concept, The Kimberly, has opened in downtown Austin, bringing a polished dining experience to the city’s culinary scene. Featuring USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood flown in daily and globally inspired American classics, the restaurant combines elevated cuisine with an open-air kitchen. With a 1,000-bottle wine room and a vibrant 20-seat bar, The Kimberly is poised to become a destination for business dinners and special occasions.
BREAKING THE MOLD
TEXAS SPORTS ACADEMY REIMAGINES EDUCATION THROUGH ATHLETICS AND AI
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TEXAS SPORTS ACADEMY
At Texas Sports Academy in the Lake Travis area, the traditional school bell has been replaced by a whistle — and a mission to revolutionize how students learn. Blending cutting-edge educational technology with athletics and real-world skill-building, TSA is one of several campuses launched by the 2-Hour Learning Organization that are turning the conventional classroom model on its head.
Jamal Gross with students.
“We just have divergent views on what education should be,” said Jamal Gross, Director of Launch and Legacy at TSA. “We think it’s crazy to spend six hours in a classroom having mediocre experiences. Kids aren’t learning deeply, they’re not developing real-life skills and they don’t love school.”
At TSA, the academic day runs from 9 a.m. to noon using the Pomodoro method — short bursts of AI-driven coursework broken up with physical movement. The rest of the day is devoted to workshops that teach public speaking, financial literacy and critical thinking through experiences like sailing or pitching marketing ideas to the Miami Heat.
“The idea is to make academics more efficient and use that time savings to focus on life skills,” Gross said.
The school’s student profile isn’t limited by academic ability.
“Whether a student is ahead or needs to catch up, our commitment is that they’ll learn twice as fast as the national average — in two hours a day,” Gross said. “We serve kids motivated by movement, by sports, by purpose.”
That includes a coaching staff of elite athletes — former NFL, NBA, and Division I players — who mentor students on mindset and discipline.
“Our staff has done rare things, and they bring those experiences directly to the students,” Gross said. “It’s not just coaching; it’s character-building.”
TSA currently serves grades K-8, with future plans to expand and add full-scale sports facilities on newly acquired adjacent land.
"We want to build a place where academics, athletics and life preparation coexist naturally."
“We want to build a place where academics, athletics and life preparation coexist naturally,” Gross said. “We’re returning the gift of time to kids and families.”
For Gross, the end goal is clear: “We’re not outsourcing learning to robots. We’re re-centering school around the things that make kids want to show up every day.”
Learn more at sportsacademy.school .
TSA students playing tug-of-war.
Students at Texas Sports Academy.
Theater for a lifetime
ZACH THEATER’S YOUTH PROGRAMS BUILD CONFIDENT AND COMPASSIONATE PERFORMERS
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
When Raegan Gonzales took the stage in New York City in June for the Jimmy Awards® — Broadway’s most prestigious high school musical theater showcase — she wasn’t just chasing a dream. She proudly represented Austin as a 2025 Heller Awards for Young Artists Winner for her standout performance as Catherine in Pippin at Weiss High School.
“Zach Theater has prepared me for this moment more than I ever could’ve imagined,” Gonzales said. “They take the time to get to know you, to make sure you’re getting the most out of every experience. That’s something special.”
Special is exactly what Zach Theater’s educational programming aims to be. As one of Austin’s most established performing arts institutions, Zach is more than just a venue for shows.
Through a slate of year-round training programs, the nonprofit helps students grow artistically, academically and emotionally — whether they’re dreaming of Broadway or simply searching for their voice.
Nat Miller, Zach’s Director of Youth Programming, has led the theater’s youth offerings for 14 years.
“More than anything, theater education is about teaching empathy and creating good people,” Miller said. “Yes, we’ve had students make it to Broadway. But what I really want to celebrate are the kids who find their confidence, their voice and their future through the arts.”
Raegan Gonzalez as Catherine in Pippin. Photo by Collin Hovinga.
One of those students was nonverbal when he joined the program in seventh grade. After performing in a student production of The Phantom Tollbooth, he remained at Zach through high school, eventually auditioning for college theater programs.
“He completely transformed,” Miller said. “It wasn’t just us — no one program alone does that — but being part of Zach was part of his journey.”
Zach’s educational offerings span a broad range. The Performing Arts Academy combines rigorous academics with weekday performing arts classes for grades 6-12. The Pre-Professional Company offers intensive, audition-based conservatory training in acting, dance and musical theatre.
For middle school students, the Acting Conservatory and Acting Company provide year-long or multi-year programs centered on performance and character development. Professional teaching artists work directly with students in small class sizes, offering the type of personalized mentorship typically reserved for private studios.
Twelve-year-old Riley Richichi, who’s been involved with Zach since she was four, says those connections make a big difference.
“Miss Rachel, my dance teacher, always goes back and helps us with anything we don’t understand,” Richichi said. “We learn so much, and by the end, we put on a full show. It’s fun, but it’s also serious training.”
Gonzalez agrees. Her recent roles in Pippin and Seussical the Musical challenged her to approach complex characters with emotional honesty.
“Every character I’ve ever played, I take a piece of them with me,” she said. “Catherine taught me to see the world in a new light. And I’ve learned to trust myself — to hold my part and not rely on others to carry me.”
That internal growth is just as vital as the technical skills, Miller said.
"They take the time to get to know you, to make sure you’re getting the most out of every experience. That’s something special."
Zach Theater production of A Christmas Carol.
"More than anything, theater education is about teaching empathy and creating good people. Yes, we’ve had students make it to Broadway. But what I really want to celebrate are the kids who find their confidence, their voice and their future through the arts."
“Theater teaches confidence, collaboration and creativity,” he said. “These are life skills. Most kids won’t go into theater professionally, but they leave here better prepared to navigate the world.”
And for those who do aim for the spotlight, Zach has them covered. Through college readiness support, which includes financial aid, application guidance and even help with travel costs, Zach ensures that promising students don’t face barriers to opportunity.
“We don’t turn any student away based on income,” Miller emphasized. “Whatever you can afford, we’ll find a way to include you.”
Zach Theater serves nearly 140,000 Central Texans annually, including more than 35,000 children and youth through education programs, camps, classes and outreach initiatives. The theater awards over $110,000 in financial aid each year to ensure access to theater education and offers more than 52,000 discounted or free tickets annually to the community.
“Watching my stepdaughter blossom through theater, seeing my own shy daughter light up from exposure to performance… I’ve witnessed firsthand what it can do,” Miller said. “It’s real, important work.”
To learn more about educational offerings at Zach Theater, visit zachtheater.org/education.
Zach Theater production of A Christmas Carol.
Raegan Gonzalez receiving her Jimmy Award nomination. Photo by Huey Henry.
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
Helping Children Heal
Inside the Child Life Program at Austin's Texas Children's Hospital
At Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus, healing goes beyond medicine. Through its Child Life Program, certified child life specialists, like Sarah Hibbeln, CCLS, provide emotional and developmental support to pediatric patients and their families, transforming clinical settings into spaces of understanding, comfort and play.
“Our mission is to help families cope with the stress of hospitalization, illness or injury,” Hibbeln said. “We meet children where they are — developmentally and emotionally — and use play as a language to help them understand what’s happening.”
The Teddy Bear Clinic. Image courtesy of Texas Children's Hospital.
Serving infants through young adults up to age 20, the program supports patients in outpatient clinics, inpatient units and intensive care. Using developmentally appropriate tools, specialists assess a child’s understanding of their condition and tailor interventions. That may include books, hospital tours or medical play using dolls or teddy bears to rehearse upcoming procedures.
For Isabella, a Dripping Springs mother whose five-year-old son Logan was diagnosed with leukemia, the support came at just the right time.
“Child Life came in kind of like a ray of sunshine,” she said. “They were able to talk with Logan, play with him and not make it seem so scary.”
Hibbeln shared the story of a young cancer patient terrified of her port access procedures. She introduced a teddy bear outfitted with a medical-grade port and simulated the entire experience.
“We practiced each step, from cleaning the site to choosing whether to look away,” she said. “When she faced the real procedure, she was calmer, more prepared. And though there were
still some tears, afterward, she turned to me and said, ‘I knew what happened.’ She was so proud. That’s why we do this.”
Isabella recalled a similar experience.
“Sarah came in with a teddy bear to show Logan how and where the port would be placed. That tangible example made a huge difference,” she said. “She also created personalized storybooks for Logan and his sister to explain what was happening in a gentle way. It was such a thoughtful gesture.”
For many families, this kind of tailored preparation and familiarity makes the hospital feel less overwhelming.
“She really meets Logan where he’s at, at that moment or on that day,” Isabella added. “Either she’s there for support or, if he’s having a hard time, she’s great with distractions.”
While services such as art and music therapy are still in development at the Austin campus, the team has recently launched several programs. One of them is the Teddy Bear Clinic, an interactive event where children use their stuffed animals to role-play
Image courtesy of Texas Children's Hospital.
“Child Life came in kind of like a ray of sunshine.”
A Child Life Program recipient. Image courtesy of Texas Children's Hospital.
Inside the Austin campus at Texas Children's Hospital.
hospital visits. More than 200 people attended the event in its first year.
The program’s impact extends to families and caregivers as well. Through daily rounds and interdisciplinary conferences, child life specialists help ensure that families feel heard and supported in care decisions. They also help siblings and parents adapt to the hospital environment by creating resources that explain medical situations in age-appropriate ways.
Volunteers and donors are essential to the program’s success, helping stock playrooms, provide books and fund therapeutic materials that help children feel more at ease.
These resources also allow specialists to personalize their care strategies, from distraction tools to educational play.
“Logan lights up when Sarah walks in,” Isabella said. “We call her backpack the Mary Poppins bag — there’s always something fun in it. She’s made clinic days feel a little more normal.”
“We couldn’t do this without community support,” Hibbeln said. “Together, we’re giving children and families the tools to face healthcare challenges with courage and confidence.”
To learn more, visit www.texaschildrens.org/ departments/child-life-department
Child Life Services
• Eases a child's fear and anxiety with therapeutic and recreational play activities.
• Encourages understanding and cooperation by providing preparation and support for children undergoing tests, surgeries and other medical procedures.
• Advocates for patient and family-centered care.
• Considers the needs of siblings or other children who may also be affected by a child's illness or trauma.
Image courtesy of Texas Children's Hospital.
Paws. People. Partnership.
Donation drive supports rescue pets and local families
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ALLY MEDICAL ER
Dr. Arthur Abello and his partner with their dog, Daniella.
Ally Medical ER is partnering with Austin Pets Alive! this August to host a donation drive benefitting animals in crisis. The initiative reflects a growing alliance between the physician-led emergency care provider and one of the city's most impactful no-kill rescue organizations.
Dr. Arthur Abello, an emergency physician and APA! board member, sees the partnership as a natural extension of Ally Medical’s mission.
“We help people through their toughest moments,” he said. “But pets can be part of that healing process, too. They lower stress, provide companionship and give people a reason to get up in the morning.”
Dr. Abello’s personal connection to rescue work started when he and his partner adopted their dog, Daniella — Dani for short — from the Austin Animal Center.
“We saw her photo and fell in love,” he said. “She’s part of the family now. She helps us stay grounded and relax — and she’ll go to anyone for pets.”
While Dani came from AAC, Dr. Abello quickly became a supporter and board member at APA!, calling it a critical “safety net” in the city’s no-kill system.
“APA! takes on the difficult cases — treating dogs with parvo, responding to disasters and transporting animals to places where adoption demand is higher,” he said. “It’s lifesaving work.”
CONTINUED >
“Pets can be part of that healing process, too. They lower stress, provide companionship and give people a reason to get up in the morning.”
The August donation drive invites the Austin community to contribute supplies and funds to help APA! continue its efforts.
Ally Medical employees have long been hands-on with the shelter — volunteering to clean kennels, prepare enrichment toys and walk dogs.
“Nearly everyone in our organization has a pet,” Dr. Abello said. “This cause speaks to who we are.”
The collaboration extends beyond short-term drives. Ally Medical has contributed to APA!’s new South Austin veterinary hospital, which treats contagious illnesses that would otherwise threaten shelter populations.
“It’s hard to top helping build a hospital,” Dr. Abello said. “But we’re committed to staying consistent and growing the relationship.”
Lions, tigers and… dinosaurs?
Zoocade offers interactive fun for the whole family
Zoocade, the first of its kind in the United States, opened its doors this past February.
It offers an exciting, family-friendly experience with holographic zoo exhibits and arcade games. Located on Middle Fiskville Road, this unique attraction is quickly becoming a go-to destination for school field trips, birthday parties, corporate events and even date nights.
"Zoocade was the highlight of our family trip to Austin. The kids were thrilled, and we enjoyed it just as much,” said a recent visitor.
Owner Reva Enzminger was inspired by the desire to create a space where families could bond over shared experiences.
“Kids love coming here, and they can easily spend hours enjoying the interactive exhibits,” she said. "The holograms make it a unique experience and it’s something every family member can enjoy together, no matter their age."
Visitors to the immersive experience can explore lifelike holograms of animals, including dinosaurs, Australian wildlife and African safari creatures, all while engaging with cutting-edge technology. The immersive experience uses augmented reality,
where visitors wear special 3-D glasses to bring the holograms to life.
“It’s not just about watching; it’s about being a part of the experience,” said Enzminger.
It has hosted multiple field trips and partnered with neighboring Austin Pickle Ranch and ATX Beach for summer camps.
“We’re thrilled to offer a fun, educational experience for kids outside of the classroom,” Enzminger added. “Zoocade combines learning with play, making it perfect for young explorers.”
The venue also caters to group events. With a spacious 16,000-square-foot facility, Zoocade offers event space for birthday parties and corporate gatherings.
“You can book the whole place for an unforgettable experience directly on the website,” she said. “I wanted to make it as convenient as possible.”
The one-of-a-kind attraction is set to expand in the coming years, adding additional holiday-themed exhibits and a virtual reality experience. For now, it remains a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
"It’s not just about watching; it’s about being a part of the experience." “
VOLUNTEERS DELIVER LIFE-CHANGING CARE
ARTICLE BY ELLISE PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUSTIN SMILES
Austin Smiles brings comprehensive cleft care to children in Veracruz
Austin Smiles is a nonprofit providing sustainable surgical and post-surgical care for children born with cleft lip and palate in Central Texas and Latin America. This past June, a team of 33 volunteers traveled from Austin to Veracruz, Mexico, donating more than 1,400 hours to deliver 175 services to 91 patients from 38 municipalities. The group performed 70 surgeries and 69 dental treatments.
“Thank you for giving these smiles to so many children and returning confidence and joy to us as parents,” one parent said. “My family will be forever grateful.”
Another shared, “Truly, without the help and support of everyone who makes this wonderful work possible, my children would still be waiting for surgery. Thank you so much.”
One more added, “Thank you for everything you did for my baby girl. I am very grateful. You all are always a hope for us to be able to help our little ones and give them a new smile.”
Learn more at www.austinsmiles.org
Young parents hold their little girl prior to her surgery.
A little boy is all smiles before his cleft-palate surgery.
PET-FRIENDLY STAYCATIONS
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
Pet owners craving a getaway that includes their furry companions need look no further than these three top-tier, dog-welcoming destinations — two within city limits and one along the Gulf Coast.
Hotel Van Zandt, nestled in Austin’s Rainey Street district, offers a no-restriction policy on dog size, breed or weight — up to two pets per room stay free — and provides YETI dog beds and bowls through its amenity fee. Social media buzz highlights brandnew, custom “dog robes” that match those of their
owners, available to take home. Guests can walk their pets along Lady Bird Lake trails just steps from the lobby, then cool off with their fur-baby in poolside cabanas.
The Carpenter Hotel, a stylish boutique in Bouldin Creek, welcomes well-behaved dogs of any size free of charge — up to two per room — with provided beds, bowls and treats. Although a $50-per-visit fee may apply under some booking channels, many sources confirm the hotel itself charges no pet fee. Its grassy
Hotel Van Zandt guests sporting luxury robes. Image courtesy of Hotel Van Zandt.
Luxe Texas stays for you and your pup
on-site pet area and proximity to Zilker Park, one of the nation’s largest off-leash dog parks, make outdoor recreation effortless.
For a coastal retreat, Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas delivers an expansive playground for pets: sandy, off-leash beaches, community dog parks, dune trails and an onsite “Dune Dogs Playground” with pet wash stations. The resort community offers numerous 2- to 5-bedroom rentals — many with no size or breed limits — for dogs; cats are even allowed in select units.
Whether guests opt for the vibrant heart of downtown or the serene Gulf Coast, each location delivers upscale accommodations, thoughtful amenities and ample freedom for pets, ensuring a fantastic family vacation.
More pet-friendly spots!
• Blues on the Green (Aug 5–6) – Free outdoor concert at Zilker Park’s Great Lawn; dog-friendly, leashed pups welcome
• Yard Bar – Open daily year-round: huge off-leash dog park, drink service, bark rangers and regular “Woof & Woo” events
• MUTTS Canine Cantina – Full-service bar plus two off-leash parks and splash pad; hosts recurring “yappy hours” and adoption events
• Red Bud Isle & Zilker Botanical Garden –Leashed-dog access to scenic trails and lawns year-round
• Dog-friendly patios – Numerous spots, including Moonshine, Kerbey Lane, Perla’s and Cedar Door, continue welcoming pups with water bowls and shaded space
• Bark in the Park (Aug 14) – Round Rock Express welcomes leashed pups for a special Bark in the Park game
Paws & Prosecco at Cinnamon Shore. Image courtesy of Cinnamon Shore.
Image courtesy of Carpenter Hall.
