Pre-Trip Fun for Austin, Texas

"Spy Kids 3-D" -- Local director Robert Rodriguez gave the Texas Capitol has a starring role in the grand finale of the kid franchise flick. (School Age to Pre-Teens)

"Friday Night Lights" -- The fan-favorite TV show offers a chance to peak at the Austin backdrop while watching all the drama that comes with high school football and dating (Pre-Teens and Up)

"Miss Congeniality" -- Sandra Bullock, who has a house and a restaurant in Austin, filmed several scenes of this girl-power flick in Austin, including shots at the Omni Austin Hotel and UT's Bass Concert Hall. (School Age and Up)

"The Rookie" -- Based on a true story, Dennis Quaid's second-chance baseball film will warm even the most sarcastic teen-age heart. (Pre-Teens and Up)

"How to Eat Fried Worms" -- Hopefully your kids won't pick up any of the eating habits discussed in this timeless classic filmed in Austin. (School Age)

"A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn" -- Music-loving minors will dig seeing B.B. King and other legends pay tribute to Austin's fallen son. Then they can check out his commemorative statue on the edge of Town Lake. (Teens)

Texas Pork Ribs -- Did you know there were so many types of barbecuing? Try this Texas-style sauce.

Tex-Mex Burger -- Austin's got a slew of burger joints and Tex Mex eateries. Why not combine the best of both?

Chicken-fried steak -- Prepare for some of Texas' famed down-home cooking with this recipe from a local landmark.

"Pecos Bill" by Steve Kellogg -- A Texas legend of a young cowboy's adventures lassoing and cattle calling. (Ages 2 to 8)

"L Is for Lonestar" by Carol Crane -- Learn about cool wildlife, animals and other parts of Texas with detailed illustrations that will help you point them out once you get there. (Ages 2 to 8)

"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry -- This famed wordsmith and author lived in Austin and is celebrated with an annual Pun-Off. Kids can read his most-famous work and make up their own plays on words. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Buried Treasures of Texas" by WC Jameson -- When a city's been inhabited from every group from American Indians to French pirates, there's got to be some secrets worth digging up. (Ages 9 to 12)

"This Is Texas" by Miroslav Sasek -- This colorful story teaches about everything from the cattle and coyote to the rodeos and rattlesnakes that make up the Great State of Texas. (Ages 8 to 12)

"Giant" by Edna Ferber -- This literary classic gives a dose of women's lib with a taste of Texas life. (Ages 12 to 17)

Build a flapping bat --Austin's Ann Richards Bridge on South Congress Avenue houses one of the largest bat populations in the world. Make your own caped crusaders for your home.

Cardboard guitar -- Make your own instruments to challenge all the shows that go on in the Live Music Capital of the World.