Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in houston, TX

out and about in Houston 3-20-2009 - 3-22-2009

March 19, 2009

With the first day of Spring on Friday and Houston weather cooperating to provide gorgeous weather, it's a great weekend to get out and have fun!

The Oil Ranch is open! They've renovated the barn and have baby animals, too. Just northwest of downtown, the Oil Ranch is offering free sno-cones in March. Families can also enjoy pony rides, the dairy barn (even milking cows!), hay rides, more rides, and the new Turbo slide.The Oil ranch is open Friday 10 am-3pm and Saturday 10-5.

Let your child learn about the first day of spring and the Sun-Earth Day on the Vernal Equinox on Friday, March 20, at 1 p.m.at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

The Kemah Boardwalk---recovered from Hurricane Ike---is offering family fun and live entertainment all through this weekend.

Discovery Green is offering a host of fun activities through the weekend, including the Fresh Fridays music and Children's Discovery Series on Saturday. Click here for a list of all events and details. Don't miss the Houston Arts Alliance Showcase  performance of Native American dance and storytelling by the South Texas Indian Dancers!

The Houston Livestock and Rodeo is still going on, all weekend. It's the final weekend!

Free admission on Thursdays at the Children's Museum of Houston. If you can't make it tonight, check it out over the weekend and let your hcild play toy detective or enjoy the new play area that's just for smaller kids!

Special happenings for Spring Break at the Space Center Houston:

Spring Break 2009 is going to be bigger and better than ever before! Our all new lineup includes death-defying stunt shows from the incredible All American Dive Team, edge-of-your-seat live action Pirate's Duel shows, the exciting Jovan Cartoon Character Show starring Spongebob Squarepants, and more! Plus, test your treasure hunting skills in the all new exhibit called Treasure! It's going to be the best Spring Break party around so dive into excitement for Spring Break only at Space Center Houston!

Shows run daily March 14 - March 22

Dive Shows: 12:00, 2:00, 4:30. Location: Outside in the courtyard of the Zero-G restaurant.

Pirate Shows: 11:00, 1:00, 3:00. Location: Inside the Treasures exhibit.

The Jovan Cartoon Character Show starring Spongebob Squarepants & Patrick:  1:00, 3:00. Location: Inside the Zero-G restaurant.

Take your little ones and enjoy the CryBaby Matinee -- Babies Welcome! at the Angelika Friday and Saturday at 11:45. This weekend's feature is He's Just Not That Into You.

On Friday, the Clear Lake-Freeman branch library is offering:

Books Alive! Week - Toddler Open Gym
When: Friday, March 20, 2009 - 10:00 AM
Where: Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library at Children's Activity Space

Toddlers and their parents can play bean bag toss, run through a tunnel, work puzzles and have fun with other activities. This program is designed for children 18 months to 3 years old. For more information, call 281-488-1906 or visit us at 16616 Diana Lane.

Borders at 3025 Kirby (and other Borders around Houston) is offering a special storytime, art projects, and more fun to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Check the Borders Web site to find the Border near you and call them to find out if they are offering the party!

Lakeshore Learning stores on Post Oak and in Friendswood (on I-45 South) are offering free kitemaking classes on Saturday from 11-3 as this week's fun craft activity.

Enjoy your weekend!

Have a Sweet Smelling Weekend

by Rachel Mosteller

October 02, 2008

Maybe its my feminine nature or just human nature, but I love things that smell good. Heck, I can't walk past a candle display without opening all the lids and giving a good sniff. If you are like me and love smelling things, you'll love the Chappell Hill Lavender Farm . This little town outside Brenham is a perfect weekend destination to get out, smell beautiful flowers and enjoy the cooler  Read more...

Go Cajun!

by Rachel Mosteller

October 01, 2008

Most people couldn't tell by looking at me, but I come from a long line of Cajuns. Sure, I don't like seafood and red beans and rice give me the shivers, but I still feel a little proud of the fact that my grandparents spoke French. Even if you don't have Cajun heritage in your blood, you can still enjoy a bit of the Cajun life at the Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival on October 10, 11 and 12.  Read more...

Pick Your Own Fun

by Rachel Mosteller

July 16, 2008

I'm one of those people who always think of doing fun things after the fun has passed. Don't ask me how this always happens, but I like to think of it as A Gift. Inspired by all the talk I've seen of pick your own fruit fun online, I thought I'd give you a head's up on where you can find some pick your own fun in Houston...after most of the fruit seasons have ended. Most of these places, for  Read more...

Get A Taste of Texas at the Oil Ranch

by Rachel Mosteller

June 19, 2008

I always laugh when I hear about people's ideas of Texas. I've had people ask if I own a horse, live under palm trees or only consume chili and Dr. Pepper. And, of course, there's that whole idea that all of Texas is one big farm. But even I like to indulge my stereotypical Texas side from time to time. That's why there are places such as the Oil Ranch. Located in Hockley (off Highway  Read more...

Lions, Tigers and Bears, OH MY!: Miniature Horses

by Rachel Mosteller

June 09, 2008

If you don't mind the drive and are looking to get out of the city for a bit, I have the place for you. There's a place, near Brenham, that has miniature horses. I originally learned of the Monastery of St. Claire a long time ago, when I was a little girl. Yes, I said "monastery," as in nuns. These are nuns that raise miniature horses and it is such a fun experience! Since my original visit,  Read more...

Saddle Up!

by Rachel Mosteller

May 13, 2008

Ponies. Kids love them, for some reason. Even my kids love them, though they scream bloody murder if you dare suggest a pony ride at a fair. I f your kids have a flair for the equine, you have to bring them to Lake Livingston to experience a pony ride quite like no other. (Take Highway 59 North for 75 miles.) There's a great equestrian program at Lake Livingston, through  Read more...