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

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Museums

Fun for Families in Houston weekend August 6 - 9, 2009

August 06, 2009

The indoor where it's air conditioned and lots of neat things to see and do version. . .

Children's Museum of Houston

www.cmhouston.org
(713) 522-1138

MindFest WonderWeek challenges kids challenge to fuse technology, art and science through fun, engineering activities.

Holocaust Museum Houston

www.hmh.org
(713) 942-8000

Houston Museum-Natural Science

www.hmns.org
(713) 639-4629

All weekend continues the Terra Cotta warriors exhibit.

Menil Collection Bookstore

www.menil.org (713) 535-3180

FREE admission: Film Screening in Memory of Merce Cunningham and Robert Rauschenberg
Friday, August 7, 2009 8 p.m.

The Menil Collection, ARTPIX, Microcinema International, and Society for the Performing Arts present an evening of filmed performances of Merce Cunningham Dance Company at a program in memory of Merce Cunningham & Robert Rauschenberg.

The Menil screenings of Split Sides (2003) and Interscape (2000) use archival footage made by Charles Atlas to document Cunningham’s work as dancer and choreographer. Just published on DVD by Houston’s ARTPIX, Split Sides has original scores by Radiohead and Sigur Rós. Robert Rauschenberg designed both sets and costumes for Interscape.

The film will be screened on the Menil's front lawn.

Museum of Printing History

www.printingmuseum.org
(713) 522-4652

Great for children, "In our galleries and working studios, we demonstrate the traditional processes of stone lithography, letterpress printing, papermaking, and bookbinding." Many interesting exhibits right now.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston: Bayou Bend Collection

www.mfah.org
(713) 639-7750

Summer Storytime Tour
Friday, August 7, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Summer Creation Station: Majestic Mountains
Friday, August 7, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Summer Storytime Tour
Friday, August 7, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Lawndale Art & Performance Center

www.lawndaleartcenter.org
(713) 528-5858

All weekend: The Big Show -- The Big Show is Lawndale Art Center’s annual open-call, juried exhibition. It has been an important venue through which emerging and under-represented Houston area artists gain exposure since the show’s conception in 1984.

Buffalo Soldier National Museum & Heritage Center

www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com
(713) 942-8920
Saturday, August 8 from 1-3 p.m. Summer Lecture Series

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

www.camh.org
(713) 284-8250

Czech Center Museum Houston

www.czechcenter.org
(713) 528-2060

Beginners Children’s Czech language class. Eight weekly sessions Saturday mornings 10:30 to 1:30 a.m. Donation $30.00.

The Health Museum

www.thehealthmuseum.org
(713) 521-1515

Friday: Planet You -- World Premiere Friday, August 7!
Journey into a world you've never seen before...at least quite like this! Be one of the first in Houston to see Planet You 3D, the newest 3D film at the McGovern Theater, at the world premiere Friday, August 7. Take a 3D microscopic adventure into the alien landscape of your own skin and find out all about the creepy, crawly things that live on us - dust mites, lice and ticks!

Houston Center for Photography

www.hcponline.org
(713) 529-4755

Digital Camera Basics on Saturday Aug 8 with Kristy Peet
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
more info

out and about in houston weekend 4-17 through 4-19-2009

April 16, 2009

Disney on Ice is in town and offering GOOD ticket deals. This show is Mickey and Minnie, so is very appealing to both boys and girls. We can't wait to take the kids!

Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey

Houston, TX show dates: April 15 through April 19
Location: http://www.reliantpark.com/

Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels including http://www.ticketmaster.com. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Gold Circle Seating, Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or in combination with other offers. Other Restrictions May Apply.

The tickets can be purchased from http://www.ticketmaster.com and by entering the MOM code in the "MC Promotion Box" when purchasing tickets.

**** Show Dates ****
Wednesday, April 15: 7:30pm
Thursday, April 16: 7:30pm
Friday, April 17: 10:30am, 7:30pm
Saturday, April 18: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sunday, April 19: 1:30pm, 5:30pm

FEATURED: Earth Day events!

Saturday:

Spring Fling/Earth Day Celebration

All ages welcome at this Nature Discovery Center event, which includes: craft activities, nature walks, music, a Scholastic book fair, environmental exhibits, and more. It's free and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 713.667.6550 for more information.

Earth Day Celebration at Houston Museum of Natural Science

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free, families can celebrate Earth Day, learn more about nature and the environment, and participate in a variety of activities. For more information, call 713.639.4629

Family Space Days: Earth Day
Lunar and Planetary Institute invites families to explore Earth Day through demonstrations, stories, coloring, and crafts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free! Best for ages 5 through 8. Call 281.486.2106

Earth Day at the Arboretum

Families and children of all ages are invited from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day with live music, face painting, crafts, a zip line for kids, hayrides, a puzzle hike, organic food samples, and information about recycling programs. Free! Call 713.681.8433

All weekend:

Children's Museum of Houston

Join us as we find ways to preserve the planet with eco-friendly games and activities during our Earth Day Celebration!

Explore sources of power, make art out of recycled products, get recycling tips, and find out how you can make a BIG difference!

Tree Give Away: A tree sapling to make your home greener! Provided by Texas Forest Service and ArboGen. While supplies last:

Thursday, April 16: 5 – 8 p.m. during Free Family Night

Saturday, April 18: All Day

Sunday, April 19: All Day

Junk Art: Make your own unique work of art out of recycled found objects.

April 16 - 22: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Meet the WM Green Squad: It’s never too early to learn how to be green! Waste Management's Green Squad is helping CMH become more green, and by participating in educational activities led by our team members, you can learn too.

Thursday, April 16: 5 – 8 p.m. during Free Family Night

Meet the EPA: Folks from the Environmental Protection Agency will present a demonstration on water run-off and provide literature on conservation and preservation.

Saturday, April 18: 10:30, 11:30 a.m., 12:30 & 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 19: Noon - 4 p.m.

Amigos del Bosque/Latino Agency: Amigos del Bosque will provide information outreach and will be involved with nature-based activities for children.

Sunday, April 19: Noon - 6 p.m.

American Chemical Society: Join these real-life scientists as they perform wacky experiments with light, slime and other cool, yucky stuff.

Sunday, April 19: Noon - 2 p.m.

All-day Activities:

Earth Day Choices: Are you going to make a difference? Post your choices that you will make this year that can help the Earth.
Earth Day Facts Collage: Make a collage in the shape of leaves with important Earth Day words and facts on them!
Water Meter and Log: How much water do you use in one day? Make a meter to keep track of how much water you use in a day and learn how to lower usage.
Explorations into Energy and Conservation: Explore how energy can be created from various natural resources such as water, wind and sunlight.
Where Does Our Garbage Go?: One person dumps about 4 lbs. of trash daily. Learn how trash is recycled, composted, land filled or energized.

Trees generously provided by Texas Forest Service and ArborGen.

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!

Two Cultural Activities

by Rachel Mosteller

November 12, 2008

If you're looking for ways to show your children entertainment from a different country, then I have two opportunities for you. The first I'll highlight is Sangam, an Indian performance by the Anjali Dance Company of Sugarland. Children will see a variety of Indian dances performed as well as listen to the most beautiful accompanying music. The show is at the Miller Outdoor Theater, TODAY, at Read more...

Creepy Crawlies at Children's Museum

by Rachel Mosteller

October 20, 2008

You don't need a bunch of plastic spiders, though they are fun, to make Halloween spooky. In fact, all you have to do is look towards nature for inspiration. If you're looking to give your kids a glimpse into some Halloween spooks, I suggest trying out the Creepy Creatures WonderWeek at the Children's Museum of Houston. What's there to do? Well...a lot. The science station will show your kids Read more...

Tall Tales

by Rachel Mosteller

September 25, 2008

One of the wonders I have about childhood is how there are certain stories that are passed down through generations for new children to enjoy. No, I'm not speaking of the latest hit TV show or movie, but of "tall tales" or even fables. If you want to introduce your child to some tall tales, head on down to the Children's Museum of Houston for Tall Tales WonderWeek. Your little ones can learn Read more...

Fly Me to the Moon...via IMAX

by Rachel Mosteller

September 11, 2008

Seeing an IMAX movie for the first time is a little awe inspiring. I think, the words "cool" and "awesome" adequately describe the feeling of sitting in front of an extremely tall screen to experience the wonder that is IMAX. But, let's face it, some IMAX movies just aren't for little kids. They're a bit scary or a little too scientific. Heck, I'm an adult and I can get all "this is boring" if Read more...

Snow in September

by Rachel Mosteller

September 08, 2008

My children have lived in Houston all their lives and, sadly, have never seen snow. (Try explaining to my daughter, who read one too many "winter equals snow" books last year that we don't have the white stuff.) But now, there's an awesome new event going on at the Museum of Contemporary Art involving snow. Check out Perspectives 162: Snow by Allie Bogel and Libbie Masterson. From what I Read more...

Why Mosquitoes Buzz at the MFAH

by Rachel Mosteller

September 05, 2008

I love having free things to do with my kids and this weekend, if you're also into the free thing, is a doozy. Over at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, there are three different films showing. On Sunday, they'll be presenting Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, an animated piece narrated by the awesome James Earl Jones. After that, there's Not So Fast Songololo and Anna From Berlin. The Read more...

Ahoy! Pirate Fun in Houston

by Rachel Mosteller

August 07, 2008

Blame it on Captain Jack Sparrow, but pirates are totally hot. Kids love them! Getting in on the action is the Children's Museum of Houston, which will be hosting pirate week very soon! The week of Sept. 18-24 is Sail Away With Books week at the Museum, where there will be all sorts of fun pirate activities for your little Buckaneer to try. There are a variety of pirate crafts to try and Read more...

Healthy Fun at The Health Museum

by Rachel Mosteller

July 17, 2008

Sometimes I like to try and guess what my kids are going to be when they grow older. Right now, I'm sure my 4-year-old is a budding lawyer; that child can negotiate almost anything! If your little one makes you feel you might have a doctor or nurse in the family one day, then bring her to The Health Museum in the Museum District. Have your kids take turns seeing what they'll look like in 30 Read more...

The Budding Art Critic: Byzantine Frescos

by Rachel Mosteller

June 23, 2008

It is easy to go to a museum, see the pretty pictures and think nothing of their history. That isn't the case with the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum in Houston. The history behind the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum is as interesting as the paintings themselves. The paintings were stolen from a chapel in Cyprus in the 1980s, cut into pieces and smuggled out of the country with the intention of Read more...

MFA Houston Sundays

by Rachel Mosteller

June 02, 2008

Art. It isn't just in a coloring book. In my house, it is on the walls, literally. (Also, on the floor and on the brick fireplace.) Perhaps you'd like to show your kids how to properly display art on the walls. If so, I'd suggest bringing them down to The Museum of Fine Arts to give them a bit of exposure to a wide variety of artists. I f you're worried your preschooler might make Read more...

Planes, Trains and Automobiles...in Galveston

by Rachel Mosteller

May 22, 2008

When I was a little girl, a trip to Galveston meant a trip to the Railroad Museum . While I was never that fascinated with trains, I LOVED the Railroad Museum ! Located at the end of The Strand, the Railroad Museum has one of the five largest collections of restored trains in the nation. Kids who are interested in trains will get a kick out of seeing them up Read more...