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

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

The John C. Freeman Weather Museum

www.weathermuseum.org
(713) 529-3076

The Rothko Chapel

www.rothkochapel.org
(713) 524-9839

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

www.crafthouston.org
(713) 529-4848

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5 fun and funky spots to wow preschoolers in Houston

June 23, 2009

All moms know about the zoo, the Children's Museum, the location of every jumping place (and free jump time) (or maybe that's just me), and the rest of the great, but standard, fare to entertain and wow preschoolers.

But what about going off the beaten path every now and again? I'll tell you about 5 fun and funky spots that will wow your preschooler!

The Art Car Museum

Museum highlighting art cars of Houston, custom-decorated cars with zany themes prominently displayed in the annual Art Car Parade. Free admission.
Open Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
140 Heights Blvd.
For more information, call (713) 861-5526

Lawndale Art Center

Known for its offbeat art happenings, such as the Hair Ball and the 20th Century Modern Market, Lawndale Art Center displays contemporary works by more than 500 artists each year.
Located in a period Art Deco building at 4912 Main Street in the Museum District.
Admission is free during regular gallery hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call (713) 528-5858

Museum of Health & Medical Science

The Museum of Health & Medical Science’s Amazing Body Pavilion gives visitors an exciting tour through the human body. The exhibit contains huge sculptures of human organs, including a 10 foot brain and a 22 foot rib cage, with more than 80 interactive exhibits.
Every Thursday is Free Family Thursday from 4-7 p.m.
For more information, call (713) 521-1515

The Mad Potter - River Oaks

The Mad Potters are “paint-your-own-pottery” studios, where children and adults alike can try their hand at becoming the next modern day Picasso. Individuals and groups come in and choose a piece of pottery from over 400 shapes and sizes. They then design and paint their pieces with The Mad Potter’s instruction, brushes, tools and paint... all you need to bring is your creativity and desire to have a great time.
Hours: Mon-Thur 10-10, Fri-Sat 10-11 sun 12-6
1963-A W. Gray
Houston, TX 77019
713-807-8900
central@themadpotter.com
(Three other locations around Houston---check the Mad Potter Web Site)

Armand Bayou Pontoon Boat Cruise

Start your weekend by enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast drifting down the bayou on our "Bayou Ranger" pontoon boat. Observe wildlife searching for their breakfast on the bayou. This trip through the heart of the Nature Center presents an uncommon opportunity to watch and learn about bayou life. Enjoy rolls, juice and coffee while underway. The "Bayou Ranger" will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch. Maximum: 12 people
Hours: Saturdays from 8 - 9:30 am
Ages:  5 - adults (An adult must accompany children under 18.)
Fee:    Members: $20 adults, $15 children & seniors
Non-members: $25 adults, $20 children & seniors.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Blvd.
Pasadena, Texas 77507
281-474-2551
Web site: http://www.abnc.org/things-to-do/pontoon-boat-cruises.html

 

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Out and About in Houston weekend of June 18 - 21, 2009

June 18, 2009

It's Father's Day this Sunday, so what kind of fun can your family have this weekend? Plenty!

Kids are FREE! all summer at Astros games starting June 23. Why not present Dad with a gift of tickets to a game? Hint: if you get tickets for Thursday, June 25, the first 10,000 fans get free retro t-shirts!

On Father's Day at Bayou Bend, all dads are free! Everyone else is just $5 per person. As an MFA bonus, this summer AGES 18 and under admitted FREE on Saturday & Sunday with a Houston Public Library PowerCard or any public library card (see number 5 for details).

On Friday, the Children's Museum of Houston is celebrating Juneteenth, and on Saturday kids can make a fun gift for dad, such as a tie or photo frame. Sunday includes more craft-making and a super fun Father's Day celebration. They've got special events this weekend:

• Spotlight Performance:  Kunama Mtendaji.  This exciting storyteller and musician will perform tales related to African and African American History.
  Saturday, June 20:  2 p.m.
• Target 2 Sunday Performance: Mariachi Houston.  Enjoy the traditional sounds of Mexico with this group of young and talented performers.
  Sunday, June 21:  2 p.m.

Discovery Green has a full lineup of good times for families, with special Dad events, including, on Saturday, a 7 pm live music by POP STARS: Dads Who Rock followed by 8:30pm film screening of "The Best of Children's Film Festival Seattle 2009."

On Friday:

• Fireworks Friday on the Kemah Boardwalk at 9:30pm    
• Gulf Coast Juneteenth at the Miller Outdoor Theatre at 7:30pm    

On Saturday:

• Summer Symphony Nights at the Miller Outdoor Theatre at 8:30pm  
• Come, Blow Your Horn at the Houston Family Arts Center at 8:00pm  
• World Beat Music Festival at Hermann Square at 12:00pm  
• Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake at Robertson Stadium at 7:30pm

 

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Summer Survival Game Plan for Moms (who need to get things done)

June 08, 2009

Oh summer. Today I and many other moms let out a collective groan on this, the first full of summer with kids at home full-time. Many camps and activities haven't yet begun, and all of us are trying to keep up with our workload---regardless of whether it's home chores or an assignment from a boss---while managing kids who aren't used to free-range summer life at home yet, and who are probably a little testy or troublesome. At the least, there are moments when they feel more like Impediments to Getting Things Done than the usual Treasures and Joys we view them as.

So what is there to do?

Create a plan!

Here's what we do....

Early morning: Take it easy because you can.

The girls and I normally have to hop out of bed and make a run for it. So, the good thing about summer is the chance to take a minute and breathe. The mornings really offer that chance. Although the temptation might be to hop up early and get some work done, think about sleeping in a bit (for us that means 7 a.m., maybe) and having some cuddle time.

Breakfast: Consider letting a few rules slide and eat out of the kitchen.

The kids enjoy a bit of couch lolling and show watching first thing in the morning. They may get up early, but they're a little slow to the start line. In the summer I let the kids eat breakfast and watch a show.

Exercise: Load up the bike and take a ride, go for a walk, or use one of the kid-friendly exercises

Get those willies out, have a bit of fun, and freshen up your own mind. Plus it's good for you.

Important Thoughts: Work is a lengthy composition, with parenting as frequent intermezzo

The rest of the day will be a careful balance between tending to your kids and your work. If you're like me, constant interruptions get your mind off track and make it hard to keep focused and moving along at a good pace.

In a full symphony, there is sometimes an intermezzo, which is a short movement separating the major sections of a lengthy composition. It's also a bit of entertainment between two acts of a play.

So think of your work as the lengthy composition, and the kid activity as the intermezzo. You could consider it an interruption, but you can also think of it as the important mind and body stretch away from the computer and phone.

Unlike music and theater, we begin with an intermezzo and intersperse them frequently among the work acts.

Important Thoughts: Setting up your intermezzo in advance

Nothing is quite so interesting to children as the forbidden fruit. In our house, that's the bins of toys we keep up on the high shelves in the closet. I highly suggest that you pack up activities and toys into boxes, and put them away. Leave out only a few toys. This creates fresh, "new to them" toys and activities for kids---which are always more entertaining than the same old toys they can get to every day. In the summer, the big, big fun for my kids is Taking Down the Bin.

We have junky fast food meal toys, stuffed animals, games, Legos, blocks, and more. You can sort any way you want.

Right this minute my kids just got a giant box of stuffed animals they haven't seen in a month.  They are busy playing with those stuffed animals while I write this. At last glance, they were sorting the animals by type: birds here, bears there, and so forth.

Another bin has plastic animal and people figures and paper and colors. That's for kids to set a scene and draw it. It may just be scribble scrabble with the younger ones, but it's still fun, and they often choose matching colors, so it's a good color lesson.

The blue bin is filled with blocks and cars. I encourage the kids to create a city and roads for the cars when they play with that bin.

The opaque bin is filled with what the kids think of as treasure.  It includes Mardi Gras beads, action figures, whistles, toy cameras and phones, and other little assorted "toys" (aka junk). They love to dig through that and make fun finds.

Get creative with how you create activity bins. Think about burying things in a sand bin for kids to take on the porch and dig through. What about a blanket and doll bin? A wooden toy bin, such as "dress the bear," and maybe even some of those lacing games? A musical instrument bin! A dress-up for playacting bin! How about getting a big box and letting the kids color on that, and add toys to it or make a club house?

My kids love the arts and crafts bin, and sometimes I let them do watercolor body art outside---easy to hose off, afterward.

The idea is simply to create activity bins that are easy to pull out, start the play, walk away, get work done, and clean up easily.

Plan your bins to match the length of time you need for that portion of your work. For example, a bin that might require some assistance should be left to a time when you don't plan on being on the phone. Most activity bins should last anywhere from 30 mins to an hour.

Intermezzo: Activity bin 1

Tip: Turn on some music. Sometimes I pop in a classical CD, and sometimes I turn on Radio Disney.

Work: 30 mins

Intermezzo: Check in, is it time for bin 2?

Always make sure to have the children pack up one bin before diving into another. This way, kids learn to be responsible for cleaning up, and for putting away one thing before moving on to the next. Also, you don't end up with a colossal disaster to clean up in the evening!

Work: 30 mins

Lunch time!

Let lunch be an activity. One of our favorite fun lunches is build-a-cracker. I use the divided lunch plates and the kids choose four toppings for crackers. Favorites here are peanut butter, cheese, jelly, and ham. On the side I add a vegetable and a fruit. They have fun creating their lunch, and then fun eating it.

Let little hands help clean, too.

Think about taking a quick walk, blowing bubbles outside, set up a sprinkler for the kids to run through, or another active activity that lets everyone get fresh air.

Intermezzo: Bin 2 or Bin 3.

Clean up last bin before getting next!

Work: 1 hour.

Intermezzo: Give the kids what I call a "creative play" bin.

I like to give them dress up, some props, a few books, and ask them to get inspired and create a performance to show me. I tell them they have until I call them to get ready.

Work 30 mins.

Intermezzo: Take an activity break.

Clean up last bin before getting next! 

Let the kids do their performance It may only last a few minutes, and you can decide if that's long enough before the next kid activity, or if you should take a longer break and run an errand, bake bread, do a chore, or something else.

Repeat.

Hold up a promise of fun---is everyone cooperating and helping out? Offer a swim in the late afternoon or evening as a reward.

Will this always work as perfectly as it sounds here on paper? No, and never expect it to. Or count anything as a failure when it doesn't work. Just try the next idea. If there is fighting or bickering, try separating the kids into different rooms with their own play bins. What "play on my own" things would interest each of your children?

Keep it creative and workable for you. Take this game plan and customize it day to day and for you and your kids. Different ages have different abilities, different jobs have different requirements (regardless of whether you are meeting an employer's demands or doing a load of laundry), and different kids have different interests.

And don't try to shoulder too much on yourself. I find that mother's helpers now and again are wonderful. A 12 to 14 year old who loves kids and is responsible is a useful helper for a couple of hours, and in my neighborhood that shouldn't cost more than $5 an hour. I'll gladly sacrifice something in my budget to buy a few hours of sanity, whether I use it to go de-stress in a coffee shop or to put my nose to the work grindstone.

Always remember the value of the playdate and trading off of kids.  If you keep some kids for the morning, trade off for the afternoon. Another fun outing is to schedule a fieldtrip.

It doesn't matter what work you do, if you're a mom at home, it helps to create some structure and schedule to get things done. With a good game plan, you can lower your stress, and before you know it, it's been a fun summer that's already coming to an end.

Tomorrow check back for a list of kid-friendly local places with wi-fi---places moms can work and kids can have fun!

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5 great (and economical!) ways to exercise with kids

June 02, 2009

When school ended, so did my easy routine of dropping off my four year old at the preschool and hitting the track adjacent to her school's playground. As energetic and run-happy as my kids are, they aren't terribly conducive to an easy fitness routine. I prefer working out outdoors, and also try to forgo a gym membership to save money.

So how can a parent balance work, parenting and working out? On a budget?

Here are my favorite ways to keep fit during the summer with kids:

1. Morning bike rides

I put my little one in the bike trailer and my older one is pretty bike proficient. We ride around the neighborhood for a good 20-30 minutes. I have a route that I know we can do. By the time we get home, the kids have enjoyed a nice adventure, and they are both ready for some quiet play.

Note: How many calories you burn in any activity depends on your size, how you do the activity, and other factors. So keep in mind that all of these calculations are for me and how I exercise. I've linked you to the calculator so you can figure it out for yourself---the calculator has tons of different activities, so feel free to deviate off my list and find your own!

Since I'm usually with kids, I'm not that speedy. So I used the Calorie Burn Calculator and found this:

Bicycling, slow (10-12 mph) for 30 minutes: 202 calories

2. The swimming pool

Afternoons in Houston are too hot for much more than swimming in a pool. If I get in the pool with the kids and swim around like they do, it's a pretty good workout. I'll hang on the side and do some kicks and stretches, too, for good measure.

Using that same Calorie Burn Calculator, I found out that swimming isn't too bad, even if leisurely!

Swimming, leisure for 30 minutes: 202 calories

3. Yoga

I record---for free---yoga programs off the television. I try to do yoga every day. The kids and I all gather in the living room and do our level best at yoga poses.  We all enjoy it and cheer each other on. Plus it really builds strength and flexibility and I swear it turns every frown upside down (at least in our family).

The Calorie Burn Calculator tells me: Yoga for 30 minutes: 135 calories

4. Take a walk

Walking and biking have always been easiest with my kids when they were little. I could strap them in with a couple of toys and snacks and easily get my 30 minutes of exercise. As they got to preschool age, I'd extend a carrot: after Mom's walk, we'll play at the park. Our local park has a nice path that winds around the playground.if I chased kids on the playground, I figured that just added to the exercise.

The Calorie Burn Calculator says (for me):

Walking with a stroller for 30 minutes: 84 calories

Walking, slow (2 mph) for 30 minutes: 84 calories

Walking, moderate (3 mph) for 30 minutes: 118 calories

Walking, fast (4 mph) for 30 minutes: 135 calories

Walking with a baby or load for 30 minutes: 118 calories

5. Tennis

If I swat balls and run back and forth, the kids have a great time chasing balls, we've had some fun, and I've gotten a good workout. Our local park has free tennis courts, and it's not too hard to find a time they are open that works with my schedule.

The calculator says tennis is a great activity for me: Tennis (singles) for 30 minutes: 236 calories

The best thing about any of these activities is that it's good for you and the kids, and you can work it around your schedule---which we all know can vary day to day. We all know we need exercise and activity every day, and I know how easy it is to say there's just no time, money or way to do it with kids. But if you open your mind and eyes, I bet you find a lot of great ways to get a workout.

Bonus idea: Do you have stairs in your house? Sometimes on those "trapped inside due to summer storms or summer heat" days, we need something to get the "willies" out! I have a little "jumpoline" that is invaluabl, but we also have the Ball Stair game that is fun and gets in some exercis. It's sort of based on Bocce Ball. We try to roll our balls furthest down the stairs without hitting the bottom. Then we run up and down the stairs retrieving the balls for another round.The calculator claims I might burn as much as 202 calories on this. Mor eimportantly, the kids get their "crazies" out.

Super bonus: Don't forget housecleaning burns calories too. And so does each step you take. If you're ever curious how much you are on the move, you can usually find pedometers pretty inexpensively. You will probably be surprised how active you are! I was!

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going green on a budget: buying fresh, local produce at a farmer's market

April 13, 2009

Earth Day is just 10 days away! So this week I'll continue my series about ways your family can incorporate earth-friendly activities into your lifestyle.

Today, I asked a fantastic lady and lovely friend, Tiffany Tyler, who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Central City Co-op, for her best ideas and suggestions about "going green on a budget."

She had some great ideas about how you can eat green and be frugal:

Green doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, a gradual adaptation of a green lifestyle can be both relatively painless and cost-saving. Here are a few ways being green saves you money:

• Buy in season. Most of us have grown up being able to get grapes and apples year round. Our kids love them, and it's easy to put them in the basket every week without thinking about whether it's the best produce for the money that week. Re-learn what seasonality means, and you'll make your produce dollar go further. I learned this year that both my kids love asparagus and sugar snap peas, and it's been cheaper than grapes.

• If you are worried your kids might not like an in-season food, take them to the farmer's market and let them meet the farmer and taste the different fruits and vegetables. Let them meet the egg vendor and see pictures of his chickens. Let the kids ask questions! If they are curious about new food even before they taste it, it makes the eating so much more fun!

• Be positive and encouraging, and be ready to be surprised. From my summer running the market last year, I can tell you from direct observation that your child does model your behavior. If you say, "Well, I don't know...you probably won't like that..." Then they won't, even if it's the sweetest blueberry.  If you say, "Wow. I don't know if you'll like that. You've never had it before. Want to try it together and see what it's like?" Kids will often surprise you. Mine will eat kale, and I learned that by tasting with them. (Hint- Dinosaur Kale is awesome to look at and talk about. Bake it in the oven and call it homemade Veggie Booty.)

• Buy local where you can. This is important for so many reasons. Food that travels less is fresher and in better condition. It tastes better. From a carbon perspective, food that travels less is also significantly greener. Think about how far those Chilean grapes come, and how much fossil fuel it takes to get them here.

  Then think about the blueberries at the local farmer's market this June...that farmer lives in our community. He buys things here. He sends his kids to school here. He employs not only farm labor, but a bookkeeper, an accountant, a mechanic for his truck, and a vet for his farm animals (if he keeps any). Your grocery dollar supports him and a bunch of other people, not a corporate bottom line.

Tiffany had some other great suggestions of things to consider when trying to balance green living and your checkbook:

• Remember that here in Texas, produce from Mexico travels less distance than food from California or Florida. Bananas from Honduras are closer than apples from Washington State. That helps with your carbon footprint.

• Buy only what you will actually consume. That warehouse pack of cantaloupe really looks good, and per melon it's cheap, but it's not cheap if the last melon rots before you can eat it.

• Processed food is convenient, but it's expensive, and it's teaching your kids that food comes in a box, not fresh. And all that packaging isn't Green at all, even if you recycle it.

• Serve smaller portions of meat. Being a vegetarian is the greenest thing to do, but it's not for everyone. And kids know naturally that they don't need as much meat as you might be giving them. Give them lots of veggies and fruit they like at every meal and make the meat an accent. Yes, fresh veggies are expensive, but not as expensive as meat.

• Go organic where you can. It's better for the earth, cutting all those synthetic fertilizers that run off into streams and pesticides that kill butterflies and other beneficial insects. Organics in season, especially at your farmer's market, don't have to be expensive. Organic local fruit in season is cheaper than imported conventional fruit out of season.

So many of us dread grocery store trips with kids because it can be stressful, especially with kids begging for food we don't want to buy. Not to mention, I'm sure we've all had to deal with those tantrums.

But a Farmer's Market is a interesting and entertaining place. You can have an enjoyable and fun---even educational!---time with your kids, experimenting with food and supplying your family with what you need to eat. Buying in season will help you be green, healthy and save money.

Many thanks to Tiffany for her great ideas and tips! Her group manages Green Market, the Farmer's Market at Discovery Green in Downtown Houston on Sundays from noon to 4 pm. 

In conclusion, she said, "We invite you to come see what Green can mean in your life! We also run a co-op storefront in Montrose on Wednesdays featuring both local and nationally distributed organic produce. We are volunteer run (a great way to get involved with your kids!  Come work with us!) to help keep prices as low as possible. Each market day, we donate remainder produce to kitchens supporting Houston's homeless, because we believe that everyone in the community should have access to fresh, organic produce."

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out and about in Houston weekend of 3/27-3/29/2009

March 26, 2009

This weekend is the famous Bayou City Art festival in Memorial Park!

Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park
March 27-29, 2009 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all three days
Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
City ordinance prohibits bringing pets.

The annual, juried, fine art event boasts a stress-free outdoor gallery brimming with 300 artists working in 19 artistic media. Adding to the festive outdoor gallery are wine cafés, an interactive Creative Zone for children, restaurants, Broadway in Houston’s Broadway Café, and a performing arts stage with on-going multicultural musical and dance entertainment presented by The Houston Arts Alliance.

For more information about the Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park, please visit the Web site.

Fun all weekend...

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Jones Hall - 615 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002

One of our all-time favorite dance troupes comes to Houston this weekend (Fri-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm), with performances by Grammy Award-winning female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock. The performance is suitable for ages 5 and up, and tickets range from $22-$58. For more informaiton: 713.632.8113. www.spahouston.org/grouplounge

Tomball German Heritage Festival
Old Downtown Tomball - W Main Street & N Cherry Street, Tomball, TX 77375

Catch the spirit of Germany (for free!) at Tomball's 9th Annual German Heritage Festival. Fri 6pm-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-6pm all ages can enjoy the live music, ethnic food, street vendors, arts and crafts, fireworks, a carnival, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more. For more information:  www.tomballsistercity.org/festival.htm

Friday and Saturday only...

Cry Baby Matinee
Angelika Film Center - 510 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002

First-run, grown-up films are featured for parents with their little ones. Lights are kept dimmed, the sound is turned down, and baby changing tables are available. Matinees are run at 11:45, and adult tickets are $6.25. Children under 5 are free.  For more information: 713.225.1470. www.angelikafilmcenter.com/houston/events.asp.

Saturday only...

The Reluctant Dragon
Main Street Theater at Chelsea Market - 4617 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006

This sweet play is good for children 3 and up. Shows are at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Tickets cost $10 for children and students; $12 for adults; group rates (10 or more) available.For more information: www.mainstreettheater.com

Play synopsis: Once upon a time there lived a boy who befriended a lonely dragon who hated such dragonly things as fighting knights and breathing fire. Nonetheless, the simple-minded villagers in the local town beg a fierce knight - St. George himself -- to slay the dragon, even though he was doing them no harm. Just when it seems hopeless, the resourceful boy finds a solution that changes the hearts and minds of the entire village in this touching adventure by renowned author Kenneth Grahame (The Wind in the Willows). 

Kid's Market Day - Bayou City Farmers' Market
Bayou City Farmers' Market, 3000 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77098

Note: Bring cash for purchases.

From 8-noon all ages can enjoy the Urban Harvest's Bayou City Farmers Market Fourth Annual Kid's Market Day. Kid's Market Day offers children of all ages the opportunity to see where their food really comes from. Students who have participated in Urban Harvest's School and Youth gardening programs will bring their produce to sell at the farmers market. Vendors will bring animals and equipment from their farms to show kids what farming is really like. Kid-friendly activities will include seed planting, face painting, scavenger hunt, raw vegetable tasting and egg dyeing using natural colors. Live music and a cooking demonstration will also be featured. For more information:  www.urbanharvest.org.

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Toys and games to improve your child's balance

March 23, 2009

The weather forecasters are predicting a rainy week ahead, so I'll tell you about some fun games and toys you can enjoy indoors that will help your child improve his or her balance!

'Balance beam' fun! Use some painter's tape to mark off a 'balance beam' on the floor. Run two lines of tape about three feet long and leave about half a foot in between the three feet lines of tape. Pretend this is a balance bean, and encourage your child to walk on it. Add exciement to the game by having your child hold two stuffed animals (one in each hand), balancing a bean bag on his or her head, or doing a small turn. Let your preschool balance beam champ do a little jump "off" the end of the "beam"with arms up in the air like an Olympic medalist.

Build an obstacle course! Using boxes, pillows, cushions, chairs, and so forth, build a little obstacle course in your play area. This helps your child learn to gauge his or her body in relation to other objects. To add more balance challenge, create some fun "rules" such as "walk sideways through this part," or "balance a bean bag on your head through this part." Make sure they are only doing one challenge at a time, though!For example, let the balance portion be in a straight part.

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes...on a dime!  Cut out a circle from construction paper or cardboard that is large enough for your child's feet (with some space in between). Do one for yourself too. Feel free to decorate! Place the circle on the floor and sing "Head, Shoulder Knees and Toes." (If you need help with the lyrics, you can read them here.) The object is to stay on the circle! This activity helps your child with body part names, sequences, music, balance, and more. Giggling encouraged.

Floor skate! What kid doesn't like to pretend skate on tile and wood floors with socks? Not only is this fun, but it helps build balance and balance strength! Put on socks and skate around the floor with your child. Hold hands and skate together and skate separately. Do fun skate moves---whatever you can think of or enjoy.

Kick ball! Kicking balls is a great way to improve both balance and coordination.

Toys that help! Riding toys help improve balance and coordination because they use larger arm and leg muscles, not to mention, practice builds confidence and ability. One Step Ahead also suggests some toys for 0-3 and for older, too, that help balance. Toys are great for fun and development, and I'm always happy with the quality from One Step Ahead and Leaps & Bounds. ebeanstalk also has a good selection that is both educational and fun, plus reasonably priced (hint: you can usually find coupon codes online!). However, toys also sometimes give moms ideas about how to re-tool things around the house for specific developmental games, such as to improve balance. let your imagination and cretivity flow, especially if you are watching your budget and don't want to watch your money go!

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Celebrating Dia de los Muertos

by Rachel Mosteller

October 30, 2008

If there's one thing you can't say about Houston, well besides commenting on our wonderful weather, you can't say we don't have a variety of cultures and cultural activities to offer. If you're looking for an interesting cultural Halloween activity, check out the Dia de los Muertos Workshop at the Lawndale Arts Center. Help the center make "Day of the Dead" sugar skulls for tomorrow's  Read more...

Cultural Experiences at Miller Outdoor

by Rachel Mosteller

October 05, 2008

Sometimes I get jealous of people with really deep cultural roots. You can say "my family is Vietnamese/Jewish/Namibian" and have all sorts of rituals, holidays and celebrations together. I'm half Cajun (French and Spanish) and the rest is Irish, English and Czech. My husband has more German but has some other different backgrounds including a bit of Native American (He's from Oklahoma). So  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...

Looking Back at...September

by Rachel Mosteller

September 30, 2008

I've always disliked the month of September (well, not as much as I absolutely hate August) because of the fact that we in Houston are THIS CLOSE to fall but are still in total summer temps. This September has brought us very unusual nice cooler weather and also a hurricane. Can I get an "AMEN" if you're ready for October to come? AMEN! Bring. It. On. Looking back, September wasn't a total  Read more...

Strike up the Drums

by Rachel Mosteller

September 26, 2008

My 2-year-old son seems to have a thing for drums. Anytime I turn a song up in the car, I hear "drums!' from the back seat. I'd also, for the record, like to pretend that he's playing the drums when he repeatedly hits his sister in the head. Or on the back. Or the leg. If your little one is into music (or just drums) then there's a show for you. Cypress Creek FACE will be hosting Strike 3  Read more...

Garden Faire This Weekend

by Rachel Mosteller

September 22, 2008

I'm so desperate to get back to "normal" that I don't even want to mention any words that involve "Hurry" or "cane" ever again. What a better way to get back to "normal" (whatever that is) than to get out with your community and have a fun time? Now that fall is slowly making its appearance (say goodye to the 90s!), now is the time to visit outdoors events. The Mercer Arboretum and Botanic  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...

Water Wall Wonder

by Rachel Mosteller

August 27, 2008

Kids love water, that's for sure. It's wet, it splashes and is fun to play (or swim) in. But it is also really fun to look at. Next time you're in the Galleria area, check out the water wall over by the Williams Tower. The water wall is a curved piece of aquatic architecture that's known as one of the most romantic spots in town. It's also pretty cool, literally. If you go in the day, the kids  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...