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

Bird-watching with your preschooler: Help the Houston Audubon Society Track Chimney Swifts

March 18, 2009

Bird watching is a fantastic way to engage your preschooler in the outdoors and learn about nature, colors, seasons, and birds---how they migrate, nesting, roosting, eggs, caring for baby birds, and more. In Houston, Mid-March is the perfect time to see many species of birds nesting in your yard! In fact, the Houston Audubon Society says that locals are reporting seeing Chimney Swifts---small birds, about 5 inches long and dark-gray in color, that are closely related to hummingbirds---roosting and nesting.

That's why the Houston Audubon Society is currently tracking Swift reports and sightings, on a map. If you and your preschooler look for Chimney Swifts and write a short report, then send it in, they'll track your results on a map.

Your preschooler can see your family's Chimney Swift sighting report on the We site, and alongside other reports. It's a great way to introduce your child to basic science and scientific process.

Here's how it works according to the Houston Audubon Society's "Help us track Houston's Chimney Swifts!" site:

1. Look for Chimney Swift activity - both nesting and roosting.
2. Send us your reports. Tell us if you observe Chimney Swift activity and where it is.
3. We'll track your results on a map and post them on this site. Only the neighborhoods will be posted. No home addresses will be displayed.

 For more information about chimney swifts, click here.

For more information about the Houston Audubon Society's chimney swift tracking program, click here. They even tell you what to look for and have recordings of swift calls!

TIPS for OBSERVING:

1. Teach your child about watching quietly. You can even make it more fun by wearing "camouflage" clothing and talk about blending in with the environment.

2. Ask your child what he or she sees, and take notes. Draw pictures, too. What do the birds look like? Are the birds in the trees or on the ground? What do they do in trees? What do they do on the ground? What food do birds eat?

3. Do some research; for example, see where the birds live, look at maps for migration routes, or whatever points about the birds most interested your child(ren). Don't worry, of course, about getting too technical. Just follow your child's and your own interest.

Keep it fun and enjoy!

Lions, Tigers and Bears, OH MY! Armand Bayou Nature Center

by Rachel Mosteller

August 18, 2008

Sometimes, when you're driving around Houston, it is easy to feel that you live in a concrete jungle. The highways! The buildings! The cars! Is there anything natural around here? If you know where to look, yes there is. One of those hidden gems of Houston is Armand Bayou Nature Center in Pasadena. The Preserve has over 2,500 acres of marshes, wetland and prairie. So, what can your kids see  Read more...

July Recap

by Rachel Mosteller

July 31, 2008

If you've been in Houston for over a year, you know how hard it is to live here in August. The weather! The heat! Oh, good gravy, the heat! Sadly, while the rest of the country starts getting ready for cooler weather in the near future, we still have awhile to go. In fact, August is typically one of the hottest months here! Since there's always a good chance we won't go below 90 until October,  Read more...

Tadpole Fun

by Rachel Mosteller

July 30, 2008

Awhile back (I think it was May) my family went to a local park for the afternoon. While there, my husband spotted what equated to a very large mud puddle swarming with tadpoles. We couldn't help but notice that the water levels had already declined and worried that soon, the tadpoles would meet their demise when the pole dried up. So, we went and saved a whole bunch of tadpoles. They're  Read more...

Going to the Zoo? How to Get in Early!

by Rachel Mosteller

July 09, 2008

We love going to the Houston Zoo. There's a lot of animals to see and things to do and the best part is that all that walking really wears the kids out. Unfortunately, as many of us know, trying to go to the zoo in the summer is just absolutely dreadful! The traffic! The heat! The crowds! It is almost enough for me to say "no thanks," and spend the rest of the day lounging on the couch. I'm  Read more...

Going Batty at Waugh Bridge

by Rachel Mosteller

June 25, 2008

Most people who come to Texas know about the bats on Congress in Austin . But, did you know that Houston has its own bat colony? It does. The Waugh Bridge Bat Colony will give your family quite a show every night at dusk. Here's the info: You stand on the Waugh Bridge (near Allen Parkway) overlooking Buffalo Bayou towards downtown. Not long before sunset, the bats, up to 250,000 Mexican  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...

99 Things You Must See...Brazos Bend State Park

by Rachel Mosteller

May 28, 2008

Kids. These days, the only live animals they get to see is your dog, a squirrel in the back yard or a lion down at the zoo. While squirrel hunting definitely is interesting, why not give your kids a bit of the wild side of life? Heck, why don't you take a walk on the wild side to see the animals in action? If you live in Southeast Texas , you've got a hidden gem that's  Read more...

Pretty, Pretty Peacocks

by Rachel Mosteller

May 26, 2008

When it comes to wildlife in Houston , I can definitely say that it is varied. You've got squirrels, deer, alligators andpeacocks. Yes, I said peacocks. If you ever want to have a parent/child 'special day, bring your little one to Vargos Restaurant to see the peacocks. While this is definitely not your average kid's restaurant, bringing your child here for  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...