Looking for something to do this weekend? The Kids Activity Queen would LOVE to see you at the Children's Festival. The festival has now raised $3.3 million for Child Advocates, Inc., which helps abused children in the Houston area. So, yes, this is a great event to support.
Why will your family love it? This is "Houston's Official Family Celebration" and has something for everyone: 7 stages of music and entertainment; appearances by Dora the Explorer & other famous characters; miniature trained ponies show; the Busy Bee Dog show; the H-E-B Read, Write & Connect Zone; and so much more. Visit the Kids Activity Queen at Booth M302 on McKinney Street across from City Hall. You can purchase your copy of the guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids for $21.60 (tax included) and ask any questions about local events that might be on your mind. Free giveaways will also be available at this booth so stop by! It'll be another fun-filled family weekend in Houston. Hope to see you there.
Until the next nap time...
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Art Fest Gets an A; Bluebonnet Season
Today, we went to the Bayou City Art Festival and had a great time. There were so many artists from across the U.S. and they really had so much for us to look at. My almost year-old daughter liked walking around Memorial Park and seeing all the people. For $8, this is a great annual activity for the whole family. For kids 2 and up, there are fun activities including painting your lucky rock, making masks and even dipping your hand into wax to make a replica of your own hand! (Kids must be at least 6 years old to do the wax project.) And the park & ride system ran smoothly and was no extra charge. Now we're looking forward to the art festival next fall in downtown.
It's bluebonnet season in Houston. Don't miss your chance to take photos of your little ones in the blue fields around us. These will make great Easter greetings to family & friends. Not sure where to go? There are several spots in Memorial Park showing bluebonnets. Alternatively, try the feeder of Loop 610 North & TC Jester by the Boy Scouts of America building. If you're interested in taking a drive, the bluebonnets are in full bloom off Highway 290 and Highway 6 in Hempstead. While you're there, head to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham for a refreshing snack!
Until the next nap time...
It's bluebonnet season in Houston. Don't miss your chance to take photos of your little ones in the blue fields around us. These will make great Easter greetings to family & friends. Not sure where to go? There are several spots in Memorial Park showing bluebonnets. Alternatively, try the feeder of Loop 610 North & TC Jester by the Boy Scouts of America building. If you're interested in taking a drive, the bluebonnets are in full bloom off Highway 290 and Highway 6 in Hempstead. While you're there, head to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham for a refreshing snack!
Until the next nap time...
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Local Feed Store & Free Story Time
Tuesday, Kylie & I took a trip to Wabash on Washington Ave. in central Houston. This is a fun treat if you have 30 minutes to an hour to spend. Kylie really enjoyed looking at the hens, rabbits, birds, dog and many more animals. You can buy these at Wabash but we opted for just looking. I liked the wonderful variety of vegetable and house plants that you can get here. They also have a few antiques & collectibles. Note: this place has a lot of stuff outdoors so don't go on a rainy day. Visit http://www.wabashfeed.com/ for more details and location.
If your little ones are looking for something fun to do on Thursday, March 23, head to the Blue Willow Bookstore. Kids can enjoy story time from 10-11 am. Tomorrow's story focuses on The Cat in the Hat and there's no charge to attend! Plus, the Kids Activity Queen will be on hand from 9:30-11 am to answer parents' & grandparents' questions about local activities for children. Hope to see you there.
Until the next nap time...
If your little ones are looking for something fun to do on Thursday, March 23, head to the Blue Willow Bookstore. Kids can enjoy story time from 10-11 am. Tomorrow's story focuses on The Cat in the Hat and there's no charge to attend! Plus, the Kids Activity Queen will be on hand from 9:30-11 am to answer parents' & grandparents' questions about local activities for children. Hope to see you there.
Until the next nap time...
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
"Beauty and the Beast" is a Knock Out
TUTS puts on a fantastic performance of "Beauty and the Beast," which is being held at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts at 800 Bagby. For kids age 3+ years, this is really fun. There are either 7:30 pm or 8 pm shows each evening through Sunday. Plus, there are 2 pm matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday. As an added bonus, there's also a study guide on the TUTS Web site that will give kids more fun after the performance. It includes crossword puzzles, fill in the blank games and more -- ideal for kids in elementary school. This is a great option for those students enjoying Spring Break this week or those families looking for something to do this upcoming weekend.
Until the next nap time...
Until the next nap time...
Friday, March 17, 2006
Support for Mothers of Multiples & More
Last night, I met with the Bay Area Mothers of Multiples (BAMOM) group. The group meets regularly to do activities and hear speakers related to raising children and family. I found this organization of women to be really supportive of each other. While I only have one daughter, I find myself wanting to pull my hair out now & then. These ladies have developed a network for those moms who have twins, triplets or more. What a fantastic support! If you live in this area of Houston, be sure to contact this group. They meet one Wednesday each month at the Clear Lake Community Center off of Nasa Rd. 1.
Today is St. Patty's Day so be sure to wear your green! Houston's St. Patrick's Day parade will be on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. The route begins at Texas & Hamilton. Take your little ones to the beginning of the route to enjoy the parade festivities and the show started early. (The parade obviously takes longer to get further down the route & kids are often anxious.) Pack some snacks and bring a wagon so your family has a good place to sit. Arrive early to secure your parade watching spot.
I'll be talking with parents on Saturday, March 18 from 1-3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Humble. Stop by to pick up your copy of my guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids or to just ask about local activities. Hope to see you all there. And mark your calendars for Thursday, March 23. I'll be at the Blue Willow Bookstore on Memorial Drive and Dairy Ashford, talking about my guidebook. Bring your children because story time begins at 10 a.m. Thursday and will feature Cat in the Hat. Three cheers for fun! Hope to see your family around Houston!
Until the next nap time...
Today is St. Patty's Day so be sure to wear your green! Houston's St. Patrick's Day parade will be on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. The route begins at Texas & Hamilton. Take your little ones to the beginning of the route to enjoy the parade festivities and the show started early. (The parade obviously takes longer to get further down the route & kids are often anxious.) Pack some snacks and bring a wagon so your family has a good place to sit. Arrive early to secure your parade watching spot.
I'll be talking with parents on Saturday, March 18 from 1-3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Humble. Stop by to pick up your copy of my guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids or to just ask about local activities. Hope to see you all there. And mark your calendars for Thursday, March 23. I'll be at the Blue Willow Bookstore on Memorial Drive and Dairy Ashford, talking about my guidebook. Bring your children because story time begins at 10 a.m. Thursday and will feature Cat in the Hat. Three cheers for fun! Hope to see your family around Houston!
Until the next nap time...
Support for Mothers of Multiples & More
Last night, I met with the Bay Area Mothers of Multiples (BAMOM) group. The group meets regularly to do activities and hear speakers related to raising children and family. I found this organization of women to be really supportive of each other. While I only have one daughter, I find myself wanting to pull my hair out now & then. These ladies have developed a network for those moms who have twins, triplets or more. What a fantastic support! If you live in this area of Houston, be sure to contact this group. They meet one Wednesday each month at the Clear Lake Community Center off of Nasa Rd. 1.
Today is St. Patty's Day so be sure to wear your green! Houston's St. Patrick's Day parade will be on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. The route begins at Texas & Hamilton. Take your little ones to the beginning of the route to enjoy the parade festivities and the show started early. (The parade obviously takes longer to get further down the route & kids are often anxious.) Pack some snacks and bring a wagon so your family has a good place to sit. Arrive early to secure your parade watching spot.
I'll be talking with parents on Saturday, March 18 from 1-3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Humble. Stop by to pick up your copy of my guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids or to just ask about local activities. Hope to see you all there. And mark your calendars for Thursday, March 23. I'll be at the Blue Willow Bookstore on Memorial Drive and Dairy Ashford, talking about my guidebook. Bring your children because story time begins at 10 a.m. Thursday and will feature Cat in the Hat. Three cheers for fun! Hope to see your family around Houston!
Until the next nap time...
Today is St. Patty's Day so be sure to wear your green! Houston's St. Patrick's Day parade will be on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. The route begins at Texas & Hamilton. Take your little ones to the beginning of the route to enjoy the parade festivities and the show started early. (The parade obviously takes longer to get further down the route & kids are often anxious.) Pack some snacks and bring a wagon so your family has a good place to sit. Arrive early to secure your parade watching spot.
I'll be talking with parents on Saturday, March 18 from 1-3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Humble. Stop by to pick up your copy of my guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids or to just ask about local activities. Hope to see you all there. And mark your calendars for Thursday, March 23. I'll be at the Blue Willow Bookstore on Memorial Drive and Dairy Ashford, talking about my guidebook. Bring your children because story time begins at 10 a.m. Thursday and will feature Cat in the Hat. Three cheers for fun! Hope to see your family around Houston!
Until the next nap time...
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Kylie on the Carousel -- Update from Yesterday
Even kids under 1 year old can enjoy the Carousel at Memorial City Mall. The Woodlands Mall also has one, I believe. Plus, it only costs $1. Enjoy!
Until the next nap time...
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Last week, I took Kylie to Memorial City Mall not for a shopping spree but a carousel ride. For only $1, Mommy & Kylie giggled all the way around. This is a perfect treat that everyone can afford. Kids love the lights and colors. Parents like the ease and low cost. It's also a good lunch outing during a Houston Spring Break.
Afterward, we walked through the mall to the Milky Way Play Castle that's free entertainment. While I wish there was more for toddlers to do, Kylie didn't seem to notice that she was the smallest child crawling through the "big kids'" castle. She even crawled the plank. When the weather is unpleasant, be sure to tackle this adventure. My only concern was that everyone has to take off their shoes inside the castle & my toe nails were horrible. (Am I even allowed to share that? Too much information. Sorry.) Okay, really, this is good fun for young kids. The mall needs to update the flooring because there are a lot of spots that are just patched with tape but the kids don't mind at all.
For more fun things to do for Spring Break with your kids, check out my guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids in local book stores now or online at www.TellYourTale.com/Kids.
Until the next nap time...
Afterward, we walked through the mall to the Milky Way Play Castle that's free entertainment. While I wish there was more for toddlers to do, Kylie didn't seem to notice that she was the smallest child crawling through the "big kids'" castle. She even crawled the plank. When the weather is unpleasant, be sure to tackle this adventure. My only concern was that everyone has to take off their shoes inside the castle & my toe nails were horrible. (Am I even allowed to share that? Too much information. Sorry.) Okay, really, this is good fun for young kids. The mall needs to update the flooring because there are a lot of spots that are just patched with tape but the kids don't mind at all.
For more fun things to do for Spring Break with your kids, check out my guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids in local book stores now or online at www.TellYourTale.com/Kids.
Until the next nap time...
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Quality Activity in 30 Minutes
YES. You can do quality activities in as little as 30 minutes & you don't have to feel rushed.
Wednesday afternoon, Kylie and I ventured to the Houston Center of Contemporary Craft -- a hidden gem off Travis & Main St., near Montrose & just south of 59. I wanted to see the current exhibit "Cowboy: Craft of the American West" since the city of Houston is so taken with rodeo right now. I'm glad we did this. The exhibit includes great photos of cowboys in action: trying to hold on to the bucking horse or mad bull, etc. My favorite photo was "Pace," where the rider is not keeping pace with the animal he's trying to ride. :-) There's also beautiful leather goods, saddles and bridles, a mix of Victorian & cowgirl purse and more. Our only struggle was the "don't touch the saddles" policy, which seems counterintuitive to me. I wonder if the Center's staff have ever USED a saddle. You HAVE to touch it. The feel of the leather and the details in the grain is what differentiates one saddle from another. Sorry. I'll get off my high horse... I mean, soap box. The "Cowboy" exhibit is good and easy to peruse in less than 30 minutes. It's best for kids ~8 years old and up.
The Center is also home to several craftsmen/artists. Kylie & I visited with John Barber, who is a metal welder. John creates really cool metal sculptures for your home, office or yard. He showed us some cool fish sculptures that he created in less than 2 hours. He's super friendly & like many of the craftsmen at the Center, he's willing to take time to explain HOW he develops his creations. It was fascinating. I wish I could have spent more time with him, but it was a bit over Kylie's head. Again, this is better for children ~8 and up. My 11-month old just didn't grasp it, although she seemed content. To see how fun John's metal pieces are, look at http://www.johnbarberstudios.com/. He does teach adult classes on how to create your own, which would be loads of fun for the adults spending some time with only other adults.
So take your kids to the Center for the Cowboy exhibit & then wander around to meet some of the local artists. If the weather is nice, you can stop by the garden in the back for a relaxing pit stop. Best of all - the Center is open every day and is FREE. The parking lot is on Travis and is also FREE. For kids age 8 and older, this is a great way to embrace local crafts people when you only have 30 minutes to spend. If you try this, let me know what your kids think about it. I'm hoping more of you will post comments to this blog. You don't have to share your name but feedback would be great. Or email me any time at KidsInfo@houston.rr.com.
4848 Main Street, Houston, TX. 77002
713-529-4848
http://www.crafthouston.org/default.asp?ID=1
Wednesday afternoon, Kylie and I ventured to the Houston Center of Contemporary Craft -- a hidden gem off Travis & Main St., near Montrose & just south of 59. I wanted to see the current exhibit "Cowboy: Craft of the American West" since the city of Houston is so taken with rodeo right now. I'm glad we did this. The exhibit includes great photos of cowboys in action: trying to hold on to the bucking horse or mad bull, etc. My favorite photo was "Pace," where the rider is not keeping pace with the animal he's trying to ride. :-) There's also beautiful leather goods, saddles and bridles, a mix of Victorian & cowgirl purse and more. Our only struggle was the "don't touch the saddles" policy, which seems counterintuitive to me. I wonder if the Center's staff have ever USED a saddle. You HAVE to touch it. The feel of the leather and the details in the grain is what differentiates one saddle from another. Sorry. I'll get off my high horse... I mean, soap box. The "Cowboy" exhibit is good and easy to peruse in less than 30 minutes. It's best for kids ~8 years old and up.
The Center is also home to several craftsmen/artists. Kylie & I visited with John Barber, who is a metal welder. John creates really cool metal sculptures for your home, office or yard. He showed us some cool fish sculptures that he created in less than 2 hours. He's super friendly & like many of the craftsmen at the Center, he's willing to take time to explain HOW he develops his creations. It was fascinating. I wish I could have spent more time with him, but it was a bit over Kylie's head. Again, this is better for children ~8 and up. My 11-month old just didn't grasp it, although she seemed content. To see how fun John's metal pieces are, look at http://www.johnbarberstudios.com/. He does teach adult classes on how to create your own, which would be loads of fun for the adults spending some time with only other adults.
So take your kids to the Center for the Cowboy exhibit & then wander around to meet some of the local artists. If the weather is nice, you can stop by the garden in the back for a relaxing pit stop. Best of all - the Center is open every day and is FREE. The parking lot is on Travis and is also FREE. For kids age 8 and older, this is a great way to embrace local crafts people when you only have 30 minutes to spend. If you try this, let me know what your kids think about it. I'm hoping more of you will post comments to this blog. You don't have to share your name but feedback would be great. Or email me any time at KidsInfo@houston.rr.com.
4848 Main Street, Houston, TX. 77002
713-529-4848
http://www.crafthouston.org/default.asp?ID=1
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Inspire Your Houston Kids with a Young Star
This time of year, many kids are beginning to suffer Spring Fever & need an extra (positive) push to get through the school year. I think I have a fun way to do it.
10 year old Noah McCullough has authored the book The Essential Book of Presidential Trivia and Noah will be at the Barnes & Noble store at Town & Country Center this Thursday, March 9 at 7 pm. (Barnes & Noble BooksellersTown & Country12850 Memorial Drive Suite 1600Houston, TX 77024713-465-5616). Not familiar with Noah or his book? For starters, Noah lives in Katy, Texas and attends 5th grade at Second Baptist in Houston. Noah has been on shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show and many more. Check out http://noahmccullough.com/ for more details.
What a great way to show your kids that even young people can be successful and make a difference. I'm heading to the book signing just to meet this talented boy. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, March 9 at 7 pm
B&N Town & Country Center (on Memorial Drive near Beltway 8)
Noah McCullough
10 year old Noah McCullough has authored the book The Essential Book of Presidential Trivia and Noah will be at the Barnes & Noble store at Town & Country Center this Thursday, March 9 at 7 pm. (Barnes & Noble BooksellersTown & Country12850 Memorial Drive Suite 1600Houston, TX 77024713-465-5616). Not familiar with Noah or his book? For starters, Noah lives in Katy, Texas and attends 5th grade at Second Baptist in Houston. Noah has been on shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show and many more. Check out http://noahmccullough.com/ for more details.
What a great way to show your kids that even young people can be successful and make a difference. I'm heading to the book signing just to meet this talented boy. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, March 9 at 7 pm
B&N Town & Country Center (on Memorial Drive near Beltway 8)
Noah McCullough
Monday, March 06, 2006
More Activities to Come
My new friend Carol emailed me today (KidsInfo@houston.rr.com) to see if I'd publish a calendar of upcoming kids' activities. Thanks for the prompt, Carol! As I emailed Carol, folks can buy a copy of my guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids for $19.95 in Barnes & Noble, Borders and other local book stores for just this information. You can also buy a copy online at www.TellYourTale.com/Kids. The guidebook is categorized by the months of the year and offers tons of activities for the 2006 year so parents & grandparents don't waste time calling places for more details. Now that info is right at your fingertips. Hope this is helpful to you.
Also, I'll be selling copies at the Childrens Festival on April 1-2 in downtown Houston. More details to come on where I'll be but mark your calendars for this AWESOME family affair. Check out http://www.houstonchildrensfestival.com/ for lots of event info but this is one weekend you won't want to miss. Hope to see you there!
Until the next nap time...
Also, I'll be selling copies at the Childrens Festival on April 1-2 in downtown Houston. More details to come on where I'll be but mark your calendars for this AWESOME family affair. Check out http://www.houstonchildrensfestival.com/ for lots of event info but this is one weekend you won't want to miss. Hope to see you there!
Until the next nap time...
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Gets an A for FUN
Saturday afternoon, our family spent the day at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The only problem we found is that we didn't allow enough time to do it all. Sausage on a stick, cotton candy & some drinks were our first treats. Then we headed to the petting zoo, which is FREE to enter but $2 for a small ice cream cone of pet food. It's fun either way. Kylie got a kick out of the goats. Brent liked the pigs and Noah was just taking it all in.In AGventure, there are 10 stops for kids to see & learn about different animals and pick up a different animal trading card. At the last stop, kids show their 10 cards and are awarded with a small pin. We found the stops were too many for our kids (ages 8, 5 and 11 months). We wish they'd allow you to visit 8 of 10 or something like that. We opted to not find the 10th stop (we only had 9 cards!) and headed to the rodeo.
Check out 12 photos from our Rodeo adventure at http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=zs9ae4p.3w8ybcvt&Uy=-d2hgex&Ux=1.
The kids really enjoyed rooting for their chosen chuckwagon during the races. Noah (age 8) liked the bull riding. The boys got an extra treat when Colyn brought them light up toys for the performance. The toys cost $10 each which is a bit pricey for the glorified flashlight but it did keep all 3 kids extra entertained. Plus, the boys now have a token to remember the rodeo from. Amazingly, even 11-month old Kylie did fantastic during the concert, starring Martina McBride. We were sure to warn the kids that the show started with the lights being turned out, followed by a firecracker show. Kylie, who couldn't possibly understand what we were saying, didn't even jump when the fireworks went off. Instead, she danced through the performance. We opted to leave at 7:15 pm since we had been rodeo-ing it since 2 pm. The concert was not yet over but the family enjoyed a full day. Noah gave the day an A in terms of fun and I agree. Hopefully, we can make another visit next week so we can tackle the games & rides at the Carnival.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Mardi Gras Fun for Kids
So I'm running a bit behind this week on updates to my blog but with good reason. Last weekend, we ventured to Galveston for the Mardi Gras parades and found some great fun for kids. We caught the tail end (pun intended) of the Pet Parade that started at 1 pm Sunday and then stayed for the Childrens Parade at 2 pm. Kylie really enjoyed these events. She appreciated the extra help from Aunt Susan & friend Drew in catching stuffed animals, beads, cups & kids-friendly items. As a parent, I appreciated these parades because they featured lots of cartoon or kid program characters and strayed away from more adult content. I highly recommend this FREE activity for families next year. While we saw some parking lots that charged $10 per space, we had no problem parking along the street for FREE and the weather was gorgeous on Sunday. Plan ahead. See www.MardiGrasGalveston.com for details on the 2007 events.
Tune into 93Q's Morning Show tomorrow morning as the Kids Activity Queen gives parents & grandparents some fun things to do with Houston kids during the month of March. The radio station might even give away complimentary copies of the guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids. Tune in!
Until the next nap time...
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