Kids Love Labor Day Weekend in Houston

Here are some great kids activities for Labor Day weekend in Houston.

Texans' Youth Football Day
August 31 is called Youth Football Day and it our last home game of the preseason. The theme of this game is a celebration of youth football. There are discount ticket offers for the game (vs. Tampa Bay @ 7 pm) and all kids are encouraged to wear their youth football (or any sport) jerseys or uniforms. There will be several youth-specific activities such as hundreds of jersey-clad youth football players on the sideline for the national anthem and a youth football game at halftime. See www.houstontexans.com for more details.

Free Day at the Houston Zoo
Enjoy the cooler weather this weekend and head to the zoo. If it rains, enjoy one of the indoor exhibits.

Mad Potter Make Your Own Pottery
If you didn't see my entry about this earlier this week, be sure to check it out. This is a great family activity and helps your youngsters create a personalized gift for Grandparents' Day on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Childrens Museum of Houston
Kids will celebrate America’s hardworking citizens as they learn about Labor Day through engaging activities during the Labor Day celebration at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Visitors will discover that in 1882 the first Labor Day celebration in New York City ended in fireworks as they design their own glittering fireworks on paper. Make silly Mad Hatter hats as the popular Alice’s Wonderland exhibit comes to a close. Decorate the paper sack hats using streamers, stickers and crayons. Then, join Alice or the Mad Hatter for an exciting Labor Day parade. Don’t forget to wear your Mad Hatter parade hat! Also, gather in the Kids’ Hall for one last whimsical Alice’s Wonderland adventure.

WHEN: Monday, September 4, 2006
WHERE: Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz, Houston, TX 77004
Schedule:
Labor Day Fireworks on Paper: September 4: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Mad Hatter Parade Hats: September 4: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Labor Day Parade: September 4: 1 p.m.
Alice’s Wonderland Activities: September 4: 1 – 4 p.m.
Included with general Museum admission: $5 per person and $4 for seniors 65+. Children under two and Museum Members receive free admission. Twilight fees $3 daily after 3 p.m. Free Family Night every Thursday 5 – 8 p.m. COST:
For more information, visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138.

Have a safe & happy holiday weekend. Until the next nap time...

Labor Day Weekend Art Project=Grandparents Day Gift

With Grandparents' Day just around the corner (It's Sunday, Sept. 10), I wanted to get moving on finding just the right gift for 2 sets of hard-to-buy-for grandparents.

(Hopefully, my daughter's grandparents aren't reading the blog today.) Yesterday, we visited the Mad Potter on West Gray to try our young hands at make-your-own-pottery. My little one is only 17 months old but she did a great job. As you'll see from the photo, she enjoyed it.

For very young artists, the staff recommended painting with different shades of the same color. That way, the youngster's masterpiece doesn't turn brown with the mixed color palette. We chose a container and after the top dried, my daughter added her handprint in a dark blue. I even worked on my own project: a bowl with harvest colors for the autumn. Now I will tell you that after almost an hour, my daughter's attention span was nonexistent and she wanted to run & play, but she completed only one gift for Grandparents' Day. Looks like we'll be headed back for a second gift item later this week. Mad Potter fires the pottery to lock in the colors and add a nice gloss finish to the item. That process takes a week so consider that timeline when you're planning. This makes a good family project over Labor Day weekend and then you'll have grandparents gifts in time for the following weekend.

See http://www.themadpotter.com/index.shtml for locations near you!

Race for the Cure Houston: Sept. 30

The Race for the Cure annual event in Houston has been changed from Oct. 7 to Saturday, September 30. This is a wonderful event for families. Our daughter joined us last year when she was only 6 months old. This is a good way to show your children the power of charitable activities. And it really is moving to see so many Houstonians -- young & old, male & female -- show up to support the fight against breast cancer.

Join our team by registering online at http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1010&px=1151229. Hope to see you there.

Until the next nap time...

Ballunar Festival in Houston is Out of this World!

Check out the Ballunar Festival this weekend!

This unique weekend of fun takes place at NASA/Johnson Space Center - on August 25 - 27, 2006. The NASA/Johnson Space Center site transforms into the location of the RE/MAX® Ballunar Liftoff Festival. It is a one-of-a-kind tribute to human flight - from the beauty of mass hot air balloon ascensions to the high-tech world of modern space flight.
Visit this exciting and educational family-oriented event at NASA/Johnson Space Center and enjoy hot air balloon competitions, evening balloon glows, skydiving exhibitions, commercial exhibits, concession booths, food from local restaurants, arts & crafts exhibits, entertainment and various aviation equipment displays.
http://www.ballunarfestival.com/info.asp

It's $10.00 per VEHICLE with free parking at Johnson Space Center and includes a NASA mini tour.

So have that little astronaut take an afternoon nap and head out this Friday night for the 6:30PM launch. Event lasts Friday through Sunday noon.

Jack & The Giant Visit Houston

"Jack and the Giant" are playing at Playhouse 1960 on weekends through September 17. The performances begin at 3 pm so it's a good after-nap activity for little ones. Older kids and adults will enjoy it too. The music is a welcome addition to this popular tale. Plus, tickets cost only $12 per adult and $7 per child.

Playhouse 1960 is a non-profit, community based theater located in Houston, Texas. Playhouse 1960 is located in the Willowbrook Mall area in northwest Harris County. Head south on Cutten Road from FM 1960 approximately 1 mile, then turn left on Gant Road. The theater is located in the small office park on your left a few hundred feet down Gant Road.
http://www.playhouse1960.com/flindex.html

Kids Get Creative at Lakeshore Learning

I'm excited to report on a FREE activity for Houston kids. The Lakeshore Learning stores host a kids activity each Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm. It's ideal for children who can work independently but if your child is under 3 years old, you can attend and help your child. For instance, this next Saturday, August 26 is Beaded Necklace & Bracelet Day. Kids create brilliant jewelry using all sorts of fun beads—from fire trucks to animal shapes. They can take home their creations so they have a token to be proud of.

If you want, you can also stroll the store aisles for educational toys that are fun, too. Remember: the activity of the week is FREE.

The Houston store is located at 2405 Post Oak Boulevard (north of the Galleria, near Kenny & Ziggy's restaurant and Pier 1). Phone #713-355-1893. The Friendswood store is located at 19032 Gulf Frwy. Phone #281-461-6263. http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/

Kids Get Creative at Lakeshore Learning

I'm excited to report on a FREE activity for Houston kids. The Lakeshore Learning stores host a kids activity each Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm. It's ideal for children who can work independently but if your child is under 3 years old, you can attend and help your child. For instance, this next Saturday, August 26 is Beaded Necklace & Bracelet Day. Kids create brilliant jewelry using all sorts of fun beads—from fire trucks to animal shapes. They can take home their creations so they have a token to be proud of.

If you want, you can also stroll the store aisles for educational toys that are fun, too. Remember: the activity of the week is FREE.

The Houston store is located at 2405 Post Oak Boulevard (north of the Galleria, near Kenny & Ziggy's restaurant and Pier 1). Phone #713-355-1893. The Friendswood store is located at 19032 Gulf Frwy. Phone #281-461-6263. http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/

"Smoke on the Mountain" Good Musical for Houston Families

The AD Players showcases the musical production of "Smoke on the Mountain." This is the tale of Reverend Oglethorpe trying to energize his congregation that's struggling through an economic depression. The pastor introduces the Singing Sanders family in hopes of revitalizing his followers, which brings bluegrass music, dancing and hillarious characteristics that we all find in our family members. The AD Players does an excellent job of bringing quality theatrical performances with Christian values to Houston.

Performances are this Friday & Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2:30 pm.
Tickets range from $24-$35 each.
http://www.adplayers.org/
Grace Theatre at 2710 W. Alabama

Feelin' Groovy at the Galleria This Saturday

"Feelin' Groovy" is presented by Radio Disney this Saturday, 8/19/2006.

Head to the Galleria for an opportunity to learn all about eating healthy, staying active, and other safety issues. The Radio Disney team will host lots of fun games and activities. Families will also have the opportunity to meet some of the Kidgits characters. Not familiar with Kidgits? These are little critters that encourage family time and healthy living. The program centers around shopping malls nationwide and offers kid-friendly activities featuring the Kidgits.

Location: Nordstrom/Foley's Wing
Time: Noon - 3 PM
Cost: $5 for annual membership
Visit www.simonkidgitsclub.com for more details.

Escape the Houston Heat

Want to escape Houston's heat and still have some enjoyable family time?

Noah’s Ark Pool is open through September and is a creative way to swim. My daughter loved the water slides that are decorated with rainbows, animals and an ark, tying into the Biblical story. There are also several fountains that squirt water so the kids can dance in the water streams. There's also a larger pool for regular swimming. Lifeguards patrol all pools. It's small enough to allow parents to manage young swimmers, but still offers plenty to do. Arrive early to avoid summer camps that typically visit around 1 pm.

Recommended age: All
Admission: $5 per person. Kids under age 2 are FREE.
Time: M-Sat 10 am–4 pm; Sun reserved for private parties only
Physical location: 10570 Westpark, Houston, TX 77042
www.quilliancenter.org/ 832-668-1800

Luau in The Woodlands

The Woodlands' Children's Museum is hosting a farewell to summer party this Thursday, August 10 from 4-7 pm with a luau theme. The party will include games, food, activities and special guests. If you're looking for a fun family night out this Thursday, head to this great museum.

The Woodlands' Children's Museum
located at The Woodlands' Mall, upper level
281-465-0955 www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org

Until the next nap time...

Play in the Sand Day for Houston Families

August 11 is Play in the Sand Day so I vote for heading to the beach. Even if you can't make it on Friday, August 11, consider a Saturday or Sunday trip. I recommend visiting the beach in front of the San Luis Resort because it is groomed daily. The benefit? Your family can play on a clean beach without seaweed and trash. For lunch, head to the Rainforest Cafe, which is adjacent to the San Luis Resort. Then, you can head back to the beach. Or pack a picnic lunch with plenty of water and juice. Don't forget sun block, a plastic bag or two to put the sandy toys in after the day is finished, and a camera.

For more ideas like this, pick up a copy of 100+ Activities for Houston Kids at your local Barnes & Noble or Borders store.

Until the next nap time...

Heights First Saturday & Houston Mom of the Month

The Heights First Saturday event is today and is bound to be fun for the family. Grab some lunch at a local restaurant, stroll the streets to make new friends, peruse the shops and enjoy a FREE trolley ride. This is a lot of fun. Head out early for the kid-friendly atmosphere. Then, tonight adults can enjoy the annual White Linen Night. Details are available at
http://www.heightsfirstsaturday.com/events.html.

I'm so excited. I've been named "Mom of the Month" by Houston moms. Check out the article at http://www.houstonmom.com/houstonmom_month.htm.

Have a great weekend!

Until the next nap time...

August 4: School Supplies Drive

Running through Friday, August 4, DePelchin is requesting school supplies for local children who otherwise might start the school year without needed equipment. Please purchase items from the following list and bring them to DePelchin’s main campus 8 am - 5 pm.

School Supplies:
- Backpacks (mesh or regular)
- Fiskar scissors
- Elmer's glue
- Crayola crayons (16 or 24 packs)
- Crayola markers
- Crayola map pencils
- Pocket folders
- 1 subject spiral notebooks
- Grades 1-5 composition books
- #2 pencils
- Calculators
- Construction paper
- Yellow Highlighters
- Black and blue pens
- Red grading pencils
- Pink erasers
- Lunchboxes
- Rulers
- Kleenex
- 3 ring binders
- Notebook paper
- Graph paper
- Manila paper
- Mechanical pencils

School Clothes (children and teens):
- Khaki slacks or skirtsRed, white, or navy polo shirts
- White tennis shoes- Underwear
- White socks

For more details, visit http://www.depelchin.org/display.php/tid/448.html.

Cool Off at Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is a great activity for families in greater Houston. Plus, it's inside so you'll escape the heat. Young visitors will enjoy the Kids Space Place, which serves as an indoor astronaut playground with lots of hands-on activities. Other astronauts-at-heart will love this place for the tram tours of the Johnson Space Center, interactive exhibits and more. Now through Labor Day, Space Center Houston is featuring the Super Heros exhibit, which allows children to experience Super Hero powers. Super Hero activties include:
- Use your super strength to lift a real truck
- Develop incredible night vision
- Experience the magic of flight
- Develop catlike agility and reflexes
- Climb a giant wall like a spider

Allow five hours to take advantage of everything.

Admission: Adults $18; Children (age 4-11) $14. See The Houston Chronicle for 50 percent off coupons. Parking is an additional $4.

10 am - 5 pm weekdays.
10 am - 6 pm weekends.
http://www.spacecenter.org/CurrentExhibit.html

Directions:
Space Center Houston is located at 1601 NASA Parkway (formerly NASA Rd. 1), Houston, TX 77058, approximately 25 miles south of downtown Houston in the NASA/Clear Lake area.