5 Fun Things to do in Houston With Kids in February 2012

Houston is a happening place this month and next. Check out these five fun ways to usher in February.

1. Does your preschooler enjoy the TV show " Sid the Science Kid" that airs at 10 am on Channel PBS? (Yes, I realize some of you Tivo this show for your kids so the air time isn't always relevant.) I really appreciate this show for incorporating a school curriculum into an amusing TV show. Even I giggle while watching the show.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, Houston PBS and The Children’s Museum of Houston present Sid the Science Kid Day. Explore "Sid the Science Kid" activities throughout the museum, take your picture with Sid, and enjoy exclusive Red Carpet Screenings.

Meet Sid from 10 am – 4 pm
Fun Activities 10 am – 6 pm
HoustonPBS Members enter free from 9 – 10 am. General Museum admission: $8 per person and $7 for seniors 65+.

2. This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday so most families need to make special arrangements to balance the holiday with work and school schedules. Do you need to help your child make or buy Valentine cards for his/her classmates. Buy those and encourage your child to sign them ahead of schedule to avoid the last-minute rush. Consider treating your youngsters to a Valentine treat the weekend before Valentine's Day. Make pink pancakes or toast cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Add red jam for an extra touch. Mid-day, head to Young at Art on 19th Street in the Heights to paint pottery with your family. (Plan way ahead by venturing to one of the Mad Potter locations on February 1 from 3:30 - 5 pm for Valentine's Day Art Camp and paint a custom gift for your loved one.) Don't forget to call Grandma and Grandpa on Valentine's Day.

3. Houston welcomes the annual rodeo by kicking off Go Texan Day on Friday, Feb. 24. We love to watch the trail riders journey south on Shepherd Drive (north of Loop 610) each year usually between noon and 1 pm. Best of all, the trail riders stop at the Sears store on Shepherd near 41st Street so that kids can learn about their horses, chuck wagons, attire and more. It's a great photo opp so remember
your camera.

4. If you can't welcome the trail riders in, head to the Rodeo Parade on Sat., Feb. 25 starting at 10 am. The parade starts at Smith and Texas Ave. downtown and I suggest grabbing a seat near the front so you can see the parade riders when they're fresh and ready to go.

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo will be in full swing from Tuesday, Feb. 28 - Sunday, March 18. Check out the web site to see the line up of the musical talent. Don't forget to plan time to peruse the livestock show, which offers wonderful learning opportunities for young and old. For more tips on making the most of your trip to the rodeo, check out my blog post on this topic. PLUS, check out this link for all the kid-friendly activities that the rodeo has this year.

5. Ideal for kids in early elementary school and younger, " Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music" will entertain audiences at Reliant Park, Feb. 4-7. The story unveils that a new music teacher arrives on Sesame Street and cannot find her musical instruments. The Sesame Street neighbors begin the search, only to discover some very odd instruments. Not sure if this is right for your child, check out the online video and see how your child responds. Purchase tickets online for $15 - $38 each. 

I hope to see you all at some of these fun events around town. Until the next nap time...