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.

Combine Errands & Kids' Breakfast

Looking to combine fun with your kids and running errands? I've got a solution.

Ikea makes it easy to do both. Get your morning off to a great start by heading to Ikea on I-10. Each day between 9-11 am, you can get a healthy breakfast for only $0.99 per person. That's right. You'll get scrambled eggs, 2 bacon strips and breakfast potatoes for under $1. Then, pick up those organizational needs before the kids head back to school or check out the desks that Ikea sells. The 2007 catalog will give you a great sneak peak. For more details, check out this link:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=12&langId=-1&catalogId=10103&StoreName=houston

Until the next nap time...

Guidebook Still Great Resource for Houston Families

As July comes to a close, families are beginning to think about the new school year. As exciting as it is for kids, don't forget to spend time together as a family before school resumes. Then, this fall dedicate time to your family by turning off the TV and doing a fun activity around Houston.

This fall, there are so many festivals that are great for families. Pick your own pumpkin at a nearby farm. Contribute to the community by participating in a kid-friendly fundraiser. Head to the best Halloween events for young and old kids. Where can you find all this information & more? 100+ Activities for Houston Kids is a great resource for spending quality time with your family this summer and fall. Pick up your copy at a local Barnes & Noble store or Borders stores. Our family went to each and every one of the activities in this guidebook so we offer insider tips to tackling them with kids. For just under $20, you'll be able to identify the best activities for your kids in a matter of minutes. This is also a wonderful gift for local parents and grandparents.

As Cathy Stucker said: "Megan is a Houston Mom who makes real-world recommendations for activities families can enjoy together. The next time you are looking for ideas for a fun outing, pick up your copy of "100+ Activities for Houston Kids" and choose one of the educational, adventurous or just plain fun things to do you will find there".

Until the next nap time...

Summer Weekends in Houston

Disney's THE LION KING is recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, Disney recommends this show for ages 6 and up. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket. (Yes, that means a lap child needs a ticket, but you can buy the least expensive ticket for $30 for him/her and hold your child in your lap wherever your seat is.) The show runs approx. 2 hours and 45 min, including intermission. For tickets, visit www.thehobbycenter.org. The show runs through August 13 in downtown Houston.

And don't forget about Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus, which is in Houston through Sunday, July 23. Arrive an hour before the show to see an elephant paint, try on a circus costume, meet the clowns, shake paws with a performing pound puppy and more. It’s FREE with a paid ticket to the show. After all, it’s the greatest show on earth.
Recommended age: 3+ years
Admission: $12/person and up
Physical location: Reliant Stadium, 8334 Fannin
www.ringling.com/schedule/schedule.aspx?id=94370 832-667-1000

Until the next nap time...

Tips for Seeing Lion King Musical in Houston

Thanks to my friend Whitney, who provided the following tips for taking kids to see the musical "Lion King" at the Hobby Center.

Every person needs a ticket... even babies! You can buy the cheapest seats ($30) for the lap kids, even if you have more expensive tickets for the rest of the group. This is just something to consider when purchasing those tickets.

"The boys loved it- we went with a few other people, including two 5-year-old girls and another 3 yr-old boy. All of the kids were so into it, they didn’t wiggle or talk at all the whole time! It was a great introduction to Going to the Theater for them- we discussed the differences between plays and movies, the proper behavior for the theater, no popcorn, etc. The story line follows the Lion King movie almost exactly, so it helped that they all were familiar with the story. Like the movie, some of the parts w/ Scar and the hyenas were spooky, but the fight scenes were more stylized and less scary than the movie in my opinion! The kids (and adults too) really got a kick out of having the characters in the aisles at the beginning- it was nice that they could get a better look at the people in the costumes. I think it was worth getting the Orchestra tickets for that reason as well- they felt more connected to the action than the kids in the balcony."

Until the next nap time...

Summer Fun for Houston Families

On the third Saturday of each month, March through November, the members of Houston Area Live Steamers offer FREE train rides to the public. They have two club diesel engines that normally run the passenger trains but many times you will find a steam engine also running. They also have specially designed cars for the young and the young at heart, who enjoy hearing the clickety-clack of the rails.
Recommended age: All
Admission: FREE
Time: 10 am-4 pm
Physical location: 17802 Roberts Rd. in Hockley (Take 290 north to Roberts Rd. from central Houston.)
www.hals.org/index.html nfo206@hals.org

7/14-7/23/2006 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus visits Houston. This is true entertainment for all with morning, afternoon & evening shows. Arrive an hour before the show to see an elephant paint, try on a circus costume, meet the clowns, shake paws with a performing pound puppy and more. It’s FREE with a paid ticket to the show. After all, it’s the greatest show on earth.

Recommended age: 3+ years
Admission: $12/person and up
Physical location: Reliant Stadium, 8334 Fannin
www.ringling.com/schedule/schedule.aspx?id=94370 832-667-1000

Houston Show Dates & Show Times
Fri, July 14: 7:30 PM
Sat, July 15: 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Sun, July 16: 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM (Bilingual Spanish/English)
Tue, July 18: 7:30 PM
Wed, July 19: 7:30 PM
Thu, July 20: 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM
Fri, July 21: 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM
Sat, July 22: 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Sun, July 23: 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM

Kids Cool Off with Noah in Houston

Noah’s Ark Pool is really 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. There's also a larger pool for regular swimming. Lifeguards are provided throughout the pools. As a parent, I like this pool park because it's small enough to be manageable with a young child, but still offers plenty to do. Gates open at 10 am. Tip: arrive early to avoid summer camps that visit starting around 1 pm.

Recommended age: 1+ years
Admission: The daily admission rate to the pool is $5 per person. Kids under age 2 are FREE. The admission for QMC members is $3 per person.

Time: Weekdays are usually 10 a.m.–4 p.m. May 15- September 4. Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sundays are for private parties only.
Physical location: 10570 Westpark, Houston, TX 77042
www.fmhouston.com/quillian/quillian.aspx 832-668-1800

Take Nature Indoors

Here's a great way to enjoy nature without getting wet in all this rain.

· Hana & Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center is an amazing way to explore nature and its critters. The second floor of a house has been dedicated as the Discovery Room, featuring lots of hands-on learning experiences for children. One room has a wonderful life-size exhibit of a campground and the animals that you’d find in that setting, including two owl puppets that hide in an artificial tree. In another room, you’ll find a few aquariums with animals native to the Houston area such as snakes (yikes!), turtles and fish. Explore at the table of rubber bugs. Check out the child-friendly microscope to examine the smallest creatures. The butterfly exhibit shows visitors the evolution from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly by illustrating the butterflies you’ll see in our backyard. While my daughter is really still a bit young for this, she didn’t miss a beat with the puppet stage. If only she’d kept the rubber bugs alone! There’s also an outdoor sanctuary with a quail, bunnies and more.

Recommended age: 3+ years to foster an understanding of nature
Admission: Free
Time: Tues-Sun Noon-5:30 pm; Closed Monday
Physical location: 7112 Newcastle between Bellaire & Beechnut
www.NatureDiscoveryCenter.org 713-667-6550

Houston Family Fun for July 4th Weekend

WOW! There is so much going on this holiday weekend. Just don't overbook yourself trying to see it all. Here's a run down of fun family activities for July 4th weekend in greater Houston. Enjoy!

Friday, June 30 - August
Take your family to the production of 1776 on Galveston Island. It's been a tradition in our family to watch this video, but this year, we'll see it upclose. My father-in-law is actually acting in it. Go, Steve! This is a cool way to teach your family WHY we celebrate July 4th and this production is humorous. Matinee performances make it easier for youngsters to attend but there are also evening productions for those who enjoy a good show to cap off the evening. Tickets are $20 for students & senior citizens, and $25 for adults.

Friday, June 30 at 9:30 pm
Friday Night Fireworks happens every Friday night in June and July at the Kemah Boardwalk. It's hard for little ones to stay up that late, but if you have older kids and want something fun to do, this is great. Enjoy a nice dinner on the boardwalk and stay for the show. The same show will also happen on July 4th.

Now through Tuesday, July 4
The Children's Museum of Houston features various activities to teach kiddos all about Independence Day. Create pretend fireworks with paper, glitter & glue. Discover the science between rockets, aerodynamics and chemical reactions. And enjoy the museum's annual Butterfly Count, where you learn to identify various butterflies and create your own butterfly to take home. Starting at 9 am, kids can decorate a box as their special holiday parade float. Then, at 1 pm, children kick off the museum's July 4th parade and celebrate by marching with their floats throughout the museum.

Monday, July 3 at 7 pm.
Astros vs. Chicago Cubs
Well, it's the national pastime after all. Who can turn down baseball and a hot dog over our Independence Day weekend? Besides the game of two rivals, we loved the fireworks display after the game. Everyone just sits back in their chairs and RELAXES. The post-game traffic is a little lighter, too. This is a great way to spend a holiday night. The first 15,000 fans will receive a Minute Maid Fireworks Blinking Pins FREE. Game tickets start at $7 each.

Tuesday, July 4 starting at 10 am
Galveston celebrates July 4th, starting with a parade at 10 am at the Railroad Museum (25th and Strand). From there, the parade will wind its way through historic downtown Galveston from Strand to 21st; south on 21st to Postoffice; west on Postoffice to 24th, and finally south on 24th to Sealy. Next, a celebration will be held at the Sealy Pavilion, located across from the Rosenberg library. The celebration will include patriotic music and speeches, as well as refreshments. There will also be musical entertainment from Island etc’s show “1776”, and the Galveston Island Musicals’ production of “America the Beautiful”. Joe Huff of Galveston College, and Jim Guidry, of Guidry News Service will be hosting the event. (NOTE: My father-in-law Steve is acting in 1776 so we're really excited about this!) The fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm and will last about 25 minutes. The setting is at 37th and Seawall but the fireworks can be seen as far west as 81st and Seawall, and as far east as 14th and Seawall.

Tuesday, July 4 from noon - 11 pm
Pearland's Celebration of Freedom is an all-out family festival with craft booths and carnival rides. Admission is FREE but bring your wallet for all the food, music and rides. http://www.ci.pearland.tx.us/

Tuesday, July 4 at 1 pm
Astros vs. Chicago Cubs
If you missed the game on July 3, here's another chance. Plus, the first 10,000 fans will receive mini American Flags sponsored by Arne's Texas Size Party Store. Plus, take advantage of $1 hot dogs sponsored by Earl Campbell Sausage Company. Game tickets start at $7 each.

Tuesday, July 4, 4-10 pm
Chevy’s Freedom over Texas with Fireworks is presented by Shell at Eleanor Tinsley Park along Buffalo Bayou. This features a concert with rock ’n’ roll Grammy winners Los Lonely Boys. The Village People will prime concert-goers with such disco classics as “YMCA” and “Mach Man!” The concerts will be followed by a huge fireworks show in the nation, produced by the world-renowned fireworks artists, Pyro Spectaculars, presented by Souza. Plenty of children's activities will also be available. This is the biggest fireworks display in greater Houston. Tickets are $6 at the gate for adults: Kids 10 and under are FREE. www.houstontx.gov

Tuesday, July 4 from 5-10 pm
Rosenberg’s signature July 4th event includes The Triumphs in concert, an inflatable carnival, KidZone, horseshoes and washer tournaments, food and refreshment vendors, hayrides through Seabourne Creek Park, and a great fireworks show. The Independence Day celebration will be held at the City’s Seabourne Creek Park located at 3831 Highway 36 South. Guests are asked to bring their lawn chairs, their family and all their friends, but to please leave the pets and alcoholic refreshments at home. Admission is free. General event parking will be available immediately south of the event site. Event Partner parking and handicapped parking will be available at the Rosenberg Civic & Convention Center at 3825 Highway 36 South. For general event information, contact the event coordinator, Rebecca Covell, at 832-595-3520 or go to http://www.rosenbergtourism.com/.

Tuesday, July 4 from 5-10 pm
The 21st annual Red, White and Bluefest will be held in Sugar Land at Oyster Creek and Lost Creek parks. If you stay for the fireworks, it's a long evening but a fun one. The holiday activities include:
5 - 9 p.m.: Children's Activities, Jugglers and Magicians
5:15 p.m.: Faces of America Parade
5:45 p.m.: Patriotic Pet Parade
6:30 p.m.: Two Tons of Steel (Rockabilly Music)
8:00 p.m.: Mayor David Wallace Welcoming Remarks
8:30 p.m.: Trent Willmon (Country Music)
9:30 p.m.: Fireworks Display
10:00 p.m.: Trent Willmon (Country Music) Avoid traffic by shuttling from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., to Oyster Creek Park from 4:30-11 p.m.

Tuesday, July 4 at 6 pm
Houston Symphony's Star Spangled Salute
Enjoy beautiful American tunes synchronized to the annual celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park in the museum district. Thousands flock to this event site and it remains a great family outing. Bring a large blanket to lie on the hill so your family can lean back, relaxing to the sights and sounds. Music plays until dark when the music is then accompanied by wonderful fireworks.

Tuesday, July 4 from 6-10 pm
9th Annual Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza
The 23-minute fireworks show, shot over The Woodlands Town Center, is the second largest in the Greater Houston region, second only to downtown Houston. The soundtrack for The Red, Hot & Blue Festival Fireworks is simulcast on Houston’s Sunny 99.1 radio station. Admission: FREE. Concessions will be sold at the event. http://www.town-center.com/redhotblue/

Tuesday, July 4 at dusk
Fireworks Spectacular at Splashtown
Cool off in the pool and catch a thrill speeding down a water slide. Kick summer into high gear. Celebrate America's Independence Day with contests and entertainment for the entire family including fireworks at Six Flags' Splashtown. Park will be open 10am-10pm. Visit http://www.sixflags.com/parks/splashtown/ for details. General Admission: $32.99; Child under 48": $24.99; Kids 2 & Under: FREE

Tuesday, July 4 at 9:30 pm.
Kemah Fireworks
Again, if you have older kids, this is a fun outing. Stroll through the shops on the Kemah Boardwalk, enjoy a tasty dinner overlooking the water and then watch the fireworks show. This is the same show seen each Friday & Saturday throughout June & July.

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