Contest for Kids at The Health Museum

Hey Parents! Help your kids name a new mascot for your chance to win a$1,000 gift package - including a field trip and lunch for your kids' entire class at The Health Museum!

Mascot Bio
Age: 10
Parents: Johnny & Priscilla Smith
Grandparents: Gramps & Granny Smith
Birthplace: Houston, TX
Occupation: Teaching people about health & fitness
Job Title: Mascot, The Health Museum
Favorite Pastime: Playing all sports, making healthy snacks & exercising

How to Enter the Contest:Visit the Museum's new Web site www.thehealthmuseum.org and look for the apple mascot who points out health tips.Correctly identify three of the five tips, write them down and send them along with your suggested Mascot name to the Houston Chronicle via mail or online at www.chron.com/contests by May 19, 2006.

Three finalists will be selected, one from each of the following agecategories: Pre-K - Grade 2; Grades 3-5; and Grades 6-8. The winner will be announced on June 1 at The Health Museum.

The winner will receive nearly $1,000 in fabulous prizes including:a field trip plus lunch for the winner's entire class for up to 40 children to be taken Fall 2006; a Family 4-pack of tickets to see "It's Nano World"; a Family Membership to the Museum and more!

Get those creative juices flowing and help us name the museum's new mascot! Remember, the contest deadline is May 19, 2006. For contest rules and an official entry form please visit www.chron.com/contests.

Gift for Mother's Day Personalized by Kids

I saw a really cool Mother's Day gift this morning that kids can do themselves. The Kroger grocery store located in the Garden Oaks & Oak Forest area is inviting kids to decorate their own sheet cake for their moms. How fun! Hey dads, take your kids to Kroger for some fun on Saturday while Mom gets a little R&R. For $6, you'll have a personalized gift for Mom, too.

Physical location: 1352 WEST 43RD ST, Houston, TX. 77018
Phone: (713) 681-0901

What's your family's favorite Houston restaurant?

What's your family's favorite eatery? Now through June 16, anyone who emails me a family-friendly restaurant with a letter grade for food quality and a letter grade for kid-friendliness will be entered into a drawing for two free passes to the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink AND a $15 gift certificate to Mission Burritos restaurant. Ready? Here's an example of what to submit:

Mission Burritos 1609 Durham Drive, Houston, TX 77007; 713-426-6652
Kid Friendliness: A
Food Quality: A
Other thoughts?

Just email your family's favorite to KidsInfo@houston.rr.com.

Sign Up for the Kids Activity Queen's Monthly eNewsletter — FREE!

Until the next nap time...

Water, Water Everywhere

Looking for something fun & FREE to do with your kiddos? Head to the Williams Tower & Waterfall this weekend. Well, it's no longer officially called "Williams Tower" but that's what most Houstonians call it. My daughter loved the noise of the rushing water and the feel of the spraying water when she ventured toward the center of the waterfall. This is another great photo opp. There's also a nice grassy area in front of the waterfall for kids to run around on. Bring a snack and just chill out.

Visitor parking is available in the nearby parking garage for only $1. Don't waste your time trying to park at the apartments. Just head for the garage.

2800 Post Oak Blvd. near the Galleria

Who Says Grocery Shopping Can't Be Fun in Houston?

The weather in Houston is warming up but the fruit and vegetables are ripe at Farmers Market. After enjoying this place as a child, I get just as much delight watching my own daughter stuff juicy strawberries in her mouth.

Use this as an opportunity to teach children how food arrives at the store by speaking with the local merchants. Plants and flowers are also available as well as seasonal items such as piñatas, pumpkins, etc. This is a stroller-friendly place. Go in the morning before the day heats up. I suggest starting in the outdoor area, where the prices are usually better than in the indoor market. Yummy!

May Offers Fun for Houston Kids

This time of year, there's so much to do in Houston. If you're looking for fun activities for kids, here are some great ideas for this weekend.


May 6 – 7: Get a sneak peak at some of the wild - wheeled animal -inspired Art Cars that will roll in Everyones Art Car Parade this weekend at the Houston Zoo. The Zoo's address is 1513 N Mc Gregor. The cool penguin mobile home, Ant-CAR-tica, Rancha, the Zebra, the Tiger Jeep, The Roachster and other animal oriented cars will excite the Zoo crowds this weekend. Next week, I'll share more info on the Art Car Parade that will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 1 pm on Allen Parkway. Mark your calendars for my favorite event of the month.

School is almost out. What will you do this summer with the kids? Grab Your Copy of 100+ Activities for Houston Kids by Houston native & mom Megan F. Salch. This guidebook shares OBJECTIVE reviews of tons of fun kids activities. If I didn't think the activity was worthwhile, it's not included in this guide. Trust me. I left plenty crummy activities out. This makes a great Mother's Day gift (note: May 14) for moms and grandmothers in the greater Houston area. Order a copy at www.TellYourTale.com/Kids, visit a local bookstore or join me at any of the upcoming book fairs in town. I love talking with parents and grandparents about fun things they can do together with their kids. There's no substitute for family time.

10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, May 6
Barnes & Noble Westheimer & Voss
7626 Westheimer
713-465-5616
Book fair

2 pm - 5 pm
Saturday, May 6
Barnes & Noble Town and Country
12850 Memorial Dr.
713-465-5616
Book fair

1 pm – 4 pm
Saturday, May 13
Barnes & Noble Westheimer & Voss
7626 Westheimer
713-465-5616
Book fair

1 pm – 3 pm
Sunday, May 21
Barnes & Noble Vanderbilt Square
3003 West Holcombe Blvd.
713-349-0701
Front door book signing

10 am – 11 am
Thursday, June 1
Barnes & Noble Copperfield
7026 Hwy. 6 N.
281-861-6842
Book event with children’s story time

Interested in more kids activities? Subscribe to my f*ree email newsletter Houston Family Fun. Sign up at https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:8899.

Until the next nap time...

Houston Families Love Hermann Park, Butterfly Center

Sorry for not updating this blog in a week! We've been super busy checking out lots of activities. This weekend we visited the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Museum of Natural Science. The butterflies were gorgeous but Mom didn't care for the iguana lurking in the bushes. (LEFT: Photo of baby butterflies being released into the rain forest in Cockrell Butterfly Center.) At 1 year old, Kylie wanted to touch everything, which is not conducive to the butterflies. While this is a great thing to do, I suggest waiting until your kids are at least 3 years old. Kids under 3 get in FREE and can understand what's going on and NO Touching! (smile)

Perhaps my favorite activity is Hermann Park. This has changed a lot since I was a youngster running around. The reflection pond is so relaxing and Kylie loved looking at the ducks. Grab a picnic and a blanket and head to Hermann Park for an easy-going afternoon. Bring a change of clothes and a towel so your kid(s) can play in the fountain at the edge of the reflection pond. A group of 4 can take a 30-minute ride on a paddle boat for only $8 (that's only $2 per person, which I think is a good deal). Take a stroll on the paved sidewalk beneath the tall trees and see other families playing soccer or tag. Elementary age kids will enjoy rolling down the park's hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre. If you park on the curb, parking is free, although you may have to drive around a bit to find a spot. Pack some cool drinks in nonbreakable containers and dress cool. It's well worth the trip!



Until the next nap time...

Kids Activities for Easter

Holy Week is upon us and I've been trying to think of ways to show my daughter, nephews and Goddaughter the true meaning of Easter without beating it over their heads. Here's a great way that my friends Stacey from MOPS shared.

Sometimes referred to as the jelly bean poem, this simple activity is great for encouraging kids to talk about Easter. When the kids look at the jelly beans, you ask them what the colors might mean about Easter. They always have a lot of answers, but guiding them to the answers in the poem below give the true meaning of Easter. You can print a copy of the poem to put in their Easter baskets with a bag of jelly beans in each color of the story.

Poem:
Red is for the blood He gave,
Green is for the grass He made,
Yellow is for the sun so bright,
Orange is for the edge of night.
Black is for the sins we made,
White is for the grace He gave,
Purple is for His hour of sorrow,
Pink is for our new tomorrow.

A handful of jelly beans, simple, colorful and sweet, remind us of the reasons He makes our life so complete.

Another kids activity to try is to bring meaning to everything in the Easter basket. You can use old, raggedy baskets or even a box to explain that when Jesus came his birthplace was alot like our box or basket. Nothing new, nothing pretty- an old stable. Then put grass in it to remind your family of the manger hay Jesus slept in. Use candy animals to signify His birth surrounded by animals. Add a cross to symbolize Jesus dying on the cross and talk about His wonderful life, then His death. But then focus on the eggs, which bring new life. Just as Jesus' death was awful and sad, it brought new life to all who believe. I love the eggs! Some folks even add a random thing or two -- one family says they had a rooster in their basket and the kids remembered the rooster crowing and Peter denying Him. There are many lessons we can learn and teach our children from everyday life.

Have a wonderful, blessed Easter. Until the next nap time...

Kids Bike Race & SPCA's Mutt Strutt

Looking for fun in Houston this weekend? Here are two great activities for kids.

The Heights Holy Mackerel Bike Race is Saturday, April 8 and is presented by the Baptist Temple in the Heights and the Woodlands Cycling Club. Kids age 3-10 can participate in the Kids’ Races ranging in distance from 30 to 135 yards. Youngsters age 10-18 can ride in the Juniors category race, which is sanctioned by USA Cycling and is part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Road Series. Adults 18+ years can race for cash and prizes in the Pro-Am series. Don’t forget your helmet!

Recommended age: All ages
Admission: $10 at check-in on race day
Location: Baptist Temple at 230 West 20th street near Yale in the Heights
www.BaptistTemple.org

The SPCA’s Mutt Strutt is Saturday, April 8, with the walk starting at 10:30 am and post-walk activities continuing until 3 pm. The walk raises money for the SPCA’s animals is a great parade for the kids. There are also several FUN contests for your animals such as best costume, most vocal, best physically challenged and more.

Recommended age: All ages (Dogs must be at least 6 months old.)
Admission: $35 through race day
Location: Fish Plaza in front of the Wortham Theater in downtown Houston
www.SPCAHouston.org 713-869-SPCA (7722)

Until the next nap time...

Bluebonnets & Veggie Tales

It's bluebonnet time in Houston. This past Saturday, my daughter Kylie went with her Grand & PaPa to learn about the bluebonnets. They are in full bloom in Hempstead, too. Kylie loved playing with the flowers and the outdoors.

While Kylie was on a bluebonnet adventure, Mommy & Daddy worked the 2006 Houston Children's Festival in downtown. While we sold plenty of copies of our guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids, a visit with the Veggie Tales was a weekend highlight. (Yes, I have shorts on behind that crazy apron.) If your child loves music, get tickets to the upcoming Veggie Tales concert on April 20 & 21. More details are available at http://www.bigidea.com/events/live/ but ticket prices range from $10.50- $21 each. This is great Christian music set to fun, silly tunes. The characters are full of life and great entertainment.

Kids Activity Queen Heads to Houston Children's Fest

As heard on radio stations 89.3 KSBJ and 92.9 Q Morning Zoo!!!

Don't forget about one of the best kids activities in town. The Houston Children's Festival is this weekend, April 1 and 2 from 10:30 am - 6:30 pm. This is so much to do at this event. Music, plays, cartoon characters, hands-on activities, rides, animal shows and more. Don't miss this family-fun opportunity.

Visit the Kids Activity Queen at Booth M302 on McKinney Street across from City Hall to find out about more GREAT activities for kids in Houston. After all, summer is just around the corner & you don't want your little ones bored to tears. Hope to see you at the festival!

Until the next nap time...

Houston Children's Festival

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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