Saturday, April 30, 2011

St Martin's Book Fair


Looking for something fun to do? St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool’s Book Fair is Thursday, May 5th and Friday, May 6thfrom 8 am to 5 pm.  It is open to the public and there will be a free puppet show on Thursday at 3 p.m.  All proceeds to directly to the St. Martin’s Preschool Library.


The Book Fair will take place in the Activity Center Gym.   
St. Martin's Episcopal Preschool
717 Sage Road (at Woodway)
Houston, Texas 77056
(713) 621-2944

Toys r us on westheimer, buy one get one free clearance.....gettin' dresses and pants for 2 bucks and a quarter. Not bad!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Houston Gymnastics Academy Specials

May 2011 Special Events Calendar


Saturday May 14        Parents Night Out
                       6:00 - 11:00pm        Ages: 3 - 12
                       $35.00/child
                       $50.00/ 2 children
                       $25.00/ each additional child


Saturday May 21        Super Saturday
                       10:00 - 11:30am  Ages: 2 - 6
                       $8.00/members  $10.00/non-members
                       Open gym time
                       2 - 4yr olds must be accompanied by an adult.
                       (no parents on the equipment please)


                       Parents Night Out
                       6:00 - 11:00pm  Ages: 3 - 12


Saturday May 28        Saturday Night Open Gym
                       7:30 - 10:00pm   Ages: 6 - 16
                       $10.00/members $15.00/non-members


                       Note: Members are those that have paid the yearly registration fee.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Young Writers at Discovery Green

Houston Young Writers Reading Series: Bloom
Sunday, May 1, 3:00 PM
Location: Discovery Green Park 


The Young Writers Reading Series began in 1989 as a way to celebrate the achievements of the city's most gifted young writers. Students ranging in age from elementary to high school will take the stage to read works they have written under the guidance of a professional writer. Each one has been chosen because of his her ability to create powerful poems, stories, and essays. Author, photographer, and Houston's own Karen Walrond will also speak on The Beauty of Different. 

Art Tour

The public is invited to browse the Artist Open Studio Tour Saturday, April 30, at Houston’s Inner Art Corridor.  More than 100 artists are participating in this unique art event from Winter Street Studios, Spring Street Studios, Summer Street Studios, Art on Washington, and more.
Browse the art studios for free from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. on the Washington Ave. corridor. Gab with the artists, watch demonstrations, and buy the art.  This Artist Open Studio Tour map will be a lifesaver, so print it out. Go support the artists in the “Lower Washington Cultural Arts District”…

Thanks to houston on the cheap for this tip

Half Off Cinco De Maya party goods at Party City

Just in case you were considering throwing a party, here's another reason to!!

Smarty Pants Summer Camp

CRYSTAL Children & Teacher Supply is offering a 10 week, 1 hour per week, Summer Camp from June 7th to August 12th at both of our locations. We will be offering 3 classes (Critical Thinking, ELA, and Math) plus activities & games for grade Pre-K to 6th. Teacher/Student ratio is 1:6 & is a total of $170 ($120 Class fee + $50 nonrefundable Enrollment fee) per class. To hold a slot for your child you will need to register on our Eventbrite. Once registered you will be contacted within 48 hours to iron out any questions and get your child enrolled in our 2011 Summer Camp!

For information regarding enrollment please call:
Doreen Choi 832-867-7908

Water Exhibition

 City of Houston is dovetailing onto “National Drinking Water Week” with their own celebration starting next Monday, May 2 and running through Friday, May 7 at the city’s new WaterWorks Education Center, located in Humble, Texas.  The Center is only open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm so is mainly set up for school field trips and homeschool groups but if you can sneak away with your kids or request your child’s school make a field trip to see this cool new educational site.

Thanks Sarah Gish for this cool pick

Kids Day Festival

TBH (Talento Bilingüe de Houston) is hosting their “Fourth Annual Día de los Niños Festival” this Saturday, April 29, 10am-6pm at Guadalupe Plaza, which is in front of their space at 333 S. Jensen Drive.

Thanks Sarah Gish for this cool pick

Movies in the Woodlands

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau has been presenting movies at Waterway Square every Saturday this month; this Saturday, April 30 they are screening the fun animated family film “Cars.”

Sounds like another road trip, thanks Sarah Gish for this reminder.

Arrgh, Go West!

Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center presents the KVPAC 2011 Spring Junior Company production of “The Pirates of Penzance” this Friday, April 29 at 7pm and Saturday, April 30 at 2pm and 7pm. The show will take place at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center at 2501 S. Mason Road #290. And as a special treat for moms and dads, KVPAC is hosting a special parents night out, “Friday Night Lights,” this Friday from 6-9pm. Kids 3+ are welcome and it’s $24/child with additional siblings $20/each. Advance registration is required.

Sounds like it's worth a road trip. Thanks Sarah Gish for this cool pick!

De-li-cious!

 If you’re looking for a way to increase your family’s awareness of foods in the fabulous Latin American cuisine, visit the Houston Institute of Hispanic Culture’s “Latin American Gastronomic Festival” this Saturday, April 30 at 1:30pm, Keith Jackson Hall, IHCH Bldg, 3315 Sul Ross. The foodie fest is free and open to the public and will feature the food of Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, USA, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru (think dulce de leche and empanandas, yum!).
Thanks Sarah Gish for this cool pick!

May Fete

It’s May Day on Sunday and Houston’s oldest church, Christ Church Cathedral, is hosting a special “May Féte” celebration, one they’ve been hosting for over 100 years. Festivities will include the traditional May Pole dance, the crowning of the May king and queen from the church’s 5th graders, and entertainment for all ages. A spring luncheon will be served inside the church while outside there will be hot dogs, St. Arnold’s beer, and fresh lemonade. The Buckaroo Band will perform from 12:30-2:30pm. Christ Church Cathedral is located at 1117 Texas Avenue in downtown Houston.
Thanks Sarah Gish for this cool pick

Poetry Month Celebration

 April is “National Poetry Month” and WITS is whooping it up with their protégés by hosting readings – one at Discovery Green this Sunday, May 3 at 3pm and at the Menil Collection on Thursday, May 19 at 7pm
Thanks Sarah Gish for this pick!

Free TCBY Mother's Day May 8

Find TCBY locations online.

West U Home Tour


West University Home Tour
S U N D A Y , M A Y 1
H
O U S E S F E A T U R E D O N T H E W E S T U N I V E R S I T Y H O M E T O U R :
B E G I N N I N G A P R I L 1
$ 2 5 A D V A N C E T I C K E T S A V A I L A B L ES T A T
Information Desk
Antiques & Interiors on Dunlavy
West University Elementary School Office
ABEJAS
On May 1st, tickets are $30 and
will be available at all 7 homes.
F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N
Holly
C O N T A C TCauble@yahoo.com or CarlinMorstead@yahoo.com
1 : 0 0 P M - 5 : 0 0 P M

Green Plate Kids Deal

The Best Daily Deals in Houston Family Edition: $30 to Spend on Kid-Friendly Meals and Six Cookies for only $15!
  

What's on your plate??

"What's on Your Plate? " movie screening
at Mandell Park this Friday! 
Join us this Friday (April 29) 7pm at Mandell Park for a screening of "What's on Your Plate?", an award-winning documentary by two 11 year olds who investigate where our food comes from.  Monica Pope will speak before the movie, and Blackwood Land Institute & Recipe for Success will also be there!  Visit the Facebook page to RSVP
whatsonyourplateproject.org

Schlenker School Carnival

The Shlenker School will host its annual carnival Sunday, May 15 from 11:00 to 3:00. It is a fun-filled day for all ages.  This exciting event will feature rides, game booths, activities, food, prizes, a silent auction and so much more.  The carnival will be held at The Shlenker School, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd.  Come one, come all - don’t miss Shlenker’s most exciting day of the year!  For more information, please call the school office at 713-270-6127.
Thanks Dana for this tip

Free First Tuesday at the Zoo

Tuesday, May 3 - Houston Zoo - FREE First Tuesday Afternoon
The Houston Zoo is free every first Tuesday, 2pm - closing. The last admission is one hour before closing.
Where: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr., Houston
When: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Last admission at 6pm)
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.houstonzoo.org

Cinco De Mayo At ChickFilA

Monday, May 2 - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo - Chick-fil-A Meyerland Plaza
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and make paper bag maracas!
Where: Chick-fil-A Meyerland Plaza, 5001 Beechnut St., Houston
When: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost: FREE

International Festival this Saturday April 30 and May 1st Sunday

Where: iFest is located in downtown Houston: City Hall, Tranquility Park and Sam Houston Park areas.
When: 12:00 PM (Saturday hours 12-10pm; Sunday hours 12-8pm)
Who: All ages
How: Ticket required. Tickets may be purchased at HEB locations with business centers, or online by clicking here.
Cost: General admission is $12 before April 26; $18 after April 26. $3 for children ages 3-12. Tickets good for one day. May 8 (Mother's Day!) is FREE Kids Sunday - presented by ConocoPhillips (ages 12-under).
For more info: www.ifest.org

There is a kids activity program available.

Saturday, April 30 - Adopt a Butterfly Houston Museum of Natural Science

Just a reminder, I know I mentioned this before....
Release one of nature’s most delicate and beautiful creatures into the Cockrell Butterfly Center habitat! Join us for this special event and you'll receive a butterfly to examine up close and release along with an adoption certificate and a commemorative gift.
This inspiring occasion is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special people in your life, honor a milestone, or dedicate your adoption to a loved one lost. 
Where: Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Ticket required. Limited to 500 adoptions.
Cost: $10/members; $15/non-members.
For more info: www.hmns.org


Thanks Harlisha for this reminder!

Free Children's museum

TARGET  sponsors free admission to children's museum first Sunday of every month. Open Sunday's 12-6pm.

Free Symphony

Friday, April 29
Houston Civic Symphony will wrap up its 44th concert season with a performance of Brahms' German Requiem on Friday, April 29 at 8 pm. Brian Runnels will conduct the Symphony, the combined Choirs of Houston Baptist University, and Melissa Givens, soprano and Jason Lester, baritone in the performance. The concert will be repeated at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Sage at Woodway, Sunday, May 1 at 2:30 p.m. The concert is free, and no tickets are required.
Where: Houston Baptist University, Morris Cultural Arts Center, Dunham Theater, 7502 Fondren, Houston
When: 8:00 PM
Who: Fans of the symphony.
How: No ticket required.
Cost: FREE

Thanks Harlisha for this tip

Miller Outdoor Dance Program

In the Mood... for Dance - Miller Outdoor Theatre

Friday, April 29

CORE Performance presents an electrifying and entertaining dance sampler celebrating the music of the Big Band era, America’s romantic era of popular music, 1935-1945. Presented by CORE Performance.
Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive (map)
When: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: All ages.
How: This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30am-1pm. If tickets remain at 1pm, the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, open seating on the hill. 
Cost: FREE

Thanks Harlisha for this tip!

Weekday summer kids movies, just a few bucks

Studio Movie Grill Children's Summer Series will begin June 6, every Monday through Friday morning at 11am, with a different movie showing each week. Tickets are $2 for adults, $1 per child. The series ends August 19.
The nearest Studio Movie Grill to our area is at City Centre, located at Interstate 10 and the West Sam Houston Tollway. For additional information and a list of movie titles, please visit studiomoviegrill.com/SummerSeries. This is sure to be a great way to cool off this summer!

Thanks Harlisha for this tip!

Free Summer Reading Program, with prizes :)

Attention Readers! You can begin signing up for the Houston Public Library Summer Reading Program 2011 beginning on May 1. Feed your dreams this summer by reading your favorite books during the the John P McGovern Summer Reading Program. This is a free program that rewards reading by providing a free book for the home.
Ages: 0 - 18 years
Registration: Begins May 1, and continues through August 1. You may register at any Houston Public Library location or through your home computer.
How to Participate: To participate, read or listen to books, enter book titles or time read on your online reading log either at home or with the help of your librarian. Upon completion, go to your local Houston Public Library location to pick up your prize at the 10 and 20 book level.
Incentives: 10 books or 10 hours of reading - one free book. 20 books or 20 hours of reading - one free book, one voucher for a free ticket to a Houston Astros game (children K-12), and a coupon for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Visit www.hpl.lib.tx.us/summer for more information and to register.

Thanks to Harlisha for this reminder

New at Houston Museum of Natural Science

PLANETARIUM 2012: Mayan Prophecies

Opens Thursday, May 5!

Explore the prophecies of Mayan astronomers in a brand-new planetarium show! Visit the Classic Mayan cities of Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Tikal, and Palenque to discover how the Maya aligned their temples to watch their sky gods and used interlocking calendars to record the past and predict the future.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Half Price Books in Rice Village has a great kids clearance rack out front. Many books 1-2 dollars!!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Pay 1000 dollars, fundraise, make your kids a star!

Leah White & the Magic Mirrors are currently recording their album for the City of Houston's 175th Birthday called, "Houston: Our Roots are Strong". They are looking for talented children of all ages to: 1) Sing on the Title Track "Our Roots Are Strong"; 2) Be in the rock video to be released August 2011; 3) Make an appearance to perform onstage at one of the Houston CD Release parties; 4) Create Artwork for the inside cover of album.
Leah is an award-winning musician who will kick off these special moments of creation by coming to your home to spend one-on-one time teaching vocals, recording techniques and encouraging a passion for music within the child. This opportunity helps the Magic Mirrors raise their funds for this exciting album. The investment for each opportunity is $1,000 and is well worth it! If interested, please email contact@leahwhitemusic.com. Note: These spots are limited as they can only record up to ten children for the title song.

Easter Eggs with Ipods in them?

EASTER FUN FOR EVERYONE.
It’s officially Spring and there ain’t nobody stopping the Easter Bunny from coming to town! Here are some fun events happening for you to check out:
  • Easter Egg-stravaganza Family Service and Egg Hunt Foundry United Methodist Church
    8350 Jones Rd
    Friday, April 22, 2pm

    Join the church for a fun family service and Easter egg hunt.
  • The Easter Orange Hunt and Opening Celebration!The Orange Show Monument 2402 Munger
    Saturday, April 23, 10am


    Bring the kids and their baskets to hunt for tasty treats, eggs full of surprises, and healthy oranges! After the hunt, celebrate the opening of The Orange Show with a ceremonial blessing and an original puppet show.
  • Annual Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt Pilgrim Lutheran Church
    8601 Chimney Rock Rd
    Saturday, April 23, 10am

    Join the neighborhood for this free Easter egg hunt followed by a Mini-Festival for everyone with fun, crafts, and prizes. A small lunch will be served after the hunt.
  • Easter Eggstravaganza
    Clear Lake United Methodist Church
    16335 El Camino Real
    Saturday, April 23, 10am-noon


    Food and fun are free at this event that includes an egg hunt, visit from the Easter Bunny, pony and train rides, a petting zoo, moonwalk, snow cones and cotton candy and much more.
  • Easter in the Gardens
    Moody Gardens in Galveston
    Sunday, April 24, 11am– 3pm

    Free fun for kids including a petting zoo, music, arts & crafts and plenty of games and prizes and their annual Easter Egg Hunt for children 12 and younger.
  • Helicopter Drop, 5,000 Eggs for Egg Hunt
    The Way Church
    24418 I-45 N. in The Woodlands
    Sunday, April 24, 11am

    Catch the largest Easter Egg drop in Montgomery County with over 5,000 eggs dropping from a helicopter. Candy will fill the eggs and a few lucky guests will get special golden eggs with iPods, camcorders, and more.

Famliy Friendly Concerts

Heights Live! is a presentation of family-friendly, reasonably-priced concerts that are held on the grounds of the Heights Presbyterian Church at 240 W. 18th Street. The venue boasts an “intimate, alternative listening room” that is acoustically balanced so that their small size becomes an advantage since it allows the artists to connect with the audience and to showcase their talent up close and personal. Their shows are always one-of-a-kind and feature a variety of local, regional, national, and international artists from all musical genres on most Friday nights. This Friday, 4/22, they are featuring Owen Temple.
All ages are welcome and tickets are $10-$15.
Thanks Sarah Gish for this tip!

Toys R Us Easter Weekend Coupons

http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/media/trus/042211_Ds_BRU_2DaySale_cpns.pdf?csm=199218316&csc=1353520&csa=199220476&csu=1354008&camp=CME:20110422_Em_BRU_2DaySale

2$ Restaurant.com buys you 25 bucks?

A new 80% off sale kicks off at Restaurant.com.  Houston-area restaurant gift certificates are just $2 for each $25 restaurant gift certificate.  Use promo code EASTER at checkout, and the discount will be applied to your order. This code expires April 24.
A few of the new Houston restaurants on the list include Rockwell Tavern, Table Seven, Fish Place, and District 7 Grill There are tons of others, of course including Post Oak Grill, Guayaba Latin Grill, and Monarch at Hotel ZaZa.
Purchase your discounted restaurant vouchers online. Be sure to read the fine print for each restaurant.

29$ Facials (not everything has to be about the kids!)

Facelogic (Groupon) — $29 for a signature facial at Facelogic ($59 value).  Located at 2621 S Shepard Dr.

Half off Ikea of you spend 100 bucks!

IKEA Houston (Houston Press’ VOICE Deal) — $50 for $100 of furniture and home items at IKEA Houston.  Located at 7810 Katy Freeway.

Cheap Gas

Before you head out to fill up your gas tank, browse the Find Cheap Gas widget (It’s listed in the header at the top of the site… ) You can browse your neighborhood by zip code to find stations with the cheapest prices.  Just click on the price you like, and it displays the name and address of the gas station — along with the time and date when the price was last reported.  Give it a try… It’s really interesting to notice the pockets in the city that are priced much higher than nearby stations.

Children's Museum Discount

The Children’s Museum is offering $20 off memberships. It also works for renewals, so that will extend your membership by 1 year from the current expiration date.  The code is Spring Blast.  Here is a link:  http://www.cmhouston.org/join/.

Half off Organic Baby

One Green Street" which is an organic retail store near the Kroger at Buffalo Speedway & Westpark.  She has all-organic clothing, make-up, pillows, teas, chocolates, and also a baby section.  In the windo is a sign today for 50% off all the baby merchandise.  Happy shopping!  http://www.onegreenstreet.com/
 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

3$ Chicks, no, real ones!!

We won't get into why I had pet ducks as a kids, but if you're feeling particularly festive this easter weekend, have some land to share with a new found pet, or feel like becoming more eco-friendly, buy a baby chick, for just three bucks. Bet you didn't know you can do it right on Washington Avenue. I kid you not.

Or, if you're looking for some new fresh herbs for your garden and the kids wanna check out the baby animals, go to WABASH feed and animal supply.

http://www.wabashfeed.com/

Earth Day at HMNS

ENERGY CONSERVATION CLUB Celebrate Earth Day!

Saturday, April 30 | 10 am - 2 pm

Celebrate Earth Day at HMNS with fun activities to learn about energy and natural resource conservation and honor Mother Earth for what nature provides us. Join in our Billion Acts of Green contributions as we learn all about energy and conservation of resources. This free event has fun activities for people of all ages.

Generously Sponsored by Marathon Oil Corporation

Earth Day Freebies

Caribou Coffee is offering FREE coffee of the day on Earth Day, Friday April 22, to guests that bring in reusable drinkware !
Free coffee at Whole Foods you bring in your reusable mug.
Lowe’s, in partnership with American Forest, is giving away a million free trees nationwide on Saturday, April 23. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Free baseball cap at any Disney Store when you bring in 6 bottles or cans to recycle.
To celebrate Earth Day, participating Starbucks locations are encouraging everyone to go green. If you bring in your own travel mug, you’ll get a free coffee!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Family Fine Arts Day this Sunday

Family Fine Arts Days
WhenSunday, Apr 24, 2011
WhereMuseum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005 (map)
DescriptionAges: 3-18 Time: 1pm-4pm Cost: Free with Museum admission Ongoing Each Sun; check with location for exceptions Creation Station is a drop-in studio workshop, in which families make their own paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, and more. Family Days also include the Storytelling in the Galleries program: after hearing stories and relating them to works of art, kids and adults create their own art and stories. For more information please call 713.639.7300 or visit www.mfah.org.

Star gazing

Stargazing
When Saturday, Apr 23, 2011
Where George Observatory - 21901 FM 762, Needville, TX (map)
DescriptionAges: 3 & up Time/Hours: 3pm-9pm (Admission into the park ends at 9pm, but viewing continues until 10pm for those already admitted.) Cost: Telescope viewing $5; Park entrance: $5 per person (ages 13 - 64); $3 Seniors (ages 65+); free for ages 12 and under Ongoing Each Sat; check with location for exceptions. The Observatory's 14-inch, 18-inch, and 36-inch telescopes are available for visitors to view the stars, planets, and more. Tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. on a first come first served basis. Viewing through the telescopes starts at dusk. Call 979.553.3400; 281.242.3055 or check the website, www.georgeobservatory.org, for cloud forecast.

Lakeshore Craft

Lakeshore Learning Center FREE Crafts & Activities
WhenSaturday, Apr 23, 2011
WhereLakeshore Learning Center - 2405 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, TX 77056 (map)
DescriptionAges: 3 and up Time: Every Saturday from 11am – 3pm Lakeshore Learning Store offers FREE craft activities for kids ages 3 and up at all of our locations! Please visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/storeCrafts.jsp?extcmpgn=maketake for more information.

Easter Games

Where Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center - 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble (map)
This Saturday April 23rd
Time: 10 a.m. to noon Cost: Free Join park staff and volunteers at the Redbud Hill Homestead for a hopping good time! Visitors ages 12 and under can enjoy Easter egg rolls, bunny and spoon races, plus other traditional Easter games. Bring a picnic lunch. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, April 13. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.

PreSchool Skating

Remember the Dairy Ashfor roller rink? Bday parties with small vanilla cups and wooden spoons. A disco globe. The hand holding skate. Ahhh, memories.

Where
Dairy Ashford Roller Rink, 1820 S. Dairy Ashford Houston (map)

Description
Time: Every Friday from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: $5 to play or skate Every Friday Morning, for ages 7 and under, bring strollers or push toys. Call 281-493-5651 for more information or visit www.skatedarr.com.

Half Off Space Center Tickets

Where Space Center Houston - 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX (map)
Description
Time: Online, 24 hours Cost: Half off regular admission Space Center Houston is offering a "HOT" program - Half Off Tickets - for adult and child tickets purchased online through May 31. Half-price tickets are available online only. For more information please call 281-244-2100 or go online to www.spacecenter.org.

Dora and Diego 4D Adventure in Galveston

Families can see popular Nickelodeon TV characters animated in digital 3-D, with special sensory effects that make the story burst off the screen. For more information please call 800-582-4673 or visit http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moodygardens.com&ust=1303343858314000&usg=AFQjCNGTXfgfM4lkFWNg4NrzLYTKfn6OAQ.

Just Between Friends Consignment

Wednesday, April 27 through Saturday, April 30 - Just Between Friends Central Houston Sale!
You are invited to the Central Houston Just Between Friends Consignment Sale for children's clothing, toys, baby equipment, children's furniture, books videos, maternity items and much more.
Where: Americas Reception Hall 2311 Canal StreetHouston, TX 77003
When: 10:00 AM (Closing times vary.)
Who: Bargain hunters!
How: No pre-registration required. Pre-sale opportunities for consignors, volunteers, teachers, and first-time moms.
Cost: FREE to enter.

Remember, only a few more weeks of Wizard of Oz left

Saturday, April 23 through Saturday, May 28 - The Wizard of OZ
We’re off to see the Wizard of Oz with all your favorite characters: Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion and both good and bad witches. Come join us as we take the yellow brick road to fun and adventure.
Where: Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square, Houston (map)
When: 11:00 AM (Show times are Saturdays, 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM)
Who: All ages
How: Ticket required. Seating is reserved. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Cost: $8 per person. Purchase here.
For more info: www.companyonstage.org

Window Birdhouse, free at Lowes

Saturday, April 23 - Window Birdhouse - Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop
Spring is here! This unique birdhouse sticks to your window so you can actually see the nest! Your child will love it!
Where: Lowe's of Meyerland, 4645 Beechnut St., Houston (valid at all Lowe's locations)
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Grades 1st - 5th
How: The first 50 kids to register and be present at the store at 10am will receive a kit, aprons and googles.
Cost: Free

Princess and the Pea, For Free

Friday, April 22 - The Princess and the Pea - Miller Outdoor Theatre
The Prince must marry a real Princess before his next birthday or he will lose the throne, and the only way to tell if a girl is a real Princess is to have her take a test!  Only a real Princess would have the sensitivity to feel a pea through a huge stack of bedding.  Can the Prince get his Princess to take the test?  Will she pass? A charming bilingual (Spanish/English) adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic set in Mexico. Presented by Express Children's Theatre
Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive (map)
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: No ticket required.
Cost: FREE

One more week of Easter Photos

Saturday, April 9 through Saturday, April 23 - Easter Bunny Photo Experience
The Easter Bunny will be hopping in for a visit to the Houston Galleria.
Where: Houston Galleria,Galleria II, in front of Ann Taylor
When: n/a
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost: Cost of your desired photo package.
For more info: www.simon.com/mall. Scrool down to Houston Galleria News and Events.

Free Movie at Chick Fil A Meyerland

Saturday, April 23 - Outdoor Movie Night - Chick Fil A Meyerland
We will provide snacks, and you bring your lawn chairs and blankets to watch Marley and Me!
Where: Chick Fil A Meyerland, 5001 Beechnut Street, Houston 
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required
Cost: Activity is FREE
For more info: www.cfarestaurant.com

Easter Egg Hunt at Pump it Up Bellaire

Friday, April 22 - Easter Egg Hunt
Grab the kiddos and hop on down to Pump It Up for an inflatably great Easter Egg Hunt!! Search for Easter Eggs hidden in and around our huge inflatable arenas. After all that fun we'll move into the party room for some milk and cookies with the Easter Bunny!!
Where: Pump It Up Bellaire, 6030 S. Rice Avenue Houston
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 2-5 only
How: Reservations required. Space is limited.
Cost: $9.95/child
For more info: www.pumpitupparty.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival - April 29 - May 8

Houston International Festival

Start Planning Ahead!

Houston International Festival takes place in the streets, plazas and parks of downtown Houston. Hours are from 12 -10 p.m. Saturdays, 12 - 8 p.m. Sundays.

Currently celebrating its 41st year, the festival returns with continuous music, dance and cultural performances on ten stages.

http://www.ifest.org/

Free Contest!

Submit your illustration to ENTER AND WIN! Children’s Book Celebration: Books Alive! ContestThe Houston Public Library 2nd Annual
The Houston Public Library wants to see your illustration for the caption, “If You Give a Kid a Book…”. Fifty winners will be rewarded with a whimsical catered lunch during the second annual Children’s Book Celebration on May 14th, 2011.  Fifty winners and one adult guest each will be treated to a delightful meal and an autographed copy of Laura Numeroff’s book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Winners will be ages three to eight years old.

CONTEST DEADLINE IS April 22, 2011. WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY APRIL 30.
Instructions: You may submit your contest entries to your local library, or you may submit entries by mail.
Please mail submissions to:
Houston Public Library
Attn: Programming & Youth Services, Deborah Moore
500 McKinney St. | Houston, TX 77002

Your submission must include:
  •  Child’s full name
  •  Child’s age & grade if applicable
  •  Parent or guardian full name AND if this is a class project the Teacher’s name
  •  School attended (if not applicable, please say pre-K or home school)
  •  Contact information so that we may contact you if you win:
  •  Two Phone Numbers OR
  •  Phone number and E-mail address
This contest is being conducted and sponsored by the Houston Public Library. Find out more at your local branch of the Houston Public Library.

Cheap Movies, Good to give

This Saturday at all our locations, STUFIO MOVIE GRILL, is hosting a Special Needs screening of R...IO in 2D at 11am. Special Needs Kids and siblings are free, everyone else is $5. These screenings are sponsored by Variety in Texas and Land'o'Lakes in Georgia, so a big thank you to those guys for making this possible.

Free Science Museum

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is hosting a FREE family night for Houston ISD students this Thursday, April 21st, 5pm - 8pm. The first 2000 guests are free; all others are $5. Children 3 and under are free. Includes entry into exhibit halls and Texas! The Exhibition.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Free Trees AND a lowe's project

Now that I'm back on track with the lowe's project, I also learned Lowe’s is celebrating Earth Day this month and giving away one million trees.  Go to your neighborhood Lowe’s on
April 23 to get your free tree seedling.
Trees are abour 4 inches high. Each store is giving away a few hundred trees.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Go Stros

Astros home games with the roof open. The team hosts the Padres tonight through Sunday; the next home stand starts April 26 against the Cardinals. Minute Maid Park.
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=hou

Twice as funny, half the price

Sounds like a date night! Buy half price David Sedaris tickets or get two for one, it's a deal either way you look at it :)

Looking for an evening filled with satire and wit?  Fans of best-selling author and humorist David Sedaris will be thrilled to attend his Houston performance at half price this week.  You’ll need to sign up with Goldstar to take advantage of this deal (it’s free).  Currently, the April 19 show at 8 p.m. is discounted half price — $22 rather than $44.  Sedaris will be at Jones Hall “dishing out his trademark satire in hilarious doses,” according to the Society for the Performing Arts.
Sedaris is the author of several books, including Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and his most recent, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk.
Thanks to Houston on the Cheap for this great offer.
Sam's club -- shop without a membership this weekend.

Gymboree Discount

Gymboree Play & Music has the
perfect class for you and your child!
 
Enroll Now and Save Big!
 
Spring Enrollment Special: 
- Only $49 for your first month*
(Excludes Schools Skills & Camp)
- No new member fee
-Free Open Gyms
Easy monthly enrollment. Start classes when you're ready!
Call, click or email to enroll today!
713-953-0444 
http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe28167476600379701d71&ls=fdf312737062057a71177676&m=feff1778756607&l=fe6416797166047c7317&s=fe2b107574600c7e701674&jb=ffcf14&t=
FREE DEPOT DAY 10-5 TODAY 426 Melton St Magnolia TX. Face painting, bounce houses and more!!
OOPS! Lowes is next saturday april 23rd not this satirday the 16th. I got ahead of myself!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Don't forget

This Satuday is Also the Houston Area Live Steamers Zube park Train.

AND Saturday is also a free lowe's build and grow project.

Free bag at target

Can you ever have too many bags?!!  As part of its Earth Day promotions, Target is giving away free reusable bags April 17 to one million folks, while supplies last. ( That’s only a few hours, from first-hand experience!)  The cute slogan on the bag reads “Fill. Refill. Repeat.” Note that you must make a purchase to get this freebie.
Bags are made possible by Tide, GE, Coca-Cola, Green Works, and Tom’s of Maine.

Record Day

It’s almost the third Saturday in April, which means it’s time for Record Store Day 2011. Folks who are passionate about music (and your indie record store), will not want to miss it.
On Record Store Day, hundreds of independently owned record stores throw a party. The specifics vary from store to store, but the day will often feature live performances, artist meet-and-greets, as well as vinyl & CD releases of works made especially for the day.
Record Store Day takes place April 16, 2011. Check with your local indie record store to find out details of the Record Store Day celebration near you.  There are lots of participating stores in Houston as well as Deer Park, Klein and League City.

A Summary of this weekend's free and/or fun activities!!!

It seems as though as the weather gets better, the more there is to do!
Below is a list of fun and creative things going on this weekend. Enjoy, pass along.

Houston Pet Expo The theme of this year’s event sounds fun: “Play Shop Learn Adopt”.  This free event, April 16, features agility demonstrations, entertainment stage, pet talent contest, pet costume contest, discount vaccinations, microchipping, and more. Shop at more than 100 exhibitors and rescue groups. The Pet Expo is located at Reliant Center, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Pets are welcome, with shot records.

Saturday, April 16 - Waste Management Earth Day - Houston Zoo
We will have a plenty of activities, crafts, music and more to make this Earth Day memorable!
Where: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr., Houston
When: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required
Cost: Earth Day activities are included with the cost of zoo admission.  Children 0-1, FREE; Children 2-11, $8.00; Adults 12-64, $12.00; Seniors 65+, $6.50     
For more info: www.houstonzoo.org/earthday

Saturday, April 16 - Healthy Kids Day - YMCA of Greater Houston
Join us for YMCA Healthy Kids Day, held at your local YMCA on Saturday, April 16. The community-based events at YMCA Healthy Kids Day celebrate making fitness fun, and introduces kids to an array of YMCA programs that teach healthy behaviors and healthy ways to play
Where: All Greater Houston YMCA locations. 
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.ymcahouston.org

Saturday, April 16 - 23rd Annual Bunny Hop
The Bunny Trail will feature thousands of colorful eggs; Bring your camera for pictures with the Bunny. Free admission and parking.
Where: Community Park, 1700 Glenn Lakes Blvd.
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.missouricitytx.gov
 
Saturday, April 16 - Spring Fling - Earth Day Celebration
Join us as we celebrate Earth Day at the Nature Discovery Center. This FREE family event has something for everyone: children’s crafts and activities, nature walks, environmental exhibitors, and music on the front porch. Inside the house visitors may browse a Spring Gift Market.
Where: The Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost: FREE

Saturday, April 16 - Annual Springtacular Kids Event - Borders Meyerland Saturday, April 16 - Lemonade Day! - Chick Fil A Holcombe
The Lemonade Day organization will be registering students for National Lemonade Day. We will also be handing out FREE samples of lemonade along with free face painting and balloon art for the kids!
Where: Chick Fil A - West U, 3101 Holcombe, Houston, 77025
When: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required
Cost: Free
For more info: www.cfarestaurant.com

Saturday, April 16 - Celebrate Earth Day! - Lakeshore Learning Store
Decorate a FREE kid's tote, plant a flower to grow at home, or play with products inspired by nature!
Where: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2405 Post Oak Blvd, Houston
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Preschool and early elementary ages
How: No pre-registration required
Cost: Free

The 1960s musical, Hairspray, is on stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre, this Friday and Saturday April 15-16 at 8 p.m.  Free tickets for covered reserved seats are available at the box office on performance day from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Or just grab a blanket and enjoy seating on the big hill.  Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 6000 Hermann Park Dr.

 San Jacinto Day Festival, celebrates the battle that won Texas’ independence in 1836.  Visit the San Jacinto Battleground State Historical Park on Saturday, April 16, for its battle re-enactment with horses and cannons, living history camps, live music, arts and crafts, period artisan demonstrations, and more.  Great family fun and learning!  Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 3523 Battleground Road in La Porte.

Watch creativity in motion: High school and college teams from around the world compete at the Shell Eco-Marathon April 15-17 at Discovery Green. The annual competition promotes innovation, eco-efficiency, and invention as teams build and test vehicles for maximum efficiency.  Visitors can check out the Energy Zone exhibits and practice runs.  Streets are closed around Discovery Green.  Hours are 9 .m. – 4 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

It’s a big day on 19th Street in the Heights at its Spring Fling, Saturday, April 16. The full-day event features lots of family fun including Easter bunny photos, egg hunt, Sleeping Beauty production, pie eating contest, local school music and dance performances, and art cars on display.  Live music kicks off for adults from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Don’t miss the “egg hop” eggs at participating merchants with discounts and prizes.  Spring Fling is located on 19th Street in the Heights from Shepherd to Yale.
 
Bayou Bend Family Day, Things Worth Writing, ties into National Poetry Month with storytelling, art activities, music, poetry, performances, puzzles, mural making, scavenger hunt, and more. Learn about poetry, and try your hand at prose. This free event, Sunday, April 17, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., is at Bayou Bend Collections and its sister site, Rienzi.  A complimentary shuttle runs between the two sites at 6003 Memorial and 1406 Kirby Dr.  Find the complete schedule online.

Saturday, April 16 - Bellaire Art Festival
Since its inception, the Bellaire Art Festival has provided a venue for thousands of local artists to display and sell their works - many of whom were just starting their careers as successful artists. Cultivating local talent is one of the many reasons that the Bellaire Art Festival has been so successful and is still around today. And make sure you bring the kids too - the Bellaire Art Festival has a fantastic children's area complete with petting zoo, face painting, bouncy castles, children's art, and entertainment for the young ones. If you get hungry, check out the local cuisine scattered around the park - you'll find anything from corndogs to crawfish to kettle korn!
Where: Bellaire Town Square, 7008 S. Rice Avenue, Bellaire
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required
Cost: FREE

Saturday, April 9 through Saturday, April 23 - Easter Bunny Photo Experience
The Easter Bunny will be hopping in for a visit to the Houston Galleria.
Where: Houston Galleria,Galleria II, in front of Ann Taylor
When: n/a
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost: Cost of your desired photo package.
For more info: www.simon.com/mall. Scrool down to Houston Galleria News and Events.


Easter Egg Hunt at Old Town Spring
Old Town Spring
Located at end of Spring Cypress, one mile east of I-45
Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m.
Merchants supply the eggs and prizes for the 10 a.m. egg hunt.  For kids 12 and under.  Sign up by 9:30 a.m. Celebration is at Thyme Square at Noble and Preston, one block north of Main Street.
Easter Egg Hunt and Open House
TGR Exotics
Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
22115 Sherrod Lane in Spring
Easter egg hunt times vary by ages: 11:30 a.m. (2-4), 12:30 p.m. (5-7) and 1:30 p.m. (8-10). No animal tours…
Community Easter Egg Hunts
Sugar Creek Baptist
Saturday, April 16 and April 23
More than 20 community Easter egg hunts are hosted by members of this church.  See list of the different community hunts at various apartments, community club houses, playgrounds, and churches in Sugar Land, Missouri City and more.
Easter Egg Hunt/Helicopter Egg Drop at the Farm
7 Acre Wood
4401 N. Frazier in Conroe
Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free community egg hunt at 10 a.m.   A noon helicopter egg drop plus special prizes, games, music, and food.
The Orange Show Easter Egg Hunt
The Orange Show Monument
2402 Munger
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m.
Explore the 3,000 sq. ft maze/folk monument for hidden eggs, treats, and oranges!
Easter Eggstravaganza
Clear Lake United Methodist Church
16335 El Camino Real
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to noon
The egg hunt kicks off at 10 a.m. followed by petting zoo, moonwalk, Easter Bunny, train, pony rides, and free food.
Bear Creek UMC’s Eggstragavanza
Bear Creek United Methodist Church
16000 Rippling Water
Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. – noon
Dye Easter eggs, decorate baskets, practice egg hunt, and photos with the Easter bunny.  Egg hunt for 3 and under begins at 11:15 a.m.  Another hunt at 11:45 a.m. for kids 4 through 5th grade.
Easter in the Gardens
Moody Gardens in Galveston
Sunday, April 24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free Easter event featuring egg hunt, arts-n-crafts, petting zoo, music, games…

Helicopter Drop, 5,000 Eggs for Egg Hunt
The Way Church
24418 I-45 N. in The Woodlands
Sunday, April 24, 11 a.m.
It’s the biggest egg drop in Montgomery County with big prizes!

Saturday, April 16 - Easter Eggstravaganza - First UMC Westchase
Join us for Easter Eggstravaganza Saturday, April 16, from 9:00am to 12:30pm,  at the Westchase Campus. This is a FREE community event and children are invited to participate in the egg hunt with candy and prizes. The event begins at 9:00am with Breakfast with the Bunny, face painting, arts and crafts projects, games, train rides, pony rides, moon walks, and a petting zoo. There will be an Easter Basket contest as special prizes for golden eggs. The egg hunt begins at noon and after the hunt children can “recycle” their eggs and redeem them for candy and prizes.
Where: First United Methodist Church Westchase - Quillian Center, 10570 Westpark Dr., Houston (map)
When: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Who: Children
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.fmhouston.com

Easter and the start of Spring is a time of new beginnings and opportunities. Bring the whole family to celebrate the season with a special kids event.
Where: Borders Meyerland, 570 Meyerland Plaza, Houston
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Best for ages 3 - 8.
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost: Free
For more info: www.borders.com