the big to-do

Photo by Brandy Dykes Photography | Cypress, TX

Families can discover plenty of child-friendly activities during the last part of summer. Here are the top events happening in and around for the month of August.

All events listed are FREE unless otherwise noted.

AUGUST 1

Turtles Leapin’ lizards, slitherin’ snakes, and tough turtles! Join naturalist for a firsthand look at the turtles that live in Harris County, how to identify them, and the benefits they provide us. hcp4.net/jones Jesse Jones Nature Center 10am. All ages

Reptile Open House (August 1 & 2) Guests of all ages are invited to meet a variety of reptiles and amphibians from the largest pythons to the smallest frogs while learning about their fascinating natural history. Visitors will enjoy live animal displays, including an appearance from Lucky, the 10-footlong Burmese python. hcp4.net/jones Jesse Jones Nature Center 1-4pm. All ages

Free Sandcastle Building Lessons (all summer) Galveston is hosting a free, familyfriendly event series to help beachgoers create spectacular sandcastles with tips from the pros. Galveston.com Stewart Beach, Galveston All day. All ages

1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tour Offering participant a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits. Galveston.com Bishop’s Palace, Galveston 11am-12:30pm. All ages Virtual Galveston Island Beach Revue This special online event will feature special presentations, guest appearances, live performances, and more leading up to everyone’s favorite Bathing Beauties Contest! Galveston.com Virtual. 2-4pm. All ages

Photography workshop: understanding color These community-driven workshops focus on photography as a means for creative expression and acquiring basic photography skills. facebook.com/LevyParkHou/ Virtual 9am. Age: 15+

AUGUST 2

Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival (until August 14th) Enjoy live chamber music right from your home this summer with a livestreamed line-up of 13 concerts. Roco.org Virtual concert. Various times. All ages

Arts and Crafts Online with The Orange Show: Making slime If you have 5 minutes and 4 ingredients, you can make ooey, gooey, fun-for-hours slime! Watch as Houston artist Que Byers from The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art shows you how. discoverygreen.com/crafts Virtual craft. Various time. All ages

Bayou Bikers On the first Sunday of the month for 25- to 40-mile bike rides exploring the bayous of Houston. Rides are open to all. Mountain bikes or bikes with fat tires are encouraged. marketsquarepark.com Market Square 8am. All ages

AUGUST 3

Summer Art Explorers: Playing with animals Explore inspiring and extraordinary works of art either in person or online, and discover amazing art in the Modern & Contemporary collection. Print the downloadable guides to use at home, or bring them with you. Each guide contains activities, conversation starters, and instructions for an art project to make at home. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 7+

Story Time in the Gardens every Monday Mercer Botanic Gardens invites parents and children to enjoy story time in the natural setting of the garden. Story time garden locations may vary each week. hcp4.net/parks/mercer Mercer Botanic Gardens 10:30am. Age: 2-5

Full Moon Labyrinth Walk: Sturgeon Moon The public is invited to participate in Full Moon labyrinth walks. Each walk begins approximately 1/2 hours after sunset. Galveston.com To access the beach labyrinth, use the seawall steps located at 17th and Seawall Boulevard. 8:35pm. Age: 10+

Live Virtual spider-man trivia game! Enjoy spider man trivia questions and fun facts hcpl.net Virtual Fairbanks Branch Library 4pm. All ages

AUGUST 4

Garden Tours every Tuesday and Thursday Stroll through the gardens with a garden docent or staff member to look for seasonal color, perennial favorites, and more. hcp4.net/parks/mercer Mercer Botanic Gardens 8:30am. All ages

Gardening in the Tropical Garden Join a Mercer horticulturist in the Tropical Garden to work with palms, plumerias, bamboo, and special collections. Tools and gloves will be provided. hcp4.net/parks/mercer Mercer Botanic Gardens 9-11am. Age: 16+ Trivia Game Test your trivia skills with this fun filled game held over the phone. westutx.gov/1189/West-U-Virtual-Play Virtual 11am. Age: 10+

Virtual Baby storytime Join our Storytime and engage with your baby at Barbara Bush. hcpl.net Virtual Barbara Bush Library 10am. Age: 0-5

Virtual Toddler Yoga Namaste! Enjoy sun salutations and other yoga poses on the spring branch memorial branch library Facebook page. hcpl.net Virtual spring branch memorial library 10:15am. Age: 4+

AUGUST 5

Homestead Open House every Wednesday and Saturday Appreciate modern conveniences by taking a step back in time. Enjoy a look around the park’s historically accurate 1830s Redbud Hill Homestead and Akokisa-Ishak Village. Learn about two very different, yet successful ways of life. hcp4.net/jones Jesse h. Jones Nature Center 1-4pm. All ages

Free Comic Book Summer! (until September 9th) Come in and pick up new, exciting, and (most importantly) FREE comic books all throughout the summer! Be on the lookout for Social Media Posts detailing which Books will be released each week so you can grab your favorite titles. Freecomicbooktoday.com Various locations, The Woodlands Various times. All ages

Virtual Trivia Night Join in a round of Online Trivia! twitch.tv/thernrnerd Virtual 7:30pm. All ages

Virtual Variety Show Did you think we’d stop bringing you Storytime and fun crafts just because it’s Summer? Never! hcpl.net Virtual Barbara Bush Library 10am. All ages

Movie night: 10 Things I hate about you Enjoy an outdoor screening of 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13). Bring your blankets and watch as a pretty, popular teenager can’t go out on a date until Katarina (Julia Stiles), her ill-tempered older sister, does. marketsquarepark.com Market Square 8:30pm. All ages zookeepers are caring for them. Follow along and check out the fun at-homelearning activities below! houstonzoo.org/bringing-the-zoo-to-you/ Virtual 11am. All ages

AUGUST 6

At-Home Art Making Let’s make art! Follow along with how-to videos and downloadable instruction guides to create works of art inspired by art from across the world and time. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 4+

Gardening in the Children’s and Vegetable Gardens Join a Mercer staff member to plant new plants, sow seeds, thin and harvest vegetables, and weed garden beds in the Children’s Garden and Vegetable Garden. hcp4.net/parks/mercer Mercer Botanic Gardens 9-11am. All ages

George Hermann’s 177 th birthday Party Children of all ages to celebrate our Park’s namesake and hero, George Hermann. In honor of his 177th birthday. Kids’ activities including games, arts and crafts, face painting and more! hermannpark.org Hermann Park 10am-2pm. All ages

Rock the Row at Hughes Landing: Classic Rock Experience Hughes Landing on scenic Lake Woodlands with FREE, live music Thursday evenings. woodlandsonline.com/ Hughes Landing, The Woodlands 7pm. All ages

Educator Day at HMH Educators interested in learning more about Holocaust Museum Houston are invited to visit the Museum for free. hmh.org Holocaust Museum 5-9pm. Age: adult

AUGUST 7

Fun4Kids Program: Stay Fit and Active Staying motivated to keep fit and active in all seasons can be a challenge. With this activity kit, you can get in workouts without taking up a lot of space. Please call 281-591-7830 to sign up, as supplies are limited. hcp4.net/mhc Mangum-Howell Center 11:00am-1pm. All ages

Children’s story hour every Friday Bring your little ones to listen to a story every Friday morning in the McGovern Centennial Garden’s Family Garden. After the reading, children are invited to participate in a fun activity like coloring a picture or planting a seed to take home. hermannpark.org Hermann Park 10am. All ages

Galveston Seafarers Center Free Coffee Fridays Each Friday, the Galveston Seafarers Center hosts “Free Coffee Fridays”. It’s a chance for the local community to come in and see the newly renovated center. Galveston.com Galveston Seafarers Center, 221 20th Street 8:30-11:00am. All ages

Virtual Bingo You will need two Bingo cards and a way to mark your cards (like seeds or buttons) during this virtual Bingo game played online or by phone, using Join.me. westutx.gov/1189/West-U-Virtual-Play Virtual. 2pm. Age: 5+

AUGUST 8

Second Saturday Settlers: Homestead Fun Sample homemade ice cream and watermelon, play old-fashioned games, and witness the daily activities of Texas settlers at the Redbud Hill Homestead. Reservations are required. hcp4.net/jones Jesse h. Jones Nature Center 1-4pm. All ages

Family Day: Needle Through a Balloon Locate the areas on the balloon that can be stretched, allowing the skewer to penetrate through the balloon without it popping. oceanstaroec.com Ocean Star, Galveston 10am-3pm. All ages

La Porte Kids’ Rodeo Calling all amateur cowboys and cowgirls, the City of La Porte is planning a rodeo you won’t want to miss! Arena events for all ages and fun for the whole family are sure to be had here. ci.la-porte.tx.us Lomax Rodeo Arena Noon. All ages

Virtual Children Spanish storytime Enjoy stories in Spanish read by local celebrities. For small children and those that love children’s books. facebook.com/mcmlsTX/ Virtual. 10am. Age: under 7

TEXAS BACK TO SCHOOL TAX FREE WEEKEND AUGUST 7-9, 2020

AUGUST 9

Second Sunday Pickers Join this musical group celebrating more than 30 years of concerts! The Second Sunday Pickers entertain with acoustic music, including country-and-western, bluegrass, folk, gospel, Cajun, and blues. Visitors are welcome to listen to free folk music or bring an instrument to play along. hcp4.net/jones Jesse h. Jones Nature Center 2-4pm. All ages

Sunday Indoor/outdoor Farmers Market The purpose of our farmers market is to bring fresh and local, top quality food products. woodlandsonline.com 14310 FM 1488, Magnolia 2-6pm. All ages

AUGUST 10

Summer Art Explorers: Playing and building Explore inspiring and extraordinary works of art either in person or online, and discover amazing art in the Modern & Contemporary collection. Print the downloadable guides to use at home, or bring them with you. Each guide contains activities, conversation starters, and instructions for an art project to make at home. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 7+

National Audubon Society Outside your door, on your way to work, at the beach, birds are everywhere. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first pair of binoculars or an experienced birder in search of identification. audubon.org/birding/how-to-startbirding Virtual. Various times. All ages

AUGUST 11

Keep Cool! Get the Scoop! Ice Cream Parade I scream, you scream, we all scream for sweet ice cream and pops! Cool off Houston’s summer heat by attending the Mangum-Howell Center drive-thru ice cream parade. Registration is required. Please call 281-591-7830 to sign up; ice cream is limited. hcp4.net/mhc Mangum-Howell Center 1-3pm. All ages

Water Play at Kinder Lake Kayaking on Kinder Lake is a fun and easy way to try out this water sport beneath the shadow of the Houston skyline. Kayak and R/C sail boats are available. discoverygreen.com/kayak Kinder Lake at Discovery green All day. All ages Story time videos from the Bellaire Library Babies and Books. bellairetx.gov/657/Library Virtual. 10am. Age: 1-4

Sensei teach me Japanese! Come learn and practice Japanese with friends and a native speaker! hcpl.net Aldine Branch Library - Aldine Meeting Room 4-6pm. Age: 15+

AUGUST 12

Virtual Lunch Bunch: Big Bend Camping and Collections Trip Join Mercer greenhouse manager, Jacob Martin, and Brandon Hubbard, the manager of The Mercer Society’s Horticultural Propagation Center, for this online presentation as they share their Big Bend journey, including the difficulties they overcame. hcp4.net/parks/mercer Mercer Botanic Gardens 12pm. Age 12+

Story time videos from the Bellaire Library Little Listeners www.bellairetx.gov/657/Library Virtual. 10am. Age: 3-8

AUGUST 13

Let’s make beads: exploring African bead work Let’s make art! Follow along with how-to videos and downloadable instruction guides to create works of art inspired by art from across the world and time. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 4+

Rock the Row at Hughes Landing: Dance/pop Experience Hughes Landing on scenic Lake Woodlands with FREE, live music Thursday evenings. woodlandsonline.com/ Hughes Landing, The Woodlands 7pm. All ages

Chinese Calligraphy and Tea Tasting Savor the tasting of special teas while learning Chinese calligraphy. hcpl.net/events/24493 La Porte Branch Library 10am. Age: 10+

AUGUST 14

Boots, Chaps, and Cowboy Hats Round up the posse! Wear your best cowboy outfits to pick up a new do-at-home craft. Staff will have craft kits ready for participants to create a fun sand art picture. Packages will be handed out in the parking lot. Smile for the camera in our drive-thru photo booth while you wait! hcp4.net Big Stone Lodge, Dennis Johnston Park 1:30pm. All ages

VIRTUAL Beats & Eats Join our virtual party featuring local musical talent and great vibes. Guests are encouraged to support local restaurants during Beats & Eats. facebook.com/MidtownPark/ Virtual 6:30-9:30pm. All ages

AUGUST 15

Walk with the Doc Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your weekend than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improving your general health to live longer! hermannpark.org Hermann Park 9am. All ages

Photography workshop: introduction to landscape These community-driven workshops focus on photography as a means for creative expression and acquiring basic photography skills. facebook.com/LevyParkHou/ Virtual 9am. Age: 15+

Express Children’s Theatre, Improvisation in Art & Life Putting on a show requires more skills than just acting, writing, directing and design. Students have to be able to effectively express themselves, work well with others, lead when required, and stand up and be heard. levyparkhouston.org Levy Park Events Pavilion 1pm. All ages

Virtual Children Spanish storytime Enjoy stories in Spanish read by local celebrities. For small children and those that love children’s books. facebook.com/mcmlsTX/ Virtual. 10am. Age: under 7

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill The Woodlands Farmer’s Market with local Produce, prepared food, and Artisan Goods every Saturday rain or shine. woodlandsonline.com/ 7 Switchbud Place, The Woodlands 8am-noon. All ages

AUGUST 16

Be bedazzled at Smither Park Take the kids out to explore art, swings, arches, tiles, furniture, murals and other interesting installations all connected by a mosaic walkway. orangeshow.org/about-smither-park Smither Park All day. All ages Fly at the Cockrell Butterfly Center Walk through a living butterfly habitat, marvel at spectacular live and preserved specimens of some of the world’s largest and weirdest arthropods, and enjoy interactive games and quizzes. hmns.org/cockrell-butterfly-center/ Cockrell butterfly center at the Natural Museum of Science All day. Every day. All ages

AUGUST 17

Summer Art Explorers: Playing with snack time Explore inspiring and extraordinary works of art either in person or online, and discover amazing art in the Modern & Contemporary collection. Print the downloadable guides to use at home, or bring them with you. Each guide contains activities, conversation starters, and instructions for an art project to make at home. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 7+

STEM Club STEM Club has gone virtual! Pick up your next STEM Club kit through curbside. hcpl.net Atascocita Branch Library 4pm. All ages

AUGUST 18

Virtual Children’s Story Time Join in for a virtual sing-a-long performance by AndyRoo & the AndyRooniverse followed by a special reading from iWrite Literacy. facebook.com/midtownHOU/ Virtual. 11:30am All ages

Whodunnit? Have you ever wanted to solve a real-life mystery? hcpl.net/events/20515 Maud Smith Marks Branch Library 7pm. All ages

AUGUST 19

Virtual Family Storytime: Carrot & Pea Tune in to the story telling of Carrot & Pea an unlikely friendship. houstonlibrary.org Virtual. 11am. Age: under 7

Virtual Event: bedtime Yoga & Meditation for Kids A kid-friendly calming breath exercises and tell an interactive yoga story with gentle poses to relax our bodies. Afterward, we’ll finish with a candlelight Secret Garden meditation. facebook.com/bloomingbreathyoga Virtual 6:30pm. All ages

AUGUST 20

Let’s make monsters: exploring found objects Let’s make art! Follow along with how-to videos and downloadable instruction guides to create works of art inspired by art from across the world and time. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 4+

Craft: Keep Calm with Ceramics and Sounds Let your creative spirit soar as you listen to the soothing, meditative sounds of the wind while calmly painting ceramic pieces. Each participant will receive a bag that contains several ceramic pieces, one small assembled wind chime kit, and a set of paint and paintbrushes to complete the project. hcp4.net/mhc Mangum-Howell Center 11:00am-1pm. All ages

Make Time to Make Stuff Enjoy a fun craft. hcpl.net/events/27505 La Porte Branch Library 10am. Age: Adult

Virtual Blanket Bingo We’re hosting our famous “blanket” bingo with your favorite host Mills McCoin, fun surprises and the chance to win a $50 gift card to some of your favorite restaurants in Downtown Houston! marketsquarepark.com Virtual 7pm. All ages

AUGUST 21

My Weird Read-A-Loud with Dan Gutman Cozy up on the sofa and listen to My Weird School author Dan Gutman as he reads chapters from his book. facebook.com/DanGutman-60020139122/ Virtual 1pm. All ages

Santa Monica College Planetarium Now A Virtual Night Sky Show is presented live via Zoom. The Night Sky programs last roughly 30 minutes. smc.edu/ACG/Marketing/Events/Pages/ Planetarium.aspx Virtual 7pm. All ages

Virtual Craft time: recycle egg cartons Eggs are delicious but what can we do with egg cartons? How about making cute little turtle? Houstonlibrary.org Virtual 10am. All ages

AUGUST 22

Wildlife Photography Come enjoy a presentation from a member of the Kingwood Photo Club and learn tips for snapping the perfect shot and discovering the wonders of outdoor photography. hcp4.net/jones Jesse h. Jones Nature Center 10am. Age: 10+

Fly the Fortress: Conroe Rides Day Come ride the B-17 Flying Fortress “Texas Raiders” or the Twin Beech C-45 JRB “Little Raider”. b17texasraiders.org General Aviation Services, 5260 Central Parkway, Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport, Conroe 10am-4pm. Age: 10+

Summer Family “Camp out” Come enjoy a fun, family-friendly event for all ages. Explore NEO’s interactive campsite with tents, games, friendly competitions, and even a lawn fishing tournament while listening to live music. sugarlandtownsquare.com Sugarland Town Square 6:30pm. All ages

AUGUST 23

Arts and Crafts Online with The Orange Show: Monster boxes Little monsters running around your house? Show them how to make cute and quirky monster boxes. All they need is a small recycled box, tape, glue and either markers, watercolors or food coloring. discoverygreen.com/crafts Virtual craft. Various time. All ages

Grand Park Sunday Sessions: The Well Let the beat drop at home this summer as the annual dance and music party goes online. Some of LA’s finest House music curators host multiple-hour sets on select Sundays. grandparkla.org/event/sundaysessions-2020/ Virtual 4-10pm. All ages

AUGUST 24

Summer Art Explorers: Playing with toys Explore inspiring and extraordinary works of art either in person or online, and discover amazing art in the Modern & Contemporary collection. Print the downloadable guides to use at home, or bring them with you. Each guide contains activities, conversation starters, and instructions for an art project to make at home. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 7+ Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: An interactive Virtual event Interesting in learning about the stars in our solar system? You will have the opportunity to ask all your burning questions and about new stars, old stars, and the biggest star in our system: the sun. youtube.com/user/mjguillette Virtual 6:30pm. All ages

AUGUST 25

Two-For-Tuesdays: Buy One Aquarium Adventure Pass, Get One FREE on Tuesdays! Enjoy the day at the aquarium. aquariumrestaurants.com/ Downtown Aquarium All day. All ages

Harry Potter at Home Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is read aloud by actors from the Harry Potter series. wizardingworld.com/collections/harrypotter-at-home Virtual Various times. All ages

AUGUST 26

Stars, Stripes and Crafts Round up the posse! Wear your best cowboy outfits to pick up a new do-at-home craft. Staff will have craft kits ready for participants to create a fun sand art picture. Packages will be handed out in the parking lot. Smile for the camera in our drive-thru photo booth while you wait! hcp4.net Big Stone Lodge, Dennis Johnston Park 1:30pm. All ages

Nature Story Time Stories, live animals, specimens, stuffed animals, and sometimes a craft, coloring page, or nature walk in the park for preschoolers and their caregivers. naturediscoverycenter.org Nature Discovery Center 4pm. Age: under 7

AUSGUST 27

Let’s make webs: exploring weaving Let’s make art! Follow along with how-to videos and downloadable instruction guides to create works of art inspired by art from across the world and time. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 4+

S E E E V E N M O R E FA M I LY F R I E N D LY E V E N T S I N O U R O N L I N E E V E N T S C A L E N D A R !

houstonfamilymagazine.com/event-directory/

Origami Oasis Try a new origami or papercraft project each month. hcpl.net/events/23643 La Porte Branch Library. Please register online or call 281-471-4022 to reserve your take-home kit. 10am. Age: Adult

Virtual afternoon book Club Join in a lively discussion about literary great reads. hcpl.net/events/34765 Barbara Bush Library. To join contact cc@hcpl.net 2pm. Age: Adult

AUGUST 28

Craft: Get Crafty! Rock On! River stones look attractive and can be used to make a fun craft activity. All you need are small, smooth stones and colorful paints. Each stone can be painted using inspirational words or phrases, designs, or patterns. The beautiful personalized stones are perfect to decorate your flower garden, mark indoor herbs, or give as personal gifts. hcp4.net/mhc Mangum-Howell Center 11:00am-1pm. All ages

Get your Zen Back at the Japanese Garden Stroll through the peaceful paths of the Japanese Garden that features a traditionally designed teahouse and Japanese landscaping. It’s a great place to think, read, meditate, take pictures or hang with someone special. Garden.org Hermann Park All day. All ages

AUGUST 29

Aurora Picture Show, Making Movies with Animation Immerse yourself in the world of animation through activities that explore basic history, theory, and practice of the art. Students will conceptualize original characters and bring them to life with photographs, clay or objects. Invent your own story and characters and watch them come to life with a few moves. levyparkhouston.org Levy Park events Pavilion 1pm. All ages Urban Harvest Farmers Market on Buffalo Speedway An inner Loop mainstay, Urban Harvest’s open-air farmers market features more than 70 local vendors and food producers. urbanharvest.org/farmers-market/ Urban Harvest Farmers Market 8am-12:30pm. All ages

Opry on the Square Come out to enjoy Country Now and Then, featuring country favorites that will appeal to all generations of country music fans! sugarlandtownsquare.com Sugarland Town Square 7:30pm. All ages

AUGUST 30

Get some fresh air at the Armand Bayou Nature Center Enjoy 2000 acres of lush nature preserve with hiking trails, wildlife and bird watching. Abnc.org Armand Bayou Nature Center All day. All ages

AUGUST 31

Let’s make stamps: exploring patterns and colors Let’s make art! Follow along with how-to videos and downloadable instruction guides to create works of art inspired by art from across the world and time. mfah.org Museum of Fine Arts Houston All day. Age: 4+

Bike, Hike, or run on the Ho Chi Minh Trails Rediscover the mixed-use trails at the south end of Memorial Park called the Ho Chi Minh in reference to the jungle paths of Vietnam. Grab your bike, hike, run and encounter an occasional horse rider. Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Dr. All day. All ages