Houston Family Magazine April 2022 Issue

April 22 | Vol. 34 | Issue 4

M

KY AR

O U R CA L E N D

AR FO

HELLO SPRING!

R

U

AN

•S

DS

KAT Y

GA R

L AND

• TH

O E WO

DL

CAMP DIRECTORY SPRING CLEANING

FOR YOUR TEEN

YES DAY!

NO WAY?

HEALTHY EASTER TREATS

FOR KIDS

GET AWAY TO

GATLINBURG, TN

DON’T PUT YOUR HEALTH ON HOLD

SCHEDULE AN IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL VISIT TODAY Routine checkups are essential to long-term health. That’s why Memorial Hermann Medical Group has put enhanced safety measures in place at all locations, ensuring every visit is a safe one.

Whether you opt to see your doctor in person or through a Virtual Office Visit, you can get the care you need with peace of mind.

To schedule a same-day or next-day appointment, call 832.658.MHMG (6464).

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

2 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

memorialhermann.org/mhmg

3 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7 8 12 16

Yes Day

By Camryn W

ells

18 20 32

ON THE COVER

34

FAMILY FUN MUST HAVES FOR APRIL curated by HFM Staff

HOW TO CREATE A MEDITATION GARDEN FOR YOUR FAMILY written by Sandi Schwartz

YES DAY!

written by Camryn Wells

TAMING THE CLUTTER...THE TEEN YEARS written by Jill Morgenstern

10 SURPRISING REASONS TO GIVE YOUR KIDS CHORES written by Jill Morgenstern

5 GREAT REASONS TO SEND YOUR KIDS TO SLEEP AWAY CAMP written by Tanni Haas, PhD

GATEWAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, GATLINBURG, TN Kimberly Davis Guerra

HEALTHY TREATS FOR KIDS FOR EASTER written by Dr. Keith Kantor

photo by: Chubby Cheek Photography

SUMMER

camp directory

Planning summer breaks can be OVERWHELMING! Let us be your go-to resource when it comes to making your plans for this year!

Camps are sorted by category and ages accepted are prominently featured.

All offer a unique & fun experience!

6 FAMILY FYI

36 THE BIG TO-DO

Things you need to know

From Blue Willow Bookshop

Explore all the fun things happening in the Greater Houston area.

4 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

ACADEMIC

15 BOOK BITES

ACADEMIC

Win a trip to LegoLand, Florida

ACADEMIC

5 PUBLISHER'S NOTE

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

IN EVERY ISSUE

Asia Society Culture Camp ASIASOCIETY.ORG/TEXAS 713.496.9905

Ages 6-17

Asia Society Texas' ExploreAsia camps seek to advance young learners' understanding of the world through fun, interactive, and meaningful activities.

Camps are designed to engage students with Asian art, culture, and history.

Building Brains Lego Engineering BUILDINGBRAINS.BIZ 713.204.0770

Ages 3-14

Building Brains Campers will work on their S.T.E.M. skills while building Motorized Cars, Dog Bots, Drag Racers and Crawlers. Campers will also build machines using Wind Energy, Pneumatic Energy and Solar Energy.

Intro to Robotics with programing for Sound, Lights and Motion.

We are not just BUILDING….we are BUILDING BRAINS!

Camp Invention INVENT.ORG/LOCAL 800.968.4332

Ages 5 - 12

Unlock your child’s potential at Camp Invention®! This nationally acclaimed K-6 program returns to Houston with all-new, hands-on STEM adventures.

Register and save today at invent.org/local

Capitol Debate CAPITOLDEBATE.COM 800.450.5012

Ages 11-17

Capitol Debate Summer Camps teach the fundamentals of public speaking and argumentation, enabling kids to develop core presentation and debating skills that boost confidence and self-esteem. Houston camp at UofH.

Code Ninjas - Sugar Land CODENINJAS.COM 281.456.3010

Ages 5 - 14

CHECK OUT THE SPRING/ SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

Code Ninjas offers a range of programs for many age groups where they learn to code. We shift kid’s mindsets from consuming to producing technology. Kids have fun, parents see results.

PAGE 24

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

publisher/editor

Kimberly Davis Guerra kim@houstonfamilymagazine.com

One of my son's all time favorite trips was to LegoLand in California when he was 5 years old. It was the perfect age and he was OBSESSED with Legos at the time. What made it so wonderful was the fact that the park was obviously soaked in Legos (they were everywhere), there also was other things to do besides building Legos. The park offered rides and 4D movies, food & fun. Not to mention the most awesome assortments of Legos that you have ever seen!

It was one of those times that you look back on fondly as they grow up and hope that you fully appreciated the time spent together.

This month, there is a NEW LegoLand attraction, PeppaPig opening in Orlando, FL. and we have a Family VACAY to giveaway! I am certain it is going to be equally as awesome as the CA park!

This month also bring's Spring weather, baseball season, Earth Day and the last quarter for the kiddos before summer break! As we roll into spring, let's take this time to she some of the habits that no longer serve us. Let's teach or kids to do the same. Embrace all that Spring represents - healthy living, healthy planet and healthy space.

In this issue, we tackle the importance of creating an environment our kids and families can thrive in. One fun project is Creating a Meditation Garden for the family - a respite to shed the stress of the day!

associate editor

Chantal Lemieux chantal@houstonfamilymagazine.com

creative director/ production

Casey Johnson casey@houstonfamilymagazine.com

staff photographer Amy Garrett

contributing authors Kimberly Davis Guerra Tanni Haas Keith Kantor Jill Morgenstern Sandi Schwartz Camryn Wells

Bodhi at LegoLand, Carlsbad, CA 2013

Win a TRIP to LegoLand, FL (2) Nights @ LEGOLAND Hotel & (3) 2Day Park Passes

Enter online at HoustonFamilyMagazine.com

Or, how about Taming the Clutter? Good skills for all ages, but we focus on the teenagers in this one!

Definitely falls in line with spring cleaning time.

Looking for some fun?

How about incorporating a Yes Day in your life?

Sound daunting? Our new writer, Camryn Wells, gives us a new take on how to make a day both you & the kids enjoy!

Part of healthy living is healthy habits, which are tough to stick to these days. One of the toughest in my house is getting out & about. That's why the 5 reasons for sleep away camp hits home! If you are needing some encouragement on the importance for sending them away, don't miss this one!

Be sure to come out to Camp Fair on April 9t & 10th to meet with some great local and overnight camps to book for this summer!

5 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

advertising sales Beverly Davis Tish Petty

printing

Publication Printers Denver, Colorado

contact us:

1334 Brittmoore Rd. Box #1000B Houston, TX 77043 (P) 713.266.1885 (F) 713.266.1915 www.HoustonFamilyMagazine.com

FIND US ON FACEBOOK @houstonfamilymagazine FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @houstonfamilymagazine CONTACT US Let us know how we’re doing. kim@houstonfamilymagazine.com Houston Family is published monthly by Houston Family Magazine, LLC. Houston Family is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only Houston Family authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all submitted material. We cannot be responsible for the return of any submitted material.

Houston Family is ©2020 by Houston Family Magazine,LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without express permission is prohibited.

family FYI LIVING >

COMPOST WITHOUT ALL THE MESS! WWW.HOUSTONARBORETUM.ORG

LIVING HEALTHY

Spring Plant Sale April 1-2 9a - 4p

S pring is one of the best times to garden in Houston, so mark your calendars for the popular Spring Plant Sale at the Houston Arboretum. A variety of Texas natives will be featured, including perennial and annual wildflowers (including milkweed), grasses, shrubs and trees. These plants are perfect for attracting butterflies, bees and other pollinators to your yard or garden while helping to conserve water, reduce mowing, protect the soil and save money on fertilizer

J oin Houston's first

curbside compost service & help make the Earth a healthier & happier

Free Admission

and pesticides. A few of the 60+ plant varieties available include Crossvine, American Beautyberry, Texas Persimmon and Oakleaf Hydrangea.

EATING HEALTHY

place!

Offering Monthly, Bi-Weekly and Weekly Service starting at just $15 a month you can

FOR THOSE PICKY EATERS WWW.BLUEWILLOWBOOKSHOP.COM

M atthew McConoughey is not the

begin to compost and

only family member taking a turn at

save our planet.

writing. Camila Alves McConoughey has come out with a book every mom of a

Simply Log in to the

picky eater needs!

website at

"Just Try One Bite"

happyearthcompost.com

is the laugh-out-loud funny picture book the entire family will love! In this

to make sure they serve

wacky rhyming story, three kids are determined to get their parents to put

your area of town.

down the ice cream, cake, and chicken fried steak to just try one bite of healthy

Choose your plan and wait whole foods. But it's harder than it looks when these over-the-top gagging, for your bucket to get

picky parents refuse to give things like broccoli and kale a chance. Kids will love

delivered!

the jaunty rhyme that's begging to be read aloud and the opportunity to be way smarter—and healthier—than their parents.

They'll swing by at the allotted time and pick up

From yams and beets to linguini with clams, this story is a great way to

your bucket right from

introduce picky eaters to foods that'll broaden their palates. JUST TRY ONE BITE

your front porch!

is a perfect pick for readers who love the Dr. Seuss classic Green Eggs and Ham.

6 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

must haves for April

Backyard Explorers Kit

FAMILY FUN

TowerBall™ Bundle The next classic backyard game.

Fitness Rebounder

'swing, for it'll make you fly without wings'

Gardening in a Bag

Get the kids moving and outside! TowerBall, the next classic backyard game. $189.99 @calibergames.com Get them growing with little effort and big rewards.

Gardening in a Bag $14.50 @Anthropologie.com Let them loose with the Backyard Explorers kit. Give them a scavenger list or tell them to find at least 5 things that are alive in nature. $49.95 @ REI.com Fitness Rebounder for hours of jumping fun. Burn off all that energy for you or the kids $92.99 @ Walmart.com Swing, spin, rotate, twist and turn on this unique circular aerial swing. Hours of fun $199 @ Wayfair.com

7 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Aerial Hoop Spinning Round Swing

HOW TO CREATE A MEDITATION GARDEN FOR YOUR FAMILY Many of us dream about traveling the world to find the perfect tranquil spot where we can feel relaxed and peaceful. But sometimes, as Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.” Instead of spending your life searching for that special locale, why not create it right in your own backyard for your whole family to enjoy? written by Sandi Schwartz

8 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Build it & They Will Come Building a meditation garden is the best way to combine the incredible benefits of both nature and mindfulness activities to reduce stress in our lives.

This can also be a super fun way for your family to work together outdoors and plan a very special place for you all to relax together. In addition to the general benefits of being outside while working on your meditation garden, your children will also understand the importance of nature in our life, have a chance to get creative, and gain a sense of accomplishment from their hard work.

What Is A Meditation Garden?

The goal of a meditation garden is to provide a quiet, calm place for you to find balance and reduce emotional and physical stress. Although it is only a few steps from your house, it serves as a welcoming retreat to unwind and practice mindfulness.

Being outside surrounded by nature helps us heal.

We, as humans, have a nature instinct known as biophilia—an innate bond we share with all creatures and plants in the natural world that we subconsciously seek. Therefore, spending time in nature reduces our response to stress and allows us to recover from tense situations more quickly.

The natural world offers solace and comfort unlike what we find in any manmade environment. In fact, a breakthrough study in 2001 in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that a healing garden at a children’s hospital in California had positive effects on users—about 85 percent reported feeling more relaxed, refreshed, or better able to cope after spending only 5 minutes in the garden.

Perfect Escape You can design a garden in your backyard that serves as a sanctuary for your family members. It can turn into the perfect escape from your hectic daily schedule. What a wonderful place to take the kids after school before they start their homework or run off to a sport or music practice. They will feel so refreshed after a long, stressful day. And it will sure help us as parents keep our stress (and temper) in check!

9 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Elements of a Meditation Garden

Water

Water is known to give us a sense of peace and serenity. In fact, medical studies have found less cortisol (the stress hormone) and more serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine (the feel-good hormones) in people as they spend time in, on, or around water.

We become so focused on the water that we enter a mindful state, which is why adding water elements to your meditation garden is a must-have. The calming sound of running water can mask traffic and other distracting noises. Some ideas for incorporating Here are some of the most common elements found water into your garden include fish ponds, water bowls, bird baths, a fountain, a garden waterfall, or in a meditation garden: other trickling water features.

Besides being outdoors, meditation gardens typically contain elements that help make it the serene space you desire. A meditation garden should have several components that fill your senses, such as vivid colors, soothing sounds, interesting shapes and textures, comfortable places to sit or lie down, and lovely aromas. The best part is that you can choose the elements that you want for your space based on your personal preferences and goals for the garden.

Greenery

Besides green being a soothing color, greenery can serve as the foundation of your meditation garden.

Plants, shrubs, hedges, and trees can be used in a number of ways to create an isolated spot separate from the rest of your backyard. They can serve as a fence, sound or vision barrier, or create an artistic visual interest. If you use native plants, you can even attract wildlife to your sanctuary. Be sure to choose shrubs and trees that are easy to grow and don’t require much garden maintenance.

Shade It is important to design your garden with some shade so you and your kids stay cool and out of the sun. You can incorporate shade into your garden by adding a canopy, umbrella, pergola, or greenery.

Stone, Pebbles & Sand

As a contrast to plush elements like grasses, plants, and bushes, these solid materials provide a sense of strength to your meditation garden. Japanese Zen gardens, also known as Japanese rock gardens, Colorful Flowers include these simple elements to help soothe and heal us. As we see with mini Zen gardens people use You will have a blast choosing the beautiful flowers to on their office desks, raked sand is calming because plant throughout your garden. From tropical to it looks like water ripples or waves. herbal to desert style, the hardest part will be Pavers narrowing down all of your options! Look for shapes, lines, patterns, and colors that make you feel calm.

Most meditation gardens contain some type of Consider including some potted plants throughout pavers. You can get as creative as you want by your space, and even planting an herb or vegetable making patterns or spiral paths. Labyrinths made garden there as well. Flowers can also bring soothing from bricks or stones are popular since walking a aromas to your garden, such as aloe, jasmine, rose, labyrinth traditionally represents taking a journey to chamomile, or lavender. the inner self.

Seating Although not required, many people prefer to have a place to sit or lie down in their meditation garden.

Consider how you plan on spending your time in the garden. If you intend to read a book, then a comfortable meditation bench or meditation chair is a good choice. If you plan to lie down to meditate or take a nap, then consider a hammock or waterproof outdoor sofa. If you plan to stretch or practice yoga, then leave a clear, flat space big enough for a yoga mat or two, depending on how many people will be there.

Statues & Scupltures Some people like to include different types of statues or sculptures that have meaning to them. There are many possibilities like animals, Buddha images, or small pagodas.

ZEN

10 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

RELAX START PLANNING When you first start planning your meditation garden, it might feel overwhelming because the options are endless. Gather your family together and talk about what makes each of you feel at peace and what you plan on doing in that space.

Explore Then go exploring to find examples to model your garden after.

Look online for pictures, visit gardens at museums and hotels, notice your neighbors’ gardens more closely, and check out Botanical Gardens in your area. Research different styles of gardens from around the world, such as Japanese Zen, Chinese, Southwestern United States, Traditional English, and Middle Eastern.

Shop Once you have a vision of your serene space, visit your local gardening store to pick out materials or contact a landscaper for guidance. You will want to choose plants that are low maintenance to ensure that your meditation garden doesn’t become a new source of stress. Finally, try your best to use ecofriendly garden products to help protect the environment and your family’s health. You wouldn’t want to ruin your special place by spraying nasty pesticides all over the plants!

Once completed, you can enjoy the incredible moments of peace, tranquility, and family bonding from your own backyard meditation garden.

11 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Yes Day

By Camryn W

ells

12 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

In the last few months, I’ve heard myself saying "NO" to my kids more often than I’d like to admit. That also means that my kids are also hearing no a lot and that can feel defeating to parents and kids equally. Sometimes the word no is the appropriate response. But there are plenty of times when a no is out of habit versus necessity.

YES Day! is a children’s book written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. In 2021, the uniquely fun storyline was adapted into a family comedy film and the book and film have certainly gained a following with families looking for a change to their daily norms.

Reset Your Mama Mouth My reason for a YES Day was to reset my mama mouth and reconnect with my kids in a way that we could all value: quality time and giggles. It turns out that there were far more benefits than I could have ever anticipated.

Start Small If you’re still on the fence, you can ease yourself into a YES Day by starting with a YES morning or afternoon. You can even get creative with a theme like YES Day: Outdoor Edition. Houston has some wonderful family-centered activities so check out some new parks or grab some treats at a food truck.

NOTES FOR MOM & DAD Prepare Prepare for the best YES Day starting with a good attitude and maybe an extra cup of caffeine. Your kids might enjoy doing multiple craft projects so have the glue, construction paper and YES, glitter, ready.

Sticky, smiley science experiments are also a favorite so be prepared to get messy. You might also look forward to having a movie marathon with endless snacks, dessert for breakfast or nap time in a tent in the backyard.

Whatever the request, remember the purpose: time and connection with your kids. So start practicing your enthusiastic YES now and enjoy retiring the word no for a day.

Reward YOURSELF

Ground Rules If you’re ready to give your first YES Day a try, here are a few rules to ensure your day runs smoothly: Before you relinquish all control for the day (just kidding… kind of), make sure to discuss a few ground rules with your kids.

1. Pick a date on the calendar for your official YES Day but let your kids earn their special day.

2. Pick a weekday, holiday or extended break rather than a school or work day.

3. The YES DAY is just that – one day. You can decide if that means the day end at bedtime or when the clock strikes midnight but make it clear.

4. Requests can’t be harmful, illegal or dangerous.

5. Work together to clean up any messes when you YES Day is done.

6. Set a budget and any travel restrictions 7. No future requests – All activities must happen on your actual YES Day. 8. Everyone has to participate in the crazy, silly fun!

9. Come up with a fun consequence if the adults say no to a request.

13 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

And adults, as a reward for your unwavering commitment to a YES Day for your Kids, treat yourself to a YES Day: Adult Edition! Same rules apply: one day only, watch out for injuries and keep an eye on the budget. But other than that, tap into your inner child and say YES to yourself or your partner. Eat your favorite snacks all day, splurge a little on self-care, or agree to one big yes each between you and your partner.

It's About Connection During our YES Day, my kids indulged in junk food but they also stopped when the excitement of freedom wore off. I’m still finding glitter in random places from our endless crafting but some of them were put in the memory box. The day gave my kids the freedom of choice and authority while also teaching them how to use it wisely and fairly. And I truly enjoyed going with the flow and not having to plan a day full of activities.

My kids still talk about our YES Day activities and enjoy talking about all of the things they’re going to do on the next one. Believe it or not, I’m actually looking forward to the next YES Day, too.

Here are some great ideas to get you started on your own YES Day itinerary!

Let each child go wild with a small shopping spree that works with your budget.

The Dollar Tree, Five Below and Target’s Dollar Spot are great options.

For more 'Earth Friendly' Healthy alternatives, see below:

VISIT A FARM/RANCH Dewberry Farm Ivy Leaf Farm Froberg’s Farm & Country Store Texas Oil Ranch George Ranch

VISIT A FARMER'S MARKET City Hall Farmers Market Urban Harvest Farmers Market Houston Farmer’s Market on Airline Houston Farmers Market at Rice Village Hedwig Village Farmer's Market

14 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

VISIT A PARK/ GARDEN Smither Park Levy Park Midtown Park Discovery Green SPARK School Park Program Buffalo Bayou Park Friendswood Fairy Trail Evelyn's Park Houston Arboretum Memorial Park

For great ideas on things to do with your kids year-round, visit HoustonFamilyMagazine.com/calendar for something to do every day of the year!

yes day adventures

Book bites Brought to you by Valerie Kohler, Blue Willow Bookshop Kate The Chemist: The Awesome Book of Edible Experiments for Kids by Kate Bieberdorf (Philomel Books) UT professor and science entertainer Kate the Chemist introduces young scientists to the fascinating world of STEM and cooking with recipes for 25 edible science experiments.

Green Kids Cook by Jenny Chandler (Pavilion Books) Jenny Chandler is back with over 50 easy and adaptable recipes to teach the cooks of the future how to eat well, look after themselves and think about the planet all at the same time.

Complete Cookbook For Teens by America's Test Kitchen Kids With recipes ranging from Biang Biang Mian (HandPulled Noodles) to Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa, this book features helpful sidebars to ensure that teens learn more about why a recipe works.

Big Feelings by Alexandra Penfold (Random House Books For Children) The authors of All Are Welcome help children navigate the emotional challenges they face in their daily lives by talking it through, compromising, and seeing another point of view.

Rise And Shine by Georgia Perry (Hardie Grant) This is a vibrant deck of illustrated cards to mix and match to design your own unique morning ritual of yoga, meditation and inspiration.

The Art Of Talking With Children by Rebecca Rolland (Harper One) This invaluable guide gives readers evidence-based tools and techniques to communicate more effectively with children in ways that let them foster relationships with less conflict and more joy.

Mindful Mom Box Set by Ali Katz (Skyhorse Publishing) Local author Ali Katz has compiled a list of tools that make it possible to recalibrate, achieve balance, and recover from stress quickly and with ease, in order to live a more mindful and joyful life.

Bodhi & his Nana in the kitchen Grandma & Me In The Kitchen by Danielle Kartes (Sourcebooks) The perfect cooking and baking gift for the grandma who means so much to you and your little chefs, this children’s cookbook is full of foods they will both love to cook together!

Bake Make Learn To Cook by David Atherton (Candlewick Press) David Atherton, 2019 winner of The Great British Baking Show, walks readers through delicious and delightful kid-friendly collection of recipes that feels at once timeless and modern.

A child who reads will be an adult who thinks

15 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Visit BlueWillowBookshop.com

05

TAMING THE CLUTTER......

THE TEEN YEARS

By Jill Morgenstern

16 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Kids grow up and move away, but their stuff lives on forever. I should know; I still have stuff at my parents’ house. Not a lot. Probably just enough to drive my parents batty. Not an entire closet full, but at least a few shelves worth.

I have four kids, one of whom still lives at home and three of whom use our house for storage. That’s a LOT of “special specials”. Mostly I have their multitude of possessions packed away into their respective closets. But when they come home for any reason there’s a stuff explosion to rival any volcano.

How does one find the balance between beating children’s material goods into submission and having a fire sale?

Here’s how I’ve learned to somewhat control the stuff-monster while incurring the least possible wrath:

1) Never throw anything away.

4) Don’t even try and “sort”.

Even that old crumpled piece of wrapping tissue came from a gift someone gave him back in 2017. If you never throw anything out, you can maintain complete innocence and serenely believe that whatever it is will “turn up”, so matter how long the item has been missing.

The logical idea that, “If they had wanted a certain item so very badly, they would have taken it with them.” does not apply. I used to operate under this delusion myself, but then I remembered that my own parents were responsible for my high school photo album for decades after I left home, and suddenly that theory didn’t seem as workable anymore. I believe my high school yearbooks still live at my parents' house, and it doesn’t get much more sentimental than that.

2) If you don’t recognize an item & its owner is off premises, find it a new home.

The bathroom cabinets work well for this and are a great place to keep lipsticks, mud masks and other beauty paraphernalia abandoned by its owners. I believe that expired beauty products may constitute an exception to guideline number two, but I remain wary enough of misstep not to take any chances.

3) Label, label, label.

It’s fine if the labels say things like, “Garbage My Teenager Refused to Throw Away Even Though it Lived Under His Bed for Six Years Growing Dust Bunnies”. The labels will help at least a little on that inevitable day when he says, “Mom, remember that adaptor wire that came with my electronic gidget that grandpa got me that day we played frisbee back in 2013?”

5) Gain permission to use their abandoned items as hand-me-downs.

If you have another child that could use the ever proliferating possessions after older children have long since flown the coop, keeping the objects in circulation has many benefits. Not only will you have that whole, “Reduce, reuse, recycle” thing going on, but also the items tend to stay in sight while they are in use by the younger child making it that much more likely that you can answer the dreaded, “Have you seen my…?” question in the affirmative.

6) Move to a smaller place.

My own parents are trying this method as we speak, and suddenly my high school yearbooks will be looking for a new home. I plan on trying this method. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

That’s the best I have to offer, and it almost somewhat works for us. Now if only I could find that handheld video game that my son is sure I threw away while he was at summer camp back in 2018...

17 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

10

SURPRISING REASONS TO GIVE YOUR KIDS CHORES

By Jill Morgenstern

M

y youngest daughter’s help drag out the process of unloading the dishwasher. Not only is she slower than me, she is a reluctant participant. It takes longer for me to encourage her to start the task than it would for me to just do it myself.

When children resist it’s tempting to just do the work ourselves. But having a child who takes out the trash or puts away laundry is more than just a convenience for parents.

Teaching your children to do chores and encouraging them to complete them is time well spent.

Here are just some of the benefits children gain when they finally buckle down and get to work.

18 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Self-Control Knowing that a job needs to be done before watching TV or having a treat may help children learn delayed gratification, a form of self-control. A 2011 study from the University of Chicago demonstrated myriad benefits to increased self-control. Children with poor self-control were found to make more mistakes as adolescents. The children with poor self-control were also more likely to struggle financially in adulthood.

Consequences Being responsible around the house helps children learn the consequences of their actions. Did your daughter forget to clear her place after dinner? Her favorite plate might not be clean for the following day.

If, however, she remembered to put her clothes into the laundry instead of leaving them on the floor, she may find her T-ball uniform ready for the next game!

Problem Solving Skills Whether they’re trying to figure out the fastest way to clean their rooms, the best way to fold the bathroom towels so they’ll fit in the cabinet, or how many dishes they can clear from the table per trip, children doing chores are constantly problem solving. These concrete situations can naturally help children build their problem solving skills.

Life Skills Stories of kids going off to college unable to do their own laundry or make a meal independently abound.

College is already a time of intense adjustment and change. Why force them to learn a whole new set of skills that they could have been introduced to early on? There are many parts of their own lives they’ll have to manage for the first time. Giving them chores early in life means they’ll be more prepared for operating on their own.

Motor Skills Whether it’s a smaller child sorting socks or an older child trying to handle both broom and dustpan, chores can help children practice their motor skills.

Large motor skills might be engaged while taking the garbage can to the curb or loading the washing machine. Activities such as dusting may encourage children to cross the midline. Crossing the midline is an important developmental skill that involves crossing arms or legs to the other side of the body and still operating them effectively.

Teamwork Children who do chores will understand how their part helps the entire family. They get to see first-hand how their actions make life easier or more difficult for people they care about and vice versa.

Time Management Between school, extracurricular activities, and homework, chores tend to take the back burner.

Having the responsibility for chores can help teach children time management as they strike the balance between work and play.

Life Satisfaction Believe it or not, children who have chores have been found to be more satisfied with life. According to a study in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics in April of 2019, children who had done chores in kindergarten reported greater life satisfaction by third grade.

Empathy There’s some evidence to suggest that doing household chores builds empathy as children internalize helping and connecting with their family.

Self Esteem Children may resist doing chores quite vehemently but when push comes to shove, completing a chore gives them a source of pride. This may be particularly important when school work or sports causes their self-esteem to suffer.

Whether or not you need the household help, chores are well worth whatever effort you can manage. They are particularly beneficial in the early years as children’s self-esteem and values are being formed. Making the investment when they are young not only provides benefits to your children, but eventually means that you will have extra help around the house as they grow older.

There are some great apps that help create a chore list and keep track of completing tasks. You can set up an allowance per chore and pay them directly into their account! Check out GoHenry or GreenLight in your App Store.

19 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

5Great

Reasons To Send Your Kids To Sleep away Camp

By Tanni Haas, PhD.

There are so many great reasons why you should consider sending your kids to sleep away camp this summer, and it’s not only because they’ll have a whole lot of fun. Based on my experiences as the parent of a teenager who loves summer camp as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve learned that sleepaway camp can be characterbuilding. Here are five different ways that your kids will develop and mature.

"Camp: Where strangers become friends & friendships last forever"

Independence For most kids, sleepaway camp is the first time they get to experience real independence. They’re away from their parents and other adult family members for an extended period of time, and they’ve got to quickly learn how to take care of themselves, from getting themselves ready in the morning to choosing their daily activities.

Of course, there are counselors who’re responsible for the overall welfare of the kids, but unlike teachers who tell kids what to do, camp counselors act much more like older brothers and sisters who’re on a joint adventure with the kids. I’ll never forget the first time my spouse and I picked up our son from sleepaway camp. He acted like a completely different person than the one we’d left behind only a few short weeks earlier: independent, mature, and with a confident, knowing demeanor.

20 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Organization Sleepaway teaches kids how to become better organized. From the moment they wake up in the morning to the moment they go to sleep at night, they have to make many choices that require them to learn how to organize themselves and their time. For example, in the morning they’re supposed to wake up, get dressed, brush their teeth, make their beds, and walk to the dining hall at the same time and together with all the other kids they’re bunking with. But unlike in school where teachers tell kids exactly what to do and when, camp counselors expect that kids figure it out themselves. And that includes not forgetting to put their dirty clothes in the hamper on laundry day. .

Comradery

Kids also learn some very valuable lessons about comradery.

Camps often let parents request that their kids bunk with friends from home. Yet, they’ll also bunk with many other kids, often from different states and countries. This’ll teach them how to get along with and enjoy the company of kids with very different backgrounds than their own. Most camps are aware of this and organize activities aimed at creating a strong sense of comradery and community, including evening camp fires, sing-alongs, and the ever-popular Camp Olympics.

Compassion Not every kid easily adjusts to being away from their parents for a long period of time, and not every kid easily makes new friends. If there’s one area where camp counselors do actively step in to help kids adapt it’s when someone is homesick or just not happy. Camp counselors show kids how to treat others with compassion, care, and respect. Many camps also have a buddy system where kids are teamed up to support another and do fun things together.

Conflict-Resolution Sometimes, despite camp counselors’ best efforts, conflicts do occur over who bunks together, who sits next to whom at meal times, and who plays with whom. After all, kids often live in cramped quarters at camp, with unfamiliar roommates. But that’s not such a bad thing: one of the most important skills kids learn at sleepaway camp is how to solve interpersonal conflicts on their own. Camp counselors certainly step in to solve serious conflicts. But they’ll typically let the kids solve the small ones on their own. And learning how to solve conflict is a great skill kids will bring home with them and use long after the camp is over.

21 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

SUMMER

camp directory

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

Planning summer breaks can be OVERWHELMING! Let us be your go-to resource when it comes to making your plans for this year!

Camps are sorted by category and ages accepted are prominently featured.

All offer a unique & fun experience!

Asia Society Culture Camp ASIASOCIETY.ORG/TEXAS 713.496.9905

Ages 6-17

Asia Society Texas' ExploreAsia camps seek to advance young learners' understanding of the world through fun, interactive, and meaningful activities.

Camps are designed to engage students with Asian art, culture, and history.

Building Brains Lego Engineering BUILDINGBRAINS.BIZ 713.204.0770

Ages 3-14

Building Brains Campers will work on their S.T.E.M. skills while building Motorized Cars, Dog Bots, Drag Racers and Crawlers. Campers will also build machines using Wind Energy, Pneumatic Energy and Solar Energy.

Intro to Robotics with programing for Sound, Lights and Motion.

We are not just BUILDING….we are BUILDING BRAINS!

Camp Invention

Ages 5 - 12

INVENT.ORG/LOCAL 800.968.4332

Unlock your child’s potential at Camp Invention®! This nationally acclaimed K-6 program returns to Houston with all-new, hands-on STEM adventures.

Register and save today at invent.org/local

Capitol Debate

Ages 11-17

CAPITOLDEBATE.COM 800.450.5012

Capitol Debate Summer Camps teach the fundamentals of public speaking and argumentation, enabling kids to develop core presentation and debating skills that boost confidence and self-esteem. Houston camp at UofH.

Code Ninjas - Sugar Land CODENINJAS.COM 281.456.3010

Ages 5 - 14

Code Ninjas offers a range of programs for many age groups where they learn to code. We shift kid’s mindsets from consuming to producing technology. Kids have fun, parents see results.

22 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Summer Camp Directory

special advertising section

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

Creator Camp - Cypress, Katy, Richmond CEATORCAMP.ORG 713.417.9025

Ages 7-13

Over the course of 3 days students will learn hands-on, in real-time, creating Movies with Special effects, Green Screen effects, Claymation, Lego animation, Sound Effects and more! Each day, your child will come home with a new film, video or animation that they created themselves, learning from industry level instructors utilizing new and emerging video technology. $30 Off when you use the code "CC30" at checkout

Health Museum Discovery Camp THEHEALTHMUSEUM.ORG 713.521.1515

Ages 5-13

Spark your child’s curiosity at The Health Museum's Discovery Camps!

Campers engage in STEM activities while learning about medical science and the human body.

Houston Museum of Natural Science HMNS.ORG/EDUCATION 713.639.4625

Ages 6-12

From robots and rocket science to mummies and spying, students can participate in a variety of week-long camps at the Houston Museum of Natural Science!

THE #1 TECH CAMP

FOR AGES 7-19

Coding. Game dev. Robotics. Digital arts.

This isn’t just a camp. It’s an experience unlike any other. Here, you push past the boundaries of school, finding your squad and bonding over the latest tech. Led by expert instructors, you will build the skills needed to forge a brilliant future.

ONLINE AND IN-PERSON CAMPS HELD AT 75+ CAMPUSES NATIONWIDE: Rice University | Austin Tech Camp | Southern Methodist University The University of Texas at Dallas | Trinity University | Carnegie Mellon

Request your camp brochure today!

iDTechCamps.com | 1-888-709-8324 23 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

Summer Camp Directory iD Tech IDTECH.COM 888.709.8324

special advertising section

Ages 7-19

iD Tech is the world’s premier destination for STEM education, with on-campus and online programs that sharpen students' coding, game dev, and creative skills. Choose from Virtual Tech Camps, Teen Bootcamps, Online Private Lessons, or small-group online classes.

Ivy Kids Cinco Ranch IVYKIDS.COM 281.574.0395

Ages 5-12

Don’t miss out on 12 weeks of exciting field trips, cooking activities, design challenges, STEM projects, science experiments, WorldChangers activities, teambuilding games, and so much more! Enjoy your summer with friends while learning, exploring, and making great memories!

Kids R Kids Seven Lakes KIDSRKIDS.COM/SEVEN-LAKES 281.392.1414

Ages

6wks-12

Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Seven Lakes is proud to serve our community of the Cinco Ranch Katy and Houston Area for children age 6 weeks to 12 years!

SUMMER CAMP AT THE Y

MAKE YOUR MARK

Offering day camps around the Houston area and overnight adventures at YMCA Camp Cullen.

REGISTER TODAY!

ymcahouston.org

A PATH WITH A PURPOSE starts here

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

24 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

Summer Camp Directory

special advertising section

Language Kids

Ages 3-10

LANGUAGEKIDS.COM 281.565.1388

Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Sign Language & English immersion summer camps. Learning another language has never been so much fun! Our innovative summer camp is offered at multiple locations and schedules.

Payment plans are available. June 6 - August 19, 2022.

Lone Star Flight Museum

Ages 11-17

LONESTARFLIGHT.ORG 346.708.3517

#PlaneAwesome This Spring Break…our Camps have merit!

For scouts ages 11-17. Scout programs include Aviation, Electronics, Engineering, Weather, and American Heritage merit badges.. For scouts ages 11-17.

Dates: March 14-19. Visit LoneStarFlight.org for details!

Russian School of Mathematics

Ages 5-17

RUSSIANSCHOOL.COM 346.704.0374

K-12 students can choose from a variety of online or in-person math courses reinforce your knowledge or seek out extra challenge! Courses open in June (June 6-July 14) and are offered over a 6-week session, with 2 classes per week.

JOIN US FOR A MAGICAL SUMMER OF

MUSICAL THEATRE! Summer camps for Theatre Under The Stars Humphreys School of Musical Theatre and The River are now on sale!

Humphreys School camps offer camps beginning June 20 for students age 4-7 and 6-12 with themes like Disney Adventure, Camp Pixar and Broadway Bound!

Plus a chance for students ages 12-19 to participate in our Summer Musical Theatre Academy Production, Bring It On: The Musical!

The River provides an accessible, affordable fine arts education for individuals with disabilities and their siblings ages 4 through young adults. This summer The River’s week-long camps include themes like Wild, Wild West, Movie Musicals and Audition Boot Camp!

REGISTER TODAY AT TUTS.COM/SCHOOLS 25 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

Summer Camp Directory

special advertising section

Texas Story Camp

Ages 9-12

THEBRYANMUSEUM.ORG GALVESTON 409. 632.7685

Explore history, art, and ecology! Tour The Bryan Museum galleries including a behind-the-scenes look at our upcoming exhibit Of Birds and Texas and create some fabulous art projects.

Texas Story Camp

Ages 11-17

THEBRYANMUSEUM.ORG HOUSTON 713.893.1461 Calling all student writers! Join us for a week of adventure and hands-on discovery as we explore Houston's history. Get inspired and share stories through writing, drawing, and acting!

Xplor Summer Camp

Ages 3-12

XPLORPRESCHOOL.COM 877.959.3743 Join us for summer camp at Xplor. Children in preschool through age 12 explore, discover, make new friends and learn new skills. It all starts with our outstanding counselors, whose talent, creativity and leadership set the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Join us at Girl Scout camp this summer!

We offer two camps in the Conroe area and one in Seabrook.

Camp sessions start on June 19.

Enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming, archery, STEM, adventure course, sailing, horseback riding and more.

Activities vary by camp.

Day camp also available in the Greenway Plaza area June 13 – Aug. 5.

Want to work at camp this summer?

Go to www.gssjc.org/ careers.

Have fun while building your resume!

Find out more about all summer camps at www.gssjc.org/summercamp.

26 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

D A N C E

A R T S

Cordovan Art School

Ages 5-16

CORDOVANARTSCHOOL.COM 512.275.4040

Get in the "ART ZONE" at CORDOVAN ART SCHOOL this Summer with the best creative art camps in the Houston area! Select from over 40 themed camps and experience mixed media of all kinds! 4 LOCATIONS around Houston.

Claire School of Dance

Ages 4 - 12

CLAIREDANCE.COM 713.880-5565

CSD summer programs include dance, travel, art, and nature.

CSD summer programs are one and two week, half and full day, camps and classes for children 4-12 taught by experienced teachers in micro-sized classes to ensure individual attention.

MUSIC

School of Rock Clearlake, Sugarland, Tomball CLEARLAKE.SCHOOLOFROCK.COM 281.218.7625 SUGARLAND.SCHOOLOFROCK.COM 832.939.8788

Ages 4 - 18

CHAMPIONFOREST.SCHOOLOFROCK.COM 281-246.4475

Send your kid to the ultimate summer music experience at School of Rock! Summer Music Camps are the perfect way to spend your summer break, where students learn to play songs through live performances like real musicians.

School of Rock offers amazing Music Camps for musicians of all skill levels for guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, ukulele, songwriting and vocals. Call today or sign up on our website!

27 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

OVERNIGHT

OVERNIGHT

OVERNIGHT

OVERNIGHT

OVERNIGHT

N A T U R E

N A T U R E

Summer Camp Directory

special advertising section

Artist Boat ARTISTBOAT.ORG 409.632.0388

Ages 5-15

ECO-Art Camp, ages 5-10, experience nature & art.

ECO-Camp, ages 11-15, explore , create& observe by kayak.

Explore Galveston Island!

Houston Arboretum

Ages 4-12

HOUSTONARBORETUM.ORG 713.681.8433

Head to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for fun-filled, week-long camps that explore the natural world through active, hands-on indoor and outdoor adventures.

Camp Allen

Ages 8-18

CAMPALLEN.ORG 936.825.7175

Situated on 1,100 acres just an hour outside Houston, Camp Allen provides a fun & unique environment for young people to cultivate friendships, experience personal growth and learn about Jesus Christ.

Camp Champions

Ages 5 - 17

CAMPCHAMPIONS.COM 830.598.2571

Camp Champions has created a tradition of excellence since 1967. With the facility and staff expected from a top overnight summer camp, Champions is distinguished by its focus on building strong kids. One, two or three-week sessions available for ages 5-17.

Camp Huawni

Ages 6 - 17

CAMPHUAWNI.COM 936.254.3223

Nestled in the Piney Woods of E Texas, Camp Huawni is a traditional, throwback summer camp for boys and girls. We’ve crafted exceptional summers since 1965, cultivating an environment where friendships and creativity thrive.

Camp Olympia

Ages 6 - 16

CAMPOLYMPIA.COM 936.594.2541

Camp Olympia is not just a premier, accredited TX summer camp, but one of the classic summer camps in the US. Our beautiful summer camp is on Lake Livingston in Trinity, Texas — the East Texas pines is the perfect setting for an American Summer Camp experience filled with FUN, SUN and ADVENTURE.

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto County SJGS.ORG 713.292.0361

Ages 5-17

The Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is proud to celebrate 100 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.We offer 2 overnight camp locations in the Conroe area and one in Seabrook. Enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming, archery, STEM, adventure course, sailing, horseback riding and more. Activities vary by camp.

28 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

OVERNIGHT

OVERNIGHT

Summer Camp Directory

special advertising section

Kidventure

Ages 3 - 16

KIDVENTURE.COM 713.960.8989

Since 1994 Kidventure has provided the finest in Summer Day and Overnight Camps for thousands of Houston children ages 3-16. Helping grow your child through the power of camp.

YMCA Camp Cullen

Ages 7 - 16

YMCACAMPCULLEN.ORG 936.594.2274

An epic summer of adventure awaits you at YMCA Camp Cullen! Situated on the shores of Lake Livingston, Camp Cullen offers kids and teens over 500 acres of epic fun.

Ages 6 - 17

ALLIANCE-FENCING-ACADEMY.COM 713.410.6655

Alliance Fencing Academy - International Fencing School Safe, Smart, Unique and Great workout! Home of 3 Olympians, 4 World Champions, and over 40 US National Champions Enrollment is open now in Houston & The Woodlands

R ME CA

MP

S UM

SPORTS

Alliance Fencing Academy

Explore Galveston Island Camps Jun - Aug 2022

ECO-Camp Ages 11-15 Explore, create & observe by kayak

ECO-Art Camp

Ages 5-10

Experience nature & art Register Now

ARTISTBOAT.ORG 409.632.0388

29 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

SPORTS

Summer Camp Directory

special advertising section

Forest Glen Camps & Retreats FORESTGLEN.ORG 713.960.8989

Imagine your kids hopping on a bus of friends & spending the whole day in nature, canoeing lakes, zip lining through trees, learning about Jesus, and coming home excited (& exhausted), brimming with stories about memories that were made.

SPORTS

Kidventure Day Camp

SPORTS

Ages 3 - 16

Ages 3 - 16

KIDVENTURE.COM 713.960.8989

Since 1994 Kidventure has provided the finest in Summer Day and Overnight Camps for thousands of Houston children ages 3-16. Helping grow your child through the power of camp.

Missouri City Parks & Recreation MCTXPARKS.COM 281.403.8637

Ages 6 - 12

We are proud to offer a safe, action-packed summer for your child. Your camper will embark on incredible adventures this summer and we can’t wait to get started!

Summer Program Open Pre-K thru 6th Grade

30 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

SPORTS

Summer Camp Directory

special advertising section

Paris Saint-Germain Academy PSGACADEMYHOUSTON.COM 281.717.4704

Ages 6 - 18

The Paris Saint-Germain Academy is hosting soccer Camps & Discovery Clinics this summer! We offer camps that provide intensive training sessions based on the fundamentals of world-class European soccer to develop player's skills, technique, tactics, strength, and endurance. Katy, Houston & The Woodlands.

SPORTS

Rose Therapeutic Farm & Goat Yoga Ages 6 - 12

GOATYOGAKATY.COM 281.789.6577

Our camps provide unique, hands-on opportunities for learning, growth, and fun. Campers spend their time immersed in the natural world, with animals and the environment. Each camp is loaded with creative, enriching activities meant to help your kiddos connect with nature and learn how to enjoy "the simple life".

THEATRE

THEATRE

SPORTS

SPORTS

Stars Gymnastics

Ages 1 - 18

STARSGYMTX.COM KATY: 713.364.2631 HOUSTON: 713.464.1996

Spring Break, Summer and Winter Camps that include weekly themes, daily gymnastics instruction, arts and crafts activities and games. Early drop off and late pickup is available. for an additional fee. Camp may be scheduled for full or half days with daily and weekly rates. Multi-week and sibling discounts available.

YMCA Summer Day Camp YMCAHOUSTON.ORG 713.659.5566

Ages 3 - 16

No one does camp like the Y! Offered at locations all around Houston, YMCA summer day campers will MAKE THEIR MARK and have a blast in a safe, enriching environment.

Humphreys School of Musical Theatre TUTS.COM/SCHOOLS 713.558.8801

Ages 4 - 19

Humphreys School camps offer camps beginning June 20 for students age 4-7 and 6-12 with themes like Disney Adventure, Camp Pixar and Broadway Bound! Plus a chance for students ages 12-19 to participate in our Summer Musical Theatre Academy Production, Bring It On: The Musical!

Main Street Theater MAINSTREETTHEATER.COM 713.524.3622

Ages 4 - 17

MST Summer Camp has 4 locations across the Greater Houston Area: Rice Village, the Museum District, Midtown, and Bellaire. Ages 4 – high school. Plays, dances, prop-making. Creative, collaborative, FUN!

31 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Gatlinburg, TN

Gateway to the Mountains

The last time I was in Gatlinburg, TN, I was in middle school. It was the late 70's and the highlight of our trip was watching the 'crazy people' white water raft down the river. I remember the trip fondly. Nothing too crazy or overly exciting to be seen. Just lots of gorgeous trees, winding roads and great weather. I think we stayed in a friend's house.

Fast forward about 40 years and it is a completley different story. Now, while the gorgeous trees and winding roads are still everywhere, there's quite a lot more to see from my gorgeous view at the Westgate Resort. Perched within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, there isn't a bad view, or from what I could tell, a bad room. With over 1200 rooms to choose from, it seems unlikely.

Now, if you're like my son, you are interested in everything that's available to do on property. Can I order room service? How many activities are there at the hotel? Are there any stores at the hotel? The Westgate Resort in Gatlinburg checks off everything on his list and then some! With the Serenity SPA, Southern Comfort restaurant, small marketplace shop (with everything from coffee to clothes to wine), ZipLines, Outdoor Pools, Indoor Waterpark, Mini-Golf & more, there truly is something for everyone and every age.

However, if you are like me, you want something completely different.

I love to explore. Take me off the beaten path and I am happiest.

Surprisingly, Gatlinburg checked off a bunch of items on my list, too.

With great restaurants, Cider Houses & Wineries, Live Music, The Smoky Mountain National Park, great antique shops, horseback riding and more within a 5 mile radius, I was in heaven.

Did You Know?

So, if you are looking for a new family destination, this should definitely be up for consideration.

The Great Smoky National Park, established in 1926, is the most visited national park in the USA with over 200,000 visitors a year!

The park is home to approximately 1,500 bears, over 17,000 species and offers over 700 miles of fishable streams inside the park!

32 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort

Southern Comfort Restaurant

MUST SEE

Room at the Westgate Resort

Don't miss out Anakeesta Mountain: anakeesta.com Located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Take the ski lift to the top of the mountain for great food, shopping, sites and my fave, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster!

Eat the Pancakes! They really are amazing!

My fave, The Pancake Pantry: pancake pantry.com The Skybridge: gatlinburgskylift.com Stretching 680 feet across with a height of 140 feet at its midpoint, walking the bridge is an unforgettable moment!

Swig the Moonshine: olesmoky.com Pop into the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery and take a taste of one of their unique flavors.

Samples are available and the people watching is priceless! Hunch Punch was my go-to!

For detailed list of activities, attractions and travel information, visit Gatlinburg.com

33 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Anakeesta Mountain

Healthy Treats for kids on easter Creme filled Chocolate Eggs

written by Dr. Keith Kantor

Moderation is the Key not deprivation!

Have fun with it.

See how many homemade versions of their favorites you can make! It's healthier when it's homemade!

INGREDIENTS ½ c dark chocolate

DIRECTIONS 1. Put your honey in a small pot over medium low heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

chips (high quality)

Add in the vanilla extract and the pinch of sea salt. Stir until

1.5 tsp. coconut oil

combined.

2. Whip your egg white with a hand or stand mixer until peaks form.

For Filling: 1 egg white ¼ c pure raw honey

Once peaks form, slowly drizzle the honey mixture in the egg whites while the mixer is still whipping. Keep whipping until all the honey is blended and the mixture is very creamy. Set aside.

3. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and coconut oil until

2 tsp. vanilla extract

chocolate is melted and smooth. Using a small spoon, spoon your

pinch of sea salt

chocolate in the egg mold. Use the spoon, “paint” up the sides of

egg mold- can get at local kitchen store, party store, etc.

the mold. Once all the eggs are covered in chocolate, stick the mold in the freezer for 5 minutes. Take it back out and “paint” the mold again with the chocolate. Stick in the freezer for another 5 minutes.

4. Take it back out and fill the chocolates with the egg white/honey mixture. If you have leftover chocolate, drizzle some around all the edges of the chocolate eggs so they will mold together easier.

Fold the molds together and place in the freezer for at least an hour. Undo the molds and enjoy your homemade eggs!

34 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

TGRE PRESENTS

Hhomes istoriC tour GA LV E S TO N

48th ANNUAL TOUR | May 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2022 Celebrating Galveston’s archtectural history through tours of privately owned homes.

........................................................

W W W. G A LV E S T O N H I S T O R Y. O R G

The Trube Foundation

TGRE PRESENTS

GALVESTON ISLAND

GALVESTON’S OFFICIAL KICK-OFF TO SUMMER - TICKETS & INFO AT BEACHREVUE.COM

BEACH REVUE .......................................................

FRIDAY & SATURDAY - MAY 20 & 21, 2022

ADVANCE IN MATH

this Summer The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning, afterschool math enrichment program. We use the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life.

RSM – Houston (346) 704-0374

RussianSchool.com/Houston 35 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

the big to do | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

the big to do

the big to do | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

Photographer: Chubby Cheek Photography Featured: Camdyn C. from Tomball, TX

By April, spring awakens in Houston.

Bask in spring sunshine at epic outdoor spots in April in Houston, join cultural celebrations and enjoy Easter activities from home.

All events listed are FREE unless otherwise noted.

Don’t forget to check out our online calendar at www.houstonfamilymagazine.com/event-directory/ for even more family friendly activities.

APRIL 1 Moody Gardens Famous aquarium, rainforest and discovery pyramids, and an exhilarating five-tier SkyTrail Ropes Course which boasts being the tallest Steel Ropes Course on the Gulf Coast! Boost your adventure with the Moody Gardens Zip Line that travels 60-feet above Palm Beach and the Lazy River! moodygardens.com Moody Gardens, Galveston Every day. All ages. Admission tickets are required.

Central Library Nature Walk Storytime t’s time to learn, explore, and sing all about the flowers and critters found in the Houston area! Storytime may include

short walks across the street to the reflection pool at Hermann Square or to Sam Houston Park, weather permitting. https://houstonlibrary.libcal.com/ event/8590662 Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza at the Houston Public Library 11:15am

APRIL 2 first saturday arts market in the heights This outdoor arts event features paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and handcrafted items, not to mention live music and gourmet food trucks! http://firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/

woodland’s farmers market at Grogan’s Mill Find fresh seasonal vegetables from local farms as well as farm fresh eggs, meats, cheese, coffee, honey, prepared foods and organic products. www.grogansmill.org Grogan’s Mill, Woodlands 9am-1pm. All ages

fulshear farmers market The market offers a vast array of produce and food products that were grown or produced within a 200 mile radius of Fulshear. www.fulshearfarmersmarket.com Fulshear. 9am-1pm. All ages.

540 West 19th St, Houston 11am-6pm. All ages

36 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Night Light Volunteering Be a part of an exciting, new event and give back to your community. https://buffalobayou.org Buffalo Bayou 5-11pm. Age: adult

Spring Scavenger Hunt Put your observation skills to the test in our family-friendly Spring Scavenger Hunt! Families will receive a set of clues and compete to solve nature-themed riddles. Work as a team as you trek the trails to complete the hunt! https://houstonarboretum.org/ Houston Arboretum 2-4pm. All ages

April 2022 Art In the Park: Bloom Where You’re Planted

Explore our galaxy at the George Observatory

his year our outdoor fine art festival will be eclectic, cozy, and planted at Bagby Park on the first Saturday in April. This event showcases a selection of local artists, musicians, art classes, and culinary opportunities. https://midtownhouston.com/

Located at the Brazos Bend State Park and far enough from the Houston lights, explore the galaxy with its three huge domed telescopes. Since its located in the par, you can really make a day of it – hiking and picnicking while the sun is up and stargazing at night.

Hmns.org/George-observatory

Baygby Park 10am-6pm. All ages.

Screen on the Green: A League of Their Own

George Observatory Every day. Various times. All ages.

Admission tickets are required.

Pack a picnic and a blanket to enjoy a family movie under the stars. https://www.discoverygreen.com/ Discovery Green 7pm. All ages

This 45-minute music experience is geared toward babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them! Prelude Family Concerts nurture creativity, self-expression and development through a variety of musical styles arranged and pitched for children.

Levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 4:30pm. Age: 0-5

Hangar Hangout at Houston Wings On the first and third Saturday of each month, join us to hang out in the hangar and see our collection of WWII-era aircraft, and enjoy our WWII museum with its unique collection of memorabilia and artifacts. Free admission makes it a great family activity! houstonwing.org West Houston airport 10am-3pm. All day

APRIL 3 galveston’s own farmers market Explore locally grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products from the residents of Galveston and the surrounding areas every Sunday morning. Support farmers and producers, and connect with the local food economy. www.galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com Postoffice Street, Galveston 9am-1pm. All ages.

Piano in the Park Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a melodious afternoon! Multitalented pianist, Ben Chavez, brings his musical gifts to Buffalo Bayou with Piano in the Park, a series of Sunday “piano bar” performances at The Water Works. https://buffalobayou.org Buffalo Bayou 4-6pm. All ages

Discovery Green 10:30am. Age: 1-4

Family Storytime and Craft Enjoy a captivating literacy experience! Family Storytime features a story followed by a craft that accompanies the reading. All craft supplies are included as a part of this free program.

Levyparkhouston.org

first tuesdays at the houston zoo

These interactive workshops and performances last between 60 and 90 minutes and involve YAH artists and ensembles, crossing genres of dance, visual arts, theater, music, and literary arts.

Levyparkhouston.org

Prelude Family Concerts

Enjoy a morning of fun with story time, activities, crafts, and soft play equipment. https://www.discoverygreen.com/

Levy Park 10am. Ages: under 6

Young Audiences of Houston

1pm. All ages

Toddler Tuesday: Future Astronaut (Future Baby) by Lori Alexander

You’ll need a free ticket to enter the gates, so get them online and skip the ticket lines. www.houstonzoo.org Houston Zoo. noon-5pm (September-May) All ages

SPRING CUP presented by ANDRÉ CLOUET Spring Season kickoff! WINNING TEAM TAKES ALL, may the best ponies and players WIN! Enjoy world class polo, expert announcing, great music and a champagne divot stomp at halftime. https://houstonpoloclub.com/ Houston Polo Club 5pm. All ages. Tickets start at $15

APRIL 4 Wellness Walks with Urban Paths Intended for everybody, ability, age and fitness level, these Wellness Walks focus on community and connection while offering participants a chance to decompress, find mental clarity, and make new friends!

Levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 12pm. All ages

APRIL 5 Curious Kids The children’s programs feature science-rich, weekly, stand-alone classes that offer you the flexibility to sign-up for individual classes that meet your hectic schedules or for specific topics that inspire your children. https://naturediscoverycenter.org Nature Discovery Center 10am. Age: 3-5

Teach You Tuesday Are you looking for classes that inspire, motivate, and teach you? Come out to paint an homage to RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsberg) with a fun color by number art kit instructed by Brittany Bly of Pop Shop America. https://midtownhouston.com Bagby Park.

5:30pm. All ages

Outdoor Family Storytime Join your public library neighborhood branch for a socially distanced, outdoor storytime where we’ll read stories and sing songs together. houstonlibrary.libcal.com/event/8740961 Houston Public Library neighborhood branch 10am. Age: up to 5 years old.

APRIL 6 Nature Story Time Enjoy storytime and a craft and then some play in the nature center every Wednesday. https://naturediscoverycenter.org Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire 4pm. Age: preschooler

Japan Junction Kids of all ages will enjoy expanding their cultural horizons through kamishibai “paper drama” storytelling and fun crafts that highlight Japanese traditions from origami to woodblock print making and more Levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 4:30pm. All ages

APRIL 7 kingwood farmers market Browse locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, and other assorted snacks from certified vendors. www.facebook.com/events/ 2361474570743751 Kingwood Town Center Place 8am. All ages

blue willow bookshop storytime Bring your child to Blue Willow to enjoy stories, songs and an art activity. www.bluewillowbookshop.com Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston 10am.

Toddlers and preschoolers, FREE

37 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

FREE DAYS IN THE HOUSTON MUSEUM DISTRICT EVERY THURSDAY, MANY OF HOUSTON’S MUSEUMS OFFER FREE ADMISSION. Children’s Museum of Houston 5-8pm • 1500 Binz St. www.cmhouston.org **FREE Admission for Bank of America cardholders the first FULL weekend of the month.

Health Museum 2-7pm • 1515 Hermann Dr. www.thehealthmuseum.org

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 10am-9pm • 1001 Bissonnet www.mfah.org **FREE MFAH admission Saturdays & Sundays for all kids 18 & under with a library card

Houston Museum of Natural Science 2-5pm • 5555 Hermann Park Dr. www.hmns.org

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 1-5pm • 3816 Caroline St. www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

Houston Museum of African American Culture 6-8pm • 4807 Caroline St. www.hmaac.org

FREE SUNDAYS Holocaust Museum Houston 2-5pm • 9220 Kirby Dr., ste. 100 www.hmh.org

FREE WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY Menil Collection 11am-7pm • 1533 Sul Ross Street www.menil.org

FREE THURSDAY WITH RESERVATION Cistern History Tours, Houston 1-5:30pm • The Water Works at 105 Sabine Street • Age: 9+ www.buffalobayou.org

FREE TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Tuesday-Friday 10am-7pm, Sat.10am-6pm, Sun. 12-6pm • 5216 Montrose Boulevard www.camh.org

the big to do | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S houston art car events (April 7-10)

Central Library Nature Walk Storytime

Witness these one-of-a-kind mobile masterpieces at the largest Art Car events on earth! www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

t’s time to learn, explore, and sing all about the flowers and critters found in the Houston area! Storytime may include short walks across the street to the reflection pool at Hermann Square or to Sam Houston Park, weather permitting. https://houstonlibrary.libcal.com/ event/8590662

various locations throughout Houston All ages, FREE

Cistern History Tours

C E N T E R S TA G E | T H E AT E R & P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

ALLEY THEATRE

Dead Man’s Cell Phone

An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man. https://www.alleytheatre.org/plays/ production-detail/dead-mans-cell-phone April 15-May 8, 2022

HOUSTON SYMPHONY

Black Panther

Now you can relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger all while the Houston Symphony performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar®-winning score live to picture. https://houstonsymphony.org/tickets/ concerts/marvel-studios-black-panther-inconcert/ April 2-3, 2022

Wands and Wizards Expelliarmus! Wave your wands to magical music from Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in this Family Series concert, perfect for kids aged 3 and up!

Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities. https://houstonsymphony.org/tickets/ concerts/wands-and-wizards/ April 23, 2022

MAIN STREET THEATER

CHARLOTTE’S WEB

The tender story of a wise and kind spider named Charlotte who devises a plan to save her friend, Wilbur the pig. Charlotte’s Web is the “just about perfect” tale of friendship, love and life. https://mainstreettheater.com/ charlottesweb/ April 12-May 13, 2022

NRG STADIUM

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s search party Join all your favorite Disney characters as they do stunts and marvel your kids. https://www.disneyonice.com/mickeyssearch-party/houston-tx-nrg-stadium

SMART FINANCIAL CENTER

Tori Amos: Oceans to Oceans Tour

Sing to your favorite tunes. https://smartfinancialcentre.net/ event/tori-amos April 30, 2022

STAGES

The Cistern 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. Ages: 9+

UHD Thursday Night Concert Series Grab a buddy and get ready to groove with live music outdoors at the beautiful Discovery Green! https://www.discoverygreen.com/ Discovery Green 7pm. All ages

Waterway nights: concert series

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SIT IN Four Houston freshmen speak truth to power with love, joy, and great music.

Four Black college students are seeking love, fun, success, and friendship in the segregated Third Ward. https://www.stageshouston.com/ Through May 22, 2022

BLACK SUPER HERO MAGIC MAMA When Sabrina Jackson’s son is the victim of a police shooting, she retreats inward to a powerful technicolor universe, living as a comic book superhero named Maasai Angel. https://www.stageshouston.com/ Starting April 22, 2022

THE GRAND

BITS ‘N PIECES — ALICE IN WONDERLAND When Alice escapes her boredom of this world to venture into a dream of another, madcap high jinx and outlandish adventures are the orders of the day. The heroine learns it takes selfreliance and quick thinking to tame the comic nonsense of the Queen of Hearts http://www.thegrand.com/serious-funchildrens-series/ April 28, 2022

Learn about the architecture of this unique space and the history of Houston’s water system during a guided 30-minute tour. Free every Thursday. https://buffalobayou.org/visit/ destination/the-cistern/

Enjoy live music by local and regional performers in the picturesque setting of Waterway Square at Waterway Nights. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov The Woodlands Town Center 6:30-8:30pm. All ages

Thursdays at the Bryan Enjoy a curated selection of wines, enjoy the music of local Galvestonian talent, shop at our Museum Store and reserve a spot on our docent led tours of the Museum.

Thebryanmuseum.com The Bryan Museum, Galveston 4-7pm. All ages

APRIL 8 Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Spring (April 8-10) Enjoy much of what you love about the Nutcracker Market but in the spring.

Over 150 merchants from across the country will showcase unique seasonal items, including summer apparel, vacation accessories, gourmet food, home decor items for spring and summer holidays and much more. https://www.houstonballet.org/about/ nutcracker-market/explore/springspectacular/

NRG Stadium 11am-7pm, 11am-5pm. All ages. Tickets $20

Kung Fu Film Nights: ‘Enter the Dragon’ Join Asia Society Texas for a screening of ‘Enter the Dragon’ as part of our Kung Fu Film Nights series! https://asiasociety.org/ Asia Society Texas Center 8pm. Age: 15+

Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza at the Houston Public Library 11:15am

APRIL 9 woodland’s farmers market at Grogan’s mill Find fresh seasonal vegetables from local farms as well as farm fresh eggs, meats, cheese, coffee, honey, prepared foods and organic products. www.grogansmill.org Grogan’s Mill, Woodlands 8am. All ages

fulshear farmers market The market offers a vast array of produce and food products that were grown or produced within a 200 mile radius of Fulshear. www.fulshearfarmersmarket.com Fulshear. 9am-1pm. All ages.

houston art car parade Witness these one-of-a-kind mobile masterpieces at the largest Art Car Parade on earth! www.thehoustonartcarparade.com Downtown Houston 2-4pm. All ages, FREE

family day at the ocean star: maskology Did you know that the use of masks varies from culture to culture? Learn more with the whole family aboard the Ocean Star! www.galveston.com Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum.

10am-3pm All ages, $10, 6 & under FREE

Praise in the Park Join us for a day of faith, family, and fun! https://midtownhouston.com/ Midtown Park 2pm. All ages

2022 Fairy Tale Ball: Once Upon a Time….at the Castle.

The Moody Mansion and its grounds will transform into an evening of fairytale enchantment for the entire family – featuring exclusive festivities for both adults and children. After enjoying family games and refreshments on the castle grounds, adults will retreat to the royal ballroom for drinks and regal dining, while 10-year-olds and up party with peers at the Tween Ball. https://www.visitgalveston.com/ events/2022-fairy-tale-ball-once-upon-atime-at-the-castle/ The Moody Mansion 5pm. All ages

April 14-17, 2022

38 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

April 2022 APRIL 10 galveston’s own farmers market Explore locally grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products from the residents of Galveston and the surrounding areas every Sunday morning.

Support farmers and producers, and connect with the local food economy. www.galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com Postoffice Street, Galveston 9am-1pm. All ages,

Mess Makers Messy, sensory play is an important part of child development. Together with Ms. Mo and our NDC volunteers, you will explore and create with messy things like dirt, clay, sand, mud, sticks, leaves, and flowers. https://naturediscoverycenter.org/ Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire 10am. Age: 3-7

BLUEBONNET CUP

Houston Polo Club 5pm. All ages. Tickets start at $15

APRIL 11 Take a self-guided tour of Moody Mansion Restored to its turn of the century splendor, this 28,000 square-foot, four-story Galveston historic home was completed in 1895. https://www.moodymansion.org Moody Mansion, Galveston Every day. All ages. Tickets $7

Peruse Historic Houston at the Houston Heritage Society There are nine historic houses downtown and a well-maintained museum gallery.

You can take the tour on your phone.

Heritagesociety.org Downtown 1100 Bagby St. Every day. All day. All ages

APRIL 12 Curious Kids Explore our galaxy at the George Observatory Located at the Brazos Bend State Park and far enough from the Houston lights, explore the galaxy with its three huge domed telescopes. Since its located in the par, you can really make a day of it – hiking and picnicking while the sun is up and stargazing at night.

Hmns.org/George-observatory George Observatory Every day. Various times. All ages.

Admission tickets are required.

Piano in the Park Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a melodious afternoon! Multitalented pianist, Ben Chavez, brings his musical gifts to Buffalo Bayou with Piano in the Park, a series of Sunday “piano bar” performances at The Water Works. https://buffalobayou.org Buffalo Bayou 4-6pm. All ages

Get involved: Green Mountain Energy Earth Day 2022 Enjoy the various family activities and demonstrations. https://www.discoverygreen. com/ Discovery Green 12pm. All ages

dy ur of Moo Take a to alveston, T X G Mansion,

Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs HMNS

Feel the THUNDERING hooves of the thoroughbreds as they run for the goal! WEAR YOUR WHITES DAY, BEST DRESSED COUPLE CONTEST! Enjoy live music, expert announcing and a champagne divot stomp at halftime. MEET A PRO at the special trophy presentation after the game. https://houstonpoloclub.com/

The children’s programs feature science-rich, weekly, stand-alone classes that offer you the flexibility to sign-up for individual classes that meet your hectic schedules or for specific topics that inspire your children. https://naturediscoverycenter.org Nature Discovery Center 10am. Age: 3-5

Toddler Tuesday: Abella and her Magic Wand by Zane Carson Carruth Enjoy a morning of fun with story time, activities, crafts, and soft play equipment. https://www.discoverygreen.com/ Discovery Green 10:30am. Age: 1-4

Family Storytime and Craft Enjoy a captivating literacy experience! Family Storytime features a story followed by a craft that accompanies the reading. All craft supplies are included as a part of this free program.

Levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 10am. Ages: under 6

N O W E X H I B I T I N G | M U S E U M C A L E N DA R

THE HEALTH MUSEUM

www.thehealthmuseum.org

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9am-5pm., Thurs.

9am-7pm., Sun. 12-5pm

Admission: $10 adult, $8 senior 65+, free for children under 2 FREE on Thursdays 2-7pm

Beautiful Minds-Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage This exhibition explores the successes of those who think outside the box when faced with the challenges of dyslexia and learn about some of the tools and resources for diagnosis and pathways to success.

Through May 22, 2022

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

hmh.org

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm., Sat. 10am5pm., Sun. 12-5pm

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg explores the American judicial system through one of its sharpest legal minds, the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Through July 31, 2022

Speaking Up! Confronting Hate Speech The exhibition provides historical and current examples and connection between speech and the commission of atrocities, while examining the strategies that might counter “hate speech.”

Through May 1, 2022

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

hmns.org

9am-5pm Mon-Sun

Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs Transport back 3,200 years, across the sands of the Sahara Desert where you reach the heartbeat of Ancient Egypt ruled by the most celebrated builder in the country’s storied history. Experience one of the greatest collections of its kind in the world premiere exhibition, Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs!

Through May 23, 2022 39 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON

mfah.org

Hours: Wed 11am-5pm, Thur 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12:30pm- 6pm.

Admission: $19 adult, $16 for seniors, $12 students and college-level students with valid ID. Free for children under 12.

The Obama Portraits Tour From the moment of their unveiling at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in February 2018, the official portraits of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have become iconic.

Through May 30, 2022

Shahzia Sikander: Extraordinary Realities Shahzia Sikander: Extraordinary Realities brings together nearly 60 of Sikander’s works, from public and private collections.

Through June 5, 2022

Dawoud Bey: An American Project From portraits in Harlem to nocturnal landscapes, classic street photography to large-scale studio portraits, his images combine an ethical imperative with an unparalleled mastery of his medium.

Through May 30, 2022

Shahzia Sikander: Extraordinary Realities Paintings, drawings, and video animations show how the Pakistani American artist explores contemporary issues by transforming and subverting South and Central Asian illustrated manuscript painting.

Through June 5, 2022

THE BRYAN MUSEUM

thebryanmuseum.org

Open Daily: 10am – 5pm Thursdays: Open until 7 P.M. Closed: Monday & Tuesday Admission: Adults $12, seniors $12, students $10, children 6-12 $5, and children under 6 (free)

Billy Gibbons’Texas History Experience What most people fail to recognize is that Texas has always been at the forefront of Billy Gibbons’ musical styling and lyrics.

Through July 3, 2022

the big to do | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S Outdoor Family Storytime Join your public library neighborhood branch for a socially distanced, outdoor storytime where we’ll read stories and sing songs together. houstonlibrary.libcal.com/event/8740961 Houston Public Library neighborhood branch 10am. Age: up to 5 years old.

APRIL 13 Play day at Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Hike the nature trails and enjoy the education room inside the visitor center. houstonarboretum.org Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Open every day. All ages

APRIL 14 kingwood farmers market Browse locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, and other assorted snacks from certified vendors. www.facebook.com/events/ 2361474570743751 Kingwood Town Center Place 8am. All ages

blue willow bookshop storytime Bring your child to Blue Willow to enjoy stories, songs and an art activity. www. bluewillowbookshop.com Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston 10am. Toddlers and preschoolers, FREE

Cistern History Tours Learn about the architecture of this unique space and the history of Houston’s water system during a guided 30-minute tour. Free every Thursday. https://buffalobayou.org/visit/ destination/the-cistern/ The Cistern 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. Ages: 9+

Samba Dance Class Learn a popular Brazilian dance style during this exciting class. Samba is a partner dance from Rio de Janeiro that evolved as a ballroom dance to the Brazilian samba musical rhythms. https://midtownhouston. com/ Midtown Park 7pm. Age: adult

UHD Thursday Night Concert Series Grab a buddy and get ready to groove with live music outdoors at the beautiful Discovery Green! https://www.discoverygreen.com/ Discovery Green 7pm. All ages

Waterway nights: concert series Enjoy live music by local and regional performers in the picturesque setting of Waterway Square at Waterway Nights. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov The Woodlands Town Center 6:30-8:30pm. All ages

Thursdays at the Bryan Enjoy a curated selection of wines, enjoy the music of local Galvestonian talent, shop at our Museum Store and reserve a spot on our docent led tours of the Museum.

Thebryanmuseum.com The Bryan Museum, Galveston 4-7pm. All ages

Galveston’s Epicurean Evening If you’re unfamiliar with this event, it’s a taste of the gulf where 40+ restaurants and hotels provide samples of menu items that emphasize the restaurant/ hotel. Beer, wine, and liquor samples are also available. https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/ galvestons-epicurean-evening/ Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center1 Hope Blvd Galveston, Texas 6:30pm. Age: adult

APRIL 15 Central Library Nature Walk Storytime t’s time to learn, explore, and sing all about the flowers and critters found in the Houston area! Storytime may include short walks across the street to the reflection pool at Hermann Square or to Sam Houston Park, weather permitting. https://houstonlibrary.libcal.com/ event/8590662 Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza at the Houston Public Library 11:15am

APRIL 16 woodland’s farmers market at grogan’s mill Find fresh seasonal vegetables from local farms as well as farm fresh eggs, meats, cheese, coffee, honey, prepared foods and organic products. www.grogansmill.org Grogan’s Mill, Woodlands 8am. All ages

fulshear farmers market The market offers a vast array of produce and food products that were grown or produced within a 200 mile radius of Fulshear. www.fulshearfarmersmarket.com Fulshear. 9am-1pm. All ages.

ROAD TO RIVER REVIVAL MUSIC FEST Jam to live music at Market Square Park as we countdown to Texas’ most intimate camping and music festival. https://marketsquarepark.com Market Square Park 6:30pm. All ages

Family Capoeira Join us for a Family Capoeira class, a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art that develops discipline, coordination, strength, and rhythm. Instruction is provided by the Brazilian Cultural Institute and is open to families of all sizes and skill levels. https://midtownhouston.com/ midtown park

Young Audiences of Houston These interactive workshops and performances last between 60 and 90 minutes and involve YAH artists and ensembles, crossing genres of dance, visual arts, theater, music, and literary arts.

Levyparkhouston.org 1pm. All ages

Hangar Hangout at Houston Wings On the first and third Saturday of each month, join us to hang out in the hangar and see our collection of WWII-era aircraft, and enjoy our WWII museum with its unique collection of memorabilia and artifacts. Free admission makes it a great family activity! houstonwing.org West Houston airport 10am-3pm. All day

APRIL 17 galveston’s own farmers market Explore locally grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products from the residents of Galveston and the surrounding areas every Sunday morning.

Support farmers and producers, and connect with the local food economy. www. galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com Postoffice Street, Galveston

Explore HMNS

9am-1pm. All ages.

40 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

Explore our galaxy at the George Observatory Located at the Brazos Bend State Park and far enough from the Houston lights, explore the galaxy with its three huge domed telescopes. Since its located in the par, you can really make a day of it – hiking and picnicking while the sun is up and stargazing at night.

Hmns.org/George-observatory George Observatory Every day. Various times. All ages.

Admission tickets are required.

Easter Sunday at the Polo Club: APRILIS CUP Special candy toss for kids at halftime, champagne divot stomp for the adults. Kids bring a bag or basket to collect goodies! Enjoy world class polo, player parade, great music and, expert announcing. https://houstonpoloclub.com/ Houston Polo Club 5pm. All ages. Tickets start at $15

APRIL 18 Wellness Walks with Urban Paths Intended for every body, ability, age and fitness level, these Wellness Walks focus on community and connection while offering participants a chance to decompress, find mental clarity, and make new friends!

Levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 12pm. All ages

Get your Zen back at the Houston Japanese Garden Take a serene walk with the kids through the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park to chill out on a sunny afternoon. It’s stone paths, waterfalls, bridges and sculptures make for a nice stroll. hermannpark.org Japanese Garden in Hermann Park All day. All ages

APRIL 19 Curious Kids The children’s programs feature science-rich, weekly, stand-alone classes that offer you the flexibility to sign-up for individual classes that meet your hectic schedules or for specific topics that inspire your children. https://naturediscoverycenter.org Nature Discovery Center 10am. All ages

The Menil Collection Take a walk around the cluster of buildings that make up the museum art which spans over 30 acres in the heart of Houston. Between the various buildings that hold art collections, there are several green spaces beautified by contemporary sculptures. menil.org The Menil collection All day. every day. All ages.

April 2022 Toddler Tuesday: Dinosaur Dance

by Sandra Boynton Enjoy a morning of fun with story time, activities, crafts, and soft play equipment. https://www.discoverygreen.com/ Discovery Green 10:30am. Age: 1-4

Family Storytime and Craft Enjoy a captivating literacy experience! Family Storytime features a story followed by a craft that accompanies the reading. All craft supplies are included as a part of this free program.

Levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 10am. Ages: under 6

Outdoor Family Storytime Join your public library neighborhood branch for a socially distanced, outdoor storytime where we’ll read stories and sing songs together. houstonlibrary.libcal.com/event/8740961 Houston Public Library neighborhood branch 10am. Age: up to 5 years old.

APRIL 20 worldfest: houston international film fest (April 20-24) A blend of feature and short films, screenplays, music videos, and more. https://worldfest.org/ The AMC Studio 30, Houston All ages, $8 & up

Yappy Hour Enjoy a free, pet-friendly happy hour in Reliant Dog Park inside Midtown Park.

This doggie playdate features Spring Training, treats, giveaways, and dog tips. https://midtownhouston.com/ Midtown Park 5:30pm. All ages

APRIL 21 kingwood farmers market Browse locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, and other assorted snacks from certified vendors. www.facebook. com/events/ 2361474570743751 Kingwood Town Center Place 8am. All ages

blue willow bookshop storytime Bring your child to Blue Willow to enjoy stories, songs and an art activity. www. bluewillowbookshop.com Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston 10am. Toddlers and preschoolers, FREE

Cistern History Tours Learn about the architecture of this unique space and the history of Houston’s water system during a guided 30-minute tour. Free every Thursday. https://buffalobayou.org/visit/ destination/the-cistern/ The Cistern 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. Ages: 9+

Waterway nights: concert series

Monthly Volunteer Workday

Houston Latin Fest

Enjoy live music by local and regional performers in the picturesque setting of Waterway Square at Waterway Nights. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Houstonians, ages 9 and up, are invited to join Buffalo Bayou Partnership for community-wide volunteer days at Buffalo Bayou Park happening the third Saturday of each month. https://buffalobayou.org

The Houston Latin Fest is a family- oriented cultural festival that provides the surrounding Latin communities in Houston a place to gather with family and friends to listen and dance to live entertainment, connect with other fans in an open social space. https://midtownhouston.com/

The Woodlands Town Center 6:30-8:30pm. All ages

Thursdays at the Bryan Enjoy a curated selection of wines, enjoy the music of local Galvestonian talent, shop at our Museum Store and reserve a spot on our docent led tours of the Museum.

Thebryanmuseum.com The Bryan Museum, Galveston 4-7pm. All ages

FeatherFest Birding & Nature Photography Festival (April 21-24) If you’re a serious or casual bird-watcher or nature photographer…..an experienced or new outdoor enthusiast….. or someone who wants some exercise, fresh air and sunshine and something different to do…..you’ll want to join us at FeatherFest. www.galvestonfeatherfest.com 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston All day. All ages

APRIL 22 Yappy Hour Enjoy a free, pet-friendly happy hour in Reliant Dog Park inside Midtown Park.

This doggie playdate features Spring Training, treats, giveaways, and dog tips. https://midtownhouston.com/ Midtown Park 5:30pm. All ages

Central Library Nature Walk Storytime t’s time to learn, explore, and sing all about the flowers and critters found in the Houston area! Storytime may include short walks across the street to the reflection pool at Hermann Square or to Sam Houston Park, weather permitting. https://houstonlibrary.libcal.com/ event/8590662 Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza at the Houston Public Library 11:15am

APRIL 23 woodland’s farmers market at grogan’s mill Find fresh seasonal vegetables from local farms as well as farm fresh eggs, meats, cheese, coffee, honey, prepared foods and organic products. www.grogansmill.org Grogan’s Mill, Woodlands 8am. All ages

fulshear farmers market The market offers a vast array of produce and food products that were grown or produced within a 200 mile radius of Fulshear. www.fulshearfarmersmarket.com Fulshear. 9am-1pm. All ages.

Buffalo Bayou 8:30am. Age: 9+

earth day Enjoy Earth-conscious activities like guided nature hikes, crafts made from recycled materials, face painting, and scavenger hunts. https://houston arboretum.org

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center 10am-2pm. All ages

garden festival Support the Oleander Society while enjoying plant art vendors, demonstrations, giveaways, music, and food trucks! http://oleander.org Betty Head Oleander Garden Park, Galveston 10am-4pm. All ages.

RailFest (April 23-24) Fun for the entire family, visitors will enjoy watching large scale model trains in action, train rides that depart the station every 20 minutes, and tour restored cars, including the luxurious sleeping cars now open as a Rail-Hotel. https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/ railfest/ Galveston Railroad Museum All day. All ages

Galveston ArtWalk Presented every 6-8 weeks in partnership with downtown galleries, artist studios, nonprofits, and local businesses, ArtWalk takes place inside existing art spaces. https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/ galveston-artwalk/ On The Strand All day. All ages

APRIL 24 galveston’s own farmers market Explore locally grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products from the residents of Galveston and the surrounding areas every Sunday morning.

Support farmers and producers, and connect with the local food economy. www.galvestonsownfarmersmarket. com

Midtown Park 1pm. All ages

HMNS at the Park The Houston Museum of Natural Science comes to Levy Park to offer an opportunity to learn firsthand from Museum experts.

Levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 2-pm. All ages

Explore our galaxy at the George Observatory Located at the Brazos Bend State Park and far enough from the Houston lights, explore the galaxy with its three huge domed telescopes. Since its located in the par, you can really make a day of it – hiking and picnicking while the sun is up and stargazing at night.

Hmns.org/George-observatory George Observatory Every day. Various times. All ages.

Admission tickets are required.

Galveston Symphony Orchestra - Masterworks III: Beethoven’s Eroica!

An inspiring concert with a long-lost work by 19th-century composer Louise Farrenc, a gorgeous Mozart concerto, and the wild ride of Beethoven’s Third! https://www.visitgalveston.com/ events/galveston-symphony-orchestramasterworks-iii-beethovens-eroica/ The Grand 1894 Opera House 4pm. All ages

Sunday at the Polo Club: ENGEL & VÖLKERS HOUSTON CUP WITNESS THESE 8 players GO HEAD TO HEAD, PONY TO PONY! Enjoy live flamenco guitar music, expert announcing and WORLD CLASS polo. BEST GENTLEMANS HAT Contest. Special sponsor trophy presentation by Engel & Volkers Houston. https://houstonpoloclub.com/ Houston Polo Club 5pm. All ages. Tickets start at $15

Postoffice Street, Galveston 9am-1pm. All ages.

Spring Fling Festival A fun and informative, FREE, family-friendly event to celebrate Spring and Earth Day with a day out in the park There will be nature and environmental activities crafts and exhibits for children, family nature hikes, live animals, and more. https://naturediscoverycenter.org Nature Discovery Center 10am-3pm. All ages

ay!

D h t r a E Celebrate 2nd April 2

41 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE AprilCredit: 2021 Ruth & Rene Photography

the big to do | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

Get listed in our calendar in print and online!

Reach out to our calendar editor at

CALENDAR@HOUSTONFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 25 texas crawfish festival (April 25 -26) Along with the carnival and live music, there will be many vendors serving all types of food from fresh boiled crawfish, cajun food, to burgers and plenty more. https://texascrawfishfestival.com Preservation Park, Old Town Spring 12-11pm.

All ages. $12, 5 & under FREE

APRIL 26 Curious Kids The children’s programs feature science-rich, weekly, stand-alone classes that offer you the flexibility to sign-up for individual classes that meet your hectic schedules or for specific topics that inspire your children. https://naturediscoverycenter.org Nature Discovery Center 10am. Age: 3-5

Toddler Tuesday: Cocomelon – What Makes Me Happy adapted by Maria Le Enjoy a morning of fun with story time, activities, crafts, and soft play equipment. https://www.discoverygreen.com/ Discovery Green 10:30am. Age: 1-4

10th Annual Friends of Moody Gardens Herb Fair Opa! It is time to celebrate the spices of the Mediterranean and learn about the olives and olive oils produced there. https://www.visitgalveston.com/ events/10th-annual-friends-of-moodygardens-herb-fair/ Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center 9am-2pm. All ages

APRIL 28 kingwood farmers market

Family Storytime and Craft Enjoy a captivating literacy experience! Family Storytime features a story followed by a craft that accompanies the reading. All craft supplies are included as a part of this free program.

Levyparkhouston.org Levy Park 10am. Ages: under 6

Outdoor Family Storytime Join your public library neighborhood branch for a socially distanced, outdoor storytime where we’ll read stories and sing songs together. houstonlibrary.libcal.com/event/8740961 Houston Public Library neighborhood branch 10am. Age: up to 5 years old.

APRIL 27 Mess Makers Messy, sensory play is an important part of child development. Together with Ms. Mo and our NDC volunteers, you will explore and create with messy things like dirt, clay, sand, mud, sticks, leaves, and flowers. https://naturediscoverycenter.org/ Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire 10am. Age: 3-7

Browse locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, and other assorted snacks from certified vendors. www.facebook.com/events/ 2361474570743751 Kingwood Town Center Place 8am. All ages

blue willow bookshop storytime Bring your child to Blue Willow to enjoy stories, songs and an art activity. www.bluewillowbookshop.com Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston 10am.

Toddlers and preschoolers, FREE

Cistern History Tours Learn about the architecture of this unique space and the history of Houston’s water system during a guided 30-minute tour. Free every Thursday. https://buffalobayou.org/visit/ destination/the-cistern/ The Cistern 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. Ages: 9+

Mess Makers Messy, sensory play is an important part of child development. Together with Ms. Mo and our NDC volunteers, you will explore and create with messy things like dirt, clay, sand, mud, sticks, leaves, and flowers. https://naturediscoverycenter.org/ Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire 10am. Age: 3-7

UHD Thursday Night Concert Series Grab a buddy and get ready to groove with live music outdoors at the beautiful Discovery Green! https://www.discoverygreen.com/ Discovery Green 7pm. All ages

Waterway nights: concert series Enjoy live music by local and regional performers in the picturesque setting of Waterway Square at Waterway Nights. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov The Woodlands Town Center 6:30-8:30pm. All ages

Credit:

ography

g Phot Holly Youn

Are you ready for Bluebonnet Season?

Thursdays at the Bryan Enjoy a curated selection of wines, enjoy the music of local Galvestonian talent, shop at our Museum Store and reserve a spot on our docent led tours of the Museum.

Thebryanmuseum.com The Bryan Museum, Galveston 4-7pm. All ages

42 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

APRIL 29 sawyer yards art stroll View and shop thousands of pieces of art from more than 300 Houston artists! www.sawyeryards.com Sawyer Yards, Houston 4-9pm. All ages, FREE

Central Library Nature Walk Storytime It’s time to learn, explore, and sing all about the flowers and critters found in the Houston area! Storytime may include short walks across the street to the reflection pool at Hermann Square or to Sam Houston Park, weather permitting. https://houstonlibrary.libcal.com/ event/8590662 Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza at the Houston Public Library 11:15am

APRIL 30 woodland’s farmers market at grogan’s mill Find fresh seasonal vegetables from local farms as well as farm fresh eggs, meats, cheese, coffee, honey, prepared foods and organic products. www.grogansmill.org Grogan’s Mill, Woodlands 8am. All ages

fulshear farmers market The market offers a vast array of produce and food products that were grown or produced within a 200 mile radius of Fulshear. www.fulshearfarmersmarket.com Fulshear. 9am-1pm. All ages.

PUPPIES FOR BREAKFAST this one-of-a-kind event brings everything “DOG” to one place. Guaranteed to be the biggest pup party you’ve ever experienced, this year’s event comes jam-packed with 40+ vendors, dog-centric brands. https://marketsquarepark.com Market Square Park 10am. All ages.

the grand kids festival Over a dozen professional performers, student performance groups, hands-on activities for children, a petting zoo and so much more; it’ll be fun for everyone! https://www.grandkidsfestival.com/ Postoffice Street, Galveston 10am to 5pm. All ages.

Head on over to our online calendar for even more fun family activities! www.houstonfamilymagazine.com

April 9 & 10th, 2022 Katy, Sugarland & The Woodlands

Camp Fair is BACK

Join us at Houston Family Magazine's 27th Annual Camp Fair!

April 9th at La Centerra, Katy April 10th at Town Square, Sugar Land

April 10th at Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands

Free to the Public - Plenty of Parking Activities Giveaways Music & More lo r s Meet counse fr o m D a y &

mps O v e r n ig h t c a

S p e c ia l

o

D is c o u n ts ny ff e r e d b y m a

P la n y o u r ne s u m m e r in o a ft e r n o o n

ormation, f n i e r o m r o F .1885 call 713.266 om lyMagazine.c i m a F n o t s u o Or visit H ps exhibiting m a c f o t s i l for a 43 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

PRIMARY CARE that fits your life

Safe, convenient primary care — at a location near you.

149 1774

242 69

45

249

99

1960

290 99

59 6 10

Your health is our priority. To keep you safe, our physicians and employees are vaccinated against COVID-19.

houstonmethodist.org/pcg 713.394.6724

10

8 610

99

44 | HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE April 2021

336 1488

At Houston Methodist, we provide personalized care for you and your family, including physicals, immunizations and preventive care.

Many of our practices: • Provide in-person and virtual visits with online scheduling • Offer same-day sick visits • Are conveniently located close to work or home • Accept most major insurance plans

105

69

288

8

45

146