Our Kids Magazine August 2017 by Our Kids Magazine

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Finish Summer Strong

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with Fun at Home

Goodbye Summer, Hello School Simple Tips to Make the Transition Easier

Magazine

Talking to Kids About

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Kidcation Week See Calendar for Details

After-School Directory

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table of

CONTENTS August 2017

8 10

volume 33 • number 8

FINISH SUMMER STRONG WITH FUN AT HOME OPENING ACT IGNITING CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION TO LIVE THEATRE

GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO SCHOOL SIMPLE TIPS TO MAKE THE TRANSITION EASIER

14 20 22

TIPS TO HELP CHILDREN ADJUST TO A NEW SCHOOL BACK-TO-SCHOOL ISN’T JUST CHILD’S PLAY

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT DISABILITIES

22 KIDCATION

22 CALENDAR

32 EXHIBITS

36 FAMILY THEATRE

• Kidcation Kick-Off • Hemisfair Back-to-School • 5th Annual Bat Loco

• Ford River Race • Latch On SA • All About Bats

• Little Texan, Big World

• Disney’s The Little Mermaid • Hairspray, the Musical • Junie B. Jones, the Musical

On the Cover PHOTO BY: © CARLINE11

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

• José Arpa: A Spanish Painter in Texas

Next month Field Trip Guide

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August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Publisher’s NOTE Magazine

P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Magazine Toll Free 866-465-6936 PUBLISHER Rudy Riojas, Ext. 104 Magazine CALENDAR Kelley Ramotowski, Ext. 105

ADVERTISING: Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 Amy Sugarman, Ext. 107Magazine DISTRIBUTION Tony Smith, Ext. 106

Magazine OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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Magazine

Finish Summer Strong Magazine

As summer comes to a close, some families may feel like the school break just zipped by. In this month’s issue, Sara Marchessault offers some ideas about what to do with your kids for the remaining days of summer in her article, “Finish Summer Break Strong with Fun atMagazine Home.” Locally, you can get your last hurrah during the summer by checking out this month’s calendar for Kidcation events. Our Kids Magazine’s 5th Annual “Kidcation Week” is set for August 5 -13 and will be chock full of fun things for kids to do right here in SA as the summer break winds down. The Kick Off will be held at Hemisfair Magazine Park’s Yanaguana Garden on August 5th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mark your calendar and bring the entire family out to this fun and informative event! We also have several informative articles in our Afterschool Directory this month, starting with some simple tips to make the school transition easier in Meagan Ruffing’s piece “Goodbye Summer.” As if going back to school isn’t stressful enough Magazine for some children, now imagine your child will be attending a new school. Gayla Grace interviews a school counselor to get advice on “Helping Children Adjust to a New School.” This month, we also have one last education article that doesn’t focus on our children. Parents spend many years choosing the right school for their kids, saving money for their college and everything else that is involved in giving them the best education, but what about mom and dad? With the ever changing world and changing job market, parents may find returning to school as an adult to be both appealing and necessary. Gayla Grace has met that challenge. She writes about her experience and even lists a few things to seriously consider about the subject in her article “Back-to-School Isn”t Just Child’s Play.” Besides Kidcation Week, our August calendar has tons of family friendly events to choose from including the 8th Annual ‘’Stuff the Bus’’, Ford River Race, Latch On SA 2017, and a Back-to-School Supply Sale at the McNay. Happy Reading

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Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

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Feature

Finish Summer Break Strong with Fun at Home by Sara Marchessault

Summer vacation is almost at an end. Just a few more weeks to get through and kids head back to the classroom. Back to routines, homework, and regular schedules. It’s not unusual to feel as though our days are starting to get a little too relaxed at the end of summer. Goldfish and fruit snacks may start to become meals. Maybe the TV is on for a little longer than we mean for it to be. We parents start to count down the days until school starts. But wait! What if there was something you could do to save the remaining days of summer? A way to get your kids’ energy back up, or even your energy back up, and enjoy the last few days of school break? Sometimes all we need is exposure to an activity or event that we don’t do all of the time. A new experience can eliminate boredom pretty quickly. The end of summer vacation is the perfect time to pull out ideas you may 8

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

have had about cool stuff to do with your kids – or let your kids do on their own – and use one or more of those to pump a little zest into the rest of your break. Here are a few ideas to help you get started. Painting. Projects that include lots of paint and allow several days to finish a painting simply do not happen all that often in school. Summer is a great time to let your kids enjoy the feel of a paintbrush in hand and create a piece of original art. Get them a large surface to paint on (canvas, wood), paint, brushes, and then let them look for inspiration. Home improvement shows and magazines are great resources for ideas for paintings you can do at home. Kids can also paint fabric, dishes, or even old furniture that could use a facelift. Do you have a budding writer? Invite him Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

or her to write a play or a movie script. Encourage practice and memorizing lines. If there are several roles invite other kids to join in the fun and be actors. Are they ready to make videos? Give them a filming device and see what they can create. Planning a day trip. This is not meant to be labor intensive for mom and dad – this trip is up to the kids. Let your son or daughter use a map to find a place they would like to visit. Encourage answers to questions about distance, what you will do when you reach your destination, and what you will eat that day. Let them plan a trip and then actually take the trip, maybe even letting your kids read the map to help you get there. Cooking day. Or baking day. Let your kids plan a meal for you and your family. They can look through cookbooks and choose recipes they would like to make, determine the ingredients needed, shop, prepare the meal, and serve. Designing and building. What can your kids construct? Can they build an obstacle course in the backyard? Bridges for toy cars to ride over kiddie pools? Boats to race down a nearby creek? This can be as complicated as original designs or as simple as a craft kit from a local hobby store. Encourage conversations about the decisions that need to be made during the building process. When it is time to try out the functionality of the finished product, maybe video tape the experience, interview the builder to get a live comment about how it went, and if desired, share with family and friends. Storing memories. Did your summer include a vacation this year? Do you have piles of pictures, printed or digital, that you would love to see organized into a scrapbook, photo album, or printed photo book? Photo storage and memory preservation projects can be completed with or without supervision. Invite your kids to create a piece of art that reflects a shared memory and the family can enjoy for years to come. The best part of any of these projects is that it gets kids engaged in activities that may require reading, following direction, solving problems, math, and even spatial reasoning. Not only will one of these cool projects get kids moving and grooving for the last days of summer, it can get them back into the routine of thinking like a student too.

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Sara Marchessault is a writer and coach. Her work helps clients to more fully experience joy in daily life. Sara is an avid diarist and keeper of her family’s stories. These days her journals are getting lots of details about playing with her kids and the awesome ups and downs of being a mom. Learn more about her work at saramarchessault.com Our Kids App Available on Itunes & Google Play

August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Opening Act: Igniting Children’s Imagination to Live Theatre By Denise Morrison Yearian

Taking children to live theater, music and dance performances can ignite their imaginations, arouse their curiosity and spark their interest in the performing arts. Today there is an abundance of entertainment options for youngsters, from toddlers through teens. To foster your child’s love for the performing arts, consider these 10 tips:

1. Set the stage. There’s no set age to begin taking children to live performances. What’s important is to begin with ageappropriate programming that caters to your child’s interest and attention span, and build from there. Start with shows based on familiar stories or characters at local or regional children’s theaters and other family venues. High school productions are a good option too. As your child gets acclimated to attending, take in performances with more detailed plots. Also consider attending a Broadway or off-Broadway classics, such as Beauty and the Beast, as a special treat. 2. Determine details. Call and ask for details regarding the performance. Is it family oriented? Age-appropriate? Are there 10

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

frightening scenes? Is there spectacle—colorful costumes and sets, slapstick comedy and/or special effects? This will keep your child engaged, as will shows that involve audience participation.

3. Seek out special events. Call the box office and ask about special activities associated with the program to enhance the experience. For example, some family concerts offer instrument petting zoos where musicians offer an up-close look at instruments and demonstrate how to play them. Children may even be encouraged to test some of them out. Other venues may offer backstage passes so families can see the sets and lighting, meet the characters and learn interesting tidbits of information. Kids may even be able to get autographs of the performers. 4. Lowdown on logistics. Find out about program length, as well as if there is a break for intermission. Then consider if your child can stay focused that long. Also ask the theatre’s policies about bringing drinks and snacks into the auditorium and leaving during the performance. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY 5. Select the right seats. Choose seating that will keep your child’s attention directed on stage. Sitting front and center or in the balcony may be best. If you think you may have to slip out during the performance, opt for seats near the isle for a quick exit. Consider bringing a booster seat so your child gets a good view. 6. Primer on preparations. If the show parallels a book or movie, read or watch it together. If there’s familiar music, let your child experience that. Explain the plot and discuss the characters. Even though the play will be a bit different, your child will know what to expect.

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7. Explain theatre etiquette. Discuss your expectations regarding his behavior at the event. Tell him he will have to walk, rather than run, to and from his seat and use indoor voices. Depending upon the performance, he may need to hold questions until intermission or whisper if he has something important to say. 8. Day-of details. Make sure your child is well-fed and rested before leaving home. Plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. Find

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your seats then take your child to the restroom. Bring along a small bag of quiet items he can play with while you wait for the performance to begin. 9. Share impressions. After the show, take your child somewhere for a special treat and share thoughts and impressions about the performance. What was his favorite part or character? Was there a character he didn’t like? Why? Did he see a transformation of character? What did he think of the sets, costumes and special effects? Can he retell the story to you? If there were songs, can he sing any for you? Does he remember the instruments or concepts taught during musical performances?

10. Extend the experience. At home have your child draw a picture of his favorite scene or character. If you did not rent the parallel movie or read the book, do so now. Was the storyline presented differently in this format? If he enjoys pretend play, have him act out his favorite part. -Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

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We swim year-round Our swimmers are We provide indoor heated placed in small classes professional instructors Your swim journey Call Today: 210-651-1143 Your swim journey ools at local Gold’s with similar age and who are certified with Your Your swim swim journey journey yms: Alamo Heights, level peers to create 80+ hours of rigourous andera Pointe, and a fun and effecient training and cirriculum swim ogers Ranch.journey learni ng enviGiving ronment.Beginners refined over•theBIRTHDAY past 17 PARTIES • WORKSHOPS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • ASSEMBLIES Confidence & Independence

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AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Goodbye Summer, Hello School Simple Tips to Make the Transition Easier By Meagan Ruffing

Blink. Where did summer go? Iced tea makers and poop emoji popsicle molds have been replaced with pens, pencils and reams of paper in what feels like a matter of weeks. Just when my kids figured out how to play upstairs by themselves for longer than 10 minutes it is now time for them to get back on a schedule where play time has to be penciled in before and after homework hour. Changing routines is difficult for anyone. Add to that multiple children and multiple ages and you have got yourself a recipe for stress. There really is no right answer. There is no one size fits all when it comes to transitioning your kids from summer to fall; you just kind of have to get through it. I have enough summers under my belt to know what works and does not work and from one mother to another, let me share what I have gleamed from my experiences. First, get a calendar. Actually, buy a couple. Buy one to put on the fridge for the whole family to see, one cute one just for you, one for each of your kids’ rooms and if that isn’t enough, buy one more just because. Start with the family calendar and map out the month of August or September (whichever month your kids go back to school) and be intentional about writing down every single event in that month. When your kids know the plan, everyone wins. Have fun with this and buy some cute stickers to stick on special days – this is a great way to include your kids and get them excited about going back to school. Let your kids decorate their own calendars by marking special days with crayons or markers. Start talking about school coming up. Use dinner time to ask your kids if they have questions about what grade they are going in to and what they are most excited about or scared about. Talk to them about what it was like when you started a new grade. Kids feels so much better when they hear, “me too”. Help ease new school jitters and social anxiety by role playing. I do this with my son sometimes when I need him to work through a situation where he might get overwhelmed when someone either intentionally or unintentionally hurts his feelings. As his mom, I know that when his feelings are hurt he lashes out verbally. To try and avoid future situations like this, we often role play about what could happen or might happen and we walk through different scenarios. You can do this too with situations that are relevant to your child. 12

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

Make a special day about your child’s upcoming first day of school. If you have multiple children, take each one out individually and plan on getting at least one new outfit to get them excited about their first day. Be sure to add this shopping day to your calendar! Now that you’ve got the schedule, role playing and shopping day nailed down, the hard part is actually getting your children to understand that staying up late is a thing of the past and early bedtimes are back in full swing. There a few simple things you can do to help with this transition. For some people, simply putting their kids to bed 15 minutes earlier each night the week before school starts works for them. For others, their kids catch on to this and fight tooth and nail to stay up. To avoid the fight, try this: tell your child he can stay up until the time you have decided and tell him he can read in his bedroom up until that time. Set a timer, set his watch, give him that independence to have the feeling that he is the one who is in charge of when he closes his eyes when in reality, your child is upstairs, in his bed at the time you wanted him to be. He will eventually learn the new routine and setting the timer will be replaced with him falling asleep on his own. Another tip for helping your children with the transition from summer to fall is by keeping things simple. This means not scheduling a million things all in one day for your child. Pick one extracurricular activity and let your daughter have lots of free time before bed time. Maybe sign her up for soccer and save dance for next season. It’s okay to have blank space on your calendar. Trust me. This is called letting your child use her imagination and allowing yourself time to fit in those unexpected things that come up in life. A busy schedule isn’t always better. Keeping things simple and low key for your kids can be exactly what they need to start the new school year off right. Try these tips to help you and your family ease into a new schedule this fall and you will be pleasantly surprised at how well your kids will adjust. Tweak these suggestions to fit your family’s needs and remember, keep it simple. Meagan Ruffing has already started her kids’ back-to-school routine and is soaking up every memory before her daughter starts kindergarten this month. You can see more of Meagan’s work at www.meaganruffing.com or read about her story in her new book, “I See You”: Helping Moms Go from Overwhelmed to In Control, sold on Amazon.

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Relationships/ Relationships/ ••Impulsivity Impulsivity Relationships/ • Impulsivity Social Skills Social Skills Social Skills ••Tantrums Tantrums • Tantrums Academic, Social • Academic, Social • •Academic, Social ••Trouble Trouble • Trouble orBehavioral Behavioral or Behavioral or Making Friends Making Friends Making Friends Issues Issues Issues children ages to4 17to 17 Wehelp help children ages We We help children ages 44to 17

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What Are You Doing After School? AFTER SCHOOL . . . Join us for an incredible After School experience! • Kinder–13 Years • Transportation from Local Elementary Schools • Field Trips & Special Events Planned for Most Public School Holidays EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS . . . We oﬀer a fully accredited, innovative educational program in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility, where a warm and caring staﬀ utilizes a professional curriculum and the very best in educational toys and equipment! • Full & Part Time: Infants – Age 13 • Drop-Ins Accepted • After School care with pick-up from area schools during the school year OUR CAMPUS INCLUDES . . . • Waterpark & Splash Deck • Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground • Country Home Movie Theater • Arts/Crafts Lab & Computer Lab • Large Indoor Gym & Basketball Court

• Soccer Field • 1950's-Style Soda Shop for Cooking & • Putt-Putt Golf Course • Student ABCMouse.com Accounts • iPad Station & Interactive Whiteboard

NOW ENROLLING . . .

Full & Part Time for preschool, after school & summer camp!

Call & Enroll Today! 210-687-1002

View All 10 of Our Locations at www.countryhomelearningcenter.com A Fully Accredited Program

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AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY

7 Tips to Help Children Adjust to a New School By Gayla Grace

The beginning of another school year brings excitement and nervousness. For those starting a new school, it also brings stress. Beth Moore, school counselor for five years, offers practical tips on how we can help our children adjust to their new surroundings with a few intentional steps. 1. Be prepared. “No one likes to stand out on the first day,” Moore says. “Make sure kids have the right uniform and are properly enrolled.” Don’t wait until the last minute to find out what supplies are needed or what forms need to be completed. Check school websites and community information boards to gather pre-enrollment information.

2. Help kids learn the area and be familiar with their surroundings. If kids can easily participate in conversation about major points around town, they will begin to feel more connected. “The more comfortable a child is in general, the easier school will be,” Moore says.

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AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY 3. Tour the school beforehand. Many schools offer students the chance to walk the campus before classes begin. For elementary-aged kids, it also helps to play on the playground. Take your child to meet-theteacher night and orientation, if offered. “Do anything that will help raise your child’s comfort level ahead of time,” advises Moore. 4. Reassure your child with positive statements. Remind your children that they aren’t the only ones feeling anxious. “Every single student is nervous on the first day,” Moore says. “Other students are nervous about new classes, nervous about the lunch shift, or concerned about whether they’ll be with their friends.” It helps your children to know they aren’t the only ones walking into school a bundle of nerves. 5. Scour social media accounts for studentfriendly and student-organized events. “Many high schools have Twitter and Facebook accounts that are grade specific and promote activities for students before school starts,” Moore says. Help your child find social media pages connected to their school and follow their buzz.

6. Network with others around town. Visit churches and attend community events. “Do anything that will help your child see a familiar face at school,” says Moore. Athletic functions and back-to-school church events offer places for kids to connect and meet new friends. 7. Stay positive. “Be supportive and positive, always,” says Moore. “If they have a bad day, help them get up and go again.” Don’t allow your child to sulk and complain about their surroundings. Encourage positive attitudes and healthy self-talk. As kids begin a new school, they have fears that range from finding the right bus to who they’ll sit with at lunch. A child’s personality, social and emotional development, and prior school experiences contribute to how they react. We can help our kids face their fears and adjust to their surroundings with courage and selfconfidence and in the process, develop valuable skills that carry into adulthood. Gayla Grace writes and speaks on family and parenting issues and has undergone the stress of new schools with her five kids.

Dorothy Keck Dancers Register NOW for Fall Classes

TAP • BALLET • LYRICAL POINTE • JAZZ • HIP HOP • CONTEMPORARY DANCE TEAM • ACROBATICS

• • • OUR 57th YEAR

At Sunshine Cottage, children with hearing loss and normal hearing grow and learn together in a nurturing and fun environment. All students experience the finest education available in South Texas with a low student-to-teacher ratio (7:1) and a hands-on approach to learning, encompassing all State standards.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED FACULTY AGES 18 MONTHS THRU ADULTS BEGINNER THRU ADVANCED LEVELS

829-8489 1532 AUSTIN HWY Sunset Square Shopping Center Next to HEB www.dorothykeckdancers.com

Call for information

(210) 824-0579

Begin the Adventure: • Early Childhood & Elementary classes • Dynamic Curriculum • State-of-the-art technology • Outdoor & Discovery classrooms

• • • • •

Music & Art classes Certified teaching staff Small student teacher ratio Physical Education Convenient location

603 E. Hildebrand Ave. • San Antonio, Texas • 78212 www.sunshinecottage.org Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, OPTIONSchools International and is a TEA Approved non-public school. Sunshine Cottage is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit educational organization. We accept students regardless of sex, race, affiliation, disability, or national origin.

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AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY ART/CRAFTS Abby’s Attic Sewing & Crafting Studio 9815 Culebra Road Suite 112 San Antonio TX 78251 210-386-6523 www.abbysatticsewingschool.com

Abby’s Attic provides after school sewing classes for ages 8-16. Moms, give yourself a few extra minutes at the end of the day while your kids learn a new skill! We teach basic sewing skills by machine and by hand. Introduce your child to a dying art while they work on fine and gross motor skills, pattern reading, problem solving, mathematics skills and more! Moms, we have a great variety of classes for YOU to learn to sew, too!”

DANCE/THEATRE/FILM Dance Center of San Antonio(DCSA) 210-540-8398 126 W.Rector Suite 120 San Antonio, TX 78216 www.dancecenterofsanantonio.com

The DCSA is the region’s preeminent classical ballet training center. DCSA inspires dancers through hard work, discipline and joy for the arts to develop confidence, high selfesteem, drive and leadership. DCSA offers pre-professional ballet training, unparalleled performance opportunities and a strong connection to nationally- and internationallyrecognized personalities of the dance world.

Dorothy Keck Dancers 210-829-8454 1532 Austin Hwy www.dorothykeckdancers. com

We are a dance instruction studio offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, tumbling/ acrobatics, and dance team. Enjoy our 54 years of teaching experience, flexible hours, and fair prices that are sure to keep us a San Antonio favorite.

San Antonio Dance Academy 210-341-7574 15714 Huebner Rd. Bldg. 4 www.sadance.info

Celebrating 28 years of offering excellent dance training for children (ages 3-adult) in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, HipHop, Tap, Modern, Mexican Folkloric, Flamenco, Lyrical, Contemporary, AcroDance, Ballroom, Boys HipHop and specialized Teen/Adult classes. Family rates available. Beautiful studios, conveniently located with ample parking. Register online at www.sadance.info.

The Jewel of Art Dance Studio 210-878-4089 1909 Fredericksburg Rd. www.jewelorartdance.com

Located in the heart of the Deco District, The Jewel of Art Dance Studio shines with brilliance. We are the stepping stone to producing refined and brilliant dancers. We are committed to creating a strong foundation in all genres of dance offering daily adult, youth, and child classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern & more. The students are

considered our precious jewels at The Jewel of Art Dance Studio and just like jewels shine with brilliance, so will our students.

Woodlawn Academy for the Performing Arts 1924 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 816-6341 www.woodlawntheatre.org/ the-academy

The Woodlawn Academy for the Performing Arts is giving kids of all ages and skill level the opportunity to learn about performing arts, while building confidence and self-esteem, and ultimately the opportunity to shine on a stage. *Now registering online for our Fall LegUp Class Series, beginning September 5, 2017.

FITNESS/SPORT Archery Tag 269-0725 coachbobby7755@gmail.com www.coachbobbysports.com

Let Archery Tag provide you with a dynamic environment for your child’s birthday. For 90 Minutes the kids will participate in a variety of themed archery tag games and activities. The kids will have a fun-filled time! Contact Coach Bobby at 210-269-0725 / coachbobby7755@gmail.com for availability and pricing. www.coachbobbysports.com

Greentree Tennis Club 4721 Callaghan Rd. 210-681-5261 www.greentreetennis.com

Green Tree offers after school Junior Tennis Programs starting the week of September 19. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30 - 6 pm plus Sunday afternoons at 2 pm plus Monday afternoons at 5:30 pm. We are booking pool parties through September.

Jump Rope Express 269-0725 coachbobby7755@gmail.com www.coachbobbysports.com

Let Jump Rope Express get your child in top form. We offer one hour jump rope classes that keeps kids active with unique jump rope games, activities, challenges and drills developed by Coach Bobby. The kids will have a fun-filled time and get a lot of exercise! Contact Coach Bobby at 210-269-0725 / coachbobby7755@gmail.com for availability and pricing. www.coachbobbysports.com

Jumping Dragons Performance Jump Rope Team 269-0725 coachbobby7755@gmail.com www.coachbobbysports.com

Join the Jumping Dragons Performance Jump Rope Team. Your child will perform single rope routines and learn other jump rope related skills. The team performs for various events around town, including Spurs halftime shows. Your child will improve their athletic skills and have fun memorable team experiences.

Celebrating over 47 years of Excellence in Early Childhood Education • Infant Care • Pre-School Programs • Music & Gymnastics • Private Kindergarten • Karate • Spanish • Ballet • Swimming Located near USAA and the Medical Center. 9433 Fredericksburg Monday - Friday 210-694-4622 6:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. www.brightideasdaycare.com

• Spanish • Computer • Music • Motor Skills • Weekly Chapel • Outdoor Classroom

Also offering our Little CHUMS Program beginning at 18 months old

5247 Vance Jackson, San Antonio, Texas (210) 349-1092 • www.colonialhills.info

After School Pickup We Have 3 Locations Northwest Downtown Northeast

r Child ill You oday? W t T a r Wh Discove

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

Reliable Care for Children up to 12 Years Old Homework Help Arts & Crafts No Screen Time

Outside Playtime Healthy Snack

hool? com c s r u o y Do we serve overyWorldSA.

at Disc Check Online

facebook.com/discoveryworldLC FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY Love to Swim & Tumble School 15502 Huebner Rd. 210-492-2606 20210 Stone Oak Parkway 210-702-3444 6044 FM3009, Schertz 210-566-4096 www.love-to-swim.com Swim - As children head back to school, and parents’ lives get busier, it is important to remember that the ability to swim efficiently is a lifelong skill that can save your child’s life. Tumble - Strong bodies equal strong minds, and tumbling is a great way to give your child an edge in academics. Our gym offers children the advantage of early exposure to a wide range of school readiness skills. Call or visit our website for schedules.

MGR Swim Sports (3 SA Locations) 12274 Bandera Road, Ste 234 Helotes, Tx 78023 210-340-0122 www.mgrswimsports.com info@mgrswimsports.com The Swim Journey Starts Here: Teaching beginners, intermediate and competitive swimmers in 3 indoor heated locations. Instructors are professional, highly trained, carefully selected individuals who love water and working with children. Classes are divided by age/ability from 6 months old to adults and follow a gentile progression of skills.

MUSIC For the Love of Drums 210-260-2221 www.for theloveofdrums.com fortheloveofdrums@att.net

EST. 1963

• 18 Months - Kindergarten • Afterschool Care 1st through 5th grades

For the Love of Drums offers after school music classes at the following elementary schools for fall 2017 session: Brauchle, Locke Hill, Fields, Galm, and Cole elementary schools. We offer introductory to keyboard and percussion classes for the 1st and 2nd graders and introductory to drumset, percussion, and music theory for 3rd to 5th graders.

• Summer Camp 5 through 10 year olds • Located on six wooded acres with pool

NOW ENROLLING (210) 696-0213

Jensen’s Yamaha Music School 210-366-5048 2241 NW Military Hwy #202B www.jensensyamahamusic.com

Babcock and Huebner Area

www.suburbanschool.com

International Yamaha Music Education System provides classes for beginners ages 3 and up. To teach a love of music through singing, ear training, playing, keyboard, movement, creativity. Our Teachers are degreed, trained and certified by Yamaha.

ACADEMIC/TUTORING Clowvazar After School Tutoring 210-690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120 San Antonio TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com

We provide One-on-One tutoring for kids with high functioning autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia et cetera. Tutoring & Coaching sessions available for both Students and Parents. We provide comprehensive assessment and affordable packages.

The students are considered our jewels at The Jewel of Art Dance Studio and just like jewels shine with brilliance, so will our students. Daily adult, youth & child classes, in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, & more!

210-878-4089

www.JewelofArtDance.com 1909 Fredericksburg Rd San Antonio, TX 78201

from

Timid

For the Fall

to Triumph! Our students learn more than swimming and tumbling; they build fundamental skills in a loving environment that fosters development. Here, kids really grow! Choose LOVE for Your Kiddo 100% Child-Centered Highly Trained Staff State-of-the-Art, Indoor Facilities Mommy Owned and Operated

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Lessons • Preschool • Parties • Gifts August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY Brain Balance Achievement Center 210-620-7378 www.BrainBalanceCenters.com The Brain Balance program brings hope to families of children who suffer with behavioral, academic and social challenges. We are specialized achievement centers that utilize a drugfree, multi-faceted approach to address the underlying issues in many of the behavioral, developmental, and learning disorders that plague so many children today. Three locations in San Antonio and surrounding area.

Mad Science of San Antonio P.O. Box 92701 Austin, Texas 78709 210-651-1143 sanantonio.madscience.org

instructors. Daily rewards encourage participation and enthusiasm. We help children understand, enjoy and excel at math.

UTSA One UTSA Circle San Antonio, 78249 210-398-0211

https://utsallalab.wordpress.com/projects/ Description: The UTSA Language Learning and Assessment Laboratory is looking for 1st to 3rd grade bilingual children in a research study. Children who speak another home language will play English language games with us for up to 2 hours. Children will receive small gifts and up to $20 Target gift card

AFTER SCHOOL AND CHILDCARE

Mad Science is the leading science enrichment provider for children in prekindergarten through grade 5. Using an inquiry-based learning approach, children are doing things like chemistry, physics, and rocket engineering just to name a few. Mad Science encourages children to explore the world around them with hands-on science activities.

Mathnasium (210)494-4111 300 W. Bitters Suite 160 San Antonio, 78216 www.Mathnasium.com/ sanantonio

Mathnasium provides students with the skills they need to improve their selfconfidence in math. Our program consists of ongoing assessments, individualized learning plans and specially trained, caring

Barshop JCC Kid’s Club After School Program 12500 NW Military Hwy., Ste. 275 San Antonio, TX 78231 210-302-6879 www.jccsanantonio.org/ kidsclub

Kids Club is the JCC’s After School program that provides youth, who are current JCC Members, the opportunity to develop new interests while challenging their minds and bodies. We foster a family home environment where each student can build strong relationships, nurture special interests, and develop a positive selfesteem. Transportation is also available from select schools.

Brighter Futures Learning Center (210) 566-1999 1213 Borgfeld Rd. in Schertz 2175 FM 1103 in Cibolo (NEW LOCATION) www.BrighterFuturesLC.com

Before & After School Program - We offer a fun-filled after-school & holiday break program which includes field trips to encourage exploratory & creativity for our children. We have multiple playground, an indoor playground & a splash pad at both locations. Come take a tour of our beautiful facilities!

Bright Ideas Children’s Enrichment Center 9433 Frederickburg Road San Antonio, TX 78240 694-4622 www.brightideasdaycare.com

We realize that each child is unique with a specific set of needs. It is our sincere desire to accept the challenge and work toward the goal of meeting each of those needs. We offer Infant and Toddler care, PreK 3 and PreK 4 and Private Kindergarten, with breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack provided. We also offer Swimming lessons, Ballet, Gymnastics, Karate and Spanish for Tots. Call or visit our website for more information.

Colonial Hills United Methodist Church After School Care 210-349-9583 5247 Vance Jackson San Antonio 78230

www.chumc@chumc.org/after-school-care A fun and safe way to spend out of school time. After school programs for children 5 – 12 years.

Our after-school programs provide the perfect combination of recreation and education. Doing homework. Hanging out and playing with friends. Through activities such as field trips, reading, cooking, music, and art, your child will explore themes like making a difference, community helpers, art mania, cultural events and more.

Country Home Learning Center 210-687-1002 www.countryhome learningcenter.com

Quality childcare 6 weeks – 13 years. Students enjoy our water park, indoor playground, putt-putt golf course, and gymnasium. After school care with pick-up from area schools available. Check out our website for location near you.

Discovery World Learning Center San Antonio, TX www.discoveryworldsa.com NORTHWEST 5455 Prue Road (210) 691-0064 DOWNTOWN 406 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd (210) 225-7464 NORTHEAST 6020 Fountainwood (210) 655-6941

Reliable After School Pick-up with care until 6:30pm. Some locations offer dropoff services, too! Children up to 12 years old get homework help, a healthy snack, outside playtime, arts & crafts. Check online to see if we serve your school, at DiscoveryWorldSA.com! What Will Your Child Discover Today?

presents

featuring the award-winning exhibition

The DoSeum • 2800 Broadway • San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 212-4454 • TheDoSeum.org

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

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AFTER-SCHOOL DIRECTORY Clowvazar After School Tutoring 210-690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120 San Antonio TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com

Rattle n’ Roll 16114 Ponderosa Pass Helotes 78203 210-695-8311 rattlenrollinfantcares.com

Love to Swim and Tumble School 3 Locations 15502 Huebner 210-492-2606 20210 Stone Oak Pkwy 210-702-3444 6044 FM 3009 210-566-4096

As mommies ourselves, we understand how important it is to make development FUN! Love to Swim and Tumble School offers awesome child-centered programs unlike any other in the city. Kiddos are at the heart of everything we do and they love our indoor swim lessons and tumble lessons. house210-341-0731

Mount Sacred Heart School 210-342-6711 619 Mt. Sacred Heart Road www.mountsacredheart.com

Before and after school care available. For over 80 years parents and students of have benefited from a strong tradition of excellence in Catholic faith and education. Mount Sacred Heart School offers after are to our families of our Montessori & PreK4 to 8th graders until 6 pm for an additional fee. To learn more about the array of extra-curricular activities offered at MSH please contact the school office at 210-342-6711.

Babies know and are able to perceive much more than once thought. This makes informed positive, intentional and appropriate stimulation from an informed, high-quality infant care provider critical to early childhood development in these areas: Bonding & Attachment – Sensory Development – Visual Tracking – Auditory Stimulation – Olfactory and Taste – Tactile System - Motor Skills - Sensational Beginnings.

SA Youth Several Site Locations around San Antonio 210.223.3131 www.sanantonioyouth.org

SA Youth’s Out-of-School Time offers an array of programs that focus on educational achievement, character development, and healthy lifestyles. Our program provides year-round youth development programs during non-school hours that provide academic support and expanded learning opportunities that make a difference in a child’s total development.

San Antonio Academy 210-733-7331 117 East French Place San Antonio, TX www.sa-academy.org

Our Year-round enrichment program for children 4-12 years includes varied programs. For details on our after school programs, weekend programs and summer camps, call or check our website.

St. Monica Catholic School 210-658-6701 515 North St. Converse 78109 wwww.saintmonica.net

St. Monica offers a before and after school program for its students. Now enrolling children 2 1/2 years to 8th grades. TCCED accredited.

Sunshine Cottage 603 Hildebrand San Antonio, Texas 78212 (210) 824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org

Sunshine Cottage teaches children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to listen and talk. Programs: Newborn Hearing Evaluation Center, Parent-Infant Program, Audiology, SpeechLanguage Therapy and Pre-K through fifth grade. Ask about our year-round programs.

The Montessori School of San Antonio 210-492-3553 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy. www.montessorisa.org

In addition to after school care, MSSA offers its students a wide variety of after school activities including art, chess, dance, drama, guitar, LEGO robotics, martial arts, origami, science, sports, Spanish, and violin. courses are taught by accomplished instructors selected from within and outside the MSSA community.

Trinity Preschool 5401 N. Loop 1604 E. (Between 281 and IH 35) San Antonio, TX 78247 210-653-2800 www.trinitypreschools.com

Trinity Preschool supports parents by

offering a full and engaging educational program for children as young as 6 weeks through Pre – K ( four and five year olds). Our enriching learning centers and optional activities include library, science, computers, gymnastics, Bible, chapel, and music. We are pleased to offer hours that make it easy for working parents – Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 6:30 pm. Come see what we are all about!

Trinity United Methodist School 210-684-5214 5319 Newcome Dr. www.trinityums.org A child-centered education is offered to students 2 years – 5th grade. Trinity United Methodist School offers an accelerated curriculum with music, piano, theatre arts, technology, Spanish, Latin, art library and PE. IPADS are issued to 3rd – 5th graders. Before and after school care available.

YMCA of Greater San Antonio After School Program (210) 924-2277 http://www.ymcasatx.org/ afterschool As a leader in youth development, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio serves children ages 5-13 providing safe, quality, affordable after school care. Our Y kids receive a light snack and participate in planned activities offered in an enriching environment specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of school age children and their families.

Rattle n’ Roll Registered In Home Infant Care

• Comfort, Security and Trust • Infants and Toddlers • Limited to 4 infants • High-Quality Individual Attention

Contact Ms. Donna

210.695.8311

• Serving Northwest San Antonio www.rattlenrollinfantcares.com

Field Trips:

Different monthly themes are offered • Around the World Percussion • Rock n Roll • Super Heroes • Native American Indian • Beach & Hawaiian • Christmas & Holiday We bring multiple percussion instruments to you for an interactive music jam session.

After School Classes Start in September

Offered at:

Cole Locke-Hill Brauchle Galm Fields

Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary

Please contact us for information or visit our website

210-260-2221 www.ForTheLoveofDrums.com RSVP @ KidcationWeek.com

August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Feature

Back-to-School Isn’t Just Child’s Play By Gayla Grace

Unhappy in a job with limited potential, I returned to school for a master’s degree as I approached my 40th birthday. I began searching for options in other fields of study, determined to work a schedule other than eight to five with four kids at home. My current employer offered tuition reimbursement, which provided an additional incentive. Despite my fears and uncertainties, I plunged into a master’s degree that I’m thankful today offers a wide range of opportunities. Returning to school as an adult requires serious consideration. When raising a family at the same time and/or working full-time, it means personal sacrifice and strict time management. However, it can bring greater job security and satisfaction, in addition to access to skills of higher demand or personal interest classes for individual enrichment. Here are a few issues to consider first.

Why?

Are you looking for a career change that requires a long-term commitment? Do you hope to increase your marketability with current career-related courses? Or do you want to acquire a new skill through a continuing

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

education course? The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the primary reason adults return to school is to take work-related or personal interest courses. Regardless of the reason, having a clear goal will help determine your direction and how much time and energy you need to invest.

Tuition

Finishing an undergraduate degree or diving into a graduate degree can be expensive. Where you choose to attend, private versus public, and fulltime versus part-time status determines how much you spend. Tuition reimbursement plans and low-interest loans can play a role in helping with expenses. It’s important to have a financial plan to avoid setbacks that might prevent you from reaching your goal.

How to Accommodate

What changes do you need to make in your schedule to accommodate the addition of classes and studying? Will your current employer allow time off ? Do you need to secure babysitting for

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your children? Do you have volunteer duties you can delegate to someone else? Prioritizing your responsibilities allows a smoother transition with your new schedule. It’s also important to seek your family’s support. Consider asking for additional help with housework or meal preparation. When I returned to school, I had a nighttime class every semester and asked our oldest daughter to assume meal preparation that night. The other children helped with clean up and after-dinner chores, enabling our household to run smoothly and enjoy a home-cooked meal without me.

Be Flexible An aging parent with a sudden illness or a child in need of extra time and attention may slow the progress of classes. While completing my degree, my husband’s job was transferred, which prompted an out-of-state move before I finished. Then I learned I was pregnant (unexpectedly) with our youngest child. It seemed impossible that I could complete my schooling, but I searched several options before giving up. I consulted with a school in our new location and learned I could take my last two classes after we moved, transferring the credits back to my current school to complete my coursework. I couldn’t travel to the graduation ceremonies at eight months pregnant, but I beamed with pride as I received my diploma through the mail upon completion! Perseverance toward your goal, despite unexpected circumstances, will lead to accomplishing what you set out to do. Returning to school as an adult offers fresh challenges and exciting opportunities. With planning and perseverance, it opens up a variety of doors that add new meaning to life. What better time to consider the endless possibilities of returning to school? You’ll be glad you did!

Saturday auguSt 12, 2017 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

TPR’s When I Grow Up connects kids with real professionals to learn about education and career paths. The event is free and open to all kids who are encouraged to dream big! This event is made possible in part by HEB, Whataburger and Y&L Consulting.

More at TPR.org

Gayla Grace is a life-long learner who writes, speaks and coaches on family and stepfamily issues.

Our Kids App Available on Itunes & Google Play

August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Special Needs

Talking to Kids About Disabilities by Sarah Lyons

“Why do you talk like that?” I heard the question come from behind me as I helped another child in the Sunday school class. “It’s just the way I am.” I heard my sister-in-law wisely answer the curious boy. My sister-in-law, Kara, was born with Cerebral Palsy. She was helping me in the classroom that day when one of the kids noticed her speech is different. Kara has been taught to answer “It’s just the way I am.” after years of questions about her differences. Our kids have grown up around their beloved Aunt Kara and accept her as she is but there came a time when each of them have asked about Kara’s disability and why it makes her different. Chances are, at some point, your child will meet someone at school or in the community that has disabilities. It is normal for children to have questions about people who are different, which means parents should be prepared to answer their questions in an intelligent and appropriate way. Here are some tips to get the conversation started: Everyone is different but the same 22

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

All of us have unique gifts, personalities, and challenges. No two people are the same and this is a great thing because diversity makes life interesting and fun. While we are all different, everyone has things in common too. All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect, and have the desire to be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences of others and find common ground, as well. If your child is interested in a popular television show, book, toy, or game; chances are a person with special needs is too. Ask them what they love to do, I would guess they will be happy to tell you.

Types of disabilities

Some disabilities are obvious and some are not. Some people may need a walker or wheelchair to help them move around. Others may have a cognitive (thinking) disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with different things and may need a little extra help from a physical tool (like a wheelchair) or help from others. People can have impairments with sight, hearing, walking, speech, cognitive, or a Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

variety of other things. It is important to note that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it does not mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabilities are not contagious and children are not going to “catch” the disability. These things may sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently and many have these questions. Name calling is never okay Emphasize that people with disabilities have feelings too. Name calling is hurtful, disrespectful, and is a form of bullying. People with disabilities need others to stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. Encourage your child to tell an adult if kids are teasing another child. Your child can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behavior towards others, as well. A note about “rude” comments Kids are curious and love to ask questions. Many times they will speak exactly what is on their mind, without thinking about whether the comments will be hurtful. This can be very embarrassing to parents. So what do you do if your child blurts out a rude and embarrassing comment? Start by answering calmly and matter of factly. If, for example, your child says “Why is that boy in a wheelchair?” Simply answer, “He needs it to move around. Why don’t you say hello?” If the child is reluctant, say hello to him yourself along with something like “John likes trains. Do you like trains too?” If the person accompanying the child responds, follow their lead. It is always better to treat others as you would like to be treated than to hurry away in an embarrassing situation. Later, when you are at home, you can ask your child if they have any other questions about others with disabilities and reinforce the value of treating everyone equally. My sister-in-law, now thirty-eight years old, has been asked many questions over the years, some rude and some just curious. She has learned to handle them well because she knows that, just like anyone else she has challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. Kara loves watching movies, dancing to music, and taking care of animals. She loves eating candy, pizza, and tacos. She is fun to be around and loves to get out and explore new places. People with disabilities are just people. Sometimes that simple fact is all kids need to know. Our Kids App Available on Itunes & Google Play

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August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar

OF EVENTS

AUGUST August 8

KLRN’s Back 2 School Bash: Admission is free, but registration is required. 6 to 8:30 p.m. The DoSeum 2800 Broadway St. http://www.klrn.org/morethantv/

August 5 -13 Our Kids Magazine, presents Kidcation Week, an multi-day event where the city rolls out the red carpet for kids of all ages, transforming San Antonio into a citywide playground. Families can have one last summer hurrah by enjoying money-saving deals and free activities throughout the city. The 8-day event kicks off August 5 at Yanaguana Gardens and ends on August 13. www.KidcationWeek.com Kidcation Week is sponsored in part by Aetna, The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Hemisfair and Visit San Antonio.

August 5

Kidcation Kick-Off Event at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Gardens: A day including activities, games, prize giveaways, live music, food & snacks, balloon artists, face painting, bounce house and special appearances. Open to the public. Free. Yanaguana Gardens, 434 South Alamo St.

August 5

FREE Movie at Mission Marquee Plaza: Outdoor screening of “Star Trek: Beyond”. Food trucks and concessionaires available. 7 to 10 p.m. Movie begins 15 minutes after dusk. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. 210-207-6968. www.facebook.com/MissionMarqueePlaza

August 8

5th Annual Bat Loco Bash: Enjoy an educational talk about the bat colony that resides under I-35 at the Camden St bridge as wildlife experts provide bat education and explain the important role bats have in our ecosystem. Special party to celebrate the end of this year’s educational series will include booths, live music, and children activities. Free. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parking for the bat talks is available at Pearl near La Gloria. Museum Reach, intersection of Camden St. and Newell St. 210-302-3259. https://www.sara-tx.org/ community-events/

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

August 8

Magik Theatre at Pearl Park - The Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s premier professional family theatre, producing live stage versions of children’s classic and contemporary literature. Performances will take place starting at 5 p.m. at the Pearl Park on Tuesday.

August 8

Free Knowledge, FreeTuesday - Witte Museum - Come on Tuesday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. for Free Tuesday. Visitors enjoy free general admission to the museum.

August 8

Movies by Moonlight: Bring picnics, lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an outdoor screening of “Surf’s Up”. Free plus free parking after 5 p.m. at city-operated parking garages, lots & meters. Pre-entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis. http://slabcinema.com/ free-outdoor-films/travis-park

August 10

Second Thursday at the McNay: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM A night of music, art, food and drinks! Experience art and enjoy FREE general admission to the museum during this family and petfriendly event that is open to ALL. Tours of the main collection galleries are offered at 6:30 and 7:30 pm. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs to lounge on the grounds while listening to this month’s featured talent Bidi Bidi Banda. Beer will be available for purchase along with several food truck options. Leave with a new best friend: San Antonio Pets Alive will be on site doing dog adoptions! Kid friendly + dog-friendly (outside).

August 11

Kidcation $5 Frenzy at Kiddie Park!: Also, in celebration of Kidcation Week, 50 cent ride tickets and $5 unlimited ride bands. Kiddie Park, one of San Antonio’s most treasured landmarks, is the perfect way for children and adults to enjoy a nostalgic day of old-fashioned fun. Valid Only on August 11-12. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 3015 Broadway St. http://www.kiddiepark.com/

To Advertise Call 305-4181

What’s Inside 25 Kids Eat Free

32 Family Theatre

30 Ongoing Exhibits

36 Looking Ahead

MONDAY August 12

Texas Public Radio presents: When I Grow Up: 1:00 p.m. until – 3:00 p.m A free family event designed to foster the imagination and encourage children to dream big. This event will bring together a wide range of careers to help kids understand the endless possibilities.Professions like a jet fighter pilot, game designer, filmmaker, police officer, scientist and many more.This program is designed to inform, entertain and inspire, children and families will get the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of professional ‘mentors’. Organized like an expo, children will be encouraged to meet and talk with professional ‘mentors’ who represent careers they are most interested in. In addition, a series of presentations will ‘share the story’ of careers that are popular with kids. Activities and entertainment will also be present.

August 12

Hemisfair’s Back to School Bash: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Hosted by the Hemisfair Coalition and sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Music, food & drink, school supplies for students, a Teacher’s Corner and much more!

August 12

Finding Dory MOVIES IN THE PARK: Join us at Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd, for another series of free movies throughout the summer! We select the newest and most popular family movies.Guests are welcome to “claim their spot” and kids can enjoy pre-show activity start at 7:00 PM. All shows will begin at sunset, about 8:30 PM.

August 13

Annual Last Hurrah Summer Concert at The Twig: How ‘bout a Pocket Park Concert

with Will Parker - Music for Kids Ages 1-100. During Will’s whimsical and interactive shows, he accompanies himself on guitar and harmonica while singing songs that open us up to the world of imagination and expression. Will’s mission is to help kids of all ages find the self-love and confidence they need to unlock their innately creative selves. Bring a blanket and a snack and enjoy the concert as we wave goodbye to summer vacation once again. Open to children of all ages. Free. 10:30 a.m. The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Parkway Suite 106. 210-826-6411. http://www.thetwig.com/event/lasthoorah-summer-concert-will-parkermusic-kids-ages-1-100

August 13

Vaquerocation 2017 at UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures: As Kidcation transforms San Antonio into a kids’ playground in the last weeks leading up to the school year, the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures saddles up for its role at the party: Vaquerocation, a day of cowboythemed activities at the museum. Kids can practice their roping skills, settle in for vaquero story time, or get their hands dirty with crafting activities. Free. Noon to 4 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-458-2300. http://www.texancultures.com/events/vaquerocation_2017/

Kidcation Week at Morgan’s Wonderland

Special live prerformances on various days of the week, plus admission discount. Visit KidcationWeek.com for details!

Visit KidcationWeek.com for updates on events and special offers. Our Kids App Available on Itunes & Google Play

Earl Abels

Mon - Thurs from 5pm - 8pm kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 1201 Austin Hwy #175 www.earlabelssa.com

TUESDAY The Cove

One free child’s meal after 5:00 P.M. with adult entrée purchase. 606 W Cypress St, SATX 78212 http://thecove.us/

WEDNESDAY Kids eat free after 4 pm with every adult entree purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

Romes Pizza

Kids eat free 4pm - 8pm with every adult entree purchase

SATURDAY Kids eat free 11-close with adult purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

SUNDAY

Firehouse Subs

Free Kid’s Combo with the purchase of one adult meal.Includes kid-sized sub, dessert, kid’s drink, and fire hat. Valid only at “THE COLONNADE III”. Dine-in only. 9961 IH-10 W SATX, 78230

Visit Our Kids Magazine online for more restaurants August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Catch Movies By Moonlight at Travis Park on August 1 & 8. Movies begin around 8:30 p.m.

1 Tuesday

Movies by Moonlight: Bring picnics, lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an outdoor screening of “Zootopia”. Free plus free parking after 5 p.m. at city-operated parking garages, lots & meters. Pre-entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis. http://slabcinema. com/free-outdoor-films/travis-park

2 Wednesday

8th Annual ‘’Stuff the Bus’’: Join the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Broadway Bank for our 8th Annual “Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive Finale Celebration benefiting Communities in Schools of San Antonio. Help raise funds and donate school supplies to those in need. Register in advance. Admission: School supplies and cash donations accepted. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 210 Broadway Bank, Cheever Building, 1177 NE Loop 410. 210-283-6500. http://sahcc. chambermaster.com/events/details/8thannual-stuff-the-bus-school-supplydrive-finale-celebration-benefiting-communities-in-schools-of-san-antonio-1708 SAMA Playdates: Toddlers can enjoy stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement and music during this event designed to cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures. Participants should meet at the front desk. 10 to 11 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. https://www.samuseum.org/calendar/ event Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers to observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. 7 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday, weather permitting. Check the SAAA Facebook page for updates/weather cancellations. Free. Raymond Rimkus (Park Parking Lot), 6440 Evers Rd., Leon Valley. 210262-8384. https://www.facebook.com/ SanAntonioAstronomy/ Little Explorers: Preschoolers and their caregivers can use their five senses for fun and adventure as they discover nature through stories, crafts, games, songs and outdoor exploration. The third Tuesday of each month will feature special guest Mother Nature for story time. $5 per family. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-4616. http://www.cibolo.org/

show has been seen by more than one million visitors from around the world and raised more than $2.75 million for local children’s charities. Tickets are $20 for adults/$15 for seniors/$8 for children ages 6-14. 8:30 p.m. Arneson River Theatre at La Villita. 210- 226-4651. http://fiestanochesa.com/ Art Strolls: Take your infant or toddler out for the morning to enjoy a themed tour of the museum collection and a related sensory playtime for little ones 18 months and younger. Diapers, blankies and yoga pants are welcome. Free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Children under 12 months should arrive at 10 a.m. to tour and play from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Children 12 months to 2 years should arrive at 11 a.m. to tour and play from 11:15

4 Friday

Fiesta Noche del Rio: A summer outdoor performance on the River Walk featuring the songs and dances of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas. Since 1957, the

Hardberger Park will offer an All About Bats program on August 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. To Advertise Call 305-4181

a.m. to noon. Register online or call 210-8051768. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368. https:// www.mcnayart.org/learn/ family-programs Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-8266411. http://www.thetwig. com/miss-anastasia

5 Saturday

Ford River Race: This event is a highly-spirited canoe and kayak competition started back in 1969 to help Scouts understand teamwork. Participation is open to the public, local celebrities, city officials, corporations and Boy &Girl Scouts. 7 to 11 a.m. The race begins at the Chamber of Commerce, heads east through and around the Convention Center Lagoon, through the Rivercenter Mall Lagoon and ends back at the Chamber of Commerce. 210-227-4262. http://visitsanantonio. com/Browse-Book/Events/ Ford-Canoe-Challenge All about Bats: The world’s largest population of Mexican Free Tail Bats makes its home just 25 miles from San Antonio. Learn about the bats and Bracken Cave in this presentation from Fran Hutchins, Bat Conservation International Director of Bracken Cave. A kid-friendly activity is included. Free; donations accepted. 9 to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park West, PHP Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Hwy. 210-492-7472. www. philhardbergerpark.org Family Hike - Exploring History Through Nature: Enjoy a family-friendly hike along the trails of Friedrich Wilderness Park. Explore the flora and fauna along Water Trail and Forest Range and learn how

Native Americans found everything they needed from the plants and animals around them. Hike will cover approximately one mile. Recommended for ages 5 & up. RSVP required. 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friedrich Park, 21395 Milsa Dr. 210207-3782. nicole.mcleod@ sanantonio.gov. http:// fosana.org/calendar/ Latch On SA 2017: Latch On SA is an annual event held in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week aspiring to bring the community of San Antonio closer together in support of breastfeeding families. Free. Registration is suggested. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. TriPoint, 3233 N Saint Marys St. https://www.facebook.com/ events/471559459842976/ 2017 Back To School Health Fair: Targeting elementary school kids (Kindergarten through 5th grade) to provide backpacks with school supplies, haircuts, health screenings (scoliosis, dental, hearing and vision), I D fingerprinting, groceries for families, and a lunch with refreshments for all attendees. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calvary Temple Church, 14335 O’Connor Rd. http:// www.ctagsa.org/events/ Outdoor Movie at Mission Marquee Plaza: The community is invited to experience the magic and nostalgia of one of San Antonio’s historic gems as the Mission Marquee Plaza will be the setting for an outdoor screening of “Star Trek: Beyond”. Food trucks and concessionaires will be on hand and attendees are also welcome to bring their own snacks, lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Free. 7 to 10 p.m. Movie begins 15 minutes after dusk. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. 210207-6968. www.facebook. com/MissionMarqueePlaza Dog Days of Summer: The San Antonio Botanical Garden welcomes dog lovers to bring their furry friends along for

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SAMA Tours for the Visually Impaired: Docent-led tours for the blind and visually impaired include descriptive language, touch, sound and smell to enhance the visitor’s experience with art. Guide dogs, sighted companions and others are welcome on the tours, as are wheelchairs and other walking aids. Free. 10 to 11 a.m. Call for reservations. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. https://www.samuseum.org/

6 Sunday

Bring the entire family out for Dog Days at the Botanical Gardens on August 5 & 6. a visit. Regular admission plus $5 per dog (on a leash, please). 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-2073255. http://www.sabot.org/event/ dog-days-summer-2/ Safari Day: Join the San Antonio Zoo in celebrating their monthly theme days. There will be games, art and crafts, and other activities throughout the day. This event is free with zoo admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. http://sazoo.org/ education/theme-days/ Moondance Concerts at the CNC: Concert under the oaks and stars at the Cibolo Nature Center featuring Joe King Carrasco. Bring chairs, blankets, and picnics to this fun and casual event! A food truck will also be on-site for the event. 7 to 10:30 p.m. Members $7.50/ Non-members $10/ Seniors 65+ $5/ Kids 12 and under free. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-4616. https://ciboloorg.presencehost.net/ experience/events/concerts.html “Kids Fun Day” with Trains: The New Braunfels Train Museum is a place for fun for kids of all ages. “Kids Fun Day” is the first and third Saturday of every month. Kids of all ages “run the train” and become a “junior engineer.” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. New Braunfels Railroad Museum. 830-6272447. http://newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org/public_html/ CNC - Family Hiking: Explore the trails of the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm with a guided walk through one of our four ecosystems (Marsh, Prairie, Creek, Woodlands). The

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

walks are suitable for all ages and will include stops to explore and learn about the plants and animals that live here. $5 per family. No registration necessary. 2 to 3 p.m. Meet at CNC Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-7230. https://ciboloorg.presencehost.net/ experience/events/calendar.html/ event/2017/08/05/1501963200/ cnc-family-hiking/160125 First Saturday at the Alamo: Enjoy First Saturday, an interactive living history event, designed to give visitors a glimpse of life in early Texas. Includes live demonstrations, living history and history talks. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alamo. 210-225-1391 ext. 143. http://www.thealamo.org/ MarketPlace at Old Town Helotes: Music, food and a good time for all as local craftsmen offer treasures from across South Texas. Jewelry, arts and crafts, fresh produce and one-of-akind pieces are on display. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 14391 Riggs Rd., Helotes. 210-695-5964. http://www. helotesmarketplace.com/

First Sundays for Families – Portrait Party: Picture yourself in the museum with our portrait props and selfie station, draw a self-portrait, and get inventive with textural collage materials for an abstract portrait. Free with museum admission/ Children 12 & under free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. http://www.samuseum.org/calendar/ event-detail?eid=8329 Dog Days of Summer: see August 5

8 Tuesday

MarketPlace at Old Town Helotes: Music, food and a good time for all as local craftsmen offer treasures from across South Texas. Jewelry, arts and crafts, fresh produce and one-of-akind pieces are on display. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 14391 Riggs Rd., Helotes. Don’t miss the Ford River Race on August 5 as canoes 210-695-5964. http://www. and kayaks take to the San Antonio River for their helotesmarketplace.com/ annual competition. To Advertise Call 305-4181

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ONGOING EXHIBITS

Mountain Springs, Texas, Tobolowsky creates abstract metal sculptures from found objects, pieces of bulky industrial castoffs scoured from scrap yards and fabrication plants. The metal pieces, rarely altered, are arranged into balanced compositions fit together like “pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.” Considered part assemblage and part recycling, his work follows closely the artistic influence of Louise Nevelson and James Surls. Exhibit runs through December.

The Witte will host the exhibit Jose Arpa: A Spanish Painter in Texas through August 27.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum

George Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio showcases a very rare deluxe set of George Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio. This edition of 31 hand-painted color plates is one of only three known sets still in existence. Catlin’s Portfolio is among the most famous color plate books relating to North America’s Native populations produced in the 19th century. George Catlin was one of the first artists to venture along the western reach of the Missouri River to study and document the Native peoples of the region. From 1832 to 1837, Catlin spent the summer months sketching the tribes of the Great Plains and then finished his pictures in oils during the winter. Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio contains the lithographic prints resulting from his years of painting, living with, and traveling amongst tribes such as the Mandan, Sioux (Lakota), Blackfeet, Crow and several others. Overall, Catlin painted around 600 highly realistic and powerfully projected portraits of Indians, carefully recording their dress, culture, and way of life. The exhibition also includes excerpts from the documentary film, Frontier Visionary: George Catlin and the Plains Indians, produced by the Smithsonian American Art Museum1 and a reference reading area. This exhibition is free for members and with paid Museum admission. Exhibit runs through September 4. Admission: $10 adults (13-64); $8 students, seniors, military; Children 12 & under, Active Military and their Family are free. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Free Museum Admission from 4-9pm). Wednesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Museum is closed Mondays and select holidays: New Year’s Day, Battle of Flowers Fiesta Parade, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Briscoe Western Art Museum, Jack Guenther Pavilion, 210 W. Market Street. 210-299-4499. http://www.briscoemuseum.org/ visit-the-briscoe/hours-admission

San Antonio Botanical Garden

Art in the Garden features a 10-month solo exhibit of Steel Sculptures of George Tobolowsky. Tobolowsky’s work includes 10 steel sculptures placed in the Lucile Halsell Conservatory setting. Based at the Mountain Springs Sculpture Studio in

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

Admission: $10 adults (14-64); $8 students, seniors, military; $7 children age 3-13; free for children under 3 and all members. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org

Institute of Texan Cultures

Little Texan, Big World features artwork by participants in the City of San Antonio’s Parks & Recreation youth centers. Through storytelling, film, photography and more, area youth explore their own identities through examining their cultural, social and familial experiences. The exhibit focuses on how the student artists view themselves at Texans and how they see themselves in relation to the rest of the world. Student projects include photography, shadow boxes and statement pieces, created by students ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, at Parks and Recreation centers across the city, under the direction of three different art directors. Project components are designed to help students contemplate their place in the community, their place in Texas, and their place in a larger world. Exhibit runs through October 29. Texas Missions and Churches of Roberto Cardinale presents an artist’s vision of 12 iconic Texas religious sites to explore the critical role missions and churches played in the development of the Lone Star State. Cardinale, now of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a former president of the San Antonio Art Institute and has created more than 500 sculptures depicting churches and synagogues from around the world. The exhibit will include wooden artistic interpretations of San Antonio’s Spanish Missions, San Fernando Cathedral before and after its renovations, El Paso’s Mission Ysleta, and other sites. Visitors will be able to see the artist’s original sketches before he began assembling the wooden sculptures. Various history panels in the exhibit will detail mission architecture and construction techniques, and unique architectural features such as perfectly placed windows which allow solar illuminations of the sanctuaries. Exhibit runs through August 20. Texas in the First World War explores the role of the Lone Star State in this pivotal world event. One hundred years ago, the United States entered the “War to End All Wars.” This idealistic hope of the “Great War” leading to lasting world peace would instead devastate large parts of the globe, and set in motion events taking humanity directly to yet another world war within decades. By the end of the war, 198,000 men and 450 Texan women would serve in the military alongside civilian volunteers both at home and overseas. Through images, stories, and artifacts, Texas in the First World War sheds light on the To Advertise Call 305-4181

legacy of a global conflict that still heavily influences world affairs, politics, and alliances to this day. Exhibit runs through March 11, 2018. Admission: $8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-458-2300. www.TexanCultures.com

The Witte

José Arpa: A Spanish Painter in Texas focuses on Arpa’s compelling work that has influenced many great artists, including Porfirio Salinas, and brought Impressionism to Texas. Explore some of Arpa’s most well-known paintings, including Burning of the Heroes of the Alamo, which shows his skill with painted light in the flames reflected in the nighttime sky and on the façade of the Alamo. Discover Sancho Panza, one of Arpa’s 46 oil paintings based on the Spanish novel The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes, and study some of Arpa’s earliest works painted in Europe. Beyond Texas, Arpa (1858-1952) remains a little-known artist, though during his lifetime he was a widely respected and well-loved figure pivotal to the development of art in every place he lived. In 1899, Arpa traveled to San Antonio, where he exhibited at the 1900 International Fair. Later, he divided his time between Mexico, Spain, and San Antonio, until 1923, when he founded his own painting school in San Antonio, where he soon became one of the city’s most successful artists. In 1926, assisted by his nephew, artist Xavier González, who for a time taught at the Witte, Arpa

began teaching plein air painting in Bandera. Arpa was a brilliant colorist whose skill in handling sunlight earned him the nickname “Sunshine Man.” One Arpa expert has noted that the artist “was driven by his interest in the study of light.” Exhibit runs through August 27. Wild Weather reveals how scientists are working to better forecast these events and help mitigate the impact on communities, infrastructure and lives. Experience extreme weather patterns including tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, thunderstorms and severe winter storms from the safety of the exhibition hall. Visitors can discover the effects of climate change from around the globe and learn how to weather the storm. Kathleen and Curtis Gunn Gallery. Exhibit runs through September 4. Whales: Giants of the Deep exhibition uses an engaging blend of science, storytelling and innovative interactive galleries that give visitors the opportunity to discover more about the world of whales and what lives in the oceans’ depths. Bring the family for this hands-on interactive and immersive exhibit. Explore the latest research about the marine animals from their evolution and biology to the important role they play in human cultures. The Mays Family Center. Exhibit runs through September 4. Admission: $10 for adults (12-64); $9 for seniors (65+) and active duty military; $7 for children (4-11); and free for children ages 3 and younger and to all museum members. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www. wittemuseum.org

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by Pat Mora Adapted for the stage by José Cruz González

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April 24-June 2, 2018 Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice Spanish Lyrics by Walterio Pezqueira, Book by Jim Luigs and Jose Cruz Gonzalez, Music adapted, arranged and orchestrated by Bryan Louiselle. Based on the 1992 Disney ﬁlm Aladdin.

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July 5-August 12, 2018 www.MagikTheatre.org 210.227.2751 August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

FAMILY THEATRE

Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eighttime Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” $15$23. Show times vary by date. Runs through August 6. Roxie Theatre, 7460 Callaghan Road. 210-360-9180. Hairspray, the Broadway Musical: You can’t stop the beat when Tracy Turnblad shakes up her home town of Baltimore in this fabulous 60s musical. Tracy’s innocent desire to dance on The Corny Collins Show catches her in a whirlwind of fame as she challenges the social prejudices of race and beauty. $12-$42. Times vary by date. Runs through August 6. The Playhouse, 800 West Ashby. 210-7337258. http://www.theplayhousesa.org/event/1 4734699417f77ad99436fc993005e8e Junie B. Jones, the Musical at the Magik Theatre: It’s time for first grade, and Junie B. can’t wait to see all her friends! But over the summer old friends have drifted away, and new ones have moved in. Junie B. soon learns that things don’t always stay the same, and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Show times vary by date. $12 - $15. Runs through August 13. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo. 210-227-2751. http://magiktheatre.org/ buy-tickets-2016/2016-2017-season

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

can come to the museum on the second Tuesday of each month for a leisurely run or walk and a tour of the museum. Enjoy a 5-10 minute talk on fitness, a yoga stretch and a run or walk with professional coaches and runners from Run Wild Sports. Free and runners also get free admission to the museum. 6 to 7 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-9788100. https://www.samuseum.org/ calendar/events-calendar Sensory-Friendly Films: Partnering with the Autism Society, AMC Theaters brings Sensory- Friendly Films to families affected by autism in the San Antonio area. The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. Dates and films are subject to change so be sure to verify in advance. $4 per person. 10 a.m. AMC Rivercenter 9, 849 E. Commerce St. www. autism-society.org/get-involved/ events/sensory-friendly-films

9 Wednesday

SAMA Playdates: see August 2 Astronomy in the Park: see August 2 Little Explorers: see August 2

10 Thursday

Art Crawl: Moms, dads and caregivers can put their babies in slings and take a walk through

the museum galleries for a guided tour. Talks are geared toward adults while the art selections are chosen to engage the adults and infants 0-18 months. Free with museum admission. 10 to 10:45 a.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-9788100. https://www.samuseum.org/ calendar/event-detail?eid=7604

11 Friday

Fiesta Noche del Rio: see August 4 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see August 4

12 Saturday

Scavenger Hunt: Use Leave No Trace principles as you look for plants and wildlife along the trails. This self-paced program is a great chance for families, scout troops and nature groups to get outside. Stop by the Salado open classroom for a Scavenger Hunt checklist before hitting the trails. Free; donations accepted. 9 to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, Salado Creek Classroom, 13203 Blanco Rd (East Side). 210-492-7472. www. philhardbergerpark.org Annual Last Hurrah Summer Concert at The Twig: How ‘bout a Pocket Park Concert with Will Parker - Music for Kids Ages 1-100. During Will’s whimsical and interactive shows, he accompanies himself on guitar and harmonica while singing songs that open us up to the world of imagination and expression. Will’s mission is to help kids of all ages find the self-love and confidence they need to unlock their innately creative

The Institute of Texan Cultures will host Vaquerocation on August 13 as part of Kidcation Week. To Advertise Call 305-4181

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August 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

in the Jones Building located behind the museum. Free. 9 a.m. to noon. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368. https:// www.mcnayart.org/events/event/ back-to-school-supply-sale/ Paper Botanicals!: An afternoon of processing flower petals into paper. Students will learn what types of flower petals are best for inclusions in paper. They will learn how to process the flowers prior to including them in the pulp so the flowers do not leach into the paper. They will experience pulling their own sheets of paper and will be able to take them with them. Children must be 6 years or older to participate. $40 (Members $36) Includes materials fee. 1 to 4 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-536-1400. http:// www.sabot.org/education/adult-classes/ arts-culture/ The San Antonio Museum of Art hosts their monthly Family Day on August 6. selves. Bring a blanket and a snack and enjoy the concert as we wave goodbye to summer vacation once again. Open to children of all ages. Free. 10:30 a.m. The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Parkway Suite 106. 210-826-6411. http://www. thetwig.com/event/last-hoorah-summer-concert-will-parker-music-kids-

ages-1-100 Back-to-School Supply Sale: Stock your shelves with surplus art supplies and other goodies from past McNay programs. Items include found objects, paper, paints, costumes, and more. Proceeds support education programs. The sale takes place

Kids Club – Sticks!: Kids can discover the wonderful world of sticks. Check out all the different parts and how they work and make a painted stick mobile to take home. $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m. No drop-offs allowed. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd., Boerne. 830-249-4616. https:// ciboloorg.presencehost.net/experience/ events/calendar.html/event/2017/08/12/ farm-kids-club-sticks-/159371 World Elephant Day: Join the San

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Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

To Advertise Call 305-4181

Antonio Zoo in celebrating their monthly theme days. There will be games, art and crafts, and other activities throughout the day. This event is free with zoo admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. http://sazoo.org/education/ theme-days/ Beginners’ Bird Walk: Meet the San Antonio Audubon Society (SAAS) trip leader at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights on the second Saturday of each month. Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars with instructions can be provided. Free. 8 a.m. 246 Viesca, Alamo Heights. 210-342-2073. http://www.saaudubon.org/ Boerne Market Days: On the second Saturday and Sunday of each month, families can enjoy shopping in an outdoor setting with artists and craftsmen showing their creative talents and wares. Live music, food, kids’ activities and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free. Boerne, Main Plaza. 210-884-8193. http://www.boernemarketdays.com./ Fiesta Noche del Rio: see August 4

San Antonio into a kids’ playground in the last weeks leading up to the school year, the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures saddles up for its role at the party: Vaquerocation, a day of cowboy-themed activities at the museum. Kids can practice their roping skills, settle in for vaquero story time, or get their hands dirty with crafting activities. Free. Noon to 4 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-458-2300. http:// www.texancultures.com/ events/vaquerocation_2017/ Boerne Market Days: see August 12

On August 19, Hardberger Park will offer Turkey Talk for all ages.

16 Wednesday

18 Friday

SAMA Playdates: see August 2 Astronomy in the Park: see August 2 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see August 2

13 Sunday

Vaquerocation - Last Hurrah before School Starts: As Kidcation transforms

Little Explorers: see August 2 17 Thursday

Flashback Friday Movie in the Park: The City of Boerne hosts a free Family Movie Night featuring “Back to the Future” and Pre-Movie Activities. Come out early, pick your spot, get a movie snack or two and hang out and enjoy free entertainment before the

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movie. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Drinks and food trucks will be available at the park, so please no outside food or drinks. Free. 6:30 p.m./Movie begins at dark. 106 City Park Road, Boerne Pool, Boerne. 830-249-9511 ext 5. https://visitboerne.org/calendar/ summer-scene-movie-park-10 Toddler Art Play – Watermarks: Mini Museum visit meets creative playtime for children under 5. Wear paint clothes for a fun, messy time at the McNay. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-8245368. https://www.mcnayart.org/events/ event/toddler-art-play-watermarks/ Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see August 4

19 Saturday

Outdoor Movie at Mission Marquee Plaza: The community is invited to experience the magic and nostalgia of one of San Antonio’s historic gems as the Mission Marquee Plaza will be the setting for an outdoor screening of “Zootopia”. Food trucks and concessionaires will be on hand and attendees are also welcome to bring their own snacks, lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Free. 7 to 10 p.m. Movie begins 15 minutes after dusk. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. 210-207-6968. www. facebook.com/MissionMarqueePlaza Let’s Talk Turkey: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center present a fun and informative presentation about wild turkeys. Kid Friendly activity included. A donation of $3 per individual or $5 per family is suggested. 10 a.m. to noon. Phil Hardberger Park West, PHP Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Hwy. 210-492-7472. www.philhardbergerpark.org Garden & Yoga: This class invites all levels, ages and sizes to enjoy a meditation in motion in the beauty of the Botanical Garden. Please join the AC Power Yoga team for a fun, active but relaxing yoga practice. Everyone is welcome. 10 to 11 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-296-7718. http:// www.sabot.org/event/garden-yoga/ San Fernando Boxing Show: Boxing fans are invited to attend the Boxing Show featuring 25 bouts. The gate fee is $8 per person. Children six and under are free. 2 p.m. Lincoln

Community Center, 2915 E Commerce. 210-207-3151. http://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/News-Events/ Events/Event-Details/ArtMID/15385/ ArticleID/10657/San-Fernando-BoxingShow?Park=&Facility= CNC - Nature Crafts: Fun for the whole family. Combine nature with arts & crafts and watch the magic happen. Each participant can create a work of art to take home with them. $5 per family. No registration necessary. 2 to 3 p.m. CNC Visitor Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-2497230. https://ciboloorg.presencehost. net/experience/events/calendar. html/event/2017/08/19/1503172800/ cnc-nature-crafts/148992 Bird Walk: Look for birds in their native habitats. An experienced guide leads this walk every third Saturday of the month. Featured birds include hummingbird, Long-billed Thrashers, Blackbellied Whistling Ducks, Green Heron and the Common Moorhen. Take binoculars. For ages 10 and older. Participants should meet at the Carriage House. Walk is free with garden admission. 9 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-536-1400. http:// www.sabot.org/plan-your-visit/walks/ “Kids Fun Day” with Trains: see August 5

22 Tuesday

Art Fit at SAMA: see August 8

23 Wednesday

SAMA Playdates: see August 2 Astronomy in the Park: see August 2 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see August 2 Little Explorers: see August 2

25 Friday

Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see August 4

26 Saturday

Stars Over the Guadalupe: This monthly outreach, astronomy-filled event will feature star experts with their telescopes for dazzling night-sky experiences. Telescopes provided by San Antonio Astronomical Association. Bring

blankets, chairs & bug spray. Meet near the pavilion, no registration required. Check the SAAA Facebook page for updates/weather cancellations. Scopes are set up in the parking lot on the left hand side of PR 31 at the marker. Free. 8 to 10:30 p.m. Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch. 210-262-8384. https://www.facebook. com/SanAntonioAstronomy/ Nature Walk - Invasive Plants: Learn how invasive plants threaten our native landscapes. Rachel Cywinski begins the program in the Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center classroom. Her presentation on invasive plant specimens is followed by a short walk to identify invasive plants around the savanna and adjacent areas. Free; donations accepted. 8 to 10 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park West, PHP Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Hwy. 210-492-7472. www.philhardbergerpark.org

27 Sunday Family Art Play - Painted Plates: Have you seen one of the newest works of art in the McNay collection, Gross Domestic Product, by Ann Agee? Learn about ceramics and glaze a blueand-white platter inspired by a place you love. Typically on the last Sunday of each month, the McNay offers a program for families that involves looking carefully at works of art and investigating a studio or performance component afterwards. This programming is family friendly and great for kids. Free with museum admission 1 & 3 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368. https://www.mcnayart.org/events/event/ family-art-play-painted-plates/

30 Wednesday SAMA Playdates: see August 2 Astronomy in the Park: see August 2 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see August 2 Little Explorers: see August 2

Looking Ahead to September The 112th Annual Kendall County Fair and Rodeo is set for September 1-3. And, on September 14 & 15, Bravo! Mi Cultura, Diez y Seis will perform at the Arneson River Theatre.

Our Kids Magazine | August 2017

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Kidcation Week is the time of the year when the city rolls out the red carpet for kids of all ages, transforming San Antonio into a citywide playground. Families can enjoy money-saving deals and free activities throughout the town.

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