Our Kids Magazine September 2017 by Our Kids Magazine

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The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families Since 1985

September 2017

Magazine

Listen up!

Communicating effectively with your kids

Taming Morning Madness Teaching Children Tolerance: Accepting and Celebrating Diversity

Challenges & Magazine Benefits of Having a Sibling with Special Needs

p i r T d l e Fi e Guid us Trips 4 Fabulo

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table of

CONTENTS September 2017

8 10 12 14 20

volume 33 • number 9

LISTEN UP! COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY WITH YOUR KIDS

TAMING MORNING MADNESS TEACHING CHILDREN TOLERANCE ACCEPTING AND CELEBRATING DIVERSITY FIELD TRIP GUIDE FOUR FABULOUS FIELD TRIPS

CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF HAVING A SIBLING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

24 CALENDAR

25 FREE DAYS

30 EXHIBITS

• Bug Mania at the Zoo • Sunday Jazz at the Witte • Rolling Oaks Mall KidX Club

• McNay Art Museum • The Witte Museum • Do Seum

• Art in the Garden • The Three Little Pigs • Whales: Giants of the Deep • Rumpelstilskin • Texas in the First World War • How I Became a Pirate

On the Cover

LIFETIME FINTESS CAMP FIELD TRIP AT URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK PHOTO BY: BRANDI BLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

32 FAMILY THEATRE

Next month

Cover Kids Contest

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“The highest result of education is tolerance.”

P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Toll Free 866-465-6936

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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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As adults I’m sure most people have experienced discrimination of some sort whether it be because of race, class, religion, gender or some other “difference”. In the light of recent rallies and protest, children may be asking why these groups of people are fighting one another. This is the perfect time to have a conversation on tolerance and freelance writer Kimberly Blaker is here to help. In her article this month, “Teaching Children Tolerance,” Kimberly explains what we can do as parents to help our kids grow into more kind and accepting adults. Also, now that school has started, parents may be dealing with morning chaos as they race to get the kiddos out the door on time. If you are going through this, read Heather Lee Leap’s article “Taming Morning Madness” which focuses on suggestions for how to have a more peaceful and efficient start to your day. What can also help with getting everyone out the door on time is not having to ask your child to brush their teeth or get dressed three times. If it seems that your child is not quite getting the job done when something is asked of them, then it may come down to communication issues. Fortunately, Malia Jacobson has offered up some strategies about how to communicate effectively with your kids in her article “Listen Up!” Another issue that comes along with the start of a new school year is planning for local field trips. Denise Morrison Yearian has written a list of great educational trips with theme-related activities that will bring excitement and adventure to kids in her article, “Four Fabulous Field Trips.” In addition to the benefits of company and camaraderie, growing up in a family with siblings sometimes comes with fighting and jealousy. Growing up with a sibling with special needs is no different but can come with additional challenges as well as some amazing benefits. In our “Special Needs” section, Sarah Lyons provides advice on how siblings can deal with negative emotions and turn these challenges into benefits. Lastly, check out our calendar to get the scoop on Avenida Guadalupe 36th Annual Celebration, San Japan X - Anime Convention, “How I Became a Pirate” at the Tobin Center and Rudy Riojas many more events around town this month. Our Kids Publisher

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Feature

Listen up! Communicating effectively with your kids

by Malia Jacobson

What parent hasn’t issued a request to their child, only to be met with a blank stare or worse, crickets? With every repeated query, parents spiral further into frustration. It’s discouraging, defeating and just plain maddening—why can’t kids just LISTEN? Because getting kids to listen isn’t as simple as it seems—and reasons kids might not listen are as varied as kids themselves. Read on for age-by-age guidance on creating better communication with your kids, so you and your kids can feel heard and respected.

EARLY YEARS 0-5 Eye to eye Toddlers and preschoolers may appear to disregard your requests, but they aren’t actively resisting; when they’re engaged in play or another activity, they might be genuinely oblivious to your words. When communicating a request, it’s important to ensure that the request was heard before assuming that a child is being disrespectful, says Réa M. Wright, LPC, a family therapist in Davidson, North Carolina. Caregivers should treat toddlers and preschoolers with the same

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

respect and care they’d give an adult, she says. “Young children need to feel seen and heard, and be spoken to respectfully, with kindness and care, with ageappropriate requests.” Offer toddlers and preschoolers two or three choices, and use a multi-faceted communication approach—combining verbal requests with visual cues and body language—to make sure your request gets through, recommend education experts Roslyn A. Haber, Ed.D. and Marlyn Press, Ed.D., associate professors at Touro College Graduate School of Education in New Yok City. Put this into practice: Get down on a child’s level, make eye contact, use a soft voice, a child’s name and a gentle touch on a child’s arm or shoulder while speaking.

ELEMENTARY YEARS 6-12 Brick wall Fewer experiences inspire more parental frustration than speaking to an apparently unresponsive child. Being “ignored” is a common experience for parents, and often reflects an underlying power struggle. When

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pre-teens feel spoken “at” instead of with, or field lots of repeated requests from caregivers, they may simply tune them out. Or tweens may ignore parental requests because experience has taught them that parents will soon throw their hands up in exasperation and stomp away—without following through on the request. The best approach? Ensure your child hears you by getting into his line of vision and making eye contact, then calmly and rationally state your request along with reasonable consequences if the request is ignored. Kids can then decide on their own to comply, says Wright, which diffuses any power struggles. “The calmer I am when I’m being ignored by a child, the more efficient and effective my responses are liable to be,” she says. “Give your kids options, and if you’re ignored, articulate the natural and logical consequences. Be prepared and willing to follow through on those consequences swiftly and calmly, without yelling, bargaining, demanding, or threatening.”

TEEN YEARS 13-18 Two-way street Want teens to listen? Hear them out. Teens need

to feel heard in order to open up and be receptive to listening, says Wright. Teens live to test boundaries— becoming independent is, after all, their job. Keep this in mind as you build healthy two-way communication, says Wright. “I often tell parents that listening to teens is probably a lot more important than lecturing them.” To encourage teens to talk, and listen, simply follow their lead. Talk about topics they’re interested in, ask questions and genuinely listen to responses, even if that means being subjected to a 30-minute verbal essay on the merits of their favorite band. Teens tend to be more open to communicating with parents when they’re side-by-side, instead of face-to-face, so go for a drive, a walk, or volunteer together. Try not to interrupt, ask “tell me” or “how” questions, and never act shocked or judgmental, even if your teen reveals something shocking. Model effective and empathetic listening, and teens will follow suit. Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

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Feature

Taming Morning Madness by Heather Lee Leap

Do you dread mornings? The mad rush to get everyone up, dressed, fed and out of the house on time can aggravate even the mellowest parent. If you are like many families, your mornings involve elevated blood pressure, cajoling, whining, and perhaps even yelling and tears. At the very least, you arrive at your destination frazzled and unhappy. And in the end, the emotional drama does not get you to school or work any sooner. There is hope for a more peaceful and efficient start to your day. With a little planning and the following suggestions you can organize your schedule and create new routines so you can honestly say, “Good Morning!” If packing lunch boxes is slowing you down, shift lunchpacking duties to the evening. When storing leftovers after dinner, quickly determine what can be packed in tomorrow’s lunch. Leftover beans, steamed vegetables 10

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

and grain or pasta salads hold up well and taste good cold. As you put food away, divide portions directly into single serving containers, one for each child. You’ll rely less on convenience items, waste less food and save a step in the packing process. Designate one shelf in the refrigerator for lunch items. In the morning, grab items from the shelf and pop them into lunch boxes. If your kids act sluggish in the morning and have trouble waking, put them to bed earlier. The mad rush for the bus stop is inevitable if your kids routinely sleep in. According to the National Sleep Foundation, preschoolers need between eleven and thirteen hours of sleep, and school age children ages six to twelve still require a whopping ten to eleven hours of sleep each night. Chronic fatigue will make children groggy and uncooperative in the morning. If your children are not getting enough shut-eye, begin inching their bedtime earlier by 15 minutes.

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If getting dressed is a challenge, choose tomorrow’s clothing the night before. Morning brain-fog can be too thick for the decision-making process, so shift the choice to a time when your child is more alert. Lay clothes on a chair or shelf, or hang them on a special hanger. Some families pick a weekend day to choose outfits for the entire week. Planning the next day’s outfit is a perfect time to check in about your child’s schedule. Is there PE tomorrow, or band practice? Use this time to set any special items by the door, ready to be picked up on the way out of the house. If your children wander back to their rooms to get dressed and you find them still in their P.J.’s, straddling their latest Lego creation twenty minutes later, require them to get dressed before they come to breakfast. No lolling around in pajamas. Aim to have them completely dressed before they can eat. No one should have to run back upstairs for socks once you announce it is time to go. Limit other potential distractions by putting tempting projects away in the evening. If your kids can never find their homework and other papers, store anything that routinely travels between home and school in their backpack or book bag. Finished with that book from the school library? Toss it right in the pack. Permission slip signed? Tuck it in the bag before it

disappears from the kitchen counter. If your child doesn’t already use a binder to keep track of paperwork, keep a pocket folder in your child’s pack to store homework pages and permission slips. Make the backpack the designated home for these items and no one will be scurrying to find them at the last minute. Finally, if you are still running late, redefine on-time. Most schools have a first and second bell and students are expected to be in their seats and ready to learn before that second bell rings. Being on time means arriving at school before the first bell so that kids have time to get inside and get settled. To assure that you arrive before that first bell, plan a five to ten minute buffer into your schedule. Putting out the call of “all aboard” earlier will get you out of the house and at your destination with time to spare. Just don’t let that buffer lull you into a false sense of security. If you have five more minutes, use them to get everyone in the car, not to throw another load of laundry in the wash. Heather Lee Leap is a freelance writer and mom, guilty of occasionally yelling at her children in the mornings. Find her at www.heatherleeleap.com

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Feature Teaching Children

by Kimberly Blaker

Accepting and Celebrating Diversity A hate crime is committed every hour in the United States, according to Tolerance.org, a web project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Of particular concern to parents, young men under 20 are the perpetrators of half of these violent acts. Religious-based biases, as well as ethnic and racial biases, are learned during early childhood, explains the Leadership Conference Education Fund. Young children exposed to these prejudices hold numerous stereotypes by the time they reach the age of twelve. In a society as diverse as the United States, it’s troubling to see the prejudices that exist and the hate groups that plague our country. The events that unfolded on August 12th, 2017, in Charlottesville, Indiana, reveal the true danger when misconceptions are held toward those who are different. This is especially true when anyone in a role of public leadership speaks in a manner deemed derogatory toward other races or religions. Such speech serves only to embolden those who wish harm on others. As parents, educators, and leaders, we must strive to change these patterns so our kids grow into kind and accepting adults.

Tolerance begins at home

There are many ways to teach children tolerance. But we must first recognize our own attitudes and actions toward 12

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

those who are different plays a crucial role. Children are observant and catch even the subtlest stereotyping and prejudicial behaviors. According to experts, attitudes held by those in the home will have the strongest impact on the way children perceive people who are different. There are many ways you can encourage your child to accept diversity. To begin, read books with your child on world religions, different nationalities, the traditions of different races and cultures, diversity, and tolerance. Have open discussions and encourage questions. Explain the importance of freedom of religion and civil rights for your own family and why it’s also important for others.

Learning tolerance outside the home

Talk to your child’s school, as recommended by Tolerance. org, to make sure textbooks and curricula are up to date to reflect equity and multiculturalism. Ask teachers and staff if and how they approach the task of teaching tolerance in the classroom. If the school or classroom doesn’t already include tolerance education in its program, try to help activate it. Ask if you can share ideas with staff. Also, learn other ways you can assist the school in promoting positive attitudes toward diversity. Help your child develop acceptance by sharing the beliefs of relatives and friends who hold different views from your Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

own. It often comes as a surprise even to adults, to learn some family members hold very different religious beliefs. Ask those of other views to share with your child what they believe and why. Make sure these adults understand your purpose so they won’t attempt to proselytize your child or criticize your own beliefs. Rather, ask them to share their beliefs with neutrality. By providing your child the opportunity to discover good, well-respected family members and friends hold a wide range of beliefs, your child will be well on his way toward acceptance of others. Also, provide your child opportunities to develop friendships with children of other races, religions, or cultures. This can be challenging in some communities where there is little diversity. Look for some extracurricular activities in a neighboring community that would provide your child exposure to diversity.

Fight Intolerance Another recommendation by Tolerance.org is to encourage your child to actively fight stereotypes and intolerance. Help your child to form a club, study circle, or sponsor a walkathon for diversity. Your child will have the opportunity to meet kids of other beliefs while at the same time learning the importance of social responsibility. Also confront biased behavior expressed by family and friends, especially if your child witnesses it. For example, if grandma complains her “Black neighbors don’t take care of their lawn,” don’t brush the comment aside. Otherwise, both grandmother and your child will perceive your silence as acceptance of the stereotype or prejudicial remark. By using the term ‘black’ in the sentence, rather than just stating ‘the neighbors’, it indicates bias and contributes to teaching children to be prejudice. Confronting family and friends isn’t easy. But it can be done in a tactful manner. Don’t criticize. Just nonchalantly but clearly acknowledge grandmother’s frustrations with the unkempt yard. Then point out it has nothing to do with being black. By doing so, your child will learn such biased comments are unfair. It also teaches your child not to be apathetic toward intolerance. Also, if your child attends church, Sunday school, or other religious functions, talk with the leaders and teachers to learn their attitudes and levels of tolerance. While many are accepting of other religious views, some religious leaders perpetuate intolerance by preaching against nonbelievers, those of other faiths, or people or groups that don’t adhere to their specific lifestyle guidelines. Other religious leaders may contribute to stereotyping in more subtle ways. Kids are very perceptive though and will recognize the biases all the same. If you do detect prejudiced attitudes, look for another church or denomination that’s accepting of diversity. Finally, talk with your church about ways it can teach and promote tolerance among its youth. After all, the desire for peace on earth is common among many of the world’s religions. Our Kids App Available on Itunes & Google Play

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FIELD TRIP GUIDE

4 Fabulous Field Trips By Denise Morrison Yearian

Local field trips are a great way to bring excitement and adventure to school projects. With a little forethought and creativity, you can turn simple field trips into an educational lesson that will ignite kids’ interest in learning for days to come! Here are four fabulous field trips with theme-related activities to get you started:

ZIP DOWN TO THE ZOO Take a trip to your nearest zoo. Before leaving home, get on their website to explore kid-friendly web pages and become familiar with exhibits, demonstrations and programs. When your visit is over, spend the next few days doing these activities: • Animal House Adventures. Create a personalized “Animal House” adventure book by having your child write about and illustrate her trip to the zoo. • Masquerade & Mimic. Make animal masks from paper plates, paint and yarn. Then march around the house making animal sounds and behaviors. • Folding Fun. Learn how to make origami birds. Creature Collage. Make a collage of animals using pictures from old magazines. • Take on Textures. Draw an animal shape then use different materials such as fur, fabric, yarn or beads to create a textured animal. • Zoo Signs. Log onto www.aslpro.com to learn hand signs for different zoo animals. Edible Scenes. Create an edible zoo scene. Spread 14

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

vanilla pudding inside a cookie sheet. Use animal crackers, stick pretzels, string licorice, mini-marshmallows and other small food items to embellish the setting.

DIG DEEP INTO NATURAL HISTORY Visit a natural history museum to explore fossil exhibits. To make the most of your trip, find books and videos on the subject. Or search out kid-friendly websites such as www.fossilsforkids.com or www.amnh. org/ology . Then follow up your visit with fossil-type fun: 1. Make a Good Impression. Create fossil impressions with plaster and nature items. 2. Excavate Bones. Collect clean chicken or beef bones. Cover bones with petroleum jelly and bury them in a pan of plaster. When it hardens, have your child dig through the plaster with a spoon to “unearth” the bones. 3. Buried Treasures. Bury miscellaneous items in a sand-filled kiddy pool and dig in. Or make a trip to the beach to search for “treasures” hidden beneath the sand. 4. Pen on Paleontology. Write and illustrate an adventure on what you might find if you were a paleontologist. ADVENTURES AT THE ART MUSEUM Schedule a visit to your local art museum. Before leaving home, check out special exhibits and family

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FIELD TRIP GUIDE SPECIAL EVENTS &

Field Trips:

programs. When you go, stimulate thinking by asking Different BIRTHDAY PARTIES monthly themes your child questions about what he sees and having him are offered sanantonio.madscience.org look for and count shapes and objects in paintings. Keep Themes include: Fun and Hands-on! • Native American Indian • Super Heroes the creative juices flowing with these fun activities: • Around the World Percussion • Rock n Roll • Beach & Hawaiian • Christmas & Holiday For Ages 4-12 1. Eye on Abstract. At home, create abstract art by taping After School Classes Start paper to the bottom of a flat pan. Squirt paint randomly in September Offered at: Cole Elementary around the paper then roll a marble through it. Locke-Hill Elementary Brauchle Elementary 2. Carve Out Creations. Carve a soap sculpture by whitGalm Elementary tling a bar of white soap with a plastic butter knife. Or Fields Elementary We bring multiple percussion instruments to mold your own sculpture with homemade baker’s clay. you for an interactive music jam session. 3. Go 3-D. Create three-dimensional art using cereal 260-2221 boxes, straws, wires and other recyclables. Call Today: 210-651-1143 www.fortheloveofdrums.com 4. Pencil in Print. Use a pencil to create a design impression on the backside of a Styrofoam meat tray. Spread paint over the design then place paper over top to make prints. m 5. Sketch Yourself. Draw a portrait of yourself using a 8 D i f f e r e n t C a m p s t o C h o o s e F r o mirror. Sit across from a sibling and draw one another. AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • ASSEMBLIES • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • WORKSHOPS Create a collage portrait by drawing an oval head and EVENTS • SPRING BREAK & SUMMER CAMPS• PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS SPECIAL cutting out facial features from magazines. 6. Fiddle with Photography. Over a week’s time, take two dozen photographs each day on the following themes: forms of light, dimensions (i.e. sky, field, concert hall), objects in motion, textures (fabric, brick, wood), unique perspectives (bug, dog, piano). Choose the best image from each theme and create a photo album.

EYE ON THE ENVIRONMENT Visit a local park for a nature hike. Take along a field guide to help you identify trees, plants, flowers, insects and/or birds. When you get home, keep the love for nature flowing with these activities: 1. Rubbing Art. Make leaf, flower and bark rubbings with paper and crayons. 2. Preserve Animal Tracks. Pour plaster into animal track indentations, let it harden then carefully remove the surrounding dirt. Turn tracks into paperweights or refrigerator magnets. 3. Stage an Environment. Find a caterpillar in its natural environment then recreate its habitat in a glass jar. Observe it at various stages of its lifespan and record observations. When the insect emerges from its cocoon, release it into the environment and write a creative story about the caterpillar’s experience. 4. Eye on Aquatic Life. Visit a nearby bay or stream and view creatures below water’s surface with a homemade aquascope. Remove both ends of a coffee can and cover rims with duct tape. Place plastic food wrap over one end and secure it with rubber bands. Seal around the outer edges of the plastic with tape. Denise Morrison Yearian is a former educator and editor of two parenting magazines, as well as the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM of ART

• Family Days: See + Do • Playdates (ages 2-4) • Art Crawl

(babies 0-18 mos. and caregivers)

• Family Flicks • Activity Backpacks & Sketch Pads (for check-out) SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM of ART Children 12 and under FREE One free adult general admission with this ad. 210.978.8100 | 200 West Jones Ave. | samuseum.org

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FIELD TRIP GUIDE ANIMALS Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch 26515 Natural Bridge Cavern Rd. San Antonio, TX 78266 830-438-7400 groupsales@WildlifeRanchTexas.com www.WildlifeRanchTexas.com

Take advantage of Adventure Packages the entire herd will enjoy! Located In the beautiful Texas Hill Country near San Antonio. View our 50 different species, from addax antelope to zebras, llamas to ostriches. With the animal feed provided at the entrance you may entice many of these animals to come near for a morsel. See, feed and photograph many of our animals, including the friendly Sicilian donkey, the majestic greater kudu, the inquisitive Oryx, and the always hungry buffalo. San Antonio Aquarium 6320 Bandera Road San Antonio, Texas 78238 210-310-3210 www.sanantonioaquarium.net/activities/ field-trips/

The San Antonio Aquarium field trips provide augmented, age-specific teachings for preand post-visit study for San Antonio area PreK – College students. Inspire students through education and shared experience with live animals in order to create an ever-expanding appreciation for our planet’s oceans. The experience will instill respect and awe for life of animals of the ocean, desert and rain forests. Students will expand their understanding of our ecosystems as they engage all five senses for maximized learning with over 30 exhibits and more than 2500 animal species! Interact with sharks, stingrays, sea jellies, octopuses, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fascinating tropical and cold water fish, and so much more! SeaWorld San Antonio Educational Field Experiences 10500 SeaWorld Drive San Antonio, TX 78251 210-523-3608 or 210-520-4SEA

Bring a world of animals to your students. Selfguided and Instructor-led programs allow your school, scout, or home school group to experience engaging and educational encounters focusing on animals, careers, and conservation. Our programs enable students and guests to develop a lifelong appreciation, understanding, and stewardship for our environment. Specialized tours, field experiences, sleepovers, and group camps are available year round. All programs align with National Science Standards and Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills. Cost: Call for rates. Ages: Pre-K through college.

COMMERCIAL VIA eXplore Learning Lab 362-2389 VIAinfo.net/eXplore

The new VIA eXplore Learning Lab brings the ride to you with a reverse field trip experience at your campus or youth event. Students aboard the eXplore bus learn how to use public transportation safely. The experience includes a video presentation and smart tablet exercises for age-appropriate internet-based activities. The curriculum is currently designed for K-5 students. Requests outside of this intended audience will be considered on a case-bycase basis. Visit VIAinfo.net/eXplore, or call (210) 362-2389 to schedule your free visit from VIA eXplore today.

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

Whole Foods Market The Quarry - 255 East Basse, #130 826-4676 The Vineyards - 18403 Blanco Road 408-3110 www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Whole Foods Market offers tours to the community to teach children about important concepts including organic and natural food, fruits, vegetables, no growth hormones, no food coloring, no preservative, no additives and no hydrogenated oils. Whole people, Whole planet and Whole Earth. Call for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT/ART Battle For Texas: The Experience 849 E. Commerce Street, Suite 623 210-592-6824 www.battlefortexas.com

Battle For Texas is a fully immersive historic adventure staged in an authentic recreation of the Alamo as it stood in 1836. The attraction showcase’s the world’s most historically significant Alamo artifacts ever to be displayed under one roof and connects them through heart racing multimedia re-enactments. Guests will see the battle brought to life as they journey back in time and experience the 13 fateful days that gave birth to the great state of Texas. For the Love of Drums 210-260-2221 www.fortheloveofdrums.com

Onsite and mobile field trips. Save time fuel and other transportation hassles by bringing our field trips to your location. Flat rate per hour. We provide all instruments. For a quick and easy field trip go to our website to register. IMAX Theatre Rivercenter Rivercenter Mall, Downtown San Antonio 247-4629 www.imax-sa.com Cost: call for rates. Hours: call for schedule.

Where “Education and Adventure Meet.” A vast film library open to educators including the following: Alamo, Price of Freedom, Amazon, Born to be Wild 3D, Flight of the Butterflies, Flying Monsters 3D, The Human Body, Amazing Caves, Lewis & Clark just to name a few. Ideal field trip for all ages with discounts for groups, advance reservations and assigned seating. Mad Science of San Antonio 210-651-1143 sanantonio.madscience.org

Mad Science brings the field trip to you! Mad Science’s in-class interactive workshops are aligned to STEM objectives, curriculum correlated and meet Texas STAAR requirements. Workshops are ideal for classroom sized groups. Special Event shows are filled with fascinating science demonstrations for larger groups of up to 300 children. Call us to customize an on-site field trip for your group! Morgan’s Wonderland 5223 David Edwards Drive San Antonio, TX 78233 www.MorgansWonderland.com 210-495-5888 Contact: Dominic Fournier

Our Educational Field Trip Program is an exclusive field trip for scheduled schools in both the spring and the fall. There are a limited number of spots available, so the park is never crowded on the Educational Field Trip days. Schools attending will rotate through 11 stations where the lesson plans are organic to our park. They will learn about the stages of a butterfly cycle on our Butterfly

Playground, proximity and their environment on our Ferris Wheel, and geography while on our train ride! They even have a chance to catch a fish from our lake! The Educational Field Trips do fill up, but schools can still come and enjoy the park any day we are open and can even use the same lesson plans available via our website. The DoSeum 2800 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX, 78209 210-212-4453 https://www.thedoseum.org/fieldtrips

During a DoSeum Field Experience, students Pre-K thru 5th grade will engage with one or more of our major exhibit galleries during a curriculum-driven experience. Kids will learn through DO-ing, ensuring that our teachings will impact their understanding of STEM, early literacy, and/or the arts. The Magik Theatre 420 South Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 Call 210-227-2751 www.Magiktheatre.org

Bring a field trip to The Magik Theatre to experience the thrill of live theatre that draws over half a million children throughout central and South Texas! All of our productions are based on books children are reading in school, and are accompanied by a comprehensive study guide packed with TEKSbased activities. Group rates available. Call 210227-2751 for reservations. The Tower of Americas 210-223-3101 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way San Antonio, TX 78205 www.toweroftheamericas.com

For more than 35 years, the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas has offered the most breathtaking views of the Alamo City. Bring your school group or scout group to the Tower of the Americas and learn about the history of Texas. Also experience our Skies Over Texas 4D Theater ride! Special group packages available. Urban Air Adventure Park 8600 Fourwinds Drive, Suite 8510A San Antonio, TX 78239 210-446-1238

Urban Air is the nation’s #1 indoor trampoline and adventure park that is the perfect place for family fun, birthday parties, and group or corporate events. Our trampolines and adventure attractions are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Our attractions include the Warrior Obstacle Course, Warrior Battle Beam, Tubes Obstacle Course, Slam Dunk Lanes, Dodgeball and so much more. Urban Air is dedicated to offering safe, fun and affordable parties to kids of all ages in our private party rooms and at our party tables. We are committed to providing stress-free party experiences that create lasting memories for your child and family!

HISTORICAL SITES The Alamo 300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 210- 225-1391

On February 23, 1836, Mexican General Santa Anna arrived in San Antonio with thousands of soldiers determined to take back the Alamo from less than 200 defenders. What happened over the next 13 days would change the course of history in San Antonio, Texas, and the United States. The Alamo offers students guided tours of two original, historic buildings, a museum, and the original grounds of the Alamo where the famous battle took place. The site’s 300-year story is also told through exhibits, tours, a short film, living history FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

FIELD TRIP GUIDE demonstrations and history talks. Please contact education@thealamo.org for more information. Casa Navarro State Historic Site 228 S. Laredokjh San Antonio, TX 78207 http://www.visitcasanavarro.com casa-navarro@thc.texas.gov

Cost: Adults, $4; Ages 6-18/Students with I.D, $3 per person; Group rates are available. Hours: Tues. – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 12 – 5pm. Casa Navarro State Historic Site, is a National Historic Landmark in downtown San Antonio. It is the restored home of Tejano patriot José Antonio Navarro. Navarro was an influential figure in Texas during the momentous fifty-five year period (18101865) when the state’s destiny was forged. A leading advocate of Tejano rights, he is best known as “The Strongest Defender of the Rights of His People.” Today, self-guided and interactive exhibits help visitors get a feel for the time and place inhabited by Navarro and his fellow San Antonians. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Exit IH-10 at Probrandt, follow signs 534-8833 www.nps.gov/saan

Cost: Free. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Reservations are not required for entry or activities. Education groups and youth groups are required to make a reservation even if planning to self-guide. In 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years San Jose, Espada, and San Juan Capistrano were located along the San Antonio River. Today visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. Run by the National Park Service. Handicap accessible.

Southwest School of Art 300 Augusta San Antonio, TX 78205 210.200.8200 www.swschool.org

We invite you to visit our campus to learn the story of the Southwest School of Art and its historic site in the Ursuline History Center. Docent tours of the historic main building and grounds are available Monday through Friday, but please call for hours. Free parking available on site. Arrangements for other times or for groups larger than 10 can be made by calling ahead. Come learn about the history of early San Antonio as well as contemporary art. Tours are also available for the gallery space as well as the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program. Spanish Governor’s Palace 105 Military Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 224-0601 http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/American_ Latino_Heritage/Spanish_Governors_ Palace.html Call for Tour information

Originally built in 1722 to protect the mission (Alamo) and its surrounding colony, this ten-room aristocratic Spanish House was home to 32 Spanish governors and is complete with furnishing from the early 18th century. The Governor’s Palace is the only remaining example in Texas of an aristocratic early Spanish house. For an added educational experience at the Palace, visitors are encouraged to visit on the last Sunday of the month when La Compania de Cavalleria del Real Presidio de Bexar visits. Mostly handicap accessible.

Steves Homestead 509 King William St. San Antonio, TX 78204 225-5924 www.saconservation.org

Group rates are available. Hours: 10 a.m. – 3:30p.m. This elegant three-story mansion, located in the King William Historic District on the east bank of the San Antonio River was built in 1876 for Edward Steves. In 1952 the homestead was donated to the San Antonio Conservation Society. The property once boasted about having San Antonio’s first indoor pool, now a meeting facility, also included on the grounds are The Carriage House, River House and the Servant’s Quarters which is now the visitor’s center. Now offering self guided tours and the latest tour: From Root to Rafters – A behind the Scenes Look at the Hidden Homestead. Call for more information.

MUSEUMS UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures 801 East César E. Chávez Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 458-2291 MuseumTours@UTSA.edu www.TexanCultures.com

The museum’s interactive student tours and docent demonstrations bring the stories of Texans, past and present to life. Explore exhibits and interpretive areas, view a show in the Dome and more. Call or email to book reservations. A cultural heritage museum associated with the Smithsonian Institution.

OCTOBER 7 JANUARY 6 TheDoSeum.org RSVP @ KidcationWeek.com

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FIELD TRIP GUIDE Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ripley’s Moving Theater 4D 301 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, Texas 78205 210-224-9299 210-224-1516 (fax) Ripley’s.com/SanAntonio

Three amazing attractions located in the heart of downtown San Antonio—just across the street from the Alamo. Our Wax Museum with over 200 life-like wax figures has been recently updated and renovated—it’s truly awesome! Our Ripley’s is one of the largest and most interactive in the United States with over 500 unique one-of-a-kind exhibits featuring many historical items and fun exhibits. Our Ripley’s Moving Theater 4D is a state of the art motion simulator—seats move in 8 different directions and there are special effects in the theater. We have a snack bar and a Cargo Hold Gift Shop on the premises. We offer group rates for 12 or more people. We are open 365 days a year at 10 am daily. Closing times vary with the seasons. McNay Art Museum 6000 N New Braunfels Ave San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-5368 www.mcnayart.org

Enjoy a free docent-led tour or self-guided experience at the McNay Art Museum! We have many options for you to choose from related to curriculum or our permanent and special exhibitions. Also check out our website to learn about our free family programs that include free tours, such as Free Family Days offered annually in the Fall, during Spring Break, and in the Summer. Call 210.805.1767 or email tours@mcnayart.org to set up a visit. Bus reimbursements are available for area student tours. San Antonio Fire Museum 801 E. Houston San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 390-7236

www.sanantoniofiremuseum.org We invite you to the visit the San Antonio Fire Museum, located downtown at the Old Fire Station # 1, to learn about the history of the SA Fire Department. Field trips to the SAFM are for groups of 30 students or less, from Pre-K to 12th grade. At least one chaperone must accompany every 10 students. Hours are Tuesday –Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance. A “Sparky Puppet Show” is available for Pre-K to 4th grade by appointment only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art 200 West Jones Ave. San Antonio, TX 210-978-8100 www.Samuseum.org

Make the Museum your classroom with a FREE field trip to the San Antonio Museum of Art! Schedule a 50-minute guided tour for your group of at least 10 students by choosing from a list of 11 guided tour themes, or create your own customized topic (tours available in Spanish upon request). Groups of less than 100 students are welcome to explore the Museum on their own as well by scheduling a self-guided visit. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please visit contact the Tour Scheduler at tours@samuseum.org or visit the website samuseum.org/visit/group-visits/schoolgroups.

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

The Buckhorn Museum 318 E. Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78205 210-247-4004 www.buckhornmuseum.com

Established in 1881, The Buckhorn features oneof-a-kind animal exhibits from around the world. There are animals from Africa, Asia, Antarctica, North America and fish from the Seven Seas! Step back in time in our Texas Ranger Museum and see what San Antonio looked like in the late 1800s. Learn about the Texas Rangers and enjoy individual displays of historic and treasured artifacts. Located just two blocks from The Alamo and one block from the Riverwalk, The Buckhorn Museum and Texas Ranger Museum are a Texas Sized Adventure! Texas Transportation Museum 11731 Wetmore Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 490-3554 www.txtransportationmuseum.org

Hours: Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday is group day, reservations must be made in advance. Train rides start at noon and end at 4:30, every 45 minutes. For many youngsters, this will be their very first train ride. Reading about railroads in books or on the internet cannot compare with the real live experience of riding the rails or seeing a genuine traditional depot and walking through old fashioned passenger cars that became sleepers at night as even what we consider to be relatively short journeys today sometimes took days in days gone by. US Army Medical Department Museum Ft. Sam Houston 226-0265 www.ameddmuseumfoundation.org

History of Army Medicine from 1775 to the present including uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and aircraft used by the army medical department. Goals of the Foundation are to sustain the legacy and heritage of the Army Medical Dept.; to educating the civilian and military communities on the significant contributors of the Army Medical Dept. to the nation’s health care. Witte Museum 3801 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 357-1910 www.wittemuseum.org

A field trip to the Witte Museum is available to school groups (including home schools), day care centers, senior living facilities, professional groups and organizations. Self-guided group visits must be scheduled at least eight days in advance. Group rates are available with fifteen people per group. At least one adult chaperone must accompany every 10 students. Call Witte Museum guest reservations to schedule a group visit. If it happened on Texas land, water or sky, you can experience it at the Witte Museum- where Nature, Science and Culture meet.

NATURE Cave Without a Name 325 Kreutzberg Rd. Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-4212 www.cavewithoutaname.com

Well-informed guides lead you through a one hour educational tour of this masterpiece of natures’ art. The Cave is filled with spectacular formations of Stalactites, Stalagmites, delicate Soda Straws, Cave Drapery, magnificent Flowstones, Rimstone Dams, and more. Enjoy a tour of the six major rooms in comfort; 66º year-round, easy walkways,

brilliant lighting Gift shop and hiking trails on the surface. To protect the beauty of the cave and the safety of our visitors, the size of each tour is limited to 25 people. Cibolo Nature Center 140 City Park Rd. Boerne, TX 78006 830-249-4616 education@cibolo.org www.cibolo.org

Outdoor classroom in 100-acre park with woodland, marsh, prairie and Cibolo Creek. Offers TEKS aligned programs for K-6 school groups. Come have fun while you learn! Call for rates and scheduling. San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston @ N. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78209 207-3255 www.sabot.org

Groups of 15 students (pre-K-High school; public/private/home school) are eligible for a school group rate. Call for more information and reservations. San Antonio Natural Areas 21395 Milsa Rd. San Antonio, TX 78256 (210) 207-3782

Connect with the natural world and learn about local fauna, flora, hydrology, geology, and cultural history by visiting the San Antonio Natural Areas. Guided hikes are led by trained Master Naturalists and include key concepts such as habitats, endangered species, plant and animal adaptations, and more. All hikes align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and last 1 to 1½ hours. Visit FOSANA.org to request a guided hike or email nicole.mcleod@sanantonio.gov. Limited bus reimbursement funds available for Title 1 designated schools.

PERFORMING ARTS Youth Matinee Series Carver Community Cultural Center 226 N. Hackberry St. San Antonio, TX 78202 210-207-2719

The Carver’s Youth Matinee Series offers kids, parents and teachers an opportunity to experience music and art forms from a variety of world cultures in a series of free monthly performances that engage imaginations, ideas, learning, creativity and the senses. The hour-long matinees are free. Transportation funding assistance is available for schools. For the Love of Drums 210-260-2221 www.fortheloveofdrums.com

FIELD TRIP GUIDE ROAD TRIPS The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment 201 San Marcos Springs Drive San Marcos, Texas 78666 512-245-7540 www.meadowscenter.txstate.edu

Cost: Call for rates. Hours: Open daily, call for scheduling. The Meadows Center’s educational mission is to provide people of all ages with the ability to recognize Spring Lake as an unique freshwater ecosystem through interpretative interactive experiences that engages the audience in an exploration of interconnections between all living things and water. Glass bottom boats view the amazing San Marcos Springs. Wetlands walk, public aquariums and native trails provide the perfect outdoor adventure for all ages. Pipe Creek Christmas tree Farm 805 Phil’s Road Pipe Creek, TX 78063 Phone: 210-426-6191 or 210-823-5754 www.pipecreekchristmastrees.com

Pipe Creek is 23 miles outside of Bandera Road and Loop 1604 (30 minutes). Educational field trips are offered Tuesday through Friday starting the Monday after Thanksgiving through the second week of December. Students are taken into the field on hay wagons where stops are made to plant a seedling, discuss the tree growth process and the environmental benefits of Christmas trees. Maximum number of students per tour is 50…minimum 15. Cost is $5 per student and parent. No fee for teachers and teacher’s aides. Covered area with tables is available if you bring lunches.

Space Time Park 1001 Watson Lane East (Look for the big yellow ball) New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-302-3045 www.spacetimepark.com

Texas State Aquarium Experience our new Caribbean Journey Expansion North Beach Corpus Christi TexasStateAquarium.org

A scale model of the solar system you can explore at the speed of light. See an eclipse and our Solar Power exhibit. See realistic dinosaurs at Dinosaur Island. Find retro/vintage and science toys in our gift shop. Cold treats available at the “Worm Hole” snack bar. *** Free admission for K-12 teachers***

Texas State Capitol Tours Austin, TX 512-305-8402 www.tspb.texas.gov

Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center 390 Cordova Rd. Seguin, TX 78155 830-379-1122 or 830-379-0933 www.texagedu.org

The Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center was founded to educate the public, especially young people, about agriculture and our heritage. The Center has displays and events to help create the farming and ranching experience. The Center is located on a working farm in Guadalupe County on land that has been farmed since the 1850’s. The land has been donated by Wilfred and Betty Bartoskewitz who are fifth generation farmers. Thousands of people of all ages come to visit, learn, reminisce, explore and relive the heritage and culture which founded the strength of America today. Programs and displays have been developed to give visitors information and experiences in rural agricultural life as it existed and as it exists today. The Mission of the Center is to educate the public and our young people about the importance of agriculture in our society and to promote the heritage of farming and ranching in Texas.

Announcing our 2017-2018 Season Rikki Tikki Tavi and Other Stories

We are all responsible for protecting the world’s animals and oceans, and that starts with education. At the Texas State Aquarium, we deliver programs that both entertain and educate, allowing everyone to learn, bond and discover together. With interactive self-discovery learning, we are a platform for conservation education and ecosystem understanding.

The Capitol Complex makes a perfect complement to a visit to the city. Our various facilities are designed to serve visitors to the Capitol, whether observing the legislative process, strolling the grounds, buying a unique gift, learning about Texas history, exploring the Capital Visitors Center (old Gereral Land office) or simply enjoying the magnificent architecture of the complex buildings. Groups of 10 or more should make advanced reservations.

LITERATURE Central Library Children’s Department 600 Soledad Street San Antonio, TX 78205 207-2500 ask for Children’s Department www.mysapl.org

The “Enchilada Experience” tour highlights the Central Library’s architecture and art. Browse our extensive collection and settle in for stories. Advance reservations required.

Buy Your Season Tickets T oday!

by Pat Mora Adapted for the stage by José Cruz González

Adapted by Christina Calvit and Meryl Friedman

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.

January 26-February 17, 2018 October 6-November 4, 2017

Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems Music by Michael Silversher

Book by Kevin Del Aguila Original Music and Lyrics by George Noriega and Joel Someillan

by Barbara Robinson

November 21-December 30, 2017

March 2-April 7, 2018

Downtown | Hemisfair Park 420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 RSVP @ KidcationWeek.com

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

Special Needs

Challenges and Benefits of Having a Sibling with Special Needs by Sarah Lyons

Having a sibling with special needs is a unique experience that provides both challenges and benefits. While there is no doubt that they love their sibling with special needs, the feelings that can arise during childhood are often complicated. The love, appreciation, and compassion they feel towards their sibling can be mixed up with jealousy, worry, resentment, fear, responsibility, and anger. Parents who are in tune to their children’s feelings can help them work through the negative emotions and turn these challenges into benefits.

Challenge: Insensitivity of others

Unfortunately, kids with special needs are often the target of teasing. Kids, or even adults, that don’t understand other people’s differences may make insensitive comments, ask inappropriate questions, or just make fun of someone who is different from them. Siblings of special needs kids may feel the need to constantly stand up for their sibling, explain their situation to others, or may be the brunt of teasing themselves. “One of the biggest challenges in growing up with my sister was watching her get laughed at.” says Justin Lyons, brother of Kara, who has cerebral palsy. Parents can help their kids work through this challenge by equipping them with the right answers for those awkward questions and teach them how to handle bullying in an appropriate way.

Benefit: Development of dependability,loyalty, and compassion

After years of watching someone they love get teased, siblings of special needs kids will naturally develop a strong sense of loyalty to those they care about as well as a strong compassion towards others. Even though watching Kara get 20

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

teased was hard for Justin, he also notes, “I think it made me less likely to laugh at or tease other people.” Kids who grow up in a home with a special needs sibling typically become dependable, compassionate, and loyal adults.

Challenge: Jealousy

Parents do their best to treat their children fairly and spend equal amounts of time caring for each child. When you have a child with developmental delays or significant medical needs that balance can become extremely difficult to achieve and jealousy can develop. Kids may feel they get less attention or that their parents spend more time caring for the sibling. When these feelings develop it is very common for kids to feel guilty that they have these thoughts, causing them to be more upset and resentful. As a parent, try to be understanding and patient about your child’s jealous feelings. Talking it through and having someone listen and take them seriously will help your child feel loved and included. If possible and appropriate, welcome your child to join you in caring for the sibling, but don’t push the issue.

Benefit: Self control and thoughtfulness

First, it is important to remember that sibling rivalry and feelings of jealousy are normal in any sibling relationship. As your child learns to wait for their parent to be free to help them, they will learn patience and self control. They will also learn to put other’s needs before their own.

Challenge: Worry and fear

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Challenge: Complicated and mixed feelings

As each person is different, kids have a variety of feelings related to their sibling with special needs. Some kids may feel pressure to “live up” to their parents’ expectations for themselves and for the sibling that may never reach certain milestones. Kids may also feel resentment, anger, frustration, or like they are “missing out” on activities or experiences because their sibling’s care puts restrictions on certain activities. “Siblings often feel guilty about any negative feeling such as jealousy.” says Hupp. “The rewards more than outweigh the negatives but sometimes the negatives are hard to talk about.” None of these feelings are fun to talk about and often result in guilt causing the children to feel even more resentment to the sibling because they have these negative feelings. Some of these feelings may be difficult to overcome and a parent may not know exactly what their child is feeling or how to deal with them. If you feel that these feelings are becoming a problem, consider seeking professional help to support your child’s development in a healthy way and encourage an appropriate relationship between your children.

Benefit: A variety of positive characteristics develop While all of these challenges are realistic, kids also develop a wide variety of wonderful characteristics from their experience such as kindness, patience, compassion, acceptance of differences, helpfulness, and empathy. All of these qualities are wonderful and valued in our society. Being a sibling of a special needs person is a unique and sometimes challenging experience but most people will tell you they have benefitted from the experience. As a parent, it helps to think of the long term benefits and help your child shape their challenges into successes. Sarah Lyons is a wife and stay at home mom of six children, including two year old triplets.

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

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calendar

OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER September 26 / How I Became a Pirate

Sail off on a swashbuckling musical excursion as young Jeremy Jacobs joins Captain Braid Beard’s band of comical pirates and searches for the perfect spot to bury their treasure. Jeremy finds fun and adventure on the high seas, but he soon learns that home and family are treasures you can’t find on any map. Based off the popular book, the production includes terrific songs like “A Good One to Boot”, “Green Teeth”, “I’m Really Just a Sensitive Guy”, “Talk Like a Pirate”, “Soccer by the Rules”, “Pirates Dot Arrgh”, and more… It’s a joyful family musical that is sure to leave young mateys singing and dancing in the aisles. $9 (Groups of 10 or more $6). First performance at 9:45 a.m. and a Sensory Friendly Performance at 1 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210-223-8624. https:// www.tobincenter.org/box-office/2017-09/ how-i-became-pirate

Police, Fire, & EMT Appreciation Days at SA Zoo The San Antonio Zoo® is saying thank you to the police officers, fire fighters, and EMTs of San Antonio and within Bexar County by offering free admission to the zoo during Police, Fire, & EMT Appreciation Days. Through September 30, 2017 first responders will enjoy free admission with proper ID, and four of their guests can receive 50% off the standard admission price on the day of their visit. To claim free admission, members of the police force, fire department and EMT must show valid credentials at the front gate. Tickets are only valid on the same day of redemption and this offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. This limited time offer pays tribute to the unsung heroes of our San Antonio and Bexar County community who often sacrifice family time in order to serve and protect the rest of us. Included: San Antonio, Bexar County, Alamo Heights, China Grove, Fair Oaks, Hollywood Park, Live Oak, Schertz Police, Balcones Heights, Cibolo, Helotes, Kirby, Lytle, Selma, Castle Hills, Converse, Hill Country Village, Leon Valley, Olmos Park, Shavano Park, St. Hedwig, Terrell Hills, Universal City, Von Army, and Windcrest. For more information, go to http://sazoo.org/events/ appreciationdays/

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

September 16 / Avenida Guadalupe 36th Annual Parade and Festival In celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day, the Avenida Guadalupe Association welcomes San Antonio communities and visitors to participate in the 36th Annual 16 de Septiembre Celebration. The day begins at Noon with a parade that marches right through the heart of the historic Westside and ends at Plaza Guadalupe. The plaza then becomes an all day celebration sponsored by Univision and H.E.B., featuring live Tejano, Conjunto, and Mariachi music, food, and beverages. Playground in the Plaza. Free Admission and Open to the Public. Noon to 10:30 p.m. Plaza Guadalupe, 1327 Guadalupe St. 210223-3151 or 210-823-6382. www.avenidaguadalupe.org. To Advertise Call 305-4181

FREE THINGS TO DO IN SA

What’s Inside 25 Free Things to Do

32 Family Theatre

30 Ongoing Exhibits

34 Looking Ahead

1 Friday

Bug Mania at the Zoo: Huge replicas of bugs will be scattered throughout the entire zoo from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, inspiring guests to appreciate the roles these creatures play in a diverse animal world. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. http://sazoo. org/events/bug-mania/ San Japan X - Anime Convention: San Japan will be bringing the fun once again to the River Walk as it holds events in three concurrent locations at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Marriott Riverwalk Hotel. San Japan is the Largest Anime Convention in South Texas with over 18,000 attendees at last year’s event. Cosplay, live music, interactive panel discussions, special guests and all things anime will highlight the event. Two exhibit halls will be filled with items of interest to anime fans. Hours vary by date. Adults $30-$70 and Kids (ages 6-12) passes can be bought at the door for $20. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market. http://san-japan.org/ Labor Day Kendall County Fair, Stock Show and Rodeo: The Kendall County Fair Association proudly hosts the 112th Annual Labor Day Kendall County Fair, Stock Show and Rodeo. The event features the Lester Mier Rodeo on Friday, Saturday & Sunday and Livestock Shows on Saturday & Sunday as well as the great exhibits in the Homestead Heritage Exihibit Hall. These exhibitors put their heart and soul into their exhibits every year and families will enjoy browsing them. The Fair Parade is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. Friday gates open at 5 p.m./ Saturday & Sunday gates open at 10 a.m. $10 per person. Age 12 and under free. Kendall County Fair Grounds, 1307 River Road Boerne. 830-249-2839. http://www.kcfa.org/ 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. 210-826-6411. http:// www.thetwig.com/miss-anastasia

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 a.m. to noon. Register online or call 210-805-1768. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-8245368. https://www.mcnayart.org/learn/ family-programs

2 Saturday

Festival de Animales: Every weekend in September, take a tour of Latin America during this daytime event dedicated to highlighting the San Antonio Zoo’s Latin American animal conservation efforts. Also, take a culinary tour of the tastes of Latin America at select zoo restaurants and pop-up booths. Feel yourself transported to Latin America with bright and festive decorations. Also, enjoy Mariachi and Folklorico performances from local schools and youth groups. This event is included in zoo admission. Members are admitted free. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. http://sazoo.org/events/ festival/ 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 “Stand and Deliver” preceded by “My City, Our World Heritage” Student Films. Food trucks and concessionaires will be on hand and attendees are also welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Free. 7 to 10 p.m. Movie begins 15 minutes after dusk. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. 210-2076968. http://www.getcreativesanantonio.com/Explore-San-Antonio/ Mission-Marquee-Plaza/Events First Saturday Hike - Plant Identification: Explore the beauty of Friedrich Wilderness Park as you

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Downtown Tuesdays Free parking at city facilities, restaurant deals and special events can be found downtown every Tuesday night from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Information is available online. www.downtowntuesday.com.

Institute of Texan Cultures ITC offers complimentary admission on the Second Sunday of every month. 210-4582300. www.texancultures.com

Inspire Community Fine Art Center Free Family Art Day on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 200 Queen Anne Court. 210-829-5592. www. inspirefineart.org

McNay Art Museum Free admission the first Sunday of each month from noon to 5 p.m. and every Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www.mcnayart.org

New Braunfels Railroad Museum Free Admission every first and third Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids of all ages run the train and become a junior engineer. 302 West San Antonio St., New Braunfels. 830627-2447. newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org

San Antonio Museum of Art Free admission every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon and every Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

The Alamo Free interactive living history event from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Includes live demonstrations, living history and history talks. 300 Alamo Plaza. 210-225-1391. www.thealamo.org.

The Witte Museum Free admission from 3 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org

September 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

take a leisurely hike along Main Loop and Water Trail. This hike will cover nearly 2 miles of trails. RSVP required. Suggested donation: $3 per person, or $6 per family. Recommended for ages 8 & up. A donation of $3 per individual or $5 per family is suggested. 9 to 11 a.m. Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa Dr. 210-207-3782. http:// fosana.org/calendar/ Geology Rocks: What does a Geologist do? Join David Turner, Professor of Geology at St. Mary’s University, as he talks about the study of the Earth and provides a hands-on look at what geologists do. People can also bring their own rocks for Mr. Turner him to identify. A kid friendly activity is included. Free; donations accepted. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy. (West Side). 210-492-7472. http://www. philhardbergerpark.org/ Healthy Holidays Kitchen Demonstrations: Discover how easy and cost-effective it can be to celebrate healthy. Enjoy quick, easyto-prepare holiday-themed dishes in the H-E-B Body Adventure Children’s Hospital of San Antonio™ Demonstration Kitchen. This month’s theme is “Sensational Summer Slaw”. Free with general admission. 11:30 a.m. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210357-1910. https://www.wittemuseum.org/ public-programs-3/

“Bug Mania at the Zoo” will be taking place September 1-3.

SABOT Family Drop-In Programs: Join the staff at the Botanical Garden for some hands-on family fun Programming will vary but will include activities such as planting a seed to take home, creating a simple craft, taking part in garden exploration and/or a nutritional activity. This month’s theme is “Nature’s Recyclers: Earthworms up Close and Personal”. Free with admission. 10 a.m. to noon. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-296-7718. http://www. sabot.org/education/family-programs/

“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/

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/ 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/ Primer Sabado: On the first Saturday of each month, this event features the best local entertainment, children’s activities and food offered by the city. The Market Square

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

shops and restaurants will all be open for an afternoon of browsing and snacking. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. San Antonio’s Historic Market Square. 210-207-8600. www.events. getcreativesanantonio.com

Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde: Weekly rodeos, live music, events & steak dinners. Check the website for specifics on the agenda. General admission for Saturday night rodeos is $12 for adults and $6 for children 6-12 years of age, 5 and under free. 7:30 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Co., 401 Obst Road, Bulverde. 830980-2226. http://tejasrodeo.com/ Bug Mania at the Zoo: see September 1 San Japan X - Anime Convention: see September 1 Labor Day Kendall County Fair, Stock Show and Rodeo: see September 1

3 Sunday

San Japan X - Anime Convention: see September 1 Labor Day Kendall County Fair, Stock Show and Rodeo: see September 1 Bug Mania at the Zoo: see September 1 Festival de Animales: see September 2

5 Tuesday

H-E-B Free Family Nights at the DoSeum: Free admission to The DoSeum every first and third Tuesday of the Month. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The first 1,500 guests will be admitted; please arrive early to ensure entry. When capacity is reached, a sign will be posted outside The DoSeum. Parking is limited; please plan accordingly. See website for more details. The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway. 210-212-4453. https://www. thedoseum.org

6 Wednesday

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 Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-9788183. 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. 210-262-8384. https:// www.facebook.com/SanAntonioAstronomy/ To Advertise Call 305-4181

Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: Hardberger Park’s diversity of flora and fauna is being threatened by exotic invasive weeds and volunteers are needed to combat these weeds each Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. E-mail wendy.leonard@ sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3292 for directions to week’s location. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. http://www. philhardbergerpark.org/ 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/

7 Thursday

WHF Sunset Picnic at Mission San Juan Farm: Enjoy a picnic-style dinner at sunset, featuring foods grown at the San Juan Farm and honoring the historical and cultural heritage of the farm. Meals can be ordered ahead of time at www.safoodbank.org from a

What Are Your Kids Doing After School?

half dozen of San Antonio’s favorite restaurants and available for pick-up at the event. Guests can enjoy hayride tours of the farm, mission tours, music from the USAA Jazz Ensemble, appetizers, 2018 signature cocktail provided by the San Antonio Cocktail Conference and more. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and/or picnic blankets, seating will be available by Mission San Juan. Adult meals available for $75 per person and child meals are $15 per person. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event, tours, and music begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinners available for pick up at 7 p.m. Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Rd. https://safoodbank.org/ sunset/

8 Friday

Restored By Light: The Office of Historic Preservation’s popular event Restored by Light returns to Mission Concepcion with family-friendly activities and entertainment as part of the World Heritage Festival. Bring a picnic or enjoy snacks from the available food truck vendors. At dark, the facade of Mission Concepcion will be restored to its original frescoed appearance using projection technology illumination. Celebrate our local heritage with food, music, and fun.

September 2 will feature Plant Identification as the focus of Friedrich Wilderness Park’s First Saturday Hike.

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downloadable ticket on website. Check local Sprint locations for half off Adult Admission tickets. 10am-5pm. Alzafar Shrine Auditorium, 901 North Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78232. Tiny Dragons in Your Own Backyard Anoles and Other Texas Lizards: Know a budding scientist? Learn from Trinity Biology students about the anoles and other reptiles in your Texas Backyard. Start the class indoors with some fun, hands-on activities, then venture outdoors with the researchers to learn about their work at The Garden. Designed for kids ages 8-12 years; Adult must accompany a child. $25 per adult/child pair. 9:30 to 11 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210296-7718. http://www.sabot.org/education/ family-programs/

The San Japan X Anime Convention is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend in Downtown SA. Free. 6 to 10 p.m. Kids activities begin at 6 p.m. Mission Concepcion, 807 Mission Rd. http://www.sanantonio.gov/historic/Events/ Restored-By-Light Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see September 1

9 Saturday

Tour De Las Misiones, Pachanga, and Mission Activities: Part of the World Heritage Festival, the World Heritage Tour/ Tour de las Misiones is a tour-style social ride preceding the daylong Pachanga scheduled at Mission Pavilion. With three distance options, everyone can ride and enjoy San Antonio’s Historic Missions. This is a slow roll, social ride. Police escorts will lead and follow to ensure everyone’s safety. This year’s event also features a 5K & 10K Walk & Ride. Bike Tour and Walk & Ride begin at 8 a.m. Start locations and entry fees vary by event. The Mission Pachanga runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include several live bands. Free. Mission Park Pavilion, 6030 Padre Drive. 210-207-2111. http://www. worldheritagefestival.org/bikeride.html Alpha Media’s Our Kids World Family Fun Fest: Presented by Sprint this event will feature - Marvel Superheroes such as Thor & Spiderman, Princess Mania featuring Elsa & Anna, Pro Challenge Soccer course, inflatable bounce house room, mini racetrack petting zoo, 26 ft. rock wall, pony rides, STEM Imagination Station AND MORE! Adults $8. Kids 12 & under are FREE with

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

Second Saturday - Animal Friends: Do you have any animal friends? Meet Tom Kinsey, Master Naturalist and animal lover, and explore some of the living things around us and learn what makes them special. There will be live animals to observe. RSVP required. Suggested donation: $3 per person, or $6 per family. 10 a.m. to noon. Friedrich Wilderness Park Classroom, 21395 Milsa Dr. 210-207-3782. http://fosana.org/ calendar/ Kids Club - Nature Art! Let’s Finger Paint!: Kids can come and have some fun making works of art with items you find in nature. $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m. No drop-offs allowed. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd., Boerne. 830-249-4616. www.cibolo.org 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 Moondance Concerts at the CNC: Concert under the oaks and stars at the Cibolo Nature Center featuring The Lost Mule Band. 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 Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde: see September 2 Festival de Animales: see September 2

10 Sunday

Fibers Across Culture: For its September Free Second Sunday, the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures will feature spinning and weaving, highlighting one of the favorite parts of the exhibit floor. This activity day gives guests the chance to spin thread on spinning wheels and other antique implements, learn how to weave fibers into cloth, how to use weaving looms, and how to dye textiles. Knowledgeable docents will be available to teach and assist guests. Members of the institute’s quilt guild also will be available to discuss their work and how to get involved. Free. Noon to 4 p.m.

On Saturday, September 9, the Mission Pachanga will be held in conjunction with Tour De Las Misiones as part of the World Heritage Festival. To Advertise Call 305-4181

Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-458-2300. http://www.texancultures.com/ educator_center/public_programs/ Fiestas Patrias Celebration: Univision Radio presents their annual Fiestas Patrias at Trader Village. This event will feature Free Live Concerts. Doors open at noon and the show starts at 1 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $4 per car. Traders Village, 9333 SW Loop 410. 210-623-8383. http:// tradersvillage.com/san-antonio/ events/fiestas-patrias-celebration/ Sunday Jazz at the Witte: Take the family and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the “Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz”. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Food and beverages are available for purchase from Picante Grill. Included with museum general admission. 3 to 5 p.m. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1910. https://www.wittemuseum.org/events/event/sunday-jazzwitte-featuring-latin-playerz/ Festival de Animales: see Sept. 2

12 Tuesday

“Inspiring the Winds of Change”: Clarity Child Guidance Center, a San

Antonio-based not-for-profit organization providing children’s mental health services, will host its annual gala, including dinner, a raffle and a ceremony honoring San Antonio philanthropist Harvey Najim. Najim will receive the annual Clarity CGC President’s Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations for their commitment to the mental health needs of children, adolescents and families in South Texas. Funds raised at the gala will benefit children who suffer from mental illness in our community. In Bexar County alone, an estimated 80,000 children struggle with mental illness. 6 to 9:30 p.m. Norris Conference Center, 618 NW Loop 410. 210-582-6497. http://www. claritycgc.org/ Art Fit at SAMA: Runners of all levels 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. 210-978-8100. https://www.samuseum.org

The Annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre Charreada Exhibition will be on held September 17 this year.

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ONGOING EXHIBITS 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 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. 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

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

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 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 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

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

To Advertise Call 305-4181

13 Wednesday

Astronomy in the Park: see September 6 Little Explorers: see Sept. 6

14 Thursday

BRAVO! Mi Cultura, Diez y Seis: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department presents BRAVO! MI CULTURA! an evening of dance selections celebrating the Hispanic Heritage in San Antonio featuring the budding local talents of young dancers from the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s Dance Programs. This performance will include dance numbers with influences from Spanish Flamenco and Mexican Folklorico. Free/donations welcome. 8 to 10 p.m. Arneson River Theater in La Villita. 418 Villita St. 210-2073132. http://www.sanantonio. gov/ParksAndRec 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. 210978-8100. https://www.samuseum.org

15 Friday

Annual “Animal” Zoo Run Relay: The San Antonio Zoo is hosting an 8-mile fundraising relay run today with 4-member teams running 2 miles per runner. Bring the family and come cheer them on! The course will take the runners through the zoo grounds and Brackenridge Park and the cost per runner is $35. Sign-up is available online or on-location the day of the run from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. $30-$40. Race begins at 6 p.m. There will be a mini “Kids’ Zoo Run” the following day inside the SA Zoo. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-7347184 ext. 1046. http://sazoo. org/events/zoo-run-relay/ Movie Night at the

Park: Tonight’s feature is Disney’s “The Jungle Book”. Bring chairs, blankets, and personal food. A moon bounce, children’s playground, and music from the Helotes Area Community Band will be available prior to the movie. Local vendors will also serve food and drinks. Free. 6 p.m. Helotes Municipal Complex, 12951 Bandera Rd., Helotes. https:// www.helotes-tx.gov/events/ movie-night-at-the-park/ Jazz’SALive 2017: This 34th Annual Jazz Festival Moves to Friday-Saturday and brings great entertainment & food choices to newly renovated Travis Park. In addition to a new black and white theme, foodies will delight in the new food variety at the Grab & Go Food Village and can expect everything from lobster rolls and cheeseburgers to wings, shrimp, a popcorn bar, tacos, paella, potatoes and more than 30 other offerings. In addition to enjoying the many great musical acts, families can take advantage of the Budding Artists Children’s Jam Session which teaches four areas of music study and includes a free 2017 Jazz’SAlive T-shirt designed by Louis Vega Trevino (Saturday only, while supplies last). Free. Hours vary by date. Travis Park, 700 Navarro St. 210-2128423 ext. 3. http:// saparksfoundation.org/events/ jazzsalive/

• 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

Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see September 1 BRAVO! Mi Cultura, Diez y Seis: see September 14

16 Saturday

Rolling Oaks Mall KidX Club: Carnival theme event will have carnival games, meet and greet princess from Glass Slipper Character Co. , DJ Mark, face painting and. Allison artist. Event is FREE to KidX members, new member sign up is FREE. 2 p.m. - 2 p.m., Center Court, Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78247. https://rollingoaksmall.com Avenida Guadalupe 36th Annual Parade and Festival: see lead-off pg 24

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September 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

FAMILY THEATRE

Magik Theatre at Pearl Park features “The Three Little Pigs” on September 5.

Magik Theatre at Pearl Park – The Three Little Pigs: Catch one the last two shows of this summer series as the Pearl collaborates with Magik Theatre for a variety of special performances. 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 at Pearl Park. Free. September 5. 5 p.m. Pearl Park, 303 Pearl Pkwy #300. 512-382-9017 or 210227-2751. http://events.getcreativesanantonio.com/event/ detail/442016188 Magik Theatre at Pearl Park - Rumpelstilskin: Catch one the last two shows of this summer series as the Pearl collaborates with Magik Theatre for a variety of special performances. 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 at Pearl Park. Free. September 19. 5 p.m. Pearl Park, 303 Pearl Pkwy #300. 512-382-9017 or 210227-2751. http://events.getcreativesanantonio.com/event/ detail/442016188 How I Became a Pirate: Sail off on a swashbuckling musical excursion as young Jeremy Jacobs joins Captain Braid Beard’s band of comical pirates and searches for the perfect spot to bury their treasure. Jeremy finds fun and adventure on the high seas, but he soon learns that home and family are treasures you can’t find on any map. Based off the popular book, the production includes terrific songs like “A Good One to Boot”, “Green Teeth”, “I’m Really Just a Sensitive Guy”, “Talk Like a Pirate”, “Soccer by the Rules”, “Pirates Dot Arrgh”, and more… It’s a joyful family musical that is sure to leave young mateys singing and dancing in the aisles. $9 (Groups of 10 or more $6). September 26 – two performances. First performance at 9:45 a.m. and a Sensory Friendly Performance at 1 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210-2238624. https://www.tobincenter.org/box-office/2017-09/ how-i-became-pirate

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

33rd Annual “Animal” Kids’ Zoo Run: Gather your friends to compete in the Kids’ Zoo Run benefiting the San Antonio Zoo. There will be a one-quarter mile course for children 5 and under and a one-half mile course for those ages 6-11. Both courses run within the confines of the zoo. Help continue the tradition of family entertainment, animal conservation, and education by participating in this year’s SA Antonio Zoo Kids’ Run. This run is open to ages 11 and younger and will be divided into 5 age categories. Cost is $30 per runner. All runners will receive a t-shirt and a ribbon. Medals will go to top 3 boys and girls finishing in each age group. Starts at 8:30 a.m. Sign up online at www.kidsrun. kintera.org San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-7347184. http://sazoo.org/events/ zoo-run-relay/kids-zoo-run/

soaking up live entertainment while sampling a variety of unique food truck fare. Shop at the Marketplace and wander through the competition BBQ Teams competing for a $10,000 purse. Free. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pickrell Park - Large Pavilion, 200 Aero Ave, Schertz. http:// visitschertz.com/annual-event/ schertzq/

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 “Cantinflas”, a Hispanic Heritage Event. The untold story of Mexico’s greatest and most beloved comedy film star of all time, from his humble origins on the small stage to the bright lights of Hollywood. PG | 1h 36min | 2014. 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. http:// www.getcreativesanantonio. com/Explore-San-Antonio/ Mission-Marquee-Plaza/Events

Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde: see September 2

Diez y Seis Mariachi Concert: Celebrate Diez y Seis with the annual Mariachi Concert on the River. This family event will showcase local bands and food. Noon to 10 p.m. Free. La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St. 210-207-1436. http:// events.getcreativesanantonio. com/event/detail/442009188/ Diez_y_Seis_Mariachi_Concert Schertzfest: Come out to Schertz for the 10th Annual SchertzQ, a weekend of

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. $15. 10 to 11 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-296-7718. http://www.sabot.org/event/ garden-yoga-2/ “Kids Fun Day” with Trains: see September 2

Festival de Animales: see September 2 Jazz’SALive 2017: see September 15

17 Sunday

“Selena” 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 “Selena”. Food trucks and concessionaires will be on hand and attendees are also welcome to bring their own 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. http:// www.getcreativesanantonio. com/Explore-San-Antonio/ Mission-Marquee-Plaza/Events Diez y Seis de Septiembre Charreada Exhibition: Presented by SA’s Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission. Join the Asociación de Charros San Antonio as we celebrate Diez y Seis de Septiembre. Gates open at 2 p.m. Exhibition starts at 4 p.m. Food vendors available before rodeo. Spectators can expect 3 hours of rodeo exhibition time. $10 Adults/$5 To Advertise Call 305-4181

Children. The Asociacion de Charros de San Antonio, 6126 Padre Drive. http://www.sacharros.org/events.html Look at the World: YouthCUE presents, “Look at the World, timeless music, ageless beauty,” an extraordinary evening of music featuring YouthCUE alumnus, San Antonio native, and Metropolitan Opera Tenor, David Portillo. Portillo, recently hailed by OPERA NEWS as “one of the top 25 young voices in the world,” will be joined by 200 voices of select local high school and university students, all accompanied by the San Antonio Symphony. This is more than a homecoming for the gifted young Portillo. The concert will enrich performers and audience alike. Local students will work with the finest professional musicians who, by sharing their art, discipline, and passion, will inspire the young people on stage as well as the audience members to pursue their dreams. $24.50-$44.50. 7:30 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle.

210-223-8624. https://www.tobincenter.org/box-office/2017-09/ look-world Festival de Animales: see September 2

20 Wednesday

SAMA Playdates: see September 6 Astronomy in the Park: see September 6 Little Explorers: see Sept. 6

21 Thursday

Wild Texas: The 2017 Wild Texas Film Tour is an 11-city short film tour showcasing wildlife, adventure, and conservation stories from across the state. Meet the characters in the films, the folks behind the cameras, and some of the best photographers, anglers, outdoorsman, and wildlife enthusiasts in the state of Texas. Hosted by filmmaker and conservationist Ben Masters. $25. 7:30 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210-2238624. https://www.tobincenter.

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September 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

org/box-office/2017-09/wild-texas-film-tour Bravo! Latino!: In celebration of Fiestas Patrias, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department presents BRAVO! LATINO!, an evening of music selections presenting local teen talent from the Take Note Band as well as guest artists and music students. The performance will include songs and compositions of Latin Jazz and Rock with influences from Spanish and African indigenous sources. $10 suggested donation. 8 to 10 p.m. Arneson River Theater in La Villita, 418 Villita St. 210-207-3132. http://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/ News-Events/Events

22 Friday

World Rhino 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/ Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see September 1 Bravo! Latino!: see September 21

23 Saturday

SAMA Free Day! Museum Day Live: Visit your favorite Museum for free today. Museum Day Live! is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity. SAMA welcomes the community to get their tickets in advance to enjoy the entire Museum. Advance registration required. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1910. http://www.smithsonianmag. com/museumday/museum-day-live-2017/ tickets/ Free Museum Day Live at ITC!: For one day, participating museums across the United States emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington DC-based facilities, which offer free admission every day, and open their doors for free to those who download a Museum Day Live! Ticket,

Looking Ahead to October The San Antonio Zoo will host their annual Zoo Boo! events each weekend in October. And don’t miss the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival on October 20! Also our annual Halloween cover kids contest.

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures will welcome the monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery September 28 – October 1. available at Smithsonian.com/MuseumDay. The institute’s free day program will include a performance from Eva Ybarra, the “Queen of the Accordion,” recently named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow. Additionally, Manuel Medrano from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will premiere a documentary on Ybarra’s career. Free. 1 to 3 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-458-2300. http://www.texancultures. com/educator_center/public_programs/ Run/Walk for AIDS 2017: The San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) will host the 26th Annual Run & Walk for AIDS, a popular family- and pet-friendly HIV/AIDS fundraiser. All registrants will receive a participant packet containing the official event T-shirt, coupons and promo items. They will also complimentary refreshments provided by several local vendors, information and activity booths, DJ music and more – all in a colorful, festival-like setting. Fees are $25 for walkers and $30 for runners who sign up by 5 p.m. Monday, September 11. . After the deadline, the fee is $30 for walkers and $35 for runners. 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Dr. www.RunWalkforAIDS.org. Plant Sale: Choose from an abundant

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selection of the adapted and native plants that are so important for droughttolerant landscaping. Let Garden volunteer “experts” guide you to the best watersaving performers and just the right plants to enjoy year-round in your own yard. Admission to the Garden is $10 adults; $8 students, seniors, military; $7 children age 3-13; free for children under 3 and all members. Admission to the Plant Sale is included with Garden admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. http://www.sabot.org/ plant-sales/ 2nd Annual Para Mi 5/10K and 1 Mile Walk: Everyone is welcome at this Run/ Walk benefiting CentroMed, a non-profit community health center. Awards for 5K and 10K 1st overall M/F, 1st master M/F and top 3 M/F in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+. Age group awards will be based on chip time; awards for overall and master winners will be based on gun time. Packet Pick-up is Friday, Sept. 22, from noon to 11 p.m. at Centro Fitness, Commercial Avenue. For more information, contact annabel.gomez@ centromedsa.com. Early Event Fees until September 20: 10K - $20/5K - $15/ 1-Mile Walk - $10 (plus online fees. Late Event Fees starting September 20: 10K - $25/ 5K - $20/ 1-Mile Walk - $15 (plus online fees). No refunds on entry fees. 7:30 a.m. Mission County Park, 6030 Padre Dr. https://register. iaapweb.com/Search/event.aspx?id=40778 Nature Walk – Wildlife: Learn about the ecology and wildlife of Hardberger Park on this walk led by Christine Westerman. Ms. Westerman is the lead professional in the local office of a national environmental consulting firm. Free; donations accepted. 8 to 10 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy. (West Side). 210-492-7472. http://www.philhardbergerpark.org/ Super Chefs: Show off your new culinary

Our Kids Magazine | September 2017

To Advertise Call 305-4181

skills as you and your team create and plate easy, yummy, and healthy recipes to enjoy with your families. This month’s program focuses on “Rethink Your Drink: Tasty Alternatives to Sugary Beverages”. Free with general admission. 11:30 a.m. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1910. www.wittemuseum.org

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LESSONS & CLASSES

Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde: see September 2

Ballerina Birthday or Move & Groove Party

Festival de Animales: see September 2

Let Kinderdance® bring the fun to your party!

Sensory-Friendly Films: see September 23

Festival de Animales: see September 2 Plant Sale: see September 23

26 Tuesday

How I Became a Pirate: see lead-off pg 24 Art Fit at SAMA: see September 12

27 Wednesday

Astronomy in the Park: see September 6

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24 Sunday

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SECURITY

Little Explorers: see September 6

28 Thursday

Mystical Arts of Tibet: The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures will welcome the monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery, who will prepare a mandala sand painting on the main exhibit floor. The mandalas are used as tools for reconsecrating the earth and healing its inhabitants. To construct the mandala, millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks. They are formed of a traditionally prescribed iconography that includes geometric shapes and a multitude of ancient spiritual symbols. When finished, the mandala is destroyed to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists, and the colored sands are swept up and poured into a nearby river or stream where the waters carry the healing energies throughout the world. $10 for adults (12-64); $8 for seniors (65+) and children (6-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. 210-458-2300. http://www. texancultures.com/events/mystic_arts_of_tibet/

29 Friday

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Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Sept. 1 Mystical Arts of Tibet: see September 28

30 Saturday

Zoo Boo, Mammal Weekend: 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/

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Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde: see September 2 Mystical Arts of Tibet: see September 28

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210-596-2146 • 210-372-2292 September 2017 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Christus Santa Rosa