Katy Parent Magazine April 2023

got tradition?

Ways to Incorporate Family Rituals into Your Busy Routine

By Heather Van Deest

Taking part in family rituals creates a sense of belonging, helps shape family identity, and helps us connect. Rituals can also be a lot of fun. But how do we find time to integrate them into our already busy lives? With two preschoolers of my own, it’s a challenge. But I know now is the time to start important traditions that will evolve as my children grow. Here are a few ways to create meaningful rituals and help strengthen family ties.

Choose quality over quantity.

There’s no denying the power of ritual to help families bond, but trying to pack too many traditions into a busy schedule can overwhelm everyone and dilutes the very connection you’re seeking.

Start simple.

Integrate one or two new rituals you can do easily, such as a weekly game night or an evening walk. Keeping things simple provides the opportunity to slow down and connect. And knowing this time is reserved for family helps everyone relax and enjoy your special time together.

Give it purpose.

Consider tailoring rituals to meet specific family needs. Is bath time a struggle? What about homework? Rituals that ease transitions or help problem solve offer a creative way to connect, and they help get that homework done in the process. When my oldest turned two, he developed a fear of going to the salon for a haircut. The usual solutions like lollipops and videos didn’t work for him, but the promise of a meal out at a restaurant of his choice did the trick. Today, my son has outgrown his fear of electric clippers and shears, but we still go for pizza or Mexican food after a trip to the salon.

Deepen existing rituals.

Investigate your routine and it’s likely you’ll find many family rituals already in place. Consider ways you can go deeper with an existing ritual. Rather than shouting a quick goodbye when the kids head out the door, why not try making time for hugs, or at least a warm farewell that’s less rushed?

Any regular activity, even clearing the dinner table together, can help deepen a family member’s sense of belonging and identity, especially when done deliberately and with an eye toward strengthening family bonds.

Let the ritual come to you. Rather than adding another task to your to-do list, let a tradition find you. An idea for a new ritual may arrive in the form of a magazine article you read at the doctor’s office, a report on the evening news, or a story from a friend.

By chance, I read an essay online about one mother’s tradition of reviewing “gratefuls” with her children at bedtime. Soon after starting this ritual with my three-year-old, I updated it to include “grumbles” as well. My son always looks forward to this time together and I know it’s a tradition we can continue for years to come.

Focus on family fun.

If you’re seeking new traditions, get input from family members. Together, brainstorm a few ideas and ask your children which rituals most appeal to them. Or consider your children’s favorite activities. Does your son love visiting the library? What about making breakfast together on weekends? Turn enjoyable activities into regular family events, and you’ll have a ritual everyone will enjoy.

Making rituals a part of our family life doesn’t have to be time-consuming or overwhelming. With a little creativity and thought, we can establish fun, meaningful traditions that help us connect and thrive.

easy family rituals

You can Start Today!

EXPLORE YOUR SENSES.

Choose one of the five senses to explore over the course of a day. At dinner, discuss what each family member heard, saw, smelled, felt, or tasted.

MOVE-IT MONDAYS.

Make a weekly effort as a family to get some exercise. Zip out for a bike ride, go for a jog together, or, if the weather poses a challenge, stay in and do some jumping jacks.

NO-TV NIGHT. Turn off the tube and turn up the fun. Play a game, read books, bake some cookies—the sky’s the limit.

GET CRAFTY.

Designate a regular time each week for craft activities and have supplies at the ready.

SHAKE IT UP!

Make up a silly handshake to do together each morning before the kids head off to school.

SUMMER CAMP Guide

 BENEDICTINE

TUTORS

Full-Day and Half-Day Math & English Prep camps for students entering K-8th grades. Math Morning Camps include additional STEM activities such as Coding, Robotics, and Science Labs. English

Afternoon Camps include prep with Reading Comprehension, Spelling and Creative Writing. All Camps run Mon-Thurs and help students prepare for the coming school year. Benedictine Summer Camps are individualized and designed to build upon previous camp attendance so the longer a camper attends, the more preparation they are able to achieve! Sibling Discounts are available!

Ages 5-13. Half-Days (9am-12pm & 1-4pm) and Full-Days (9am-4pm) available from June 5 - 8, 12 - 15; 19 - 22; 26 - 29; July 3 - 6; 10 - 13; 17 - 20; 24 - 27; July 31 - Aug 3; Aug 7 – 10 www.benedictinetutors.com/katy-summer-camp

832-588-4408

 BUSHI BAN INTERNATIONAL

Our Summer Camp Program is a fitness & selfdefense program for children of all ages and fitness levels teaching multi-disciplinary techniques of martial arts including karate, Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing & ground grappling.

www.BushiBan.com

832-833-0030

 CAMP ALLEN

We provide a fun & unique environment for young people to cultivate friendships, experience personal growth, and learn about the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. (1 hr from Houston)

www.CampAllen.org

936-825-7175

 CENTURY FINE ARTS

Join us for a musical Summer!

281-201-2991

www.centuryfinearts.com

 CHALLENGE ISLAND

Where Engineering Meets Imagination! Challenge Island Camp is a magical place where children are inspired to imagine, create, and experiment in the STEAM world.Engineering battery operated vehicles, Experimenting in our Imagination LAB or Learning to be an Entrepreneur, innovative and fun challenges are awaiting every camper!Ages

5-13yrs Location 1: Church of Holy ApostlesWeek: June 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, July 10-14, 17-21

Location 2: Cinco Ranch Lakehouse June 26-30/

July 24-28

www.challenge-island.com/nwhouston-katy

281-901-1034

 CLUB SCIKIDZ HOUSTON

Club Scikidz Houston is Houston’s premiere summer science day camp. CSPH provides authentic, immersive, and application-based experiences. The experiences have loads of engagement, are fun, and planned with plenty of hands-on science (S), technology (T), engineering (E), art (A)and mathematics (M) opportunities. Variety of summer camps for kids Pk- 7th grade offered. After School Child Care is offered Locations: Katy, Sugarland and Bellaire. www.houston.clubscikidz.com

 EVERBROOK ACADEMY

Spend your summer at Camp Everbrook! Campers enjoy fun and learning all summer long, with a variety of weekly camp themes and interesting visitors. With our theme experiences, you can be an artist, explorer, zoologist, time traveler, or anything you want to be! 832-239-1748

www.everbrookacademy.com/programs/summercamp

 INSPIRATION STAGE

Fun camps, advanced intensives and electric shows! 713-302-5329

www.inspirationstage.com

 KATY YOUTH SOCCER

Spring and Summer Soccer Programs. The emphasis is on fun and learning how to play soccer for ages 5-19.

www.KatyYouthSoccer.com

281-392-5972

 PRIMROSE SCHOOLS

At our Summer Adventure Club, children become engineers, artists, explorers & more as they discover the joys of design thinking, a fun and innovative way to learn. Engineering design challenges, experiments & themed activities await as children unlock new ways of thinking, all while having a blast!

www.PrimroseSchools.com

Cinco Ranch: 281-693-7711

Kelliwood: 281-828-1600

North Mason Creek: 281-492-7400

West Cinco Ranch: 281-347-1212

Woodcreek Reserve: 281-731-0099

 ROBINS DANCE STUDIO

6 week summer program for all ages and several styles of dance – come share the love of dance with us!

Summer Dance Session June 6-July 20

Theater Camp June 12-16/19-22

Choreography Camp July 10-13/17-20

Princess Camp June 5-9 Ages 3-adult

www.RobinsDanceStudio.com

281-499-3921

 STARS GYMNASTICS SPORTS CENTER

Spring Break and Summer Camps!

A fun & safe environment for ages 4-12 learning gymnastics & participating in group games and activities. Gymnastics, Ninja, Open Gym, Games and Crafts. Full & half day available.

www.StarsGymTX.com

713-364-2631

 SUMMER SCIENCE SAFARI CAMP

Where science and summer fun meet! We help students envision their future by taking them places where science actually happens every day! Field trips to places where science really happens, every day! 832-305-8572

www.SummerScienceSafari.com

 THE HONOR ROLL SCHOOL

Providing children opportunities to explore, discover, make new friends and learn new skills. The outstanding counselors set the tone for an unforgettable experience with their talent, creativity and leadership. Campers are encouraged to reach for new heights and to expand their horions and interests. In addition to traditional day camp, academic camps and specialty camps are wonderful ways for students to focus on kindergarten prep, drone aviation, engineering, movie making, sports and much more. Preschool8th grade.

www.TheHonorRollSchool.com

Sugar Land 281-265-7888

Riverstone 832-402-8215

 THE SUGAR & SPICE RANCH

Mother/Daughter or All Girl Camps. Our summer camp sessions run from Saturday through the following Friday every week from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. No Technology Allowed!

www.TexasHorseCamps.com

830-460-8487

 VICTORY CAMP

Amazing summer camp experience that’s close to home! All the activities your kids love in a fun Christian camp environment. Corcl Boats, Go Carts, Gymnasium, Lake Blob, Rope Course, Swimming Pool, Train Rides, Volleyball Court, Water Slides, and Zip Line! Kids Day CampGrades 1st-4th; Overnight Camp- Grades 3rd-5th; Junior High Camp- Grades 6th-8th.

www.victorycamp.com

281-338-Camp (2267)

April

Family Friendly Events

Every Saturday!

Movies on the Lawn First Colony Mall

Every Saturday 2-5 pm

Bring your blankets, grab your family and friends, and meet us at The Lawn! From fan favorites to newer releases, sit back, relax, and enjoy our awesome outdoor movie nights! The good times don’t stop there. We’re adding an extra dash of fun to the mix with exciting lawn games the whole family can enjoy! Don’t forget to tag #moviesonthelawn in your movie night pics!

April 1st | Finding Nemo

April 8th | Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

April 15th | Shrek

April 22nd | Legally Blonde

April 29th | Minions: The Rise of Gru www.firstcolonymall.com/en/events/movies-onthe-lawn-42211.html

Through April 9

Vernardos Circus

Dry Creek Social Club Richmond www.tickets.venardoscircus.com

April 1

Innovation Spark Fest Sugar Land

Sugar Land Town Square 11 am-5 pm

Get ready to experience an explosion of creativity and ingenuity at our inaugural Innovation Spark Fest Sugar Land! Witness three rings of bot competitions, the latest inventions, technologies, and breakthroughs that are sure to revolutionize the way we live, work, and play. From interactive gaming to the latest in healthcare and education technology, this is your chance to discover the future and be a part of it! www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/event/ innovation-spark-fest-sugar-land/

City of Rosenberg Easter Egg Hunt

Seabourne Creek Nature Park Gazebo

Open to Kids 12 and under. Please bring your own basket. 10 am

For more information 832-595-3520 or visit www.rosenbergtx.gov

Spring Fling

Parkway United Methodist Church

Bounce House, Craft Market, Food Trucks, JoJo’s Raceway, Silent Auctions and more! 10 am- 1 pm www.fb.me/e/thjokFPJB

Spring Parent’s Night Out

Stars Gymnastics Katy

Drop your kids off for a fun filled night of gymnastics, games, pizza and snacks while you enjoy a kid free evening! Boys and girls ages 3-12 are welcome, Must be fully potty trained. Register online or give us a call! 713-364-2631

5:30-10:30 pm

$40 pre-registration, $45 walk in www.starsgymtx.com/katy/pno

April 1-2

Sugar Land Arts Fest

Smart Financial Centre Plaza Sugar Land

Sugar Land Arts Fest features contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, glass art, mixed media art, woodworking, and jewelry designed and created by local and foreign artists. The Sugar Land Arts Fest 2K23 is a premier arts festival in the Houston metropolitan region. The Festival will showcase +100 visual artists from around the country, with paintings, sculpture, photography, glassworks, and more. www.sugarlandartsfest.com

April 2

Community Event - EGG HUNT!

Little Gym of Sugar Land

Ages 4 months – 12 years

3:30-4:30 $15 Members, $20 Non-Members www.thelittlegym.com/ SugarLandMissouriCityTX/events-more-fun/dropins-events

April 4

FREE Admission at the Houston Zoo

Free daytime admission to the Houston Zoo is provided once a month, on the first Tuesday of each month, from open until closing. Online reservations are required for all guests and members during this time. Tickets will not be available at the gate. Online reservations are required. 9am-5pm www.houstonzoo.org

April 8

Katy’s First MEGGA Hunt

Katy’s First Baptist Church

Join us for our annual mEGGa Hunt! We will be hunting over 5,000 eggs! We will also have inflatables, games, photobooth, and MORE!! There will be 3 hunts at 10:20 (Birth-Pre K), 10:40 (K-2nd) and 11:00 (3rd-5th). Bring a basket and we can’t wait to see you! 10 am www.fb.me/e/Oxbdfgta

Easter Extravaganza 2023

Clay Road Baptist Church 10 am Easter Egg Hunt, Rock Wall, and More! www.fb.me/e/4d1YcZK3O

Parent’s Night Out

Code Ninjas Sugar Land

Drop them off. Go have fun. Just remember to pick them up. Ages 7 & up 6-9 pm $25 www.codeninjas.com/tx-sugar-land/parentsnight-out

Jordan Ranch Hosts Easter Bunny

FREE from 2- 5pm! The Easter Bunny will hop into Jordan Ranch for a festive Hip Hop Hooray spring celebration, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at The Shed, 30757 Jordan Crossing Boulevard. The day includes a petting zoo, music spun by a DJ, games, face painting and more. The Easter Bunny will pose for pictures with young fans. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.The Shed at Jordan Ranch 30757 Jordan Crossing Blvd., FulshearTX 77423 www.jordanranchtexas.com

April 9

Baskets and Bunnies

Katy City Park Activities, Egg Hunt, and Crafts 9 am -noon www.cityofkaty.com/government/citydepartments/parks-recreation/events-calendar

April 13-16

Disney on Ice Presents Frozen and Encanto@ NRG Park

Celebrate the love of family in the new show everyone will be talking about! Experience Disney’s Encanto brought to life like never

before. Sing and dance with Mirabel, her sisters, Isabela and Luisa, and more! Also join the race to find Elsa and stop the eternal winter, dream about summer with Olaf, and sing-along with Kristoff and Sven.

www.ticketmaster.com/disney-on-ice-presentsfrozen-encanto-houston-texas-04-15-2023/ event/3A005D7CCB5047C7

April 14

Live Performance by Sugar Shock at the Lawn

First Colony Mall 6-8 pm

Join us on The Lawn for live performances by Sugar Shock of the Sugar Land School of Rock! www.firstcolonymall.com/en/events/liveperformance-by-sugar-shock-42008.html

Parent’s Night Out

Olympia Gymnastics

7-11 pm www.app.iclasspro.com/portal/olympiatx/ camps/2

Tumble Clinic

Republic Gymnastics and Dance

Don’t miss your chance to get extra tumbling practice in at our Tumbling Clinic Ages 5 and upPre-Register $20 At Door $25 7-9 pm www.republicgymnastics.com/special-events

Toddler Time

Westwood Gymnastics

www.westwoodgym.com/events-calendar

Parents Survival Night

Little Gym of Sugar Land

Enjoy some much- needed adult time!

Ages 3-12 6:30-10:30 pm

$30 Member $35 Non-Member www.thelittlegym.com/SugarLandMissouriCityTX/ events-more-fun/drop-ins-events

Open Gym

Westwood Gymnastics

Open Gym Offers Parent’s a Night Out and Kiddos 4 Awesome Hours of FUN!

Ages 3 and up(Must be potty trained) 7-11 pm $20 preregistered 24 hours in advanced or $25 at the door.

www.westwoodgym.com/events-calendar

April 15

Parent’s Night Out

Code Ninjas Sugar Land

Drop them off. Go have fun. Just remember to pick them up. Ages 7 & up 6-9 pm $25 www.codeninjas.com/tx-sugar-land/parentsnight-out

April 17

Sensory Friendly Day

Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

Children with autism spectrum disorder and their families are invited to experience the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. These exclusive events include the following modifications: Less crowded environment, Light and sound reduction, Extra visual safety signage is added to help visitors determine things not to climb on, and entrances between exhibits where it is good to stop and wait for an adult before continuing. Designated quiet rooms. Our Sensory Friendly Days offer a wonderful relief from extra stimuli. This event is FREE for members. General admission is $7. 10am-3pm REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT, Register herewww.1110.blackbaudhosting.com/1110/ FBCDC-Sensory-Friendly-Day-17Apr2023

For more information, https://www. childrensdiscoveryfb.org/april-17-:-sensoryfriendly-day

April 19 and 20th

The Jungle Book Miller Outdoor Theatre 11 am www.fb.me/e/68zPL3JKd

April 21

Parent’s Night Out Republic Gymnastics and Dance

Do you need a night out without the kiddos; are you looking for an exciting and safe environment for the kids to have fun, run, jump & play?

Ages 3 and up(must be potty trained)

Pre-Register $20 At Door $25 6:30-10:30 pm

www.republicgymnastics.com/special-events

April 22

Parent’s Night Out Alpha Omega Gymnastics Missouri City PNO is a great way for mom and dad to go out and have a night on the town while the kids

have fun at the gym. It is once a month on a Saturday evening and we will even feed the kids dinner. The children will get to do gymnastics, play games, make arts and crafts, participate in science experiments and watch a movie.

Ages 3 and up

5:30-9:30(Extended Care Available)

$30 Members, $40 Non-Members

www.missouricity.alphaomegagymnastics.com/ parents-night-out/

April 24

Sensory Friendly Days: An Autism Friendly Event

Children’s Museum of Houston

Explore Abilities Day is an Autism friendly event. This is an exclusive day for children with unique challenges and their families.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT

10 am-3pm

www.fb.me/e/14zaGy0wX

April 28

Open Gym

Westwood Gymnastics

Open Gym Offers Parent’s a Night Out and Kiddos 4 Awesome Hours of FUN!

Ages 3 and up(Must be potty trained)

7-11 pm

$20 preregistered 24 hours in advanced or $25 at the door.

www.westwoodgym.com/events-calendar

April 28

Parent’s Survival Night

Little Gym of Katy

Ages 3-12 years

$36 members, $42 non-members

6-9 pm

www.thelittlegym.com/KatyTX/events-more-fun/ drop-ins-events

April 29

Downtown Sidewalk Sale and City- Wide Garage Sale

Historic Downtown Rosenberg

Visit Historic Downtown Rosenberg on Saturday, April 29 for a Downtown Sidewalk Sale in conjunction with the city-wide garage sale. Participating merchants will have sales going on along the streets of downtown Rosenberg during operating store hours. Stroll the streets of downtown Rosenberg to discover specials, bargains, treasures and fun!

www.rosenbergtx.gov

Katy

Sundays

ongoing events

Jazzy Sundays in the Park Jazzy Sundays in the Park include free performances at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park. The concert series, made possible by the Kinder Foundation, celebrates the legacy and evolution of jazz in Houston. Held at Buffalo Bayou Park

www.buffalobayou.org/event/jazzy-sundays-inthe-park-buffalo-bayou-park/2021-11-14/

LaCenterra Farmers Market

2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. 11 am- 3 pm www.lacenterra.com/events

Sunday Night Live City Centre

Sunday nights are live in CITYCENTRE’s plaza! Enjoy live music each Sunday with a line-up of inspirational artists. 3-6 pm www.citycentrehouston.com/event/aug-7-sundaynight-live

Michaels Make Break

2-4 pm www.michaels.com/instoreevents

Tuesdays

Library Story Times

Maud Smith Marks Preschool Storytime 10:15

Katy Branch Library Baby Storytime 10:30 am

Cinco Ranch Branch Pajama Story Nights

1st and 3rd Tuesdays 6 pm www.hcpl.net

Wednesdays

Library Story Times

Maud Smith Marks Infant Storytime, 10;15 am

Katy Branch Library Potato Tots Storytime on 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 10:30 am

Katy Branch Library Preschool Storytime 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 10:30 am

Cinco Ranch Branch, School Age Programs 2-3 pm (Starting June 8)

Wednesdays & Thursdays

Cinco Ranch Branch Family Storytime 10:15 and 11:30 am

Wednesday and Friday

Yoga on the Green

9 am

Yoga classes will be held every Wed and Friday at 9 am. Please check with your doctor before participating in these or any other exercise classes. Don’t forget to bring your mat, a towel, and a bottle of water. www.katy.com/events/event_details.php?event_ id=5578&event_date_id=26714

Thursdays

Laughter Yoga at Central Geen FREE 9-10 am www.katy.com/events

FREE Thursdays at Houston Museums

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston courtesy of Shell Oil Company

5-9pm

www.mfah.org/visit/visiting-mfah-free The Health Museum

2-7pm

www.houmuse.org/visit/the-health-museum

Houston Museum of Natural Science Permanent Exhibits Free on Thursdays

2-5pm

www.houmuse.org/visit/houston-museum-ofnatural-science/ Children’s Museum Houston

5-8pm www.cmhouston.org

Library Story Times

Maude Smith Mark Branch Toddler Storytime

10;15 am

Cinco Ranch Branch Middle School Programs

Every Other Thursday, 3 pm www.hcpl.net

Fridays

Fun and Fitness Gymnastics - Friday Night Fun!

7:30-10:30 pm

Bring the kids in for some Friday night fun!

Ages 5+,Members: $15 Non-members: $20

Team: $10 www.funfitgym.com

FREE Yoga on the Green www.katy.com/events

Fridays & Saturdays

Live Music in the Plaza City Centre

Come enjoy live music in the plaza every weekend*! A new line-up with performance times is posted every week; enjoy a wide range of sounds, from smooth jazz to pop, and classic rock to country.6-9 pm

www.citycentrehouston.com/event/aug-5-livemusic-in-the-plaza

Saturdays

Saturday Farmers’ Market Katy, TX

Free Farmers Market On Grand Parkway

Come meet the hands that feed you. We offer you local sustainably grown produce, locally raised meats, farm fresh eggs, local raw honey, freshly baked bread & baked goods, jams & jellies, spices, snacks, multi-cultural foods, Artisan crafts & gifts, handmade soaps & spa products, Texasraised herbs, flowers, plants and much more! We Grow It, Bake It and Make It! We are your friendly neighborhood Farmers’ Market! Leashed pets welcome. www.fb.me/e/1WaiEPSrh

Katherine Tyra Branch Library at Bear Creek Family Storytime Wagging Tails with a Certified Therapy Dog! Every Saturday at 10:30 am

Kids Workshops at Home Depot 1st Saturday of the month

Keep kids engaged with projects and activities. Pick up your free Kids Workshop Kit on the first Saturday of each month between 9am - 12pm from your local store or order online – while supplies last. 9am-12pm

www.homedepot.com/c/kids?cm_sp=vanity-_Kids-_-JUL20

Fort Bend

Sundays

Sugar Land Town Square Sundays in the Square Yes Yoga

These FREE yoga classes will be led by Erin Cummings, owner of YESyoga, and will be a 60 minute vinyasa based class open to all levels of yogis. Please bring your own mat and water, no mats will be provided.

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/event/sundayson-the-square-with-yesyoga/all

Jazzy Sundays in the Park

Jazzy Sundays in the Park include free performances at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park. The concert series, made possible by the Kinder Foundation, celebrates the legacy and evolution of jazz in Houston. Held at Buffalo Bayou Park www.buffalobayou.org/event/jazzy-sundays-inthe-park-buffalo-bayou-park/2021-11-14

Michaels Make Break

2-4 pm www.michaels.com/instoreevents

Mondays

Playtime in the Plaza with Jolly Trolley

The tremendous, tumbling, tossing, traveling trolley is coming to Town Square every Monday!

Welcome aboard a trolley to enjoy a magical moment of play for up to two hours. Drop the kids off and enjoy some afternoon me-time while they watch your children.

12-2 pm Ages 18 months to 5 years

Fee $15 for 30 minutes, $20 for 1 hour. www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/event/playtimein-the-plaza-with-the-jolley-trolley/all/

Sugar Land Branch Library Middle School Program

3 pm

Sienna Branch Pajama Night Story Time

6:30 pm

University Branch School Age Programs

2:30 pm

Tuesdays

Mission Bend Middle School Program

1st and 3rd Tuesday at 2 pm

University Middle School Programs

2nd and 4th Tuesdays 2:30 pm

Cinco Ranch Pajama Story Nights

1st and 3rd Tuesdays 6 pm

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Fulshear Branch Family Storytime

10:30 am

Fulshear Branch School Age Program

2 pm

ongoing events

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Storytimes

Sienna Branch Family Storytime 10:15 am

First Colony Branch Family Storytime 10:15 am

Mission Bend Branch Family Storytime 10:15 am

University Branch Family Storytime 10:30 am

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Sugar Land Branch Library Family

Storytime

10:30 am

Wednesdays

Sugar Land Branch Library Family Programs

5 pm

Mission Bend Branch Pajama Night Storytime Every Other Wednesday

6:30 pm

Albert George Branch School Age Programs

3 pm

Cinco Ranch Branch School Age Programs

2-3 pm

Wednesdays and Thursdays

George Memorial Branch Family

Storytime

10;15 am

Albert George Branch Family Storytime

10;15 am

Cinco Ranch Branch Family Storytime

10:15 & 11:30am

Thursdays

FREE Thursdays at Houston Museums

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston courtesy of Shell Oil Company

5-9pm

www.mfah.org/visit/visiting-mfah-free

The Health Museum

2-7pm

www.houmuse.org/visit/the-health-museum

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Permanent Exhibits Free on Thursdays

2-5pm

www.houmuse.org/visit/houston-museum-ofnatural-science/

Children’s Museum Houston

5-8pm

www.cmhouston.org

George Memorial Pajama Night Storytime

6 pm

First Colony Branch Middle School Program

Every Other Thursdays 3 pm

Mission Bend Branch School Age Programs

3 pm

Albert George Branch Middle School Program

2nd Thursday 2 pm

Cinco Ranch Branch Middle School Programs E

very Other Thursday 3 pm

Fridays

Free fitness in the Plaza

Sugar Land Town Square Boot Camp with Cida Fitness 9-10:00 am, Mommy & Me with Inspired Fitness 9:30 - 10:30 am, Zumba with Cida

Fitness10 - 11:00 am

HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout with F45 Sugar Land! Join F45 Training for a 45-minute HIIT workout that is fast, functional and results driven. The workout will include body weight exercises that are scalable to all fitness level. Discounts on memberships will be offered to all participants – start your weekend on the right note with this FREE lunch-time workout!

Fridays at 11-11:45 am

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/events

Saturdays

Saturday Farmers’ Market Fulshear, TX

The Fulshear Farmers’ Market offers a vast array of produce and food products that were grown or produced within a 200 mile radius of Fulshear. The lineup includes seasonal vegetables and fruit, fresh seafood, Artisian breads, pastured Red Wattle pork, Dorper lamb, Certified Grassfed Wagyu beef, farm eggs, free range chicken, pies, cookies, pastas, granolas, dried fruit and nuts, Houston Chili Pepper Festival award-winning salsas, soaps, toiletries, Cold-pressed juices, local honey, fresh quail and quail eggs, pecans, local wines, kombucha, BBQ sauces, pickles and canned goods, Indian food, heat and eat meals, locally roasted and blended coffees, plants, and more. You will always find a delicious food truck or two, as well.

www.fulshearfarmersmarket.com

Kids Workshops at Home Depot

1st Saturday of the month

Keep kids engaged with projects and activities. Pick up your free Kids Workshop Kit on the first Saturday of each month between 9am - 12pm from your local store or order online – while supplies last. 9am-12pm

www.homedepot.com/c/kids?cm_sp=vanity-_Kids-_-JUL20

Party Planning Guide!

D Party Planning Guide

Active Play & Dance

„ BUSHI BAN MARTIAL ARTS

At Bushi Ban Martial Arts, we understand how exciting birthdays are, especially for kids. That’s why we go above and beyond to make sure every party is the best one yet! Perfect for all ages, your child and all their friends will have the time of their lives!

www.bushiban.com/martial-artsclasses/Texas/Missouri-City/2815

832-833-0030

„ IRON CROSS GYMNASTICS

Our birthday parties are awesome! We make sure that each and every child has an extraordinary experience! Birthday parties are booked on Saturdays. time selections are 12pm, 2, pm, 4pm, or 6pm. Call and get your party reserved today!

www.ironcrossgymnastics.com/

services/

birthday-parties

281-342-4766

„ OLYMPIA GYMNASTICS & TUMBLING

Every child will jump, tumble, flip and play through an hour of gymnastics related activities and games. They will spend the remaining 30 minutes in your party area feasting on birthday cake! Book your birthday or team party soon, they sure go fast!

www.olympiatx.com

832-321-7100

„ NINJA KID WARRIOR

Ninja-Kid Warrior Party (Ages 4-13 years old) 1-hour of ninja play, 30 minutes for party. Two coaches will lead and supervise fun challenges & group activities designed for their age and skill level. All participants will get to try some of the American Ninja Warrior obstacles as seen on TV.

www.ninjakidwarrior.com

281-980-3030

„ SUGAR LAND

GYMNASTICS & SIENNA GYMNASTICS

A full hour of gym time filled with fun games and more! Thirty minutes in our party room for food and cake! No need to stress about set up or clean up parents, that is also included!

www.sugarlandgymnastics.com

281-240-0999

„ SUGAR LAND SKEETERS

Birthdays at the Ballpark! Celebrate your birthday at Constellation Field! No Worries, No Clean Up. We do all the work! Check out our available packages and book your party today!

www.sugarlandskeeters.com/ groups/birthdays

Animals

„ MOODY GARDENS

www.moodygardens.com

1-800-582-4673

„ THE HOUSTON ZOO

www.houstonzoo.org

713-533-6500

STEM & Educational

„ CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON

www.cmhouston.org

713-522-1138

„ FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER

www.Childrensdiscoveryfb.org

832-742-2800

„ LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM

Get ready to soar in for a party that will not soon be forgotten!

Recommended for ages 6 and up, packages include museum access, party room, and knowledge hunt. www.lonestarflight.org

1-888-FLY-LSFM (359-5736)

„ SEA STAR BASE GALVESTON

With four conference rooms overlooking the bayou, a reception hall with panoramic views, and outdoor spaces on our pristine waterfront, your next event is sure to be a hit! Receive 5% off your rental with promo code: PARENTEVENT5 www.ssbgalveston.org/ specialevents

409-572-2560

Video Game

„ MAIN EVENT

Main Event throws EPIC birthday parties for kids! The most FUN you can have under one roof!

www.mainevent.com

Stafford 281-313-7200

D Party Planning Guide

„ CONNOLLY DANCE ARTS

Your child will enjoy being the star of the class, and everyone who attends will enjoy being a dancer for the day!

Choice of ballet, jazz, musical theater or hip-hop themed parties. Parties are 1.5 hours long and can be hosted on Saturdays and Sundays.

www.connollydancearts.com/studiorentalbirthday-parties/ 281-693-1232

„ REPUBLIC GYMNASTICS & DANCE

We offer an AMAZING Party that kiddos of all ages will love and that is super simple for the host! 1 hour of play time that includes all sorts of activities throughout the entire gym and 30 minutes of lobby time for cake, snacks and gifts. www.republicgymnastics.com 281-345-7555

„ SUGAR LAND SKEETERS

Birthdays at the Ballpark! Celebrate your birthday at Constellation Field! No Worries, No Clean Up. We do all the work! Check out our available packages and book your party today!

www.sugarlandskeeters.com/groups/ birthdays

„ STARS GYMNASTICS

Have your party indoors at Stars Gymnastics! Our experienced coaching staff provides close supervision of all activities. Sit back, relax and enjoy your child’s party!

www.starsgymtx.com

Houston 713-464-1996

Katy 713-364-2631

„ THE LITTLE GYM

Ages 1-12, full access of the facility with an instructor for games, music, and Lego. We set up and clean for you, offering a totally awesome birthday experience.

www.thelittlegym.com

Katy 281-347-1400

Memorial 281-558-9500

„ WESTWOOD GYMNASTICS & DANCE

Jump, tumble, flip and play through an hour of gymnastics related activities and games. Then sepnd 30 minutes in your party area feasting on birthday cake!

www.westwoodgym.com

281-347-2000

„ WORLD THEATER

Beautiful auditorium and function rooms for your events, parties, recitals and church services. Puppet shows and entertainment.

www.worldtheater.us

832-552-5115

„ PALOMA TRAILS

Your party guests will meet and greet the miniatures horses, and be taught how to groom manes, dress up the horses with bows and clips. They will also feed and ride the horses.

www.Palomatrails.com

713-715-9363

„ CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON

Celebrate your child with a birthday party at the ultimate Playground for Your Mind!

www.cmhouston.org/birthdays

713-535-7212

„ FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER

Celebrate your child with a birthday party at THE place in Fort Bend for kids!

www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org/parties

832-742-2783

„ IDEA LAB KIDS

Take our STEAM learning out of the classroom and into a custom-designed, fun party experience for all! Choose from a variety party themes. All parties incorporate inventive, hands-on activities in a festive atmosphere tailored to a child’s interests and age.

www.katy.idealabkids.com

832-672-7932

„ MAIN EVENT

Main Event throws EPIC birthday parties for kids! The most FUN you can have under one roof!

www.mainevent.com

Katy 281-394-4800

„ TILT STUDIO

We offer several party packages to ensure that your child has the best birthday experience! Our full blast parties are for all ages!

www.tiltstudio.com

281-644-2340

„ CHALLENGE ISLAND

Challenge Island is a party everyday-so you can probably imagine, our birthday parties are epic! Our Traditional parties have a luau theme and a mix and match of your child’s favorite challenges. Or choose one of our STEAMtastic party thems, like Fort Island, Slime, STEAMwarts, Wizardry, Frostbitten, STEAMions, STEAM Girls & Dolls and More! We offer a variety of packages to fit your budget! Contact us today to schedule your child’s party!

281-901-1034

www.challenge-island.com

1. MAKE A PLAN.

Take a few minutes to sit down and write out all the details a few weeks prior to the party (see checklist). If you follow the plan, you won’t panic at the last minute thinking you forgot something… you’ll know it’s all been taken care of.

2. LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION. Get the birthday child involved on this one. What are their interests? Martial arts, gymnastics, video games?

There are a variety of businesses that specialize in birthday parties to meet the interests of most children. Whether your child is a budding scientist, a sports fanatic or just wants to have a princess party… you can find a location to accommodate. For older kids, swim parties are a big hit. If you don’t have a pool, check out the neighborhood pool or an indoor pool facility. Although backyard parties are still fun, choosing a place away from home offers an all-inclusive party where someone else does all the work.

3. DELEGATE.

You can’t do it all. Assign simple duties to friends and relatives ahead of time to take some of the pressure off of you. Aunt Jane can write down whom the gifts are from, Dad can be in charge of the camera, while Uncle Bill makes sure that all the gifts get to the car after opening.

4. ENJOY.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the party! Even if everything doesn’t go exactly as planned, as long as the kids are having a good time, then the party is a success! The most important thing to remember is that this is your child’s special day. Make sure and have fun being part of it.

PARTY CHECKLIST

3 weeks before party:

Choose a theme. Create the guest list. Pick the date and time- book the location. Purchase invitations, decorations, party favors, etc.

2 weeks before party:

Send invitations. Plan the activities and games. Plan menu. Arrange for extra help for the party day from friends or relatives.

1 week before the party: Order the cake. Write out a final schedule of activities for the party.

3 days before the party: Purchase food. Make sure your camera is charged with plenty of room for new photos. Get an exact guest count. Call the ones that haven’t responded.

1 day before the party: Decorate any indoor areas if party is at home. (save outdoor decorating for the day of the party) Prepare food that can be made ahead.

Party day:

Pick up the cake. (Don’t forget the candle and lighter!) Prepare the rest of the food. Enjoy the party!

It’s hard to beat splashing in mud puddles, but there are plenty of simple, un-plugged pleasures to enjoy with children when the weather is dreary. In fact, see the precipitation an opportunity to re-discover old school pleasures. Whether you decide to make it a lazy PJ day with popcorn and a movie, a productive one organizing the playroom, or any of the following, don’t forget to squeeze in a little happy dance in the rain.

BAKE UP A STORM IN THE STORM. Allow a cloudy day to inspire their inner pastry chef to make magic in the kitchen. Can’t decide on gooey cookies or fancy cupcakes? Make both. You can always freeze extras to throw in school lunches. If they can read, let the kids recite the recipe to you and allow them to do the measuring for extra math practice. You don’t need fancy pans or equipment to whip up culinary masterpieces—a wooden spoon and a mixing bowl suffices.

THINK INDOOR PICNIC. Make sandwiches, spread celery sticks with peanut butter, and dream up a yummy dessert. Lay down a quilt on the family room floor, and play a board game or two. Since indoor Frisbee is a bloody sport, think about balloon volleyball instead. If your kids have not volleyed with balloons in the past, you may be surprised at how long this dreamily quiet activity will keep them engaged. BONUS: no ants, itchy grass, or botulistic mayonnaise to worry about on this picnic.

RAIN DANCE PARTY. Forget inside voices! Pump up the volume. Kids never seem to tire of the freeze dance game. You control the tunes, and they dance until you silence them at which time they freeze and hold their position until the music resumes.

OUTDOOR PHOTO SHOOT. There’s no such thing as too many photos of the kids, and overcast skies are perfect for taking good shots. If there’s no lightning and it won’t damage your camera, consider capturing puddle splishsplashing Kodak moments. The cuteness factor of kids in rubber boots? Hard to beat.

VIDEOTAPED LOVE LETTERS. Film the kids dancing or speaking into the camera to loved ones far away. Make it more fun by helping them dress up in creative costumes. Braid or spike their hair, and maybe pull out the face paints. Ask them to make funny faces, and make sure to get some screen time yourself.

HEAD TO A GREENHOUSE. Get your tropical on and learn about plants and flowers together. Bring sketchpads to make it an artsy field trip as well.

FASHION SHOW. First, they will need to select their wardrobe. Encourage them to think as imaginative and crazy as possible (offer them sports jerseys, pantyhose, purses, pumps, and hats). Tape off a catwalk with masking tape and play high energy techno music before they strut their stuff for the paparazzi—you!

BUILD MEMORIES AND A SPECIAL FORT. There is nothing quite like snuggling into a tent for dreaming, playing Legos, reading books, or taking a snooze. With sheets, blankets, and clothespins (or duct tape!) help them construct the coziest of forts to escape to. They will never forget such sunny activities on a dark day!

“The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.”

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow