Space City Parent Magazine March 2023

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in Clear Lake

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in Clear Lake.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

Katy-West Houston

281.333.8899

houstonmethodist.org/cancer-clearlake

1. Hike or Bike

Explore the trails in your neck of the woods!

Click here for a list of trails near you and recipe for trail mix!

2. Pajama Day

Some kids just need a break from the everyday hustle of school, homework, sports, etc… Plan at least one day during the week to just chill and recharge.

3. Fly a Kite

Find an open space at a park and fly free! Feeling ambitions? Build one, too!

www.kitebuilder.com/plans/simple.htm

4. Discover the Great Outdoors

Check out Discovery Green, or find a community park near your home. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day playing frisbee, tossing a ball or soaking in the sun!

5. Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Great places around town to explore include The Houston Zoo, Moody Rainforest Pyramid, and Bayou Wildlife Zoo.

6. Camp Out… in your house!

Pop a tent (or make one by hanging blankets over the dining table), make a pallet with blankets and pillows, and invite all the stuffed animals you can fit for an outdoor adventure indoors.

7. Form a Junkyard Band

Make all of the instruments are made out of household items or random things you’ve found. Put on a concert for friends or family.

8. Host a Backyard Carnival

Have relay races, a watermelon-seed spitting contest, and lawn games for good clean old-fashioned fun with friends and neighbors!

9.

Scream for Ice Cream

There are plenty of hot spots around town to enjoy a cool tasty treat or you can DIY your own ice cream at home! Here’s a recipe for DIY Ice Cream in a Baggie!

Ingredients

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup half-and-half

1 tablespoon white sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup ice cubes, or as needed

3 tablespoons ice cream rock salt

Optional: chocolate or strawberry syrup, sprinkles or other toppings

Directions

Pour sugar, milk, half-and-half and vanilla extract in a pint-size zipper bag; seal bag tightly, squish the ingredients to blend together. (additional option to add a squirt of strawberry or chocolate syrup in this step)

In a gallon-size zipper bag put a scoop of ice, 3 tablespoons rock salt, and the pint-size bag with the milk mixure; seal tightly. Shake it, dance with it, toss it, jump up and down with it for about 10 minutes until set.

Remove small bag and wipe salt water off with clean towel before opening. Squeeze into a bowl and add desired toppings! Enjoy!

10. Get Wet!

Jump in a pool, spend a day at the beach, or play in the splash pad at the Kemah Boardwalk.

Click here for a list of spash pads near you!

March

Family Friendly Events

March 3

Little Gym of Friendswood

Parent’s Survival Night

Get ready to yippee ki-play in the Wild West. Whether it’s rodeo races or taming wild stallions, cowboys and cowgirls will work together to overcome any obstacle! Tip your hat to a new adventure at The Little Gym. Ages 3-12 years $30 members, $35 nonmembers 6:30-9:30

www.thelittlegym.com/FriendswoodTX/eventsmore-fun/drop-ins-events

March 4

Spring Fest

City of Pearland /Independence Park

What better way to welcome Spring time than with Pearland’s newest event, Spring Fest! This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, the H-E-B Imagination Station, interactive attractions, a craft market, local food, and so much more. There’s plenty of fun in store, so come out and enjoy everything this exciting event has to offer!

10 am- 5 pm

Admission is free however a wristband is required to participate in most rides and attractions.

www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/special-events/ spring-fest

Fishing Extravaganza

City of League City

Join us for this unique fishing experience at our League City Walker Pool! We will fill the pool with catfish, you bring the family to catch them. Bring your fishing poles, bait, cooler, and maybe a towel or blanket to keep warm and dry. Cane fishing poles will be available for rent, and bait will be for sale along with light concessions if you forget something. Held at 430 W. Walker Street

9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. (1.5 hour time-slots)

Residents $10 | Non-Residents $15

For more information on how to register, https:// leaguecitytx.gov/3685/Fishing-Extravaganza

Porsche Car Show

Kemah Boardwalk

Brought to you by the Lone Star Region of the Porsche Club of America.

www.kemahboardwalk.com/events.asp#8

March 7

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

March 11

Parent’s Night Out

Code Ninjas League City

Pizza, PC’s, and Video Games like Roblox, Minecraft and Among Us.

6-9 pm

www.codeninjas.com/tx-league-city

South Houston Moms Annual Mommy and Me

Pearland Town Center

Presented by Spanish Schoolhouse. Children’s DJ, Bubble Show, Fit4Mom Demo, Hand-Spun Cotton Candy, Crafts, Vendors and a few Special Surprises! RAIN DATE: MARCH 18

www.fb.me/e/3isvhmavO

March 14-17

Friendswood Fish Camp

Friendswood Fish Camp is offered to Friendswood residents, the classes will teach young anglers how to cast, hook safety, rod assembly, fishing identification, fishing etiquette and lastly, how to catch a fish! Choose 1 of 4 classes offered March 14-17 from 9-10:30am, each class is 1.5 hr at Lake Friendswood, 2533 Davis Prairie. All equipment needed for the class

will be provided. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/730/FriendswoodFish-Camp-March

March 18

Meet the Animals: Awesome Amphibians

Nature Discovery Center Bellaire

Nature Discovery Center Naturalists offer weekend Meet the Animals sessions aimed to give you a more in depth introduction to our animals. Come learn about their behavior and ecology as well as the characteristics that make them unique in an interactive program with both live animals and natural history specimens. This month, you’ll be meeting a vatriety of Awesome Amphibians, including our Animal Ambassador Sherman, the Barred Tiger Salamander. Meet behind the Center at the Pavilions $5 per person

2-2:45 pm

www.fb.me/e/KAhfsxy1

Pearland Spring Market

Knights of Columbus Hall

Bring the whole family fun shopping experience. Support small businesses, have a cold beer, have a bite at one our tasty food trucks, Easter Bunny Photos, and a petting zoo.10 am www.fb.me/e/2B4yl3BXl

March 17-19

Seabrook Lucky Trails

City of Seabrook /Held at Rex Meador Park

Whether it’s the Marathon, Half Marathon, 1/4 Marathon, 5K, or Kids 1K, we have a race for you! Run one race or sign up for a challenge by finishing two races. Most of the races are held on the Seabrook nature trails surrounded by a diverse habitat of both fresh and salt marsh, the coastline of the Galveston Bay, wetlands, and wild-life and bird sanctuaries. The trails consist of

crushed granite surface. This popular event has been known for its enthusiastic volunteers, great goodie bag and awesome post-race party. www.seabrookmarathon.org/

March 24

Nerf Nights

City of Alvin /Newman Park

Join us for Nerf Fun! Bring your Nerf Guns, water, lawn chairs, and friends. We provide the Nerf Bullets! 6-8 pm www.heyzine.com/flip-book/d6baec6e7b. html#page/10

Parent’s Survival Night

Little Gym of Pearland

Join us for Under the Sea PSN!

Ages 3-12 years 7-10 pm

$35 members, $40 non-members www.thelittlegym.com/PearlandTX/events-morefun/drop-ins-events

March 25

Flock the Block

College of the Mainland

College of the Mainland invites you to Flock the Block with us at a FREE Community Day of fun for the whole family! Featuring a SPRINGtastic Easter Egg Hunt, interactive learning activities, face painting, refreshments, lively entertainment and more, this exciting community celebration is one you won’t want to miss. 10 am-2 pm www.com.edu

Ruff Runner

City of Pearland

Ruff Runner & Yappy Hour, presented by Epic Plumbing, is a pet-themed race for all ages. The run will feature a 5K for avid runners, while the featuring a Kids 1K and 3K options will continue with the paw-pular opportunity to run with or without a four-legged friend. Stick around for

the post-race Yappy Hour, for race hospitality and a presentation of medals for all registered participants. 6-10 am

www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/special-events/ruffrunner-yappy-hour

Celtic Festival

Kemah Boardwalk

Don’t your kilt and celebrate Celtic culture with bagpipes, beer, dancing, little celts highland games, live music, performances, and more!

www.kemahboardwalk.com/events.asp#8

Girls Night Out

Code Ninjas League City

Pizza, PC’s, and Video Games like Roblox, Minecraft and Among Us.

6-9 pm

www.codeninjas.com/tx-league-city

PISD Big Art Day

Pearland Town Center

Pearland ISD Fine Arts is excited to present the second Big Art Day, a FREE event for the entire family in celebration of Youth Art Month.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities at Pearland ISD’s Big Art Day will include: live chalk art done by Pearland ISD students, student artwork displayed at several stores, student performances, art make and takes for children of all ages, DJ, face painting, door prizes, food trucks and more! www.pearlandisd.org/bigartday

March 31

Music at the Museum

League City Historical Society and League City Folk Association invite you to join us for a free evening of acoustic live music on the beautiful and historic museum grounds of the League City Historical Society. Held at 210 N Kansas Ave, League City, TX 77573

7-9 pm

www.leaguecitycvb.com/events

ongoing events Pearland

Sundays

Bay Area Farmer’s Market

11am- 3pm • Baybrook Mall www.bayareafarmersmarkettexas.com

Michaels Make Break 2-4 pm www.michaels.com/instoreevents

Mondays

Pearland Library Baby Bounce

10:15-11:15 am

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp

West Pearland Library

Toddler Time 10:15 & 11:15 am www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pws/pearlandwest. asp

Mondays & Wednesdays

Craft Kits at Friendswood Library

FREE Craft kits are available at the drive-thru window or at the desk in the children’s department. www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

Tuesdays

Pearland Library Toddler Story Time 10:15-11:15pm

Pearland Library Toddler Time 11:15-12:15pm

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp

Wednesdays

Craft Kits at Friendswood Library

Pick up these bags filled with fun crafts for 8-18 year olds at our Drive-Thru window or from the Children’s Department!

www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

Angleton Library Story Time

Stories, songs, and activities designed for 3-5 year olds. Limit 36. Please arrive up to 30 minutes before the program to get a wristband. 10 am www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/ang/angleton.asp

Pearland Westside Library Story Time

10:15 -11:15 am • Books, songs, fingerplays, crafts, and FUN!

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pws/pearlandwest.asp

West Pearland Library

Storytime

11:15 am

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pws/pearlandwest.asp

Manvel Library Preschool Storytime

10:15-10:45 am

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/man/manvel.asp

Brazoria Library Preschool Story time

10:30 -11:30 am • All programs are held outside. In case of inclement weather, programs will be virtual on the Danbury Facebook page. www.bcls.lib.tx.us

Alvin Library Storytime

10:30 -11 am • Join us on the Alvin Library Facebook page for a story, songs and rhymes for ages 3-6.

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/alv/alvin.asp

Thursdays

FREE Visits to 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 • 2-5pm www.houmuse.org/visit/houston-museum-ofnatural-science/

Children’s Museum Houston • 5-8pm www.cmhouston.org

Angleton Library Movers and Shakers

10-10:30 am • A music and movement program for toddlers. Limit 36. Please arrive up to 30 minutes before the program to get a wristband. www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/ang/angleton.asp

Alvin Library Toddler time

10:30 -11 am

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp

Pearland Library Preschool Storytime

10:30-11:30 am

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp

Manvel Library Movers and Shakers

Thursdays • 10:15-10:45 am

www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/man/manvel.asp

Fridays

Friday Night Fun at Above the Bar

7:30 – 10 pm • Drop off the kids for a fun time with coach-led, high-energy activities including trampolines, inflatables, and games! Pizza snack is included, but bring a drink or cash for vending machines.$20 for gym members/ $25 for nonmembers. Walk-ins on Friday evening $30 for gym members / $35 for non-members • kids ages 5 to 14

www.abovethebargym.com/open-gyms-fridaynight-fun-preschool

Saturdays

Old Pearland Farmers Market

Always the Third Saturday of the month! At Independence Park under the Pavilion from 9-1. We have amazing local vendors lined up with FRESH produce, eggs, honey, jelly, baked goods, music, food trucks, and so much more!

www.oldpearlandfarmers.wixsite.com/opfm

ongoing events Space City

Sundays Bay Area Farmer’s Market

11am- 3pm • Baybrook Mall www.bayareafarmersmarkettexas.com

Michaels Make Break 2-4 pm www.michaels.com/instoreevents

Mondays

Toddler Time at Helen Hall Library

10:15- 10:45 am and 11:15-11:45 am • Wiggles, songs, rhymes, and a story. Ages 1-3 and caregivers RSVP • www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Mondays & Wednesdays

Craft Kits at Friendswood Library FREE Craft kits are available at the drive-thru window or at the desk in the children’s department. www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

Tuesdays

Helen Hall Preschool Story Time

10:15-10:45am and 11:15-11:45a • Stories, songs, and rhymes. Children will have a short craft time at the end of the program. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. RSVP • Helen Hall Library www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Freeman Library Toddler Time StoryTime

10:15 & 11:15 am • Fun stories, songs, fingerplays, bubbles and an activity at the end of each session. We’ll meet for 20 minutes each week in the Children’s Activity Space. Free tickets will be given out as soon as we open at 10:00 am. www.hcpl.net/branch/clear-lake-city-countyfreeman-branch-library

Evelyn Meador Library Seabrook Twinkle

Time Baby and Toddler Storytime

11-11:45

www.hcpl.net/branch/evelyn-meador-branchlibrary

Seabrook Library

Storytime 9:30 am Ages 3 and up but all welcome Lego Club 4 pm for school age children www.sealib.org/?page_id=2060

Bilingual Storytime at Pasadena Library

10:30 am

www.pasadenalibrary.org/upcomingevents?l=&ec%5B0%5D=35

Children’s Gardening

11 am-12 pm Hometown Heroes Park. We will plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables together! www.leaguecitytx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=12861

&month=6&year=2022&day=16&calType=0

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays

Friendswood Library

Toddler Time 10:10 Preschool Storytime 10:45 am www.friendswood.lib.tx.us/events

Tuesdays & Fridays

Preschool and Home School Open Gyms

at Above the Bar

10-11:30 am • Jump, tumble & run on inflatables, TumblTrak, trampolines, rope swings, foam block pit, and pre-school circuits. $10 for first child,

$5 for each additional sibling. All Open Gym participants must complete event waiver. www.abovethebargym.com/open-gyms-fridaynight-fun-preschool/

Wednesdays

Craft Kits at Friendswood Library

Pick up these bags filled with fun crafts for 8-18 year olds at our Drive-Thru window or from the Children’s Department! www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

Freeman Library Baby Story Time

11:15-11:45 Baby Storytime Magic for age 0-18 months: Active Early Literacy Through Bounces, Rhymes, Tickles and More www.hcpl.net/branch/clear-lake-city-countyfreeman-branch-library

Dickinson Library Preschool Storytime

10 am

www.dickinsonpubliclibrary.org/childrenprograms

Babies and Books

10:15 - 10:45 am • Tickles, giggles, rhymes, and a story for those who BYOB (bring your own baby). Ages: Designed for birth to walking. RSVP www.leaguecitylibrary.org

EcoAdventurers

9:30-11:30 am • An in depth study of environmental science topics while engaging the homeschooled student in STEM activities.$14/ program; Non Members $17/program www.abnc.org/eco-programs

Evelyn Meador Library Seabrook Super Stars Preschool Storytime 11-11:45

11-11:45

www.hcpl.net/branch/evelyn-meador-branch-library

Wednesdays & Fridays

EcoKids

9:30-11:30 am • At ABNC, children have the opportunity to observe nature in action. We encourage observation, exploration, problem solving and creativity (STEM activities). This drop-off program is for ages 3 to 6 years old who are fully potty trained. $12/program; Non Members $14/ program www.abnc.org

EcoSchoolers

9:30-11:30 am • A hands-on environmental education activities plus STEM challenges for the home school student. Our science activities will help create curiosity and passion for the natural world.This drop-off program is for ages 7-12. $14/program; Non Members $17/program www.abnc.org

Thursdays

FREE Visits to 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 • 2-5pm www.houmuse.org/visit/houston-museum-ofnatural-science

Children’s Museum Houston • 5-8pm www.cmhouston.org

Pajama Story Time at Helen Hall

6-6:30 pm • Pajama Storytime Put on your PJs and join us for movement, songs, and stories as we wind down for the evening. Ages: 3-8. RSVP www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Movies the Lawn at Baybrook Mall

Bring your blankets, grab your family and friends, and meet us at The Lawn at 7pm! 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!

www.baybrookmall.com/en/events/movies-onthe-lawn-39536.html

Fridays Seabrook Library

9:30 am Mother Goose and More! Nursery Rhymes, singing, movement activities, and a simple craft or sensory experience. Ages Up to 36 months!

www.sealib.org/?page_id=2060

EcoTots

9:30 am • Fun introduction to animals, plants, and other nature topics. Program uses movement, storytelling, art, animal demonstrations, and games to make nature come alive. (ages 18 mos4 years. Must be accompanied by an adult) $12 www.abnc.org

Nature Journal Challenge

10am • Nature Journal Challenge Plants, bugs, and mud, oh my! We are exploring everything nature has to offer in our weekly Nature Journal Challenge! This program is virtual on Instagram. www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Friday Night Fun at Above the Bar

7:30 – 10 pm • Drop off the kids for a fun time with coach-led, high-energy activities including trampolines, inflatables, and games! Pizza snack is included, but bring a drink or cash for vending machines.$20 for gym members/ $25 for nonmembers. Walk-ins on Friday evening $30 for gym members / $35 for non-members • kids ages 5 to 14

www.abovethebargym.com/open-gyms-fridaynight-fun-preschool

Legacy Gymnastics Open gym

Every other Friday Night 5-7 pm Ages 3+ ,$15, www.legacy-gym.com/events/open-gym

Saturdays

Nassau Bay Farmers Market

In front of Erma’s Nutrition • 10 am-2 pm www.facebook.com/NassauBayFarmersMarket

Friendswood Farmers Market

1st Satruday of the month 9 am- 1 pm www.friendswoodmarket.com

Home Depot Kids Workshop

1st Saturday of the month 9 am-12 pm www.homedepot.com/workshops

SUMMER CAMP Guide

Active Play

 KENNEDY DANCE THEATRE

Week long themed day camps throughout the summer; Pre-school and school aged weekly classes; ballet intensives and technique classes for experienced dancers. Something for all, ages 2plus. www.KennedyDance.com

281-480-8441

 UNIVERSITY CHEER

Camps for individuals, stunt groups and teams! Campers are taught spirit dances, hip hop style cheer dances, pom routines, game cheers, game day spirit technique, tumbling, jumps and stunts! Parents are invited to a “showcase” on the last day to see their child perform the camp material and compete for fun awards! www.UniversityCheer.com • 281-991-1417

Music and Arts

 BAY AREA ARTS CONSERVATORY

In Person and online classes! Our summer workshops are Jr. Broadway Musical Theatre Productions where the students audition, rehearse, and then perform the show. M-F 9-5 with early drop off and late pick up available. For more information: www.baactx.com

281-938-1444

 CHARA CHRISTIAN DANCE ACADEMY

Reserve your Spot for Summer Fun at Chara Christian Dance Academy! We are looking forward to a FUN FILLED Summer with your kids at the studio! Camps run Monday - Thursday, morning and afternoon options available. 832-569-4065, www.charadance.com/chara-camps

 THE PURPLE BOX THEATER

Dedicated to developing a young actor’s craft through classes, workshops, camps, and productions. We offer high quality programs for Kids & Teens in Musical Theater, Theater, Improv, Dance, Voice, Acting, Musical Revue Performing Groups and Travel Teams. Ages 5-12 and 9-15. Showcase at the end of most camps. www.ThePurpleBoxTheater.com • 818-642-4665

Horse Camp

 THE SUGAR & SPICE RANCH CAMP

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

STEM & Educational

 A B SEA PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMP

Ages 2-9 • Details coming soon! www.abseapreschool.com/summer-camp 832-243-4206

 BEST BRAINS PEARLAND

Offering Math, English, Abacus, Coding, and General Knowledge. www.BestBrains.com/pearland 832-559-0000

 CHILDRENS LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING CENTER OF MAG CREEK

Summer Camp Adventures! Summer curriculum for all ages! Exciting field trips and huge splash pad! Enroll now to avoid the summer slide! www.ChildrensLightHouse.com/magcreek 281-557-7700

 CODE NINJAS LEAGUE CITY

Send your kids for some summer learning and fun with camps that include: Code Your Arcade, 2D Design/Print, Roblox, Minecraft Mod, Stop-Motion Animation, DIY Website plus more. Morning or afternoon sessions or both, for ages 5-14. Spring Break Camp March 13-17, Summer Camp May 26-August 21

www.CodeNinjas.com/tx-league-city/camps/ 281-339-7482

 IDEA LAB KIDS PEARLAND

STEAM-powered camps ranging from Cooking School, Robotics, Drones, 3D Printing, Art Studio, Coding, Programming, Movie Production, Engineering, and Science. At our STEAM camps, participants will truly Rock Their Grey Matter! All camps feature our uniquely developed curricula that encourage and enable campers of all ages to learn through inquisitive hands-on activities utilizing science, math, critical thinking skills…and a great deal of IMAGINATION!

832-295-0796, www.idealabkids.com/ programscamps

 IVY KIDS EARLY LEARNING CENTER HOBBS

Ages 5-12 years. Fun themes, exciting field trips, cooking activities, design challenges, STEM projects, science experiments, team building games, and so much more!

www.ivykidshobbs.com • 832-670-8668

 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!

www.SummerScienceSafari.com • 832-305-8572

 TUTORING CENTER

Reading, Math, and Writing Summer Catch-Up and Get-Ahead programs. Students entering grades Kindergarten-12th grade in the school year 2022-23. June, July, August; Students choose 2 or 3 hours per week, Monday-Thursday. Check website for pricing, send us an inquiry, and any www.dickinson.tutoringcenter.com

281-337-2800

 UHCL KIDS U AND HAWK STEAM ACADEMY SUMMER CAMPS

Every summer, the Center for Educational Programs offers Kids U and Hawk STEAM Academy camps for children of all ages providing them opportunities to learn and have fun. Whether you want your child to learn more about science, math, reading, literacy, technology, character development, or cultures, there’s a camp or academy for them Camps held June 7-July 27 (No camp week of July 4) Pre-K-8th Grade

Held at both University of Houston Clear Lake and UHCL at Pearland

www.uhcl.edu/education/centers-initiatives/ center-educational-programs/summer-camps

 CREATIVE CORNERS CAMP AT LEAGUE CITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Spring Break Camp (Spring Science) March 1416, 9 am-2pm,

Spring Break registration begins Feb. 28th , Summer Camps June 13-29(Space Exploration) , and July 11-27th (Ocean Adventures) Summer Camp registration begins April 18th.

www.creative-corners.org

 CAMP ALLEN

281-332-8936

Fun & unique environment for young people to cultivate friendships, experience personal growth, and learn about the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. (located 1 hour from Houston)

www.CampAllen.org • 936-825-7175

 UNIVERSITY BAPTIST

Activities for kids from K-preteens. Sports camps include basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, bowling, football and more!

www.UBC.org

 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)

Laugh at the absurd moments in parenting with these humorous books for moms. They’ll make you smile when you feel like crying.

Days of Derangement: Sidesplitting Stories from a Loopy Life

by Jackie Papandrew

Ketchup is a Vegetable: And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves

by Robin O’Bryant

Lost in Suburbia: A Momoir of How I Got Pregnant, Lost Myself, and Got My Cool Back in the New Jersey Suburbs

by Tracy Beckerman

The Parent Trip: From High Heels and Parties to Highchairs and Potties

by Jenna McCarthy

Awkward Family Photos

by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack

Blacklisted from the PTA

by Lela Davidson

When Parents Text: So Much Said...So Little Understood

by Sophia Fraioli and Lauren Kaelin

Who Peed on My Yoga Mat?

By Lela Davidson

Parenting is serious business and it can be overwhelming at times. It can also be a whole lot of fun if you find ways to sneak some play in your day. You don’t have to shirk grown-up responsibilities or make a fool of yourself (not that there’s anything wrong with that) to become a more playful parent.

Here are some easy-peasy ways to have more fun with your kids. Why not try one today? You can clean out the fridge tomorrow.

Answer the call of nature. The demands of adult life can be hard to ignore. Bills are piled up on your desk and dinner isn’t on the table yet. Ditch the distractions by going outside. Walk or bicycle around the neighborhood or help your kids build a fort, sandcastle, or snowman. Outdoor playtime is especially energizing. Work it out. A game of catch, tag or capture the flag can substitute for your usual workout if you let yourself get sweaty. Sports help kids develop muscle strength, coordination and control. They also burn off extra energy before bedtime. That means everyone gets to rest easier.

Take a role. Is your child begging you to join him in fantasy land? Enact your assigned role with gusto. Adopt an appropriate voice and use outlandish gestures to define your character. Stay in the role even if your child starts to slip back into reality – this is guaranteed to give kids the giggles. And nothing is quite as contagious as a good belly laugh.

Teach grown-up games. If children’s games can’t hold your interest for more than a minute, it’s time to up the ante. Teach kids the basic rules of adult games, like checkers, blackjack or Yahtzee. Keep score for both yourself and your child if she isn’t old enough to do the math. Grown-up games can be fun (and educational) for everyone.

Bend the rules. Kids often enjoy making up their own rules to games. Let them have

at it. Follow their instructions in the spirit of playfulness instead of harping on the “real rules” of the game. Play is supposed to be creative and expansive, not stodgy and confining.

Change up the usual routine. Serve breakfast for dinner or have a pizza picnic on the living room floor. Pitch a tent in the backyard and camp out overnight as a family. Wear silly socks or turn your sweatshirt inside out. Everyday activities like eating and sleeping can be playful if you get creative.

Shift your speed. Are you feeling impatient or stressed out by the pace of family life? Laugh it off by talking and moving in fast-forward or super slow-motion. Kids can’t help noticing you are doing something different when you change your pace. A little levity opens the pressure-relief valve so you can cope more effectively. Make faces. Your mother may have warned you that your face would freeze in a scowl if you didn’t change your expression. But you know that’s not true. Have a contest with the kids to see who can make the goofiest facial expression. Take pics with your smart phone and post them to Facebook so friends can vote on the winner. Who needs dignity when you have bragging rights?

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT KIDS U!

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Noon - 3 p.m.

Camps for Pre-K – 8th Grade

UH-Clear Lake

2700 Bay Area Blvd. Houston, TX 77058

CULTURAL ACADEMY • EARLY CHILDHOOD

LITERACY ACADEMY • MATH • SCIENCE STEM • TECHNOLOGY

UHCL at Pearland Camps

1200 Pearland Pkwy. Pearland, TX 77581 SCIENCE • STEM • TECHNOLOGY

No camp the week of July 4

Register your Kids U camper TODAY!

Cost of Camps: $159.00

CONNECT WITH US:

UHCL Center for Educational Programs

kidsu@uhcl.edu

Code and build an Arduino Electric Car:

June 5 – June 9, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grades 6-8)

Intro to VR Programming:

June 5 – June 9, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grades 6-8)

3D Printing Adventure:

June 12 – June 16, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grades 6-8)

Animation and Code:

June 12 – June 16, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grades 6-8)

Intro to VR Programming:

June 26 – June 30 -, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grades 6-8)

Painting (AI) Playing and Learning:

June 26 – June 30, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grades 6-8)

Intro to VR Programming:

July 24 – July 28 -, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grades 9-12)

Unity Camp:

July 24 – July 28 -, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grades 6-8)

Registration is limited to 24 students per session.

Employees and students of UHCL will receive a $20 discount per camp to register their own children only. In order to receive employee or student discounts you must contact the Center for Educational Programs at 281-283-3530 or stop by our office in the Arbor Building, A1300.01.

To register online, visit:

Hawk STEAM Academy Center for Educational Programs

281-283-3530 • cep@uhcl.edu

2700 Bay Area Blvd. Houston, TX 77058

www.UHCL.edu

save with a value pass

Dive in for a FINtastic Spring Break on Galveston Island! Check out the new Sharks in Depth Exhibit, Planet Earth: Deep Sea Adventure, Shark 4D or come face-to-face with real sharks at the Aquarium Pyramid. Explore some more at Spring Break Adventure Camps and a variety of indoor and outdoor adventures with golf and hotel packages for the ideal Island Getaway.

NEW SHARKS IN DEPTH EXHIBIT

NEW PLANET EARTH: DEEP SEA ADVENTURE PHOTO EXHIBITION

NEW SECRETS OF THE SEA 3D

NEW SPRING BREAK ADVENTURE CAMPS

PLUS Shark 4D Experience, Dinos Alive Exhibit, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat Cruises, Zip Line and more!

FOR INFORMATION: 409-744-4673

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: 409-741-8484

https://www.texascitytx.gov/476/Museum