July 2025 HFM by Houston Family Magazine

HAPPY

BIRTHDAY AMERICA HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

EDUCATION DIRECTORY EDUCATION DIRECTORY

SUMMER LEAPS TO ACE NEXT YAR SUMMER LEAPS TO ACE NEXT YAR

30+ TIPS FOR ULTIMATE BASH

SUMMER OF FUN ACTIVITIES SUMMER OF FUN ACTIVITIES

HoustonFamilyMagazine

PUBLISHER

KIMBERLY

MANAGING EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

PHOTOGRAPHER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

HOLIDAY

National Day of the American Cowboy (July 26) - There’s no better place to celebrate the heritage of the American Cowboy than the Fort Worth Stockyards, a true epicenter of Western culture and history.

Start the day off at 10 a.m. with the Fiddle Showcase Cow Milking Contests, and more before heading to catch the can't-miss Cowboy Celebration Parade at 11:30 am where the Old West spirit comes to life

From there, the excitement continues throughout the day with an action-packed afternoon featuring a lively Matinee Rodeo, Old West Comedy Gunfight Shows, live music, Cowboy Poetry, Armadillo Races, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment | www.fortworthstockyards.com

LATIN RESTAURANT WEEKS RETURNS TO HOUSTON WITH BOLD FLAVORS AND UNTOLD STORIES JULY 11-25

NATIONALDAYOFTHE AMERICANCOWBOYJULY26 Make it a MONSTER summer!

n a city where nearly half the population traces its roots to Latin America, some of the most powerful culinary stories have remained unsung– until now. Latin Restaurant Weeks returns to Houston from July 11 to 25, turning the spotlight toward the chefs, family traditions, and fearless entrepreneurs that define the soul of the city’s food scene. www.latinrestaurantweeks.com

FUN

The Backyard Unplugged at Hotel Drover Theme Night: Should’ve Been a Drover (July 26)

- Free and open to the public, this legendary theme night brings Western dreams to life with live country music from the ’90s and today, Texas-made cocktails, a Western photo booth, and custom keepsakes from The Mark

Whether you ’ re a born Texan or a Drover at heart it’s your night to show up and show out

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire is coming to Toyota Center for the first time EVER July 19-20! See all the fan favorite monster trucks PLUS a motocross stunt show! Kids tickets are always 50% off!

Now through 7/8, use code FIREWORK to buy 3 tickets and get the 4 ticket FREE! th

Get Tickets: https://www.toyotacenter.com/events/detail/hotwheelsmonstertrucks

Summer Summer of fun of fun 2025 2025

Summer is here and it’s time for a break!

If you are like me, you may not have had a chance to start making plans for adventures this summer, so this list can get you started!

www cordovanartschool com www cordovanartschool com

Alliance Fencing Academy Alliance Fencing Academy

Alwayswanted to see what it's like to be a fencer? Why not check out Alwayswanted to see what it's like to be a fencer? Why not check out the beginner classes this summer (June - Aug). Perfect for ages 5-14.

the beginner classes this summer (June - Aug). Perfect for ages 5-14. Visit them in Houston or the Woodlands. Visit them in Houston or the Woodlands www alliance-fencing-academy com www.alliance-fencing-academy.com

Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden

This free sculpture garden is located right outside the Houston Museum of

This free sculpture garden is located right outside the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Fine Arts

900 Bissonnet St, Houston

900 Bissonnet St, Houston mfah org/visit/cullen-sculpture-garden mfah org/visit/cullen-sculpture-garden

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

This free admission nature center has 5 mi of walking trails, an interpretive

This free admission nature center has 5 mi of walking trails, an center that includes a Discovery room with hands-on activities & exhibits, a center that includes a Discovery room with hands-on activities exhibits, a Nature Gift Shop, a Reference Library, Nature Gift Shop, a Reference Library, & classrooms & classrooms

183 West Loop S, Houston

183 West Loop S, Houston www houstonaboretum org www houstonaboretum org

Discovery Green Discovery Green

Discovery Green offers an abundance of events and activities for the whole Discovery Green offers an abundance of events and activities for the whole family all summer long family all summer long.

500 McKinney St, Houston 500 McKinney St, Houston www discoverygreen com www discoverygreen com

Loe Star Flight Museum Star Flight Museum

Have you always dreamed of being a WWII pilot? How about just Have you always dreamed of being a WWII pilot? How about just flying in one of their planes1! Kids ages 12-17 can make this dream come in one of their planes1! Kids ages 12-17 can make this dream come true this summer! Must be accompanied by a parent! If true this summer! Must be accompanied by a parent! If you'd rather stick to the ground, you can check out the simulator you'd rather stick to the ground, you can check out the simulator and other cool history! Memberships are available. and other cool Memberships are available

11551 Aerospace Ave Houston 11551 Aerospace Ave. Houston www LoneStarFlight org www LoneStarFlight org

Galveston Island Pleasure Pier

This pier offers fun roller coasters and other rides for all ages Located right off the seawall in Galveston, they have plenty to enjoy for the whole family. 2501 Seawall Blvd Galveston www pleasurepier com

Angleton Recreation Center

Natatorium includes a zero depth entry, an interactive play structure with water blasters, mini slides, water curtain, lazy river & giant tipping bucket of water. Enjoy a 26-foot slide into a 4-foot pool

1601 N Valderas St, Angleton www.angleton.tx.us/157/Angleton-Recreation-Center

Houston for Contemporary Crafts

Adults & children of all ages can enjoy HANDS-ON HOUSTON, a free, first-Saturday craft-making activity led by local guilds & artists. 4848 S Main St, Houston www.crafthouston.org

Indoor Rock Climbing at Texas Rock Gym

This gym has over 14,000 square feet of climbing walls, which includes 50 top-rope stations, 12 lead climbing anchors, and a huge bouldering cave. For ages 10+. 1526 Campbell Rd, Houston www.texasrockgym.com

Bayou Wildlife Zoo

This park includes a tram ride with experienced wildlife guides that will lead through 80 acres of natural wildlife See and feed birds from all over the world, ride ponies and enjoy a petting zoo. 5050 FM 517, Alvin www.bayouwildlifezoo.com

Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center

Hands-on Discovery rooms are in the Historic Henshaw House. 7112 Newcastle St, Bellaire www naturediscoverycenter org

Boat tours on Buffalo Bayou

On the second Saturday of each month, weather permitting, from 10:00 a m to 2 p m enjoy a 30 minute bayou tour with the family Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive www.buffalobayou.org/boat-tours

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Research Center in Galveston

Must call for tour appointments. It’s located on the Historic Fort Crockett on Galveston Island 4700 Avenue U, Galveston www.galvestonlab.sefsc.noaa.gov/seaturtles

Miller Outdoor Theater

Tons of free family events offered all summer. 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston www milleroutdoortheater com

Ice at The Galleria

Cool off inside this summer and have fun ice skating! Public skating available daily starting at $10+.

5015 Westheimer, Houston www.iceatthegalleria.com

Showboat Drive-in Showboat Drive-in

Offers double features Wednesday through Sunday, and there is a Offers double features Wednesday Sunday, and there is a playground in front of the screen for children to play playground in front of the screen for children play.

22422 Farm to Market 2920 Hockley theshowboatdrivein.com 22422 Farm to Market 2920 Hockley theshowboatdrivein.com

Noah’s Ark Pool & Waterpark at Quillian Recreation Center

Includes two swimming pools, a basketball court, a picnic area, ball

Includes two swimming pools, a basketball court, a picnic area, ball fields, a gymnasium, an indoor climbing wall, and so much more. fields, a gymnasium, an indoor climbing wall, and so much more 10570 Westpark Dr, Houston 10570 Westpark Dr, Houston

www.quilliancenter.org/index.php/events/swimming-pools

Sea Center Texas Sea Center Texas

This is a state-of-the-art fish hatchery and aquarium located on 75

acres in Lake Jackson 302 Medical Dr, Lake Jackson

acres in Lake Jackson. 302 Medical Dr, Lake Jackson

tpwd texas gov/fishing/sea-center-texas

tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas

George Observatory at Brazos Bend State Park

Home to the three domed telescopes and one of the largest Home to the three domed telescopes and one the largest telescopes in the nation is open to the public for viewing telescopes in the nation is open to the public for viewing.

21901 FM 762 Rd, Damon www hmns org/george-observatory

21901 FM 762 Rd, Damon www.hmns.org/george-observatory

Splashway Waterpark & Campground

Stay & Play or go for the day! Enjoy the lazy river, speed racers, Stay & Play or go for the ! Enjoy the lazy river, speed racers, wave pools and you can stay the night and camp, fish and more! wave pools and you can stay the night and camp, fish more! 5211 Main Street, Sheridan www splashwaywaterpark com 5211 Main Street, Sheridan www.splashwaywaterpark.com

Lake Somerville Lake Somerville

Lake Somerville offers 11,460 acres of lake for fishing, boating, Lake Somerville offers 11,460 acres of lake for fishing, boating, water skiing, sail boating, wind-surfing, jet-skiing and swimming. 10 water skiing, sail boating, wind-surfing, jet-skiing and swimming 10 miles NW of Brenham tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-somerville miles NW of Brenham tpwd.texas.gov/state- /lakeiFly iFly

Experience the adrenaline rush of flying in Houston or in The Experience the adrenaline rush of flying in Houston or in The Woodlands. www.iflyworld.com Woodlands. www. .com D-BAT D-BAT

This state-of-the-art, 17,000 sq. foot facility includes Brand New

4310 Brittmoore Rd, Houston www.dbatwesthouston.com

This state-of-the-art, 17,000 sq facility includes Brand New Turf and Lighting Come enjoy this batting cage 7 days a week Turf and Lighting. Come enjoy this batting cage 7 days a week. 4310 Brittmoore Rd, Houston www.dbatwesthouston.com

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

This state-of-the-art facility includes an Arcade, Laser tag, This state-of-the-art facility includes an Arcade, Laser tag, Hologate, Mini Golf and Indoor Karting. Come enjoy 7 days a week. Hologate, Mini Golf and Indoor Karting enjoy 7 days a week

1230 Grand West Blvd , Katy www andrettikarting com 1230 Grand West Blvd. , Katy www.andrettikarting.com

Rooftop Cinema Club Rooftop Cinema Club

Awesome Views, Iconic Movies, Fun for all Ages

Awesome Views, Iconic Movies, Fun for all Ages. 1700 Post Oak Blvd, Houston www.rooftopcinemaclub.com 1700 Post Oak Blvd, Houston www.rooftopcinemaclub.com

Levy Park Levy Park

Family programming all month. Visit their website for specifics. Family programming all month. Visit their website for specifics. 3801 Eastside St., Houston www.levyparkhouston.org 3801 Eastside St , Houston www levyparkhouston org

Houston Botanical Garden Houston Botanical Garden Enriching life through discovery, education, and the conservation of Enriching life through discovery, education, and the conservation of plants and the natural environment plants and the natural environment One Botanic Lane, Houston www.hbg.org One Botanic Lane, Houston www.hbg.org

W A T E R P A R K S W A T E R P A R K S

Schlitterbahn Schlitterbahn

2026 Lockheed Rd, Galveston, TX 77554 2026 Lockheed Rd, TX 77554

Website: www.schlitterbahn.com Website: www.schlitterbahn.com

Texas Typhoon Typhoon

555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494

Website: www.typhoontexas.com/houston/ Website: www.typhoontexas.com/houston/

Moody Gardens Palm Beach Moody Gardens Palm Beach

8928, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554 8928, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554

Website: Website: moodygardens.com/attractions/palmbeach/ moodygardens.com/attractions/palmbeach/

Big Rivers Water Park Big Rivers Water Park

23065 TX-242, New Caney, TX 77357 23065 TX-242, New Caney, TX 77357

Website: www.bigriverswaterpark.com

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown

21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77373

Website: www.sixflags.com/splashtown Website: www.sixflags.com/splashtown

Pirate‘s Bay Pirate‘s Bay

5300 E Rd, Baytown, TX 77521

Website: www.baytown.org/877/Pirates-Bay- Website: www.baytown.org/877/Pirates-BayWaterpark Waterpark

Lagoonfest Texas Lagoonfest Texas

12600 Crystal View Blvd, Texas TX 77568

12600 Crystal View Blvd, Texas City, TX 77568

Website: lagoonfesttexas.com Website: lagoonfesttexas com

Calypso Cove Calypso Cove

2428 W Main St, Baytown, TX 77520

Website: www.baytown.org/706/Calypso-Cove Website: www.baytown.org/706/Calypso-Cove

Club Westside Club Westside

PrivateClub - must be a member

1200 Wilcrest Dr Houston, Texas (TX) 77042, USA

Website: www.clubwestside.com Website: www.clubwestside.com

Strawberry Waterpark Strawberry Waterpark

1104 Parkside Dr, Pasadena, Texas (TX) 77504, 1104 Parkside Dr, Pasadena, Texas (TX) 77504, USA

Website: www.pasadenatx.gov/150/Parks- Website: www.pasadenatx.gov/150/ParksRecreation Recreation

Discovery Green Splash Pad: BONUS IT’S FREE

1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010

Website: www.discoverygreen.com Website: www.discoverygreen.com

Great Wolf Lodge Great Wolf Lodge

1000 Great Wolf Wy, Webster, TX 77598

Website: www.greatwolf.com Website: www.greatwolf.com

Indoor Play Indoor Play

Making the Most of Summer Break Making the Most of Summer Break

By Christina Katz By Christina Katz

When the kids are on break and you are fresh out of fun ways to keep kids entertained, turn to this list of ideas. The key is to stop thinking like an adult and to remember how to think like a kid. Once you accomplish this, who knows what kind of mischief you will help your kids dream up!

And while we are on the subject, why not forget your grown-up responsibilities for a little while and join the kids in some fun indoor activities? Your cabin fever will melt away like snow on a sunny day once you dive into one of these fun pastimes with your kids Come on, parents They will only be kids once

1. Becomeabuilder. Make a fort after lunch and then live in it un

2 Ready,set,duck! Ball up some clean socks, turn some furnitu sideways, and have a sock-ball fight

3. Funwithflour. Make something that involves kneading like bre rolls or pizza dough.

4. One-leggedkangaroo. Spend an hour hopping on only one foo time you have to move around the house.

5 Softentheirfalls Put on layers of soft, stretchy clothes Twister in the kitchen

6. Setaworldsrecord. See how long you can toss a soft b forth without dropping it even once.

7. Stretchforit. Have a headstand or a handstand contes straightest, who can last the longest, and who is the most p

8 Colorfulawe.Look up group games that can be played w parachute (please note: also helpful in fort construction).

9. Strikealaugh. Take turns playing yoga teacher and mak yoga poses. Add in breathing funny breathing exercises.

10 Letalteregosactout Make sock or bag puppets, give them quirkiest qualities, and then put on a puppet show

11. Haveacompetition. Make a foursquare court in the baseme garage using painter's tape and then take turns playing.

12. FindyourinnerPicasso. Tape large pieces of drawing paper on the walls of the basement or garage, spread newspapers on the floor, and create self-portraits with chalk pastels

13. Playcharades. Make sure the clues are appropriate for all a Or, if you prefer, try Pictionary instead.

14. Takethat,Villan! Act out a scene from a family-favorite book. Look up some fight choreography online and stage a mock-fight.

15 Climb,jump,andhop. Create an obstacle course in the basement or garage Time everyone's results Then try to beat your best time.

16. Messaroundwithbeauty.Make facial masks out of bananas or avocado and take turns giving them to each other.

17. Getinspired.Watch The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe and then draw what you image you would find on the other side of your hidden doorway

18. Bonsoir,Madame.Create a simple meal from a foreign culture like France, India or Africa with ingredients you have on hand.

19.Startaband. Make some music with either real instruments or whatever you can create out of what you have on hand. For even more fun, try a marching band

Fort-building kit (check Amazon)

20 Musicalfingers. Fingerpaint to different kinds of music Let everyone choose a song and then compare the resulting images. Which music helped to create the most inspired paintings?

21. Instantnostalgia. Make sparkly white play dough and then recreate the scene of your home in a snowstorm in miniature. (Keep a can of instant snow on hand for just such an occasion, see sidebar )

22 Isaypotato,yousaypotahto.Break out the potatoes, cut them in half and carve the cut ends into stamps. Then transform leftover brown bags into recycled wrapping paper.

23. Trashionpassion. What's in your recycle bins? Divide it up into two teams, mix in some plastic and paper bags, set a timer for one hour and see who can whip up some runway magic for a quick trashion runway show

24. Lip-syncbattle.Everyone picks their favorite tunes and then battles it out on whatever kind of "stage" you can create. For extra fun, video the numbers and cut some short clips together into a compilation.

25 Sculpturemagic. Go through all of your art supply cabinets and drawers and pull out everything you can bear to part with Be sure to include sticks, wire or string. Then see who can create the most original sculpture using supplies on hand.

Parachute (double duty in making forts)

Nerf products (for throwing in the house)

Nutella (for crepe-making)

Instant snow (for creating your home in miniature)

Glitter (for adding to playdough and making sculptures sparkle)

iTunes card (for lip syncing and finger painting)

Twister

Pictionary

Foursquare ball

Hacky sack

Painter's tape

Chalk pastels

Finger paints and coated paper

Bananas

Avocados

Bag of russet potatoes

By Holly Beretto

As we celebrate the U.S.A.’s 248th birthday, it’s a good time to think about what makes our country so special.

It’s said that America is a land of immigrants. As of 2021, immigrants to the United States from more than 200 different countries around the world.

The United States is the world’s third mostpopulous country, after India and China. As of 2022, the U.S. population is 333.3 million.

It is also the third-largest country in the world, after Russia and Canada.

We celebrate Independence Day on July 4 because that’s when the Declaration of Independence was ratified. The resolution for independence was actually passed on July 2, 1776.

The largest state in the country is Alaska, which once belonged to Russia. The smallest state is Rhode Island, one of the original 13 colonies.

The 13 stripes on the U.S. flag represent the original 13 colonies. The 50 stars represent the 50 stages. The flag has been revised 27 times.

The U.S.A. also holds14 territories. Five of them are populated. American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are in the South Pacific. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are in the Caribbean.

There are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes, and 9.7 million Americans are registered as Native American.

The official bird of the United States is the bald eagle. The official flower is the rose, designated in 1986 through a proclamation signed by thenPresident Ronald Reagan. In 2004, Congress passed legislation naming the oak tree the country’s official tree.

The oldest public park in the U.S. is the Boston Common, founded in 1634 and still used as a park today.

The oldest city in the country is St. Augustine, Florida. In 1513, explorer Ponce de Leon landed there and claimed it for Spain.

The first president and first lady to live in the White House were the second president of the U.S., John Adams, and his wife Abigail.

Fifteen of our presidents are from two states, Virginia (eight) and Ohio (seven).

The U.S. was the first country to call its head of state President.

The very first Independence Day celebrations began in 1777, in Boston and Pennsylvania. Both included fireworks.

The oldest newspaper continually in print is The Hartford Courant. Originally called The Connecticut Courant, it began publication in 1764. Today, it’s the largest paper in Connecticut.

The U.S. has the world’s longest border. It’s 5,500 miles long and runs between the U.S. and Canada.

Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Washington, D.C. did not become the country’s capital until 1790. Prior to that, there were eight others: Philadelphia; Baltimore, Maryland; Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania; Princeton, New Jersey; Annapolis, Maryland; Trenton, New Jersey and New York City.

The longest river in the U.S. is the Missouri River. It flows through seven states: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

The country’s largest lake is Lake Superior, which holds three quadrillion gallons of water.

Summer SummerLeaps Leaps

Use Summer to Help Get Kids Ahead Use Summer to Help Get Kids Ahead

BY LAURA REAGAN-PORRAS

A recent survey by the Academy for Educational Development found that nearly half of American parents (43 percent) just want their kids to have fun and relax during the summer. Second and third priorities for their children are learning new things (24 percent) and preparing for school (22 percent).

As parents, we may still hold on to the idea from our childhoods of a carefree, happy summer when “kids can just be kids.” Research spanning 100 years demonstrates that students score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of summer. All young people experience learning loss when they do not engage in educational activities.

Most students lose about two months of gradelevel equivalency in math computation over the summer months.

Low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement, while their middle-class counterparts make slight gains.

This data begs the question: How do we not only help our children prevent summer learning loss but actually make gains and enrich their summer learning? While there are many academic camps for children to combat learning loss and even get ahead, summer budgets may be stretched already. Once you have taken the day trips to the local museum, park or zoo and had some positive, educational conversations with your children, you may be asking, “Now what?”

The Parent Institute, the U.S. Department of Education and the nonprofit Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) have ideas for creating a learning-rich environment. They have been combined together for this simple, do-it-athome summer learning list to advance your child’s literacy and mathematic acuity.

The key to summer learning is FUN! So make summer learning fun and natural

1. Want your children to be good readers? Let them see you read. Share their love of books and reading. Parents may say to children, "This was my favorite book when I was your age," or "I can't wait to start my new book."

2. Try relaxing your family's bedtime rules once a week on the weekends. Let your children know that they can stay up as late as they want, as long as they are reading in bed.

3. Cook with your children. Have them use measuring spoons, cups and tools for a hands on lesson in volume and science vocabulary, like liquids and solids.

4. Try holding D-E-A-R times at your house. "DEAR" stands for "Drop Everything and Read." During DEAR time, everyone in the family sits down for some uninterrupted reading time.

5. With young children, try reading to them during bath time. Careful with the splashing.

6. Have children make a "book" about themselves, with their own illustrations and wording. "A Book About Me" is a great way to help your child see him or herself as "somebody."

All children are at risk of losing more than academic knowledge over the summer. Children can lose their health. Most children gain weight two to three times more quickly on summer break.

7. Help your child discover his or her roots by talking with family members over the summer. Then ask your child to write that family member a thankyou letter and share all he learned that he didn’t previously know.

8. Let kids overhear you praising them to others, particularly about how impressed you are with how they are learning. Always praise their reading efforts.

9. Encourage children to read biographies about successful people. As children learn about the traits that make others successful, they are often motivated to adopt those same success patterns in their own lives.

10. Motivate your children in math by challenging them to figure out how much change you should get back from a purchase. If they get the amount right, they get to keep the change.

11. Encourage kids to collect things. Whether they collect rocks, shells, leaves, or bugs is not important. By collecting, children are learning new ways to make sense of their world.

12. Estimating is an important math skill. We estimate how much our groceries will cost. We estimate how much time we'll need to complete a project at work. You can help your child learn to estimate at home. Here's one idea: As you're driving, estimate the distance to your destination. Then estimate how much time it will take to get there. Use the odometer or a map to check your work.

13. Talk about geography in terms children can understand: go through your house and talk about where things came from. A calculator may have come from Taiwan. A box of cereal may have a Battle Creek, Michigan or White Plains, New York address. Talk about where the wheat for your bread came from. Where was the cotton for your blue jeans grown? Tell your children where your ancestors came from. Find the places on a map.

14. Show your child that writing is useful. Have them help you write a letter ordering something, asking a question, etc. Then show them the results of your letter.

H O W T O C H O O S E

T H E B E S T S C H O O L

F O R Y O U R C H I L D

By Jill Morgenstern

Houston offers a great variety in schools and that is a lucky thing, because what’s right for one child may not be right for another. It can be especially challenging if you have more than one child Whether you choose a public or private school, here are some considerations and steps to take to find the best school:

Observe Classes and/or the Lunch Room

Observing a class in progress may seem obvious but some parents skip this step This is a good chance to look at the teacher’s demeanor and expectations in the classroom The lunch room is an often missed opportunity to get a general feel for the school’s atmosphere. See if it is the type of environment that you would want for your child Schools will have different rules so observing a classroom in progress may or may not be possible

Meet the Principal

Although some principals may not have time to meet with prospective parents, others may be open to this route Meeting and talking with a school’s principal will help you determine the atmosphere of the school. Ask yourself if the principal seems approachable and seems to have good leadership qualities

Consider Your Goals for Your Child

After school activities

This is a good time to think about the goals you ultimately have for your child What are his or her strengths and weaknesses? Is your child independent or more group oriented and are these qualities you want to reinforce? Try to choose school you feel will encourage th goals you are ultimately working toward

Attend a PTO meeting

Consider what sports or clubs the school offers Your child’s interests extend past the school day so find out what the offerings may be at each school you consider

Friends

Attending a PTO meeting can give you information about the school you may not get from a classroom observation In addition, meetin other parents will give you the opportunity to ask their opinions about the school

Location

In elementary this may not be as much of an issue but generally by middle school children will have a group of friends It may make a difference to your child whether their friends are attending the same school or not.

Special Programming

Different families have different tolerances for driving and how much time you are willing to spend in the car each day will impact what schools to consider But distance affects more than just drop off and pick up Will the friends your children make live close to you or far away? There may also be activities available to your child on weekends so make sure and factor this in when deciding how far you can travel

Amount of Structure

Each school has its own unique blend of activities Magnet programs within HISD may focus on fine arts, dual language, vanguard, or Montessori approach Private schools typically have a great deal of diversity in course offerings

Values and Religion

Are children allowed to walk fre throughout the hallway or do th walk in a quiet line? Does the general pace seem rushed or relaxed? Depending on the personality of your child, he or she may thrive with more structure or perhaps your child may prefer a more relaxed approach.

If you choose a school based on religion, the school’s values may be evident But even if you are not choosing a religious school it will still be important to make sure the school’s values align with your own The schools website is a good place to explore the school’s mission statement for example

School Schedule

It’s always beneficial to consider the school schedule If the school day doesnt begin/end at a convenient time do they offer care before or after school? Seeking this info ahead of time will ensure a good match

"Choosing the perfect school for your child can seem like an overwhelming prospect. But taking these ideas into consideration will help you on your way to finding the perfect fit!"

14120 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 wwwyorkshireacademycom | Phone :281-531-6088

FAST FACTS

Grades Served: 18 monthS - 5th grade School Type: Private Elementary & Pre-School Afterschool Programs: Coding, Yoga, Chess, Piano, Tae Kwon Do, Golf, and dozens more Recognitions: The first and only Ocean Guardian School in the Houston area

Yorkshire Academy, a private school located in the Memorial area, was established in 1984 with its primary goal being to create an environment in which children can develop to their fullest potential at their own individual rate

Yorkshire’s tag line “A Little School Making a Big Impact” rings true Yorkshire provides top notch academics, stellar enrichment classes, and a nurturing environment which makes students feel welcome and secure

Yorkshire strives to develop the whole person, guiding each child with experiences to enhance his or her own self-image, whether it be excelling within dynamic classroom academics, singing and dancing in amazing musical productions, earning a 1st place academic competition ribbon in math, or mastering the latest technology in the computer lab. Yorkshire students graduate with all the tools necessary for middle school success

www.yorkshireacademy.com Call 281 531 6088 to schedule a personal tour

Friendswood

3001 W Bay Area Blvd

Woodlands

11900 Crane Brook Dr.

Woodlands

10601 Falconwing Dr. wwwbbmacademycom

Our Mission: To Nurture Little Minds and Grow Big Hearts for a Better World

At Big Blue Marble Academy, we understand what developing minds need to be successful in preschool and in life Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life are transformative for growing children’s minds and developing their social-emotional skills Whether you’re looking for early care, daycare, preschool, or after-school care, we’ve designed our programs around what your child needs for their age and stage of development

At the core of our curriculum is a focus on global education, which enhances children’s perspectives and understanding of the world outside their community We teach children the importance of giving back and helping others in need through hands-on activities and “Heart Projects” We provide the structure children need, while also encouraging their natural curiosity and love of learning. Big Blue Marble Academy provides a true home away from home for your child

A College Prep Montessori School, Teaching Early Childhood through Grade 12

School of the Woods, the oldest continuously operating Montessori school in the Houston area, provides an educational program proven and strengthened through more than four decades of successful experience

The Main campus is nestled cozily in a close-in neighborhood in Spring Branch approximately 1 mile north of I-10 off Wirt Rd

The campus is heavily wooded and landscaped with native Texas plants The sylvan environment is an integral part of the curriculum The buildings were designed to integrate with the natural environment of the campus They are cottage style structures sized to fit the needs of the students.

In addition to a robust academic program, students at School of the Woods participate in both sports & the arts Music, Theater, Dance and Performance Arts, as well as Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Swimming and Track & Field are all available!

Regis' core strength is teaching boys and creating scholars and gentlemen 7330 Westview Drive Houston TX 77055 P: 713-682-8383 TheRegisSchool.Org

At its founding in 1991, The Regis School of the Sacred Heart became the first and only 3 Pre-K through eighth grade all-boys Sacred Heart school in the Houston area, fulfilling a need in the city’s Catholic community

The school’s founders with the guidance of Archbishop Fiorenza envisioned a unique educational environment for their sons, simultaneously grounded in rigorous academics and the Sacred Heart Goals of faith, intellect, service, community and maturity

The Sacred Heart Goals shape not only curriculum development, but also teaching practices, character education and most importantly spiritual development

Based upon the Sacred Heart Goals, Regis students move through a deliberate progression from a guided learner to an active participant to an effective contributor, and ultimately to become an engaged leader called The Regis Experience

1424 Sherwood Forest, Houston TX 77043

P: 713-465-0288 TheBranchSchool.Org

As a private school focused on inspiring students to love, learn, and lead, The Branch School instills a drive toward discovery, intellectual resilience, and leadership ability across our preschool, elementary, and middle school program. All of our students, preschool through grade 8, experience project-based, hands-on learning with a Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM) focus

This hands-on, project-based STEAM program makes Branch students deeper thinkers and more enthusiastic learners, laying an important early foundation of scientific knowledge and technological know-how. Our challenging academics and collaborative learning opportunities help each student develop critical-thinking capacities, creative problemsolving skills, and a lifelong love of learning – making us one of the best private schools in Houston

OPEN HOUSE JAN 27TH, 2024 - RSVP @ TheBranchSchool.org

11059 Timberline Road, Houston, TX 77043

P: 713-647-7246 Rainard.Org Houston’s only school for Gifted & Talented Students

Our Mission:

The mission of Rainard is to embrace the needs of gifted children by nurturing the individual’s intellectual growth, social skills, and emotional development in an environment that inspires the joy of learning.

Why Parens Choose The Rainard School:

We Embrace the Gifted Interest Based Learning

We Focus on Nature

Multi Age Small Class Sizes

Gifted Instructors

Learning Outisde the Classroom

Gifted Community Fluid Learning Environment

To find out more, schedule a tour @ rainedorg

SummerReads Book Bites

Beach Baby by Danielle Wilson (Left Hand Book House)

Get ready for a beach adventure with your little one! Our Beach Baby book is packed with 16 pages of vibrant original artwork by Ericka Singson, showcasing all the excitement of a day by the shore.

Mama, Is It Summer Yet by Nikki McClure (Abrams Books For Young Readers)

As winter gives way to spring and beyond, the boy and his mother clear the garden space, plant seeds, build a windsock and wait for the fruits of their labor--strawberries, for starters.

Fireworks by Matthew Burgess (Clarion Books)

POP! As a hot day sizzles into evening, everyone on stoops and sidewalks looks skyward on this special summer night--the Fourth of July! Words and art blossom into flowers of fire across the sky, making this a perfect read for firework enthusiasts in cities and suburbs everywhere.

Summer Is Here by Renee Watson (Bloomsbury Books)

Summer is finally here, and she’ bringing the most perfect day! From sunup to sundown, there’s so much to do on this lovely summer day. With summer comes fresh fruit, sweet and tangy, jump ropes for leaping and dancing, and friends at the pool swimming and floating. Summer brings family cookouts under shady trees, gardens overflowing, and the familiar song of the ice-cream truck.

Candle Island by Lauren Wolk (Dutton Books For Young Readers)

The place seems riddled with secrets but Lucretia has a secret or two of her own. Tensions have always run high between the islanders and the wealthy (and villainous) summer people, so no one knows where to place these newcomers at first. Undaunted, she explores the island and attempts to connect with townies.

A Day At The Beach by Gary Schmidt (Clarion Books)

This novel told from multiple points of view follows a diverse cast of young people whose lives intersect in surprising and hilarious ways over the course of a summer day at the beach.

Sunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro

Two young artists have a chance meeting on the last night of summer arts camp in this YA novel in verse and dialogue cowritten by acclaimed authors Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro.

Stepping Off by Jordan Sonnenblick (Scholastic Press)

Jesse Dienstag’s favorite sweatshirt says, “The real world isn’t” That’s the slogan of the vacation-home community in Pennsylvania where his family has always spent every vacation and weekend for as long as he can remember.

forgreentime forgreentime

BY SANDI SCHWARTZ

Kids are spending an exorbitant amount of time glued to their electronics these days. The latest survey by Common Sense Media found that American teenagers ages 13 to 18 spend an average of six and a half hours of screen time per day on social media and other activities like video games. Screen time continues to increase as kids are online more during the school day and for socializing with their friends. With this boost in screen use, we have also seen a rise in mental health concerns with tweens and teens. The increase in young girls’ digital technology use, for example, is often linked to the rise in depression and suicide since 2012 in the U.S.

One way to balance out all this screen time is to get outside and engage with nature, which has been shown through scientific research to have an abundance of health benefits. All of us need healthy breaks away from screens throughout the day to recharge and get back to a balanced state, both mentally and physically. Spending some time outside will help kids relax and then come back energized and inspired as they continue with their day. If they do not get these necessary nature breaks in between school, homework, and their other commitments, they could burn out before they even have the chance to receive their high school diploma

Every year, the organization Fairplay organizes Screen-Free Week to shine the light on the importance of taking breaks from screens Screen-Free Week is an annual invitation to play, explore, and rediscover the joys of life beyond adsupported screens. During this week, thousands of families, schools, and communities around the world will put down their entertainment screens for seven days of fun, connection, and discovery.

Even though this week is about turning off screens, Screen-Free Week is not just about going without technology. As we all know, much of our lives these days depend on screens: paying bills, ordering food, filling out forms before visiting the doctor, keeping up with family and friends, communicating with our children’s school, our own work, our kids’ schoolwork, and more.

Instead, let’s spend time during Screen-Free Week recognizing how we can start building a nature habit to turn some screen time into more green time. An hour once dedicated to YouTube becomes an hour spent outside on a family bike ride; ten minutes scrolling on social media turn into ten minutes taking care of a pet or plant; a movie on a rainy afternoon is replaced by time spent reading and learning about nature

You can celebrate Screen-Free Week at home, in your school, in your community, or anywhere – just put down those entertainment screens and choose an activity that helps you connect to nature because, as we discuss all the time here, it will help you and your loved ones feel happier and calmer.

Here are some other ideas for replacing screen time with green time all year long:

Instead of eating dinner in front of the television, take your meal out back or on your balcony. Instead of planning birthday parties where kids watch a movie or play video games, suggest getting a group together for a barbeque; swimming; outdoor sports game; or an exciting adventure like camping, boating, kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, or doing a ropes course.

Instead of your kids locked away in their rooms with their computer doing homework, suggest they head outside to get some of their work done to enjoy the fresh air. Maybe they even want to draft an essay the old-fashioned way with a pencil and paper to get a much-needed screen break Instead of your kids making TikTok videos all day, get their creative juices flowing while engaging with nature outside by doing activities like nature photography, drawing or painting nature scenes, nature journaling, writing nature poetry and stories, and even listening to music while relaxing in the backyard.

Instead of hosting family holiday dinners at your dining room table, set up your gathering outdoors.

As you can see, there are so many ways to swap screen time for green time. Get started by taking the ScreenFree Week Pledge. You will also find other amazing resources over on the Fairplay website, including a Screen-Free Bingo Game and a list of 101 Screen-Free Activities.

30+30+

Tips for Hosting the Perfect BackyuardBash Tips for Hosting the Perfect BackyuardBash

BY SARA STEPHENS BY

With the advent of summer comes the dawn of summer camps, summer sports, and summer vacations. It’s easy to get caught up in the swirl of the season’s voracious time consumers and forget to take a moment to sit back with friends for an afternoon or evening of summertime fun.

This year, why not be the awesome family on the block who throws a backyard party for all to enjoy? With some simple set-up, and inexpensive activities, your event can be just the icebreaker that your neighborhood needs to form fond memories and lasting relationships.

DECORATING

• The first thing arriving guests will notice is your lawn, so be sure to address any glaring issues before they walk the green carpet Choose themed lawn decorations, like custom inflatables that can be tailored to a specific theme, to give your guests a festive welcome Explore custom-printed inflatables by clicking here to see how they can turn your yard into a joyful setting

• Give your decorations some zest! Fill a jar with water and lemon slices, then add a simple bouquet of daisies or whatever flowers you have growing in your garden

• Buy bandanas and fold them to form a pocket for serving flatware Make a bandana table runner by attaching 10 bandanas, end to end, with fusible hemming tape Thank you, Martha Stewart!

• For an affordable and creative display stand for treats and chips, without the expense or chance of breaking, overturn a small vase or decorative paper cup and set a sturdy plate on top.

• Give folding chairs a fun makeover with some bright spray paint. Say chartreuse or neon pink?

• Randomly hang paper lanterns on tree branches as a fun and festive beacon that guides guests to where the party is.

• Break open the box of Christmas decorations, and string some lights around the yard or patio cover.We love the larger bulbs, which bring on a European air They instantly set the warm, inviting mood

• Get some rainbow fire crystals for your fire pit. Buy them on Amazon for $14 95 for a pack of two

SERVING FOOD & DRINK

• Post an overhand or umbrella over your buffet to protect it from the elements

• Stretch out your spread with thoughtful placement of food: Place chips and salsa, veggies, and salads near the beginning, and end with more expensive food items, like meat and fruit People will tend to fill up their plates before they get to the end (Thanks, Brittany Egbert, of One Charming Party, for this tip).

• Create a beverage station where guests mix drinks and mingle. A fun idea is to pull a dresser outside and use it as a self-service bar Set it up with accessories in the drawers and bottles set out on top Pretty and practical!

• Use a clean wheelbarrow as a cooler that you can wheel back to the house for refills

• Keep track of drinks with different color rubber bands

• Use a drink dispenser It’s so much easier for even young guests to fill their own glasses

• For drinking glasses, use mason jars

• Set up a separate condiment station with salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, salad dressings, etc, to keep the food line moving and create another gathering point for conversation as guests freshen up their food.

• Be sure to have lights ready for when the sun goes down, so your guests can still serve themselves.

• Keep insects out of drinks by topping glasses with patterned cupcake liners. Poke a hole through the center for a straw

• Instead of lugging bags of ice home from the grocery store, plan ahead A few days before the party, start filling up large zip-top bags with ice from your freezer’s ice machine and pull them out as needed.

• An alternative to keeping your cooler cool is to fill up some water balloons (in fun colors), freeze them, and use them in place of ice in a cooler They’re more festive than ice, especially when placed in glasses When you notice them sagging, just pop them back in the freezer.

• For under $2 you can make a noodle beverage boat for the pool. Go to the local dollar store, and buy a pool noodle, a medium sized plastic storage container (with a locking lid) and some waterproof nylon rope Cut the noodle into 4 pieces (two Long, and two shorter). Use the rope to tie them all together, and wrap the noodle and rope around the lid of the plastic container

ENSURING COMFORT

• Help your guests stay comfortable outdoors throughout the day and into the night Leave out amenities like sunblock, bug spray, hand wipes, and, if it might turn chilly, light blankets

• Plant lemongrass as a natural way to keep mosquitoes away Buy a mature plant from an Asian market or grocery store When you get it home, trim the tops of the plant and remove any dead parts. Plant it in a clear jar of water and place on a sunny windowsill Within a few weeks, it will develop roots and can be transplanted to your garden

BUDGET-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

• Make a giant outdoor water bed for the kids using a roll of plastic drop cloth and duck tape (W$10 for both at Walmart for under $10) Get the kind that rips off into ten 10′ squares Duck tape the squares together and fill with water. Kids will love it, and so will the adults!

• Who’s’ up for night-time ring toss? Grab some glow necklaces and glow bracelets from your local dollar store, drive a stake into the ground, and let the tossing begin

• Make a DIY splash pad. Lay out a clean tarp and secure it with small, metal stakes Put a Hop-Scotch sprinkler (around $25 at Target or on Amazon) on top of it. Attach a water hose, and you have a roomy area for everyone to jump, run and splash around in Water stays on the tarp, eventually transforming the space into a slip ‘n’ slide for them too. It’s also a great place for adults to sit and cool down

• Get crafty Enlist the kids to help you make stepping stones out of cement, cereal boxes, and glass stones Your artsy guests will enjoy the activity, and you’ll have a wonderful leave-behind souvenir for years to come

• Croquet, anyone? Set up pool noodles for a game of kickball croquet Another trip to the dollar store will get you plenty for cheap You just cut the pool noodles in half down the middle, so you get two arches out of each noodle Use garden stakes to keep the arches in place on the lawn Gather up a few kick balls and kick the ball through the course croquet style! First one to get their ball to the finish wins!!

• Everyone loves a parade. Set up a table with ribbons, streamers and bows, then unleash the kids in a bicycle decorating challenge. Let them show off their craftsmanship with a neighborhood parade

• Time for some throwing practice. Rather than organizing a space-consuming game of football, hang a tarp between two trees and cut out shapes (squares, ovals, diamonds) at varying heights. Label each shape with a number of points. Kids take turns throwing a football Whoever has the most points at the end wins!

• Say cheese! Hang painted vintage frames from tree branches as a darling photo station where guests can preserve party memories

KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

If you really want to stand out in your neighborhood’s annals of summer party history, check out some of these exciting products:

Invite Bandz Kit: Set the tone for awesomeness with this online party planning tool that lets your kids be “the hosts with the most ” A set of uniquely coded collectible silicone wristband “invitations” lets kids invite their friends in a memorable way The party guests access the host’s personalized online party page and private social community–the Friendz Hub. $14.99 – $59.99. shop markedprivate com/

WHOM: Let the kids run around, while the adults have a blast at your summer party with this new card game that pits friends against friends in a game of secrets and big reveals Pre-selling on Kickstarter for a $25 pledge. Pledge more and get a limited “Selfie Package,” (you’re drawn into a future piece of game art) www thewhomgame com

Jumbo Bananagrams: Want to fight summer brain drain out at your party? The jumbo version of this family favorite features 3×3 inch, waterproof tiles, making it ideal for poolside educational play $44 99 www bananagrams com Rollors: This eco-friendly outdoor game is the ultimate alternative to traditional lawn sports! The concept is a combination of bocce and horseshoes, with a thrilling element of chance $49 95 http://rollors com/

Frogglez: Leave it to a dad to create brilliant swimming goggles that stay in place with a neoprene strap instead of rubber. Now you don’t have to interrupt the fun to cut kids’ hair out of the goggles! $16 95 www frogglezgoggles com

Movie Party Rental: Did you know you can rent everything you need for a fabulous outdoor movie party? Available in packages for 5, 50 or 100 guests, this 2-story high inflatable screen turns your backyard into a drive-in movie theatre, without the cars! From $299 http://www funflicks com/

Nothing like Nothing like the 4th of the 4th of July in July in Galveston Galveston

The 4th of July lands on a Friday this year, so extend start your holiday weekend at one of Galveston's hotels, vacation rentals or other lodging options.

Nothing says " summer on Galveston Island" better than the 4th of July! Don't miss this wonderful evening with a glittering parade followed by a dazzling drone display over the Gulf!

Coming up on the evening of July 4, Galveston Island will celebrate its annual Independence Day with a parade featuring a procession of floats, decorated vehicles and performers.

The parade will kick off at 6PM with a procession on Seawall Boulevard starting at 59th Street and ending at 27th Street After the parade, the island will host brand-new drone shows over the Gulf of Mexico at 9PM and 10:30PM near 37th Street and Seawall Boulevard

J A N

U A R Y 2 0 2 5

Discovery Days

Join us for a morning of nature discovery as we explore the different habitats of the Arboretum Our weekly program includes outdoor explorations, private Discovery Room visits, adventure play on our Nature Playscape, and the opportunity to meet one of our Ambassador Animals!

Ages 5-10 yo 9:30 – 11:30 am $15 (per child, per class) Every Tuesday through August 5 . th www.houstonarboretum.org

Face Painting

Enjoy free face painting by professional artists Meet on the porch of the Visitor Center Registration not required

All ages 4-7 pm Free July 19 1-4 pm www.pct3.com/MBG

Family Storytime and Craft

Join us for a cross-generational literacy experience! Family Storytime features a story followed by a craft that accompanies the reading All craft supplies are included as a part of this free program

Ages 5 yo and under 10a Free Every Tuesday www.levyparkhouston.org

HAPPY HAPPY

4TH OF JULY! 4TH OF JULY!

A one-of-a-kind cultural experience with this world premiere, an immersive outdoor art installation celebrating Indigenous stories, seasons, and traditions

All ages 10 am-9 pm Free www.avenidahouston.com

Nature Story Time

This is a free, drop-in program

Preschoolers and their caregivers join us on Wednesday afternoons for nature stories, live animals, touchable specimens, and a simple craft Ages 2-5 4-5 pm Free Every Wednesday www.naturediscoverycenter.org

In Person: Storytime

Join us at the shop for story time every Thursday! We read stories, sing songs, and do an art activity The themes change weekly This story time is great for toddlers and preschoolers Toddlers Free 9:30a Every Thursday www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Summer Break at the MFAH

When school’s out, the Museum is the place to be for creating memories to last a lifetime On Thursdays, families are invited to enjoy gallery activities with teaching artists Explore the art on view and experiment with new materials, tools, and processes to create your own art Coloring sheets, colored pencils, and knowledgeable educators help spark discovery about the world of art.

All ages. 13+ $10, 12- free. 11 am-8 pm. Free with Museum entry. Every Thursday www mfah org

StoryTime with Ms. Maria

Ms Maria, who will enchant the children with lively songs, engaging stories, and a delightful small art project

Little Explorers

Bring your Little Explorers for a morning full of hands-on nature activities! Created for children ages 2 to 4, this program is designed to inspire wonder, creativity, curiosity, discovery, and the opportunity to build a connection to nature. Each child must be accompanied by their guardian Siblings are welcome to attend but must be registered to participate

Ages 8+ 5:30-7:45 pm $19 95 / person www.cmhouston.org 2 3

7- 10-11am Free www.centralgreenpark.com

Ages 2-4 yo 9:30 – 10:30 am & 11am – 12 pm Member $10, nonmember $12 (per child, per class) Every Thursdaythrough August 7 www.houstonarboretum.org

First Thursday at the Bryan

The first Thursday of the month from 4 to 7 p m in our sculpture garden patio, enjoy a curated selection of wines, enjoy the music of local Galvestonian talent and shop at our Museum Store Adult 4-7 pm Free www.thebryanmuseum.org

Free Family Night Workshop

Series - Mobile Photography

Instructor Luis Pruneda brings you another exciting, hands-on workshop where kids will learn how to turn an iPad into a powerful photography tool Explore the magic of mobile photography from taking awesome pictures to editing like a pro using Apple’s creative tools Whether it’s your first photo or your hundredth, these sessions are all about discovering new ways to see and share your world through pictures!

Weci | Koninut

This year ’ s event filled with sixhours of festivities, tradition, and live concert stages, along Allen Parkway Featuring local, regional, and national entertainment and will be capped off with a musically choreographed, “Texas-sized” fireworks finale. This event has become Houston’s annual signature July 4th celebration with an average of 50,000 people in attendance and is televised live in Houston The event will donate a percentage of food and beverage sales to the Houston Food Bank We look forward to enjoying a fun, engaging, and safe event for our nation’s birthday

All ages 4-10 pm Free www houstontx gov/july4

Bubbles and Fireworks Boat Tour

Hop aboard BBP’s pontoon boat for perfect views of Houston’s spectacular fireworks show! Avoid the crowds and view the city’s fireworks extravaganza while floating along Buffalo Bayou and enjoying bubbly, beer, wine and light bites.

We can only accommodate 21 lucky guests, so register now! Boat tours leave from Allen’s Landing (1005 Commerce Street) Cost: $150 per person

Ages 4+ $150 / person 8-10 pm www.buffalobayou.org

Galveston Island Fourth of July

Wake up to the sound of waves rolling onto the sand and end the day with fireworks lighting up the sky over the Gulf A celebration rooted in tradition, but made unforgettable by its coastal setting

From the mid afternoon parade along the Seawall to the final burst of color above the water, the day is filled with classic Americana and easygoing island charm.

All ages. Parade 6 pm, fireworks begin 9:15 pm. Free. www visitgalveston com

Fourth of July Celebration at Bayou Bend

With its unique blend of the arts and American history, Bayou Bend is the perfect place to salute freedom in style The annual festival features an extravaganza of Americana, with performers, crafts, activities, and refreshments

All ages 1-4 pm Free www.mfah.org

Star-Spangled Salute

Let freedom ring and celebrate the red, white, and blue with your Houston Symphony as we bring our annual celebration of America’s birthday to Miller! Enjoy their “StarSpangled Salute,” featuring patriotic fan-favorites like “1812 Overture,”

“The Stars and Stripes Forever”, and “America the Beautiful,” followed by a grand finale that lights up the night sky with a breathtaking firework display provided by the Miller Theatre Advisory Board

All ages 8:30-10:30 pm Free www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

Miller Outdoor Theatre

FREE Sandcastle Building Lessons

Everyone loves a good movie on the Hill and this year we ’ ve got a treat for you You are going to want to sing along with Set in the magical Land of Oz, this film covers the stellar Broadway musical’s first act, following Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and her friendship with Galinda (the future Glinda the Good Witch) Clever, enthralling, and beloved by musical and Oz fans alike, join us under the stars for this award-winning hit. Feel free to come in costume!

All ages. 8:15-10:45 pm. Free. www milleroutdoortheatre com

Buffalo Bayou Cruise

These 45-minute boat rides are a great way to spend time with your family and friends Escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the cool breeze as you glide along Buffalo Bayou, through the heart of downtown Houston Look for graceful herons, turtles, fish, and even an occasional alligator on the banks Tours leave promptly on the hour beginning at 10am The last tour departs at 1pm Ages 4+ Adults: $15, children: $12 (ages 4-12) Various times Every Saturday www.buffalobayou.org

Bring Your Own Picnic

By popular demand, for one night only, the Garden will waive its “ no picnics” rule so visitors can curate their own culinary experience during golden hour in a picturesque spot in the Garden Ready-to-eat picnics and beverages in non-glass containers are welcome Blankets and tarps are welcome on mowed lawns outside display gardens

All ages Adult $12, child 3-15 $8 5-8pm hbg.org

Attention sandcastle builders! Galveston is hosting a free, family-friendly event to help beachgoers create spectacular sandcastles with guidance from a pro. Visitors to East Beach can participate in “Sandcastle Days” to receive free sandcastle-building lessons from a professional sandcastle builder

All ages 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm Free Also July 12 & 19 th th www.visitgalveston.com

Houston Grand Opera : Storybook Opera

Storytelling like you ’ ve never heard it before takes center stage as an opera singer presents an engaging and enjoyable introduction to opera for students’ Pre-K – 2 This program features singing storytellers for 30 minutes of captivating fun!

BlueWillowBookshop

Ages 2- 11-11:30 am Free Also July 19 www.levyparkhouston.org

First Saturday Arts Market

Featuring dozens of visual artists each month showcasing their work in the Historic Houston Heights Visitors will find friendly artists with paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and many more popular art mediums.

All ages. 11am-6pm. Free. 540 W. 19 . th firstsaturdayartsmarket com/about

Coffee and Cars at POST

Come out and enjoy an amazing display of machines at POST! In addition to a featured section of curated cars, they are also bringing back an OPEN SECTION for anyone to come display their incredible machines!

Adult 9-11 am Free www.posthtx.com

The Final of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup has been awarded to NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas In addition to hosting numerous Gold Cups, the FIFA World Cup 2026 host venue is home to the NFL’s Houston Texans and has hosted some of the world’s most important sporting and entertainment events, including two Super Bowls, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and WrestleMania, among others

All ages $70+ 6 pm www.nrgpark.com

Movies At Miller: Wicked

Freedom Over Texas

Concacaf Gold Cup

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market

Every Sunday morning, the weekly Galveston’s Own Farmers Market connects folks to good food to each another. Shoppers can mingle and find fresh local produce, croissants, coffee, spices, meat, eggs, and more

All ages Free 9 am – 1 pm Every Sunday galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com

Farmers Market on Navigation

Unique among Houston’s farmers markets, the East End Farmers Market blends sights and sounds, cuisine and culture to create an experience that is rooted in one of Houston’s most historic communities

10am-2pm All ages Free Every Sunday eastendhouston.com/market

Children’s

BINGO

Join us for a weekly story time featuring some of our favorite animals! Each week we will read a nature-themed book, observe biofacts and/or live animals, and then venture out on the trails for a selfguided hike

Ages 18 mo-3 yo 9:30 & 10:30 am $5 member / $7 nonmember (per child, per class) Every Monday www.houstonarboretum.org

Color Splash Playdate

Join us for a vibrant journey into the world of colors! A hands-on, sensory-rich experience designed especially for the little ones This engaging event invites young artists to explore, create, and celebrate the magic of color through a series of interactive stations

All ages 10:30-11:30 am $19 95 / person www.cmhouston.org

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks

The show, co-written by Hanks and Chris Riley, tells the stories of the Apollo missions, reflecting their gripping journeys at a spectacular scale Newly filmed interviews between Hanks and astronauts of the current Artemis program will grant an insight into the return of crewed surface missions to the moon

All ages 10 am-5 pm $24 95+ www.spacecenter.org

Jurassic Giants

Unleash your inner paleontologist and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind prehistoric adventure featuring 6x more Dinosaurs, with 60 NEW dinosaurs at TXU Energy presents Jurassic Giants at the Houston Zoo www houstonzoo org

Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership on a free Wellness Walk led by Laura Conely, founder of Urban Paths Anyone and everyone is invited to walk through the paths of Buffalo Bayou Park while discussing topics including mental and physical health as well as the benefits of being exposed to nature

All ages Free 6:30 pm Every Wednesday through July 30 www.buffalobayou.org

Mr. Leo’s Puppet Show

Enjoy playful puppetry adventures with professional puppeteer, Mr Leo The colorful cast of characters will excite, entertain, and educate through laugh out loud antics and storytelling

Ages 3-10 1 pm Free www.pct3.com/MBG

Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling Live

The leading all-female pro-wrestling promotion from Japan, is coming to Texas for the first time! For two nights of electrifying action, witness 14 star wrestlers from Tokyo jump, kick, suplex (and maybe even sing) in our X Atrium near the Tokyo Story Gashapon store. Don’t miss this historic event packed with unforgettable energy, fierce talent, and highflying excitement In TJPW, women are the heroes!

All ages $40 5:30-7:30pm Also July 12 www.posthtx.com/

A Good Yarn

For this meeting, we will discuss I Need You to Read This: A Novel by Jessa Maxwell Please continue to bring your yarn/craft projects to work on together

Adults Free 7-8 pm www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Bring the kiddos and join our Levy Park team for Children’s Bingo! This 30minute program is a fun way for children to practice their letters and numbers while earning prizes Levy Park provides the Bingo cards, markers, and prizes B-IN-G-O!

Ages 4 to 12 4:30p Free Every Thursday www.levyparkhouston.org

ExxonMobil Second Thursday Free Family Night

Get ready for a thrilling exploration as we throw open our doors for an extra two hours of non-stop excitement!

ExxonMobil Free Family Night Second Thursday is not just an ordinary museum visit; it's a mind-blowing adventure where discovery knows no bounds

Brace yourselves for an action-packed evening filled with minds-on exhibits, mind-boggling experiments, bilingual story time, and a whole lot more!

All ages. 5-8 pm. Free. www cmhouston org

Buffalo Bayou Cruise: Bats

Sail the scenic waterway on a 90minute, guided tour from downtown to Waugh Drive Bridge and back to watch the emergence of the 250,000+ Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the bridge Our knowledgeable guide will share details about the bats’ eating patterns, behavior and contributions to the bayou’s ecosystem Space is limited, and boat tours fill up fast Boat departs 45 minutes before sunset

Ages 4+ Adults: $30, children: $24 (ages 4-12). 7:35-9 pm. Also July 18. www.buffalobayou.org

Animal Tales

Children’s Museum Houston

Buffalo Bayou Wellness Walk

July 2025

MFAH Playdate

Children 4 and younger, and their adult caregivers, are invited to enjoy a multisensory experience in the galleries with songs, stories, games, and activities 11:30a-12:30p Ages 4- $10 / person Every Friday www.mfah.org

Happy Hour Fridays at the MFAH Happy Hour happens on Fridays! Meet your friends at the MFAH for the best night of the week Explore the campus, visit the galleries, and get a drink at the bar (payment by credit card only) Happy Hour takes place in the Arrival Hall on the lower level of the Kinder Building and museum admission is required Adult 5-9 pm Free, with Museum admission Also July 18 & 25 www.mfah.org/calendar/happy-hour

Puppy Palooza Party!

Get ready to unleash some serious fun!

Whether you're team tail-wag or all about the belly rubs, this paw-some celebration is packed with furry fun, cuddly creativity, and bark-tastic buddies! Meet Bluey & Bingo, Clifford and Therapy Dogs, among others 9am-6pm All ages $9 95 / person www.cmhouston.org

Dance and Move with Young Audiences of Houston

Participants will learn to combine elements in dance, music, and theatre while expressing themselves through creative movement We will use the fundamentals of dance to focus on story-telling while building skills in selfawareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making All ages. 1-1:30 pm. Free. Also July 26. www.levyparkhouston.org

MOTH Fest: Music Festival and Market on The Docks

Restorative Yoga & Sound Bath

Discover tranquility through this restorative experience a gentle practice dedicated to slowing down, breathing deeply, releasing accumulated tension This session supports your nervous system and promotes deep relaxation while the soothing overtones of a sound bath guide you into a meditative state, helping release stored emotions and clear energetic blockages Restorative Yoga & Sound Bath is perfect for everyone, especially those who find it challenging to quiet their busy minds.

Adult. Non-members $40 member $30. 1-2:30pm hbg org

Join Houston Audubon in a creative class where you’ll learn how to draw birds and foliage Participants will take a stroll through the Garden for inspiration and then create a work of art to take home with them Whether you ’ re a beginner or have some experience with drawing, this class will guide you stepby-step as you bring nature to life on paper

Avian Artistry is open to participants age 10 and up Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone All materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their preferred art supplies, if desired

All ages Adult $12, child 10-15 $8 5:30-7pm hbg.org

Second Saturday Bird Survey

Work on your bird watching skills while helping the Arboretum monitor bird populations on a fun, relaxed morning walk Join us on the second Saturday of each month in the courtyard behind the building for a two-hour bird survey led by Arboretum staff members, Kelsey Low and Theo Ostler We welcome all levels of bird watching skill and all ages (as long as you ’ re quiet) – but no dogs, please! If you have binoculars of your own, please bring them We have a limited number of binoculars available to borrow

Adults 8-10am Free www.houstonarboretum.org

Memorial Market Summer Series

Immerse your senses in a fusion of flavors, artisan crafts, and one-of-a-kind produce

All ages 9am-1pm Free Every Saturday www.mvfarmersmarket.org

Drop into the heartbeat of Houston's underground music scene at Moth Fest, a one-of-a-kind festival and marketplace hosted on the industrial back docks of POST HTX Curated by Moth, one of the city's most visionary small venues and breeding ground for Houston's next wave of sonic innovators, this gathering celebrates boundary-pushing local acts from hypnotic experimental electronics and jazz to soul-stirring rap and R&B and more Between live sets, enjoy sounds from some of the city's finest DJs and wander through a curated market featuring Houston's most daring independent artists, designers, and vendors

All ages 12 – 9pm Free www.posthtx.com

Family Art-Making Studio 2025

Families are invited to join a teaching artist for an afternoon in the galleries and the studio Explore and learn about a work of art, and then create your own masterpiece Using high-quality materials and tools provides the opportunity to better understand artists’ techniques

Ages 5-12 1-2:30 pm $10 / person www.mfah.org

Sound Healing Meditation

Find your center and practice meditation in the spacious and tranquil Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Offered in collaboration with Union is Creation, this meditation series will feature the use of singing bowls and wind chimes to encourage mindfulness and connectivity Guests should bring their own cushions or mats and water only in a non-glass container No food or non-water drinks are allowed inside the Cistern Sound Healing Meditation can be loud for those with sensitive hearing Adult $20 10-10:45am Every Monday and Saturday Wednesday 6-6:45 pm buffalobayou.org

Nature Station Urban Animals

Our 'come and go' themed nature station will include engaging, hands-on STEM exhibits, hosted by a staff naturalist July's station is all about animals found in our cities and suburbs

Ages 5+ 9-11 am Free www.pct3.com/MBG

Free Yoga on the Lawn

Stay cool, keep fit, and touch grass at M-K-T with Union Studio Yoga! Union Studio will be hosting a FREE evening outdoor class, weather permitting Adult 6-7 pm Free www.themkt.com

Children's Museum

Adult-sized butterflies, ladybugs and more, use dance, costumes, and creative poetry in this class

Ages 3+ 6-7 pm Free www.pct3.com/MBG

Reclaimed Creations

Explore the incredible sculptures created by artist Sayaka Ganz, from discarded plastic, while learning about the science of plastic and its impact on our world

All ages 10 am-4 pm $10 / person thehealthmuseum.org

Come join us to discuss Sun City by Tove Jansson From the author of The Summer Book and creator of the Moomins, an off-beat novel about a retirement community in sunny Florida Adults Free 11am-12pm www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Spirits of the Bayou Boat Tour

Dance of the Insects

Coffee Cake Book Club

Avian Artistry

B-I-N-G-O With Us at TMC Helix Park

Who’s ready for some fun out from under the sun? Join us for Summer Vacation Bingo at the TMC3 Collaborative Building. Grab your friends and family and bring your game face – there will be multiple rounds of bingo, exciting prizes, and plenty of laughs

Adult 11:30 am-1:30 pm Free www.helixpark.com

Date Night Scavenger Hunts

Looking for a cute date night idea?

Your hunt is over! Let’s Roam scavenger hunts are the perfect way to create lasting memories with your partner in crime

All ages $12 99 / person www.letsroam.com

Yoga on the Green Yoga classes will be held every Wed and Friday at 8am and another class starting at 9:15am. 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 Be ready to move!

Adult 8-10:15a Free Every Wednesday and Friday www.centralgreenpark.com

19 In the Weeds Walking Tour 17

Movie Night in Helix Hall : IF

Looking for plans this summer? Join us at TMC3 Collaborative Building in Helix Hall to watch “IF,” a story you have to see to believe! We ask that you please arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow everyone to get seated and purchase snacks before the movie begins

All ages 6:30-8:30pm Free www.helixpark.com

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market Shop for items made by local artisans and grown by area farmers The Grogan's Mill Farmers Market is a favorite place to purchase unique gifts and souvenirs from The Woodlands 9a-1p All ages Free Every Saturday www.grogansmill.org/fmabout

Kingwood Farmers Market

Kingwood Farmers Market is held every week in the picturesque Town Center Park located behind the shops on the Southwest corner of Kingwood Drive and West Lake Houston

All ages 2-6 pm Free Every Thursday www.kwdfarmersmarket.com

Hula Hoop Jam Sessions 18

Pop in for fun and fitness at this allages, all-levels session where Mad About Hoops hula hoop pros will school your skills and show off with amazing tricks, prizes, and more This jam is adult and kiddo-friendly No need to RSVP Stay cool with craft cider giveaways from City Orchard!

All ages 4-6 pm Free www.themkt.com

This year, our In the Weeds Walks will explore native plants and the insects that pollinate them along Buffalo Bayou! Follow along this discovery tour of Houston’s historic waterway ecosystem with Nancy Greig, founding director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center (now retired) An avid natural historian “jack of all trades”, she has particular interest in plants and insects, but birds, mammals, herpetofauna, and fish are all on her radar At home she keeps busy with a butterfly garden, honey bee hives, and purple martin houses

All ages 12+ $5, 12- free 9-10:30 am www.buffalobayou.org

Mothbusters: Demystify the Night

Join us as we kick off National Moth Week, which is held annually the last full week of July with registered events in all 50 states and over 90 countries across every continent except Antarctica to celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths around the world At the Garden, Mothbusters will use crafts, walks, and talks to help participants learn more about these mysterious cousins of butterflies The evening will end with a night-lighting experience where you will view resident moths as they are attracted to lights

Adult Non-member adult $12, child $8 Member free 6-9 pm hbg.org

I Scream for Ice Cream Party!

We’re chilling and thrilling in celebration of National Ice Cream Day! This two-day flavor fest is the cherry on top of your summer, packed with sweet science, icy art, and frozen fun

All ages $19 95 / person 10 –10:30 am www.cmhouston.org

Houston Botanic Garden

Studio Saturday at Rienzi

Sharpen your drawing skills with a guided sketching session. This class introduces basic drawing techniques that demonstrate shapes, proportion, and mark-making to communicate texture and shading. Get inspired by the architectural features of the house and the artwork on view as you develop your own composition

All ages 10 am-12 pm Free, with Museum admission Adult $20, Senior (65+) $17, MFAH member, student (19+) $15, youth (13–18), Child (12 & younger), MFAH youth member (13–18) Free www.mfah.org

Terrarium Time

Let's build a terrarium! Bring a one-gallon, glass container with a lid, and be ready to learn about terrarium set-up and care Soil, plant material and decor will be provided at no charge

Ages 10+ 10-11:30 am Free www.pct3.com/MBG

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

Toyota Center is excited to welcome Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live which brings fan favorites to life including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot®, Gunkster, and introducing the brand new Skelesaurus, the fossil fury villain of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team! Celebrate Bigfoot’s birthday to commemorate the Original Monster Truck’s longstanding and historical impact on the motorsport’s world

All ages $28+ Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 2:30 pm www.nrgpark.com

Family Zone

Visit the MFAH Family Zone for engaging gallery activities with coloring sheets, colored pencils, books, and more 1-4p All ages Free, with museum admission www.mfah.org

Zumba by Tiny Fitness

Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world!

Ages 16+ 9a Sunday & 6:30p Monday Free Every Sunday & Monday www.levyparkhouston.org

Seismique

Smither Park

Reading Camp with Ms. Najia

Ms Najia will guide the little ones through phonics, word recognition, and stimulating book discussions It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to learn and grow while having fun, and we can’t wait to see everyone there!

Ages 6- 10-11 am Free www.centralgreenpark.com

Smither Park

A creative urban space that has developed with the help of artists and friends Inspired by the Orange Show's philosophy of promoting and sustaining self-taught art, over 300 artists have contributed permanent mosaic masterpieces, and it serves as a testimony to the vibrancy and creativity of the city of Houston

All ages 9 am-7 pm Free www.full.orangeshow.org/smithe r-park

Wiggly Worms

Have you ever seen a worm crossing your path after the rain? Where is she going? Join us to learn all about worms! During this program, we will read a book about worms, meet live worms, study gummy worms, and make a craft to take home!

Ages 3-7 10-11 am Free www.pct3.com/MBG

Tough Broads Night Out

Tough Broads Out at Night book club meets every fourth Tuesday of the month This month’s book The Summer Book by Tove Jansson Adults Free 7-8 pm www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Slow Flow with Stephanie McCarrey

This is an all-levels yoga flow for beginners to experts that will help you build strength and mobility The Vinyasa flow is set to the beat of the latest top 40 and throwback favorites.

Adults. 7 pm Wednesdays & 8 am Fridays. Free. www levyparkhouston org

Loteria Game Night

The Museum’s Lotería Game Night is a unique edition of lotería inspired by the MFAH art collections Play along to win prizes and discover works of art in the galleries

MFAH Lotería draws on the Museum’s art collections to create a traditional Latinx game board, similar to bingo. Originally conceived for the 2023 Fall Festival, “Dream with Alebrijes,” MFAH Lotería features 54 works of art www.mfah.org

Movie Night on the Lawn: Caddyshack

Come by POST for Movie Night on the Lawn! For this edition on our rooftop park, Skylawn, we'll be showing Caddyshack. Grab some delicious food and beverages from POST Market and enjoy the movie

All ages 8-10 pm Free www.posthtx.com

Posh TX

Most adults can agree, life would be much more difficult if it wasn't for coffee or chocolate The simple, kind and welcoming invitation of either is something that has been shared by all cultures for many ages The complexities and diversity of the flavors, textures, forms and varieties of delectable are as numerous as human emotions But they are not only appreciated for their taste

All ages 9 am-5 pm Free Through July 28 www.sawyeryards.com

Join Houston Hotspots and M-K-T’s delicious dining destinations for the highly anticipated return of this popular culinary crawl event Pick up your foodie passport and adventure your way throughout M-K-T as you enjoy signature bites and sips from Buttermilk Baby, Casa Nomad, da Gama Canteen, Highline Park, Homestead Kitchen & Bar, Honeychild’s Sweet Creams, and MORE.

All ages. 6:30-9 pm. Free. www themkt com

Art Club at POST Houston

Explore the new Art Club, a black box museum featuring rotating new media artworks from award-winning artists worldwide

Allages $29 Weekend Admission, $19 Children 12 and under, Children 6 and under are free. www.artclubhtx.com

Foraging: Taste a Bit of Nature

Experience the rich biodiversity of Houston as you wander the Garden’s lush greenery on a guided foraging journey to discover indigenous flora. Along the way, you will learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of the plants you discover and taste This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s bounty as you learn sustainable foraging practices amidst the vibrant twilight backdrop of Houston’s urban landscape

Adult Non-member adult $12, child $8 Member free 5:30-7 pm hbg.org

Silent Reading Party

Grab a book off your TBR stack and come down to the bookshop to read with us Start with time to mix, mingle and browse Silent reading will take place from 3:30-4:30 and we will wrap up with chat and time to shop from 4:30-5:00 Come pick up a new book, read a few chapters, and maybe even meet a new book buddy

Adults Free 3-5 pm www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Esplanade at Navigation Market

Brought to you by the East End District, the East End Farmers Market is open every Sunday Unique among Houston’s farmers markets, the East End Farmers Market blends sights and sounds, cuisine and culture to create an experience that is rooted in one of Houston’s most historic communities Visit the East End Farmers Market to sample fresh garden fruits and vegetables, locally produced farm and dairy products, prepared foods, and unique handcrafted wares All ages. 10am-2pm. Free. Every Sunday eastendhouston.com/market

Seismique

EaDo Food Tour

Howdy H-Town leads a guided 2-mile, 3 5-hour walking food tour of East Downtown, with stops at five greeting dining destinations Seeing art landmarks along the way, you’ll make five stops with delicious bites, including street tacos, acclaimed pastries, a flavorful Mediterranean grocery store, and more Adult 11am-2:30 pm $90 / person howdyhtown.com

Smither Park

Ready! Set! Pedal! Bike Freedom Academy

Bike Freedom is the premier bike riding program for ages 2 through adults, offering both dynamic group sessions and personalized private lessons Guided by passionate coaches, our engaging classes teach essential biking skills, build confidence and character, and ensure everyone can experience the joy, freedom, and lifelong benefits of cycling!

All ages 5:30 – 6:30 pm $65 / person www.bikefreedomacademy.com

Salsa Beginner Monday

Beginners start Monday! Join us for super fun Salsa dance lessons in Houston Start your journey today Everyone welcome No partner needed

Adult 7-10pm $20-39 www.latindancefactory.com

Houston Museum of Natural Science 29

Join us here in the shop as we hear from Liz and Brian (two of our favorite people in the universe) as they present their favorite current and upcoming reads They are our publisher reps from Random House and Penguin, so they know a thing or two about great books. There will be wine, there will be witty banter, and lots of fantastic book recommendations Adults 7-8 pm Free www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Extreme Animals Alive

Shape-shifting, mind control, invincibility and more! Explore the unique adaptations that make Earth’s creatures fearless and fascinating, beautiful and bold Step into a graphic novel aiming to reveal the strange and wonderful specializations animals exhibit to give them a leg up on the competition or evade predators Discover animals with superpowers that allow them to shape-shift, glow, or control the minds of other animals. Investigate the physical, behavioral and structural adaptations that allow animals to survive in unique environments Opportunities to interact with live animals will occur daily!

All ages Adult $35, child $27 www.hmns.org

Escape the Heat at TMC Helix Park

Beat the summer heat with a cool drink and a game of strategy Each reservation is for a table of four so gather your lucky tiles and friends or make new ones as you engage in the ancient Chinese game of mahjong. Whether you ’ re a mahjong master or a tile-tossing newbie, our laid-back event has something for everyone Instructors will be on hand to help you learn the game ’ s flow no pressure, just fun! We highly encourage attendees to bring their own mahjong set, as we’ll only have a limited number available on site

Adult 4-6 pm Free www.helixpark.com

Wholeness is a myth

Sawyer Yards is proud to present a juried exhibition curated by artist and juror Kaima Marie Akarue, featuring works from both current artists and alumni of the Sawyer Yards campus This exhibition challenges traditional ideas of unity, exploring the tension between individuality and collectivity, distinction and cohesion.

All ages 10 am – 5 pm Free www.sawyeryards.com 31

Step into a graphic novel aiming to reveal the strange and wonderful specializations animals exhibit to give them a leg up on the competition or evade predators Get up close with a variety of critters, both familiar and unknown Consider the unique characteristics that give animals the advantage from super speed to super stealth Discover animals with “ superpowers ” that allow them to shape-shift, glow, or control the minds of other animals. Investigate the physical, behavioral and structural adaptations that allow animals to survive in unique environments

All ages 9 am-6 pm Adult $35, child $27 www.hmns.org

Blooming Wonders

Step into a digital garden where art, technology, and nature converge in Blooming Wonders, now in Houston! This immersive exhibition, where pixels bloom into vivid floral imagery, invites you to experience nature in a whole new light Through stunning, high-resolution projections and interactive visuals,

All ages 12- 7 pm Adult $30, child 12 www.artechouse.com

Seismique

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Privately owned and managed by Houston Audubon, this small sanctuary offers walking trails, birding, educational programs, and a unique look into the history of our neighborhood. We are also the location of Houston Audubon Headquarters and the Natives Nursery.

Smither Park

All ages. 7 am - 7 pm. Free. houstonaudubon org

Mahjong & Margaritas

NOW EXHIBITING

Houston Museum of Natural Science www.hmns.org

Hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Sun

$25 adult, $16 children 3-11, senior 62+ and college students FREE every Thursday 2-5pm

Death by Natural Causes Heinous killers or misjudged miscreants? You be the judge as the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s most lethal exhibit- Death by Natural Causes Special Exhibit

The Eternal Garden Titanium, an immensely challenging material due to its high melting point and hardness, is at the heart of Aka Chen’s artistic production Since first researching and fashioning jewelry from titanium in 1994, Aka Chen has been pioneering and marrying traditional metalworking techniques with innovative practices Special Exhibit

King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience

Travel to Egypt’s fabled Valley of the Kings to accompany famed Egyptologist Howard Carter as he gazes into King Tut’s Tomb for the very first time Surrounded by elements of the recent–and ancient–past, visitors will bask in the glories of King Tut’s Tomb and walk in the footsteps of Howard Carter Special Exhibit

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm., Thurs. 10am-6pm., Sun. 125pm

$10 adult, $8 senior 65+, free for children under 2 FREE on Thursdays 2-6 pm

Reclaimed Creations

Explore the incredible sculptures created by artist Sayaka Ganz, from discarded plastic, while learning about the science of plastic and its impact on our world Permanent Exhibit

Body Worlds 101: The Core of Life Health and wellness come into focus when you explore beneath the skin, a fascinating all-new exhibit designed to ignite curiosity, understanding, and awe for the human body for visitors of all ages.

Special Exhibit

The Menil Collection menil org

Hours: Wed. -Sun. 11am-7pm. Free Admission.

Modern and Contemporary Art

The Menil Collection’s modern and contemporary holdings highlight a vast array of movements, materials, and styles, spanning the late 19th century to the present Currently displayed in the galleries are more than forty paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs from the collection alongside important loans Recent acquisitions on view include works by Dawoud Bey, Sam Gilliam, Christina Quarles, Winfred Rembert, and Deborah Roberts. Special Exhibit through Fall 2026

Museum Fine Arts Houston www.mfah.org

Hours: Various times, Wed-Sun

$24 adult, $20 children 13-18, senior 65+, children 12- free. FREE every Thursday 11am-2pm

Navigating the Waves: Contemporary Cuban Photography

The exhibition looks at contemporary Cuban photography from its role in promoting the Cuban Revolution after Fidel Castro’s 1959 overthrow of the Batista government to engaging in social and political critique following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union In subsequent years, Cuban photographers created powerful personal expressions by exploring individual identity, the body and spirit, Afro-Cuban heritage

Special Exhibit Through August 3, 2025.

Floating World: A.A.Murakami

Visitors to this immersive exhibition, the first U S museum show from Tokyo/London-based artist duo A A Murakami, encounter immense bubble-like clouds that gracefully float and dissolve into mist; swirling fog rings that radiate from a central tower; and dozens of plasma krypton “lightning” tubes that flicker and click while evoking a field of crickets

Special Exhibit Through September 21, 2025.

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THE PRINCE OF EGYPT JR. THE MUSICAL

Smart Financial Center

July 10, 2025

Nationally-awarded theatre Inspiration Stage presents a special encore pilot production of DreamWorks’ “The Prince of Egypt JR ” This pre-release youth adaptation of the full-length epic live musical by Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin,” “Children of Eden,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Godspell”) remounts in community partnership with Smart Financial Centre

GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL

Zilkha Hall

July 10, 2025

Fancy Nancy The Musical Main Street Theater

Thrilling audiences and earning rave reviews since its sensational OffBroadway debut This touching and hilarious’ tell-it-like-it-is’ musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends Audience members can’t help but laugh, cry and sing and dance in the aisles!

All ages. $55+. 7 pm. www thehobbycenter org

“The Prince of Egypt” follows Moses as he discovers his true heritage and leads the Hebrew slaves to freedom, challenging the bond with his adoptive brother Ramses The production runs 70 minutes and features talented teens from the Greater Houston area

All ages. 7:30 pm. $37+. www.smartfinancialcentre.net

DISNEY 80'S & 90'S Celebration in Concert

Smart Financial Center

July 13, 2025

Get ready for the ultimate throwback experience with Disney ‘80s-‘90s Celebration in Concert, featuring the very best Disney and Pixar hits from two iconic decades! Dig out those flip phones and grab your shoulder pads as Broadway-star vocalists flashback through a defining generation of music, with showstopping performances, rock-concert lighting and larger-than-life animation The Disney Afternoon and so much more! Don’t miss this totally epic event - live on stage!

All ages. 3 pm. $36+. www.smartfinancialcentre.net

IOLANTHE Zilkha Hall

July 19-27, 2025

The comic works of Gilbert & Sullivan are the foundation on which American musical theater is built Iolanthe; or, The Peer and the Peri, their seventh opera, satirizes British politics, particularly the House of Lords The story begins with the return of Iolanthe, a fairy who had been banished for marrying a mortal

All ages. $81+. 7 pm. www.thehobbycenter.org

THE MUSIC OF JOURNEY

Sarofim Hall

July 26, 2025

Prepare for an exhilarating night as the Houston Symphony presents The Music of Journey! Combining full rock lighting, an amazing rock band, extraordinary vocalist Juan Del Castillo, and the sonic power of the Houston Symphony, you’ll hear one mega-hit after the next as we celebrate one of the biggest bands of all time

All ages. $62+. 2 & 7:30 pm. www.thehobbycenter.org

DREAMWORKS' MADAGASCAR JR. StageWorks Theatre

July 11-13, 2025

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

All ages $20+ Various times www.stageworkshouston.org

ANNIE

StageWorks Theatre

July 25 - August 17, 2025

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-tonothing start in 1930s New York City She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy

All ages. $26+. Various times. www.stageworkshouston.org

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COUNTING CROWS

Smart Financial Center

July 10, 2025

Hocus Pocus Pops

For more than two decades, the Grammy and Academy Awardnominated rock band Counting Crows have enchanted listeners worldwide with their intensely soulful and intricate take on timeless rock & roll Exploding onto the music scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, August and Everything After, the band has gone on to release seven studio albums, selling more than 20 million records worldwide, and is revered as one of the world’s most pre-eminent live touring rock bands

All ages. $97+. 7:30 pm. www.smartfinancialcentre.net

GOO GOO DOLLS

Ensemble Theatre

July 17, 2024

The Goo Goo Dolls, known for their powerful blend of rock and heartfelt lyricism, have been captivating audiences since the late 1980s Originally from Buffalo, New York, the band gained fame with hits like "Iris," "Slide," and "Name," songs that have become anthems for generations Their unique mix of alternative rock and pop sensibilities has earned them numerous accolades, a loyal fan base, and a place among the most respected acts in American rock music

All ages. 8 pm.$170+. www.smartfinancialcentre.net

THE 39 STEPS

Main Street Theater

July 12 - August 10, 2025

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit about a man with a boring life who meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy When he takes her home, she is murdered Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man ’ s trail in a nationwide manhunt A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, this two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good oldfashioned romance!

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE MIRROR CRACK'D

Hubbard Theatre

July 11 - August 17, 2025

Behind The Glamour Lies a Deadly Secret

Ugly Duckling at The 1894 Grand Opera House, Galveston

Miss Marple, Agatha Christie's iconic sleuth, takes center stage in this gripping, glamorous mystery When the filming of a star-studded movie in a quaint village leads to a chilling murder, everyone becomes a suspect Miss Marple untangles a web of jealousy, ambition, and hidden truths. Can you solve who is behind it all?

All ages Various Times $91+ www.alleytheatre.org

THE MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Times vary. Tickets $15-59. www.mainstreettheater.com

OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

July 6, 2025

The 2025 tour is the biggest Outlaw tour to date, featuring an unparalleled lineup of legends and superstars, including Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Sheryl Crow, Turnpike Troubadours, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, The Red Clay Strays, Lake Street Dive, Waxahatchee, Charles Wesley Godwin, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Trampled By Turtles, The Mavericks, Sierra Hull, Willow Avalon, Waylon Payne, Madeline Edwards, Lily Meola, Myron Elkins, Tami Neilson, and more Please refer to the market lineups for artists performing in various cities below

All ages. $50+. 4 pm. www.woodlandscentre.org

July 23, 2025

Let me take you there

The Houston Symphony and the hard rockin' band from Windborne Music will take on one of the strongest musical catalogues in existence - the Music of Led Zeppelin Can you hear those ripping riffs accompanied by symphonic swells? Can imagine those piercing vocals back by massive, full orchestral overtures? You know by now that the Houston Symphony can rock - but you'll have to hear this show in person to believe how earblastingly epic they can be Get ready to raise a fist for rock 'n' roll

All ages. 8 pm. Free. www.woodlandscentre.org