March 2014 Our Kids Magazine by Our Kids Magazine

The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families

FREE March 2014

Spring Lift Off

Building and Flying Your Kite Expanding Your Family

Through Adoption

Mix kids with cooking for

Messy

Kitchen Fun CAMP y DirengcthteoSur mmer

Navigati n Day Camp Seaso

Magazine

Shoot for the stars, reach for the moon, the sky is the limitâ&#x20AC;Ś

344-KIDS (5437)

Love us on:

www.abilitypediatrictherapy.com Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy Home Health and Clinic Settings Spring is the time when all things bloom! If your child is not blooming, get a checkup and Ability will evaluate to get them back on the bunny trail! Five Fun Fine Motor Activities for home: 1. Try watercolors on coloring books so all you have to do is use a wet paintbrush and color the forms. 2. Try small snips with scissors. Praise effort, even holding scissors with two hands. 3. Have your child watch you color, write, or scribble. Encourage him/her to scribble using washable markers. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry about the color, staying inside the lines or how he/she hold the crayon/marker. Just encourage staying on the paper. 4. Sort forks, spoons, and knives. Stack bowls and plates. 5. Encourage play in a variety of positions. Sit cross legged, lay on one side or on tummy, tall knees, half kneel.

10609 IH 10 West, Suite 201 San Antonio, TX 78230 (between Wurzbach and Huebner Rd)

LEARN

GROW

BULVERDE 1st Annual Fundraiser Gala

SUCCEED

Sat., March 29th

5pm to 9:30pm at Bulverde United Methodist Church Speaker Steve Leavitt, Dinner, Childcare & Silent Auction TICKETS per COUPLE: $40 For more info email bumcmopsmom@yahoo.com

darlene_koons@hotmail.com

a b c

1 2 3 3 Ways to Apply:

APPLY

• Come to an Application Fair • Online at www.sanantonio.gov/prek/enrollment • Call 210-206-PREK (7735)

for the 2014-2015 Pre-K 4 SA school year Free for qualifying students

Pre-K 4 SA Offers:

Pre-K 4 SA gives your four year old the opportunity to explore, create and learn in a fun, full-day program which begins August 25, 2014.

• High-quality, full-day program from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m • Before-school care available from 7:15 a.m.

Application period begins Feb. 24.

• Enriching afterschool program from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at no additional cost • Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and two snacks included

Now playing...

• Free, convenient transportation for all students

LLAMA LLAMA Through April 19

SPLAT THE CAT

March 22 - May 24 It’s Splat’s first day of school. Watch how his first day turns to chaos! What will Splat do? Join in the fun to find out.

GET CREATIVE THIS SPRING BREAK

Engage your body, voice, and mind to explore storytelling, create characters, make new friends, and build confidence at Spring Break Camp, March 10—March 14. Register now at magiktheatre.org

2014 Pre-K 4 SA Application Fairs South Education Center 7031 S. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78223

Claude Black Community Center 2805 E. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78203

Tool Yard 10303 Tool Yard San Antonio, TX 78233

Feb. 24 March 29

March 1 March 26

March 3 March 19

Animal Care Services 4710 Texas 151 San Antonio, TX 78227

North Education Center 3635 Medical Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229

March 6 March 22

March 12 March 27

Visit the Pre-K 4 SA website at SanAntonio.gov/Prek for April - June dates and locations.

For more information, call 210-206-PREK (7735) or email prek4saenrollment@sanantonio.gov

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

All students who are four years old by Sept. 1, 2014 and live within San Antonio city limits may apply.

with the purchase of one general admission ticket for LLAMA LLAMA. Limit one per family. Cannot be combined with other offers or for special events. COUPON RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY PHONE. Expires 3/31/14

Free Pre-K 4 SA – Families qualify for free Pre-K 4 SA if they: have a family income that meets state requirements for assistance, or children are English language learners, or children of active military members or military members killed/ injured on duty, or children who are homeless or in foster care. Children must reside within a partner school district to attend Pre-K 4 SA for free. Tuition Pre-K 4 SA – Affordable tuition spaces are available for students who do not qualify for free Pre-K 4 SA.

Receive one free general admission ticket ($10)

Years of Magik

• Certified teachers providing cutting-edge lessons

210.227.2751 | magiktheatre.org 420 S. Alamo in Hemisfair Park OK3.14 March 2014 | OurKidMagazine.com

table of

CONTENTS March 2014

8 12 16 18 31

Editor’s Note

Bring on Spring and Warm Weather

Kids and Messy Hands Make for Fun in the Kitchen

Kitchen duty provides practical skills

Expanding Your Family Through Adoption

Families find adoption a fulfilling experience

Camp directory

• Navigating the Summer Day Camp Season • Summer Camp Listings

Baby

Babies Learn More Than Swimming

6 On the Web

9 FYI

33 Calendar

47 Your Kids

• 7 Fun and Easy Baby Shower Games • March Giveaways

• SA Book Festival Set • Building & Flying Kites • Free Movies

• Kite Festival & Dog Fair • Ongoing Exhibits • Family Theater

St. Patrick’s Day

Next month Kids with Weird Pets

volume 30 • number 3

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

in Our Kids

Cover by

iStock GRADY REESE photography

Music programs for all ages, even adults, taught by Yamaha Certified Instructors.

EST. 1963

• 18 Months – Kindergarten • Afterschool Care 1st through 5th grades • Summer Camp 5 through 10 year olds • Located on six wooded acres with pool

(210) 696-0213 www.suburbanschool.com Babcock and Huebner area

Family Music Time Tues., March 18th at 10:30AM A free monthly music class for ages 3 and under30th OPEN HOUSE JUNE

2241 NW Military Hwy. 210-366-5048 www.jensensyamahamusic.com

Summer Camps 3-8 years old 1 & 2 Weeks Camps Intensive Music Class Puppets & Music Spanish & Music

366-3187 www.SAMusicMasters.com

Spring Break Free Family Days: LOVE is All You Need! Tuesday & Wednesday, March 11 & 12, 2:00–4:00 pm Thursday, March 13, 2:00–6:00 pm Pop into the bold world of artist Robert Indiana for Spring Break! Explore signs and symbols in the exhibition Robert Indiana: Beyond LOVE. Tuesday through Thursday

Pop Poetry: Explore Indiana with words and numbers. 15-minute Family Tours: Pick up free tickets in AT&T Lobby. ABC Buttons: Create word art with stamps. Stencil Sculpture: Use recycled objects to make artwork. Paper LOVE: Recreate the life-size iconic sculpture.

Thursday only

EAT on the Grounds: Food avalible for purchase. Pushcart Demo: Basic pushcart assembly. Indy 500: Cheer on teams from the Dignowity Derby pushcart race!

This program is made possible by generous support from the Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable Trust. Right Image: Robert Indiana, Decade: Autoportrait 1961, 1972–77. Oil on canvas. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, San Antonio, Texas; Gift of Robert L.B. Tobin. ©2014 Mogan Art Foundation, Artists Rights Soiciety (ARS). New York Left Image: Robert Indiana, KvF IV from the Hartley Elegies, 1990. Screenprint. Collection of the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund.

McNay Art Museum 210.805.1768 6000 North New Braunfels San Antonio, Texas 78209 mcnayart.org

This exhibition was organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Major support for Robert Indiana: Beyond LOVE is provided by Morgan Art Foundation. Generous support is provided by Shirley and William Lehman, The Lunder Foundation, and the Robert B. Mayer Family. Additional support is provided by The Gage Fund, Inc.; Virginia and Herbert Lust; the Overbrook Foundation; and Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel. The presentation at the McNay is made possible by the Elizabeth Huth Coates Exhibition Endowment, the Arthur and Jane Stieren Fund for Exhibitions, the Geraldine G. Lawson Charitable Trust, Carolyn and Allan Paterson, and the Marshall T. Steves Sr. Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Semmes Foundation, Inc.; the Nathalie and Gladys Dalkowitz Charitable Trust; Frost Bank; NuStar Energy; the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund; Mary Beth and Jack Williamson (a gift of the James Family Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation); Barbara Seale Condos; Barbara and Stanley Spigel; the Director’s Circle and the Host Committee.

March 2014 | OurKidMagazine.com

on the

WEB

Your Go-To Online Resource for San Antonio Parents

Spotlight

Shower Them With Laughter: Seven Fun and Easy Baby Shower Games By Pam Molnar Your best friend is having her first baby, and you have been assigned to the planning committee. The theme is based on her choice of décor for the nursery and her mom is handling the food, leaving you with the task of entertaining. Don’t let this party go down as just another baby shower. Loosen up the partygoers by engaging everyone in games and watch the laughter flow.

Famous parents. It is always good to start with an icebreaker and this game gives the guests a chance to mingle. As your guests arrive, place a sticker on their back naming one half of famous couple with children. The guests need to figure out whom they are by asking each other questions and then go find their mate. Examples include: Michelle and Jim Bob (Duggar), Brad and Angelina or Jon and Kate (Plus 8).

Find the binky. Fill a diaper bag with items you would expect to find inside (and maybe a few things you wouldn’t) like bottles, diaper pad, bottles, jar food, blankets, etc. Bury a pacifier deep inside the bag. Challenge the women to find the pacifier quickly (after all, the baby is crying loudly in public) without taking anything out of the bag. Keep track of everyone’s time and award a prize to the fastest mom. When the game is over, give the contents of the bag to the new mom. If you are reading the printed version of the magazine and you would like to see the rest of this article, go to www. ourkidsmagazine.com and click spotlight. If reading the magazine online, you can access more of this article by returning to our home page and clicking on the spotlight button.

ourkidsmagazine.com • Like us on Facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA • Follow us on Twitter @ourkidsmagazine • Subscribe to our FREE Weekly Newsletter 6

Our Kids | March 2014

March Contests Spurs and Rampage Tickets Giveaway Sign up for the opportunity to win tickets to the San Antonio Rampage vs. Charlotte Checkers hockey game 4 p.m. March 9 at the AT&T Center. Also, sign up to win tickets to the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Denver Nuggets basketball game 7:30 p.m. March 26 at the AT&T Center. Deadline to sign up for hockey tickets is 5 p.m. March 5, 2014. Deadline to sign up for tickets to the Spurs game is 5 p.m. March 21, 2014. Visit www. ourkidsmagazine.com to enter giveaways.

Win a Winner! Win NAPPA Honors winner, Beauty Land by Dani (www. musicbydani.com, $12.99), a fun and interactive album for any age! A story of hope, dreams, magic, struggle and drive, this album is a fairytale of its own. Three lucky winners will be chosen. To enter visit, www.NAPPAawards.com. Contest ends March 25, 2014.

Win One of the Latest “Drawing with Mark” DVDs Sign up for your opportunity to win one of the two newest DVDs in the Drawing With Mark series. The latest DVDs “Drawing With Mark: Something Fishy and A Day at the Aquarium” and “Drawing With Mark: Good to Grow and Life on the Farm” will be given away to two lucky Our Kids Magazine readers. Kids learn all about fish and sea life while learning to draw a sea turtle, school of fish and more in “Drawing With Mark: Something Fishy and A Day at the Aquarium.” In “Drawing With Mark: Good to Grow and Life on the Farm” kids make two journeys to a farm where they learn to draw a barn, pig, tractor and a sunflower. Also, each DVD contains bonus drawing lessons, a draw-along-booklet with coloring page insert and instructions on how to download free coloring pages. The deadline to register for the DVDs is 5 p.m. March 21, 2014.

Over 8,000 square feet of fabulous fun!

A learning environment for children to develop & grow physically, cognitively, socially, & emotionally

Early Learning Center

• Birthday parties • Free Play • Family Entertainment • Specially themed rooms to entertain every kid • Free Wi-Fi

Ages 6 weeks-5 years old, Parent’s Day Out, & School Age Program

Now taking reservations! 5430 Timberhill Drive San Antonio, TX 78238

210.688.7003 www.mustardseedelc.com

(210) 520-2273

11555 Galm Rd #200

2mi. Outside Loop 1604 & Shaenfield Rd

SAOK

www.kidsplayland-sa.com

Does your child have ADHD? Do you feel diet affects your child’s behavior? Interested in a non-medication treatment for ADHD? Do you wonder how food affects the brain?

Consider the “Food For Thought” study

USE THIS COUPON TO RECEIVE ONE

FREE CHILD’S ADMISSION WHEN YOU PURCHASE ONE ADULT ADMISSION

CAN NOT BE USED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. NO CASH VALUE.

OVER 500 ANIMALS ON DISPLAY!

ANIMAL WORLD SNAKE FARM ZOO

5640 IH 35 South (directly off Exit 182) New Braunfels, Texas 78132 www.exoticanimalworld.com

(830)608-9270

Visit the San Antonio Children’s Museum!

Dr. Steven Pliszka at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is conducting a study of the effects of diet on brain function and behavior in children with ADHD.

• The study tests a special diet for treating ADHD and uses a brain scan to study effects of the diet on the brain. • No radiation or painful procedures are involved To be in the study, the child must: • Be between the ages of 8 and 12 years • Be on a special diet for 5 weeks • Not currently be on medication or current medication is not working well

For upcoming events & programming visit

sakids.org 305 E. Housto n St. (210) 212-445 3

Participants will receive up to $450.00 in compensation for their time and effort. Interested parents should call 567-0136 March 2014 | OurKidMagazine.com

editor’s

NOTE

Magazine

Bring on Spring and Warm Weather

Magazine

n all the years I’ve lived in Texas, this is the first time I can’t recall Magazine experiencing cold winter weather for as long as we have this year. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for spring. Although spring doesn’t officially begin until late March, I can always hope. Right? San Antonio has a number of activities and happenings that are sure to help us jump-start our spring adventures. Just check out the Our Kids calendarMagazine for a list of fun and exciting things to do and enjoy with the family. An activity I am looking forward to is one I haven’t thought much about since I was a kid – kite making and flying. While I wasn’t very good at making kites as a child, my friend Derek was a wiz. I watched as his kites soared, while mine would crash soon after takeoff. Now older and hopefully wiser, I amMagazine ready to pull out the papers, glue, sticks, string or yarn and try my hand once again at making a kite that is flight worthy. After a recent interview with the kite lady, San Antonio’s own Pat Hammond (see page 10), I came away with renewed hope in my kite-making abilities. Wish me luck!

In This Issue More moms and dads are opting to spend time with their kids in the kitchen. Some see it as a time of bonding and others view it as an opportunity to help their kids develop practical skills. Read about the many benefits of cooking with kids in Lisa Y. Taylor’s “Fun With Kids in the Kitchen.” Adoption is an appealing alternative for parents unable to conceive children or for others wanting to expand an existing family. Freelance writer Yvonne Vasquez offers readers an informative piece on child adoption in which she shares some of the ins and outs of adoption. Additionally, families tell how their adoption experience has been a fulfilling experience. Also, read “Navigating the Summer Day Camp Season” for tips on how to plan a fun summer experience for your kids without breaking the family’s pocketbook. Kids With Weird Pets Also, there’s just a few days left to respond to our call for stories and photos of kids with weird pets. If you’ve got a story and/or picture to share, e-mail them to me at cynthia@ourkidsmagazine.com by March 5. Happy reading!

Cynthia Ladson Our Kids Editor 8

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Magazine P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Toll Free Number, 866-465-6936 Magazine Visit us online at OurKidsMagazine.com PUBLISHER Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 Magazine EDITORIAL Editor: Cynthia Ladson, Ext.102 Proofreader: April Lynn Newell PHOTOGRAPHY: Kelley Ramotowski, Ext. Magazine 105 ADVERTISING SALES Account Executives: Mary Anne Jones, Ext. 103 Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 Annette Wright, Ext. 108 Magazine PRODUCTION Graphic/Web Designer: Rudy Riojas, Ext. 104 DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Tony Smith, Ext. 106

OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Call 210-305-4181 ext. 106 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

family

F.Y.I. Free Movies

Available Through the San Antonio Public Library Free movies are now available through the San Antonio Public Library. IndieFlix, an online streaming service provider, offers access to thousands of awardwinning independent films, shorts and documentaries via the library. No need to worry about late fees because there are no checkouts, returns or waiting. Multiple users can watch the same film on different devices at the same time. To begin streaming, visit www.mysapl. org/digital and choose IndieFlix.Â

Get Ready for San Antonio Book Festival Mark you calendar now for the San Antonio 2nd Annual Book Festival slated for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 5. Meet more than 70 national and regional authors during the kid-friendly fair planned for the Central Library and Southwest School of Art. The free literary arts event brings together readers and writers in a celebration of ideas, books, libraries and literary culture. Sponsored by the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, the festival features books sales and signings, a literary marketplace, recipe demonstrations from cookbook authors, food truck fare, live music and interactive educational/art activities for everyone in the family. Additionally, authors representing some of the top new books will entertain, educate and inspire book lovers of all ages and interests while discussing their newest works. Free and paid parking is available. Visit www.saplf.org/bookfestival.html for more information. Book sellers, community groups and educational non-profits interested in sponsoring booths in the exhibitor tent are encouraged to e-mail information@saplf.org or call 210-225-4728.

ed he er. to rs, te ct, n, p, ch ly he ng NE or

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

family

F.Y.I. April’s Fool Joke Turns into Lifelong Fascination With Kites By Cynthia Ladson

What began as an April’s Fool joke turned into a 42-year love and fascination with kites for San Antonian Pat Hammond. In 1972 Hammond, with encouragement from a friend, entered a national kite-flying contest. Hammond and her friend only intended to win a trip to Washington D.C., but it turned out that she won the top award. “I won accidentally,” recalls Hammond. The kite that won Hammond first place in the Smithsonian Institute’s National Kite Flying Championship and the title of kite lady, was made in the shape of the sun and was activated by and attached to a fishing reel. When asked why a fishing reel. Hammond responds: “My husband saw a picture of the previous year’s winner and he used a fishing reel.” Hammond admits she didn’t know what she was doing when building the kite that took the top prize, but since that time, she has become more than a lover of kites. She is knowledgeable on all things kites, including its history and past historical figures that shared her fascination with kites. While she did not begin as a serious kite-flying contender, she is very proud to have won. Her massive first place trophy still sits high in her home. 10

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

What Makes a Winning Kite? So what makes a winning kite? To this question, Hammond admits she doesn’t have a definitive answer, but offers: “it has a lot to do with the wind and the tension.” Additionally, Hammond offers her theory of aerodynamics: Name them they fly better. Proof of that, she says with a chuckle, “is ‘Red Tails on the Sunset.’” ‘Red Tails on the Sunset’ is the name Hammond gave to her prize-winning kite. Hammond has had much success with her kites. She has strung together and flown as many as 200 smaller kites on one string. And yes, they all had names. She can’t tell you how many kites she has made. Some of her kites have been exhibited at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. She has lectured about kites at colleges and universities and museums. “I am always making kites. Kites can be made out of almost anything,” says Hammond. These days, Hammond seems to prefer small scraps of paper that she adds can be found almost anywhere. She says there is nothing special about the paper she uses. After making a kite, Hammond tests it out, noting the shape of the kite as it moves across the air. If the kite crumples or collapses inward, it won’t fly well in the wind, while kits bending at the spin can be good flyers.

“When you think about it, kites are pretty low on the totem pole. They can be really basic, made from materials other people may throw away such as newspapers, and scrap paper,” says Hammond. Hammond is not a competitive kite flyer or builder, instead she has chosen to share her love of kites with others through talks in classrooms and museums. “You can use kites to teach almost any subject,” she says. Hammond is the author of “The Kite: More Than Meets the Sky,” a fun, whimsical and thought provoking booklet about the similarities of kites and life.

Kite Festivals March tends to be the start of kite-flying season around these parts, the first being the 86th Annual Zilker Kite Festival set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 2 in Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road in Austin. The event features a kite contest based on seven categories, kite-building workshops, kite flying demonstrations, a mass ascent of kites, food and beverage concessions and more. In case of rain or inclement weather the festival will be rescheduled to March 9. Visit zilkerkitefestival.com for more information.

San Antonians not inclined to travel to Austin, can see kites moving across the skies of the Alamo City at the annual Annual Kite Festival and Dog Fair set from 9 to 5 p.m. March 15 in McAllister Park. Activities include kite-flying demonstrations, kite-making workshops, mass kite ascension, dog competition, Pooch Parade, 50-yard dash competitions for kids 12 and younger, live entertainment and food and beverage vendors. Visit www. saparksfoundation.org/fest_of_tails.html for more information.

More on Kites The following websites provide information on kite building and flying: • Focus Science and Technology – http://science-

focus.com/feature/tech/4-best-kites • National Aeronautics and Space Administration – https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/ kite1.html • A Wind of Change – www.awindofchange.com/ lessons/lesson1-3.html • My Best Kite – www.my-best-kite.com/differentkinds-of-kites.html • National Geographic Kids – http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/crafts/kite-craft/

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

feature

Fun with Kids in the

Kitchen By Lisa Y. Taylor

Most evenings in the kitchen, at least one of Michelle de la Garza’s four children can be found with messy hands – not from eating, but from cooking. A family favorite is baked coconut shrimp. Her kiddos, ages 5 to 10, dip the shrimp into cornstarch, egg whites and coconut flakes and chop the ingredients for the accompanying mango pineapple relish. “Making this recipe is very messy, but my kids love to do it,” she says. “With all the conveniences of food these days, our society has lost the art of cooking. But it’s an experience that brings the family together, and it’s an educational process.” In addition to teaching practical skills, sharing the kitchen with kids serves up lifetime memories and cooks up numerous benefits.

Savory Conversation When Catherine Richey lingers over a recipe with her teenage daughter, she enjoys hearing about her life. “I learn so much as we are working on tasks such as peeling carrots and potatoes, chopping vegetables and stirring items in a pot,” she says. “No direct eye contact with teenagers creates a non-confrontational time to discuss problems they might be having and to share stories.” Richey taught her daughter how to cook chili, and now she has taken over making the dish for their family. “I hope that my children will remember being in the kitchen with me and baking and making recipes that they will cherish as adults,” says Richey, a personal chef for Lavish to Lite Bites. “Spending 12

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

one-on-one time while creating something delicious builds a bond between us.”

A Dash of Nutrition Richey’s youngest son is on the autism spectrum and an extremely picky eater, she says. She has noticed that giving him responsibilities in the kitchen encourages him to try a variety of healthy foods. “When he’s measuring ingredients, mixing food and helping to prepare an entrée or snack, he is more likely to taste the food than if it is just placed in front of him at the dinner table,” she says. De la Garza has also witnessed the magic of expanding kids’ palates. Recently, the Girl Scout leader helped her third-grade daughter and eight other troop members prepare homemade turkey lasagna. At first, some of the girls were apprehensive about a few of the ingredients, but they soon changed their minds. “When they got to cut the mushrooms and pour the capers, they were eager to taste the sauce,” she says. “They also learned that turkey meat tastes great and is a leaner alternative to beef. They broadened

“EDUCATING YOUNG MINDS SINCE 1997”

NOW ENROLLING for SUMMER ENRICHMENT CAMP their horizons, and hopefully they will want to try different foods in the future.” When her children cultivate their summer garden, they can’t wait to harvest their fruits and vegetables and use them in recipes. “They are so excited when they bring in the tomatoes and eggplants and whatever we are growing at home,” de la Garza says. “It’s important for them to see that food has to be grown, either by us or by someone else, so we should appreciate what we eat.”

Tasty Traditions Every Christmas season, Malissa Leija and her family spend hours baking Mexican wedding cookies. While gaining a sense of tradition, her 12- and 14-year-old daughters help her roll the dough into balls and sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar topping. “I used to watch my mom make the cookies, and now it’s so rewarding to see my girls learn how both my mother and grandmother baked them,” she says. “I’m glad to see that our family recipes are getting passed down to another generation.” Her daughters bake chocolate cupcakes for their friends and even created Leija’s last birthday cake. “The cake was wonderful, and it made me feel that I’ve taught them well,” she says. “I’m proud to see them be so self-sufficient and work together in the kitchen.”

2014

(Ages 2-7 yrs.)

Offering a quality of education above all others:

· Specialized in Early Childhood Education for 2-5 years · NISD School Calendar/Summer Enrichment Camps · Owner/Director BA in Education and Former Teacher of 15 years · Certified Teaching Staff with BA Degrees · Low Classroom Ratios w/Teaching Assistants · Full Day and Half Day Enrollment Options · Full Curriculum Scope & Sequence in all programs · 1+ Acres of Shaded Natural Play Areas 7900 Old Tezel • San Antonio • Texas 78250

(210) 521-6677 / (210) 521-9966

www.giantstepsschool.com For Child Themed Birthday and Private Party Rentals check out our classified ad in the back of the magazine.

Mix in Math Leija started getting her kids involved in the kitchen when they were preschoolers. Lessons in math came naturally with baking. “I would explain the numbers on measuring cups and spoons and ask them to find the right size of bowl that we needed,” she says. “As they have grown up, we talk about adding fractions to double or adjust a recipe.” Stir in Safety Each child developmental stage presents kitchen privileges and safety concerns. “Since my children were tiny, they’ve sat on barstools and have helped me cut vegetables with a butter knife,” de la Garza says. “I taught them to put the sharp edge down, keep their fingers away from the cutting board and not play with the knife.” Overall, kids should learn that the stovetop and ovens are hot, that knives, food processors and blenders can be sharp and that glass bowls are breakable, Richey says. For young and school-aged children, parents should remain in the kitchen the entire time, she emphasizes.

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

“Preschoolers can use cookie cutters to cut bread, cheese and vegetables for shaped sandwiches, mix up fruit salads, assemble vegetable kabobs and mix and roll dough for cookies and pastries,” she says. “Older children can be taught knife skills and are capable of opening cans, browning ground beef, roasting proteins in the oven and sautéing vegetables.”

Sprinkle Praise If parents express enthusiasm about cooking and baking, their kids are likely to show interest in culinary activities, Richey says. “The kitchen is a happy spot in my house,” she says. “I try to find a slow-paced time to share cooking with my children and praise them for their efforts, so that they will want to return to the kitchen and create their own recipes.” Lisa Y. Taylor is a San Antonio-based freelance writer and mother of three daughters.

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350-degrees F. Remove the dough from the tube and unroll it. Instead of separating the dough into eight triangles, seal together the perforated edges and cut the dough into eight to 10 thin rectangles. Place pepperoni circles in a row along one long side of each rectangle, with the top half of each pepperoni circle overhanging the dough. Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough. Set the dough cylinder down, with the pepperoni side up, on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Your dough and pepperoni should look like a blooming flower. Repeat with the remaining dough rectangles and pepperoni. Bake the crescent roll pepperoni flowers for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Allow crescent roll pepperoni flowers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with individual bowls of marinara sauce for dipping.

Marinara Sauce: Ingredients: 10 oz. tomato sauce 1 T Italian seasoning 2 T dried oregano 1 T garlic powder Directions: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes.

Rainbow Parfaits Ingredients: Fresh fruit: raspberries, strawberries, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apples, blueberries, blackberries, etc. yogurt crunchy cereal (such as GrapeNuts) Pepperoni Roll Flowers Credit: PHOTO BYCATHERINE RICHEY

Crescent Roll Pepperoni Flowers Ingredients: Crescent Roll Dough Pepperoni or Turkey Pepperoni Marinara sauce (store-bought or recipe below) 14

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Directions: Wash all fruit Chop the fruit into bite-sized pieces, keeping each type of fruit in separate containers In a tall, narrow, see-through cup or container, assemble your parfait in the order of the colors of the rainbow: place a small amount of fruit in the bottom, followed by a small amount of cereal and then a dollop of yogurt, repeating layers with the desired amount of fruit, yogurt and cereal. Garnish the top with one pretty piece of fruit, such as a whole raspberry, blackberry or strawberry. Recipes provided by Catherine Richey.

from Bashful to BRAVE! Our students learn more than swimming and tumbling; they build fundamental skills in a loving environment that fosters development. Here, kids really grow!

Choose LOVE for Your Kiddo 100% Child-Centered Highly Trained Staff State-of-the-Art, Indoor Facilities Mommy Owned and Operated

Lessons • Preschool • Parties • Gifts

www.love-to-swim.com

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

feature

Expanding Your Family Through Adoption By Yvonne Vasquez

As any parent knows, the decision to add children to a family requires serious planning. Obviously, the cost of parenting is an expensive endeavor. In addition, becoming a parent will result in an enormous lifestyle change and a significant time commitment. These sacrifices are a small price to pay for those who dream of adopting a child. For some people, adoption is an attractive option because they feel a need to provide a home to an abandoned or disadvantaged child. These individuals realize that adoption can be a very fulfilling experience on a much broader level. Others would like to expand their existing family, but may no longer be able to physically have children. In Texas, individuals who may potentially adopt must be at least 21, be financially stable and responsible, and complete a home study. Texas law does not require an individual to be married in order to adopt. Ideal prospective parents are those who can provide a safe and healthy environment for an adopted child. Adopting a child does not always have to be expensive. Costs can range from 0 through state adoptions to more than $30,000 for private domestic or independent adoptions. Adoption assistance is available in different forms including tax credits. Individuals qualify for the adoption tax credit if they adopted a child and had out-of-pocket 16

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

expenses related to the adoption such as court costs, attorneys fees and travel expenses. A number of grants are also available for domestic, international and special needs adoptions. In addition, many companies now offer an adoption benefits plan that assists or reimburses employees for adoption-related expenses. Even before the adoption process begins, many critical decisions must still be faced. For example, an adoptive parent will need to decide whether an open, semi-open or closed adoption is preferred. With a closed adoption, a parent receives general information about the child and birth family, but there is no contact between the families. The records are sealed after the adoption is finalized. In some cases, a child may be allowed to access records when he or she is 18. The other available option is an open or semi-open adoption. Although certainly not ideal for everyone, this arrangement allows the exchange of information between both parties, to varying degrees, depending upon the wishes of both parties. Communication can include anything from e-mails, letters and phone conversations to meeting in person, attending birthday gatherings and exchanging photos. The Gonzales family first adopted a baby boy through an open arrangement with a private adoption agency.

After a few years had passed, they were approached about adopting two of the boy’s siblings who were in need of a home. Soon they were the parents of three adopted children. “In our experience, open adoption was better for all parties involved,” said Mary Gonzales. “Quite honestly, it was a win-win situation because we knew their background and the children also benefited from keeping their sense of identity.” Another fundamental decision in considering adoption is choosing whether to adopt a newborn, an older child or one with special needs. Some individuals and couples prefer to raise a child from infancy, while others don’t mind adding an older child to their family. Likewise, adopting a special needs child, who has medical, physical or emotional disabilities may appeal to those who have had experience with these conditions. The special needs category may also include children who are considered difficult to adopt due to their age or race. For some people age and race are key factors, and should be considered before moving too far along in the adoption process in order to minimize disappointment. Some prospective parents find these areas to be a delicate subject. But according to adoption experts, these preferences should be clarified from the start to guarantee a good match for all concerned. Adoption agencies have no problem with specific requests as long as these wishes are communicated from the beginning. Private agencies also have their own criteria that they may waive or modify at their own discretion. Many prospective parents wonder whether they should pursue a domestic or international adoption. If a newborn baby is preferred, then domestic adoption has the best success rate. Most adoptions in Texas are domestic rather than international agreements. Although international adoptions get a lot of media attention, they typically take longer to finalize than domestic adoptions. In most cases, an attorney will need to finalize the adoption agreement. In Texas, the number of adoptions has increased in recent years as a result of improved alliances between

Kimberly Dunlap, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Specializing in Adult Counseling

Spanish Summer Camp M-F 9-3 & 9-12 June: 9-13, 16-20, 23-27 & 30-July 3 Ages 2-12

Before & After Care Available

210-383-5075 210-844-3746

myspanishschool@ymail.com 6060 Old Camp Bullis Rd. 78257

• Parenting the Special Needs Child • Couples Therapy • Grief /Loss • Life Transitions • Older Adult IssuesIndividual and Family Needs • Substance Abuse Recovery Using an individual approach in a non-judgmental, safe & confidential environment, we can identify tools, goals & solutions to meet your needs.

210-385-1366 https://sites.google.com/site/therapistkdlpc/

Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and private child-placing agencies. DFPS has also successfully supported foster family and relative adoptions. “We felt that the foster-to-adopt program would give us more of a chance to adopt an infant,” says Mark Lopez. “But it is riskier because you may not get the child you foster. We were just fortunate that we were able to keep both of our sons.” Adoptions can be arranged either through DFPS or a private adoption agency. DFPS holds free regular adoption information meetings. An adoption home study is a standard requirement for adoptions in Texas and will need to be completed through a licensed child placement agency. This is a critical step in the adoption process that ensures the best chances for a successful match. A home study is an assessment that includes examination of living arrangements, financial stability, parenting skills and marriage history (if applicable). A home study also consists of a criminal history and reference check, as well as an abuse and neglect check. Every individual living in the home will need to be interviewed. Child Protective Services requires prospective adoptive parents to complete PRIDE (Parent Resource for Information, Development, Education), a competencybased training program. The program covers such topics as behavior intervention, loss and grief, child attachment issues and the effects of abuse and neglect. “The training that we received from the state really prepared us to confidently handle these issues. The content was excellent and made me feel very well-equipped to raise these children,” says Mary Gonzales. Parenthood is often described as one of the most rewarding experiences in life. For those whose dreams include raising a happy family, adoption is a wonderful alternative or addition that can make those dreams a reality. Fortunately, there are more options today than ever before to help a child in need through the joys of adoption. Yvonne M. Vasquez is a San Antonio freelance writer and mother of one.

2014 Childcare & Preschool

Finder

Look for us where you work and play

Coming in June in over 700 area locations

Childcare &Preschool Finder FREE June 2013

Birth through 5 Years

5 Tips for

Reading

Readiness Pre-K 4 SA

Gearing Up Magazine

Magazine

Finding Childcare for Kids With Magazine

Special

Needs

Magazine

PLUS! Magazine

Childcare & Preschool Directory

Magazine

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

camp Directory

Navigating Summer Day Camp Season

Why Smart Parents Get a Head Start By Renee Haines

Come June, many Texas parents will be navigating their way around summer day camps instead of school classroom schedules. Getting a head start on planning is the smart way for parents to provide their children a great experience while avoiding a too-heavy toll on family budgets and work schedules – not to mention the family car. For mom Mary Ann Marucci of Houston, enlisting parents of her two sons’ friends to enroll their kids at the same day camp each summer reduced transportation time and fuel bills. “Plan to send your kid to camp with a friend. They’ll have more fun, and you can share the drive with the other parent,” says the former San Antonio resident who has sent her sons, now 10 and 13, to church camps, science camps and Boy Scout camps. San Antonio dad Scott Ertl says parents who plan early can take advantage of money-saving early bird discounts, multiple-kid discounts or scholarships that are offered by some area day camps. Negotiate, he suggests. “You can volunteer to work at a camp to get a reduced rate.” Some day care camp early bird discounts end as early as this month. Ertl says doing early homework on a potential day camp also can help parents be more confident about their choice. “Most fears are about the unknown. If a museum is going to have a summer day camp, go see the museum first,” Ertl says. Our Kids Magazine presents Camp Fairs annually in February so that parents can obtain information on the many camps and summer offerings in and around San Antonio. Like most public schools, many summer day camps now offer extended hours to accommodate working parents. “Camp directors strive to work with families’ schedules, including session length, pick-up and drop-off options,” says Tim Huchton, executive director of the National American Camp Association’s Texoma field office, which serves camp professionals in Texas and Oklahoma. For parents who often find only half-day programs available for younger kids, the American Camp Association recommends in one of dozens of tip sheets at CampParents.org that parents share child care expenses to cover the rest of the day. Huchton and several local camp educators advise that parents avoid frustrating their kids by scheduling, say, a dentist’s appointment or visit with relatives during day camp hours.

Choosing a Day Camp Choosing a summer camp is also about age-appropriate programs and agendas. Parents can get a head start by calling ahead, visiting 18

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Camp Directory

$40 OFF

Ages 8-14

any one camp - use the code “STEMfun”

Bits, Bytes, & Bots of San Antonio

Helping children embrace STEM one camp at a time Like us on facebook.com/BBBofSA Register for classes and camps at www.BBBofSA.com or by calling

websites, visiting day program sites, talking to other camper parents and involving their children in the decision. “Pick something the kids are excited about,” says Robin McKeown, community program coordinator for the San Antonio Zoo that offers weekday summer day camp sessions from June through August. “Most of the kids come here because they love animals.” A Junior Zoo Crew program for kids ages 12 and 13 allows them to roll up their sleeves and help zookeepers care for animals as they learn about career opportunities at zoos. While each program spans five weekdays, “we have a lot of repeat campers,” McKeown says. “They’ll come two or three times during the summer.” Dozens of day camps or classes are offered each summer by San Antonio organizations, theaters, gyms and churches. San Antonio’s Witte Museum and the San Antonio Children’s Museum offer summer programs for kids. The San Antonio Spurs offer summer basketball camps for children. Cibolo Nature Center and Farm in Boerne offers art and nature day camps for kids who love nature. “We want the kids to really unplug and spend time with their feet in the creek and their hands in the soil,” says Stephanie Colvard, assistant director of children education at the nonprofit nature center. Colvard says that in addition to quizzing their kids, parents should consider their own goals, “what they would like for their child to gain by going to camp.” At the San Antonio Humane Society, dogs and cats already are on the premises while kids learn about animals and their care, but outside guests have introduced day campers to horses, turtles and other animals, says Camp Humane educator Kelly Konesheck. Some kids have pets at home, but others don’t. “I have parents tell me that their goal for their kids is to learn about the responsibilities of having a pet,” Konesheck says. The YMCA of Greater San Antonio offers two programs, a traditional week-long program, and Outdoor Adventure Camp, that features swimming, archery, hiking and other activities more traditionally associated with sleep-away camps, but during day camp hours. Whales and dolphins are the attraction at summer day camps at SeaWorld San Antonio, where zoological staff members lead activities for kids. “Students aren’t just observing

210-745-8123

Summer At The Academy

2014

Boys & Girls, Ages 4 & older

June 9 - Aug 1

SAN ANTONIO ACADEMY CAMPUS (Located in historic Monte Vista) Summer Enrichment Office - 733-7331 ext. www.sa-academy.org

237

New Class Titles for Summer 2014 Mindstorms - Legos Drawing & Painting Comic Con - Science Harry Potter – Math Genealogy – Robotics Photography – Frisbee Baking – Survivor Skills Pokemon – Super Heroes

Rockets - Basketball Etiquette – Football Out On The Town Chess – American Girl Field Trips - Card Tricks Birds – Bugs - Fishing Zumba – Cartooning Reading - Dodgeball

Study Skills - Sewing Star Wars - Badminton Medieval Battles - Karate Computers – King Arthur Theatre – Cooking - Pets Future Fashionistas - Yoga Writing - Architecture … and many, many more!

More than 350 Classes

Accredited By The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest

Celebrating Our 26th Year! March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

camp Directory

Hill Country Montessori School    

   

    



    

Come join us for a barrel-full of fun:        

And so much more…. For more Summer Camp info: www.hcmontessori.org  830.229.5377 Ages 18 months to 12 years

marine life; they are a part of it. Students go behind the scenes, interact with a variety of animals and work with our animal experts,” says Brittany Gandin, manager of education and conservation at the 250-acre marine mammal theme park. A giant city-run summer day program for San Antonio kids is also among the most affordable, and very competitive. Annual program announcements for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s annual summer youth programs plead with parents not to camp outside on lawns the night before registration begins at city schools and community centers. The program last year served about 6,000 kids. The city program’s activities mirror many traditional day camp sessions with outdoor sports, craft projects, games, reading and science enrichment sessions. This program also offers extended hours, with daily lunches and snacks included. But this day camp lasts eight weeks, at a cost per child ranging from a high of $260 for the full eight weeks to a low of $25 for the first child in income-eligible families. The cost declines dramatically per additional child. “We’re a really affordable option,” says Phillip Covington, the city parks department’s interim assistant manager. About 60 to 65 local schools and community centers become program sites each summer. “We have people return year after year,” Covington says. “They fill up fast.” A registration period limited to only three days likely accounts for parents having set up their own camps to secure an early place in line. “They were coming out the night before,” Covington says. Registration is April 5 only at participating community centers, and May 3 and May 10 at participating schools. On your mark … Renee Haines is a San Antonio freelance writer. Photo Credits from Front to Back:

Hill Country Montessori School, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, nationality, or ethnic origins in the administration of its policies or procedures.

Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, YMCA of Greater San Antonio, San Antonio Zoo, Camp at SeaWorld San Antonio, San Antonio Humane Society

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Camp Directory

Summer Camp. IT’S IN OUR NATURE.

SeaWorld Camps like multi-night Resident Camp, Day Camp or one-night Sleepovers bring campers incredibly close to their favorite, amazing animals. Plus, they have a blast exploring SeaWorld’s thrilling rides, spectacular shows and awesome attractions.

facebook.com/SeaWorldBuschGardensCamps

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

MK020314-09 Camp Ad-Our Kids.indd 1

2/12/14 6:39 PM

camp Directory Sp Brering Camak p March

Sports Camp

• •

June 9 - Aug. 22 WEEKLY SPORTS CAMP M-F 8:00a.m.-5:30p.m.

(includes tennis and swimming)

10-14

WEEKLY TENNIS CAMP M-F 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

(includes swimming)

GROUP PARTIES! • Birthday • Team Sports • Perfect for Company Picnics

Green Tree TENNIS CLUB

4721 Callaghan Rd. (easy access from all parts of town)

www.greentreetennis.com

681-5261

BALLERCAMPS March 10-14, 2014 / Grades 1-8

Build Skills, Have Fun, Help Others!

ExcEllEncE in Education within a community OF faith Enrolling Students in K3 – 8th grade Rigorous Curriculum Two-time Winner national Blue Ribbon School Spanish Taught K – 8th

210-824-3171 www.stpeterprince.org located in alamo heights Military discounts • Flexible tuition payment plans • Tuition assistance available

university of the incarnate word Brainpower School

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

SPRING CAMPS Camp Assist BallerCamps 210-386-1202 Lance@ballercamps.org March 10-14

In addition to working on basic basketball skills and having fun in half-day sessions, boys and girls in grades 1-8 help at-risk youth in our community, because proceeds from Camp Assist pay for free basketball camps for youth whose families can’t afford them.

Sports & Tennis Camp Green Tree Tennis Club 4721 Callaghan Road, San Antonio 210-681-5261 www.greentreetennis.com March 10-14

Choose from either our very popular all day sports camp or our wonderful tennis camps for elementary, middle school, or high school age players. Learn tennis; improve your tennis skills and have lots of fun in any of these camps. Call for rates and ages. 4721 Callaghan Road, San Antonio, 210681-5261; www.greentreetennis.com

Kids in Motion Theatre Camp 210.897.8623

River City Kids in Motion is seeking young performers who love acting, singing, and dancing. As well as young people who love other aspect of ART. Spring Break Theatre Camp all students will participate in an end of camp performance. Contact Tina Castile for more info and prices.

Kidus Spring Camp Kidus Spanish Immersion Daycare Learning Center 25836 Hwy. 281 N, San Antonio 830-980-1880 www.kiduskids.com

All Day Fun! Sports, hands-on craft, visual arts, board games, water games, dancing, music, cooking and more! Field trip for ages 5 – 12. Multicultural and Bilingual. Trained and qualified caregivers in a safe learning environment. We take care of your child while you do your business. Hours 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Spring Fencing Camp Olympian Fencing Club 210-872-2004 info@OlympianFencingClub.com www.OlympianFencingClub.com

Your kids will learn Fencing, one of the safest and most unique sports of Fencing from Olympian and World class experienced coaches. The Olympic sport of fencing provides a great physical and mental workout and is lots of fun. The physical and tactical training is equally suited to boys and girls. Our fencing program is provided in a safe environment and we emphasize safety rules at all times. Please visit our website for more info in the upcoming 2014 Spring camp.

PRO Martial Arts Spring Break Camp 14439 N.W. Military, Ste. 107 San Antonio, Texas 78231 (210) 493-KICK (5425)

Spend the spring break Building Character for a Lifetime! PRO Martial Arts is offering their Spring Break Camp the week of March 10-14 from 9 a.m. – noon. Boys and girls, ages 4-12, will have fun learning martial arts, playing games, developing leadership skills, character development and participating in our ARMOR anti-

bullying and predator prevention program.

Science & Engineering Camp San Antonio Children’s Museum 305 E. Houston St 210-212-4453 www.sakids.org/sbcamp March 10-14

Spring into science as you participate in engineering activities like designing and building boats, windmills, and bridges! We will also learn some basic construction of simple machines using Legos! 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Register at www.sakids.org/sbcamp

The Magik Theatre 420 S. Alamo, San Antonio 210-227-2751 Magiktheatre.org March 10-14

Engage your body, voice, and mind to explore storytelling, create characters, make new friends, and build confidence at the Magik Theatre this spring break. Spring Break Camp will run from March 10 – 14 with a final showcase performance on March 15. Register now at magiktheatre.org.

Spring Break Painting! The Royal Canvas 5005 Broadway, San Antonio 210-826-7246 theroyalcanvas@yahoo.com, www.theroyalcanvas.com

Join us March 10-14 for a week full of funfilled painting! Call now to reserve your spot!

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER ACTIVITIES Alamo Fencing 961 Isom Rd, 78216 210-260-3804 www.alamofencing.com

Camps at Alamo Fencing Academy are designed to teach the sport of fencing to beginners and to improve skills for intermediate and advanced fencers. Participants will improve their conditioning and coordination skills as well as strength, speed and fencing skills. Camps scheduled June – August. 6 years old and up. 3 day camps $230; 5 day camps $300; call for family discounts.

Artworks An Art Studio for Children 1840 Nacogdoches Rd. 78209 7715 Mainland 78250 210-826-2787 www.artworksartstudio.com

If your child likes creating, listening to great music, and eating yummy snacks, then Artworks is the place to hang this summer. Half-day and full-day options. Call for schedule and ages.

Bits, Bytes, & Bots of San Antonio 210-745-8123 www.bitsbytesbots.com

Cutting edge innovation in STEM education. We build your child’s technical skills and confidence in a fun and safe environment. Hands on – each student has a computer or robot! Week-long morning and afternoon camps include video game making, robotics with the LEGO EV3 Mindstorm kits and Minecraft Mechanics.

Camp Directory Brain Balance Achievement Center 210-670-2760 1742 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite 121 www.BrainBalanceCenters.com

The Brain Balance program brings hope to families of children who suffer with behavioral, academic and social challenges. We are specialized achievement centers that utilize a drugfree, multi-faceted approach to address the underlying issues in many of the behavioral, developmental, and learning disorders that plague so many children today. Help your child retain what they’ve learned from the school year and be prepared for next school year!

Bricks 4 Kidz® 12322 I-10 W at University Bowl 210-900-2351 www.bricks4kidz.com/SANW

Let them learn and grow through the summer months with our fun-filled model plans! Our plans, BRICKS designed by engineers and architects, provide an engaging platform that reinforces S.T.E.M. based principles and learning with LEGO® Bricks. We also enhance self-esteem and teach important classroom lessons.

Summer Camps at the Carver Carver Community Cultural Center 226 N. Hackberry, 78202 210-207-2719 Philip.castillo@sanantonio.gov www.TheCarver.org

Theatre Camp – Ages 6-18 June 9-27 $175 In this three-week camp, students will develop and strengthen their acting, choreography, and vocal skills, culminating in two performances on the Carver Jo Long Theatre stage. Dance Intensive – Ages 8 – 18. July 1425 $174 The Dallas Black Dance Theatre leads students through the exploration of modern, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and African dances, resulting in a performance on the Carver Jo Long Theatre stage.

City Center Health Careers 1114 Willow St. San Antonio 210-255-8265 www.citycenterhc.org

Students and parents can expect a project-based driven camp that promotes exploration, research, creation, and collaboration. Camp will run from July 7-July 31, 2014 Monday-Thursday 8-12 PM. Cost is $100.00 for 4 weeks. Lunch, field-trips, and a camp shirt will be provided.

Country Home Learning Center Call 210-687-1002 for nearby location www.countryhomelearningcenter.com

Our exceptional Summer Camp program includes daily field trips to exciting, fun-filled places. Campers enjoy our Waterpark, Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground, Putt-Putt Golf Course, Gym, 1950’s Style Soda Shop, Movie Theater, Computer Lab, Horseback Riding at Country Home Ranch. Creative weekly themes add to our Campers’ cultural enrichment and total enjoyment.

Crossing Borders San Antonio 13453 Blanco Rd. 78216 Churchill Place Shopping Center 210-858-5360 cbblanco@ crossingboardersgroup.com

Surpass expectations this summer with Crossing Borders’ innovative programs!

Our Spanish, French or Mandarin Summer Programs will help your children gain essential skills through experienced, dynamic, energetic and fun classes emphasizing Language Immersion. We are committed to our students reaching their full potential while enjoying their summer break

Green Tree Tennis Club 4721 Callaghan Rd. San Antonio, TX 78228 681-5261, www. greentreetennis.com

All Day Sports Camp Ages 6 – 16 Weekly sessions running Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. for juniors ages 6 – 16 yrs. old who love all sports. This camp is instructional and features the club’s popular tennis camp and “Swim America” swim lessons. Other sports include volleyball, basketball, soccer plus movie time, open swim, games and much more! Green Tree Tennis Camp Ages 6 – 18 Weekly sessions running Monday – Friday 10 am – 2 pm for juniors ages 6-16 yrs. Great club atmosphere to learn how to play tennis. Basic tennis fundamentals and skills along with stroke production are taught. The camp includes 20 hours of tennis court PLUS pool time! Swim America Swim Lessons Ages 3 & older We teach America to swim for fun and fitness. Swim lessons are for children ages 3 and older. Two week sessions. Beautiful pool area plus experienced instructors. Classes are grouped according to age and skill level. Groups consist of 4 – 6 children/instructor. Summer “COMBO” Program Tennis & Swim Lessons This program is for children ages 5-10 years old and runs for two weeks. Juniors will learn basic skills and fundamentals of tennis. “Swim America” Swim Lessons in the pool area! Classes are grouped 4-6 children/instructor according to age and skill level.

Hill Country Montessori School Summer Program 830-229-5377 50 Stone Wall Dr. Boerne, TX 78006 info@hcmontessori.org www.hcmontessori.org

Fencing g Classes

Summe er Camps s Multiple ca amp discounts Classes’ Family F discountt Boys & Girls, Age 6 +

210.872.2004 4

Experience ed Olympian and World Class C Coaches

$50 off firstt camp with this ad dd

New custome ers only

www.Olympia anFencingClub.co om

New World Spanish & Adults

AQUIRE A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN LIFE

Spanish Summer Camp Ages 3 -11

• Private lessons all ages

• Spanish Fun Club

• Mama y yo

• Homeschoolers

• Tutoring

10 Years Serving the San Antonio Community Alamo Heights

216-3098 5715 Broadway St

822-2804

OPEN NT ENROLLME

SUMMER ART STUDIOS June 2- August 8, 2014

Registration opens March 18 More than 100 classes offered! Register online at swschool.org

E.L. Broady Academy

Elementary – Our summer program for students 7-12 years of age is jam packed with options! We offer weekly ‘themed’ camps with lots of activities to keep them intrigued, intertained and involved. Weekly Camps – For those families looking for a week-by-week option for their 3-6 year old, we have a selection of weekly ‘themed’ camps to choose from. Combining fun and learning, your child will have a summer to remember.

His Hill Ranch Camp Day Camp Comfort, TX 830-995-3388 camp@hishill.org www.hishill.org

Ages 6-10 • Aug. 11- 15 ∙ $250 Day Camp is a great way to introduce kids to camp. It runs Monday through Friday for campers ages 6-10. Campers participate in the activities and are in co-ed groups of 1012. We ask parents to provide a sack lunch daily. We will supply beverages. Drop off points are at Veteran’s Park in Boerne and at His Hill. Comfort, TX

Jump Rope Express 269-0725 Coach7755@aol.com www.ezteamz.com

Jump Rope Express is a Jump Rope Program impacting young people through fitness and fun while developing self-

• Grades K-12 • Tutoring/Mentoring • Regionally Accredited • Need Online Classes?

• 24 hr Credit Recovery • Certified Teachers • Year Round Summer School • In Home School Curriculum

Join Us On Line Today! www.broadyacademy.com

(210) 858-7518

After Hours Call: (210) 445-4147 info@broadyacademy.net March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

camp Directory confidence, sportsmanship, and character and promoting comradery. Each child works at their own pace, with focus on the “fun” factorto achieve success. This program will inspire many young people to embark on a lifetime of fitness and develop friendships that last a lifetime.

Kidus Summer Camp Kidus Spanish Immersion Daycare Learning Center 25836 Hwy. 281 N, San Antonio 830-980-1880 www.kiduskids.com

Pat Holbrook’s Studio 10 We Make Dreams Come True

Dance Center 18 mo - Adult

A ho-hum summer? No way. La Petite Academy’s got you covered! Join us for our Best Summer Ever to experience a variety of completely different summer camps, from outdoor adventure to sports, music, drama and much more! Call (877) 217-9530 for details and visit us at www.lapetite.com

Over 45 years in San Antonio

Registration Now for Summer Camps • Hip-Hop • Jazz • Tap • Ballet/Pointe • Musical Theater • Cheer/Tumble • Contemporary

La Petite 877-217-9530 for location nearest you www.lapetite.com

210-696-4220 5999 De Zavala

www.studiotendance.com

Love to Swim and Tumble School San Antonio – 15502 Huebner Rd. Schertz: 6044 FM3900 www.love-to-swim.com

Love to Swim and Tumble School offers awesome programs unlike any other in the city! Kiddos are at the heart of everything we do and they love our exciting swim lessons, tumble lessons, camp programs and preschool. As mommies ourselves, we know how important it is to make development and learning EXCITING, and that’s what we do every day. Visit www. love-to-swim.com for more information.

Mad Science Camp San Antonio 651-1143 Sanantonio.madscience.org

Mad Science camps are week long and filled with hands-on activities that are fun and include exciting topics such as rockets, secret agents and more. Mad Science offers eight school aged camps and one preschool camp. Our camps are full day or half day to accommodate summer and family schedules. Several locations - check our website.

Mo-RancDay Camp Hunt, TX 800-460-4401 www.moranch.com

June 2 – Aug. 8, $225 per week Mo-Ranch Outdoor Adventure Day Camp is designed for younger campers, ages 6-11 (must turn 6 by the start of their first session). Our goal is to offer all of the same excitement, variety, friends, fun and adventure of a sleepover camp to children who are not yet ready to stay away from home overnight. 800-460-4401; www.moranch.com

Musical Arts Center of San Antonio Stone Oak-Concord Park 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. Ste. 206 (210) 490-1500 North West (IH 10-De Zavala) 12732 Cimarron Path, Ste. 100 (210) 697-7111 www.MusicalArtsCenter.com Electric and Acoustic Guitar –

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Whether you want to be a real ‘guitar hero’ or want to develop mastery of the beautiful music for classical guitar – or both! - We have a guitar instructor to meet your needs. Private Piano Lessons – More than 25 outstanding piano instructors teach in private studios each equipped with a grand piano. MACSA’s piano instructors specialize in teaching students from beginning to artist level and from ages three to adult. From Jazz and Hymn improvisation to the most challenging of the Classical literature, we have an appropriate instructor for you! Voice Instruction – Classes for young singers and private instruction offered for beginners and experienced singers. MACSA’s voice teachers are classically trained singers and performers. Styles include classical, musical theater, contemporary, and real-world – such as Rock, Country, Blues, or Latino. Topics also include microphone technique and auditioning

School of Rock of San Antonio 109 Gallery Circle Suite 109 San Antonio, TX 78258 210-314-7671 SanAntonio.SCHOOLofROCK.com

Amplify your summer with School of Rock Camps! From Rock Rookie to Rock Star, we’ve got the camp for you – vocals, guitar, drums, keys and bass with favorite songs from Zepplin, Green Day, Beatles, Nirvana and more. Rock on all summer long – Sign up now! Camps are filling up fast!

Fencing Camp Olympian Fencing Club 210-872-2004 info@OlympianFencingClub.com www.OlympianFencingClub.com

Your kids will learn the safe and unique sport of Fencing from Olympian and World class experienced coaches. An Olympic sport, fencing provides a great physical and mental workout and is lots of fun to learn. Fencing is a challenging mix of physical and tactical training that is equally suited to boys and girls. Our camps provide a safe environment and we emphasize safety rules at all times. We will offer 14 camps this summer.

Summer Art Studios Southwest School of Art 300 Augusta, San Antonio, TX 210-224-184 www.swschool.org

Co-ed Ages 5 – 18 Considered one of South Texas’ best run and most meaningful summer arts programs, the SSA’s Summer Art Studios formerly (Summer Art Camp) offers 1-and-2 week long classes in a beautiful, positive, nurturing and fun learning environment. Both morning and afternoon classes are available.

Spurs Basketball Camps Boys and Girls 210-444-5021 www.Spurs.com keyword: Youth

Ages 7-18 Camps run June – August. Our camps have helped train kids to be better players and better people. Join us this summer and learn the game... the Spurs and Silver Stars way!

St. Peter Prince of the Apostle Brain Power Summer Camp 210-824-3171 Located in Alamo Hts www.stpeter.org

Register now for Brain Power Camp. Ages 18 months to 10 years old. Camps run June through August all day. Varied weekly crafts, games, activities and field trips.

Camp Directory

Spring Camp Call for Details

After School Program

rde area

Stone Oak â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bulve

Learning Spanish

Summer Camp!

Be ready for all day Fun!

Sports & Aerobics Hands on Crafts Visual Arts Board Games Water Games and more!

Field Trips www.kiduskids.com

(830) 980-1880

25836 Hwy 281 N. San Antonio, TX 78258

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

camp Directory Bilingual Child Academy

Spanish Immersion Learning Center

Inspiring Minds for a World of Possibilities

✼ Infants ✼ Toddlers ✼ Preschool ✼ PreK ✼ Elementary Aftercare Summer Camps K-4th

BALLOONS WITH A TWIST!

Balloon Artists Face Painters • Clowns • Kids Parties • Corporate Events • Family Entertainment

www.BilingualChildAcademy.com

(210) 701-8461 9 2 & 9 6 Tr a i l c r e s t S t . , 7 8 2 3 2

734-9860

www.balloonamations.com

Musical Arts Centers of San Antonio, Inc. “Building a Foundation for Lifelong Music”SM • Private Piano Instruction (ages 5 to Adult) • Pre-School Piano (ages 3 to 6) • Private Guitar • Private Voice (Classical & Popular) North West 12732 Cimarron Path, Suite 100 Near IH10/De Zavala Stone Oak 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. Corner of Sonterra & Sigma. Across from Zoko Restaurant

697-7111

www.MusicalArtsCenter.com

COMING SUMMER 2014...

UTSA FOOTBALL CAMP Advance Camp I

• June 5

Youth Camp

• June 8-10 • Grades 1 - 9

Advance Camp V

• July 16

• Grades 10 - 11

Advance Camp VI

• July 16

• Grades 9 - 12

Advance Camp VII • July 17

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

• Grades 11 - 12

• Grades 12

Summer At The Academy San Antonio Academy 117 E. French Place San Antonio, TX 78212 210-733-7331 EXT. 237 www.sa-academy.org Art, Photography, Scrapbooking, Jewelry, Fashion Design, Sewing

Coed for ages 4 and up. June 10– Aug. 2 Pastels, watercolor, acrylic, drawing & painting, clay, cartooning, glass, leather, pasta jewelry, sewing, photography, scrapbooking, fashion design and more. For the artistic among you, a series of classes that will help you express your creative spirit! Medieval Battles, King Arthur’s Court, Star Wars, Gladiators & Roman Military Coed for ages 6 and up. June10 – Aug.2 A collection of classes that captures the sweep of courtly days, as well as the fun warrior games and space battles … or become a general and lead units of thundering knights into battle! Etiquette, Baking & Cooking, Pasta, Traveling Chef, Pastries, Cakes & Pies Coed for ages 4 and up. June 10– Aug. 2 These classes focus on skills and activities that center on displaying knowledge of proper etiquette, and creating culinary delights … great recipes and treats go home! Computer Classes Coed for ages 4 and up. June 10 – Aug. 2 These classes explore a wide variety of technological skills and games. From KidTech to Website Design to Adobe Photoshop to Animation to Google SketchUP to Google Earth to Blogging. Learn to be proficient in using your computer, while having fun! Cards, Chess, Pokemon, Math, & Table Games Coed for ages 6 and up. June 10 – Aug. 2 Become a champion of board and tables games by taking any, or all, of these classes. Entertain family & friends with “secret” card tricks and “thoughtful” moves. You’ll be the center of attention after these classes! Theatre, Public Speaking, Creative Writing7 Coed for ages 4 and up. June 10 – Aug. 2 This series of classes will provide you with a wide variety of life skills in such areas as dynamic public speaking, writing, and experiencing “behind-scene” and “onstage” action. Legos, Rockets, Robotics, Manipulatives, Architecture Coed for ages 4 and up. June 4 – Aug. 2 Come explore your “building” imagination! Science, Inventions, Rockets, Forensics, Robotics, Chemistry, Anatomy& Physiology, Microbiology Coed for ages 4 and up. June 10– Aug. 2 These classes explore a wide variety of science fields. During each camp there will be experiments, observations, videos and other learning tools introduced. Experience learning in a fun environment while improving your academic performance. Sports Camps, Cheerleading, Yoga, Zumba, Dance Coed for ages 5 and up. June 10 – Aug. 2 If you are a sports and exercise fanatic (or just love fun and games), come join us for classes in karate, fencing, soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse, bowling, dodgeball, cheerleading, Ultimate Frisbee, golf, Zumba, Jazz dance & Hip Hop and Yoga. Math Camps Coed for ages 4 and up. June 10 – Aug. 2 Whether you want to learn basic math skills or plunge into the world of algebra

and “probabilities,” our math camps will teach, reinforce and prepare you for moving ahead to the next level of math! Animal Lovers Coed for ages 4 and up. June 10 – Aug. 2 Bugs, birds, fishing, pet care, dinosaurs … calling all animal lovers. Come spend a week learning about a variety of pets! Reading & Comprehension, Phonics, Study Skills, Creative Writing, Public Speaking Coed for ages 4 and up. June10 – Aug. 2 These classes focus on skills and activities that will boost your confidence and strengthen your reading, writing, testing, and public presentation skills.

Summer at St. Luke’s! St. Luke’s Episcopal School 15 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio, TX 210-826-0664 www.sles-sa.org

Summer at St. Luke’s offers boys and girls from ages 4 – 14 a variety of mind opening classes: Lego Robotics, CSI Forensics, French, art, martial arts, manners, dance to name a few. Classes start May 27th through June 20th. Also check out our July sports camps at www.sles-sa.org

The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 6391 DeZavala #106, San Antonio TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com

This summer, we will be hosting Summer School for both Gifted and Talented, General Ed. and Special Ed. students with courses in Fine Arts, Archæology, Computer Science, Architecture, and Academic Support. Some programs are ages 5+, other programs ages 10+. Grades K-9th; (K-12 for some Special Ed. departments).

The Little Gym Call for ages and rates NorthEast – 210-545-3770, www.thelittlegym.com Alamo Heights – 210-822-9252, www.tlgalamoheightstx.com

The Little Gym camps combine physical activity and games with arts, crafts and special events. Each week offers an interactive learning theme and each day brings a different, creative lesson plan. Plus, flexible scheduling options allow you to sign up for several weeks, a single week or even just a day at a time.

The Montessori School of San Antonio and Camp Einstein. Camp will also include a daily sports program. 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy. 492-3553 www.montessoriSA.ort

Our camp will ignite the child’s imagination, excite their creativity and fuel their enthusiasm to learn. Camp presented by: Young Rembrandts of San Antonio and Camp Einstein. Camp will also include a daily sports program.

VentureLab 109 N. San Saba, 78207 210-701-1099 www.VENTURELAB.org events@venturelab.org

VentureLab.org is a hands-on innovation and entrepreneurship academy that teaches young people to be next generation business leaders. Our curriculum is focused on entrepreneurship and is based in STEM. We offer weekend and summer camps which are available at every level throughout K-12.

Camp Directory Summer 2014 at The Montessori School of San Antonio One-week Sessions for Ages 4-12 June 9-July 25 9:00am-3:00pm featuring

Camp Einstein

Where creating is fun and a child can dream, play and imagine!

Homeschool Classes Fit2Play Sports & Recreational Games Program

All 3 s Program Daily! 17722 Rogers Ranch Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78258 www.montessoriSA.org For more information, contact DeLisa Tracy at 210-492-3553 or at dtracy@montessorisa.org

Somebody & Me (ages 2-4)

Open Art

Arty Parties

(general admission)

Summer Camps Register Now! See Complete Schedule online

www.artworksartstudio.com 2 Locations

826-2787 Central • 256-2787 Northwest

Country Home Learning Center An Exceptional Child Care Program

Full and Part-time Programs For Infants and Children up to age 13 • Professionally Designed Accredited Preschool Curriculum • Country Home Waterpark and Splash Deck • Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground • Large Gymnasium and Basketball Court • Putt-Putt Golf Course

• 1950’s Style Soda Shop • Computer Lab and State-of-the-Art Interactive Whiteboard System with Supporting iPads • Country Home Movie Theater • Horseback Riding, Inflatable Water Slides, and Petting Zoo at Adventure Quest

8 San Antonio Locations to Serve You • Now Enrolling

Fully Accredited by AdvancED, a worldwide organization "Advancing Excellence in Education"

210-687-1002 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

camp Directory Online Camps

Camp Rio Vista for Boys 175 Rio Vista Road, Ingram, TX, 78025 830-367-5353 www.vistacamps.com

E L. Broady Academy 210-445-4147 info@broadyacademy.net

Ages 6-16 June 8 – Aug. 2, $1,500- $4,150 A Texas Summer tradition since 1921. Beautiful facilities, fun-filled program, exciting activities and dedicated staff provide a memorable learning environment for your son. We emphasize fun, confidence and success!

Students 13 and up choose from 15 summer courses and work toward trade certification. Based on student interests and evaluation. Also offering online summer school for transferable credits.

Day Camp / Special Needs

Camp Stewart for Boys 612 FM 1340 Hunt, TX 78024 830-238-4670 www.campstewart.com

The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 6391 DeZavala #106, San Antonio TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com

Ages 6-16 • June 7 – Aug. 2, $2,600 - $4,690 Camp Stewart for Boys is a privately owned, Christian-oriented, non-denominational camp for boys ages six to sixteen. We are located in the heart of the famed Texas Hill Country, near headwaters of the Guadalupe River.

Texas Catholic Boys Camp – Camp Tecaboca Mountain Home, TX 5045 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025 830-866-3425 office@tecaboca.com www.tecaboca.com

CAMPING ASSOCIATIONS

Ages 7-14 • June 8– July 11, $475 - $1,000 A boys camp with two 2-week sessions and one 1-week session offering horseback riding, archery, canoeing, swimming and bead craft, with morning prayer and evening campfire stories.

American Camp Association, Texoma PO BOX 472264, Garland, TX 888-559-CAMP www.acatexoma.org

The American Camp Association is the CAMP resource for families. www.CAMPparent.org provides you with expert advice about camp and free searchable database or available camps.

Girls’ Camps Camp Green Cove for Girls P.O. Box 38, Tuxedo, NC 28784 800-688-5789 greencove@greencove.com www.greencove.com.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Ages 6-17 • $1,100 - $6,050 May 28 – Aug. 17 Since 1945. One- to five-week sessions. Education through wilderness and adventure. Non-competitive, non-regimented activities for goal setting and self-confidence.

Boys’ Camps Camp Mondamin for Boys P.O. Box 8, Tuxedo, NC 28784 800-688-5789 mondamin@mondamin.com www.mondamin.com.

Camp Honey Creek 401 Honey Creek W. 830-238-4630 chc@camphoneycreek.com www.camphoneycreek.com.

Ages 6-17 • $1,100 - $6,050 May 29 – August 25 Since 1922. One- to five-week sessions. Education through wilderness and adventure. Non-competitive, nonregimented activities for goal-setting and self-confidence.

Ages 6-17 • June 6 – Aug. 9, $2,550 - $3,650 Girls develop a positive attitude and grow in a caring, safe and wholesome atmosphere.

Camp La Jita Utopia, TX (on the Sabinal River) 210-349-2404 or 800-580-7247 www.girlscouts-swtx.org.

Ages 7-18 Sports, horseback riding, canoeing, dance, crafts, backpacking, swimming, archery, photography, etc. Non-Girl Scouts welcome. Please visit our website for more information.

Camp Mira Sol Waring, TX 210-349-2404 or 800-580-7247 www.girlscouts-swtx.org.

Ages 7-18 Designed for inexperienced and experienced campers. Sailing, canoeing, backpacking, cycling, swimming, crafts and more. Please visit our website for more information.

Camp Sierra Vista for Girls 175 Rio Vista Road, Ingram, TX, 78025 830-367-5353 sierravista.dir@gmail.com www.vistacamps.com

Ages 6-16 June 8 – Aug. 2 Small, private, traditional camp in the Texas Hill Country. A summer tradition of fun, friends, exciting activities, lifelong memories and lifechanging experiences.

Camp Summer Dreams San Antonio; Hunt, TX 210-542-6606 www.campsummerdreams.org

Camp Summer Dreams is a non-profit organization dedicated to building resiliency, self-awareness, self esteem, and leadership skills in young girls residing Bexar County. For 4th and 5th grade girls.

Heart of the Hills Camp for Girls 2430 Hwy. 39, Hunt, TX 78024 830-238-4650 info@hohcamp.com www.hohcamp.com

Ages: 6-16 • June 7 – Aug. 2, $2,600 - $4,690 Liberating all-girls atmosphere, Guadalupe River, air-conditioned. Family style dining. Worldwide enrollment, personable! Fun, instruction-oriented, doing the right thing; more than 40 activities. Family owned, operated.

iD Tech Camps & iD Teen Academies Held at Trinity, UT Austin, TCU & 60+ universities in 27 states 1-888-709-TECH (8324) www.internalDrive.com

Gain a competitive edge! Create iPhone apps, video games, programs, movies, and more at weeklong, day and overnight

programs held at Trinity, Emory, Princeton, Stanford, and others. Small classes for ages 7-17. Also 2-week, Teen-only programs (iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD Visual Arts Academy) held at UT Austin, Yale, Harvard, Duke, and more.

Kickapoo Kamp for Girls 304 Upper Turtle Creek Road, Kerrville, TX 78028 830-895-5731 www.kickapookamp.com.

Ages 7-17 • June 9 – Aug. 2, $1,400-$3,400 Kickapoo’s enrollment of 100 girls ages 7 to 17 enables counselors to give individual attention to campers and stress traditional values.

Rocky River Ranch P.O. Box 109, Wimberly, TX 78676 800-863-2267 info@rockyriverranch.com www.rockyriverranch.com.

Ages 7-14 • June 8 – Aug. 8, $850 - $1,695 A unique summer camp for girls ages 7 to 14. Sessions include choice of: horseback riding, drama, canoeing, swimming, dance, fishing, arts and crafts, rappelling and more.

Co-ed Camps Camp Balcones Springs 104 Balcones Springs Drive, Marble Falls, TX 78654 830-693-CAMP info@campbalconessprings.com www.campiscool.com.

Ages 7-17 • June 8 – Aug. 9, $1,150 - $3,300 A premier Christian sports and outdoor camp dedicated to building quality relationships through spiritual impact and fun. Features air-conditioned cabins with a 4:1 counselor to camper ration.

Camp Cho-Yeh and Conference Center 2200 S. Washington, Livingston, TX 77351 936-328-3200 www.cho-yeh.org.

Ages: 6 – 16 ∙ June 8 – Aug. 16, $840 $1,900 Camp Cho-Yeh is a co-ed Christian summer camp just north of Houston, Texas serving campers age 6-16. At Camp Cho-Yeh, we firmly believe that a week of summer camp can be one of the most powerful and life-changing experiences in a young person’s life. Our vision is to build relationships and impact lives in a Christcentered environment. Established in 1947, ACA accredited.

Summer Program 2014 Book your child’s next

Painting Birthday Party

PLUS Spring Break Camp March 10-14, 2014 Located in Alamo Heights @ 5005 Broadway Street

210.826.7246

www.theroyalcanvas.com | theroyalcanvas@yahoo.com

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

SAN ANTONIO COUNTRY DAY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Accredited SACS - CASI

Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2014-2015

210-496-6033 San Antonio Country Day Montessori welcomes children regardless of race, sex, religion, ethnicity or national origin.

Visit us online

www.countrydayschool.net

ADHD? Learning disability? Don’t address the symptom. Camp Directory Address the cause.

n, s D y, T

0 7 al al

May 27 thru August 1, 2014

An Enrichment Program for Ages 3 to Adult

G iv

VISIT

1742 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite 121

er i enc e, enr ol l th ng ex p em e yo r i c hi n ur k i e nt M a r y ’s H a l l! i a d S n y d a b s l a d a n educ a ti on in S s ente u mm ll pr e e

r @ the Ha

For over a decade, the Brain Balance Program® has helped kids overcome their academic, social and behavioral challenges by addressing the root cause, not just treating the symptoms. We integrate cognitive, sensory-motor and nutritional training into a unique and effective program that helps your child reach their full social and academic potential.

We don’t compensate for struggles.

We conquer them.

0 p s s or

• Social Issues

• ADHD

A 4. g, g,

CALL

210-620-7378

• Asperger’s ••Processing ADHD• DisorderLearning Disabilities • Dyslexia • Sensory Processing Disorder •210.620.7378 Many other StrugglesGRAND - No Diagnosis needed OPENiNG JULY 18-19

• Learning Disabilities

• Behavioral Issues

• Asperger’s

Academics Day Camps

Extended Care “For-Credit” Classes

Fine Arts Sports

CALL

LEARN MORE brainbalancecenters.com EMAiL SanAntonio@brainbalancecenters.com

A catalog is available upon request and online.

Department of Student Enrichment Saint Mary’s Hall | 9401 Starcrest Drive | San Antonio, Texas 78217 (210) 483-9124 | enrichment@smhall.org

with special Guest and Creator, Dr. Robert Melillo Call today to schedule an assessment

Visit 1742 N. Loop 1604 E., St. 121 San Antonio, TX 78232

w w w. b r a i n b a l a n c e c e n t e r s . c o m

n n, p k st a d t7,

A ho-hum summer? No way. You’ll enjoy nature, sports, animals, art, music, movies and more. Reserve your spot today.

Call (877) 217-9530 to find a school near you. LaPetite.com

LPA S14 Our Kids San Antonio 6.75x4.687.indd 1

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com 29 1/29/14 11:17 AM

camp Directory Camp Lone Star 2016 Camp Lone Star Road, La Grange, TX 78945 877-452-0099 info@lomt.com; www.lomt.com

Ages 5-18 and families • June – August, Week and weekend sessions Camp Lone Star, along the Colorado River, offers a safe, Christian community committed to individual attention and uplifting, fun events for youth and families.

Camp Olympia 723 Olympia Drive, Trinity, TX 75862; 800-735-6190 www.campolympia.com

Put on your super cape… it’s time for an adventure! Our all-new Super Kids’ Quest Summer Camp is full of exciting, creative missions where kids will exercise their muscles, imaginations and flexible scheduling options allow you to sign your Super Kid up for several weeks, a single week or even just a day at a time!

Call or schedule a free introductory class online. Alamo Heights 822-9252 NE San Antonio 545-3770 www.thelittlegym.com

Ages 7 – 16 • June 8 – Aug. 16, $3,095 $4,095. Established in 1968, Camp Olympia is an overnight summer camp for boys and girls, ages 7-16. Located on Lake Livingston in Trinity, Texas, the camp offers individualized scheduling of over 40 activities, ranging from waterskiing to golf to horseback riding, so campers get to choose the activities that interest them. Children learn responsibility and cooperation at camp while gaining independence and self-esteem.

Camp Shane Trim-down & Fitness 20955 W. Tejas Trail San Antonio, TX 78257 914-271-4141 www.campshane.com

Weight loss camp featured on MTV and 20/20. Family run since 1968. We keep the focus on fun so kids lose weight immersed in our abundant list of activities. Sessions in nutrition, cooking and Behavioral Therapy. Safe, supervised and supportive. Campers gain knowledge to continue their journey at home.

Deer Creek Christ-Centered Adventure Bandera County, TX (outside Medina on Hwy. 337) 830-589-7123 pambehling@deercreekcamp.com www.deercreekcamp.com.

Ages 7-19 • June 4 – Aug. 9, $525 - $1,790 High adventure activities including canoe, kayak, waterslide, zip line, dance, and archery and field games. Deer Creek camp is a non-denominational, Christ-centered adventure camp for boys and girls ages 7 – 19.

His Hill Ranch Camp Overnight & Day Camp PO BOX 9, Comfort, TX 78103 830-995-3388 camp@hishill.org www.hishill.org

Ages 8-18 • Weekly sessions June 22 – August 8 His Hill Ranch Camp is a co-ed Christian non-denominational overnight & day camp offering 1 week sessions through the summer. We offer horseback riding, climbing, riflery, canoeing as well as twice daily chapel sessions.

Mo-Ranch Summer Camp 2229 FM 1340, Hunt, TX 78024 800-460-4401 ext. 250 or 253 summercamp@moranch.com www.moranch.com Ages 8 – 17 • June 1 – July 19, $595 - $1,400

An opportunity to experience the Christian life, through exciting and adventurous activities. Swim and canoe the Guadalupe horseback ride the hills and have FUN!

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Newks Adventure Camp Ages 9 -16 ∙ Visit website for dates and rates

Exciting action packed week of fun adventures, swimming, ropes course, rock climbing, paintball, Schlitterbahn, tubing, Enchanted Rock camp out, rappelling, caving and much more! Contact information: 325 Mission Valley Road, New Braunfels, TX 78132; 830-625-9105; www. TexasAdventureCamp.net

Pine Cove Christian Camps Tyler & Columbus, Texas 877-4-Pine-Cove www.pinecove.com

Grades 2 – 12 Pine Cove Youth Camps offer non-stop fun, recreation and the opportunity for you to really get to know Jesus.

Sky Ranch 24657 Country Road 448, Van, TX, 78790 903-266-3300 800-962-2267 www.skyranch.org

Ages 6 – 18 Located in East Texas, Sky Ranch is a GREAT Christian camp offering activities such as Blob, Waterslides, Ziplines, Jet-skis, paintball and so much more. Spaces limited, register today!

YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow Hunt, Texas 1-800-765-9622 ymcacampflamingarrow.org. www.campflamingarrow.org

Ages 6-16 Call for rates and schedule YMCA Camp Arrow in Hunt, Texas, overnight camp with climbing walls, ropes challenge courses, horseback riding, canoeing, archery, river slide and rope swing, new swimming pool, nature studies, sports activities, campfire fun!

Special Needs Camp Agape Bereavement Camp for Children Burnet, TX 214-674-1205 info@campagapetexas.org www.campagapetexas.org.

Ages 7-12 • Summer only, $50 application fee that is refunded at the end of camp Camp Agape is a non-denominational, Christian-based program that supports children and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The trained staff and volunteers are committed to sharing the belief that through Christ there is HOPE, and will provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children to heal from the pain of grief.

Camp Aranzazu, Inc. Rockport, TX 361-727-0800 www.camparanzazu.org

Camp Aranzazu is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities by providing unique camping, environmental studies, and retreat experiences to groups with special needs.

Charis Hills Camp Ingram, TX 888-681-2173 info@charishills.org www.charishills.org

Ages 7 – 18 ∙ $1,260, weekly sessions Charis Hills is a Christian Summer Camp specifically designed to help kids with learning differences (ADHD, LD, ED and Asperger’s) find success. Our focus is on building self confidence, social skills and independence.

baby

Researchers: Incredible Things Happen When Babies Swim By Mary Reilly-Magee

Although swim lessons are rewarding for people of all ages, the youngest swimmers benefit most! Many scientific studies show that swim lessons help babies develop physically, mentally and even emotionally. Not only is swimming fun, there are many related benefits that will help your kiddo grow and develop. Here are just a few of the great reasons to get your babies in the water as young as 6 months of age.

Fast Track Brain and Motor Skill Development Studies have shown that baby swimmers strengthen their muscles more rapidly than when playing on solid ground (due to water’s resistance) and get needed exercise in the water. They are able to move freely and build their strength. Neurologists and researchers agree that active movement is scientifically linked to intellectual development, and has the potential to increase intelligence, concentration, alertness and perceptual abilities. Movement also stimulates the areas of the brain used for problem solving, planning and reasoning. Swimming is a great way for your babies to get moving because it doesn’t require the ability to sit, crawl or walk. In 2009, a study by Griffith University found that kiddos under the age of 5 who are in swim lessons are more advanced in their cognitive and physical development than their non-swimming peers ( Jorgensen, Grootenboer and Funnell, 2011). Also, studies conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that baby swimmers developed better balance, movement and grasping techniques than non-swimmers. The

difference was even evident in 5-year-olds that were swimmers as babies; they still outperformed their peers in these skills (Sigmundsson and Hopkins, 2010).

Reduce the Risk of Drowning Not only do babies learn how to swim and understand the water, they also learn critical safety skills. Practicing techniques like moving along the wall, “Jump, Roll & Shout,” back floats and climbing out of the water will give your little one the ability to be safer in and around the water. In fact, a study done by Dr. Ruth Brenner of the National Institute of Child Health has shown that formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent. Deepen the Parent-Infant Bond Getting in the water with your baby helps you both feel more at ease. Parents often confess that swim lessons provide the only time they can spend 30 pleasurable, uninterrupted minutes with their babies. And, studies by Dr. Tiffany Field, director of Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Health System, have shown that touch therapy promotes wellness of the newborn, improves growth

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

and development, and enhances bonding between the parent and the infant (Field, Scafidi and Schanberg, 1987). The tactile resistance of the water establishes a deeper emotional bond because parent and child are face-to-face and skin-to-skin, touching in the water. Baby swim lessons are a great way to bond with your baby while promoting development.

stimulates babies’ appetites. They tend to eat and sleep better on swim days. Who wouldn’t love that?

Let Your Social Butterfly Soar Dr. Liselott Diem reported that baby swim lessons help kiddos become more adept to new social situations and provide a kick-start to their confidence and independence. The studies determined that kiddos who took part in swim lessons from the age of two months to four years adapted better to new situations and had more confidence than non-swimmers (Diem, Undeutsch, Lehr and Olbrich, 1980). You’ll be the proud parent of a great swimmer and a social butterfly.

Lifelong Safety Skills Safety is the most important reason children should learn to swim, hands down. Learning to swim is not only a fun, healthy activity – it is a necessary life skill in the prevention of drowning. By enrolling your child in swim lessons, he or she will learn lifesaving skills that can prevent unnecessary tragedies. However, learning to swim does not make children drown proof. A water Mary Reilly-Magee, an watcher (adult supervisor) athlete, passionate instructor, should always be present businesswoman and mom, has spent the last 27 years when children are in or teaching students of all ages around water. to swim. She is the founder

Academic Preparation Babies learn the fundamentals of how to listen and follow directions. This will lead to a safer time in the water and, as a bonus, will help once your kiddo starts school.

of San Antonio-based Love to Swim and Tumble School, and the past president ANNOUNCING THE OPENING of the U.S. OFSwim OUR School NEW Association. ReillyPEDIATRIC Contact DERMATOLOGY Magee by visiting www. CLINIC ON JULY 1, 2013 love-to-swim.com.

Babies Eat and Sleep Better I’m not kidding! The warm water combined with gentle exercise relaxes and

Maid

At Sunshine Cottage, children with hearing loss and normal hearing grow and learn together in a nurturing and fun environment. All students experience the finest education available in South Texas with a low student-to-teacher ratio (6:1) and a hands-on approach to learning, encompassing all State standards.

Affordable

“Where everyone can afford a maid!”

3320 Oakwell Court, San Antonio, TX 78218

PHONE

210-829-5180

EMILY M. BECKER, MD, FAAD, FAAP

TEXAS

DERMATOLOGY AND

LASER SPECIALISTS

Texas Dermatologist & Laser Specialists diagnose and treat skin, hair and nail conditions for children all ages – newborns to teenagers. Procedures include laser and surgical treatments.

Pediatric Dermatology

Professional, friendly, fully bonded and insured

3320 Oakwell Court, San Antonio, TX 78218

210-372-9970

210-829-5180

www.maidaffordable.com

Space Available for for Pre-school - Second Grade Begin the Adventure: • Music & Art classes • Certified teaching staff • Small student teacher ratio • Physical Education • Convenient location

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

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

January 2014 and fyi ad.indd 1

210-829-5030 | www.texasdls.com

Save $15

(210) 824-0579

FAX

JOHN C. BROWNING, MD, FAAD, FAAP

off your first clean!

Now Enrolling for Fall 2014

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

Source: “Scientific Benefits of Baby Swim Lessons” by Lana Whitehead

12/3/2013 11:53:29 AM

www.texasdls.com

calendar

OF EVENTS /

March

Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day River Parade and Festival / March 15 & 16

A free family-friendly festival of music, food and fun will take place downtown from noon to 6 p.m. March 15 and 16. March 15 events feature a St. Patrick’s Day Festival in La Villita with food, games, activities and more plus live music at the Arneson River Theatre. At 3 p.m. March 16 during the Dyeing O’ the River Green and River Parade, floats release 110 pounds of environmentally friendly green dye into the San Antonio River. The event transforms the 2.5-mile river into a miniature Emerald Isle where a proclamation is read, temporarily re-naming the river “The River Shannon.” La Villita is at 418 Villita St., between Presa and Alamo streets. Call 210-227-4262 or go to www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/murphys-st.-patricks-day-river-paradefestival for more information.

8th Annual Kite Festival & Dog Fair / March 15 San Antonio Friends of the Parks will present the annual Kite Festival and Dog Fair, “Fest of Tails” to celebrate the arrival of spring and family fun in the park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 15 at McAllister Park, near the Starcrest entrance. The free event Friends of the Parks showcases food, live music, art and crafts, Kite Festival dogs of all sizes and breeds, and a sky full & Dog Fair of kites. Take blankets and lawn chairs to watch the air show as your favorite kite takes to the air in the community flying exhibition and, of course, your leashed dog.

Fest of Tails

Kite activities include a 50-yard dash with a prize awarded to the winner, kite-making skills, an acrobatic kite flying demonstration and a stunt kite clinic. Master kite makers will also present a children’s workshop to teach participants how to design and craft their very own kites. Also, don’t miss Pooch Parade with prizes awarded for Best Dressed Dog. Take your pooch in his or her favorite costume and enjoy the 1.5-acre fenced dog park. Complementary golf cart shuttle service will be available all day to help you get from the parking lot to the festival grounds and back. Call 210-212-8423 or go to http://www. saparksfoundation.org/fest_of_tails.html for more information.

get listed Do you have a family-friendly event? Submit your event online at www.ourkidsmagazine.com or e-mail your calendar items and photographs to ourkidssacalendar@ gmail.com. The deadline for the April 2014 issue is March 11. Information cannot be accepted by phone. March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar What’s Inside 36 38

Family Theater Ongoing Exhibits

Happy 100th Birthday San Antonio Zoo

Celebrate the 100th birthday of the San Antonio Zoo with the grand opening of its Zootennial Plaza at 10 a.m. March 7. The Plaza, an $8 million gathering spot includes an upscale restaurant, a centralized family area for casual and reserved occasions and a carousel. It was in 1914 that Colonel George W. Brackenridge deeded a scenic plot of land to the city of San Antonio for the public viewing of elk, buffalo, deer, several monkeys, two lions and four bears. That small plot of land has become 56 acres and home to more than 8,500 animals. For more information, go to sazoo.org/zootennial

Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas Presents Annual South Texas Alamo Irish Festival at UIW

The Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas will present the Annual South Texas Alamo Irish Festival 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. March 8 at the University of the Incarnate Word. The festivities kicks off with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the track of the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium beginning at 11:30 a.m. A football tournament sponsored by the San Antonio Gaelic Athletic Club is planned for 12:30 p.m. Event goers can enjoy authentic Irish cuisine and live entertainment, including an Irish music festival featuring the Irish Comhaltas musicians, San Antonio Pipe and Drums and Joe Walmsley. Headlining the evening will be The Blaggards, a Celtic rock band from Houston. There will be fun for all ages. Tickets available the day of the event at the gate. Ticket prices are $5 per person for individuals 12 years and older. Active duty military with a valid ID and children younger than 12 admitted free. Free parking is available on the UIW campus.

Regional Pools open for Spring Break

Break out the swimwear and enjoy fun in the sun and lap swimming for fitness at four regional pools during Spring Break, March 11-16. The regional pools are: Heritage, 1423 Ellison Drive; Lady Bird Johnson, 10700 Nacogdoches Road; South Side Lions, 3100 Hiawatha Ave.; and Woodlawn, 221 Alexander Ave. Lap swimming is offered Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Open swim is Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Call 207-3299 for more information.

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

1 Saturday Bark in the Park-Perrito Grito: The no-kill program of the San Antonio Area Foundation presents the 3rd Annual Bark in the Park – Perrito Grito. Various services will be provided the day of the event including pet adoptions, low-cost vaccinations, free spay/neuter and microchipping. Also, live music, food trucks and kids’ activities. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave. 210-225-2243. TalkAboutItSA@saafdn.org Memorial Festival and Open Car Show: The Memorial Festival Committee of the San Antonio Police Officer’s Association sponsors its 3rd Annual Memorial Festival and Open Car Show. Cars, raffles, kids games, rides and vendors available to attendees. The fundraising goal of the Memorial Festival is to assist the immediate family of SAPD’s fallen officers when their loved one is placed on the national memorial wall. $25 car show registration. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. SAPD Training Academy Grounds, 12200 S.E. Loop 410. 210-286-8336. www.facebook.com/MemorialFestival Hand in Hand Benefit: Twenty-four individuals with special needs – each with an accompanying “buddy” – will model the latest fashions at the annual “Hand in Hand: A Night on the Runway” benefit. In addition, Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI) will present the coronation of the Fiesta Especial Royal Court. A light meal will be served. Individual tickets and tables of 10 for the dressy-casual event begin at $50 and $750, respectively. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Morgan’s Wonderland Event Center, 5223 David Edwards Drive. 210-479-3311. www.MonarchAcademy.net Animal Botanical Saturday: Children ages 7-19 with special needs are invited to explore the plants and animals of the Botanical Garden with hands-on activities, crafts and games. Special education instructors will lead the kids on their garden adventures. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org Longhorn Stampede for Los Reyes Elementary: This fund-raising event offers such activities as trick roping, petting zoo, pony rides, simulated steer roping, a mechanical bull, music, food, a silent auction and much, much more. No entry fee required. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Los Reyes Elementary, 10785 Triana Parkway, Helotes. schulzeapp@gmail.com Butterflies of Phil Hardberger Park: Joanne Wells, the Butterfly Lady, will show visitors the butterflies that can be found in the park and what plants they are attracted to. Kid-friendly craft included. A donation of $3 per person or $5 per family is suggested. 9 to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side), Salado Creek Classroom. Register by calling 207-3106 or e-mailing Susan. Campbell@sanantonio.gov. www.philhardbergerpark.org Eisenhower Park Nature Walk – Family Program: This walk is planned for families with young children and will proceed at a leisurely pace on the paved trails of the park. There will be lots of time for an up close and personal inspection of nature. Make a nature craft after the hike. Reservations are suggested; walks occasionally change. A donation of $2 per person, maximum $6 per family is suggested. 10 to 11 a.m. E-mail peggy.spring@sanantonio. gov or call 210-207-5320 to make reservations. Limited to 15 people per hike. Meet near the restrooms. Eisenhower Park, 19399 N.W. Military Highway. http://www.sanaturalareas.org/ssp.html Family Yoga on the grounds with Yogiños: Practice yoga the first Saturday of the month with your family and the Yogiños. Connect works of art on the McNay’s grounds with yoga postures and practices. Class is offered in English and Spanish. Bring your own yoga mat. 10 a.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368 . www.mcnayart.org Scouting the Zoo: Scouts have the chance to discover more about animals and the zoo in a fun-filled program that complements badge or pin requirements. Scheduled workshops make it convenient to earn a Scout the Zoo patch while also making new friends

from other scout groups. Today’s class is geared toward bears and will address Wildlife Conservation. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cost per workshop is $16 for members, $21 for nonmembers and $13 for parents. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Volunteer Opportunities at the Natural Areas: Youth aged 10 and older can take part in volunteer opportunities at the San Antonio Natural Areas on the first Saturday of the month. Projects include trail maintenance, litter pick up, trimming and more. 5-20 volunteers are needed. There is a brief tutorial before participating and staff will be on-site for assistance. Minimum age is 10 years old and parent volunteer must also be present for the entire event. 9 a.m. to noon. Call 210-207-5320 for location information or to RSVP e-mail don.pylant@sanantonio.gov or gabriela.tello@sanantonio.gov. Investigation Station: Kids put critical thinking skills to the test while working with interactive stations designed to encourage them to investigate the world around them. Hours vary by date. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $8 for kids 2 years and older and free to children under 2. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www. sakids.org Art Studio: Children can create sensory rich masterpieces inspired by famous artists. Art Studio lets your child practice tactile artistry as they create kaleidoscopes, watercolor flowers and more. Open to all ages. 2 p.m. Free with admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Legacy Farmer’s Market: Local farmers and artisanal food makers offer their fresh produce and locally made foods. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Corner of the intersection of Loop 1604 and U.S. 281 in the Legacy Shopping Center. 210-995-9553. hillcountryfarmersmarket.org First Saturday at the Alamo: Enjoy First Saturday, an interactive living history event, designed to give visitors a glimpse of life in early Texas. Includes live demonstrations, living history and history talks. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alamo. 210-225-1391. www. thealamo.org Primer Sabado y Domingo! Fun Viva La Pinata: This a family event with art, crafts, live music from Ruben V, and Ecos De Puerto Rico, piñatas, and folklorico dancing. Free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. San Antonio’s Historic Market Square. 210-207-8600. www. marketsquaresa.com MarketPlace at Old Town Helotes: Music food and a good time are served up local craftsmen fill Helotes with treasures from across South Texas. Coming to town the first Saturday of every month, The MarketPlace is in the heart of Old Town Helotes near the historic Floore Country Store and scenic Helotes Creek. Jewelry, arts and crafts, fresh produce and one-of-a-kind pieces are on display. Additionally, local boutiques open their doors and offer visitors a taste of Old Town Helotes. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. 210-695-5964. www.helotes-tx. gov/marketplace “Kids Fun Day” with Trains: The New Braunfels Train Museum is a place for fun for kids of all ages. “Kids Fun Day” is the first and third Saturday of every month. Kids of all ages “run the train” and become a “junior engineer.” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. New Braunfels Railroad Museum. 830-627-2447. newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: Texas-produced, high-quality organic or natural foods and products such as vegetables and fruits, herbs, organic and grass-fed meats, baked goods, jams and jellies, honey, eggs, freshly prepared sandwiches and hot food, coffee and tea in bulk and natural beauty products. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Free admission. Herff Farm, 33

The Butterfly Lady, Joanne Wells, will offer a presentation titled Butterflies of Hardberger Park on March 1 in the park’s Salado Creek Classroom. The program begins at 9 a.m. Herff Road. 210-854-1116. www.hillcountryfarmersmarket.org

2 Sunday Art Pavilion: Let your creativity flow under the Art Pavilion. Try your hand at new and fun arts and crafts every Sunday free with museum admission. 3 to 4 p.m. Admission $8 for persons 2 years and older, children under 2 are free. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org SAMA Free Admission: No charge for admission to SAMA from 10 a.m. to noon today. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Farmer’s Market at The Rim: Local farmers and artisanal food makers offer their fresh produce and locally made foods. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inside The RIM Shopping Center, between the Palladium Theater and Bass Pro Shops. The RIM, 17503 La Cantera Parkway. 210-995-9553. hillcountryfarmersmarket.org Free Public Tour – Highlights of the Museum: McNay docents offer a free public tour of the permanent collection on the first Sunday of the month. Meet at the AT&T Lobby. 3 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www. mcnayart.org First Sundays for Families: San Antonians are invited to share Sundays with their family and enjoy the museum’s “Make Your Mark” program. In celebration of Women’s History Month and Contemporary Art Month, families will learn the origins of color and explore abstract expressionism, pop art, collage and make a masterpiece using recycled materials. 1 to 4 p.m. Free for children 12 and younger. Great Hall, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Primer Sabado y Domingo! Fun Viva La Pinata: see March 1 Investigation Station: see March 1

3 Monday Zoo Explorers: Kids 4-5 and their caregivers interact in a funfilled environment with stories, songs and animal close-ups. This month’s theme is “100 Ways To Explore The Outdoors.” 11 a.m. to noon. $35. Register online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Wild Beginnings: Who can resist the cute monkeys swinging in trees. Learn a little more about these fun creatures during the program “100 Ways To Explore The Outdoors.” Wild Beginnings is geared to ages 2-3 and encourages interaction between kids’ and caregivers in a fun-filled environment with stories, songs and animal close-ups. 9 to 10 a.m. $35. Register online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo. org Tinker-N-Tales: Museum staff leads kids ages 0 to 3 years in activities that build upon their fine and gross motor skills. Activities may include reading, music and exploration of handson materials. 11 a.m. to noon. Free with museum admission. San March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org YA Film Club: Teens having fun with film production in Boerne meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Upstairs Conference Room at 451 N. Main St. Boerne. For more info, e-mail stauber@boernelibrary.org 830-249-3053. www.ci.boerne.tx.us Art Pavilion: see March 2

4 Tuesday Dan Gets a Minivan: The event features Dan Zevin, author of Dan Gets a Minivan: Life at the Intersection of Dude and Dad. $10. 7 to 9 p.m. 210-302-6820. Barshop Jewish Community Center, Holzman Auditorium, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. 210302-6820. www.jccsanantonio.org Pint-Sized Science: This program introduces budding scientists to basic science concepts. Each month kids will explore a different theme such as weather, animals, water, reactions, nutrition and many more. 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Jungle Adventure classroom. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Toddler Time: Museum staff members lead activities building on your child’s fine and gross motor skills. Weekly activities may include reading, music and exploration of hands-on materials. Toddler Time is held in the Tot Spot exhibit dedicated to infants and toddlers up to 36 months. 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: Admission is free on Tuesdays from 3 to 8 p.m. The Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org SAMA Free Admission: No charge for admission from 4 to 9 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. www. samuseum.org 210-978-8100.

5 Wednesday Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Hooray For 100 Years! Celebrating Tortoises And Others With Shell Homes” provides an opportunity for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Story Adventures: Kids will enjoy an imagination adventure that strengthens language and listening skills through story time and dramatic play. Children of all ages will love taking average story time to the next level. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers as you observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. Sundown to 10 p.m. every Wednesday. Free. Lower Bee Tree soccer field parking lot of McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road. 210-710-4786. www.sanantonioastronomy.org SAMA Playdates: Meet at the front desk for a playdate that will cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures. Each Wednesday morning from 10 to 11 a.m., toddlers experience stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement and music. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave.

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Family Theater “Raisin’ Cane-A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey” – Actress Jasmine Guy and The Avery Sharpe Trio will take the audience on a journey back to 1920s Harlem. The Harlem Renaissance was an explosion of brilliant prose, poetry, art, politics and literature of AfricanAmericans. The words and thoughts of Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, George Schuyler, Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay, W.E.B. Du Bois, Gwendolyn Bennett and many others are woven into a panoramic theatrical narrative that scans an extraordinary outpouring of artistic endeavor. $35. 8 p.m. March 21. (Youth matinee at 11 a.m.). Jo Long Theatre, Carver Cultural Community Center, 226 N. Hackberry St., 210-207-7211. http://www.thecarver. org/education/youth-matinee-series/ “Jack and the Beanstalk” – Would you trade your best friend for three magic beans? When Jack does, he gets high-altitude adventure and more gold than he could ever spend. Even so, Jack is unhappy. Find out what happens when Jack learns that a true friend is the greatest treasure in the world. Don’t miss this classic fairy tale and follow the climb up to the world of the beanstalk. Suitable for all ages. $10. No concessions allowed. Showing 10:30 a.m. Saturdays through March 15. Instituto Cultural de Mexico, 600 Hemisfair Park. 210-227-0123. “WICKED” – The stage production of the Tony Awardwinning show “WICKED,” dubbed by Entertainment Weekly as “The Musical of the Decade” returns to San Antonio for a limited run as the witches of Oz introduce audiences to what things were like before Dorothy and Toto dropped in on the fun. After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2009 and 2011, WICKED, returns to the Majestic Theatre for 24 performances from March 12-30. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays with one additional 2 p.m. show on March 13. Tickets start at $62 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets and the Majestic Theatre Box Office. The Majestic Theater is at 224 E. Houston St. 210-226-3333. www.ticketmaster.com 210-978-8183. www.samuseum.org Midweek Farmers Market: Support local farmers at this community event sponsored by Rackspace. The event, held every Wednesday through October, includes local vendors, entertainment, live music, cook offs, cooking demonstrations and more. 4 to 7 p.m. Free. Rackspace Parking Lot, 5000 Walzem Road. Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: Hardberger Park’s diversity of flora and fauna is being threatened by exotic invasive weeds and volunteers are needed to combat these weeds every Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Contact Wendy Leonard for directions to each week’s location. 210-207-3292. wendy.leonard@sanantonio.gov. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org Pint-Sized Science: see March 4

6 Thursday Helotes Ballet Folklorico Classes: Free Ballet Folklorico dance classes meet on the first and third Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Helotes City Hall, 12951 Bandera Road. 210-416-1498. www. helotes-tx.gov

Toddler Time: see March 4

7 Friday Happy 100th Birthday San Antonio Zoo: see page 34 Little Zootennial Buddies: Take your youngest animal lover every month for a zoo class to meet an animal friend, sing animal songs and read books about animals as they make new friends. Attending all six classes is recommended. Ages 6-24 months. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Cost is $7 per person for members and $17 per person for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org. ArtStrolls at the McNay: Take your baby in a stroller or baby carrier to the McNay for a special, themed tour of the museum collection and a related sensory playtime for little ones 12 months and younger. Connect with other parents and caregivers to enjoy a morning at the McNay. Diapers, blankets and yoga pants welcome. Free for members and $10 for nonmembers. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at 10:15 a.m. in the AT&T Lobby. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www. mcnayart.org Home School Programs: This month’s gathering is a nocturnal tour and kids must be at least 6 years old. No strollers will be allowed. Students will be separated based on grade level. Cost is $15 for adult and child members and $25 for adult and child nonmembers. This special session starts at 6:30 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Story time: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft every Friday. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. www.thetwig.indiebound.com

Dots & Squiggles: Designed for ages 1-3, this is an early childhood program created and taught by experienced early childhood educators. Fun and engaging lessons encourage children to experience a wide variety of activities that incorporate art, sensory exploration, movement, music, story time and dramatic play. 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www. sakids.org Mom’s Coffee and Conversation: Enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other moms while giving your children a place to play and explore together. This is a way to foster new friendships for parents and children. Concessions are available, but outside food is allowed in the park’s shaded picnic area. 9 to 10 a.m. Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive. 210495-5888. info@morganswonderland.com Investigation Station: See March 1

8 Saturday Annual South Texas Alamo Irish Festival: see page 34 Little Sprout Saturdays: Program for ages 3-4 includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at the child’s pace. No registration necessary. 10 a.m. Fee is $15 and includes one adult and two children. 10 to 11:30 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org Leave No Trace: A facilitator will lead participants through the Leave No Trace principles with hands-on activities. Program good for scout organizations and outdoor enthusiasts. 9 a.m. to noon. Program is limited to 30 children. Call 210-207-3106 or e-mail Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov to register. Medina River Natural Area Pavilion, 15890 Texas 16 South. www.

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar

Ongoing Exhibits

San Antonio Botanical Garden Spring Break Fun returns to the Garden as it welcomes Ted Siebert, an international sand-sculpting competitor from The Sand Sculpture Company. As he sculpts tons of sand brought in especially for the exhibit, visitors will see creations emerge. Carved on site, these sand structures and characters give guests a chance to ask questions and experience the action of this dynamic art form. Garden guests will enjoy interactive, engaging family activities such as exploring a tide pool, finding buried treasure in the Shell Dig Sandbox and going on a special scavenger hunt. Visit www.facebook.com/sabotanicalgarden or sabot. org for a complete list of activities. All activities are included with paid admission to the Garden. Exhibit runs March 7 through March 23. Daily admission to the San Antonio Botanical Garden is $10 for adults; $8 for students, seniors and military; and $7 for children ages 3-13. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-2073250. www.sabot.org

Barshop Jewish Community Center Fabric of Survival: Images of the Art of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz exhibition feature 36 photos of the original fabric collage and embroidered works from the Holocaust survivor. Fifteen-year-old Esther fled from the Nazis with her 13-year-old sister in tow in 1942 when the Jews of her Polish village were ordered by the Nazis to report to a train station. Hiding with non-Jewish friends, then in the forest, Esther and her sister ultimately created new identities, posing as Polish Catholic farm girls, hiding in plain sight of the Gestapo. In 1977, at the age of 50, Esther began creating works of fabric art to tell her story of survival. Trained as a seamstress, but with no training in art, she ultimately created the fabric pictures of strong, vivid images and folk-art realism, stitching the narrative of her story beneath each picture. Visitors to the exhibit are encouraged to visit www. jccsanantonio.org to download the Fabric of Survival audio guide ZIP file, decompress it, and load the audio tracks on your iPod or other MP3 player prior to thier visit. Exhibit organizers hope the display gives the community a firstperson narrative told through art while providing education about the Holocaust and other forms of social injustice. The exhibit is free. The exhibit runs from March 23 through April 6, 2014. Community Center hours are 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. MondaysThursdays, 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Barshop Jewish Community Center, Holzman Auditorium, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. 210302-6820. www.jccsanantonio.org

Witte Museum The exhibit “Alien Worlds and Androids” lets you blast off to a world where science fiction meets science fact. Explore the cutting-edge science taking place right now and come face to face with the worlds depicted in your favorite science fiction films and books. Explore nine unique areas of

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Ted Siebert will sculpt tons of sand at the San Antonio Botanical Garden during Spring Break. Visitors are welcome to observe and ask questions of the artist as he creates sand structures and characters at this special exhibit that runs March 7-23. the exhibition: Are We Alone? Looking for Life in Space, Alien Life on Earth, Artificial Intelligence and Robots, Robot Space Explorers, Explore the Solar System, The Robotization of Planet Earth, I-Cyborg, and The Human Microbiome. Discover technology that allows scientists to collect data on creatures that thrive under some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Learn about the function of robots on our planet and how robotic suits and exoskeletons can give humans super-human strength. Get up-close and personal with robots made famous in film including Robby the Robot, C-3PO from Star Wars, T-800 from The Terminator and Iron Man. Kathleen and Curtis Gunn Gallery. The exhibit runs through May 27. Maximilian & Carlota: Last Empire of Mexico examines the rule of Maximilian and Carlota, Emperor and Empress of Mexico in the 1860s. It accompanies the release of the book “Maximilian and Carlota: Europe’s Last Empire in Mexico” written by South Texas scholar M. M. McAllen. The exhibition features art and artifacts that have never been exhibited from the Witte permanent collections and several important private collections. Formal portraits of Maximilian and Carlota recently donated to the Witte Museum will be on public view for the first time. Newspaper articles, vintage photographs and objects from the Mexican Royal Court of the Emperor and Empress of Mexico will also be displayed. Cost of exhibit is included in museum admission. Betty Coates Textile Gallery. The exhibit runs through March 30. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org

Institute of Texan Cultures Is This My Shangri-La? New Texans come from many places. For some, the journey takes many years. “Is This My ShangriLa?” explores life in the Bhutanese refugee camps of Nepal. The camps represent a long stop on the road to Texas for a people forced out of their homes, losing nearly everything – sometimes even family. Images captured in these camps offer a glimpse of life as a refugee, as well as insight into how a people reconstructed their community, and

sanaturalareas.org preserved their culture in the face of life-changing events. Dr. Lopita Nath teaches at the University of The Incarnate Word’s Department of History and the Asian Studies Program. The exhibit features about 100 photographs she took during two research trips to Nepal. Her teaching and research interests extend to Asian History and issues of migration, displacement and refugees. She is presently working on a book about the Bhutanese refugee resettlement in the United States. Exhibit runs through April 20. “The Struggle for Civil Rights in Texas” is a student exhibit developed by UTSA art and history students studying the preparation of museum exhibits, including the research, visual records and presentation of the finished narrative. While the struggle for Civil Rights raged across the nation in the 1950s and 60s, leaders were emerging in Texas, seeking equality for African-American, Mexican-American and minority populations. This project tells the story of civil rights across Texas, with information and visual documentation of major events, organizations and leaders who have influenced civil rights from the 19th century to the present. Topics will include civil rights in education, labor, housing and welfare. Exhibit runs through March 30. Admission is $8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); and free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA Hemisfair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-458-2300. www.TexanCultures.com

VALLEY HI ASSEMBLY

Cinema Saturday: Take a lunch or snack to a movie screening at the Universal City Library. Call the library to find out what movie will be showing. Noon. Free. 210-659-7048. Universal City Library, 100 Northview, Universal City. https:// tx-universalcity2.civicplus.com/Calendar Growing up WILD – Families with young children: Hands-on nature activities, games and crafts for children ages 2-3 and 4-7. Reservations are suggested. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Call 210207-5320 or e-mail peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov to reserve a spot. Eisenhower Park, 19399 N.W. Military Highway. www.sanaturalareas.org Beginners’ Bird Walk: Meet the San Antonio Audubon Society (SAAS) trip leader at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights at 7:30 a.m. Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars with instructions can be provided. No charge for this event. 246 Viesca, Alamo Heights. 210-308-6788. saaudubon.org Free Family Art Day: Enjoy creating various art projects and have a snack-all from the country represented that day. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Inspire Community Fine Art Center, 200 Queen Anne Court. 210-829-5592. www.inspirefineart.org Boerne Market Days: This family event has become synonymous with great shopping in an outdoor setting with artists, craftsmen vendors showing their creative talents and wares, live music, food, kids’ activities and more. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Main Plaza in Boerne. www.boernemarketdays.com. 210-884-8193. Investigation Station: see March 1 Art Studio: see March 1 Legacy Farmer’s Market: see March 1

Brooks Academy

OF GOD DAYCARE Where We Learn, Grow and Pray Together!

of Science & Engineering

• CCS Accepted • Abeka Curriculum • 1yrs. - Kindergarten • Nutritious Foods • 3 Outdoor Playgrounds • Air Condition Gym

210-674-6784

www.valleyhiagdc.com

PLANET PARTY

San Antonio's #1 Party Place! Exclusive Private Indoor Parties

Come on in & have fun!

Book Now!

210.535.7096

Mayor Julian Castro & Family

• We Specialize in Private Parties only! • You May have up to 80 Guests! • All Arcades are Free Play! • We Have fun for all ages from Toddlers to Adults! • Moonbounces, Arcades, Toddler area and More!

210.633.9006

12403 Nacogdoches North SA, TX

www. planetpartysa.com March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: see March 1

9 Sunday Free at ITC-Stolen Education Documentary: March’s Free Second Sunday at the Institute of Texan Cultures includes a screening of a fascinating documentary, “Stolen Education,” about a class of Mexican-American students that had to take three years of first grade, based only on the color of their skin. The film was shown at UTSA in the fall, to a standingroom-only crowd. No charge. 2 to 4 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com Art Pavilion: see March 2 SAMA Free Admission: see March 2 Farmer’s Market at The Rim: see March 2 Investigation Station: see March 1 Boerne Market Days: see March 8

Texas Frontier Week is planned for Spring Break at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Several organizations will band together on the “Back 40” at the ITC to keep the kids engaged.

10 Monday Texas Frontier Week – Spring Break at the ITC: School is out for Spring Break but the Back 40 at the ITC is open all week long. Discover the Log House, Barn, One-Room Schoolhouse, Adobe House and Frontier Fort. Engage in family-fun activities, presented by the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Texas AgriLife and the Texas Time Travelers. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com Tots Nature Playtime at the Zoo:Take your energetic and inquisitive 2- to 3-year-old explorers to the zoo for fun nature play-time digging, collecting, questioning, climbing, squawking, pretend playing and looking for nature critters. Each session includes a visit from a fun animal ambassador. $7 for members and $15 for nonmembers. 10 to 10:45 a.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Little Sprout Mondays: Program for ages 3-4 includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at the child’s pace. No registration necessary. 10 a.m. $3 per child plus garden admission. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-2073250. www.sabot.org Spring in to Spring Break – GO WILD! Daily morning activities for elementary age kids during the week of Spring Break presented by the Patrick Heath Public Library, Boerne Parks and Recreation and Happy Tails Entertainment. Check the website for an updated program schedule. Patrick Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. Building 100 Boerne. 830-249-8410. www. boerne-tx.gov/spring Tinker-N-Tales: see March 3 Art Pavilion: see March 2

11 Tuesday Spring Break Family Days – LOVE is All You Need: Pop into the world of artist Robert Indiana and create stamps, signs and symbols. Stencil prints, pop art assemblage sculpture, and an interactive pop poetry slam combined with a collaborative recreation of Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture, as well as an “Indy 500” pushcart derby on the museum grounds. 2 to 4 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www. mcnayart.org

Aqua Bodies-Elementary: Students ages 7-10 will write and describe detailed observations in the field while on a nature walk as part of this spring bloomer class. Students learn to become aware of their surroundings and recognize any part of the environment as part of the larger whole. Kid-friendly craft included. Registration is required. Class is limited to 20 students. Suggested donation is $3 per individual or $5 per family. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 210-207-3106 or e-mail Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov to register. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South. www.sanaturalareas.org Run With SAMA: Join the San Antonio Museum of Art and Run Wild Sports at the museum on the second Tuesday of every month for a leisurely run. Runners of all levels are welcome. Enjoy a 5-10 minute talk on fitness. Run and walk with professional coaches and runners from Run Wild Sports, and stretch with yoga instructors from The Synergy Studio. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Runners can enjoy free admission to the museum. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www. samuseum.org Texas Frontier Week - Spring Break at the ITC: see March 10 Spring in to Spring Break- GO WILD!: see March 11 Pint-Sized Science: see March 4 Toddler Time: see March 4 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see March 4 SAMA Free Admission: see March 4

12 Wednesday Texas Frontier Week - Spring Break at the ITC: see March 10 Spring Break Family Days- LOVE is All You Need: see March 11 Spring in to Spring Break – GO WILD: see March 11 Story Adventures: see March 5 Astronomy in the Park: see March 5 SAMA Playdates: see March 5 Midweek Farmers Market: see March 5 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see March 5 Pint-Sized Science: see March 4

13 Thursday Second Thursdays at the McNay: Head out to the McNay on the second Thursday of every month for a night of free music on the museum grounds. Each month features a local band or DJ and food truck. Free. 6 to 9 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www.mcnayart.org

looking ahead to April San Antonio Public Library Foundation will present it’s Second Annual Book Festival on April 5. And this year’s extra-long Fiesta San Antonio runs April 10-27.

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Planning for People and Wildlife-Middle School: Students describe items important in land-use planning for cities and will identify means by which negative effects on wildlife and other elements of the natural environment can be reduced in developing cities. Class is suggested for children 10 to 14 years old and is limited to 20 students. Registration is required. Suggested donation is $3 per child or $5 per family. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 210-207-3106 or e-mail Susan.Campbell@ sanantonio.gov to register. Medina River Natural Area Pavilion, 15890 Texas 16 South. sanaturalareas.org Art Crawl: Moms, dads and caregivers can put their babies in slings and take a walk through the museum galleries during a guided tour. Talks are geared toward adults while the art selections are chosen to engage the adult and infant. This activity is geared toward caregivers and babies 0-18 months. Tour begins at the front desk and ends with playtime and refreshments. Front-carrying baby carriers are encouraged and strollers are welcome. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Texas Frontier Week – Spring Break at the ITC: see March 10 Spring Break Family Days – LOVE is All You Need: see March 11 Spring in to Spring Break – GO WILD: see March 11

PUT SOME IN I YOUR

SPRING! NOW RENT TO OWN WITH PAYMENTS STARTING AT ONLY

/MONTH!

Toddler Time: see March 4

14 Friday Children’s Hospital Trail Ride: Join the fun for a trail ride, dinner and dance. The Cody Riley Band will perform Saturday evening. Tickets are $30 for adults or $35 after March 6; $14 for children ages 6-12; and free to children under 5. Trail ride starts at 7 a.m. Dinner available from 5 to 7 p.m. $7 per plate. Dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $8 per person (12 and under are free). Mesquite Trail Hall & Arena, 11663 Ford Road Adkins, TX. http://www.childrenshospitaltrailride.org Homeschool Student Workshop – Dragon Stories: Homeschool families participate in a guided tour and activities. Call 210978-8138 to register. Participants should meet at front desk. 9:30 a.m. to noon. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Art Party – American Art: Celebrate American Art while enjoying live music and cocktails on the SAMA River Landing. Free with Museum admission. 6 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Texas Frontier Week - Spring Break at the ITC: see March 10 Spring in to Spring Break- GO WILD!: see March 11 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Story time: see March 7 Dots & Squiggles: see March 7 Investigation Station: see March 1 ArtStrolls at the McNay: see March 7

15 Saturday 8th Annual Kite Festival & Dog Fair: see page 33 Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day River Parade and Festival: see page 33

ith w k a e r B g in r p S d n Spe ! in a r T r u a s o in D m Buddy fro Thursday, March 13 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Bonnie Conner Park

Friday, March 14

Great Northwest Library

Friday, March 14

Concepcion Park

15838 San Pedro San Antonio 210-495-6622 25840 N IH35 West Boerne 210-698-0580 1975 IH35N New Braunfels 830-626-1971

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 2 - 4 p.m.

Evening Adventurer Tour: What really happens at the San Antonio Zoo after hours? Find out on the zoo’s All New Adventure Tour. During this evening adventure, you and your kids find out which animals are “night owls” and which animals are “early nappers.” You’ll even get to meet an animal ambassador up close. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for adult members; $10 for child members; $24 for adult nonmembers; and $15 for child nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org

* FREE event for families! * FUN educational activities! * Bring your camera! For more information, call 210.270.9000, or visit earlyon-sa.org.

March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar

Children’s Hospital Trail Ride: see March 14 Investigation Station: see March 1 Art Studio: see March 1 Legacy Farmer’s Market: see March 1 Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: see March 1

16 Sunday Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day River Parade and Festival: see page 33 Free Public Tour – Highlights of the Museum: McNay docents offer a free public tour of the feature exhibition the third Sunday of the month. Meet at the AT&T Lobby. 3 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www. mcnayart.org Adventure Movie at SAMA: Families can see the film “Robinson Crusoe” on the big screen. Free with Museum admission. 3 to 5 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-9788100. www.samuseum.org The New Braunfels Railroad Museum will take over the New Braunfels Civic Center on March 15 and 16 for their Annual Spring Jamboree Train Show.

Annual Spring Jamboree Train Show: Sponsored by the New Braunfels Railroad Museum, this show will feature large model train layout exhibits, the famous Kids Run Train Layout, Lego Train Layout and lots of vendors. Refreshments available, with plenty of door prizes, silent auction and free train ride tickets for the Landa Park Miniature Railroad for children 10 years and younger. $7 for adults, $2 for children ages 5-17, free for kids younger than 5. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. Visit www.nbrrm.org for more information. Family Crafts-Recyclable Plant Pots: This interactive workshop provides a great opportunity for families to craft together, learn about plants and turn trash into creative pots for their garden. Participants can create unique planters from recyclable cans, bottles and other repurposed household items. $10 for nonmembers and $9 for members. 10 a.m. to noon. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot. org Film on the Green with Slab Cinema: Writer/director Joss Whedon gives William Shakespeare’s beloved battle-of-the-sexes comedy a contemporary makeover in this feature adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing”starring Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof. Free with museum admission. 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sculpture Garden, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. RSVP for this event at www.samuseum.org Bird Walk: Look for birds in their native habitats. An experienced guide leads walk every third Saturday of the month. Featured birds include hummingbird, Long-billed Thrashers, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Green Heron and the Common Moorhen. Take binoculars. 9 a.m. For ages 10 and older. Participants should meet at the Carriage House. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3255. www.sabot.org Outdoor Family Fair: This community-focused event provides Kendall County families of all ages with the opportunity to enjoy and learn about available local services and organizations. There will be entertainment and a lot of fun available for the whole family. The fair is co-sponsored by Kendall County Child Service Board and several other local organizations. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Main Plaza, Downtown Boerne. www.boerne-tx.gov/ outdoorfamilyfair

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Annual Spring Jamboree Train Show: see March 16 Art Pavilion: see March 2 SAMA Free Admission: see March 2 Farmer’s Market at The Rim: see March 2 Investigation Station: see March 1 Boerne Market Days: see March 8

17 Monday Tinker-N-Tales: see March 3 Art Pavilion: see March 2 Zoo Explorers: see March 3 Wild Beginnings: see March 3

18 Tuesday Free Family Night: Adults and children are admitted free the third Tuesday of the month. The H-E-B Free Family Night coincides with the city’s free parking after 5 p.m. initiative. 6 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210212-4453. www.sakids.org Pint-Sized Science: see March 4 Toddler Time: see March 4 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see March 4 SAMA Free Admission: see March 4

19 Wednesday Growing Up Wild – What’s Wild? Children ages 3-7 years discover what is wild and what is not wild. Kid-friendly craft included. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Suggested donation is $3 per child and $5 per family. Call 210-207-3106 or e-mail Susan.Campbell@sanantonio. gov to register. Medina River Natural Area Pavilion, 15890 Texas 16 South. www.sanaturalareas.org Story Adventures: see March 5 Astronomy in the Park: see March 5 SAMA Playdates: see March 5 Midweek Farmers Market: see March 5 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see March 5 Pint-Sized Science: see March 4 Story Adventures: see March 5 Astronomy in the Park: see March 5 SAMA Playdates: see March 5

20 Thursday Toddler Time: see March 4 Helotes Ballet Folklorico Classes: see March 6

21 Friday Youth Matinee at the Carver: Actress Jasmine Guy and The Avery Sharpe Trio will take students on a journey back to 1920’s Harlem with “Raisin’ Cane – A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey.” The words and thoughts of Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, George Schuyler, Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay, W.E.B. Du Bois, Gwendolyn Bennett and many others are woven into a panoramic theatrical narrative that scans an extraordinary outpouring of artistic endeavor. 11 a.m. Jo Long Theatre, Carver Cultural Community Center, 226 N. Hackberry St., 210-207-7211. http://www.thecarver.org/education/youth-matinee-series/ Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Lion, Lion, How Do you Roar?” provides an opportunity for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org Stroller Safari: Monthly program for ages 6-24 months includes zoo-xercise, zing-a-long and an introduction to nature. Meet other parents, and play and sing about animals on a guided stroller tour. Reservations required. 10 to 10:45 a.m. $15. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo. org Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Story time: see March 7 Dots & Squiggles: see March 7 Investigation Station: see March 1 Mom’s Coffee and Conversation: see March 7 ArtStrolls at the McNay: see March 7

22 Saturday Dog Days-Kites and Tails: Take man’s and woman’s best friend to the garden where you can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells

CATHOLIC...TECHNOLOGY ENRICHED CURRICULUM...COMMUNITY SERVICE

                 

PK3-8th Grades Safe, Caring, and Disciplined Environment Consistently High Academic Performance Curriculum Immersed in Catholic Identity State of the Art Interactive Technology Community Service Oriented iPad Integration PK-8th Grades Enhanced Media Resource Center Updated Science Labs State Certified Teachers Two Degreed Counselors Registered Nurse Middle School Honors Program Technology and Fine Arts Electives Extra-curricular Activities and Clubs Twelve Competitive Athletic Programs Home Cooked Lunch Program Student Centered After School Program There is a reason Holy Spirit has been a leader in Catholic Education for 48 years. Come see for yourself…770 West Ramsey San Antonio, TX 78216 210-349-1169 ext. 8316 or rosenfeld@hscssa.org

... and bring a kite, too! All dogs must be on a leash. Regular Garden admission plus $5 cash only, per dog. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org St. Francis Renaissance Faire: St. Francis Episcopal Church presents its Fifth Annual Renaissance Faire. Cost is $5 per person; $2 for persons in period costumes; Children 10 and younger are $1. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. St. Francis Episcopal Church, 4242 Bluemel Road. http://www.renfairesfcsa.org/ Tiny Tot Family Campout: The San Antonio Zoo will offer an overnight family campout. This campout is for families with children ages 3-5 years old and is part of the “Survival Series.” Participants look at how to survive in unpredictable weather, identify animals and plants, and sharpen powers of observation. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Cost per person is $45 for adult members; $22 child members; $55 adult nonmembers; and $27 for child nonmembers. Complete with an open fire, sleeping outside in a tent, animal encounters and an evening zoo tour. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots-A Bear in the Woods: Join the zoo’s chapter of Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, and get involved in fun conservation activities each month. Program includes natural history of the animals, issues relating to their conservation, techniques used to study them and ways kids can help with wildlife conservation. This month’s theme is “A Bear in the Woods.” Drop-off program; parents not required to stay. Ages 8-12. 1:30 to 3 p.m. $12 for members and $18 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Kids Fun Day with Trains: see March 1 Investigation Station: see March 1

Trinity United Methodist School

“Encouraging growth through the enrichment of the whole child”

Affordable Private School Education 2 year olds - 5th grade

Accepting applications for 2014-2015 • Child-centered preschool program

Enhanced by Music, All Aboard, Motor Skills and Spanish classes

• Accelerated Curriculum

Music, Piano, Theatre Arts, Technology, Spanish, Latin, Art Library and PE. IPADS issued to 3rd - 5th, Smartboard technology

• Texas Certified Teachers give children the desire to become lifelong learners • Students who excel academically

Trinity’s 3rd, 4th and 5th graders have consistently scored in the top 5% of all students tested nationwide

• Before and after school care available

(210) 684-5214 5319 Newcome Dr. www.trinityums.org

Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar Art Studio: see March 1 Legacy Farmer’s Market: see March 1 Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: see March 1

23 Sunday Dog Days-Kites and Tails: see March 22 Art Pavilion: see March 2 SAMA Free Admission: see March 2 Farmer’s Market at The Rim: see March 2 Investigation Station: see March 1 Boerne Market Days: see March 8

24 Monday Tinker-N-Tales: see March 3 Art Pavilion: see March 2 Zoo Explorers: see March 3 Wild Beginnings: see March 3

March 22 is the date of the annual St. Francis Renaissance Faire. Admission is $2 for persons in period costume and kids are always $1. All games and activities are free. Turkey legs, meat pies, and other olde world faire will be available for purchase, as well as real medieval recipe desserts.

25 Tuesday Aqua Bodies-Elementary: Students ages 7-10 write and describe detailed observations in the field while on a nature walk as part of this spring bloomer class. Students learn to become aware of their surroundings and recognize any part of the environment as being part of the larger whole. Kid-friendly craft included. Registration is required. Class is limited to 20 students. Suggested donation is $3 per individual or $5 per family. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Call 210-207-3106 or e-mail Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov to register. Pint-Sized Science: see March 4 Toddler Time: see March 4 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see March 4 SAMA Free Admission: see March 4

donation is $3 per child or $5 per family. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 210-207-3106 or e-mail Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov to register. Phil Hardberger Park (East Side), 13203 Blanco Road. www.sanaturalareas.org Get Reel: The McNay will show the film “Rear Window” as part of it’s 60th Anniversary Film Series, In “Rear Window,” director Alfred Hitchcock presents a thrilling story of a wheelchair-bound photographer, L. B. Jeffries, who believes he has witnessed a murder while innocently spying on his neighbors in an adjacent apartment building. With the help of his witty and beautiful fiancée, Jeffries works to solve the mystery and stay out of harm’s way. 6:30 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www. mcnayart.org Toddler Time: see March 4

26 Wednesday Homeschool Science Club – Make Your Own Flashlight: Kids have the chance to tear apart a real flashlight to see how it works and design their own light that they can take home. The class is for children ages 7-10 and registration is required. 10 to 11:30 a.m. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Tots Nature Playdate at the Zoo: Take your energetic and inquisitive 2- to 3-year-old explorers to the zoo for fun nature play-time digging, collecting, questioning, climbing, squawking, pretend playing and looking for nature critters. Each session includes a visit from a fun animal ambassador. Cost per person is $7 for members and $15 for nonmembers. 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Midweek Farmers Market: see March 5 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see March 5 Pint-Sized Science: see March 4

27 Thursday Planning for People and Wildlife-Middle School: In this spring bloomer class, students will describe items important in land-use planning for cities. They will identify means by which negative effects on wildlife and other elements of the natural environment can be reduced in developing cities. This class is suggested for children 10 to 14 years old and is limited to 20 students. Registration is required. Suggested

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

28 Friday Nature Parenting: Help your children recognize their potential to take leadership, problem solve and find their own solutions and paths through open-ended nature play. This session is designed for families with children ages 1 to 23 months. $5 for members and $15 for nonmembers. 10 to 11 a.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Starting Out Wild-Mighty Ants: Toddlers ages 1-3 can take part in this program called “Mighty Ants.” Discover the world of ants with hands-on activities. Short walk and snack included with craft. Strollers are welcome. Suggested donation: $3 per child per session. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. 10 to 11 a.m. Call 210-2073106 or e-mail Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov to register. Phil Hardberger Park, Phil Hardberger Park, Urban Ecology Center Classroom 8400 N.W. Military Highway. www.sanaturalareas.org Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Story time: see March 7 Dots & Squiggles: see March 7 Investigation Station: see March 1 ArtStrolls at the McNay: see March 7

29 Saturday The Curious World of Bizarre Plants: Why do some plants

have pungent odors or create chemicals? Discover the curious world of bizarre plants and explore examples of plants that have unique adaptations that allow them to survive, attract pollinators, disperse seeds and protect themselves. $20 nonmembers and $18 members. 9 to 11 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org Tiny Tot Family Campout: The San Antonio Zoo will present an overnight family campout. This campout is for families with children ages 6-8 years. The campout is part of the “Survival Series.” Participants explore how to survive in unpredictable weather, identify animals and plants and sharpen their powers of observation. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Cost per person is $45 for adult members; $22 for child members; $55 for adult nonmembers; and $27 for child nonmembers. Complete with an open fire, sleeping outside in a tent, animal encounters and an evening zoo tour. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “100 Feet Critters And Critter Tracks!” provides an opportunity for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org S.A.fari Kids: Come join the wildest club in town and explore animals around the zoo while building new relationships and skills. This month’s focus is “Butterflies and Beyond.” It is suggested that participants attend monthly to ensure continuous learning. Drop off program; parents not required to stay. For ages 5-7. 1:30 to 3 p.m. $12 for members and $18 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org. Sensory Friendly Films: Partnering with the Autism Society, AMC Theaters brings Sensory Friendly Films to families affected by autism. This is a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. All shows are at 10 a.m. Today’s feature is “Muppets Most Wanted.” Dates and films are subject to change so be sure to verify in advance. $4 per person. AMC Rivercenter 9. 849 E. Commerce St. http://www.autism-society. org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films/ Viva Voluntarios: A National Public Lands Day event is set for the Medina River Natural Area. Join volunteers and plant native shrubs and remove non-natives, pick up trash, remove weeds and spread mulch. Meet near the kiosk by the parking lot. Take gloves and a water bottle. 8 a.m. to noon. Call 210-207-3111 to sign up. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South. 210207-3106. sanaturalareas.org Investigation Station: see March 1 Art Studio: see March 1 Legacy Farmer’s Market: see March 1 Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: see March 1

30 Sunday Art Pavilion: see March 2 SAMA Free Admission: see March 2 Farmer’s Market at The Rim: see March 2 Investigation Station: see March 1

31 Monday Tinker-N-Tales: see March 3 Art Pavilion: see March 2 Zoo Explorers: see March 3 Wild Beginnings: see March 3

OUR KIDS

CLASSIFIEDS Publisher does not endorse nor recommend the following business and we encourage our readers to look carefully into any business before making personal or financial commitments.

Music Piano/Guitar Lessons

March Special $20/mo. for 8 Lessons/mo. Lessons are 1 hour long

• One-on-one private lessons • Certified Instructors • Sibling Discounts allegropiano.net • allegropiano@yahoo.com

(210) 364-4415

LESSONS • Piano • Guitar • Piano Accordion • Organ

Member of Music Teachers National Association

281/Redland Area

FREE TRIAL LESSON

495-4706 Dance

2 blocks from 410 and 281 Chula Vista Shopping Center

(210)-262-2446

Piano Lessons

Highly Experienced Teacher

• First Lesson FREE • Low Rates • All Ages • And Styles

210-690-2188

www.pianolessonsbyirwin.com

Tutoring

KINDERDANCE OF ALAMO CITY CHILDREN’S DANCE CLASSES Ages 2yrs-10yrs • 4 Locations Free Trial Class • Sibling Discounts

210-680-5964

www.KinderdanceAlamoCity.com kinderdancealamocity@gmail.com

Phonics - Reading - L. Arts Math - Handwriting - STAAR Prep. ADD - ADHD - Dyslexia - ESL Exp. 1:1 Pre-school - High school

“Inspiring students to do and be their best”

Gail Saunders, B.S. Ed. C.I. 25+ Years Exp.(210) 509-7951 inspiringexcellencetutoring.com

Advertise Here

Business opportunities

Call Today!

Advertise Here Call Today! March 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

OUR KIDS

CLASSIFIEDS

To place a classified ad call 210-305-4181

Publisher does not endorse nor recommend the following business and we encourage our readers to look carefully into any business before making personal or financial commitments.

Entertainment Bounces & Rentals Hablamos Español

Combos/Slides $125 Obstacle Course & Water Slides

• Character moonwalks • Big water slides • Dunk tanks & more

(210) 788-8668

(210) 543-7227

aircastlemoonwalks.com

beezspartyrentals.com

Clowns & Characters

BeBop

Parties, Festivals, Daycares, Corporate Events and more. Fun includes: Music, Dancing, Silly Magic, Stage Shows, Simple Balloons, Glitter Tattoos and more.

210-410-0578 www.bebopsworld.com Hablo Español

FACE PAINTING

Face Art by Lily 210.365.2647

$50 per Hour 2 Hour Minimun Party!

Find Me on FaceBook!

PARTY PALS Fun Characters for Parties & Events

Explorer Girl • Rob E Bear Red Monster • Spidey and MORE!

(210) 788-1819 Find Us On Facebook: Party Pals SA

email info@partypalssa.com

Advertise Here

www.partypalssa.com Party Themes

Private Party Rental

Book your reservation at www.giantstepsschool.com Child Themed Birthday Parties · 2 party Hostesses · All Set-Up Decorations/Clean-Up Provided · Indoor Moon Bounce · Pinata Area · 1+ Acres of Outdoor Play Areas

Party Themes

Princess~Glamour Spa Parties • Cinderella, Snow, Sea, Sleeping Hostess • Dress Up • Tea • Etiquette RoyalTeaPrincessParties.com

210-595-WAND

illy Celebrations

Face Painters Balloon Twisters 702-375-3747 in San Antonio

sillycelebrations.com

Kritter Connection

REPTILE PARTIES “We bring the zoo to you”

210-803-4938 Balloon Twister Special $35/hr

(210) 632-3246 Over 400 creations for kids and adults See amazing pictures at

www.Balloon-Boss.com

Advertise Here Call Today! 46

Horseback Trail Rides

Open to public daily

Our Kids Magazine | March 2014

Advertise Here Call Today!

Your Kids In Our Kids (Left to right starting from the top left)

(Top Row) Gavin & Maddison | Kylie Brittain | Thaddeus Pena (In the middle) (Bottom Row) Naydelin & Angel | Kiley | Joshua Arauza

April Theme is Spring & Fiesta Visit OurKidsMagazine.com and Submit Your Kids Photos The deadline to submit photos is March 12 By uploading photos to Your Kids in Our Kids, you give us permission to publish your photos in Our Kids Magazine and online on our website.

The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of San Antonio, Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital now stand together, so our best can put our children first with world-class pediatric care. See how putting children first lasts a lifetime at ourchildrenwillbefirst.com.

14-CHO-0126 Our Kids Ad.indd 1

2/13/14 1:59 PM