September 2013 Our Kids Magazine by Our Kids Magazine

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FREE September 2013

Magazine

Field Trips

Bring Lessons to Life

Celebrating

Grandparents

Medicine Cabinet Dangers

Field Trip Directory

Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy

344-‐KIDS (5437) 3344-‐ KIDS (5437) ((5437) 344-KIDS 44-‐KIDS 5437)

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contents september 2013

volume 30 • number 9

departments 6 On the Web September Featured Web Content

7 Editor’s Note Parents and Teachers Working Together

8 FYI Healthy Schools Matter

20 Baby Waiting for Baby

39 Your Kids in Our Kids Back to School

features 13 Field Trips Bring Lessons to Life

The school year is under way; and while students are getting accustomed to a new routine, the school calendar stretches endlessly before them with glimmers of excitement highlighted among testing dates and the most anticipated class field trip.

Dangers in the Medicine Cabinet Dangers in the medicine cabinet are more common than you may think. Keeping little ones from reaching for those pill bottles can be tricky – especially if you do not know the danger behind some of your most common medicines.

calendar 22 Highlights

38 Ongoing Exhibits 42 Family Theater

advertising

14 Field Trips Directory 20 Baby

coming next month!

Trends in Education

Celebrating Grandparents It is no surprise to hear that families today are busier than the generations before them. After work and school, soccer and dance class, we don’t have very much free time. Even our time to visit with Grandma is limited these days. As a result, our children are missing out on the family stories and traditions of the generations before them.

o n th e co ve r 10 Medicine Cabinet Dangers 13 Field Trips 19 Celebrating Grandparents © iStockphoto.com/Brian A Jackson

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

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September Contests December Contests Contests December Paralympians: Inspiring Athletes Win Tag,

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13 Great Gifts You Yo Kids Can Make

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Win 22 adult adult one-day one-day Win passes to SeaWorld San Win Tag, You’re It! a CD of fun Enable, achieve, Antonio and and enjoy enjoy the theand funny songs from The Not-Its! Most kids don’t come with inspire and excite Antonio theme park’s park’s Christmas Christmasthat introduce kids 10 and younger spending allowances allowances for for holid holid are the goals of the theme spending to more than 12 games they can celebration from from now-Jan. now-Jan. 6, But they they love love to to give give International Paralympic celebration 6, But with Register friends and parents. 2013. Tickets are valuedplay at $120. by Dec. 20, The presents to to their their Committee that bring presents CD isbefore valued at6, Visit www. 2012. Tickets Tickets must must be be used used before Jan. 6,$15. 2013. siblings, parents, the world motivating 2012. Jan. 2013. ourkidsmagazine.com to enter by Sept. 23, 2013. grandparents and and paralympians like locals Kristen Messer and Nicholas grandparents

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editor’s note

By Cynthia Ladson

P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Toll Free Number, 866-465-6936 Visit us online at OurKidsMagazine.com PUBLISHER Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 EDITORIAL Editor: Cynthia Ladson, Ext.102 Proofreader: April Lynn Newell PHOTOGRAPHY: Kelley Ramotowski, Ext. 104 ADVERTISING SALES Account Executives: Mary Anne Jones, Ext. 103 Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 PRODUCTION Graphic/Web Designer: Rudy Riojas, Ext. 105 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 210-3054181 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.

Parents and Teachers Working Together

ow that school is back in session and kids are beginning to settle in with their new teacher(s), parents will soon receive notices about open houses. While most kids generally dread these events that bring their teachers and parents face-to-face, parents should embrace this opportunity. An open house is your chance to learn of the teachers’ expectations for her students and find out what outcomes you should expect as a parent. Remember, though, this meeting is not meant to be a one-way line of communication – you should feel comfortable sharing with the teacher your expectations as well – things such as, how you expect little Johnny or Suzy to come to class prepared to listen and do his or her work with minimal socializing with classmates. Above all, make sure the teacher knows that you care about your child’s education and progress. If you don’t share your views with the teacher, he or she may think you have a laissez-faire attitude or hands-off approach to your child’s education, or worst of all that you have no expectations at all. In my experiences, I have found that when most teachers know you care about what goes on in the classroom, they will do their best to keep you informed. They will find a way to let you know little Suzy is unable to complete assignments because she is a little social butterfly in class or if little Johnny is not reading at the appropriate grade level. Years ago, during an open house at my daughter’s elementary school, her teacher told me she was a good student, BUT she was “very sociable.” In other words, she talked at inappropriate times in class. I did not get angry with the teacher, I did not cop an attitude because I knew my child and yes, she is sociable. I thanked the teacher for sharing and when my daughter and I got home, we talked and together came up with things she could do instead of talking with classmates after she finished her work. Had I not gone to that open house and shared my expectations with the teacher, she may not have felt comfortable telling me about this issue – leaving me to find out about it at report card time. Use the open houses to establish a relationship with your child’s teacher, so when issues or challenges arise, you will be well informed and not blindsided later. Don’t forgo the open house. If you, as a parent, can’t be there, try and get another adult family member to represent you. Remember, it takes parents and teachers working together to foster a successful school year. Happy reading!

September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

family f.y.i.

Help Make Your Child’s School Healthier Because children spend most of their time in classrooms, schools are an ideal setting to teach and model healthful behaviors. Therefore, parents are speaking up and getting involved in an effort to improve the health of their children at schools. With help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), schools in communities all over the country are making improvements. A New York City School District made 800,000 daily meals healthful by ensuring that foods and drinks meet certain standards for sodium, fat, and calories. A school district in Las Cruces, N.M. has opened physical activity space to the community during after-school hours. Some area schools now offer salad bars thanks to Mayor Julian Castro’s Fitness initiative. Such improvements can help prevent obesity – a serious and growing public health concern that increases an individual’s chance of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, several types of cancer and other health problems.

Eating well and participating in regular physical activity not only has health benefits, but they have also been linked with better academic achievement by enhancing important skills like concentration and attentiveness. For example, students who eat foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals are more likely to perform better than students whose diets are heavy in unhealthy foods – like sweets and fried foods. Although changes are already being made in some schools around the country, more can be accomplished. To support healthful schools, parents can recommend ways to increase physical activity during the day and ask that healthful food and drink options be made available to students throughout the school day. Parents can learn more about improving health in their local schools and communities at www.MakingHealthEasier.org

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Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

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feature

in the Medicine Cabinet By Meagan Ruffing

o often, we open our medicine cabinets looking for our daily multivitamins, pain relievers or prescriptions without thinking twice. The truth is some of these products are extremely dangerous if they wind up in the wrong hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that poisoning is the second highest cause of unintentional death in the United States; car crashes being number one. So where are your pills and creams? Do you keep them in the bathroom cabinet or above the kitchen sink? Are they locked up somewhere safe where your children cannot reach them? Dangers in the medicine cabinet are more common than you may think. Keeping little ones from reaching for those pill bottles can be tricky – especially if you do not know the danger behind some of your most common medicines. Accidentally ingesting medications for depression, anxiety and the common cold can send your child into a coma, increase the likeliness of seizures or even be fatal. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Chet Hunter says, “When we deal with poison issues on the ambulance, in the field or on the phone, we always call Poison Control’s 1-800 number. This number guides us through the process such as the poison’s make up, outcomes and treatments.” Here are seven tips to help prevent a tragic accident from happening in your home. ■■Lock up any medications and prescription drugs and pill bottles in a place where you know little hands cannot reach them. ■■Out of sight. Out of mind. Take your pills before the

Helpful Websites

What follows are a few helpful websites for parents interested in keeping their kids safe. www.keepyourchildsafe.org www.cdc.gov www.poison.org www.aapcc.org

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

kids get up or after they go to bed. If they do not see them, they will be less likely to try and find them. ■■Keep pills in their original bottle and not in those travel pill holders you can find in pharmacies and other stores. It is far too easy for kids to open the travel pill holders. If you must put them in pill holders as a means of keeping track of what pills you take on certain days, keep them locked and up high. ■■Pill bottles look fun to kids because they are usually see through and they make noise when shaken – kind of like a toy. Do not get in the habit of letting your children play with these even if they have a childproof lid on them. You do not want your kids getting in the habit of thinking that it is OK and it is safe to play with pill bottles. ■■Keep any type of rub or lotion up high. It’s tempting to put that jar of chest rub back in the kids’ cabinet when you have just finished rubbing it on them for

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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

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

Participants will receive up to $450.00 in compensation for their time and effort. Interested parents should call 567-0136 12

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

the “umpteenth” time in the middle of the night. But wait – take that jar with you and put it away in your bathroom or somewhere safe where you know they cannot reach it. Rubs are one of the most harmful medications a child can get their hands on. The rub contains camphor, if ingested it can cause neurological defects and sometimes death. ■■Take your pills with the lights on. It is less likely you will accidentally drop a pill if you can see what you are doing. ■■Always call Poison Control if you suspect your child has ingested something by accident. If you could do two things for your children that will save their lives it would be locking your medications up and having the number for Poison Control on your phone and on the refrigerator. The National Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-222-1222. To ensure that you have the Poison Control Center number and other information, parents can request refrigerator magnets. Call Poison Control today and get the information you need to stay safe. Meagan Ruffing is a parenting freelance writer. She has since taken her own advice after researching for this article and moved all of her family’s medicine to a locked cabinet.

FDA: Acetaminophen Associated with Serious Skin Reactions The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently warned that acetaminophen, a common active ingredient used to treat pain and reduce fever, has been associated with a risk of rare, but serious skin reactions. The skin reactions, known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) can be fatal. Acetaminophen is included in many prescription and over-the counter products, including Tylenol, Benadryl, Dimetapp, Robitussin, Midol and others. See knowyourdose.org for more information. According to the FDA, the skin reactions can occur with first-time use or at any time while it is being taken. The FDA says it will now require that warnings be added to the labels of prescription drug products. Additionally, the organization is requesting that manufacturers of all over-the-counter acetaminophen drug products add warning labels. Other drugs used to treat fever and pain and body aches (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen and naproxen) also carry the risk of causing serious skin reactions, but the risks are already outlined in the warnings section of those drug labels.

Field Trips Bring Lessons

to Life

By Salwa Choucair

he school year is under way; and while students are getting accustomed to a new routine, the school calendar stretches endlessly before them with glimmers of excitement highlighted among testing dates and the most anticipated class field trip. It’s the one day of the year where the entire class jumps on a bus wearing the same colored T-shirt with sack lunches in hand. Leaving the classroom and the school grounds for another locale just cries adventure, even if many have been to the destination before. Teachers group students with fellow classmates, hopefully their best friends, and remind them of the educational purpose and privilege it is to be able to go on such an excursion. Most parents remember their own field trips, the same excitement and anticipation, and while much remains the same when it comes to field trips these days (the zoo continues to be at the top of field trip lists), a few things have changed. Today, teachers and administrators must follow their school district’s policies as well as their own campus policies when planning field trips; then, funding must be available for all students; and most importantly, the trip must have an educational and instructional purpose that connects back to the classroom and curriculum. Therefore, a trip to the zoo for first graders does not only mean trying to stand like a flamingo, but also entails observing and possibly writing and drawing the very lessons they are learning in the classroom such as classifying mammals, birds, fish and amphibians. While all grade levels in the Northside School District (NSD) are allowed to attend field trips, with 115 schools in the district, it comes down to planning and funding for them to become reality, says Pascual Gonzalez, NSD executive director of communications. With a recommended list of field trip ideas for its elementary schools, NSD provides a wide selection of suggestions for each grade level to choose. The list includes local libraries, grocery stores, fire stations, live theater venues, museums, television stations, nature parks, city services, local colleges and universities and

credit: Kelley Ramotowski

theme parks. Many of these facilities offer educational discounts, special pricing or even grants for schools. In addition, they generally provide experts in the field or subject to give talks and demonstrations to the students. “Field trips serve a very valuable purpose for our students, and we appreciate our community resources and partners who help us fulfill that purpose,” Gonzalez says. While community partners are willing to assist schools, the financial responsibility of field trips lies with the particular school itself. Many schools rely on their Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) to sponsor annual fundraising events that pay for the trips. Low-income areas may not have the same financial support as middleclass and more affluent areas. Therefore, teachers must look for funding options to offset the cost. In addition to the cost of admission to the venue that can average around $800 a class, the teacher must also consider transportation costs for the district when calculating a field trip budget, a spokesperson for the North East School District (NESD) adds. Once financial obligations can be met and a location

September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

field trip directory

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Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

has been determined, the academic calendar must be considered too. While traditional field trips are often scheduled in the spring, standardized testing dates must be taken into account when a trip is being planned. As principal of Ralph Langley Elementary School in NSD, Brenda Farias explains the importance of field trips to her staff at the beginning of each school year. She reminds teachers to look at their curriculum and tie their field trips to particular units of study. Farias tries to provide two field trips per year to each grade level. Music, art and physical education teachers participate in planning field trips for their students too. For example, the fourth and fifth grade classes at Langley often attend performances by the San Antonio Symphony as one of their annual field trips, Farias says. She also recalls a physical education teacher taking a class to a bowling alley where the students bowled for exercise and were responsible for keeping their own score, adding a practical and often difficult math connection to the trip. Safety, of course, is by far the first priority when planning a field trip, Farias continues; weather plays another key part; and the amount of time the excursion will take from departure to return is also significant. For many districts, bus transportation is only available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. so individual campuses must plan field trips within those hours. The purpose of the field trip remains the same as it has been since its inception – to allow students experience what they are learning in the classroom through real life application and, hopefully, hands-on experience. A future botanist, biologist, archaeologist, medical doctor or inventor could be inspired through this upcoming year’s scheduled field trips. Salwa Choucair is a San Antonio freelance writer and mother of two children – both of whom look forward to school field trips each year.

Animals Animal Defense League 11300 Nacogdoches Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 655-1481 adminassist@ animaldefenseleague.org www.animaldefenseleague.org

No-kill, non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, medical care, food and safety to abandoned and abused dogs and cats while searching for loving homes for them.

Fiesta Farm 8497 FM 1560 N (Close to 1604 and Culebra) San Antonio, TX 78254 316-3166 www.FiestaFarmLC.com

Our field trips focus on farm education for school; daycare and scouting groups. Visiting our petting zoo and other farm animals is part of the fun. Our hands-on curriculum covers at least 18 of the science TEKS for Kindergarten

through 3rd grade. We provide the animals and plants, great photo opportunities, educational entertainment, and handwashing supplies. You provide box lunches or snacks and drinks. Insured and USDA inspected.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch 26515 Natural Bridge Cavern Rd. San Antonio, TX 78266 830-438-7400 groupsales@WildlifeRanchTexas. com www.WildlifeRanchTexas.com Cost: call for rates. Hours: call for schedule.

Visit Africa – in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. View our 50 different species, from addax antelope to zebras, llamas to ostriches. With the animal feed provided at the entrance you may entice many of these animals to come near for a morsel. See, feed and photograph many of our animals, including the friendly Sicilian donkey, the majestic greater kudu, the inquisitive Oryx, and the always hungry buffalo.

SeaWorld San Antonio Field Experiences 10500 SeaWorld Drive San Antonio, TX 78251 800-700-7786 www.seaworld.org

Cost: Call for rates. Ages: Call for rates and scheduling. Bring your school group to SeaWorld for our special groups-only hours. Visit with our dolphins, sharks, seals and sea lions. You’ll also attend special animal presentations designed specifically for education groups. Bring your own lunch and your group can enjoy a picnic right here in the park.

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo (formerly Snake Farm) 5640 IH 35 South, New Braunfels TX 830-608-9270 www.Exoticanimalworld.com

Are you looking for the perfect outing for your group or family? Animal World and Snake Farm can create the perfect event for any size group. We can provide catering, guided tours and more to make any event a special occasion. Visit our website for more information.

Commercial Fire Department

Most stations offer tours for any ages. Call your local station for specifics.

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

Whole Foods Market offers tours to the community to teach children about important concepts including organic and natural food, fruits, vegetables, no growth hormones, no food coloring,

no preservative, no additives and no hydrogenated oils. Whole people, Whole planet and Whole Earth. Call for more information.

Entertainment Kids Playland 5430 Timberhill Dr. San Antonio, TX 78238 520-2273 www.kidsplayland-sa.com

Over 8,000 square feet of fabulous fun! Specially themed rooms to entertain every kid. Free Wi-Fi. Now taking reservations.

IMAX Theatre Rivercenter Rivercenter Mall, Downtown San Antonio 247-4629 www.imax-sa.com Cost: call for rates. Hours: call for schedule.

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

The Magik Theatre 420 South Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 227-2751 www. Magiktheatre.org/tickets/ grouptickets

Find out what over half a million children representing more than 400 schools throughout central and South Texas have experienced! All of our productions are based on books children are reading in school, and are accompanied by a

comprehensive study guide packed with standards-based activities. Group rates available. Call 210-227-2751 for reservations.

The Royal Canvas Painting Parlor 5005 Broadway Alamo Heights, TX 78209 826-7246 www.theroyalcanvas.com cassie@theroyalcanvas.com

At The Royal Canvas, where you come to us or we go to you, children love exploring their creative talents! Learn different painting techniques with non-toxic acrylic paints and have fun with mixed media selections too! We strive to offer diversity, and hope that we are achieving that goal. Group rates are available. Call or visit our website for more information.

The Tower of Americas 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way San Antonio, TX 78205 223-3101 www.toweroftheamericas.com

For more than 35 years, the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas has offered the most breathtaking views of the Alamo City. Bring your school group or scout group to the Tower of the Americas and learn about the history of Texas. Also experience our Skies Over Texas 4D Theater ride! Special group packages available.

Historical Sites The Alamo 300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 225-1391 www.thealamo.org

Cost: Free, donations are always accepted. On February 23, 1836 the arrival of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s army outside San Antonio nearly caught

the Texians and Tejanos, who defended the Old Spanish Mission turned fort, by surprise. See where the defenders held out for 13 days against Santa Anna’s Army. Walk along the same paths that were walked by Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, Col. Travis, Juan Seguin. History talks, for children 4th grade & up, are given every 30 minutes. Please check our website for more details.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Exit IH-10 at Probrandt, follow signs

534-8833 www.nps.gov/saan

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

Southwest School of Art 300 Augusta San Antonio, TX 78201 224-1848 www.swschool.org

We invite you to visit our campus to learn the story of the Southwest School of Art & Craft and its historic site in the Visitors Center Museum. Docent tours of the historic main building, old copper kitchen and grounds are available Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., free parking. Arrangements for other times or for groups larger than 15, can be made by calling ahead. Come learn about the history of early San Antonio as well as contemporary art.

Family Performace Shakespeare Shake-Up Sunday, September 29 1:00 & 3:00 pm

Enjoy a live performance based on Onstage! Costume Design and the Theatre. Watch as Magik Theatre actors present creative twists on classic family favorite tales! Celebrating its 20th season, The Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s premiere professional family theatre, producing live stage versions of children’s classic and contemporary literature.

Years of Magik

Free with museum admission. Meet in McNay lobby. Children must be accompanied by an adult. McNay Art Museum 6000 North New Braunfels San Antonio, Texas 78209 210.805.1768 mcnayart.org

Sunday, October 27 | Noon - 5pm Family-friendly Halloween Party!

Image: Desmond Heeley. Costume design for the The Duchess of Malfi 1971 (detail). Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Gift of the Tobin Endowment.

Fun Games, Prizes, Costume Contest & Treats!

Tickets on Sale October 1st!

For Tickets & Info: sakids.org/monsterbash

September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

field trip directory Spanish Governor’s Palace 105 Plaza De Armas San Antonio, TX 78205 224-0601 www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/parks_ plazas/governorspalace.aspx Cost: Adults: $4; children 7-13, $2,under 7 free. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tues. to Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. Originally built in 1722 to protect the mission (Alamo) and its surrounding colony, this tenroom aristocratic Spanish House was home to 32 Spanish governors and is complete with furnishing from the early 18th century. The Governor’s Palace is the only remaining example in Texas of an aristocratic early Spanish house. For an added educational experience at the Palace, visitors are encouraged to visit on the last Sunday of the month when La Compania de Cavalleria del Real Presidio de Bexar visits. Mostly handicap accessible.

Steves Homestead 509 King William St. San Antonio, TX 78204 225-5924 www.saconservation.org Cost: $7 adults, children under age 12 free. Group rates are available. Hours: 10 a.m. – 3:30p.m. This elegant three-story mansion, located in the King William Historic District on the east bank of the San Antonio River was built in 1876 for Edward Steves. The property once boasted about having San Antonio’s first indoor pool, now a meeting facility, also included on the grounds are Now offering self guided tours and the latest tour: From Root to Rafters – A behind the Scenes Look at the Hidden Homestead. Call for more information.

MuseumS Institute of Texan Cultures 801 S. Bowie Street San Antonio, TX 78205 458-2291 www.texancultures.utsa.edu

Call for cost and schedule. School tours and field trips are available at the Institute of Texan Cultures.

Louis Tussaud’s Plaza Wax Museum & Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 301 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 224-9299 www.plazawaxmuseum.com

Two museums under one roof. Fun for all ages! 250 wax figures – Ripley’s contains over 500 unique exhibits. Fun, historical, educational, discounted group rates available for 12 or more.

McNay Art Museum 6000 N New Braunfels Ave San Antonio, TX 78209-4618 824-5368 www.mcnayart.org

Bring your students for McNay tours at 9:30 am, 10:45 am, or noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. On Thursdays, come at 10:15 and 11:30 am (October through May; students may visit after 10 a.m. between June and September). Ask about other times if these do not work for your group. Review the Student Tour Playlist for a listing of current exhibition, curriculumrelated tours, and other options for your student tour. Student groups under age 18 must bring one (1) adult for every ten (10) students. All docent-led student tours are free. Cost for adults exceeding the required number is $5 per person; an added charge may be required during select exhibitions.

San Antonio Art League and Museum 130 King William Street San Antonio, TX 78204 223-1140 www.saalm.org

The mission of the SAAL&M is to maintain an art museum in order to preserve and exhibit our collection of local and regional art, and to promote art by means of exhibitions, lectures and other related activities. 200 W. Jones Ave. San Antonio, TX 78215 978-8100

San Antonio Museum of Art 200 W. Jones Ave. San Antonio, TX 78215 978-8138 www.samuseum.org

Not your average field trip! Learn how to look at art and make art. Let the San Antonio Museum of Art be your classroom. Students can explore 6,000 years of art, history and culture from around the world. Guided tours and hands-on workshops complement school curriculum HYPERLINK “mailto: tours@ samuseum.org” tours@samuseum.org. and are free. In English and Spanish. Pre-k thorugh 12. Tuesdays-Fridays.

The San Antonio Children’s Museum 305 E. Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78205 212-4453 www.sakids.org

The Focused Field Trip Program at the San Antonio Children’s Museum takes learning beyond the classroom by giving children the opportunity to make connections and apply their classroom learning. Educational programs are aligned with the TEKS. To schedule a Field Trip, contact the School & Groups Coordinator at fieldtrips@sakids.org or 210.212.4453 ext. 1310. www.sakids.org/ beyondtheclassroom.

Witte Museum 3801 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 357-1910 www.wittemuseum.org

A field trip to the Witte Museum is available to groups from schools (including home schools), day care centers, or professional groups and organizations. Self- guided visits must be scheduled at least eight days in advance. Group rates are available with fifteen people per groups. At least one adult chaperone must accompany every 10 students. Call Witte Museum guest reservations to schedule a self-guided group visit.

Nature Cave Without a Name 325 Kreutzberg Rd. Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-4212 or 888-TEX-CAVE www.cavewithoutaname.com

Well-informed guides lead you through a one hour educational tour of this masterpiece of natures’ art. The Cave is filled with spectacular formations of Stalactites, Stalagmites, delicate Soda Straws, Cave Drapery, magnificent Flowstones, Rimstone Dams, and more. Enjoy a tour of the six major rooms in comfort; 66º year-round, easy walkways, brilliant lighting Gift shop and hiking trails on the surface. To protect the beauty of the cave and the safety of our visitors, the size of each tour is limited to 25 people.

Cibolo Nature Center 140 City Park Rd. Boerne, TX 78006 830-249-4616 education@cibolo.org www.cibolo.org

Cost: call for rates. Hours: call for scheduling. Outdoor classroom in 100-acre park with woodland, marsh, prairie and Cibolo Creek.

We’re Back! Camp Fair 2014 18th Annual

Sunday, February 23th

SAVE THE DATE Reserve your Booth Now

305-4181 16

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

New!

School Field Trips Sept.24 -Nov. 27

We invite you to bring your students to get lost in our classroom in the maze!

Special Home School Days

Visit us online for special times, dates and activities we have planned for Home School groups.

Reservations are required for all field trips. See our website for more information.

www.southtexasmaize.com

Calling All Schools ... We Love Field Trips! Our facility or yours.

210.826.7246 Book your child’s next

Painting Birthday Party

Ages 4-12 Welcome!

Located in Alamo Heights @ 5005 Broadway Street

Largest Career Expo

NSHMBA

October 10-12, 2013 in San Antonio, TX Convention Center Hundreds of Fortune 500 Companies will be on-site recruiting top talent Professional development sessions Come find your dream job!

Look for the following Camps coming soon ...

Columbus Day Camp: October 14 Thanksgiving Break Camp: November 25 - 29 Winter Break Camp: December 23 - January 3

www.theroyalcanvas.com ǀ cassie@theroyalcanvas.com

sforming t he Tran ry, Fu sto

Now playing...

Honoring o ur Hi years

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL August 9 - September 21 Don’t miss this heartwarming show about the power of friendship, loyalty, family and community, set to a beautiful and lively score!

re. tu

Registration is Open nshmba.org

BUY YOUR 2013-2014 SEASON PASS TODAY

Don’t miss out on this incredible family entertainment value! Purchase your 2013-2014 Season Pass for only $99 for 28 tickets - that’s less than $4 a ticket, a huge savings off the general admission price! Visit magiktheatre.org for more info!

Technology Partner & Co-Lead Sponsor

Co-Lead Sponsor

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

Years of Magik

Bring this ad and receive one free general admission ticket ($10) with the purchase of one general admission ticket to SEUSSICAL. Limit one per family. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 9/21/13 ®

Academic Lead Sponsor

210.227.2751 | magiktheatre.org 420 S. Alamo in Hemisfair Park

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September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

field trip directory Offers TEKS aligned programs for K-6 school groups. Come have fun while you learn!

COSA Parks & Recreation – Natural Areas 21395 Milsa San Antonio, TX 78256 698-1057 www.sanaturalareas.org

Meet the plants, animals and rocks of the San Antonio Natural Areas! Guided trips last 1 to11/2 hours. Appropriate for all ages.

instruments, keyboard playing, large motor muscle developmental skills at your school or our studio. Handicapped accessible. Limit 15 students.

The Magic Theatre 420 South Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 227-2751 www.Magiktheatre.org/tickets/ grouptickets

San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston @ N. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78209 207-3255 www.sabot.org

Watch in wonder as your favorite children’s books come to life on stage at The Magik Theatre! Each show is accompanied by comprehensive classroom guides and reading lists, so every show can be integrated into classroom activities. Group rates available for children ages 2-17 in groups of 11 or more. For reservations call 210-227-2751.

Performing Arts

The San Antonio Symphony 222 E. Houston San Antonio, TX 78205 554-1010 www.sasymphony.org

Groups of 15 students (pre-K-High school; public/private/home school) are eligible for a school group rate. Call 207-3255 for more information and reservations.

Carver Community Cultural Center 226 N. Hackberry St. San Antonio, TX 78202 207-7211 www.thecarver.org

The Carver Community Cultural Center is composed of two historic theaters. We offer African American and multicultural presentations in music, dance, theater and visual arts as well as student performances, docent led gallery tours, workshops and classes in the visual and performing arts.

Jensen’s Yamaha Music School 2241 NW Military Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78213 366-5048 www.jensensyamahamusic.com

Music

appreciation,

introduction

The San Antonio Symphony has been working to bring music educational programs to the schoolchildren of Bexar County for 70 years. One important reason that the Symphony reaches out to almost 40,000 students annually is because of the statistics collected proving a correlation between music instruction and increased academic ability. Visit our website or call for more information!

Road Trips Devine Acres 944 FM 2200 W Devine, TX 78016 830-665-9730 www.devineacresfarm.com

Field trips are geared for Pre-K through 3rd

grade students. The cost is $6.00 per student (one teacher free per class) and they last approximately 3 hours (10-1:00). Each field trip includes an informative learning session about parts of a plant and the plant growth cycle, with a focus on pumpkins, Christmas trees, and flowers. Find out more about the science to be learned from nature and how it aligns with your curriculum! Elementary Science TEKS - See more at: www.devineacresfarm.com

South Texas Maize Hondo, TX 830-741-3968 fun@southtexasmaize.com www.southtexasmaize.com

Your maize admission includes our 7·acre maze, the Cow train, Farmer Ken’s Kiddie Corral, a hayride, the hay jump, and the Spookley the Square Pumpkin maze. Field trips are available by RESERVATION ONLY Tuesday-Friday from 9-2 p.m.. Allow 2-4 hours. One FREE chaperone/Teacher is required per 3·5 students. The South Texas Maize has picnic areas, restrooms and hand washing facilities. Field trips can be scheduled from September 24 - November 27, 2013.

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

Visit our center, a working farm, to learn about food, fiber, animals and the heritage of farming and ranching. A great learning experience.

Texas State Capitol Tours Austin, TX 512-463-0063 http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/ Plan/Tours.htm

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

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

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

Transportation Texas Transportation Museum 11731 Wetmore Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 490-3554 www.txtransportationmuseum.org

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

MUNCHKIN’S DAY OUT T/TH 9-12

www.olympiakids.com

Fall Registration Call Office Now For Details

• 9 Week Sessions • Morning, Afternoon & Evening Classes • Structured Classes for Children as Young as 3 • Open Gym M & W @ 10:30-11:20/$5.00per Child • Open Gym Saturday 9:00 & 11:00 • Gymnastics, Tumbling & Cheer/Tumble Classes • MDO Tues. & Thurs. 9-12:00 • Birthday Parties Gymnastics & Cheerleading

Skill Development & Fun For Beginners To Advanced Gymnasts

826-4296

6925 Sunbelt Dr. East 78218

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

feature

Strong Roots

Make Flowers Bloom:

Spend the Day With Grandma By Pam Molnar

It is no surprise to hear that families today are busier than the generations before them. After work and school, soccer and dance class, we don’t have very much free time. Even our time to visit with Grandma or Grandpa is limited these days. As a result, our children are missing out on the family stories and traditions of the generations before them. I often tell my kids to live in the moment. Life is full of moments and opportunities to make new memories, but at our current pace, we often miss them. It is the moments in our lives that help us to make connections and strengthen our relationships. Don’t wait for another moment to pass. Cancel your plans, gather your kids and head over to Grandma’s house. Make the effort to restore the lost art of just spending time together.

Pass Down a Tradition Ask grandparents to share something from their childhood with your children. Whether it is a game, recipe or song, sharing with the next generation rekindles Grandma’s memories and creates new ones for your kids today. When my grandmother was a child her family made homemade raviolis every year before the holidays. Sharing that tradition with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren has allowed us to bond as we rolled, filled and had the occasional flour fight. Get to Know Each Other Better. Make a list of questions that you may not know about each other and write it down in a journal. Try asking each person to share a memory from a common time in their lives. Start with the age of the youngest child in the house and move up to the next age until the only one sharing is Grandma or Grandpa. For example, if the youngest is 6, start with a memory from the age of 6. If the next youngest is 10, then have everyone 10 and older share a memory from that time in their life. Don’t forget to bring the video camera to capture this wonderful moment. Shake Up Your Family Tree Ask grandparents to tell you the names of their parents, 19

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

grandparents and siblings. You may discover family names that have been passed down for generations. Find out what part of the world your family comes from and when they arrived in this part of the country. If Grandpa speaks another language, ask him to teach you a few words. Does your family have any traditional clothes or music that has been hiding in the attic? Pull them out and tell their story.

Your Family in Pictures Let Grandma be the tour guide down memory lane. Pop some popcorn and pull out the family movies. Dig to the back of the closet and dust off the photo albums. Your kids will love to see the house you grew up in and your childhood pets. Let them laugh at the crazy clothes you wore and the hairstyles of the day. Don’t forget to take out the baby pictures of each child and show them how much they have changed in just a few years. Bring Grandma into this Century OK, kids, it’s your turn. Bring Grandma a Tiger Beat magazine and gush with her over One Direction. Introduce her to Instagram. Show her how to play Just Dance on the Wii or Minecraft on Xbox. Explain what emojis are and send her a few via text. The technology of today, while part of our kids’ every day, is mind blowing to our parents and grandparents. Take Silly Pictures End the day on a high note. Set up a back drop with a sheet and decorative lights. Print out photo booth prop templates like eyeglasses, hats and mustaches or use some items from a box of dress up clothes. Take multiple pictures of your family being silly for the day. Preserve today’s memories by framing those pictures and displaying them in a special spot in your home. Every time you pass you will be reminded that fun can be shared by family of all ages if we just take the time. Pam Molnar is a freelance journalist and mother of three. Her children are blessed to be able to spend time with both their grandmother and their great-grandmother.

feature

Nesting 101: Hello Third Trimester! By Meagan Ruffing

ight around the end of your second trimester and somewhere in the beginning of your third trimester – something magical happens in a woman’s pregnancy. This something magical is called ‘nesting.’ This is simply a term that means you are preparing for baby and therefore, wanting to clean everything in sight to get ready for your tiny, precious bundle of cuteness. For some women, this period of nesting is a relaxing and comforting time for them as they organize and control what goes where. For others, it can be a bit stressful depending on other factors in your life, such as an outgrown home where there is not enough storage and space to put things in the place that you want them to be put. So what do you do when you are in your nesting stage and are feeling overwhelmed with where to begin? Try these seven tips and ideas to get you started on your way to creating a calm, organized and nesting-approved home that results in a place where the entire family wants to gather. No matter the size of your living quarters or the question of where to begin – this list will give you the nudge you need to get things going.

Make a list. Lists are great because they are visual. Do it the old-fashioned way with a pen and paper. Take a seat and write down everything on your mind from organizing your shoes to washing all of the baby’s new clothes. Having something tangible to read from will help you stay focused. Physically crossing off completed tasks releases endorphins!

Be realistic. You may think that repainting your master bathroom three months before you deliver

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

credit: Jenn Brookover Photography

is a great idea. But hang on. Nesting is a time of organizing and settling in. Save the painting for your husband or paint your soon-to-be baby a one-of-akind masterpiece made by yours truly if you really have the itch to paint. Some women are sensitive to smells while pregnant. If you fit into this category, let your husband handle this task.

Take your time. Revisit your list of things to be done and do them one at a time. Trying to tackle everything at once will leave you feeling overwhelmed and defeated before you have even tackled that first item. Give yourself grace when it comes to tidying things up and take it slow.

A listening & spoken language school

Enjoy nesting. Nesting is one of the many fun times during a woman’s pregnancy. It says, ‘The end is near,’ and this, this and this needs to be done before the baby is born. Nesting allows for some sort of control over the pregnancy and signals to the brain that ‘Yes, I am ready for this baby to come.’ Bottom line, it feels good to be prepared.

Include the kids. If you have other children this is a great time to let them help you with organizing the home. Kids love to help; especially when it comes to the arrival of their younger sibling. Something as simple as putting the baby’s bows in a bin or vacuuming the nursery can make all the difference to your children when they want to help out.

Reflect. After one thing is done, take a break. Take time to reflect on where you are in your pregnancy. Enjoy the moment. Relish in the fact that your other children get a smile out of helping. Embrace the idea of waiting until after naptime to tackle the dishes. Take time to be in the moment.

2013 ad.indd 1

Save something for your husband. Just because you think you can get everything done by yourself, doesn’t mean leaving a thing or two for your husband to do is a bad idea. This serves two purposes: ■■ You can direct your attention to another task and, ■■ Your husband will feel needed and appreciated when he sees how happy you are now that the curtains are hung in the baby’s room. It’s a winwin situation.

Nesting happens. Many moms-to-be look forward to this part of pregnancy. Take this list of ideas and get started on your own list of ‘to do’s.’ If the baby decides to come early, you will be comforted knowing that everything is in its place before the arrival. If you go past your due date, well, now you just have more time to nest.

Sunshine Cottage School provides a bright, nuturing place for children to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. An outstanding educational environment enhances the learning experience in every classroom. Master level educators work with each student to develop strong listening and spoken language.

For more information or to schedule a tour call: (210) 824-0579 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.

New Store

COMING SOON!

8/12/2013 10:06:53 AM

NOW HIRING

Apply at 16646 Sa n Pe dro location

Get ready for the big day:

1. Sign up for our email so that you receive notice about the opening dates and upcoming events 2. Gather up all of the items you would like to sell - check our website for more information

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer. She is pregnant with her third child and is currently enjoying the nesting stage.

September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar

september

Come Early, Ride An Elephant Opening day for the annual Alzafar Circus is Sept. 12. The circus runs Sept.12-15 with show times varying by date. Ring mistress will be Michelle Audrey. She calls the shots and directs your circus fun as one of the only female Ring Mistresses in the circus world today. The circus is a combination of strength, skill, beauty and mystery. With amazing lighting and sound, watch as the human and animal performers transport you into the magical world of circus. Come early for the Circus Pre-Party one hour before show times. Ride an elephant or pony, get your face painted and meet the circus stars up close and in person. It’s a fun family adventure for all ages! Show times are 7:15 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Friday; 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m. Saturday; 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices range from $16-$32, but special online deals for some shows are available through Sept. 11. Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St. 210-226-1177. www.sanantoniocircus.com/schedule.php

Diez y Seis Celebration Comes Early Avenida Guadalupe Association’s will present the 32nd Annual 16 de Septiembre Parade and Festival on Sept. 14. To celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day, join in this all day, free event beginning with the drill team competition at 8 a.m. The parade will step-off at 10 a.m. Limited free seating is provided so take your own chairs if you want to be assured a seat. The festival begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. with food booths, live entertainment and an “El Grito” Independence Ceremony.1327 Guadalupe St. For more information call 210223-3151. http://avenidaguadalupe.org

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 October 2013 issue is September 11. Information cannot be accepted by phone.

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

What’s Inside 38 42

Ongoing Exhibits Family Theater

A Celebration for All Pets! Here is your child’s chance to show off that weird pet! San Marcos’ PALS will present its 11th Annual Pet Fest Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. Pet Fest is a celebration of all pets, large and small, and restrained animals with nice manners. Costumes are encouraged! Bring a pet or come meet and greet the homeless pets from shelters and rescues that are waiting to be adopted. This is PAL’s largest fundraiser of the year. Admission is free, but it is requested that attendees bring a donation of dry pet food. Cash donations are also accepted and all contributions are tax-deductible. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Marcos Plaza Pavilion Park, 401 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos. www.facebook.com/events/135771733260360/

September SAMA Playdate Themes

Meet at the front desk for a play date 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, handon art, movement and music. September’s play date themes are as follows: Sept. 4 - “Cars, Trucks, and Things That Move,” Sept. 11 - “Beautiful Bluebonnets,” Sept. 18 - ”Food in the Ancient World,” and Sept. 25 - “An Aztec Story of Rain.” Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. www.samuseum.org

FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA

This annual international photography festival is a unique, eclectic, month-long celebration of the photographic arts. Dozens of exhibits showing traditional photographs, digital images, photography-based works, photographic installations, funky camera and alternative processes, are presented in galleries, museums, art centers and other exhibition spaces throughout San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country and in the festival’s web galleries. www.facebook.com/FotoseptiembreUSA

“Tunes, Trucks and Treasures” in Travis Park this Month

Jazz’SALive Market brings you three special lunchtime musical performances in September. “Tunes, Trucks & Treasures” will take place on Tuesdays, Sept. 3, 10, and 17. Come downtown and have lunch at Travis Park, where you’ll find one of San Antonio’s top Jazz bands playing tunes with tantalizing food and unique art and crafts you’ll treasure. The music and browsing are free and concessions will be available for purchase. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. www.saparksfoundation.org/jazzsalive.html

1 Sunday La Imagen de San Antonio: Imagen Dance Company presents a variety of song and dance from Ballet Folklorico and Flamenco to Salsa and Polkas showcasing the diversity of the city. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Historic La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre (situated between the Hilton Palacio del Rio and the Fairmont Hotel). 210-946-4224. mangulo@imagedanceco.net or www.facebook.com/imagedanceco Festival People en Español: San Antonio is home for this weekend celebration of Latino culture, featuring concerts by top artists, celebrity appearances and family activities. This is the second day of the two-day event that includes nighttime performances and free daytime expos and demos on subjects ranging from health and beauty to careers and cooking. Concert tickets are $33. All other events are free. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. www.visitsanantonio.com Celebrate Bandera 2013: Sunday will find the whole town alive with cowboys and dudes and little buckaroos jostling for position to see the Bandera Cattle Company, a Mutton Bustin rodeo, a chance to ride in a stagecoach and the Buffalo Soldiers’ camp. Folks will be scrambling to watch the Fancy Dancers and ceremonial dances of the Celebrate Bandera Circle of Life Intertribal Powwow. Cowboy Church starts at 9 a.m. and the fair opens at 10 a.m. Free. 830-796-4447. www.celebratebandera.com First Sundays for Families: San Antonians are invited to share Sundays with their family and enjoy the museum’s “Dragons, Heroes and Monsters” program. Explore the myths and legends of ancient Egypt, Greece and China. Create a Chinese dragon; sculpt a mythical creature from Greek mythology; and paint a self-portrait as an Egyptian god or goddess. 1 to 5 p.m. Free for children 12 and younger. Great Hall, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-9788100. www.samuseum.org Labor Fest: Today is the last day of this two-day music, food, and hair festival. The outdoor, family-oriented event will be held at Sunken Gardens and will provide electrifying entertainment with a mellow mix of blues, jazz and old school R&B. Additionally, the festival will include an array of foods for tasting, such as fried catfish, shrimp kabobs, gumbo, turkey legs and an assortment of other appetizing cuisines along with a hair show displaying fun and exotic hairstyles for all family members. Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St. Purchase tickets online. www.laborfestsa.com 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 $8 for persons 2 years and older, children under 2 free. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Art Pavilion: Try your hand at new and fun arts and crafts every Sunday and Monday. 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. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

2 Monday (Labor Day) Tinker-N-Tales: Museum staff leads kids ages 0 to 3 years September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar 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 to SAMA from 4 to 9 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 West Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Main Plaza Farmers’ Market: Fresh produce market every Tuesday. Also, offers cooking demonstrations. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 115 Main Plaza. www.mainplazaconservancy.org “Tunes, Trucks & Treasures”: see page 23

4 Wednesday

An Intertribal Powwow will feature ceremonial dances at Celebrate Bandera 2013, a three-day event that takes Bandera back to its roots. Photo courtesy of Genie Strickland

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 Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org

Growing Up Wild-In a Grasshoppers World: Children will observe grasshoppers in their natural habitat and study them in the classroom. Kid-friendly craft included. Limit 20 children. Suggested donation $3 per child and $5 per family To register contact: Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3106. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org

Story Adventures: Join the Children’s Museum on an imagination adventure. 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

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. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.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

YA Film Club: Teens having fun with film production in Boerne. Meets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Upstairs Conference Room at 451 N. Main St., Boerne.For more information e-mail stauberboernelibrary.org. 830-249-3053. www.ci.boerne.tx.us

Midweek Farmer’s Market: Support local farmers at this community event sponsored by Rackspace. 4 to 7 p.m. Free. Rackspace Parking Lot, 5000 Walzem Road.

Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1

3 Tuesday 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. each Tuesday and 2 to 2:30 p.m. each Wednesday 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: SACM staff 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

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

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 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 SAMA Playdates: see page 23 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 3

5 Thursday Rockin’ Reptiles: Every Thursday you can come out and meet the reptiles that call SACM home! 3 to 4 p.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Toddler Time: see Sept. 2

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September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar Ongoing Exhibits Made in Texas at the Institute of Texan Cultures- Cowboy boots and computers. Salsa and Texas-shaped tortilla chips. Jalapeño jelly and prickly pear wine. Ancient stone tools and artificial hearts. What do these all have in common? Texas! “Made in Texas” explores a diverse array of Texan-made objects which add to the fabric of life not only in our state, but across the globe. Explore objects, concepts, ideas and expressions of culture which originate in, are made in, or have strong ties to Texas: foodways, arts and crafts, agriculture and manufacturing, music, ways of making a living, furniture, clothing, inventions and architecture. Discover the impact Texas has had on the world and how Texas culture has influenced others. $8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); free with membership. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. Runs through Sept. 29, 2013. 210-458-2300. www. TexanCultures.com Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and Armor- This comprehensive exhibition of samurai culture celebrates the history and artistic craftsmanship surrounding these universally renowned warriors. Sixty-three works by 30 master craftsmen from the 13th to 20th centuries will engage and delight audiences. A stunning array of long and short swords, full suits of armor, helmets, warrior hats, face masks, daggers, rifles and more showcase a quintessential part of Japanese history. Many of the swords in this exhibition have been certified by the Japanese government as Important Cultural Property. Bushido (literally, “the way of the samurai”) is the code of chivalry that the samurai lived by, and encompasses not only mastery of the

martial arts but also the ideals of morality, bravery, compassion, respect, honor, glory and loyalty. A samurai’s most prized weapon was his sword, often referred to as the “soul of the warrior.” This outstanding short sword has been attributed to Rai Kunitoshi, one of the three greatest sword makers during the Kamakura period, Japan’s golden age of swords.The hereditary samurai warrior class served the nobility through periods of intense warfare as well as periods of peace. The samurai are considered distinct from any other warrior class in history, and continue to fascinate people of all backgrounds, cultures and ages. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave.210-9788100. www.samuseum.org Sept. 28, 2013 - Jan. 5, 2014. The World Through Magic Lanterns- From the1700s until the early 1900s magic lanterns were used for teaching and storytelling. The devices utilized concepts that brought modern film projection and television into existence. The exhibition features examples of Magic Lanterns from the finest collection known, The Jack Judson Magic Lantern Castle Collection. Visitors will see all aspects of making a magic lantern show in the 1800s, the equipment used and projections of the final presentations. Piper Memorial Wing, Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210357-1910. www.wittemuseum.org Silk Road Backpacks at San Antonio Museum of Art- This summer the San Antonio Museum of Art is introducing a new kind of tour experience. Equipped with only a backpack, a few clues, map and and, most importantly, a sense of adventure, children can take a self-guided tour with their family as they travel “The Silk Road.” The small objects in the backpack—from a miniature Buddha to a container of unrefined silk—symbolize each stop of the journey, while “Did You Know?” questions and other “Fun Facts” illustrate

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the history of this ancient trade route. The Silk Road backpack expedition through three floors and five galleries in the museum gives families a hands-on experience designed to deepen the understanding of the route that linked Asia to the Near East and Europe for over a thousand years. Silk Road backpacks are available for check-out at no cost to visitors in the SAMA Shop. Recommended for families with children 6 and up. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org. The 201st Fighter Squadron- Mexico Joins the Fight in World War II- During WWII, Mexico’s only unit to fight in overseas combat was the 201st Fighter Squadron, the “Aztec Eagles.” These courageous volunteers, who trained in San Antonio, fought alongside U.S. airmen in the Pacific. Their story is now brought to light through photos and a sample of the equipment, uniforms and insignia they used. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse at a moment in history and the enduring tenacity of the generation that saved the world. $8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. Regular hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Runs through Aug. 3, 2013 - Jan. 12, 2014. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-458-2300. www.TexanCultures.com Más Rudas- challenging social norms and perception of body image - Más Rudas is a San Antonio-based Chicana art collective that creates multi-media installations incorporating video, photography, painting, sculpture, fiber, performance, audio and text to create dialogue about social and cultural issues, confront the traditional canon of art, and create a

space to address personal and social identities. This installation will focus on the theme of body image. Más Rudas comprises artists Ruth Leonela Buentello, Sarah Castillo, Kristin Gamez and Mari Hernandez. $8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Runs through Aug. 17 - Nov. 3, 2013. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA Hemisfair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-458-2300. Texan.Cultures.com Dinosaurs Unearthed- Step back in time to 65 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and discover the most fascinating creatures that ever lived! YOU control the world’s largest and most advanced animatronic dinosaurs. Full skeletons and fossil specimens on display. This is also the first exhibit in the world to feature life-sized feathercovered dinosaur models. Become a paleontologist and dig to unearth the fossils that remained long after the dinosaurs did not. There is a $3 surcharge for this exhibition. Through Sept. 6. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1910. www.wittemuseum.org Savage Gardens: Capture the excitement with a visit to the Botanical Garden to explore the incredible adaptations of carnivorous plants in our new Savage Gardens Exhibit. Step inside a 10-foot-pitcher plant, trigger the trap of a 9-foot Venus flytrap, and more! Six interactive children’s stations provide hands-on playful learning opportunities. Runs through Dec. 1. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3255. www.sabot.org

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calendar 6 Friday 29th Annual Animal Zoo Run Relay: The San Antonio Zoo 8-mile fundraising relay run. Cost per runner is $35. Sign-up online or on site the day of the run from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Wild Beginnings: ” 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 Growing Up Wild-In a Grasshoppers World: Children will observe grasshoppers in their natural habitat and study them in the classroom. Kid-friendly craft included. Limited to 20 children. Suggested donation of $3 per child and $5 per family. To register contact Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3106. Kid-friendly craft included. 10 a.m. to noon. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road. (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org Zoo Explorers: Kids ages 4-5 and their caregivers interact in a fun-filled environment with stories, songs and animal close-ups. This month’s theme is “Texas Wild and Free.” 11 a.m. to noon. $35. Register online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: 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

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calendar

occasionally change. Call: 210-207-5320 or e-mail peggy.spring@ sanantonio.gov. A donation of $2 per person, max $6/family is suggested. 9 to 11 a.m. Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. 210-564-6402. sanaturalareas.org Art Studio: Art Studio lets your child practice tactile creativity as they create kaleidoscopes, watercolor flowers and lots 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 Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Free admission. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road. 210-8541116. www.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. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alamo.210-225-1391. www. thealamo.org Primer Sabado! Mariachis y Guitarras: Local entertainment, art and crafts, children’s activities, food and more. Free and open to the public. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in San Antonio’s Historic Market Square. 210-207-8600. www.marketsquaresa.com Investigation Station: see Sept.1

Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Moona Luna’s Sandra Velasquez wrote an album’s worth of material especially aimed at children. The New York-based band will perform at the International Accordion Festival in LaVillita on the weekend of Sept. 14 and 15. Photo courtesy of M. Sharkey at www.kidsrun.kintera.org San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Ballet Folklorico Festival: Festival of San Antonio Dance Recital features traditional folklorico dance and mariachi music. For tickets call 210-932-0132 or 210-355-3630. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Historic La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre. Urban Ecology Center Opening: The brand-new $5 million educational and event center at Phil Hardberger Park presents its grand opening ceremony today! They will kick off the day with guided nature tours beginning at 8 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road. 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org Reptile Day: A fun-filled day featuring the San Antonio Zoo’s Komodo Dragons. Enjoy games, activities and presentations throughout the zoo where you’ll learn all about our favorite scaly friends. This event is free with zoo admission. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Superstar Plants: Presented by Bexar County Master Gardeners. Learn which superstar, native and drought-tolerant plants work best in this area and take a native plant home with you. Bring your fall gardening and landscape questions. A kid-friendly plant craft is included. 9 to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org Blowin in the Wind Walk: In an area that lacks much surface water, the invention of the windmill to draw water from an aquifer was a blessing. Reservations are suggested; walks

8 Sunday Investigation Station: see Sept. 1 Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 1 Ballet Folklorico Festival: see Sept. 7

9 Monday Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 Tinker-N-Tales: see Sept. 2 Little Sprout Mondays: see Sept. 2

10 Tuesday Taste of the River Walk: The Taste of the River Walk is an event that brings the local San Antonio crowd to the River Walk to sample culinary offerings from over 35 participating establishments over a three-day period. Afterwards, all partygoers are encouraged to go to the post-party. Tuesday night will offer “A Taste of Houston Street.” Limited tickets are available. 6 to 9 p.m. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/ River Wild Fishing- Elementary: Kids ages 7 to 10 will discover wildlife in and along the river while fishing. Worms provided. Learn how to tie knots to put a hook on a line. Discuss State of Texas Parks and Wildlife Fishing Regulations. Bring your own poles if you have them, otherwise bamboo poles are available. Bring your own water bottle. Suggested donation of $3 per child 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South. 210-207-3106. www.sanaturalareas.org Run With SAMA: Join SAMA and Run Wild Sports at the museum on the second Tuesday of every month for a leisurely run. Runners of all levels are welcome. Free. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. E-mail education@samuseum.org to register. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

looking ahead to October The LLS Light the Night Walk will take place on October 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. starting from the La Villita Historic Arts Village and 26th Annual Zoo Boo is all-day on October 30 and 31 at the San Antonio Zoo.

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

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September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar “Tunes, Trucks & Treasures”: see page 23 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 3 Toddler Time: see Sept. 3 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Sept. 3 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 3 Main Plaza Farmers’ Market: see Sept. 3

11 Wednesday Heroes Walk: Unite with friends, family and neighbors for the 2013 Heroes Walk in Universal City. The Heroes Walk is a free event open to all ages. A registration form and waiver are required for each participant. Register online at http://www.universalcitytexas.com/forms. aspx?FID=72 6:30 p.m. Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City. www.universalcitytexas. com

Family Theater “Lost in Yonkers” at The Vex: The Vexler Theatre presents Neil Simon’s comedic drama “Lost in Yonkers” this afternoon. During the Second World War, two young brothers are sent to their own German front: living in Yonkers with their formidable grandmother, their excitable aunt and their small time gangster uncle. Today’s performance runs from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Next Saturday’s show starts at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $14-$20 and may be purchased by calling The Vexler Box Office at 210-302-6835. Sheldon Vexler Theatre, 12500 NW Military Hwy. Vexler Box Office 210-302-6835. http://www.jccsanantonio.org Seussical The Musical: One of The Magik Theatre’s favorite musicals, this show tells the tale of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Don’t miss a show about the power of friendship, loyalty, family and community, set to a beautiful and lively score. Starting times vary by performance date. Runs August 9 through September 21. General Admission is $10. Magik Theatre. 420 South Alamo (210) 227-2751. http://www.magiktheatre.org

Home School Programs: This month’s focus is “Jobs Animals Have” and is geared to home-schooled children grades K-6. Students will be separated based on grade level. Cost is $15/ member adult and child; $25/nonmember adult and child. Two sessions, one from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and another from 1 to 2:30 p.m., will be offered. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org SAMA Playdates: see page 23 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 3 Growing Up Wild-In a Grasshoppers World: see Sept. 4 Story Adventures: see Sept. 4 Astronomy in the Park: see Sept. 4 Midweek Farmers Market: see Sept. 4 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see Sept. 4 Taste of the River Walk: see Sept. 6

12 Thursday Changing Societies-Middle School: A discussion geared toward 10 to 14 year-olds about how wildlife resources have affected and influenced the development, welfare and culture of Native American groups. What do corn, bison and salmon have in common with the changes in wildlife resources? Create a Native American dream catcher. Suggested donation of $3 per child or $5 per family. To register contact Susan.Campbell@sanantonio. gov or call 210-207-3106. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South, Pavilion. 210- 207-3106. www.sanaturalareas. org Art Crawl: Moms, dads, and caregivers of all sorts, put your babies in their slings and take a walk with us through the galleries. Talks are geared toward adults while the art selections are chosen to engage both you and your infant. Caregivers and babies 0-18 months are welcome. Each 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 Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Rockin’ Reptiles: see Sept. 5 Taste of the River Walk: see Sept. 6

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

13 Friday Starting Out Wild: These high energy, engaging programs include stories, music, games, finger play, crafts and snacks all based on sound ecological principles. Designed for toddlers aged 1-3. It is recommended that a child be walking and a parent or adult must attend with each child. 10 to 11 a.m. Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa Road. E-mail peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov or call 210-564-6402 for reservations. www.sanaturalareas.org Adventure Night Tour: During this evening adventure, you’ll find out which animals are “night owls” and which animals are “early nappers”. You’ll even get to meet an animal ambassador up close! Admission is: $20/ member adult, $10/ member child; $24/ nonmember adult, $15/ nonmember child. 6:30 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Investigation Station: see Sept. 1 Zoo Explorers: see Sept. 6. Wild Beginnings: see Sept. 6 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Sept. 6 Dots & Squiggles: see Sept. 6

14 Saturday (Diez y Seis) Fiestas Patrias: Commemorates Mexico’s Independence. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities, food and more. Free Admission. Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St. 210-260-1621. 210-207-8605 www.sanantonio. gov Science in Nature: Children and families will have a chance to learn about the natural world while having fun during Science in Nature at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne. The free event will include a variety of outdoor hands-on activities and learning opportunities designed for participants ages 5 and up, although families with younger children are also welcome. Live reptiles, backyard fishing, birding for kids, insect Olympics, nature boxes, skulls, bird feeders, native American tools, nature crafts, and bubbles will be among the many activity stations! All activities will be ongoing and participants will be free to take part in any activity that interests them. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cibolo

Nature Center Park, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-4616 .

Come see the sights, sounds, skills, clothing and lifestyles of early San Antonio. Demonstrations and exhibit tables are set up under the trees in Alamo Plaza. Events are free and open to the public. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 300 Alamo Plaza. 210-273-1730. www. mysalha.org/rgardenertx

International Accordion Festival: Don’t miss out on this weekend of diverse musical styles and the inspiration of vibrant celebrations of cultural roots, cultural exchange and cultural connection from around the globe and right here in Texas. Free and open to the public. 10 a.m. La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St. 210-207-8614. www.internationalaccordionfestival.org

Fall Migration: Join Peggy Darr, Nature Preserve Officer, for a discussion about fall bird migration and a short hike to spot a multitude of marvelous migrants! Bring binoculars and sturdy walking shoes. Kid friendly activity included. All educational programs will be in the outdoor pavilion. Suggested donation for each program is $3 per person or $5 per family. 9 to 11 a.m. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South. 210-207-3106. sanaturalareas.org

Bulverde Jubilee: A parade, live music and plenty of activities for kids will highlight this one-day celebration. There will also be a “Catch Tank” with live fish and food and drink concessions. Parade begins at 11 a.m. Village of Bulverde, Bulverde. www.facebook.com/ BulverdeJubilee

Family Flicks: “Winged Migration” (France 2003; 98 minutes) will be presented in the West Courtyard by the San Antonio Museum of Art in collaboration with Slab Cinema. The event runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and is free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. www.samuseum.org

Tour for Children: Tour for Children is hosting a cycling tour to benefit Take binoculars when you attend the Transplants for Children. Ride through San Antonio Botanical Garden monthly one of the most scenic regions in the Bird Walk on Saturday, Sept. 21. Photo courtesy of Texas Hill Country, choosing one of four San Antonio Botanical Garden routes from family-friendly to recreational to challenging. The tour will start Scouting the Zoo: Scheduled workshops at 8 a.m. and end at the same locamake it convenient to earn a Scout the Zoo tion: El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, 15103 Bandera Road in patch while also making new friends from other Scout groups! Helotes. See tourforchildren.org for more information and to Each month’s workshops are geared toward a different divisions register. http://www.helotes-tx.gov and features a different topic at a separate time for girls and boys. The girls’ workshop is open to Juniors and will focus on San Antonio Living History Presentations-Visits To The Past: “Animal Habitats.”. It runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Today’s boys’ Open 10:00 am - 7:30 pm Mon - Sat

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www.childrensshelter.org September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 1 International Accordion Festival: see Sept. 14

16 Monday Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Destination Africa: Nile Croc Rock” 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 members/$17nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 Tinker-N-Tales: see Sept. 2 Little Sprout Mondays: see Sept. 2 The 2nd Annual Living History Timeline Event kicks off on Friday, Sept. 20! The three-day event features living historians representing periods around the world from Roman times through the Vietnam War. Photos courtesy of 2nd Annual Living History Timeline Event

workshop is for Wolves and is titled “All About Birds” and lasts from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cost per workshop is $16/members; $21/ nonmembers; $13/parent. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Static Electricity: In this class, students will learn about static electricity and how it’s produced. Experiments involving balloons and other materials will be used to help students understand the concept of static electricity. Ages 3-5. Online registration required at http://sreit-education.mybigcommerce.com/ static-electricity/ Science Research and Educational Institute of Texas, 6322 Sovereign Dr.-Suite 138. www.sreitonline.org Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Destination Caribbean Islands: Flapping Flamingos” 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 members/$17nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Tiny Tot Family Evening Prowl: Experience the Zoo (after hours) as nocturnal animals stir and wake up for the night. An educator leads the tour while also introducing your group to an animal ambassador. This event is for families with children ages 2-5 yrs. Cost per person is $10/members; $15/nonmembers. 6 to 7 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www. sazoo.org Free Family Art Day: Enjoy creating various art projects and have a snack- all from the country being represented that day.10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Inspire Community Fine Art Center, 200 Queen Anne Court.www.inspirefineart.org. 210-829-5592.

17 Tuesday Rock Art- Elementary: Students ages 7-10 explore various types of rock art forms. What geological regions are in San Antonio? Discussion of the difference between pictographs and petroglyphs will be presented. Kid friendly activities included. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.sanaturalareas.org Free Family Night: Adults and children are free. H-E-B free family night is the third Tuesday of the month, coinciding 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. 210-212-4453. www. sakids.org Free Kids Night: Admission is free for kids and adults the third Tuesday of each month. 5 to 7 p.m. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org “Tunes, Trucks & Treasures”: see page 23 Alzafar Shrine Circus: see page 22 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 3 Toddler Time: see Sept. 3 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Sept. 3 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 3 Main Plaza Farmers’ Market: see Sept. 3

18 Wednesday Tots Nature Playtime at the Zoo: Bring your energetic and inquisitive young explorers to the SA Zoo for fun nature playtime digging, collecting, questioning, climbing, squawking, pretend playing and looking for nature critters. Each session includes a visit from a fun animal ambassador. Ages 2-3 yrs. Cost per person is $7/members; $15/nonmembers. 10 to 10:45 a.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www. sazoo.org

Investigation Station: see Sept. 1 Art Studio: see Sept. 7 Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: see Sept. 7 Fiestas Patrias: see Sept. 14

Alzafar Shrine Circus: see page 22 SAMA Playdates: see page 23 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 3 Story Adventures: see Sept. 4 Astronomy in the Park: see Sept. 4 Midweek Farmers Market: see Sept. 4 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see Sept. 4

15 Sunday

19 Thursday

32nd Annual 16 de Septiembre Parade and Festival: see page 22

Investigation Station: see Sept. 1

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

Throwback Theatre at Arneson River Theatre: Bring your

family, friends and loved ones to the Arneson River Theatre for the final outdoor movie of the summer. Our three-movie series concludes with “Moonstruck” (PG) celebrating the last full moon of the summer. Food service will be an Italian fare with moon pies for dessert. Arneson River Theatre at La Villita Historic Arts Village. 6 to 11 p.m. Tracie.Andrews@sanantonio.gov 210-2078614. www.lavillita.com Medina County Fair Carnival: Kick-off night for Medina County Fair features a full-on carnival from 7 to 11 p.m. Hondo City Park and Fairgrounds. www.medinacountyfair.org Alzafar Shrine Circus: see page 22 Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Rockin’ Reptiles: see Sept. 5

20 Friday The Men of Soul: The Carver Development Board’s 23rd Annual “Cavalcade of the Stars” Fundraiser is bringing a trio of chart-topping, award-winning R&B and soul crooners made up of Jeffrey Osborne, Howard Hewett and Peabo Bryson to town for a special concert tonight. The concert will be preceded by a Silent Auction from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and a Dinner from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. both in the Bridge Hall at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The concert follows at 8:30 p.m. in the Lila Cockrell Theatre. For more information on sponsorship tables and tickets to the performance, please call the Carver Community Cultural Center at 210-207-7211. www.thecarver.org BRAVO! Mi Cultura Diez y Seis! An Evening of Song and Dance: Bring your family and friends to the historic Arneson River Theater for one of the City’s most colorful and exciting dance performances. BRAVO! Mexican Folkloric music & dance

performances celebrating Diez y Seis, 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Arneson River Theater in La Villita. For more information call 207-3132. www.lavillita.com Scherzfest: A two-day music festival for the whole family! The 6th annual SchertzFest welcomes all. Music, food, carnival and bbq cook-off! Join us for a unique festival in Schertz as we celebrate the heritage of our area! 10 a.m. Pickrell Park, Pavilion, Schertz. http://visitschertz.com Movie Night at the Park: Movie Night at the Park includes free admission, a concert by the Helotes Area Community Band, concession stands, giveaways, inflatable moon bounces for the kids, and your favorite Looney-Toons cartoons before the show. “Hotel Transylvania” will be featured tonight. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. and the movies start at dusk and are located within the Municipal Complex behind City Hall, 12951 Bandera Road, Helotes. www.helotes-tx.gov 2nd Annual Living History Timeline Event: This three-day function will bring together living historians representing time periods from around the world along with special presentations by historians and authors in a fun, educational-oriented event. Historical camps will be represented from Roman times all the way through the Vietnam War. Entry fee is $5 for adults/$3 children/kids under 5 free. Hours vary by date: Friday-10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday-9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday-9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday date is the special school day for all area schools and home schoolers. This Event is hosted by Texas Time Travelers. SAF Studios, 8350 Cagnon Road. For more information, contact 210-639-0458 scsmith1954@gmail.com or 210- 415-1836. ciasa@ earthlink.net Alzafar Shrine Circus: see page 22 Investigation Station: see Sept. 1

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calendar Zoo Explorers: see Sept. 6 Wild Beginnings: see Sept. 6 Starting Out Wild- Topic TBA: see Sept. 13 Medina County Fair Carnival: see Sept. 19

21 Saturday Junk Wars : Utilizing a box of “junk” students will work as teams under a specified time constraint to design and build a functioning object that based on the challenge given to them at the beginning of the class. This class promotes ingenuity, uniqueness, and thinking out side of the box to master the challenge. Ages 12-18. Online registration required at http://sreit-education. mybigcommerce.com/ages-12-18-years-old. Science Research and Educational Institute of Texas, 6322 Sovereign Dr.-Suite 138. www.sreitonline.org Medina County Fair: After two days of carnival and anticipation, a parade will kick-off the Medina County Fair at 10 a.m. today in Downtown Hondo. Events include: a goat show, a mud truck show, lawn mower races, a petting zoo, live music, various cookoffs and food competions, as well as a rodeo. Fairgrounds are open from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and 10 a.m to 5 p.m on Sunday. Hondo City Park & Fairgrounds. www.medinacountyfair.org 30th Annual Jazz’SAlive: Jazz’SAlive celebrates its 30th Anniversary in Travis Park with live performances from national and international artists, plus local and regional bands who participated in the very first jazz festival in Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. 210-212-8423. www.saparksfoundation.org/jazzsalive.html Moondance-The Court Jesters: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, kids, grandparents, picnic fare and friendly dogs on leashes for an evening full of live music, dancing and fun at the CNC. Extremely casual! This evening’s band, The Court Jesters, call themselves “San Antonio’s Band of Lawyers.” The Court Jesters really are lawyers who play horn-driven rock and rhythm & blues classics.$7.50 members/$10 non-members. Age 65 and over $5; kids 12 and under are free! 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. 830-249-4616. Cibolo Nature Center Stage, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-4616. http:// www.cibolo.org/calendar/event/moondance-the-court-jesters S.A.fari Kids: Come join the wildest club in town amd explore animals around the Zoo while building new relationships and skills. This month’s focus is “Toadally Frogs” and we strongly encourage children to attend monthly to insure continuous learning. Drop off program; parents not required to stay. Ages 5-7. 1:30 to 3 p.m. $12/members; $18/nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Bird Walk: Look for birds in their native habitats. An experienced guide leads walk every third Saturday of the month. Take binoculars. For ages 10 and older. 9 a.m. Participants should meet at the Carriage House. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3255. www.sabot.org Tiny Tot Family Campouts: The San Antonio Zoo will host an overnight family campout tonight. This campout is for families with children aged 3-5 years old and the theme is “Night Fliers”. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Cost per person is $45/member adult; $22/member child or $55/nonmember adult; $27/nonmember child. Don’t hesitate, this popular program fills quickly! Bring the family to a great campout experience inside the Zoo. 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 S.A.fari Kids: Come join the wildest club in town amd explore

Our Kids Magazine | September 2013

animals around the Zoo while building new relationships and skills. This month’s focus is “Reptiles” and we strongly encourage children to attend monthly to insure continuous learning. Drop off program; parents not required to stay. Ages 5-7 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. $12/members; $18/nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. www.sazoo-aq.org. (210) 734-7184. Investigation Station: see Sept. 1 Art Studio: see Sept. 7 Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: see Sept. 7 2nd Annual Living History Timeline Event: see Sept. 20 Scherzfest: see Sept. 20 BRAVO! Mi Cultura Diez y Seis! An Evening of Song and Dance: see Sept. 20

22 Sunday Investigation Station: see Sept. 1 Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 1 2nd Annual Living History Timeline Event: see Sept. 20 BRAVO! Mi Cultura Diez y Seis! An Evening of Song and Dance: see Sept. 20 30th Annual Jazz’SAlive: see Sept. 21 Medina County Fair: see Sept. 21

23 Monday 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 Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 Tinker-N-Tales: see Sept. 2 Little Sprout Mondays: see Sept. 2

24 Tuesday Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 3 Toddler Time: see Sept. 3 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Sept. 3 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 3 Main Plaza Farmers’ Market: see Sept. 3

25 Wednesday Changing Societies-Middle School: A discussion geared towards 10 to 14 year-olds regarding how wildlife resources have affected and influenced the development, welfare and culture of Native American groups. What do corn, bison and salmon have in common with the changes in wildlife resources? Create a Native American dream catcher. Suggested donation of $3 per child or $5 per family. To register contact Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3106. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). sanaturalareas.org Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Destination Congo: Awesome Okapi” 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 members/$17 nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-7347184. www.sazoo.org SAMA Playdates: see page 23 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 3 Story Adventures: see Sept. 4 Astronomy in the Park: see Sept. 4 Midweek Farmers Market: see Sept. 4 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see Sept. 4

26 Thursday Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Rockin’ Reptiles: see Sept. 5

27 Friday BRAVO! Latino! An Evening of Song and Dance: Bring your family and friends to the historic Arneson River Theater for one of the City’s most colorful and exciting dance performances. e. Bravo! Latino! Hispanic Heritage event features musical selections of Latin genres or composers, Jazz, Blues, Rock & more! 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Arneson River Theater in La Villita. For more information call 210-207-3132. www.lavillita.com Guitar and Instrument Show: The 5th Annual San Antonio Area Vintage Guitar and Instrument Show, “The Best Little Guitar Show in Texas,” will start today in New Braunfels. Browse, Buy, Sell, or Trade. Admission $10. Friday hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday hours: 10 a.m to 6 p.m. New Braunfels Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. 210-655-0195. www.jukejoint.com/ saguitarshow.htm Investigation Station: see Sept. 1 Zoo Explorers: see Sept. 6 Wild Beginnings: see Sept. 6

28 Saturday Punt, Pass and Kick: Participants punt, pass and kick a football and accumulate points by distance and accuracy. There are five age categories: 6-7 yr olds, 8-9 yr. olds, 10-11 yr. olds, 12-13 yr olds and 14-15 yr. olds. Top scorers in each age division and gender will advance to the Sectional competition. Winners of the Sectional competition will receive medals and will be in the running for the Texas Championships. Free. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 1023 Upland Road. 210-207-3000. www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/calendar.aspx NDG Monster-Con: Come on out for 2 days of Monster-Con 2013 is the tribute to the 80’s Guest star Victor Miller author of Friday the 13th and others !! Food, crafts, artist, Music Carriage rides by Lonestar Carriage Company Vendors, costume contest and more Monster-Con Launches off the Halloween Holiday Season ! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wonderland of the America’s Shopping Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, Balcones Heights. www.monster-con.com Movies by the Lake at Woodlawn Lake Park: Council District 7 presents movies free and open to the public in Woodlawn Park. Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs. The event will be held between the pavilion and the basketball courts. Snacks will be available for purchase. Movies begin at dusk. 5 to 9 p.m. Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati. 210-207-0870. www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/calendar.aspx Free Admission to ITC: The Institute of Texan Cultures will open its doors free of charge today as part of Smithsonian magazine’s ninth annual Museum Day Live! A nationwide event, Museum Day Live! offers free admission for two to visitors presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket at a participating museum or cultural institution. The Museum Day Live! ticket is now available online at Smithsonian.com/museumday. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Boulevard. 210-458-2224. www.texancultures.com Fall Grasses Seasonal Walk: A walk through Phil Hardberger Park along the Savanna Trail to the savanna restoration area with a brief explanation there and then proceeding to the Oak Loop Trail. There will be a few stops along the trail where certain plants and points of ecological interest will be explained with ample time for participant questions. Minors only allowed when accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. Dogs allowed

if leashed and socialized. Please meet by 8:00 a.m. to sign up for an 8:10 a.m. sharp departure from the sidewalk in front of the Children’s Playground. Flat terrain, slow-paced. This will only be a 1.5 mile walk and last about an hour and a quarter to end back at the playground around 9:45 a.m. The trail is a natural surface so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and, dependent on the weather, bring water, sun protection, and dress appropriate for the day and season. Donations may be made to the PHP Conservancy to support the park, but are not required. Contact Wendy Drezek at stanwendre@gmail.com or 493-0939for more info. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. (East Side) 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots-Amphibian Conservation: Join the Zoo’s chapter of Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, and get involved in fun conservation activities each month. Program will include 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 “How many Horns? Rhino Conservation.” Drop- off program; parents not required to stay. Ages 8-12. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cost is $12/members; $18/nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org Viva Voluntarios: A National Public Lands Day event will take place at the Medina River Natural Area this morning. Join other volunteers to plant native plants and remove non-native plants, 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. 210-207-3106. sanaturalareas.org Tiny Tot Family Campouts: The San Antonio Zoo will host an overnight family campout tonight. This campout is for families with children aged 6-8 years old and the theme is “Cats of the Night.” Complete with an open fire, sleeping outside in a tent, animal encounters, and an evening Zoo tour; the event begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Don’t hesitate, this popular program fills quickly! Bring the family to a great campout experience inside the Zoo. Cost per person is $45/member adult; $22/member child or $55/nonmember adult; $27/nonmember child.San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Garden Walk: Come take a “walk across Texas!” at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The “South Texas Trail” showcases dryland trees and shrubs such as mesquite, huisache, cenizo, ebony, and sotol. Explore the 11-acre Texas Native Trail with a Master Naturalist. No registration required. 10 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3255. www.sabot.org 11th Annual Pet Fest: see page 23 Investigation Station: see Sept. 1 Art Studio: see Sept. 7 Farmer’s Market at The Cibolo: see Sept. 7 Castroville Farmer’s Market: see Sept. 7 BRAVO! An Evening of Song and Dance: see Sept. 27 Guitar and Instrument Show: see Sept. 27

29 Sunday Investigation Station: see Sept. 1 Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 1 NDG Monster-Con: see Sept. 28

30 Monday Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 Tinker-N-Tales: see Sept. 2 Little Sprout Mondays: see Sept. 2 September 2013 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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