Katy Parent Magazine June 2023

Family vacations are the perfect time to make lasting memories, but traveling with the whole clan often has its challenges. To up the enjoyment factor, consider these 26 ways to make your next vacation the best yet.

Pack your positive Attitude. An upbeat outlook is infectious and gets everyone excited about the fun ahead.

Before you go, set a Budget. Deciding how much you’ll spend will help you set limits with the kids and help avoid post-vacation shock when the credit card bill arrives.

Bring Comfort objects, from your toddler’s special toy to your tween’s favorite pillow. Taking along a little bit of home can help ease the journey.

Schedule Downtime. No one stays happy if they’re constantly on the go. Make time to splash in the hotel pool or observe your family movie night— even if you’re a thousand miles from home.

Manage Expectations. Individual family members often have different ideas of what “fun” means on vacation. Before you go, talk with your children about their ideas and hopes for the trip.

Take advantage of Free events. Search online for freebies before your trip, so you’re in the know about concerts, exhibitions, and more once you arrive at your destination.

Get your Gear on. The right travel gear can make or break your vacation. Consider a lightweight travel stroller or a baby carrier for the young ones, and wheeled backpacks for older kids to carry their belongings.

Don’t forget your sense of Humor. Everything feels better with a little laughter, especially when you miss the highway exit or when it rains for five days straight.

Indulge a little. Treat the family when you can, especially if it saves time or reduces headaches. Consider grabbing dinner at a conveniently located restaurant, for instance, even if it’s more expensive.

Assign each family member specific Jobs. Dividing up the responsibilities, such as packing

the sunscreen and the water, helps keep your vacation on track and can help even the smallest family member feel involved.

Focus on the Kids, but don’t forget about you. Remember to balance the kids’ trip wish list with a few activities the adults will enjoy, too.

Just Let go. The constant togetherness of a family vacation can increase the likelihood of disagreements and misunderstandings. Letting go helps preserve the peace among family members. Collect Mementos of your trip. Carry a gallonsize baggie in your daypack so you can add treasures as you go—shells, stones, ticket stubs, anything goes! When you return home, create a scrapbook or a memory jar to remember your holiday.

A couple of New toys or books can do wonders for extending playtime—and calm—during travel. For older kids, try a new mobile app. Provide Options. Involve the whole family in the decision-making, whether it’s when to go the beach or where to eat lunch. Everyone will have more fun if they feel a part of things.

Pack light. Minimize the number of outfits and shoes you bring for each family member. You can always pick up an extra T-shirt at the souvenir stand, if necessary.

Get an early start and avoid the Queues. Provide an incentive to sleepyheads by offering a reward to the family member who’s out the door first each morning.

Try a vacation Rental. Sites like Airbnb and HomeAway list apartments and houses for rent, offering kitchen facilities to cook meals and more space for everyone to relax.

Bring your favorite Snacks from home, to get you started. Or visit the grocery store at your destination, rather than shelling out cash for more expensive treats at tourist spots.

Teach your children about wonder and the wider world beyond your own community.

Unplug. Gadgets like smart phones and tablets

What to Pack in Your Child’s “Busy” Bag

A bag packed full of surprises is just the thing to keep younger children occupied on the journey, whether you’re en route, dining at a restaurant, or hanging out at the beach.

• Travel games, like Bingo and Hangman

• Activity books and sticker books

• Crayons and drawing paper

• Miniature collectible figures, like dinosaurs and jungle animals

• Die-cast cars and mini-sized dolls

• A couple of favorite books

• Pocket-sized flashlights

• “Invisible ink” coloring books

• A favorite toy or blanket

help pass the time on a flight or long car trip, but once you reach your destination, encourage everyone to put away their electronics and connect with each other.

Go for Variety. Even the beach can feel dull after the fifth day in a row. Make sure to mix it up and vary your activities and outings.

Get Wet. From lakes and rivers to the coast or the pool, make sure your trip includes some quality water play.

Take time to eXplore. Exposing your children to new sights and experiences helps them feel more comfortable in unfamiliar places and helps develop self-confidence.

Whenever possible, say “Yes.” Of course, you won’t agree to buying the sixth toy at the amusement park, but maybe you’ll say yes to ice cream every day.

Your trip will Zoom by, so make the most of it and enjoy this special time together.

Just because school is out for the summer doesn’t mean our children’s noses shouldn’t be nestled between the pages of a good book. But if you have a more active child, one who is hard to pin down, you may be searching for other ways to keep him reading this summer. Remember, reading is more than the act of opening a book. Almost every aspect of our lives involves reading. Recognize these as learning opportunities too.

OPEN A COOK BOOK. Creating a favorite snack or dessert requires reading. Pick something you know your child likes to eat and have him prepare it with you. Encourage your child to read the recipe out loud as you follow his directions.

PLAY A GAME. Go to the game closet and select a favorite. Although all board games require reading skills for reading directions and game cards, some, like Scrabble, actually encourage word skills. What is in your game closet?

VISIT A LOCAL MUSEUM. Often we take our small, local museums for granted. There is a wealth of information hiding inside those four walls. In addition to reading the plaques and narratives describing the exhibits, your child can learn about the history of the area, and the historical figures who influenced it.

WRITE LETTERS. Help your child write to friends and relatives who live in out of town. Cousin Sue and Grandma Peggy are sure to write back- more writing- more reading, and the cycle continues.

GO GROCERY SHOPPING TOGETHER. Have your child help you make a list of the supplies you need. Read the sale ads together to find the best deals. Then, off to the market. Let your child help you select the proper foods from the shelves. Have her read the labels. Which product is cheaper (hey, why not throw in some math, too!)? What are the ingredients in the ice cream? Does everything have sugar?

PUT TOGETHER A MODEL. It doesn’t matter whether it is a train, airplane, automobile, boat, spacecraft, or dollhouse…getting the pieces placed in the right spot requires reading the directions. Where do you start? What color are the wings?

SURF THE NET. Use a search engine such as Google to decide what you want to learn about. What is the temperature where Grandma lives? What killed the dinosaurs? What was the score of last night’s Astros game? What is Springer’s batting average? As you explore the different sites, you will be reading along the way.

INTERVIEW GRANDMA, GRANDPA OR COUSINS ABOUT THE BOOKS THEY LIKE TO READ. They can also recommend classics they enjoyed as a child. When Mom suggests a book, “it’s too boring”. But when eight-year-old Samuel tells your child about the same “great book he read”, suddenly she’s interested.

SUBSCRIBE TO CHILDREN’S MAGAZINES. Each time one comes in the mail, your youngster will take a break from dashing about to stop and read it if you pick the right one. Just like adults, children enjoy a variety of reading materials. There are many different magazines out there targeted to school-age children.

SUMMER CAMP Guide

 BENEDICTINE TUTORS

Full-Day and Half-Day Math & English Prep camps for students entering K-8th grades. Math Morning Camps include additional STEM activities such as Coding, Robotics, and Science Labs. English Afternoon Camps include prep with Reading Comprehension, Spelling and Creative Writing. All Camps run Mon-Thurs and help students prepare for the coming school year. Benedictine Summer Camps are individualized and designed to build upon previous camp attendance so the longer a camper attends, the more preparation they are able to achieve! Sibling Discounts are available!

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

832-588-4408



BUSHI BAN INTERNATIONAL

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

www.BushiBan.com

832-833-0030



CAMP ALLEN

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

www.CampAllen.org

936-825-7175



CENTURY FINE ARTS

Join us for a musical Summer!

281-201-2991

www.centuryfinearts.com

 CHALLENGE ISLAND

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

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

Location 2: Cinco Ranch Lakehouse June 26-30/

July 24-28

www.challenge-island.com/nwhouston-katy

281-901-1034

 CLUB SCIKIDZ HOUSTON

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

 EVERBROOK ACADEMY

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

www.everbrookacademy.com/programs/summercamp

 INSPIRATION STAGE

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

www.inspirationstage.com

 KATY YOUTH SOCCER

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

www.KatyYouthSoccer.com

281-392-5972

 PRIMROSE SCHOOLS

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

www.PrimroseSchools.com

Cinco Ranch: 281-693-7711

Kelliwood: 281-828-1600

North Mason Creek: 281-492-7400

West Cinco Ranch: 281-347-1212

Woodcreek Reserve: 281-731-0099

 ROBINS DANCE STUDIO

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

Summer Dance Session June 6-July 20

Theater Camp June 12-16/19-22

Choreography Camp July 10-13/17-20

Princess Camp June 5-9 Ages 3-adult

www.RobinsDanceStudio.com

281-499-3921

 STARS GYMNASTICS SPORTS CENTER

Spring Break and Summer Camps!

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

www.StarsGymTX.com

713-364-2631

 SUMMER SCIENCE SAFARI CAMP

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

www.SummerScienceSafari.com

 THE HONOR ROLL SCHOOL

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

www.TheHonorRollSchool.com

Sugar Land 281-265-7888

Riverstone 832-402-8215

 THE SUGAR & SPICE RANCH

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

www.TexasHorseCamps.com

830-460-8487

 VICTORY CAMP

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

www.victorycamp.com

281-338-Camp (2267)

June Family Friendly Events

June 2

Pop up Story Time -Walker Pool

Helen Hall Library

Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes! We will June 2

Flip Flop Clinic

Westwood Gymnastics and Dance

Flip Flop Clinic is a 2 Hour Tumbling ClinicCome Flip ‘till you Flop Boys and Girls Ages 6 and up

7-9 pm www.westwoodgym.com/events-calendar

R&B Night

Central Green

This is a great date night. Grab someone special and snuggle up while listening to Rhythm and Blues under the stars.

8-10 pm

www.centralgreenpark.com/event/r-b-night/

FREE Fishing Day

Texas Parks and Recreation

On the first Saturday in June of each year, everyone can fish recreationally without licenses or endorsements. This opportunity exists so that more people can try fishing for the first time. If you already have your license, thank you for your support! Please consider inviting a friend or family member to join you. www.tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoorannual/licenses/fishing-licenses-stamps-tagspackages/free-fishing-opportunities

June 3

Children’s Day Celebration

Czech Center Museum Houston Scavenger hunt, bingo, kolache eating contest, origami, Czech cartoons, and more! More info at https://www.czechcenter.org/ calendar/2023/6/3/childrens-day

11am

www.fb.me/e/4tGX6UWly

The Icons: Elton John Sugar Land Town Square

Get ready to experience the Rocketman himself in a thrilling Elton John tribute concert by Captain Fantastic! From “Tiny Dancer” to “Crocodile Rock,” you’ll be singing and dancing along to all of Elton’s greatest hits, performed with all the flamboyance and showmanship of the legendary performer himself.

7:30-9:30 pm

https://www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/event/ the-icons-elton-john/

School’s Out Parent’s Night Out Stars Gymnastics Katy

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

5:30-10:30 pm

$40 Preregistered, $45 at the door www.starsgymtx.com/katy/pno

June 4

Car Culture Show

La Centerra

Calling all car enthusiasts! Join us at LaCenterra as we welcome back The Car Culture Show, taking place bi-monthly on Sundays in the Alamo Theater parking.

9-11 am

www.lacenterra.com/events/car-cultureshows-2023/

Neon Night

Central Green

Put on your favorite neon shirt and get ready to dance! Liquid Confusion will perform originals and your favorite rock hits. They are full of surprises as well as light up rings, and glow sticks they will throw from the stage.

8-10 pm

www.centralgreenpark.com/event/neon-night/

June 6

FREE Admission at the Houston Zoo

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

9am-5pm

www.houstonzoo.org

June 9

Katy Summer Nights

City of Katy

Kick off the start of summer with us during our Katy Summer Nights event complete with games, activities, and more!

Held at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Park

6202 George Bush Drive

Katy, Texas 77493

6-9 pm

www.cityofkaty.com/Home/Components/ Calendar/Event/17801/161?curm=6&cu

ry=2023

Open Gym

Westwood Gymnastics

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

Boys and Girls, Ages 3 and up (potty trained)

7-11 pm

www.westwoodgym.com/events-calendar

June 10

Sugar Land Junior Superstar

Competition

Sugar Land Town Square

Junior Superstar, Sugar Land’s American Idol-like competition for ages 9-13, is back for its 18th summer and you won’t want to miss it! Pack up your lawn chairs and head to the Plaza to cheer on each talented contestant as they belt it out to win the crown.

7:30-9 pm

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/event/sugarland-junior-superstar-competition/

80’s Night

Central Green

It’s Like… a PARTYI Dress to impress 80’s style for a tubular costume contest and dance to the great sounds of your favorite 80’s bands. Totally Awesome!

8-10 pm

www.centralgreenpark.com/event/80s-night/

June 16

Food Truck Friday

City of Sugar Land Head over to Sugar Land Memorial Park for Food Truck Friday! DJ Yad will be mixing tunes, we’ll have face painters and balloon artists onsite, and of course select food trucks with a variety of sweet eats and savory delights! Held at Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd

5:30-8:30 pm

www.sugarlandtx.gov/1776/Parks-Event-Series

June 17

Katy Market Day

100 vendors, food trucks, inflatables for the kids and all our wonderful Antiques and Boutique shops will be open!!! Right in Downtown Katy 5717 second street will get you here! New Vendor Sign up in person at The Limited Edition Art and Antiques!

10 am- 4 pm

www.fb.me/e/V629f3c5

Juneteenth Jubilee

Sienna

Free and open to the public. Held at Amphitheater at Club Sienna, 9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City, TX 77459

7-10 pm

www.siennatx.com/juneteenth-jubilee

June 23

Country Music Night: The Lonesome

Highway Band

Central Green

Boot scoot and cotton eye joe on Central Green as you listen to your favorite classic and hot country hits.

The Lonesome Highway Band is from Montgomery Alabama. His Great Grandfather was Hank Williams Sr. Hank 4 has been entertaining crowds since he was 7 years old. He is a multi-instrumentalist and a personable Front Man and a gifted vocalist. An Evening with Hank 4 will take you back to when his Great Grandfather’s music left America hanging on his every word. He’ll also cover many Hank Williams Jr hit songs. On top of this, He’ll play many of the cover tunes we all expect to hear in a Texas Dance Hall. Finally, Hank 4 and his band, The Drifting Cowboys, won’t let you leave with a tear in y our beer.

8-10 pm

www.centralgreenpark.com/event/countrymusic-night/

Parent’s Survival Night

Little Gym of Katy

Enjoy some much-needed adult time.

Ages 3-12

$36 members, $42 non-members

6-9 pm

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

June 24

Movie Night: Lion King

Central Green

The original Lion King is a treasured movie today. Join us on Simba’s journey to becoming king.

6-8 pm

www.centralgreenpark.com/event/movie-nightlion-king/

Katy

Sundays

ongoing events

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

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

LaCenterra Farmers Market

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

Sunday Night Live City Centre

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

Michaels Make Break

2-4 pm www.michaels.com/instoreevents

Tuesdays

Library Story Times

Maud Smith Marks Preschool Storytime 10:15

Katy Branch Library Baby Storytime 10:30 am

Cinco Ranch Branch Pajama Story Nights

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

Wednesdays

Library Story Times

Maud Smith Marks Infant Storytime, 10;15 am

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

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

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

Wednesdays & Thursdays

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

Wednesday and Friday

Yoga on the Green

9 am

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

Thursdays

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

FREE Thursdays at Houston Museums

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

5-9pm

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

2-7pm

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

Houston Museum of Natural Science Permanent Exhibits Free on Thursdays

2-5pm

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

5-8pm www.cmhouston.org

Library Story Times

Maude Smith Mark Branch Toddler Storytime

10;15 am

Cinco Ranch Branch Middle School Programs

Every Other Thursday, 3 pm www.hcpl.net

Fridays

Fun and Fitness Gymnastics - Friday Night Fun!

7:30-10:30 pm

Bring the kids in for some Friday night fun!

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

Team: $10 www.funfitgym.com

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

Fridays & Saturdays

Live Music in the Plaza City Centre

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

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

Saturdays

Saturday Farmers’ Market Katy, TX

Free Farmers Market On Grand Parkway

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

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

Kids Workshops at Home Depot 1st Saturday of the month

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

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

Fort Bend

Sundays

Sugar Land Town Square Sundays in the Square Yes Yoga

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

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

Jazzy Sundays in the Park

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

Michaels Make Break

2-4 pm www.michaels.com/instoreevents

Mondays

Playtime in the Plaza with Jolly Trolley

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

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

12-2 pm Ages 18 months to 5 years

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

Sugar Land Branch Library Middle School Program

3 pm

Sienna Branch Pajama Night Story Time

6:30 pm

University Branch School Age Programs

2:30 pm

Tuesdays

Mission Bend Middle School Program

1st and 3rd Tuesday at 2 pm

University Middle School Programs

2nd and 4th Tuesdays 2:30 pm

Cinco Ranch Pajama Story Nights

1st and 3rd Tuesdays 6 pm

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Fulshear Branch Family Storytime

10:30 am

Fulshear Branch School Age Program

2 pm

ongoing events

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Storytimes

Sienna Branch Family Storytime 10:15 am

First Colony Branch Family Storytime 10:15 am

Mission Bend Branch Family Storytime 10:15 am

University Branch Family Storytime 10:30 am

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Sugar Land Branch Library Family

Storytime

10:30 am

Wednesdays

Sugar Land Branch Library Family Programs

5 pm

Mission Bend Branch Pajama Night Storytime Every Other Wednesday

6:30 pm

Albert George Branch School Age Programs

3 pm

Cinco Ranch Branch School Age Programs

2-3 pm

Wednesdays and Thursdays

George Memorial Branch Family

Storytime

10;15 am

Albert George Branch Family Storytime

10;15 am

Cinco Ranch Branch Family Storytime

10:15 & 11:30am

Thursdays

FREE Thursdays at Houston Museums

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

5-9pm

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

The Health Museum

2-7pm

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

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Permanent Exhibits Free on Thursdays

2-5pm

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

Children’s Museum Houston

5-8pm

www.cmhouston.org

George Memorial Pajama Night Storytime

6 pm

First Colony Branch Middle School Program

Every Other Thursdays 3 pm

Mission Bend Branch School Age Programs

3 pm

Albert George Branch Middle School Program

2nd Thursday 2 pm

Cinco Ranch Branch Middle School Programs E

very Other Thursday 3 pm

Fridays

Free fitness in the Plaza

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

Fitness10 - 11:00 am

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

Fridays at 11-11:45 am

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/events

Saturdays

Saturday Farmers’ Market Fulshear, TX

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

www.fulshearfarmersmarket.com

Kids Workshops at Home Depot

1st Saturday of the month

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

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

JUNE 5-8

WAYPOINT CHURCH RICHMOND VBS

Jerusalem Marketplace will take us on a journey to Where Jesus Walked to the Cross. Kids will step back in time at Jerusalem Marketplace, exploring traditions, food, and activities. Participation in the marketplace involves singing catchy songs, playing teamwork-building games, digging into Bible-times snacks, visiting the Synagogue School, and collecting Bible Memory Makers to remind them of God’s Word. Plus, everyone learns to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes at Celebration—a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved. Ages 4-Completed 5th grade 6-8:30 pm www.mywaypointchurch.com/ highlightevents/waypoint-vbs-2023

KATY’S FIRST VBS

All incoming 1st-6th graders for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to join us for VBS! Each day, from 9 AM-12 PM, we will have an actioned pack time filled with games, music, teaching and of course, snacks!

VBS FAMILY DAY – June 11th – 9AM in the Welcome Center

On Sunday June 11th, you are invited to join us for church all focused on our week of VBS. We will meet at 9AM in the worship center during Sunday Morning Bible Study. We will have an interactive time with kids in our worship service, and then a time of celebration from 11:30 AM-2 PM. We will have water inflatables, food trucks, and more! www.katysfirst.org/k1kids/

JUNE 5-9

RIVERBEND VBS

Level up your summer by coming to Twist & Turns VBS at River Bend! Twists & Turns is a fantastical celebration of games of all kinds.

From classic tabletop games to video games and more, kids will play their way through VBS while learning that Jesus guides them through all the twists and turns of their lives. They’ll find that even when they mess up it’s never “game over.”

9 am- Noon

www.kideventpro.lifeway.com/ myEvent/?id=65554

FOUNDRY CHURCH VBS JONES ROAD VBS

Foundry’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week-long event for kids who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade to learn more about God. This year’s theme is ”Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light” and will help kids experience Jesus’s love through various fun-filled Bible adventures, games, discovery activities and music. All kids are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there! Register Today!! www.foundrychurch.org/kids

JUNE 5-11

FAITH METHODIST CHURCH

We think kids can create a ripple effect that will impact the world around them in ways they will never forget.

9:00 AM - NOON

Age 3 - Completing 5TH GRADERS

(Child must be at least 3 years old on 6/12/23 and fully potty trained) www.faithmc.org/calendar

JUNE 12-15

PARKWAY FELLOWSHIP

Ready Set Move- Backyard VBS

Entering Kindergarten-5th

www.parkwayfellowship.com/kids/

SUGAR LAND BAPTIST CHURCH VBS

Grades entering 1st-6th

9 am-noon Free

www.sugarlandbaptist.org/summer-slbc/

SUGARCREEK BAPTIST CHURCH VBS

Sugar Land Campus | 9 am – 12 pm

Missouri City Campus | 9 am – 12 pm

Richmond Rosenberg Campus | 6 pm –8:30 pm

Completed Kindergarten (or age 6 by Sept 1) – 5th Grade FREE

www.sugarcreek.net/event/vbs/

ST. PETERS WEST CAMPUS VBS

3 years -5th grade

www.stpkaty.org/events/

JUNE 12-16

FOUNDRY CHURCH FRY ROAD VBS

Foundry’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week-long event for kids who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade to learn more about God. This year’s theme is ”Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light” and will help kids experience Jesus’s love through various fun-filled Bible adventures, games, discovery activities and music. All kids are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there! Register Today!! www.foundrychurch.org/kids

MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KATY VBS

Ages 3-12 9 am-Noon www.mlckaty.com/vbs

JUNE 19-22

FIRST FULSHEAR METHODIST CHURCH VBS

K-5th Grade

1-4pm

$12 per child

www.firstfulshear.churchcenter.com/ registrations/events/1694163

JUNE 19-23

REDEEMER CHURCH

Mega Sports Camp VBS

Whether your kid loves sports or not, they will have a blast at Mega Sports Camp! Each night, your kids will sing fun songs, play some sports, eat a snack, and learn from the Bible. For Kids entering 1st grade-completed 5th grade

Free Community Event

5:30 -8 pm www.redeemercommunity.life

JUNE 26-29

ST. PETERS WEST CAMPUS VBS

3 years -5th grade www.stpkaty.org/events

JULY 10-14

THE HARVEST METHODIST CHURCH VBS

Join us July 10-14, 2023 for Vacation Bible School when kids will be launched on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light into the world.

9 am-Noon

www.theharvestmethodist.churchcenter.com/ registrations/events/1404381

JULY 12-15

GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VBS

It’s time for us to… Ready, Set, Move! This summer we will learn to move forward in our journey of faith. This journey will take us here, there, and everywhere. We are all on a journey of faith, of following Jesus, and learning to live the way Jesus taught us to live. It’s the biggest adventure the world has ever known!

“...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:2a (NIV)

Come on! Ready, Set, Move!

9:30am-noon

www.gpch.org/vbs

JULY 17-20

Christ Church Sugar Land VBS

When Heroes in the field call in, the Professor, Super Meer, and our team of heroes will spring into action and explore the ultimate Hero Handbook -the Bible- to discover how all Heroes can follow the examples set by a cast of supporting Bible Heroes in stories from the Old and New Testaments, who work

together to bring peace, build each other up, and share the great story of God’s love for us where they are and with the whole world.

Ages: Children age 4 by September 1, 2022 and up

5th Grade Missions: current 5th graders (2022-2023 school year)

Youth Volunteers: current 5th grade through 12th grade

www.christchurchsl.org/summer-at-christchurch/

JULY 17-21

Holy Rosary Catholic Church VBS

PK3 - 5th Grade

Snacks, Crafts, Games, and Songs! All to grow closer to Christ!

Two Tracks: 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 5pm

www.hrccr.com/vacation-bible-school

5

1 Date Night with Daddy!

June is the month to celebrate Dads! Have a Daddy Date Night to have bonding time this month! See local places to go in this issue!

2 Bombs Away!

Host a water balloon fight and eat bomb pop popsicles!

3 Stargazing or cloud gazing

Find constellations in the stars or shapes in the clouds. Be creative and make up a story to go along with your shape.

4 Chalk it up! Create sidewalk chalk murals, hopscotch or funny walking path

June 5th is Go Fishing Day

Free Fishing Day in Texas where you can fish without a license. Click here for more info!

6

June 6th is Yo-Yo Day!

Click here to learn tricks or make your own cardboard or bottle cap yo-yo!

7 Diy bird feeder

All you need is a pine cone, peanut butter and bird seed! Smear, sprinke and hang from a tree!

8

June 8th is National Best Friends Day!

Spend the day with your BFF’s playing games, doing crafts, or just hanging out having fun.

9 Visit local library!

See our Family Friendly Events page for library story times, crafts, virtual events and more!

10 Rock On!

Paint rocks and leave them around the community for others to find.

11

June 11th is MakE Life Beautiful Day

Take flowers to a neighbor or even your favorite clerk at the grocery store. Just do something… anything, to make life more beautiful for someone else.

12

Go berry picking!

Check out our list online of local farms to pick your own!

13 Video Time!

Make a silly video to share with your social media friends

14 Get a pen pal

Use your network of friends and family that live in other cities or states to find pen pals for your kids. If you aren’t comfortable giving out your address, you can always set up an email account they can use to exchange letters.

15 Go on a

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16 Make Lemonade! Have a lemonade stand and home baked cookies

17 Clean Up

Pick up some trash- go to a local park with gloves and bags, and clean up the mess others leave behind. This is a great way to teach your kids to respect their community and they will never be a litter-bug!

18 Picnic

Go on a picnic at a local park, or have a teddy bear picnic at home!

19

You Name it!

Change everyone’s name for a day, and let them make up their own story to go with their new name!

20 June 20th is Vanilla Shake Day

Shake it up and add your favorite candy or cookie crumbles for a topping!

21 Hike or Bike

Explore the trails in your neck of the woods! Click Here for a list of local trails!

22 Pajama Day

Rainy day? No problem! Keep the pj’s on, watch movies, look at old pictures, tell family stories, read a book together.

23 Scream for Ice Cream

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

Ingredients

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup half-and-half

1 tablespoon white sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup ice cubes, or as needed

3 tablespoons ice cream rock salt

Optional: chocolate or strawberry syrup, sprinkles or other toppings

Directions

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

In a gallon-size zipper bag put a scoop of ice, 3 tablespoons rock salt, and the pint-size bag with the milk mixure; seal tightly. Shake it, dance with it, toss it, jump up and down with it for 10 minutes until set. Remove small bag and wipe salt water off with clean towel before opening. Squeeze into a bowl and add desired toppings! Enjoy!

24 Camp out in your house!

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

25 Get wet! Jump in a pool, run in the sprinkler or play at a local splash pad! Check out our list online for splash pads and pools near you!

26 Go Barefoot All Day!

Open your own nail salon at home and paint everyone’s toe nails and then go barefoot all day. Don’t forget to paint the dog’s nails- they want to be pretty too!!

27 Have fun with tongue twisters see who can master the hardest ones. 28 Beach Day Go to Galveston! Or lay out on beach towels, make beach parfaits and watch a family fun movie (Nemo, Moana, Teen Beach Movie, etc)

29 June 29th is Camera Day have a photo scavenger hunt! 30 Aloha! Learn to say hello in 5 different languages.