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Halloween family Fun! Fun Alternatives or additions to traditional trick or treating Have a “scary” movie night
Make Caramel Apples
Choose an age appropriate movie, Halloween themed snacks (check our Pinterest page for cute ideas), cuddle up and enjoy the show!
No fall festival, no problem! You can make your own caramel, or buy a microwave prepackaged one- add some toppings and have fun creating (and then eating) something yummy!
Host a Pumpkin Carving Contest Have a family pumpkin carving or painting contest. Post photos on Facebook and let your friends choose the winning pumpkin. Winner gets a pumpkin treat- latte, milkshake, cookie, etc… (You could include extended family members or friends in this since voting is virtual)
Enjoy a game of pumpkin bowling Cut the stem off a medium-sized pumpkin. Carve out three holes to resemble a bowling ball. Set up empty 2 liter bottles as pins and bowl some strikes! This could be done with neighbors, while staying socially distanced.
Tell ghost stories around a campfire Create your own story by having each person make up one sentence, adding to the story as you go around the circle. The silly, spooky tale that emerges will keep you all laughing! Don’t forget the smore’s!
Reminisce
Moonlight Nature Walk Everyone grab a flashlight and head out in search of creepy crawlies or hooting owls!
Feel and Squeal Put slimy, squishy, creepy objects inside cardboard boxes for the kids to feel (but not see). Eyeballs- peeled grapes. Worms- cooked spaghetti. Fingers- Cut up baby carrots. Brain- head of cauliflower slightly steamed to soften. Teeth- Candy corn and unpopped popcorn kernels.
Host your own Backyard Carnival Create simple games your kids will enjoy. Pinterest is full of fun, easy DIY options.
“Boo” your neighbors or friends Create a bag or basket of goodies for two of your friends or neighbors. Make a copy of the Boo-gram below. Drop the gift on their porch, ring the doorbell or knock, and RUN!!!
Enjoy a slideshow of past Halloween photos. Add some fun Halloween songs, pop some popcorn, and enjoy the trip down memory lane.
Click HERE to download these FREE PRintable “BOO” GRAMS!
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fall family fun FESTIVALS & Events
Old MacDonalds Farm
Dewberry Farms
Online reservations required. It’s the 19th year of Texas-sized fun! You’ll find old favorite attractions (Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch!) and some delightful new ones — plus a whole lotta good things to eat and drink! Wine and beer in the BierGarten this year! www.dewberryfarm.com/houston-fall-festival
Frobergs
10/3 runs through October. Corn maze, pony rides, mining sluice, plus more! All activities are weather permitting. www.frobergsfarm.com/fall-festival
Texas RenFest
Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday October 3, 2020 - November 29, 2020. Kids 12 & under are free on Sundays! www.texrenfest.com/things-to-do/for-kids
Berryland Farms
Every weekend in October. Slides, hamster balls, swings, and more! www.berrylandfarmsoftexas.com/FallActivities.html
Kemah Boo on the Boardwalk
Every weekend through October. Little Boo Haunted House, Trick or Treating every weekend, live music, crafts and more! www.kemahboardwalk.com/promos/Boo-onthe-Boardwalk/index.asp
Aquarium Halloween Kids Bash
10/31 – Have a spook-tacular time! Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, scavenger hunt, keepers and Halloween-themed arts and crafts. www.aquariumrestaurants.com/ aquariumKemah/promos/halloween-kidsbash/default.asp
Armand Bayou Nature Center – Halloween Hikes Every weekend in October. www.abnc.org/halloween-hikes
Berryland Farms
10/3 – Every weekend in October. Slides, hamster balls, swings, and more! www.berrylandfarmsoftexas.com/FallActivities.html
Ivy Kids Fall Festival
Car decorating contest, costume contest, music, interactive games and prizes, photos, & dinner to go. 10/23 7:00 www.ivykids.com/hobbs
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thru -11/1 We are a 15 acre children’s paradise with petting zoo, pony rides, train ride and pumpkin patch in October. www.oldmacdonaldshumble.com
City Centre 4th Annual Artum Fest
10/24-10/25- Enjoy live music, an array of artistic vendors to shop from and backdrops by Arts by Aaron to capture your Instagrammable moments. Their vision is to create an experiential festival showcasing Houston’s very own artists, painters, illustrators, hand-crafters and designers. www.citycentrehouston.com/events/detail/ artumn-fest-2020
Haunted Warehouse - Galveston County Food Bank
10/30 - 10/31 • 6-10pm • A socially distant haunted house experience! Family friendly for all ages . $8 pre-sale/ $10 day of event ages 2 and under FREE. www.hauntedwarehouse. galvestoncountyfoodbank.org
Trick or Treat at the 1838 Menard House
10/31 • 5-6pm • FREE • Galveston’s oldest residence, the 1838 Menard House opens its gates to trick or treaters for history-making fun! The house will not be open for tours, GHF staff and volunteers will be on-site with pre-packaged treats for young guests on the porch. www.facebook.com/events/901667623656147 For adult fun, check out the Haunted Harbor or Galveston Ghost Tours! www.galvestonhistory.org
trunk or treatS
Taylor Lake Christian Church - Trunk or Treat 10/25 • 3-5pm www.tlcconline.org
Christus Victor Lutheran Church – Trunk or Treat
10/31 • 6:30 – 8:30pm • Cannot leave car, anyone over 10 has to wear a mask. www.christusvictor.us
Heritage Park Baptist Church – Drive Thru Trunk or Treat 10/31 • 6:30 – 8:30pm www.heritagepark.org
Hope Church – Drive By Trunk or Treat 10/31 • 6:30-8:30pm www.hopehouston.org/calendar
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First Baptist Church Friendswood Drive Thru Trunk or Treat 10/31 • 6:30-8:30pm www.firstbaptistfriendswood.org/events/ event/653/drive-through-trunk-ortreat/2020-10-31
Nassau Bay Baptist - Drive Thru Trunk or Treat 10/31 6:30-8:30pm www.nbbchurch.org
Clear Lake Presbyterian Church Drive Thru Trunk or Treat 10/31 • 4:00-6:00pm www.clpc.org
pumpkin patcheS Cub Scout Pack 1965 at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch 9am-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays www.facebook.com/Pack1965ClearLake
First United Methodist Church Pasadena - Pumpkin Patch 10/4 • 12pm – 7pm Join us in the Pumpkin Patch! Take pictures of the kiddos and pick out a pumpkin for your family to enjoy! *pumpkin prices will vary by size. www.firstpasadena.org
The Watershed Church - Pumpkin Patch 10/4-10/31 • Mon-Fri 1-7pm • Sat 9-6pm • Sun 12-7 pm www.thewatershedchurch.com
Asbury Methodist Church – Pumpkin Patch 9/27 – 10/31 • 2pm until Dark www.asbury.cc/pumpkinpatch Blue Monkey Friendswood Everyday 10am until dark thru Halloween night. www.bluemonkeytexas.com
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Chara Dance www.charadance.com
All Star Revolution www.all-starrevolution.com
Tiger’s Den Martial Arts www.tigersdenmartialarts.com
Bay Area Softball www.bayssoftball.com
Al Garza’s Premier Martial Arts www.premiermartialarts.com
Bay Area Arts Conservatory www.baactx.com
Purple Box Theater Dance Classes www.thepurpleboxtheater.com
University Cheer www.universitycheer.com
Kennedy Dance Theatre www.kennedydance.com
Acrosports Kid Center www.acrosports.com
Above the Bar Gymnastics Academy www.abovethebargym.com
Dance Expressions www.danceexpressions.net
Bay Area Racquet Club www.bayarearacquetclub.com
Summer Swim Academy www.summers-swim.com/index.html
The Jet Pac www.thejetpac.com
Fun Fair Positive Soccer www.ffps.org/Clear-Lake
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D Party Planning Guide ABOVE THE BAR Parties include 1 hour of gym time and 45 minutes for the birthday celebration. Includes inflatables, Tumble Trak, foam block pit, games, and more! www.abovethebargym.com Kemah 832-932-1466 League City 281-672-7198 ACROSPORTS Choose from a Gymnastics, Swimming, or Ninja Warrior Party. Fully trained staff members work each party to ensure safety and FUN! Only one party in the gym/pool at a time so you have the space to yourselves! www.acrosports.com Friendswood: 281-332-4496 League City: 281-967-7261 BAY AREA RACQUET CLUB 1 hour on pro court and usage of 2000 square foot palapa. Birthday child receives a Large, oversized tennis ball from the club that is signed by all party attendees. www.bayarearacquetclub.com/partiesrentals 281.488.7026 CODE NINJAS LEAGUE CITY PARTY LIKE A NINJA! Celebrate your child’s birthday ninja-style. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on having a great time. Build video games while learning to code. Play your favorite video games with friends. Construct and play with cool robotics. Engage in fun STEM games and activities. Helpful staff on hand to maximize the fun. Decorations, themes, party favors, food, refreshments, and more available upon request. We’ll work with you to plan the best birthday party you’ve ever had! www.codeninjas.com/tx-league-city/ birthday-parties 281-339-7482 CHARA DANCE Themes include Ballerina Birthday, HipHop Birthday, Jazz It Up Birthday, and Tumbling Fun Birthday! www.charadance.com/birthday-parties 832-569-4065 GALVESTON RAILROAD MUSEUM Celebrate with trains! Host a one of a kind birthday party that your child will never forget! Many Birthday Party Packages to choose from! www.galvestonmuseum.com 409-765-5700 HOUSTON PARTY PLAYLAND Houston Party Playland offers party packages starting at $100.00 and may be customized to fit any budget! Please visit our website to view all of our party package information and character appearances we offer. www.houstonpartyplayland.com 281-525-4163 JUMPS R US We offer Moonwalks, Slides, Water Slides, Combos, Concession Products, Tables & Chairs and more for your party rental fun! Free delivery to League City and surrounding areas, including Friendswood,
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Clear Lake, Webster, Pearland, Alvin, Santa Fe, Dickinson, Texas City, La Marque, Galveston and more. www.jumpsrustx.com/ 832-763-4955 LOBO GYMNASTICS Birthday Parties are “Chalk Full of FUN” at LOBO! Gymnastics Parties Include: obstacle course, trampolines, foam pits, parachute games, rope swing, 360-degree slide from our upstairs gym to the downstairs gym. www.lobogymnastics.com 281-480-5626 LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM Get ready to soar in for a party that will not soon be forgotten! Recommended for ages 6 and up, packages include museum access, party room, and knowledge hunt. www.lonestarflight.org 1-888-FLY-LSFM (359-5736) MAIN EVENT Main Event throws EPIC birthday parties for kids! The most FUN you can have under one roof! www.mainevent.com Webster 281-332-4500 MOODY GARDENS Rainforest theme, Palm Beach, Aquarium and more. www.moodygardens.com/education/ birthday_parties 1-800-582-4673 PREMIER MARTIAL ARTS Throw the Best Birthday Party Ever! Martial Arts-themed birthday parties are easy for you and fun for your kids Our birthday parties are fun, active and educational - and your kid will shine in front of their best friends. Best of all, we take care of everything - so you can enjoy the day too! www.premiermartialarts.com/birthdayparties/ League City 281-332-5425 Dickinson 832-285-5177 Pearland 832-328-5139 SUGAR LAND SKEETERS Birthdays at the Ballpark! Celebrate your birthday at Constellation Field! No Worries, No Clean Up. We do all the work! Check out our available packages and book your party today! www.sugarlandskeeters.com/groups/ birthdays THE HOUSTON ZOO A birthday party at the Zoo will be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests! www.houstonzoo.org 713-533-6500 THE LITTLE GYM For ages 1-12, full access of the facility with an instructor for games, music, and Lego. We set up and clean for you, offering a totally awesome birthday experience. www.tlgfriendswoodtx.com 281-482-4242 www.tlgpearlandtx.com 713-340-0042
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FUEL THE FAMILY.
Proper nutrition is necessary to your friend and her family. If your friend has a freezer, make meals ahead. Organize a calendar with other friends to rotate meal preparation. Remember snacks especially if there are young children in the house. Ask about any food aversions she may have during treatment.
CHALK UP THE CHORES.
When a friend receives a cancer diagnosis you reel in disbelief, horror and fear. It is normal to fear for your friend’s life and to worry about your ability to help her. Do not let the thought of becoming part of your friend’s support team overwhelm you. Your actions, both large and small, will be invaluable while her world is in turmoil. Follow these suggestions to bring comfort to your friend as she battles cancer.
USE YOUR EARS.
Increase your listening skills. You do not have to say anything but if you do, please do not share stories of other cancer patients, especially those who died. Allow her to share whatever emotion she is feeling. Do not judge. Process your feelings privately.
EDUCATE YOURSELF.
Background knowledge about her disease and treatment will give you a common language so she can speak to you without having to translate
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every medical phrase. The education may also reduce your fears.
PLAY CHAUFFEUR.
Your friend may have many trips to hospital for appointments and treatments. Offer to drive and stay for the session to help her pass the time. If you have never been to an oncology ward, steel yourself for the level of sickness you will see. If you are not able to function in this situation find another way to serve your friend because she does not need to be comforting you.
Consider the regular chores we all have. Pick up laundry to wash and dry at your house? If your friend wants company you may be able to do her laundry while you visit. Offer to walk dogs, drive children to activities, shop for groceries, clean her house, run errands or mow the lawn.
PACE YOURSELF.
Your friend may be dealing with cancer for a long time so monitor your energy so you don’t burn yourself out. While you are supporting your friend, remember to practice self-care.
BRING SOFTNESS AND WARMTH.
People often feel cold when they are unwell so give your friend a colorful, cozy sweater, socks or blanket. Look at her surroundings during your visit and see what might make the environment more soothing.
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ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE.
Although your first instinct may be to do everything for your friend, respect that she wants to do whatever she can. Support her but do not take over. Conversely, if you see her abdicating too much, gently encourage her to participate to her current ability.
MAKE SENSE OF THE SCENTS.
Many people on chemotherapy are repelled by smells. Avoid scented products when visiting or accompanying her to the hospital. Give her scent-free creams, soaps and detergent. Do not give flowers. Their fragrance may be intense and bacteria dangerous to a weakened immune system can grow in the water.
BRIDGE THE MILES.
You can offer emotional support from afar. Buy a supply of “thinking of you” and humorous cards to send frequently. Consider regular care packages. Text or email your friend when you think of her without expecting a response in return. Try to put yourself in your friend’s shoes. Although she may look different she is still your friend and will be grateful for your efforts, both large and small. Remember the greatest gift you can give her is your presence.
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