Thanks for subscribing to the Houston Family Fun newsletter. This month’s issue is packed with fun stuff for your family to tackle with a special focus on Spring Break. We hope to see you around Houston.

Houston Spring Break on a Budget

The month of March means Spring Break is near. While the kids are getting excited, many parents are wracking their brains to figure out a plan of action. If your family is spending Spring Break in Houston rather than taking a trip, you can breathe a little easier. There’s so much to do and you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a vacation from school. I’ve pulled together a few ideas of ways to beat spring fever right here in H-town.

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is a great option; it even dedicates March 12-18 to Spring Break week. We particularly love Destination: AGventure for its great learning experiences. Even Mommy likes to see all the critters and get a photo of my daughter sitting on a drowsy bull. It’s too cute. Plus, the rodeo’s excess revenues fund grants and scholarships for area children. Here are some helpful tips for navigating this annual treat:

• Avoid a long walk from the car to the activities by parking up close. Weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm and any time on the weekends, enter the south Kirby entrance and tell the attendants that children are with you. They’ll then allow you to park upfront. Whew!
• Consider just checking out the livestock show. It’s often difficult for youngsters to sit through the entire rodeo performance.
• If you plan to attend the livestock show more than once, I recommend buying the FunPass for $20. It grants access to all of the livestock show activities, exhibits and carnival throughout the rodeo season. That’s $20 for entry from Feb. 27-March 18.
• Children under age 2 are admitted to everything F*REE, including the rodeo star performances in Reliant Stadium as long as they don’t require their own seat.

Don your favorite green clothes for Houston’s 48th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The festivities begin at 1 pm on Saturday, March 17 at Minute Maid Park. Leprechauns, marching bands and bag pipers provide loads of laughs at this f*ree event.

When spring fever hits, head to the beach. Pack some lunches, drinks, beach towels and sand toys for a day of entertainment in Galveston. Stewart Beach includes a playground in case the waves and sand aren’t enough fun. The beach on the seawall across from the San Luis Resort is regularly groomed. While you’ll have to pay for gas, the rest of your trip can be as inexpensive as you’d like. Cross your fingers for sunshine.

The Downtown Aquarium is fun-filled no matter the weather or your budget. To splurge, grab a meal at the restaurant and peruse the indoor aquarium while your entree cooks. You’ll be amazed at the wonderful creatures under the sea. If your time is limited, enjoy an hour outdoors at the Aquarium’s amusement park. The 100-foot Ferris wheel presents a fantastic view of downtown, but parents may need to reassure young kids that the ride is safe. (Amazingly, I was the one who was nervous about the heights — not the kids.) Everyone can enjoy the train ride and carousel. Bring a towel and a change of clothes so your little ones can play in the dancing fountains at the entrance.

For more ideas on what to do in Houston, check out the March issue of The Buzz magazines for 10 great Spring Break ideas from the Kids Activity Queen.

Summer Fun

The warm days of summer will be here before you know it. Help your kids find great summer adventures, using the 2007 edition of 100+ Activities for Houston Kids. In addition to seasonal and year-round activities, the book also includes a chapter on family-friendly restaurants throughout greater Houston. This book can be used year after year to find fun events for your children. Remember: summer is only three months away. Order your book online or visit your local book store.

Best Calendar for Houston Families

If you’d prefer a chronological listing of fun kids’ activities happening in Houston in 2007, I have the answer for you. The 2007 Houston Kids Calendar is a downloadable booklet that features a date by date account of family-oriented activities and events in our area. For only $10, you gain instant access to this valuable tool for spending quality time with the children in your life. Download your copy and get busy.

Unleash the fun!

Megan F. Salch

"The Kids Activity Queen"

MeganSalch@TellYourTale.com 

www.TellYourTale.com/Kids