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Time Out for Parents

So much of my time focuses on activities that bring children, parents & grandparents together. I really enjoy those types of activities but I also recognize the need for adults to have dedicated time to themselves. A few parents have asked me to write about Parents Night Out events so I’ll share a bit of research.

If you’re planning a weekday outing or lunch, consider the Pop-In Studios at Art Mix, a creative learning center that helps kids artfully express themselves. Located at 3701 W. Alabama near Timmons, Art Mix’s staff guides kids on how to use art supplies while embracing imagination. If your child is potty-trained, he/she may stay at the Pop-In Studios while mom or dad runs errands or takes a break. Children can paint at the easels, produce collages from textured materials, create clay sculptures or read a book about famous art. The Pop-In Studios cost $5 per 30 minutes. Routine art classes are also available.

I understand that most parents want dates on weekend nights. Biron Gymnastics at 1322 Dairy Ashford in west Houston offers Camp Friday from 6:30 to midnight on most Friday evenings. Girls and boys age 4 to 12 participate in floor games, attempt the rope swing & pit, create art, watch movies, and compete in friendly contests. Pizza is served from 6:30-7:15 pm. The cost is $20 for your first child and $10 for each additional child.

Discover Gymnastics at 747 N. Shepherd provides a similar service for families with kids age 3 to 12. Here, Discover Kids is available on Fridays from 7 to 11 pm and on Saturdays from 7 pm to midnight. Discover Kids activities include organized gym time, movies, group games and puzzles. The cost is $7 per child and reservations are required.

For children in upper elementary school and older, I recommend an evening at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink. While parents enjoy a night out, your kids get plenty of exercise skating from 5 to 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. I used to love the hip music, disco globe and even the races at this rink. As a parent, I appreciate the venue that puts physical boundaries on the preteens, while still allowing them to have time away from their parents. Parents can easily drop off the kids, head to dinner and a movie, and return to pick up their child. The cost is $6, plus skate rentals if needed.

In general, there are options for Parents Days/Nights Out besides a traditional babysitter. These options are often less expensive than a babysitter and leave the clean up to the staff. On the down side, your children really need to be in at least elementary school and be comfortable with kids they might not know. Bringing a buddy often builds confidence in entering these new situations. So when you plan a night out, consider other parents who might join you while the kids tackle some fun away from home.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

April means the beginning of baseball season. I recall so many wonderful memories of going to the Astros games with my grandparents and cousins when I was just a tike. We had a ball. Now it’s my turn to create those memories with my own child and I can’t wait. Amazingly, Minute Maid Park has so many more family attractions than the old days at the Astrodome. So go ahead and buy the kids the Astros garb.

Monday, April 2 kicks off the Astros’ first home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first 30,000 attendees will receive an Astros rally towel, so arrive early. Watch the retractable roof on this ballpark but dress for the warm weather. Cheer on the Astros as the train sounds its horn when the Astros score.

Are your youngsters hungry? Head to CHEW CHEW EXPRESS (Sections 133 & 416), which provides smaller meals for younger fans. Squeeze Play is located on the northeast corner of the ballpark at the Right Field Entrance near Section 133. Young fans, accompanied by an adult, can test their speed with an interactive Squeeze Play game or their hitting prowess in the Splatting Cage. To cool off, fans can indulge in delicious slushies at the Minute Maid juice bar. With the availability of picnic tables and several TV screens, this is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy an evening at Minute Maid Park. Look out for Junction Jack, the Astros mascot, who loyally attends every game.

Fans age 2 and under may be admitted to Astros games without an admission ticket. However, they must sit in the lap of an accompanying adult. Sixteen family restrooms are available throughout the ballpark so, either parent can change the diaper or take the little tikes to the bathroom. Game tickets begin at $1 per child and $7 per adult, increasing in price based on seat location.

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 two 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.

Have a wonderful Easter on Sunday, April 8. Next month, we’ll cover great ideas for Mother’s Day and more. Unleash the fun!

Megan F. Salch

"The Kids Activity Queen"

MeganSalch@TellYourTale.com

www.TellYourTale.com/Kids