Thanks for subscribing to the Houston Family Fun newsletter. This month’s issue is packed with fun stuff for your family. We hope to see you around Houston.

Sunshine Ahead

Spring Break is just around the corner with long days in the sun. Plan for a fun-filled week, using the 2007 edition of 100+ Activities for Houston Kids. In addition to seasonal and year-round activities, the new 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 today!

For more ideas on what to do in Houston for Spring Break, check out the March issue of The Buzz magazines for an article by yours truly.

28 Days Focused on Love

Love is in the air, especially this month. As a kid, I remember hoping that I would get that special Valentine from my secret crush. I usually settled for lollipops and friends’ cards. As a parent, I’ve found that February is a great time to take extra steps to show my love for all of my family. There’s often pressure to create that perfect evening with your significant other. The next day, you’re back to the daily grind. I vote you forget the stress and use the entire month to do small things focused on your loved ones and yourself. Here are some Valentine ideas that your family can use all month long.

• Feb. 2 is Go Red for Women Day, led by the American Heart Association. Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women and men, but heart disease is largely preventable. Parents, your youngsters need your heart in good shape. Wear red and be heart-healthy.
• Cook up some fun with a breakfast of pancakes and fruit in the shape of hearts.
• Create your own Valentine cards from construction paper and your little artists can decorate them galore.
• Little fingers are good at making decorative paper chains in red, white and pink. On each chain, encourage your child to write something they love. It’s a great discussion starter.
• Roll to the Valentine Skate at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink on Wednesday, 2/14. Bring a tricycle for your tot to enjoy on the rink.
• Deliver carnations, roses or candy to your child’s school as a Valentine surprise.
• Bake heart cookies for a neighbor, police or fire station, or church. Okay, your family can enjoy some, too.
• Press a heart design into your regular sandwich for an easy Valentine treat in your child’s lunch bag. Add a red apple, licorice and juice to color coordinate the meal.
• Celebrate with heart stickers from Target or your grocery store. They’re sure to bring smiles.
• Can’t sneak away for a romantic, adult dinner? Get the kids to help make a family dinner with a red and pink theme.

Slide to Another Great Playground

We absolutely love the Vale-Asche Playground that opened in December ’06 at Memorial Park. It’s wheel-chair accessible but every child seems to like the amazing toys for learning Braille, sign language and even about the planets. My daughter enjoyed the nine slides over and over. Parents appreciate the rubber floor throughout the playground that keeps the mud off everyone’s shoes and softens any tumbles. Check out the photos and head out for some fun. This playground is located in Memorial Park on Haskell near St. Theresa School and Church.

Best Calendar for Houston Families

If you need 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