Back to School time doesn't mean the fun has to end!

The Houston’s Black Business Expo is having their annual event and it will be great. This event is open to all families of all backgrounds who are open to supporting the growth and success of small businesses in the city of Houston.

A lot of my events are targeted to younger kids, but this month I wanted to expand a bit and share some events that are specifically for teenagers. Here you will find 5 events that offer:

-          Mentoring

-          Free Health Screens

-          Backpacks and School Supplies

-          Free food!

All of these Back to School Events are free and I found them doing a quick search on Eventbrite, so check them out and find the one closest to you!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-block-party-tickets-48049298746?aff=erelexpmlt

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-broomball-tickets-48038213590?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-young-ladies-brunch-tickets-47147957811?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-houston-back-to-school-fun-festival-tickets-47580438372?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

UIU Youth Mentoring Event- If your kids are interested in learning more about their culture then check out this mentoring event for kids 13-18. Click on the picture to sign up on Eventbrite!

For kids of all ages the Mayor’s Office sponsors a yearly event to help underprivileged families get the support they need to get back in step for the school year. You must preregister to attend the event: http://www.houstontx.gov/btsf/

I know most parents are ready for that big yellow bus to come swinging around the corner like a chariot from Heaven bringing sweet glory—but if you’re not ready to let go of the fun moments you have had with your kiddos, I’ve got you covered. Sometimes we think that when school starts we are back to the hustle and grind of life, but remember kids need mental breaks as much as we do.  If you try to make the breaks consistent and even allow them to earn the fun happenings around our city it will give you and your kids something to look forward to.  Here’s what the lovely city of Houston has to look forward to in August:

Every Saturday at Discovery Green the City of Houston and the Houston Arts Alliance sponsor free Writing Workshops for kids. Class sizes are limited so get there as close to 10 as possible. Click here for more information. https://houstonlibrary.org/location/hpl-express-discovery-green

The Houston Public Library (Alief Location) also has free beginner guitar classes for teens and tweens. Check out this link for exact times, and other events at the Houston Public Library

Astros Game and Astros Buddies Parade 

By August, we pray that the mosquitioes and the heat will be gone! Which means we can enjoy some of the outdoor events that our friends up North talk about. Like the Bellaire Nature Conservatory has a Tree ID walk, Bird Survey and Nature Storytime that happen on the weekends or in the late afternoon during the week. https://naturediscoverycenter.org/events-calendar/

Children ages 10 and older can enjoy free admission to the Holocaust Museum every Sunday during the month of August. If you have younger kids, you may want to think twice about bringing them due to the sensitivity of the museum.

If you are in the Sugar Land Area, try visiting the Sugar Land Farmers Market to get some fresh snacks for your weekly lunch menu on August 25^th from 9 am to 1pm. The Market is located at Imperial Recreation Center (Parking Lot)

234 Matlage Way Sugar Land, TX 77498

The Fort Bend Discovery Center ( Children’s Museum) is hosting a sensory friendly hour on August 16^th. The Museum will be less crowded and there will be people on hand to discuss how to identify Autism at its early stages.

On August 11^th PJ Mask and the Crew will be at the Children’s Museum and you will be able to see them with your admission ticket. Remember that you can get free tickets to the Musuem by using the Houston Public Library Flip Kits at home with your kids.

Last but not least-- try celebrating instead of dreading back to school by going to the Back to School Splash Bash 

Free Fun to Finish off the Summer!

If you're a teacher, I'm sure you are dodging the dreaded return to school question like a ball in gym class--but parents...But Parents!  Parents were ready to drop their kids off the day after the last day of school!

Houston Museum of Natural Science

We used our HPL discount passes!

Either way, here are some ways to enjoy the last days of Summer with your kiddos!

First of all frequently check Groupon for discounted tickets to fun events. This is a year long tip, but they have quite a few discounts going for museums, games, and even amusement parks.
Zoo Tickets are 25% off

35% off tickets to Track 21 which has Go Karts, Laser Tag and Miniature Golf
20% off entrance to the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
12.50 Tickets to Glowzone in Katy

Beginner MS Word at HPL Southwest

WE LOVE THE LIBRARY!  There are events for all age groups. My son saw bunnies, scientists, and a Magic Show all for free! I was also able to get my dad to visit a few times to learn skills that are relevant to today's world for older adults.

We were able to get free tickets to the Dynamo game, Astros game-- and tickets to the Museum for only $8!!

Here's the link to the Houston Public Library Events,the Fort Bend Public Library Events, and the Cy Fair Area Library Events.

• Meet Houston Poet and Slick Rick on July 28th by registering here for Hip Hop for Literacy. Here are some of my favorites:
• Even if you didn't participate in the Summer Reading Challenge ( and it's not too late to join!) you can still attend the Summer Reading Block Parties. The Alief Hennigton Library will be hosting an African Themed event on July 28th.
• If you love Harry Potter-- and who doesn't? You might want to celebrate at First Colony Branch Library as they have a trivia contest complete with cosplay and snacks.
• Want to learn your own magic tricks, check out this event for tween and teens at the Spring Branch Memorial Library.

I don't think we think a lot about where our food comes from anymore, or maybe you do and now you're a vegetarian. Either way, the farmer's market is a great place for you to find fresh food for meat and non meat eaters alike. Westchase District Farmer's Market is hosting a Barnyard Petting Zoo on July 19 at 3 pm. Your kids will get a chance to pet, feed and take pictures with farm animals. You will also receive some shopping money for the kids to practice learning about spending!

Majestkids Playland is  bringing on the very youngest superheroes for your young superheroes. Join them Wednesday July 18 at 10 am to meet the PJ Masks Crew. You can come early and let them play a little before the show. That way they will be SUPER tired when you leave #protip

If you are also a  fur mom, you'll love this event. The Houston World Series of Dog Shows brings all breeds together for healthy fun ( humans take note!) If you are interested in seeing the exhibits, shows, and vendors  check here for more info

Once the sun goes down, just a little it's nice to get outside for some cool air fun. NO-- I'm kidding its 200 degrees at 7 oclock. But with an ice cold water and sunscreen it might only feel like 150 degrees. Either way try Julydoscope at Discovery Green for a science themed festival complete with a movie screening of a space short film called CineSpace. 

If you still haven't seen it, Pinkalicious has a few shows left for the season at Main Street Theater. I love this place, because your kids get to experience a 'real show' that's tailored just for them! You'll enjoy yourself too! Express Theater offers free outdoor shows that are also geared for the entire family. This years shows are New Clown in Town and Freedom Train.  The Company on Stage in Southwest Houston is running a children's series of performances. This Summer they are featuring the Princess and the Pea- - here's the link to purchase tickets, and at only $7 its pretty much a steal!

If you're in the area check out Rock the Row Concert Series where Motown, Pop and Funk cover bands perform popular songs on the scenic Lake Woodlands every Thursday at 7 pm.

Board Games are kind of retro and unique now that we have all been zombified by our phones and tablets. But take an evening and unplug by going to Barnes and Nobles Book stores for their board games and prizes nights. Don't play too hard-- remember you have to go home with these people!

I hope you find at least one thing on the list to do this month. I read somewhere that we only get 18 summers to enjoy with our kids. Makes you think really hard about what you spend your time doing!

See you in August!