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!