Family Friendly events in honor of Black History Month

Since it’s February, I decided to dedicate all of this month’s free/cheap events to the celebration of Black History Month. Hopefully no matter what you look like, you are spending time teaching your kids about the rich cultures that make our country beautiful and diverse!

My favorite thing to do with my son is watch plays, so I’m so excited to share this event with you--Fela! This phenomenal play celebrates the history of musical giant and activist, Fela Kuti. The play is being held in the month of February at HSPVA. Get your tickets here.

Another theater here in Houston is celebrating Black History Month, by honoring baseball great- Jackie Robinson. On February 17^th, you can meet a real life baseball legend, Grover “Deacon” Jones, as he talks about the history of baseball through his eyes and experiences. He will be doing a post show interview after the performance. You can get your tickets here.

The Center for Healing Racism is hosting an open dialogue that focuses on MLK's, Letter from a Birmingham Jail. This event is free, but donations are welcome. This is a great event if you have older kids, or if you are looking for a solid basis to have conversations about race with your kids.

Art in the Park at Studewood Park is celebrating Black History Month with a free family art day. Register here for more information.

The Houston Public Library is hosting a variety of events that include an essay contest, arts and crafts, movies and a lecture series—check them out here—and they are all free! http://houstonlibrary.org/

You can also sign up for a guided tour at the Houston Museum of African American Culture http://hmaac.org/tours/ I've never been, and am looking forward to sharing this experience with my son. 

Want to hear one of the best stories ever written? Check out the Children’s Museum of Houston on February 7^th as they do a live reading of Henry’s Box. Or stop by on February 9^th for their Jazz Poetry Reading

Sienna Branch Library is hosting a hand drumming class for kids to enjoy the rich vibrant history of drumming circles on February 9^th from 2p-4pm. His drum company has performed at my school for the past 3 years and EVERY person in the building was dancing-- they are that good. 

The Katy Branch of the Harris County Public Library is hosting a Poetry night for teens and young adults on February 16^th at 1:30 pm

The Taste of Pan Africa Food Festival being held on February 15^th from 4pm—11pm, get your tickets on Eventbrite.

Another great way to celebrate Black History Month, is to immerse yourself in the culture through books. Barnes and Noble is going to do a read aloud of I am Martin Luther King, by Brad Meltzer on February 23rd at 11 o'clock am. 

Follow me on Instagram @urbankidinthecity for all of the books that Ill be showcasing this month in honor of Black History Month.

New Year, New Me, same cheap events for your family!

What a blur—a fun, eventful blur—but a blur nonetheless…

I moved into a new place (packed, unpacked and built a loft bed, like a boss!) visited 3 different lights, 2 plays and a gazillion different events around Houston. Needless to say I am part of #teamtoomuch, but I had fun!  The most memorable part of my vacation was a Vision Board Party and a Painting with Santa Event.

The Painting with Santa was at Glazed over Ceramics in West Houston. When you arrive they have a table set up with your name, a ceramic plate and a paint request slip. The back of the store has snacks, drinks and the big guy himself. You are invited to take as many pictures as you would like with Santa, and he was SUPER friendly so he didn’t mind. After taking photos my son and I sat down to paint our plate—well I painted he ate cookies and drank juice. I love this event because it gives me a time to sit and create with my son. Whenever I ask him what he likes to do with me, he always says ‘make stuff’ so I know this is a tradition that will stick with me.

I do a lot of events with my son, so my NY Resolution was to spend time doing this as ‘myself.’  So I attended More Than A Vision Board Party with the Urban Sisters Network. It was a very uplifting event that included: yoga, motivational speakers, and of course a vision board.

If you are looking for things to do with your family, as usual here are a list of free or inexpensive events happening around our great city!

January 15^th Family Slime Night at Katy Mills Chick Fil A

January 19^th Project Cradle Care: This is a free community baby shower for young expectant mothers to get the resources they may need.

Project Cradle Care

9 AM · 9314 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77051

January 23^rd- Katy Taste Fest

January 26^th – Family Fish Camp: Want to learn about fishing? Camping? Try this morning session that gives you and your little ones an intro to basic fishing—for free!!

January 20^th – Child Author, Bailey Davis is doing a book signing for his second book

 

Did you know how to keep your family safe in an emergency?  Try this CPR class for free

Son or Daughter Events that spread love:

Mother and Son Winter Dance

Mother and Daughter Tea Time 

If you are looking for a way to teach diversity and celebrate the upcoming Black History Month you’re your kids, try visiting Main Street Theater and watching the Jackie Robinson story on opening night, January 22^nd Jackie and Me is for students in 5^th grade and up due to some sensitive language that is used during the play.  http://www.mainstreettheater.com/youththeater/youththeater.html

Don’t forget to pick up your flip kit at any Houston Public Library and get your free pass for MLK day at Children’s Museum. This passes can be used at the Houston or Fort Bend location and are usually good for 2 months.

https://www.cmhouston.org/flip

My favorite place to find free classes, programs, and resources is the library so browse their list of upcoming events here.