Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in San Antonio, TX

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Fun for the Littlest Ones

Upcoming Events in the Alamo City

July 30, 2009

The start of school is in a few short weeks!  This time of year is very hectic and busy.  If you aren't busy enough snapping up the must have backpack, latest clothes and school supplies, and need something to fill your time- I have it.  Or if one parent is going to knock out the shopping and the other wants to keep the kids busy- there is plenty events to do just that.    

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Great Harvest Bread Company

July 20, 2009

We are in a playgroup with Moms that come up with fabulous ideas of things for our kiddos to do.  One of the moms found out that Great Harvest Bread Company gives tours on Wednesdays for small groups.  They have two locations (20079 Stone Oak Parkway and 2267 NW Military Hwy) and we had our tour at the Stone Oak location.  You have to talk to the manage to set it up and it might take awhile.  We had to wait a few weeks because we weren't the only ones with this great idea!  The tour was great and age appropriate for preschoolers.  The manager used a story to get the children engaged.  She would use the story when explaining different aspects of the bread making process.  The kids loved touching the flour, peering inside the huge oven, and checking out the monster size mixers.  We left with a bag of goodies and a loaf of bread.  It definitely helps that their food is delicious!  It is worth checking out.  Does anyone know other shops or venues that offer tours for little ones?  Read more...

The Circus Came to Town

July 06, 2009

On Friday night my family headed to the 'greatest show on Earth'- the Ringling Brothers Over The Top Circus.  I hadn't been to the circus in years and really didn't know what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised with how much the show is the still the same!  Before we went I let my son peruse the Ringling Brothers website to know what to expect- and to be excited about it!  We planned on going an hour before to check out the animals (they are out for viewing an hour and a half before the show until thirty minutes before the show starts) but didn't make it in time.   Read more...

Fourth of July Foods, Crafts and Fun

June 30, 2009

Alright, we know where to go for fireworks on the Fourth, but we need to make sure kids have a background about the holiday.  There are many (fun!) ways for your child to get involved and be in on the appreciation of the holiday.  I always bring in crafts, books, or pictures and stories to get the point across.  Being the parent, you know which way your child learns best.  I know my son would probably rather read a book first and do a small craft.  He is just now getting into crafts, but is really just a huge reader.  He also enjoys listening to facts about the topic and looking at pictures.  Here are some suggestions to do with your little one before the Fourth of July.  

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Fireworks Around Town on the Fourth

June 29, 2009

 Just because we aren't allowed to pop firecrackers in Bexar county (our drought is in full force) doesn't mean that we can't see sparklers.  There are many places in and around town to catch fireworks.  Remember to get there early for a good spot to see the fireworks.  Fourth of July is a time to celebrate with BBQ, family and friends; but it is also a time to be extra careful and safe.  Let me know if I missed any places to see fireworks.  

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National Park Services

June 18, 2009

Well, you learn something new everyday.  The Being Savvy Pittsburgh city editor, Jennifer Singore was just visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  She found all sorts of great services the National Parks Services offers- specifically to parents and children!   

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Spotlight on The Children's Museum!

June 13, 2009

There are so many upcoming events at The Children's Museum.  Did you know there is a new exhibit, PowerBALL Hall?  It is a interactive ball exhibit that allows your child to explore the principle of physics with... balls.  There are different stations that will have your child developing motor and tracking skills.  In addition to this new fabulous exhibit, there are summer camps. 

Kinder Art Week (July 13-16)- This camp is for ages 3-5 and will focus on famous artists, draw and sculpt and oil and water.  It will be from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the cost is $80 for members and $90 non-members. 

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Free Movies!!

June 08, 2009

One of the reasons to love summer so much is cool air-conditioned movie theatres that show our kiddos FREE movies!  I get a break (along with my kiddo from running errands or hanging out at home) and I can spring for a popcorn and not feel guilty.   Regal Movie Theatres is offering select free movies for nine weeks this summer on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 AM.  First come first serve on the tickets (available at the ticket box office that morning).  Live Oak, Cielo Vista, Fiesta, and Northwoods are the theatres offering them in San Antonio.  Of course these aren't the latest Disney movie still making box office history, but older movies shown in past years- still ones we all love.    Read more...

Newly Expanded Riverwalk!

June 04, 2009

We have exciting news in the Alamo city!  Have you heard we have expanded our fabulous Riverwalk?  The Grand Opening at the San Antonio Museum of Art has already taken place but they are still in the celebratory mood.  On Sunday they will have First Sunday for Families: Down By the River.  From 12-5 p.m., families can visit the newly expanded grounds and enjoy water-inspired art activities, refreshments, museum tours, music, and more!  Kids under age 12 are free. 
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Top 5 Indoor Play Places to Try Right Now

June 03, 2009

As the temperature rises, my goal is always to find a fun place to play INDOORS.  There are a few places that are new since last summer.  I have a short list and I planned on expanding later.  If you know of a great play place indoors, let me know.  Make sure and call ahead on a few of these places because I have heard they will close for private parties. 

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McKenna Children's Museum

May 18, 2009

Have you been to the McKenna Children's Museum (in New Braunfels)?  Are you aware of all the cool things they have happening there?  Located on 801 West San Antonio Street, the McKenna Children's Museum is well worth the drive.  They have the ordinary hands-on activities you find a children's museum-grocery store, Innovation Center with Mine-Control, Lend-A-Hand Ranch and a Tot Spot.   Read more...

The Ideas are Endless for the Weekend!

April 02, 2009

Can you believe it is Spring?  With all of our nice rain showers, wildflowers like bluebonnets should be popping up everywhere.  The hot humid weather is holding off for another month, so it is the perfect time to get out on the weekends with the family.    Roxaboxen is playing at The Magik Theatre now until April 18.  This play is based on the book Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran about children using their imaginations to imagine towns and houses made out of all different fun things.   

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Don't Forget about Your Local Barnes and Noble!

March 26, 2009

I am not sure we fully appreciate all our local Barnes and Noble has to offer.  I know their events had slipped my mind until my son and daughter happened in there one rainy day during Spring Break to get out of the drizzle.  We found ourselves sitting in their little children's reading area and completely lost track of time.  I then saw events they had coming up and wondered why I wasn't in here more often.  The events I have listed below are for Barnes and Noble at Northwoods (281 and 1604), but the link I have will allow you to plug in any area of town to check when the exact times are at your Barnes and Noble.   

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Fun (Safe) Places for Your Pre-Schooler to Scale the Walls

March 24, 2009

When I saw the theme for today I thought it couldn't be more perfect.  I have been researching what summer activity my son would do- and had pretty much decided it would be a program he could burn some energy off!  San Antonio has many different programs to choose from.  After age 3, your child will attempt the balance beam without your help because they go to class without you.  This is a comparison of gymnastics programs, because there is nothing better than a flip, tumble and bend to keep a kiddo happy.  The plus to the gymnastics classes are having a break from the hotter than Hades temperatures outside!  Here are some different options for your next 'lil Shawn Johnson.   

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Best Places to Take Your Little One with Your Older One

March 17, 2009

This is a predicament I often find myself in.  It is slowly getting easier as my daughter is more mobile, but we have had to be creative in activities we can do all together.  Although my kids are only two years and a few months apart, it can seem like they are worlds apart- except for these activities we can do all together.   

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Preschool Games

March 16, 2009

In today's guest post, toy expert Jim Silver discusses features that
parents should look for when choosing games for their preschoolers.
Jim is a widely recognized and often-resourced authority on the toy
and licensing industries, having worked within the publishing and toy
industries for more than 20 years.  He's also editor-in-chief for
www.TimeToPlayMag.com, a great website parents can go to for toy,
gaming and entertainment information.  Read below to learn 5 things
parents should look for in a preschool game, then check out Jim's list
of top preschool games for 2009.

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Camps and Classes in San Antonio

February 02, 2009

There are a couple of classes I have wanted to enroll my son in for the spring. It is hard to price and compare them. I feel like almost any class I enroll my son in helps him learn and grow. It teaches him how to act socially and in a more structured environment. Besides, my son is a doer. He loves to get out of the house and go do things. This wouldn't be a problem if we had tons of money to  Read more...

"Active" or consumable gifts

December 16, 2008

Sometimes I will be playing with my kids or cleaning up their toys and will get overwhelmed at all of the 'stuff' they have! We don't have a huge house, and if we don't make my son put up one toy before taking out another, we can begin to get claustrophobic. Or, if I am organizing and cleaning their toys, I realize how many they just don't use! That is why my husband and I appreciate when loved  Read more...

The candy lounge

December 12, 2008

We all have our favorite candy. I like the chewy, gummy ones. I would probably choose gummy worms or red hots. My husband loves Runts- and I could pass on those any day. We just recently introduced my son to candy. Of course there aren't many they can eat at this age where you aren't worried they are going to ruin their teeth or choke- but we found some appropriate ones. A friend suggested  Read more...

Handmade gifts of pottery

December 11, 2008

Ok, I know you are not done with your shopping yet. You might be stuck on a particular person that is really hard to buy for. Turn the pressure over to the kids! Take them to one of these great art studios to make a Christmas gift for a loved one. Your child will love creating a gift and the receiver will have a much more meaningful gift than a gift card. I have wrote about The Painted Plate  Read more...

Great Toys

December 04, 2008

With the holidays just around the corner, here are some toys to consider while buying for your children. There are even some educational ones in the list- they won't make you feel as guilty! Birthday Party Birthday Cake My son just finished celebrating his 3rd birthday and that is all we heard until the day, "is today my birthday? when is my birthday?" We could have used this, especially  Read more...

Upcoming events at the Children's Museum

December 01, 2008

Did you know the San Antonio Children's Museum has a new permanent exhibit? It is like a mini-HEB that your kids can pretend they are shopping in, and even working at! Children can use kid-sized grocery carts to shop for "real" food. They will feel just like Mom and Dad when they can weigh their produce, pick out turkey or chicken, and pick out new types of food to try. When they get to the  Read more...

Halloween events around town

October 21, 2008

Many Halloween events happening around town! Here are just a couple to check out with the family: 1. Young Chef's's Academy- Halloween Party at the La Cantera location. Kids will prepare fun Halloween treats and get to wear their costumes. Here is the rundown: Friday, October 24 th , 6:00PM-8:00PM, ages 4 and up, members are $30, non-members $35. 2. Big Top Kidz- 2 nd Annual  Read more...

What's in your dress up bin? How to choose a costume...

October 06, 2008

We are still building our dress up bin because my son is young. So far it has old hats, his old Halloween costume from last year, and a couple snippets of fabric to "layer" with. I was at Wal-Mart getting him a bandana for his costume and picked up a few in different colors for 99 cents to play with. Picking through sale bins or getting the sale after a holiday can add to your dress up bin. It  Read more...

Sharkey's Cuts for Kids

September 25, 2008

Does your child whine, complain, or flop around in the seat when it is time to get a haircut? You are not alone. If you are dreading taking your child for his next trim, make it a more enjoyable experience by taking him to Sharkey's Cuts for Kids . It is in the Legacy Shopping Center at 281 and 1604, a few doors down from McAllister's (I have featured before). You can make your haircut  Read more...

A little football fun

September 24, 2008

Have you taken your child to a sporting event yet? Why not try your local high school football game? We are early into football season so there is plenty of time to make it to one. We took our son last year and he loved it (when he was two), but we took him this past weekend and he LOVED it (he is almost three). There is so much to look at and do besides watching the actual football game.  Read more...

Relax with yoga

September 15, 2008

If you weren't already aware, it is National Yoga month in September. Kids naturally want to run around, exercise, and follow the leader, so yoga is great for little ones. They can copy the instructor as they do the positions and have fun while doing it. We also know how important it is for children this age to be practicing their gross motor skills, and there is no better way to do than  Read more...

Time to look at your calendar

August 21, 2008

Although summer is drawing to a close- it doesn't mean activities with your toddler need to as well. There is plenty to do in the upcoming week(s) so keep your eye on these fun, and even educational activities. For starters: At the Children's Museum ( 305 E. Houston St. ) this week they will be presenting Building Tracks Week during regular museum hours. I will be checking this out  Read more...

Going out to eat with the kids tonight?

August 06, 2008

Like most families with one income, my husband I had to find ways to cut here and there. One of these sacrifices was going out to eat every day (well, not everyday but pretty darn close). When we do venture out, we want a kid-friendly atmosphere, reasonable prices and decent food. We have come across a couple of places that meet the criteria. In the realm of fast food, we enjoy  Read more...

What makes a beach or pool great for preschoolers

August 05, 2008

If your preschooler is anything like my son- they LOVE water. My son is super excited when it is bath time, but we also try to find different and new ways for him to enjoy water. Because he is not water safe, it is important wherever it is that we take him has to either be somewhere he can splash safely (very shallow) or somewhere my husband or I can hold/stand right next to him.  Read more...

Where to walk when there aren't that many choices

July 31, 2008

One would think that a trip to the gas station these days would force anyone to try and find other ways to get places instead of a gas guzzling car. Unfortunately, most of us are still driving everywhere, we are just whining about it more (or at least I am). This is why when I found out about walkscore.com ranking the most walkable cities and San Antonio coming in #32 out of 40 (ouch), I  Read more...

We want the thump. The Luling Watermelon Thump.

June 23, 2008

Did your mama ever tell you it's not polite to thump your fruit? Well it's time to ditch the manners. As you're planning ahead for your busy week of summer activities, be sure to add a visit to Luling (about 50 miles east of San Antonio off of IH-10) this June 26, 27, 28 or 29 for their annual Watermelon Thump . And yes, the experience is as much fun as its name is funny. Celebrating local  Read more...

The Top Five Coolest Extra-preschool Activities in San Antonio

June 17, 2008

1. Aragn Spanish Academy Classes Great preschool classes are one thing. But Spanish immersion preschool classes are a whole different world. Aragn Spanish Academy offers classes for children starting at age 3 that look and behave like any other great preschool in town. The difference is in how these classes sound. Children participate in typical preschool activities (singing, dancing, playing,  Read more...

Room to Run: Best places to tire out your preschooler

May 28, 2008

The Quadrangle on Ft. Sam Houston Imagine a place, a magical place, where kids roam among friendly deer and peacocks, rabbits and ducks. A place where a mythical-looking clock tower stands tall above tiny children and dwarfs even adults. A place so spacious that your child could run, back and forth across it, for hours at a time, while you sit leisurely on a blanket, able to see them from any  Read more...

The Five Best Ways to Enjoy Brackenridge Park, the Joske Pavilion Area

May 15, 2008

It never fails. Every so often our Friday afternoon playgroup disbands for whatever reason and my best friend and I are left trying to figure out how to entertain our disappointed kids at the last minute. Thankfully we live close to Brackenridge Park and it's becoming our new standby. Brack's got everything you need to keep your antsy preschooler entertained until it's time to meet Daddy for  Read more...

The five best day trips within an hour (or so!) of San Antonio

May 14, 2008

Living in San Antonio is great but sometimes you just gotta get away. Check out the five best day trips to make with your child that are within an hour (or so!) of SA: 1. McKenna Children's Museum, New Braunfels, TX (about 20 minutes from SA) A child's dream-come-true, the McKenna Children's Museum offers hands-on exhibits (ranch, grocery store, train station, hospital, to name a few), story  Read more...

Top 5 things to do outside when the rain clears and the sun shines

May 13, 2008

In San Antonio, as quickly as the rain appears it's gone. Here are some inspired places to take your child right after the last drop hits the pavement: 1. Sunset Ridge Shopping Center, 6438 N. New Braunfels, 78209 Located in the infamous 09'er zip code, The Sunset Ridge Shopping Center is an honest-to-goodness, real shopping center, not the suburban, strip-center, sprawling monstrosities that  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in san antonio

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy san antonio:
Emily, Colleen Pence

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