Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in san antonio, TX

It is Waaaay Too Hot To Be Outdoors

July 09, 2009

First off, could it be any hotter?  Watching the weather is depressing- even more so for the mother of a pre-schooler- because my first thought is, "what the heck am I going to do with my kids that is indoors?!"  We will sometimes go to the pool in the morning but usually stay indoors the rest of the days.  If we dare brave going out in the afternoon, we are sweating just getting in the car!  With a high of 100 degrees forecasted for Saturday and the rest of this weekend, here are a few air-conditioned! places to take advantage of.  

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.  

Summer Camp

June 15, 2009

Can't we all just agree that camps are synonymous with summer?  I desperately wanted to go to camp as a kid- any kind- but usually money was tight.  I am anxious that I can already send my son to camp!  As kids get older they can help decide what their interests are and what camps they want to try.  If you have a theatre actor, a chef, an artist or dancer there are plenty of camps to choose from.  One thing is for sure, it is definitely not to late to sign up for camp- even if we already well into summer.   Most places still have weeks available- some even in June! 

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. 

Earth Day Crafts

April 14, 2009

Earth day is a week away.  It feels like every year Earth day seems a little more important and gains a more popularity.  I remember a mention of Earth Day when I went to school, but not near the attention it gets today.  I enjoy teaching my son to take care of our "Earth".  In honor of Earth Day next week I wrangled together a few crafts to do with the kids with that theme.  They are items you probably have around the house and are definitely on the 'easy' level. 

Paint, Paper, Scissors

April 13, 2009

I'd like to think I found us (my kids and I) a new hangout!  Paint, Paper, Scissors is located on 13133 NW Military Hwy, Ste. #100 (between Wurzback Pkwy and George Road in the Oak Place Center).  The small shop packs in a lot of fun.  We discovered it through our playgroup when someone suggested going to Art Exploration.  Art Exploration is Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10-12 and Wednesday afternoons 3:30-5:30.  Each child is $5 and must be accompanied by an adult.  When I first heard we were going to Art Exploration and found out it wouldn't be a class or have any instruction, I balked.  I pictured a pile of construction paper, a box of dried up markers and a sticky glue stick thrown on a table for the children to make 'art'.  Not the case!   Read more...

Fun Pranks For April Fool's Day

March 31, 2009

April 1st, or April Fools Day is tomorrow.  I finally think my son is at the age where he will get the joke in a good April Fools joke.  Some ideas are from Jenny Meade, the City Editor in Kansas City, Missouri.  I posted her link for some cute April Fools ideas.  I got many of my ideas from Family Fun (do you get this fabulous magazine?) magazine and on-line.  Also print out Disney's April Fools print-ables.  Check out these other ideas:

Coming Up...

by Emily

January 30, 2009

What's going on in San Antonio these days? A lot! Here are few things in our very own town to take advantage of. Even some freebies! :) 1. Family Fun Day on Feb. 7th from 10-1 at South Park Mall. Walkaround Grover will be there. Learn more at KLRN.org or 270-9000. 2. Rodeo . It's time to rodeo, San Antonio! Even if you aren't going to see a performer or for a show, you can take  Read more...

Places (and resources to help your little one) to start journaling

by Emily

January 14, 2009

Scrapbooking is a way to express yourself creatively. It can also be considered therapeutic and a way to let the stresses dissipate. It allows you to journal about memories through stories and photos. If these are all the reasons an adult scrapbooks, it would most definitely be the same for a child. A preschooler is the perfect age to introduce scrapbooking to. They LOVE art, telling stories,  Read more...

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

by Emily

November 07, 2008

Here is a reminder about great events that are on their way out at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and a sneak peak at some events making their way in. The Terrific Treehouses is an exhibit featuring fantasy to ordinary treehouses . It made me think of the Swiss Family Robinson , very inventive. Terrific Treehouses will be at the Gardens until December 7 th . I am excited about taking my  Read more...

Introducing Your Preschooler to the World of Modern Art: The Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum

by Colleen Pence

June 05, 2008

Once you've made your foray into the world of art with your preschooler , it's time to vary your art-viewing experience a bit to keep them interested. San Antonio is fortunate to be home to the first modern art museum in Texas. The Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum , previously the home of the aforementioned McNay (a painter and art teacher who willed her house, grounds and art collection with the  Read more...

My neighborhood: Alamo Heights -- Things to See and Do

by Colleen Pence

June 04, 2008

Although Alamo Heights has been my neighborhood for 15 years I'll soon be bidding it a fond farewell to head for the burbs. I'll certainly miss my old haunts, many of which are perfect for having fun with my children. Here are just a few of the many reasons I'll be sad to leave the hood: Twin Sisters, 6322 N. New Braunfels, 822-2265 Kids love Twin Sisters because of its miniature picnic table  Read more...

Budding Art Critic

by Colleen Pence

June 02, 2008

Visiting the San Antonio Museum of Art Honesty time. It never occurred to me before to take my daughter to the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) . Sure, I thought I'd take her one day, eventually, when she's 12 or 13. In my fantasy we'd make a day of it, starting with the museum and ending with spirited discussions about the art we'd enjoyed over tea and cakes at Madhatter's. But, until  Read more...

The Top Five Things to Do in San Antonio on a Rainy Day

by Colleen Pence

May 27, 2008

We haven't seen rain 'round these parts in some time but here's a list to keep handy for when the proverbial south Texas downpour arrives without warning (and you know it will!): 1. The Library or Reading is FUNdamental San Antonians are lucky to have a wonderful library system that provides branches in all parts of town and it's a great (and free!) place to entertain your kids. In fact Delaney  Read more...

The littlest Picasso

by Colleen Pence

May 26, 2008

Artworks All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up. --Pablo Picasso You want to foster creativity in your child. You want your child to paint with wild abandon, to cut and tear tissue paper, to tell a vibrant and vivid story with glitter glue and pastels. But you don't want to worry about where the paint drops may fall. Enter Artworks , locally-owned  Read more...