Author Archives: Michelle L.

Top Dad-ventures: Father's Day around the Hub

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Carving out some special time with Dad is what it’s all about for Father’s Day.  And our amazing Lubbock-area dads deserve to celebrate their day just the way they want… Hungry-man breakfast? CHECK.  Sleeping in? CHECK.  Easy-to-find fun stuff to do together?  DOUBLE-CHECK…  thanks to our double-stuffed  Father’s Day Dad-venture section!

Father's Day in Lubbock

So whether Dad loves the great outdoors or the hustle and bustle of the city, we know his greatest wish is to spend more time with his little buckaroos, and our guide can help give you some ideas to start the adventure.  But most of all, be sure to fill his day with love, and laughter, and hugs, and everything that makes him smile. 

Take in a Show Together

Father’s Day Weekend offers a bevy of performances – live and cinematic – that are perfect for dads to enjoy with children of any age:

—>  The Musical “13″ performed by the Lubbock Community Theatre.  Father’s Day Special:  dads who attend with their kids or wives get in FREE on Father’s Day!

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—>  Shrek performed by Lubbock Moonlight Musicals 8pm Friday and Saturday night at the Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre.

Shrek 8x10
—>  Beauty and the Beast Jr.  performed by Lubbock Moonlight Musicals’ Moonlight Children’s Theatre at 10am Saturday morning at the Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre.  Beauty and the Beast Jr.

—>  Parties celebrating the premier of Disney’s new movie “Inside Out” at Premiere Cinema and also at Alamo Drafthouse Saturday.
—>  The Juneteen Celebration Parade and Festival Saturday.
—>  The West Winds Brass Band Performance Sunday evening at Wagner Park.

Create Together

—>  Creating (and eating!) cookie works-of-art Friday at the Celebrate Dad event at Cookies By Design.
—>  Painting a masterpiece together at the Art & Company Father’s Day canvas class Saturday.
—>  Enjoying fun kid-friendly and teen-friendly sessions at Painting with a Twist Saturday & Sunday.
—>  Creating a priceless treasure together Saturday at the Mud Room or Clay Cafe.  Handprints are always a winner!
—>  Making a cool Father’s Day Card at Chick-fil-A Raider Park‘s Craft & Game morning Saturday.

Eat Together

Several places are offering discounts for Dad Sunday including Beef ‘O’ Brady’s where he eats FREE and also Hurricane Grill where he eats FREE!

Road Trip!

—>  The Abilene Zoo is offering free admittance for Dad on Sunday, and the Tahoka Centennial Celebration Saturday will be fun for everyone (you KNOW dad could win the pie eating or watermelon contest!).
—>  Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose is also having a special Father’s Day Sunset Safari Dinner and Tour Saturday (which also happens to be National Giraffe Day!).
—>  Or, if you feel like a road trip but don’t have the time, how about a “backyard campout” at the local KOA Campground where they offer a special kids camp free deal on Father’s Day weekend (and did you know they have an indoor pool?).
—> Enjoy a pre-historic road trip by joining the Night Hike at the Lubbock Lake Landmark Saturday evening at dusk and welcome the beautiful West Texas evening together!

Consider gifts that bring everyone together long after Father’s Day

Great gift ideas include:
—>  a season pass to the summer Moonlight Musicals… all are perfect for families.

2015 Season
—>  Critterfest Tickets to use next weekend at the Science Spectrum.  critterfest image square
—>  a yearly pass to the Science Spectrum Museum.
—>  a season pass to Lubbock Water Rampage.
—>  a multi-pass to Joyland Amusement Park.
—>  jump pass to Jump N Jungle

Check our full Calendar for a complete list of events found over the Father’s Day weekend!

Wishing all the incredible dads and men out there special memories with your amazing kids, whether you are able to spend time together this weekend or in the future!

Happy Father’s Day!

Parents Night Out / Family Night Out: Piggy Bank Friendly Dinner Dates

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From time to time, even super-hero moms and dads need some time to themselves to enjoy an adult conversation at a place where the meal does not come with a prize or in a bag!  But as we all know, time away from the kids sometimes feels like it’s more trouble than it’s worth!… and the big question:  What to do?  Hey, we’re all in the same place:  Our world revolves around everything kidful!  And that’s where our friends at LubbockintheLoop.com come to the rescue.  They are the experts in uncovering and sharing with very deserving parents the latest, newest places and savvy events across the South Plains.

Kid Friendly (1)

So we’re excited to team up with LubbockintheLoop to share a new series:  Parent Night Out / Family Night Out.  We collaborate on a bi-weekly basis to showcase Parents Night Out and Family Night Out ideas. Each article will feature a different theme (Outdoor activities, Nights Out Under $30, Free Weekends, Healthy Nights Out, etc). LitL will hand-pick “Sitter Worthy” parent  ideas and we’ll feature family top picks. So whether you have some family time in mind or crave some adult time, we’ll have you covered!  Feel free to let us know what you think!  Have an idea for future themes? Share it with us here or on our Facebook Page.

This week’s theme: Top Dinner Date suggestions that won’t break the bank…  with the family and without!

Parent Night Out – Top Places for Dinner under $30 from Lubbock in the Loop

Dinner Picks under $30 from LubbockintheLoop

Click here for Top Dinner Picks for under $30 from LubbockintheLoop.  And Remember:  If you’re looking for a sitter so you can have a kid-free meal, checkout our list of fun Kids Night Out events…. usually on Friday nights at several locations around town.

Family Night Out – Top Picks for a Family Dinner Out that Won’t Break the Piggy Bank from
Lubbock For Kids

Any place that offers Kids Eat Free that night!

We offer a handy list that stays constantly updated of area Kids Eat Free or almost-free deals… and there’s at least one every day including the weekends!  Most are targeted to kids 12 and under so this is especially sweet for those with younger kids!  And most of the area buffet-style restaurants offer Little Kids Eat Free (under 3) everyday including Souper!Salad! and Golden Corral.  Several sit-down restaurants that feature weekend deals include:

Abuelo’s Taqueria 19th & Quaker (free) on Fridays after 3pm.
Denny’s (free) on Saturdays between 4-10pm.
Mama Rita’s (for $1.29 all day) and Dickey’s Barbecue (free) on Sundays.

(reminder:  Be sure to check before you go… deals can change!)

Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe

Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe is a great local spot for families to have a great lunch or dinner out and very reasonable.  Easy to forget that they have yummy daily specials hot of the grill!  We really like their soups… yum!

Arcade Restaurants

The area arcade-based restaurants are great options when everyone wants to play!  However, we all know that these can tip our budget with “one more game!”  - so beware or just be lucky!
Chuck E Cheese (younger kids)
Mr. Gatti’s (younger and mid)
50th Street Caboose (older kids)

The Drive-In

A great deal for a family dinner out is to head to Stars & Stripes Drive-In.  The food is really good and reasonable and there is always a screen with family-freindly movies.  And for an uber piggy bank friendly night, you can pack a picnic !

More…

There are so many great family restaurant around town where you can sit down with the family, not break the bank, and have fun!  We know there are so many more…. where are your favorites?  Share them with us here or on our Facebook page!

And check back soon for our next Family Night Out / Parent Night Out series with Lubbock in the Loop… and until then if you need an idea for some mom and dad time, checkout their website where you’re sure to find everything in town that’s “Sitter Worthy!”

LubbockintheLoop

Playlist to Rock Mom's Day around the Hub

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Mother's Day surprise
Happy Mother’s Day  to all our fabulous Lubbock moms and all the ladies in our lives who inspire and support our kids!

Making memories and having fun together is always our goal … but what will be the Mother’s Day outing that will make Mom happy as well as the fam?  To help the search, we’ve gathered a playlist of ideas that will appeal to many different types of Mamas around the Hub… and her peeps!  And we’ve also included some special deals being offered just for Mom!

(See our Mother’s Day Section for the latest and greatest activities and deals to make Mom’s weekend brilliant!)

updated 5/4/2015


Moms who like to Play

Of course, one of the most playful places in town is Joyland!  And on Mother’s Day, moms ride free with a paying child from 2 PM – 8 PM.  Fun!    Buffalo Springs Lake is also launching their first “Float-In” Movie event the Friday of Mother’s Day weekend on May 8th  - you can pull up on your boat, float on an inner tube, or sit in the grass, and watch a family movie together to kick off the weekend.

Moms who like to Learn

The great thing about educational events with kids… they’re also fun… even for moms!  The Science Spectrum is a local treasure and if you haven’t had a chance to take in the exhibits and the pirates, then it’s the perfect time!  Regular rates apply.  They are also featuring a special pirate event Saturday 5/9 called the “Pirate School! Swashbuckling Show” at 1:30pm & 3:30pm.  $3/child & $4/adult.

pirate school picture

The 2015 Wolfforth Water Conservation Exposition also takes place Saturday at Frenship High School from 10:30am-4pm where everyone can learn more about about water conservation and enjoy fun activities for the kids too!   The Texas Tech Museum on Saturday offers the popular Dino Day event from 1-4pm… free and fun and a great learning experience!  And of course,  a stroll through the Windmill Museum,  Silent Wings Museum, Lubbock Lake Landmark, or the Bayer Museum of Agriculture always offers a great day together and they are all open Mother’s Day Weekend.

Moms who like the Theatre and Musicals

There’s a “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” treat for Mom (and her kids!) Mother’s Day weekend this year: Moonlight Musical’s performance of Mary Poppins!  Shows are Thursday May 7 through Sunday May 10 at the Civic Center Theatre.

Constant Contact -Mary P -72 DPI

And on Mother’s Day, another musical treat… the Lubbock Alamo Drafthouse has a special Broadway Brunch featuring of The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews at 3pm Sunday.


Moms who are Foodies

There are several nice Mother’s Day Brunches & deals being offered locally:
The Overton Hotel is presenting their popular Mother’s Day Brunch.
At Beef ‘O’ Brady’s moms eat FREE on Mother’s Day with a purchase of equal/greater value.
And perfect for moms with little ones ages 3-7, it’s a special Moms and Muffins “A Mother’s Day Event” at Hodges Community Center on Saturday 5/9 from 9-11am.  And perfect for the entire family, there is and Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Maxey Community Center 9-11am Saturday benefiting the Girl Scouts.

Moms who are Artsy

There are several paint-your-own pottery/craft places that are featuring mom & child pieces through the month.   The Mud Room has their Kid’s Day Saturday 5/9 where kids receive 15% off, Clay Café is featuring mom prints, Painting with a Twist is having a 1pm Mom & Teen “Gratitude” painting session on Saturday before Mother’s Day, and Art & Company is having a class on Saturday.  Whether creating a surprise for Mom or with Mom, there are several chances to create priceless, precious works of art and some memories!Artsy Mom Fun!


Moms who are Health Conscious

There is a great Child Safety fair this weekend…. making it the perfect outing for moms who love to stay up on all the latest for healthy families… and have fun with the kids!  The community-wide Healthy Summer Festival @ Safety City (46th & Ave. U) is Saturday 5/9 from 10am-1pm featuring tons of activities for the family including free children’s immunizations (bring shot records), car seat safety checks, bike rodeo, carnival games, entertainment, free health screenings, free fitness classes, demonstrations, dog agility and door prizes.

Moms who like Nature

The Second Annual Scales, Tails & Trails G.O. (Get Outside) event at the Lubbock Lake Landmark is the perfect family activity for the mom who enjoys learning about and experiencing the beauty of our West Texas home.  It’s a FREE outdoor education event for all ages Sat. 5/9 from 10am-2pm that features freebies and fun activities including a scavenger hunt, fish prints, live animals and face painting.  The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum is also holding their Second Saturday event 5/9 at 10am where moms and kids can learn more about gardening in West Texas – “Gardening in Small Spaces” is the theme Mother’s Day weekend.

Daisy for Mom

Moms who like to Run

Saturday 5/9, Frenship High School is having their Second Annual Frenship Spirit Fun Run 5K  from 8:30-11am starting at Tiger Stadium/People’s Bank Stadium Parking Lot.  Proceeds benefit the Frenship PTSA.

Moms who like to Pitch-in for a Good Cause

Saturday 5/9, is Lubbock Lemonade Day.  Moms and little entrepreneurs will be able to spend some nice quality time together, pitching-in together making their own family business for the day!  Saturday is also the 2nd Annual Duck Derby & Family Fun Fest sponsored by the Legal Aid Society at Buddy Holly Recreation Area.  Fun Fest is 11am-4pm and the Ducks drop at 2pm.  Prizes include great family packages including a Carnival Cruise and Schlitterbahn and Texas Ranger tickets.

So many ways to enjoy Mother’s Day – fast & slow!  See our Calendar for more ideas on how to make Mom’s weekend rock!

Do you know of any other Mother’s Day deals or freebies?  How do you celebrate Mother’s Day?  Add your favorites and other Mother’s Day events here and share with us!

 

Sitter Worthy: Top Picks that Scream "Get A Sitter!"

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From time to time, even super-hero moms and dads need some time to themselves to enjoy an adult conversation at a place where the meal does not come with a prize or in a bag!  But as we all know, time away from the kids sometimes feels like it’s more trouble than it’s worth!… and the big question:  What to do?  Hey, we’re all in the same place:  Our world revolves around everything kidful!  And that’s where our friends at LubbockintheLoop.com come to the rescue.  They are the experts in uncovering and sharing with very deserving parents the latest, newest places and savvy events across the South Plains.

birthdays, anniversaries, babies,

So we’re excited to team up with LubbockintheLoop to share a new series:  Parent Night Out / Family Night Out.  LitL will hand-pick “Sitter Worthy” parent time out ideas and we’ll feature family time out top picks for different themed weekends. So whether you have some family time in mind or crave some adult time, we’ll have you covered!  This week’s theme is The Outdoors… giving you some fun options to enjoy The Great Outdoors with your main squeeze or BFFs and also with The Fam!  Perfect for Earth Week. Have an idea for future themes? Share it with us here or on our Facebook Page.

What To Do This Weekend?
Enjoy The Great Outdoors – Disconnect!
Parent Night Out / Family Night Out

Outdoor Picks for Grownups Out & About – April 24-26.

Cork & Pork.
Friday 4/24 | 7pm-11pm | Bayer Ag Museum: 1121 Canyon Lake Drive.
Hosted by The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas High Plains Chapter.
$35 for members and $45 for Non-Members.
Tickets can be purchased at Host & Toast, McPherson Cellars, The Funky Door, The Wine Nest or at the door.  Benefits High Point Village.
Event features a whole hog & fixings, music by Gary Nix & West Texas, Great Plains Dist. beer, along with McPherson Cellars and Llano Estacado wine.

Put on your dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

Betenbough Homes Spring Event: Delight in DIY.
Saturday 4/25 | 10am-noon | Betenbough New Home Center.
FREE.
Come spend a morning pampering yourself and home! Enjoy a new dessert recipe, be inspired with beauty and home décor DIY crafts, and learn easy workout tips. Enter to win a massage gift card at the event!
This is a FREE event and will benefit Women’s Protective Services.

For more, hop on over to the full listing at LubbockintheLoop.com!

Need a sitter for Parents Night Out? Be sure to check our Parents Night Out section for childcare options on weekend nights at super fun places where the kids will have even more fun than mom and dad!

Perfect Outdoor Picks for Families – April 24-26.

Annual Plant Sale at the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum.
Saturday 4/25 | 9am-3pm | Arboretum at 41st & University.
The Arboretum will be buzzing with fun, plants & rain barrel kits to select, and a Kids Zone for young gardeners with races, snacks and garden activities! The Native Plant Society will be there selling water-wise plants and the Lubbock Master Gardeners will also be there to help and answer questions.

17th Annual Blue Ribbon Rally.
Saturday 4/25 | 10am-5pm | Downtown Depot District.
FREE.
Classic car show, motorcycle show, live music, food vendors, merchandise vendors, kids area, bounce houses, awards show, grand prize motorcycle give away!! All benefiting Family Guidance and Outreach Center of Lubbock.

National Picnic Day event at The Arboretum.
Saturday 4/25 | 5-8pm | The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum.
FREE.
Pack up the family and a big picnic and head to the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum at Hodges Community Center (41st & University) to celebrate National Picnic Day. You’ll find live music, kids activities and some great family time outdoors. Don’t forget the chairs, coolers and blankets!

Lamesa Chicken-Fried Steak Festival / Balloon Rally / 5K.
Friday-Sunday 4/24-26 | Lamesa Texas.
Lamesa’s Original Chicken Fried Steak Festival, 5K, and Crossroads Balloon Rally.
What a great, outdoor event!
Chicken-fried steak dinner: Friday 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Hot air balloon lift-off: Sunrise Saturday & Sunday.
5K Fun Color/Glow Run and Walk: Saturday 8:30pm.
Pie Contest: Saturday 10am.
Children’s Costume Contest: Saturday 10am.
Classic Car Show: Saturday 10am-2pm.
Team Roping – Rodeo Arena: Saturday 10am-3pm.
Pet Costume Contest: Saturday 1pm.
Chicken fry cook-off: Saturday.
Hot Air Balloon Fire concert for spectators: Saturday Night.
Live Music.
And more!

Safety City Birthday Celebration.
Sat. 4/25 | 3-5pm | Safety City.
FREE.
Safety City is turning 22 and we couldn’t celebrate without you! Come celebrate your favorite little City’s 22nd Birthday with our Dr. Seuss themed birthday party to see where we’ve been and the places we are going. Enjoy riding bikes, NEW pedal cars, and playing games at the Safety City Birthday Party.

Several Family-Friendly Walks & Runs are also taking place this weekend… pick one or 2 and get some fresh air with the family while getting a smile from helping out some amazing organizations:

Run For Recovery 5K & 1K Family Run.
Saturday 4/25 | Mackenzie Park | 9am.
Includes inflatable obstacles and family color run!

March of Dimes March for Babies.
Saturday 4/25 | Urbanovsky Park @ Texas Tech University | 9:30am.

Burkhart Walk for Autism Awareness.
Sunday 4/26 | Jones Stadium | 2pm.

For more Earthy family ideas, checkout our latest blog on Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids.

Check back soon for our next Parent Night Out series with Lubbock in the Loop… sure to be “Sitter Worthy!”
Kid Friendly (1)

Cruising for Christmas Lights!

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Take a breath… load up the kids…
and enjoy the holiday lights as 2014 wraps up!

Cruising For Christmas Lights in Lubbock

Our family tradition has always been to cruise the roads of Lubbock and enjoy Christmas lights… usually AFTER Christmas.  Now that we’re parents ourselves, we understand the real reason our parents started this tradition… it’s time!  They convinced us that after Christmas is the perfect time to look at the lights… it’s after baby Jesus was born and the Wise Men were on their way to meet Him by following the Christmas Star.  This story is still very convincing for our kids… but it’s also for selfish reasons:  it’s the time to sit back, relax and fully enjoy the cruise and the time along with our kids!

However, this year we made an exception and decided to do a mini-cruise the week before Christmas so we can take-in the lights at one of the newest treats on the Christmas Cruise list… Safety City!  This year they are kicking off their Christmas in the City: Holiday Lights at Safety City display from Sun. Dec. 14 – Sat. Dec. 20!

So we’re off!  In one hand we have the handy-dandy Christmas Light Map from Lubbockintheloop.com (including the additions from their readers at the bottom of the map!) and in the other hand we have the nice list on the Visit Lubbock blog.

Thermos of Hot Chocolate – check. Thermos of Hot Cider – check.  Non-spill travel cups – check.  Holiday munchies – check. Holiday music – check.  Time to Cruise!

Christmas LightsWe begin our journey by allowing the kids to select the first “Quadrant” to attack (too much xbox perhaps?!).

The winning starting point is Vintage Township (our favorite spot to run around the lights and warm up by the outdoor fireplace!), The Falls, Orchard Park, 3417 91st (off Indiana – pictured above), and 59th & Indiana (synchronized houses).   We swing over to 66th & Ave S (our daughter loved the Christmas Ferris Wheel there!),  run over by Safety City on 47th & Ave. U.  We then take I-27 to Mackenzie Park and Santa Land (we decide to take a tour of Santa Land in our next outing!) and then continue on to Tech and the Carol of Lights via Marsha Sharp Freeway.

We head west on 19th to the Rush neighborhood off Quaker and then continue north on Quaker to catch the synchronized light show at Wayland Baptist University at 801 North Quaker Ave. – just outside the Loop.  We then drive by 38th St. & Salem Ave. and head to Llano Estates (Marsha Sharp Fwy at Wolfforth) focusing on 8308 CR 6940 where the lights are synchronized.  We turn back towards Lubbock by heading east on 82nd and see the synchronized houses directly behind Tractor Supply Co. (turn south on Xenia Ave. to 84th).  Amazing!

The next wave….

After our loop around town, we try to determine if we have time to hit the next grouping of lights…. the backseat vote passes:  yes, we’re heading east to Ransom Canyon!  It was beautiful and well-worth the very short drive.  The kids only argued briefly (over the music choices of course!), and snoozed on the way home!

Our Christmas Light Cruise 2014 is complete…. or maybe, now that we know our favorites, we’ll take just one more excursion before the lights disappear for another year!  Or maybe we’ll take a little road trip and see other area displays like Santa’s Land Drive-through park in Tahoka or the Zoo Lights Safari at the Amarillo Zoo!  So many lights, so little time!  It’s hard to resist the call of the Christmas Lights!  Need more idea?  See our Holiday Lights section for more!

Do you have a favorite tradition for enjoying the lights of the holidays?  Share them with us!

This article was originally published in 2013 and updated for 2014.

 

FIFA Lubbock! 2014 World Cup for Kids

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shutterstock_198596642_Cheering soccer

Like the rest of the world, kids in Lubbock are enjoying the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, especially with the great showing from our Team USA!  What a perfect chance for our kids to join in… learn the game (if they are soccer novices), learn about other countries, and enjoy being a part of something that is celebrated around the world!

Have a FIFA Party!

Get together with a few families, cheer on the teams, and enjoy!  The kids can printout the flags of the competing countries or have some fun with the games & printables that you can download from Activity Village - a great education website.  Have munchies with an international flair and you’ve got your own little slice of Brazil!

Cheer with Teams!

Find a family-friendly sports pub, like Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, to meet friends and cheer on the teams!  Can’t beat the excitement with a group (plus they are having a great Kid’s Coloring promo… freebies and prizes!).   Alamo Draft House is also showing the USA game on their big screen, which would be the next best thing to being there! (remember: no kids under 6).   And a friendly reminder to those of us just getting into the swing of the World Cup thing…. people are passionate about their teams… if your child is uncomfortable with loud places or an occasional “excited” word, may want to go for Option 1 :-)

shutterstock_198324455_world cup flags

Join in!

If the kids are getting into the spirit of the game and want more, there are several leagues and teams still forming.  Be sure to check our Soccer sports section on LubbockForKids.com for upcoming registrations… which include Upward at Southcrest Baptist, LCAA, and Lubbock Soccer Association (LSA).

Camp it!

There are still several soccer camps this summer offered through Texas Tech and Lubbock Parks & Rec. – great way to have some fun and receive top-tier instruction while continuing the excitement!

Lubbock may not have been know as a traditional, soccer-oriented town in the past, but thanks to all the great soccer leagues and resources now calling Lubbock home, we’re feeling the need to sing “Ole….Ola, Ole, Ola (We Are One)”  with the rest of the world and show our kids a positive, team-oriented world view!

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy the World Cup with the kids?  Know of another local, family-friendly World Cup event?  Great!  Share it with us here!

 

Happy Campers - 35 Fun Spring Break 2014 Camps & Classes for Kids

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shutterstock_152197886_Happy CampersWhat to do with the kids over Spring Break?  That’s the question gnawing at most parents this time of year!  If you’re not planning a big Spring Break get-away, or even if you are but not for the entire week, we’ve discovered some really fun, entertaining, enlightening, and active local options to help our kids have a great time and also provide parents some childcare options in the Lubbock area!   But better act fast… camps & classes are filling fast!

For up-to-the-minute updates on camps, check our Spring Break Camp section, where you can search by your child’s age, view in calendar format and create your own custom calendar with your favorite selections!  Or to see everything going on around town, visit our gi-normous calendar jam-packed with everything kidful on the South Plains!  Know about a fun camp or class for kids from March 14-23?  Share it with us!

Updated 3/15/2014

Arts & Crafts Camps:

Fri. 3/14 from 7:30-8:30pm
American Girls “Truly Talented You” Event @ Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble at South Plains Mall (60th & Slide Road)
FREE for Girls ages 7-12.
A special American Girl Event that features fun activities, puzzles and crafts inspired by the newest Girl of the Year. Great way to kickoff Spring Break!

Sat. 3/15 from 1-3pm
“Magical Horse” – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20 / child.
For kids Grade 2 & Up.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21
Spring Break Art Factory Camps @ The GAC
4215 University Ave., Lubbock Municipal Garden & Arts Center
All Day 9am-5pm: $100 for the week.
Morning 9am-12:30pm: $65 for the week.
Afternoon 1:30-5pm: $65 for the week.
Ages 6-12.  Pre-registration required!
Treat your children to a week long art adventure at our Art Factory Spring Break Camp!

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 1-3pm
Spring Break Kids Camp @ The Mud Room
3302 82nd Street
$25 / day or $100 / week prepaid. Reservations required one week in advance.  Includes snack and fun activity including painting canvas, pottery, mosaic, t-shirt & more.
Ages 5-12.

Mon.-Wed. 3/17-19 from 2:30-4:00
Spring Break Kids’ Camps @ Clay Café
5102 60th Street Suite H
$25 / child.  Reservations required.
Ages 5 years & up.  Includes snack and creative activity.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 1-3pm
Buddy Holly Center Spring Break Staycation
1801 Crickets Ave., The Buddy Holly Center
FREE for children (but must call to reserve space!)
Ages 9 & up.  Children 8 & under require adult supervision.
Making spring-related crafts.

Mon. 3/17 – Thurs. 3/20 daily 2-3pm
Spring Break Programs @ Patterson Library
1836 Parkway Drive, Patterson Branch Library
FREE for all ages.
The theme for Spring Break is “Harness the Wind.”   Different stories and crafts will be featured each day.

Mon. 3/17 St. Patrick’s Day! from 10:30-11:30am
Top of the Morning to You Party @ Mahon Library
1306 9th St., Mahon Library Community Room
FREE for children.
Join us during spring break for St. Patrick crafts, refreshments and activities.  Don’t forget to wear green!

Mon. 3/17 from 10am-noon
Pot of Gold – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20.00 / child.
For kids Grade 1 & Up.

Mon.-Wed. 3/17-19 from 1-5pm
Come & Go Pottery Painting – Art & Co. Kids Spring Break Class
2811 S. Loop 289
$5 / child.
For kids Grade 2 & Up or younger with parent.

Tues. 3/18 from  3:30-5pm
Spring Into Fun @ Groves Library
5520 19th Street, Groves Branch Library
FREE
Ages 2-12.
Spring crafts, games, and a book walk.

Wed. 3/19 from 1:30-3pm
“Pandaisy or Pandy” – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20 / child.
For kids Kinder, 1st & 2nd Grade.

Thurs. 3/20 from 10am-noon
Teacup Poodle – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20 / child.
For kids Kinder, 1st & 2nd Grade.

Thurs. 3/20 from 1-3pm
Neon Animal Print Initial – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20 / child.
For kids Grade 2 & Up.

Science Camps:

Mon. & Tues. 3/17-18 from 9am-noon
Digging for Dinos Spring Break Camp @ Science Spectrum
2579 S. Loop 289, The Science Spectrum
Members $36/Non-members $40.
Ages 4-6.

Mon. & Tues. 3/17-18 from 10am-3pm
Penguin Plunge Spring Break Camp @ Science Spectrum
2579 S. Loop 289, The Science Spectrum
Members $52/Non-members $60.
Ages 7-9, 10-12.

Wed.& Thurs. 3/19-20 from 9am-noon
Penguin Plunge Spring Break Camp @ Science Spectrum
2579 S. Loop 289, The Science Spectrum
Members $36 / Non-members $40.
Ages 4-6.

Wed. & Thurs. 3/19-20 from 10am-3pm
3,2,1 Liftoff! Spring Break Camp @ Science Spectrum
2579 S. Loop 289, The Science Spectrum
Members $52 / Non-members $60.
Ages 7-9, 10-12.

Tues.- Thurs. 3/18-20 from 10am-noon
T-Rex and Triceratops and Raptors… Oh My!
Spring Break Fest Camp @ The Texas Tech Museum
3301 4th Street
$15 / child, reservations required.
Ages 5-7.

Tues.- Thurs. 3/18-20 from 1-4pm
Architecture at the Museum
Spring Break Fest Camp @ The Texas Tech Museum
3301 4th Street
$15 / child, reservations required.
For kids Grades 3-5.

Sat. 3/22 from 10am-12pm
“At the Scene of the Crime” Mystery @ Hodges
4011 University, Hodges Community Center
$15 / child.
Ages 6-12.
Grab your detective hat and help solve this fun-filled mystery!  Use problem-solving skills to follow the clues of this kid-friendly mystery.

Nature Camps:

Mon.- Fri. 3/17- 21 from 9am-noon
Gardening Camp for Kids @ The Arboretum
4111 University Ave., Lubbock Memorial Arboretum
$50 / child.
Ages 6-12 yrs.
Nurture your child’s love of nature!  Enroll them in this exciting hands-on gardening camp at the Arboretum.

Tues.-Thurs. 3/18-20 from 1-3pm
Lubbock Lake Landmark Spring Break Fest: Dig-in to Nature 
2401 Landmark Drive, Lubbock Lake Landmark
FREE for children age 5-11 (but pre-registration is required and space is limited!)
3 days of Adventures in the Garden!

Music Camps:

Mon.-Thurs. 3/17-20 from 10:00 am – 2:45 pm
School of Rock “Build Your Own Guitar” Spring Break Camp
7802 Indiana Ave.
$495.00 / child.  Deadline to register: 2/23. (Registration closed).
Ages 10-18.

Active/Sports Camps:

Mon.-Thurs. 3/17-20 from 12:30-3:30pm
Jump N Jungle Spring Break Camp
12209 Geneva Ave., Off Indiana and 122nd Street
$60 / child ($10 off for siblings, and $15 for drop ins).
Ages 9 & under (must be potty trained).

Mon. 3/17 from 9am-12pm, Tues. 3/18 from 1-4pm, and Fri. 3/21 from 1-4pm
The Little Gym’s Super Kids’ Quest Spring Break Camps
5217 98th Street
members / non-members.
Ages 3-8.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 9am-4pm
Spring Break Tennis Camp at Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center
3030 66th Street, Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center
$125 / child.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 8am-4pm (extended hours available)
D-Bat Spring Break Baseball Camp
6104 45th St., Lubbock, Texas 79407
$100/day or $225/3days or $300/week.
Ages 4-13.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 9am-2pm
Safety City Open for Spring Break! 
4500 Avenue U (just West of Clapp Pool)
FREE
All ages.  Bring your own bikes, trikes, or scooters or rent one there for only $2. Also don’t forget a helmet!

Spring Break Movie Events:

Tues.- Thurs. 3/18-20 from 10:30am-noon
Spring Break Morning Movietime @ Mahon Library
1306 9th St., Mahon Library Community Room
FREE
Come enjoy refreshments and a new movie each day!
Tuesday: “Frozen.”  (rated PG).
NOTE:  Tickets will be given out for seating to “Frozen” starting at 9am at Mahon.
Wednesday: “The Jungle Book.” (rated G).
Thursday: “Wings.” (rated G).

Tues.- Thurs. 3/18-20 from 10:30-noon
Texas Tech Museum Spring Break Movie Fest
3301 4th Street, Museum of Texas Tech University
FREE
All ages.  Family friendly films:
Tuesday: “National Velvet”
Wednesday: “Seabiscuit”
Thursday: “Secretariat”

Thurs. 3/20 from 3-5pm
Spring Break Teen Movie @ Groves Library – “Thor: The Dark World”
5520 19th Street, Groves Branch Library
FREE for teens (rated PG-13).
Refreshments provided!

Fri. 3/14 – Thurs. 3/20 open at 6:30pm
Stars & Stripes Drive-in Open Spring Break
5101 Clovis Highway / Hwy. 84
$5 for kids 4-11; $7 for adults 12 & up.
Movies include:  Mr. Peabody & Sherman / The LEGO Movie and Need for Speed / Ride Along.

Discounts / Deals:

2/20 – 3/31 from 9am-4pm
Main Event Spring Break FUNPass
6010 Marsha Sharp Fwy,
$15.95 / person.
Opening early through March at 9am every day!

Wed.-Sun. 3/19 – 3/23 from 2pm-8pm
Joyland Amusement Park Spring Break Special
500 Canyon Lake Drive in Mackenzie Park
Bring 2 cans of food for special discounts!
Now Open Saturdays & Sundays till Summer!

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 1-3pm (Open Daily for Spring Break at 1pm)
Dave’s Need 4 Speed/Thunder Zone Family Fun Spring Break Special 
2769 N. Frankford Ave.
$30 / person.
It’s the Spring Break Special @ Dave’s Need 4 Speed! (soon to be called Thunder Zone Family Fun):  Unlimited Wristband:  $30/person. (includes unlimited Go-Karts, Laser Tag & Golf!).  1pm-5pm OR 5pm-9pm.

Spring Break Childcare:

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21
Spring Break Camps @ Lubbock Parks & Rec. Community Centers 
Fun-filled camps with activities including games, crafts, and more!  Snacks included.  Bring a sack lunch.
Locations:
Hodges & Maxey Community Centers:  7:30 am-5:30 pm.  $85 for the week.
Rawlings & Simmons & Trejo Community Centers:  7:45am-5:30pm.  $35 for the week.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 7:30am to 5:30pm
Bodyworks Spring Break Kids Camp @ 82nd & 4th St. locations
5105 82nd St and 5402 4th St.
$125 members/$135 non-members.  Lunch and two snacks provided daily.
Ages 6-13.
Kiddos will have a splashtastic good time at the 82nd Street Water Park and Pool, or have a blast in 4th Street’s Trampoline Park, Turf Field, Laser Tag, and Ropes Course.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 7:30am-6pm
Spring Break Camp @ Tega Kid’s Superplex
7621 82nd Street
$165/wk. for ages 6 weeks -17 mos.   $35/day or $135/wk. for ages 18 mos – 12 years.
Ages 12 weeks to 12 years.
A week of fun, flips & friends!

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 7:30am-6pm
YWCA Spring Break Camp
3101 35th Street, 35th & Elgin
$22.50/day per child or $115/week.

 

 

2014 School Open House Roundup for the Lubbock Area

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2014 Lubbock Schools Open House Roundup
Searching for your child’s door to the future?  Attending area Open Houses can make your choice (a little) easier.

“It’s not like it was when I went to school.  I attended the school down the street and that was it!”  You know you’ve said it… or at least thought it!  The increasing number of school options now open to our kids is a great opportunity for them, but can be a bit overwhelming - and frustrating when we can’t find the info we need to make the best decision for our child.  Even simply finding out when all the Open Houses are scheduled can be a challenge!

To help us all save some time (so we can read through all those school flyers!)… we’re excited to share our new Open House Roundup.  A handy listing of all the Open House events in the Lubbock area that allow new students and incoming students to take a peek at what each school offers.

It’s a great opportunity to see each school with their best foot forward and to perhaps uncover areas of interest that your child may not have considered before.  And because there are changes made to the school curriculum every year, it’s the perfect chance to see what is truly offered at the school – just because at program was offered at a school this year, don’t assume it will be offered next year!

Plus it’s a fun way to get our kids excited about making a big move to a new school (even if it’s not next year) and see the real personality of other schools in the area.

Be sure to check back frequently for updates - or for up-to-the-minute information, checkout the
Open House Roundup tab on LubbockForKids.com where you can search by your child’s age, view in calendar format and create your own custom calendar with your favorite selections!  Did we miss your Open House?  Share it with us here and we’ll add it to the list!

Spring 2014 Open House Roundup in the Lubbock Area

January

Christ the King Cathedral School Winter Open House
Wed. 1/29 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm
4011 54th Street

All Saints Episcopal School Open House
Thurs. 1/30 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
3222 103rd Street

February

Estacado High School Open House
Mon. 2/3 from 6-7pm
1504 E. Itsaca Ave.

Monterey High School Open House
Thurs. 2/6  from 5:30-8pm
3211 47th St.
Lubbock’s specialty magnet campus Pre-Engineering program “Project Lead the Way.” Magnet-specific meeting at 5:30pm in the Auditorium.  General Open House starts at 6:30pm

Institute for Creative Learners Open House
Fri. 2/7 from 5-8pm
1614 Ave M.
Art, refreshments, and fun!  The Institute for Creative Learners offer a unique opportunity for students with learning differences with a mission is to help students reach their full potential.  Through art, science, technology, and direct instruction students …

Lubbock High School Open House
Mon. 2/10 from 6-7:30pm
2004 19th St.
Home of the Lubbock Exemplary Academic Program (LEAP).
Extracurricular Showcase:  6-6:30pm.
Academic Information:  6:30-7pm.
Teacher Visits:  7-7:30pm.

Cavazos Middle School Open House
Tues. 2/11 from 6-7:30pm
210 N. University

Coronado High School Open House
Thurs. 2/13 from 6-7:30pm
3307 Vicksburg Avenue

O.L.Slaton Middle School Open House
Tues. 2/18 from 6-7:30pm
1602 32nd St and Ave. Q.

LISD Pre-K Roundup
Thurs. 2/20 from 8-9am or 5:30-6:30pm
Lubbock Independent School District will host the Pre-K Round Up for the 2014-2015 school year on February 20, 2014 at all elementary campuses that offer the Pre-K program.  Children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2014 may be pre-enrolled for Pre-K at their home school or host school campus on that date.
Host campuses:
- Roy Roberts families may attend Pre-K Round Up at Parsons Elementary, 2811 58th Street.
- Stewart families may attend Pre-K Round Up at Overton Elementary, 2902 Louisville.
- Williams families may attend Pre-K Round Up at Smith Elementary, 8707 Dover.

Evans Middle School Open House
Thurs. 2/20 from 6-7:30pm
4211 58th St.
“Project Lead the Way” Pre-Engineering Program

Irons Middle School Parent Info Night
Mon. 2/24 from 6-7:30pm
5214 79th St. and Slide Road

Southcrest Christian School Open House
Tues. 2/25 Pre-K through 1st grades @ Cumberland Campus (7702 Indiana Ave.).
Thurs. 2/27 2nd-12th grades @ Southcrest Campus (3801 South Loop 289).

LISD Kindergarten Orientation Open House
Thurs. 2/27  from 8-9am or 5:30-6:30pm
All Lubbock Independent School District elementary schools will have Kindergarten Orientation on Thursday, February 27.  There will be two sessions to choose from.  The first session will be from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. and the second session will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Hutchinson Middle School Open House
Thurs. 2/27 from 6-7:30pm
3102 Canton Ave.

April

Pre-K and Kindergarten Open House @ Lubbock Christian School
Wed. 4/2 from 3-4:30pm
Please RSVP to Kelly Rogers at 796-8700 or krogers@lubbockchristian.org.

2013 Holiday Camp Guide: Camps & Classes for Kids in the Lubbock area during the Holidays

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Kid-approved Holiday Camps & Classes offer fun & learning for kids and valuable time for busy parents!Winter Camps get 4 thumbs up!

What to do with the kids over the holidays?  With all the hustle & bustle of the season, be sure to take advantage of all the classes and drop & shop events in the Lubbock area.  Many of them provide artistic fun for the kids AND a handmade craft or work of art that will make a priceless gift for someone special!  We’ve gathered a sleigh-full of area winter classes, camps, drop & shops, and holiday childcare options from our Holiday Camps section of LubbockForKids.com for our nifty 2013 Holiday Camp Guide.  Classes and camps fill up quickly so click their link to register or check availability asap!

Note that events are in order by date in each category.  Check back frequently for new additions to the list and see our Holiday Page for dozens more ideas for winter fun – search by child’s age, interests and dates!  And if you know of a camp for kids, let us know or add it to the online listing on LubbockForKids.com!
(updated 1/1/2014)


Arts & Crafts Camps:

Kids’ Paint the Day Away class @ Art & Co.:
Thurs. 1/2 & Fri. 1/3:  1-3pm:
Grades: any age if parent stays with children. Grades 1st & up without a parent.
$20.
Kids can select a pottery piece to paint or take a blank canvas and design and paint their own masterpiece!  $25 per child without parent/adult staying with children or price of the piece/canvas if parent/adult stays with children.

Science Camps:

Go 4 Gold! Camp @ Science Spectrum:
Thurs – Fri, Jan. 2nd-3rd, 1-4 PM.
Ages 4-6.
Members $36/Non-members $40.
Get in the Winter Olympic spirit!  Learn about the different sports & games played during the Winter Olympics and the science behind how they work.  They’ll enjoy an “Olympic Day” on the final day of camp where students compete in fun Olympic-themed challenges.  Come a camper, leave a champion in Go 4 Gold!

Winter Wonderlab Camp @ Science Spectrum:
Thurs – Fri, Jan. 2nd-3rd, 10 AM – 3 PM.
Ages 7-9.
Members $36/Non-Members $40.
Walkin’ in our Winter Wonderlab, you will have the chance to do tons of fun and exciting experiments! We will take on icy investigations, explore candyology, study of science of toys, light up the world, and so much more.


Holiday Child Care:

New Years Week Camp @ Rawlings, Trejo & Simmons Community Centers:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri. of New Year’s week: Open 7:45am-5:30pm daily 12/30/2013, 12/31/2013, 1/2/2014, & 1/3/2014.
Ages 6-12.
$28 for the week.
While school’s out New Year’s week, the kids can play all day! Crafts, games, sports, and more! Children must provide lunch & drink.

New Years Week Camp @ Hodges & Maxey Community Centers:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri. of New Year’s week: Open 7:30am-5:30pm daily 12/30/2013, 12/31/2013, 1/2/2014, & 1/3/2014.
Ages 6-12.
$64 for the week.
While school’s out New Year’s week, the kids can play all day! Crafts, games, sports, and more! Children must provide lunch & drink.

TEGA Kid’s Superplex:
Day camps are offered on most school holidays:
From 7:30 -3:00pm or 7:30-6:00pm.
$45 per day.
Currently enrolled afterschool care students:  Full-Day (7:30-6:00) = $40 per child.   Non-enrolled students.

 

Feeling organized with kids!

Feeling Organized with Kids… Seriously?!

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Anyone with kids knows… it’s the one inside joke we all get:

The epic battle of ALL toys from the toy box is set to begin in 3 - 2 - 1...

The epic battle of ALL toys from the toy box is set to begin in 3 – 2 – 1…

“When was the last time you saw your tween’s floor?”

“Hey, if I could find my kitchen table through the art projects and homework papers, I’d be a happy soul!”

“My Little Ponies and Littlest Pet Shops have joined forces and established an encampment in my daughter’s room …and there is an epic battle raging in my living room… they are taking no prisoners!”

To help us navigate our way through all the stuff of families, we are so excited to announce that Lubbock-area organizing expert  Lori Martin,  owner of Consider It Done, has agreed to be a frequent contributor on our blog!  She’ll share her professional organizing tips and insight specifically in dealing with kids and organizing topics that are helpful to growing families.  Lori has been a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) since 2003, and has recently become a Golden Circle NAPO member.  Check out Lori’s blog on her website for more great tips and ideas…

 

Love Lori’s 9/5/2013 post titled “Congratulations” that congratulates families on surviving back-to-school and getting back into routines for the fall…  she offers some very specific ideas on being able to accomplish a few things on our to-do list in order to not fall further behind – and enjoy our lives!

 

Great idea! Use a photo frame as a dry erase chore chart! Photo: Consider It Done

Great idea! Use a photo frame as a dry erase chore chart! Photo: Consider It Done

Because we are smack-dab-in-the-middle of photo frenzy time – first day of school, fall festivals, Halloween, school activities, sports, upcoming holidays… we really like her ideas on how to stay sane and more organized with photographs.  She also has some neat ideas on how to get a handle on the pile of charming, but bulky, works of art from our little Picassos.   Some really good reminders too on organization … like color coding your children… like everything… from towels to notes on the calendar!

 

 

 

Ideas on organizing those treasured First Day of School pictures.... priceless!

Ideas on organizing those treasured First Day of School pictures…. priceless! Photo: Consider It Done

Her parting comment really hits home:      “…during this time of year, as hectic as it is, you are making memories good, or bad. Our children learn by our example and we open a world of new and exciting things to them every day… Look and realize this is “the life”…”

Can’t wait to hear more from Lori – goodness knows we need all the help we can get!  Seriously.

Thanks for joining us as we embrace and celebrate everything kidful in Lubbock and beyond!