Category Archives: Fall events with kids

Five Thanksgiving Memories You Can Make With Recyclable Crafts

Leave a reply

by Baron Eliason
Founder, 123Recycling, Lubbock
Guest Contributor

Fall ProjectsThe holidays are custom made for memory making as a family. Making memories happens best when we take the time to work with our kids on things that are fun. If you can do that and teach some valuable life lessons – so much the better. 123 Recycling will be happy to pick up your recyclables but how much better if you reuse them for some holiday fun with the kids!

The goal of this article is to combine the memory making potential of Thanksgiving with the world changing emphasis on recycling, repurposing, and responding to the need to be better stewards of our earth.

This week the focus is Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to introduce kids to recycling and reusing with fun crafts made from reusable material. A great fact to know and share with them is that we believe 65% of what we throw out is recyclable. I’m guessing that the percent that is reusable in some way would raise that number even higher. That means there is a lot of free stuff we can use for art just lying around.

So without further adeu, here are five ideas from my little brain – get creative and I’ll be you can do even better!

Beauty of Fall Display Boxes

Fall Display BoxesContainers for fruits are amazing resources for kids to use for stashing all kinds of things, especially the small ones. This one was used for organic apples and makes an amazing display case for the wonders of Fall such as beautiful leaves, acorns, pecans, and other wonderful bounty that kids love to find and to show off. Kids will love finding the best leaves and showing off their finds.

Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indians – Oh My!

TurkeysEgg cartons and cardboard rolls make great tools for creating all kinds of characters from Turkeys to Pilgrims and Indians. A quick trip to a craft store and you could find some really cool stuff to add like google eyes, feathers, felt for clothes. But, a simple set of markers and crayons will do the trick as well.

You could make a whole tableau of the first Thanksgiving meal. Special hint: paper plates are great material for making a turkey’s fanned feathers.

Pump-can Decoration

PumpCansHere is an idea from Pam Bibb, art teacher at Miller Elementary. She loves to work with recyclable materials and her students have made some amazing robots. For Fall, she takes empty cans and colored paper to make pump-cans. This is something easy for kids to make and great for table decorations for the big feast. P.S. – mason jars will also work.

Fall Candle Celebrations

CandlesHere is an idea to take glass containers like mason jars or jelly jars, etc. and turn them into celebrations of Fall. My girl picked some leaves. I found a pickle jar. We used clear Scotch tape to attach them. If you are inclined, attach them by decoupaging. Insert candle and enjoy! The light will shine through the leaves and give you a beautiful show for free.

Napkin Rings

NapkinRingsTake some paper tubes, apply glue, roll on something fun and Fall-ish. Next, cut them down to size. Finally, add whatever else you might desire to make really cool napkin holders. I will say that the glue is more of a project. Again, I went with Scotch tape.

We hope you enjoy Thanksgiving and that these ideas will help you create some memories with your kids. Stay tuned for our next blog post next month for more ideas related to Christmas. If you have some ideas you would like to share, please email them to me at baron@123recycling.org.

Help Make Your Child’s Halloween Experience Positive

Leave a reply

By Kelly Martin, M.Ed, LPC
Guest Contributor

We are excited to introduce our readers to Kelly Martin… our newest contributor!  Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor, parent, and owner of The Playroom Lubbock offering therapy counseling services specifically for children and adolescents.  From individual and group Play Therapy to yoga and parent-included classes, Kelly and her team offer a wealth of support for local kiddos and parents.  Specialties include divorce care, self esteem, social skills, anxiety, grief, anger management, ADHD support… topics that hit home with many area kids and families.  We love Kelly’s first article… full of timely advice for all parents and especially helpful for children with sensory challenges.  Have questions or ideas for future blog topics?  Just comment below or you can contact Kelly directly at kelly@playroomlubbock.com and through her website at Playroomlubbock.com.
Welcome Kelly!

Help Make Your Child’s Halloween Experience Positive

Halloween Kids Jump

As Halloween approaches with all of the costumes, sights, sounds, smells, fall festivals, trunk or treats, and the traditional trick or treats, it’s important to keep in mind how the extra stimulation and treats affect our kids or the kids that come visit our homes or booths. (Not to mention the effects of sugar!). This article is intended to raise awareness about kids with special needs and to provide some tips for parents.

Children with sensory sensitivities like those associated with ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, or Sensory Processing Disorder can feel stressed at Halloween.

Parents want their children to have a positive, festive experience. With careful planning, preparation, and sensitivity in how you react, children with learning, behavioral, or sensory issues can enjoy this exciting time of year as well.

For those of you hosting Trick or Treat, a festival booth, or a Trunk or Treat, be accepting of all types of personalities and abilities that are behind the Halloween costume.

  • Children who struggle with poor fine motor skills may grab more than one piece of candy.
  • Children who take forever to pick out a piece of candy may have motor planning issues.
  • The child who does not say “trick or treat” or “thank you” may struggle with anxiety or may be non verbal.
  • The child who looks disappointed at the treats may have a food allergy.
  • And lastly the child who isn’t wearing a costume may have a sensory issue.

I am not suggesting that if your child has done one or some of the above examples that he or she may have a disorder. What I am suggesting is to show some grace and acceptance to everyone who rings your bell or visits your booth.

The Brain Balance Achievement Center gives fantastic Tips for Kids with Sensory Sensitivities. For example:
1) Giving your child a schedule of events can help children feel less anxiety.
2) Have a code word for your child to use if he or she feels overwhelmed and needs a break.
3) Before you leave, discuss how long you plan to stay and expectations for behavior.
4) Have your child practice wearing his costume BEFORE an event.
5) If you child has food sensitivities or allergies, plan ahead to offer alternatives like toys.

Playroom Lubbock Halloween tips

The Teal Pumpkin Project by The Food Allergy Research and Education raises awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters. You can provide non-food treats for trick or treaters and paint a pumpkin teal to place in front of your home to indicate you have non-food treats available. Free signs are available to download at www.foodallergy.org.

Teal Pumpkin Project

Lubbock has wonderful opportunities to celebrate Fall and Halloween. I hope this article helps keep Halloween a fun, positive experience for all.

Kelly Martin, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of The Playroom Lubbock. She specializes in counseling and play therapy for children and adolescents.

 

The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).

The Bus Stops Here! Back to School {Cool} 2016

Leave a reply

Back to School Bus We just spotted the first flock of geese arriving in the Hub City area… must be official: summertime is winding down.  It’s that time of year.  We panic because we haven’t quite finished that summer bucket list with our kids and we need to think about preparing for the bus back to school…..now!

To help you enjoy every inch of summer (and there’s lots more to enjoy!) and at the same time jump-start school prep, we’ve gathered all the great Back-to-School deals, dates and events in one convenient spot on LubbockForKids.com.  You can now find all the summertime fun to round out that bucket list & also plug into all the B2S excitement… there’s plenty of time!  And for up-to-the-minute events, check our Back to School section and jam-packed calendar!

A time to shop!

  • Take advantage of the Texas State Tax Free Weekend Friday August 5 – Sunday August 7.   Don’t forget, lots of deals online too if you like to avoid the crowds that weekend!
  • Sat. 8/13 from 9am-12pm:  Back to School Fiesta for area kids from Texas Tech’s Office of Community Engagement.  All K-12 students and family welcomed! Free Lunch & Free School Supplies while quantities last…learn about numerous educational, local and federal programs and initiatives, and receive free school supplies for the upcoming school year.
  • Take advantage of several shopping events to get more bang for your buck for B2S shopping including the Just Between Friends consignment sale taking place Wed. 8/3 – 8/6… during tax free weekend!  As well as the Cradles 2 Crayons fall sale coming up 9/22-24.  Find more consignment sources and events in our Consignment Sales section.
  • Sat. 8/20 from 9am-noon:  The Annual Back 2 School Kickoff @ Mae Simmons offers free backpacks and school supplies!
  • Sat. 8/13 from 10am-1pm:  The Annual Bridge Bash @ The Bridge of Lubbock features a Back-to-School mega clothing give-away… including school supplies!

A time for medical appointments!

There are several events where kids can receive their immunizations, physicals, dental and more.  Reminder:  Children must have their shot records and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to receive immunizations at most events.

A time to give!

West Texans are wonderful, giving, and compassionate… there are several school supply and backpack drives to help strapped parents prepare for the upcoming school year.  These events also give our kids a chance to help by gathering and donating supplies too.

Lots of places are having End of Summer Blasts to help wrap up Summer 2016 with a bang!  Some of our favorites include:

A time to learn!Back to School Backpacks

First Days of School include (check each district’s website link for orientation and open house dates):

College and Career Night @ the United Supermarkets Arena:
Mon. 10/24 from 5:30-7:30pm.  Hosted by Lubbock ISD.  This is a great, not-to-miss event for parents and kids in Lubbock and surrounding areas who are in 6th grade and above … especially high schoolers!

Tutoring Resources:
Now is also a great time to check into any additional learning services that can take your child to the next level or help kick start the new year.  See our Tutoring Section for a full list of local sources including:  The Institute for Creative Learning, Mathnasium, Literacy Lubbock, and CLC College Prep Services.

Checkout our calendar often for up-to-the-minute dates and events.
Roll-on Lubbock parents!

Do you know of a cool B2S event, activity or resource?  Share it with us here or add it to our calendar!

Updated 8/5/2016

 

Top Not-So-Scary but Oh-So-Fun Halloween Happenings around the Hub

Leave a reply

shutterstock_26302213_little trickortreaters

We all have different definitions of “fun” when it comes to Halloween.  Some of our kids are more fearless than their parents (or at least this parent!) but many of our kids feel more comfortable if they don’t run into a cast member of The Walking Dead as they search for candy and fall fun!

No worries… lucky us, we live in Lubbock… and have the benefit of so many wonderful organizations and businesses that offer fun events for our kids.  Hair-raisin’ or cake-walkin’… it’s all here!  So we’ve gathered a list of our favorite entertaining yet not-so-scary ideas to celebrate the season.

For a walk on the more haunted side for older kids and brave parents, checkout the Halloween list at Lubbock in the Loop where they include a list of real area “Haunted Houses”…  (shiver, chill!)

OK – it’s time to grab your broom, your wand, or your magic carpet and head out to enjoy our beautiful West Texas autumn weather, meet the neighbors, and make some memories (sans the nightmares) with our goblins!

Updated: 10/29/2015

Community Events.

  • South Plains College Halloween Carnival.  Levelland. Thurs. 10/29 from 6-9pm.  Fun for the entire family and will be held in the Sundown Room on the Levelland Campus. Carnival booths, Trick or Treating, concessions available.  Tickets 5 for a $1.
  • Trunk or Treat on Main Street.  Levelland.  Sat. 10/31 from 6-7:30pm.   Includes annual costume parade followed by a fun filled, family oriented evening full of games, activities and of course TREATS!
  • Halloween Costume Photos by Mark McCall for Meals on Wheels.  Sat. 10/31 from 4-7pm. Mark McCall Studio. Corner of Broadway and Ave. E.  For the 5th year, Master Photographer Mark McCall will be conducting a Halloween Costume Photoshoot benefiting Meals on Wheels.  Fee is only a $10 donation or 10 cans of food for Meals on Wheels.

    Halloween Costume Photoshoot by Mark McCall

    Halloween Costume Photoshoot by Mark McCall

Texas Tech Halloween Events for the Community.

During this time of year, Texas Tech reaches out to our community and offers many events for our kids that have become traditional favorites.  From candy, to concerts, to soccer, to parades… those Tech students sure know how to make our kids feel like special, true, little Red Raiders!  Some of our favorites include:

Events for Active Goblins!

  • West Texas Endurance Howl-o-Ween Run

    West Texas Endurance Howl-o-Ween Dog Run

    Howl-O-Ween Dog Run/Walk by West Texas Endurance.  Sat. 10/24 starting at 8:30am.  Bring your 4-legged friends and 2-legged goblins and join this fun family-friendly event!  With 2 distance options (2K9 – 1.2 miles with your furry friends or 4 miles without a leash), there is an event for everyone. The “family-friendly” course of 2K9 (1.2 miles) will take you along the beautiful Canyon Lake 6. The more challenging 4 mile course runs through the City of Lubbock Cemetery.

  • Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center – Halloween Scramble.  Sat. 10/31 from 1-5pm.   For Juniors & Adults. $5.  Spooky pairings and lots of rotations & play!  Always a fun, festive time for our tennis-lovin’ kids.

Halloween Festivities at The Science Spectrum.

  • Silly Science Mini-Carnival.  Thurs. 10/29 from 10am-noon.  Especially for Preschoolers, age 5 and under!  This mini-carnival will take place in the museum and is perfect for younger ones who might not want to get out and compete with the older kids at other Halloween events. Fun activities include:  Carnival Games & Prizes, Fall Themed Maze, Mini Bounce House, Halloween & Fall Themed Crafts, Silly Science Demos, Costume Parade, Snacks & Treats.  All Silly Science Carnival activities will be located in the museum and are included with standard museum admission.  Children under 3 are free.
  • Spooky Science Carnival.  Fri. 10/30 from 5-9pm.  This event is great for families and kids up to age 14 looking for a safe Halloween alternative and a fun, educational party all in one.  Enjoy carnival games & prizes, trick-or-treating, the Haunted Science Lab, a live Mystery Scientist Show, children & family costume contest, and many more traditional Halloween “spooky not scary” fun activities for safe family fun!  Free Trick-or-Treating will take place in the lobby.  All Spooky Science Carnival activities will be located in the museum and are included with standard museum admission.  Children under 3 are free.

spooky science carnival

Trick/Trunk-or-Treating, & Festivals at
Churches, Malls, and Businesses.

We’ve compiled the most complete list in the Hub of all the carnivals, festivals, trunk-or-treats, and trick-or-treats that have been scheduled for our kids!  Some happening the weekend before Halloween but the majority scheduled on the 31st taking advantage of the Saturday holiday.  As a parent, it’s humbling to see that over 200 churches, schools, and businesses are providing a safe, fun, Halloween experience just for our children… most at no charge!  Thank you wonderful community of Lubbock!  Check our Halloween Calendar to schedule your quest!  (Tip:  you can view activities in list format or calendar format and print it out for a Halloween hit list.  And Members can even print their favorites for a custom calendar to take along!).

Halloween 4

Silly Science Carnival at The Science Spectrum

Concerts and Productions with Soul.

Fall concerts, shows, and performances are simmering with a family flair this time of year.  We’ve gathered them in our Sounds of the Season section including:

  • Lubbock Symphony Orchestra’s Free Family Concert. Sun. Oct. 25 from 2:30-5:30pm.  Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. The LSO has a spooky good time planned for families, fans, and friends.  Children’s activities start at 5 p.m. in Parrish Hall where they can play real orchestra instruments, make their own musical instrument, learn to conduct, enjoy face painting and a costume contest and much more!  Concert starts at 6:30pm with an interactive concert with Maestro Cho.
  • Octubafest.  Sun. 10/26 from 6-9pm.  Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble Concert.  Free.  A Halloween week tradition!   Presented by the Texas Tech School of Music.  Hemmle Recital Hall.
  • University Symphony Orchestra Halloween “Hauntcert.”  Fri. 10/30 from 6-9pm.  Free Halloween Concert.  Hemmle Recital Hall.  “Instrument Petting Zoo” for children to visit with musicians and play the instruments.  Creative Halloween Costume Contest – win a chance to conduct or play with the orchestra!

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie…  and Apples and Corn too!

A-Maizing how they grow!

A-Maizing how they grow!

Searching for that perfect pumpkin with the kids, taking photos to mark their height, and walking in the crisp air are some of the best, most memorable times of the fall.  Add farm animals, storytimes, corn and hay mazes, and other family-friendly attractions, and you’ve got autumn adventures even your teen will enjoy!  We’ve gathered a list of area farms that offer pumpkin patches, apples, corn mazes, pumpkin trains and more…. our favorites include:

Do you have a favorite?  Share it with us here!

And for additional creative and safe ideas for kids from tots to teens, check out the LubbockForKids calendar…. and Happy Haunting!

Halloween in the Hub

 

Photo credits:
West Texas Endurance – Captivated Images.
Mark McCall Photography.
The Science Spectrum.

Autumn with Kids ... Livin' in the Moment!

Leave a reply

What is it about autumn that makes it such a magical time of transition… a time we all remember from when we were kids ourselves?  Is it the cooler days, nights, colors of the trees, smells… like caramel apples, fall festivals, cake walks, the fair, burning jack-o-lanterns?  Maybe because it’s the perfect time for families – before the holiday craziness.  Maybe it’s because now that we’re parents, we see the changing seasons as a reminder that our little ones are not as little as they were at the beginning of the summer… we see how they change in all those pictures we take every year at the pumpkin patch and at The Corn Maize  standing next to the height marker. We see how unique each season is especially seeing it through the eyes of our kids. We realize how we as parents are fortunate to absorb at least a smidge of the innocence and clarity and enthusiasm with which our kids embrace each fall event and activity. Pure joy!

A-Maizing how they grow!

A-Maizing how they grow!

Maybe that’s it… autumn is a time that offers so many opportunities for us to be kids with our kids.  Livin’ in the moment.  Maybe it’s a time when even those of us who are missing the “creativity gene” can still decorate with our kids and have fun and make someone smile!  Come on, let’s all give it a try!

Lubbock rocks - and rolls! - with creativity!

Lubbock rocks – and rolls! – with creativity!

Maybe that’s why we’re so excited to participate in several area fall events! … including the Pumpkin Carving Workshop @ the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum and the Pumpkin Trail!

Pumpkin Trail 2013

Pumpkin Trail

So go ahead… dive in and enjoy this gorgeous Lubbock fall weather by taking in some of the local events… pick one you’ve never been to before!  We’ll try to help by making it easy to find all the fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and activities in the area – many of which are free or almost free (another reason we love autumn!).   Always check LubbockForKids.com for the latest events & activities and our Facebook page too for fun picks.  Thanks for submitting your fall festivals and events to our calendar – keep ‘em coming! –  and we’ll keep adding everything we can dig up too (sorry, just had to do it!).

Thanks for reading! … and for joining us as we embrace and celebrate everything kidful in Lubbock and beyond!  Let us know: is there a local fall tradition or event that was your favorite as a child that you are now sharing with your own children?

Cotton n kids