Category Archives: Holiday

Parent Review: Miracle on 34th Street The Musical

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Gobble Up
Some Family Memories this Thanksgiving!

Miracle Poster

 

Kris Kringle is Alive and Well and in The Hub City…
Catch him while you can!
Special holiday week shows through Sunday November 26th.

Moonlight Broadway has given area families another holiday treat… a chance to bridge generations with its latest production of Meredith Willson’s Miracle on 34th Street – The Musical.  It’s the perfect outing for the entire family during the Thanksgiving holiday week, whether they are coming from out of town or across the street, are young or old.  And this production is particularly charming because, in true Moonlight Musicals fashion, they have included many children into the cast.

In fact, the story line revolves around a child: Susan Walker (enthusiastically played by Abi Mills).  Susan is a little girl who was never allowed to believe in Santa or other things that are not tangible.  It was a well-intentioned strategy by her mother, Doris, to protect Susan from being hurt or disappointed from dreams that may not come true.  Susan’s quest to discover if her friend Kris Kringle really is who he says he is, strikes a chord with the kids in the audience, establishing Susan as a hero: she is the little girl who finds her Santa and whose faith helps inspire all the adults around her to believe in and follow their own dreams.

Santa march

The Thanksgiving Day Parade scene at the first of the show, with the kids and floats is fun, and includes a spirited march as the children at the parade fall in behind Santa, forming a line and marching to, of all things, a Christmas carol!

The music is festive and enjoyable and helps make the musical version more lighthearted than the screenplay versions.  One that everyone in the audience will recognize is a family fave:  “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”… who knew that one of our favorite carols was born on the stage!

We loved the gentle, kind, yet commanding presence of Kris Kringle, played wonderfully by Mike Morgan.  His warm and playful manner was fun to watch as he interacted with the children on stage, from leading the kids on a holiday march, to answering their questions and requests with compassion and sage advice.  And what our kids enjoyed as well, was seeing how Kris was able to to help the grown-ups believe once again in miracles and in the goodness of people.

Santa and HendrikaA real treasure in this production, was a song performed by Santa and a little Dutch girl, Hendrika (played by Aubrey Giselle).  Santa is approached by the girl’s guardian, who tells Santa that the little girl speaks no English yet, only Dutch, whereby Santa begins a conversation in her language and they sing the little girl’s favorite Christmas carol together, “Bugles.”  It was an enchanting moment for the audience and the pivotal moment when Susan started to believe that the gentleman known as Kris Kringle, could in fact be Santa Claus.

Parent Pointers:

Parents need to be aware that the show does start by showing a tipsy Santa, who was to be in the parade, which gave the real Kris Kringle the chance to take over as Santa in the parade.  And the entire basis of the show centers around the disbelief in Santa Claus:  Susan was never allowed to believe in Santa or other things that are not tangible.  So parents may want to be prepared to answer some similar questions.  However, as the story progresses, Susan was shown that “Faith is believing in something that common sense tells you otherwise” – another teachable moment with out kids.

Preparing for the show:

Miracle on 34th Street has several different productions available on film or video, which would be fun to watch together either before or after seeing the play.  Most of the movies are not the musicals, so especially with older kids, it would be interesting for them to see the difference in a musical format compared to a story or screenplay format and for them to share which they prefer.  In addition to having a Christmas theme with Santa and some recognizable music, the show also features rich dialogue that is a great chance for older kids to follow the story, but that might lose the interest for the littlest audience members at times.Miracle cover

Miracle on 34th Street is set in the post WWII era, which gives us the opportunity to share with our kids how things were different.  One of the main characters was in the Marines, and uses words like “dames” in reference to some ladies and “the head” when talking about the restroom, which can be explained in today’s context.  And an explanation or Google search for “Gimble’s” and “Macy’s” before the show could help them understand that during that time period Gimble’s and Macy’s were real stores and heated competitors, not just the men who were in the show.

How families benefit:

Thanks to Moonlight Musicals, we’ve had the chance to enrich our children with the inspirational, magical, and yes miraculous, world of performing arts.  And what some may not realize, or forget at times, is that Moonlight Musicals is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.  As parents, we can feel that purchasing a ticket to their performances is a win/win: our kids are exposed to high-quality theatre giving us precious time together and conversations about topics that are brought to light, plus we are supporting a local nonprofit.  The seeds planted by Moonlight Musicals throughout the community have been exciting to see take root and grow.  Every theatre department and group in the area has either been formed as an off-shoot or has greatly benefited from the multiple opportunities for children (and adults) to hone their on-stage experiences.  The vibrant Lubbock theatre community gives thankful parents many outlets for our kids to be able to tap into their inner star (and for some theatre parents it’s a God-send, giving our spirited kiddos the outlet they need!).

Just the Facts!

When: Thursday, November 16, 2017 7:30 PM.
Friday, November 17, 2017 7:30 PM.
Sunday, November 19, 2017 2:00 PM.
Monday, November 20, 2017 7:30 PM.
Friday, November 13, 2017 7:30 PM.
Saturday, November 14, 2017 2:00 PM.
Saturday, November 14, 2017 7:30 PM.
Sunday, November 15, 2017 2:00 PM.

Where: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theatre. 1501 Mac Davis Lane, Lubbock, TX 79401.

How: Tickets are available at Select-a-Seat, online, or by calling 806-770-2000. Prices Range from Prices range from $prices range from $15 – $35 for children and from $25 – $65 for adults.

Length: Lasts approximately 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission included.

Age: Recommended for ages 4+ but best for 6+ .  Younger kids may get antsy at times.

Going to the show?  Let us know!  Write your reviews below.

 

Credits:  Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Willson.  Based on the 29th Centrury Fox Pictures.  Story by Valentine Davies.  Screen Play by George Seaton.
All rights to Willson’s song catalog owned by Sir Paul McCartney.

Images from Lubbock Moonlight Broadway 2017 production of Miracle on 34th Street – the Musical, LubbockForKids.com, and Kim Phillips.

5 Green Halloween Decorating Ideas for Families

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by Baron Eliason
Founder, 123Recycling, Lubbock
Guest Contributor

Halloween Recycling Crafts

We are so happy to introduce our readers to our newest local blog contributor Baron Eliason!  He is the founder of 123Recycling based in Lubbock and he’ll be sharing with us ways that local families can make a difference in our environment AND do it while having fun!  Have a question?  Just leave a comment here or contact Baron through his website at 123Recycling.org  or email him at baron@123recycling.org.

As they say, the family that plays together, stays together.  With the holidays upon us, playing together is the key to holiday success.  In our busy lives it is easy to conclude: “who has time for figuring all this out?”  But the solution is right under your nose – recycling.

Art teachers have been recycling for years because the things we throw away make easy and fun art projects.  Why not learn from the pros and try it at home.  Recycling is as easy as 123 and it can be a fun way to make family memories that also teach great lessons about taking care of our beautiful environment.  As a father of five I can also tell you this, you will treasure these little artifacts for years to come!

In this holiday recycling series 123Recycling of Lubbock will be bringing you fresh new ideas to make recycling memories for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  To get started, let’s set the basic ground rules, it is easy as 123:  1) keep it simple 2) keep it safe 3) keep it fun.  What does that mean?  Use what you have in packaging materials, etc, help the kids with things like hot glue and sharp scissors, make sure you laugh and praise and smile a lot!

For Halloween, we are going to focus on five easy ideas for yard decorations.

Not only will you be having fun but you will be saving lots of money too – nothing scary about that!

 

1.  Milk Jug Monsters – faces

Milk Jug Monsters

a.      Collect and clean the jugs.

b.      Decorate the faces.

c.      Light with Christmas lights (you need to find them anyway) or electric candles, etc.  You can hang them from trees as floating heads or plant them in the garden, or put them on the roof as watchful gargoyles.
Hint: weigh them down with rocks, etc. to keep them in place, or……..

Milk Jug Monsters – yard spiders. 
Take a look at these pictures.  With scissors or a utility knife cut out these spooky spiders and let the kids decorate to taste.

Milk Jug Spiders


2.  Plastic Poltergeists

a.      Gather trash bags and variously-sized plastic bottles to make your very own ghost family vis-à-vis the family stick figures people put on cars.

b.      Use balloons to make the big trash bag heads and decorate them.

c.      Use any kind of stuffing to make the heads for the smaller ghosts.

Plastic Poltergeists

d.      Tape the trash bags under the head at the neck to keep the heads in place – shred the bottom to make them really float in the wind.

e.      Hang them from the trees, roof line, etc.

 

3.  Terrifying TombstonesRIP box

a.      Collect boxes such as Tombstone pizza, cereal, Amazon, etc.

b.      Cover them with white paper.

c.      Decorate with faces, R.I.P., funny messages

d.      Stake down with hanger wire.

 

4.  Marshmallow  Minions

Marshmallow Minion1

a.      Let the kids go wild making all kinds of faces.

b.      Wrap them in a dryer cloth or post them on a stick!

c.      You can make a whole pumpkin patch!  Warning: dogs and others might eat your decorations ;-)

 

5.  Things That Go Bump in the Night

a.      Collect things like cola and tin cans… anything that clinks and make a wind chime for some scary noises at night

b.      Put them on one side of a hanger and weight the other half to help them clink when the wind comes.  Hint: you could arrange for them to be shaken with a string.  Hint 2: you might need to hide them a bit, Moms might not be thrilled with the aesthetics.Bump in the Night Cola Cans

 

As you can see, there are plenty of fun things you can do for Halloween with things that get thrown away.  Stay tuned for some table decoration ideas coming in November.  Please share this post with your friends and share some of your ideas this holiday season – then… recycle the materials and keep the memories.

Happy Halloween from 123 Recycling – find us at 123Reycling.org or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.  We make curbside recycling easy for you.

Photo Credits:  123Recycling – Lubbock.

Help Make Your Child’s Halloween Experience Positive

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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).

Lubbock's Hot List for a Family 4th 2016

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The Lubbock area offers an explosion of activities and events that families can enjoy together … making fun memories over the 4th of July holiday!

Fireworks sky kid

And because we’ve received some glorious rain, we can really introduce our kids to the type of Independence Day celebration that we remember as kids… including FIREWORKS!

To save you time as you plan your weekend, we’ve gathered a Hot List of 4th-of-July-inspired local events and activities for families.  Just click the event for more info and links.  See our complete listing of up-to-the-moment fun in our 4th of July Section.

Did we miss a favorite 4th of July family activity or event open to the public?  Add it here, on our calendar, or on our Facebook page.  See our complete Calendar for a Liberty Bell full of fun activities to choose from. Thanks for helping spread the word on all the great things that make Lubbock the very best spot on earth to raise our kids!

Happy Independence Day 2016!

FIREWORKS Shows! 

Saturday, July 2nd:
* Plainview Fireworks show at Regional Park, 9:45pm.

Sunday, July 3rd:
* Buffalo Springs Lake / Ransom Canyon Fireworks show, dusk.
* Fireworks at the Corn Maize.  Free show & dessert presented by Indiana Ave.Baptist Church, 7:30pm.

Monday, July 4th:
* Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway Fireworks show at Mackenzie Park, dusk.
* Snyder’s 4th of July Celebration Fireworks show, dusk
* Lamesa’s Independence Day Celebration, Fireworks show, dusk.

Tuesday, July 5th:
* Wolfforth’s 4th on the 5th Fireworks show, dusk.

Parades!

Saturday, July 2nd:
* Plainview’s Parade, starts at 10am downtown.

Monday, July 4th:
* Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway Parade, starts at 9am.  Remember this year there is a new route:  Starts DOWNTOWN on Avenue M. and Broadway Ave. The parade will travel east to Canyon Lake Drive, through Mackenzie Park, and end at Joyland.
* Snyder’s Parade, starts at 10am.
* Lamesa’s Parade, starts at 10am.

Festivals, Concerts & Carnivals!

Friday July 1st:
* An American Festival concert at First United Methodist Church Lubbock.  6:30-7:30pm.  Featuring the Westwinds Brass Band & church choirs.

Saturday July 2nd:
* Plainview’s 4th of July Celebration, 10am-7pm.  Red, White, & Moo Freedom Festival. Downtown.

Sunday July 3rd:
* Westwinds Brass Band Sunday Concert in the Park – Patriotic Salute, 8pm-9pm.  Wagner Park Gazebo at 26th and Flint Ave.

Sunday July 3rd & Monday July 4th:
* Snyder 4th of July Celebration.  Booths open Sunday 4-9pm & Monday 9am-9pm.

Monday, July 4th:
* Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway at Mackenzie Park.  The state’s largest FREE 4th of July Festival and this year continues a new era at Mackenzie Park with grass and trees and water and the park’s beautiful venue!  You can even pitch a tent for the kids to take a nap during the day!

  • $5 parking at the Fairgrounds and Canyon Lakes: Free parking at 19th & Canyon Lakes. Shuttles to all parking start at 7:30am till after the fireworks.
  • 7:30am – 5K & 1-mile Yankee Doodle Dash starts at Cesar Chavez Dr. & Canyon Lake Road.  
  • 8:30am – Sparkler Sprint for kids 6-12 (free and no pre-registration needed) at Cesar Chavez Dr. & Canyon Lake Road.  
  • 9am – Parade!  NOTE: Parade Route Change – Parade will now begin at Avenue M. and Broadway Ave. The parade will travel east to Canyon Lake Drive, through Mackenzie Park, and end at Joyland.
  • 8am-5pm – Picnic in the Park!  7 music stages (starting at 10:30am) and over 50 vendors selling yummy festive foods.
  • 11am-8pm – Kids Area!  Located right next to the Kids Performance Stage and will include activities for the whole family!  Arts & Crafts, Carnival Games, Inflatables, Rock Wall, Spider Wall, Water Slides, Dunk Tank, Face Painting, Music, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Bouncers and Much More! No more playing on hot asphalt for the kids area like in years past!
  • 7:30pm – Evening Concert with the Youth Orchestra of Lubbock.
  • Dusk – Fireworks!

* Lamesa’s Independence Day Celebration, 9am-10pm.
* Slaton’s 4th of July Festival, 10am-3pm.  Slaton Park.

Tuesday, July 5th:
* Wolfforth’s 4th on the 5th Celebration, 6pm-10:30pm.

Fun Runs!shutterstock_78496849_flag

Saturday, July 2nd:
* Firecracker Run in Brownfield.  1 mile, 3 mile and 10 mile races.  7:40-10:30am.  Includes an Elementary Fun Run for Ages 4-12.

Monday, July 4th:
* Yankee Doodle Dash (5K and 1 Mile) and Sparkler Sprint (100 Yard Dash – free for kids 6-12). Lubbock.  Mackenzie Park.  7:30 & 8:30am.

* 5K Splash Dash in Lamesa.  South 9th.  9am signup.  10:30-11:30am race.

 

Above all, enjoy this wonderful time of year with the kids and STAY SAFE!

 


Updated June 29, 2016.

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

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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!

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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

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!