Tag Archives: family-time

Top 10 Spring Outings & Events for Kids & Families in Lubbock

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Spring in West Texas is here and other than the occasional dusting, we truly have the very best weather in the country!  Crisp mornings, warm afternoons and amazing sunsets grace the Lubbock area:  The perfect setting to grab the family and soak in the sunshine at some of the local spring events.  Here are our Top 10 Spring Events… plus a few more…  just to start!  There are way-more than 10, so please see our bustin-at-the-seams calendar for more!  Did we miss a favorite for your family?  Share it with us here!

Kite Flyin

 

Butterflies Alive! at The Science Spectrum:  through June 12th.
There’s no better way to welcome springtime than introducing our kids to hundreds of beautiful butterflies!  The Science Spectrum’s exhibit Butterflies Alive! gives us all a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these exquisite creatures.  Exhibit only:  $5/child & $6/adult.  To make the experience complete, catch the accompanying movie in the OMNI Theatre: “Flight of the Butterflies.”  Movie only: $6.50/child & $8/adult.  Group & Member discounts available. 

The Lubbock Arts Festival at the Civic Center:  Fri through Sun. April 15th – 17th.
It wouldn’t be springtime in Lubbock without the Lubbock Arts Festival… enriching our community and inspiring our kids for 37 years!  In addition to artists from all areas of the country, the festival features the “Run For the Arts” fun run Saturday morning, children’s area with writing and art competitions specifically to light the creative fires for our youngest Lubbockites!  Also find a presentation by Hank the Cowdog author John R. Erickson this year on Sunday… free with Arts Festival admission!  Event Admission: $2 for Children under 12, $4 for adults.

Kidsfish @ Maxey Park:  Sat. April 15th.
Bring a fishing pole, a chair, and the kids… ready to have fun!  All free!

Quailapalooza! Junior Rough Riders Spring Corral @ the National Ranching Heritage Center. Sat. April 23rd from 1-3pm.  Limited Space Available. Children ages 5-12 are invited to spend an afternoon seeing and studying Northern Bobwhite Quail with scientists from TTU’s Department of Natural Resources, Quail Tech Alliance and Quail Forever.  Only $5 or free for Ranching Heritage Association members.

Quailapalooza

Quailapalooza at the National Ranching Heritage Center. Photo by John Weast.

South Plains Water Conservation Expo.  Sat. April 23rd.
Frenship High School from 11am-3pm.  FREE.  The 3rd Annual Water Expo will be a fun-filled day for everyone in the family.  Kevin Barnes, the nationally reknowned “Green Magician” is this year’s featured guest in addition to a fun kids “Water Conservation Cruise” passport activity that will take them on a journey to various fun crafts, stories and activities for extra prizes.  Adults will enjoy the exhibits & helpful sessions with information on how we can all make a difference to impact our water resources.  Food Trucks, selfies with Walter Drop, Water Wisdom High Jinks with Literacy Lubbock, an appearance by Biscuit the Dog from Barnes & Noble and more…

Duck Derby & Family Fun Fest:  Sat. April 30th.
Destined to be an annual not-to-miss fundraising event (proceeds benefit Lubbock Legal Aid)!  Kids love to see the ducks launch and “race” with lots of activities for the family to enjoy!  Buddy Holly Park from 11am-4pm.

Safety City Birthday Party & Spring Festival:  Sat. April 30th.
Safety City is turning 23 this year with a spring festival to celebrate their birthday.  For all ages. FREE.

Lemonade Day:  Sat. May 14th.
Lubbock Lemonade Day gives our kids the chance to be a part of a community program that they see supported and promoted all over town.  Invaluable experience for them and a fun event… even if they just decide to buy some lemonade from another child’s stand on May 14th!

Sun ‘n Fun Grand Opening Celebration:  Sat. May 28th.
Plan to celebrate the opening of the new YWCA Sun n’ Fun complex over Memorial Day weekend. You know your kids will love the new splashpad… and tons more!  Click here for more info on all the great programs available at the J.T. & Margaret Talkington YWCA at Sun ‘N Fun… most are registering now.

Night Hikes at the Lubbock Lake Landmark:  monthly starting in March.
Enjoy the beauty of our famous West Texas sunsets at twilight!  Take advantage of the free monthly Night Hikes at the LLL.  Take a picnic, your walking shoes (trails are paved so it’s perfect for strollers!), and your water bottle.  2016 dates include:
Sat. 3/19. 7:30pm.
Sat. 4/16: 7:45pm.
Sat. 5/21: 8:15pm.
Sat. 6/18: 8:30pm.
Sat. 7/16: 8:30pm.
Sat. 8/20: 8:00pm.
Sat. 9/17: 7:15pm.

 

Updated 4/14/2016

Easter Week Hunt Guide 2016

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Searching for Easter hunts

Looking for all the fun events in the Lubbock area for kids and families to enjoy over the Easter holiday weekend?  So have we! … and we’ve gathered them all in our Ultimate Easter section found on LubbockForKids.com.  Here are our tops picks…  Have we left off your favorite?  Share it with us here, add it to our Calendar, or share it with us on Facebook.  Be sure to check our calendar frequently… we’re receiving more info on more hunts every day!

Community Easter Egg Hunts 

EGGstravaganzas at area churches  

These aren’t your everyday, old fashioned church Easter Egg Hunts!  These are EXTRAVAGANZAs!… all free, and many include a fair-like atmosphere with bounce houses, door prizes, trains, or music.

Be sure to check with your neighborhood church too… even if they are not organizing a big event, many are offering church-wide Easter hunts and programs open to all guests!

Selfies with the Easter Bunny  

Better catch him Saturday… he’s got a really busy schedule Sunday!

Do you know of other area Easter events?  Share them with us here!

 

The Top Santa Sightings in & around Lubbock 2015

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“Wish I knew all the places I can take the kids to see Santa this year”

Looking for Santa? Spread the word... Santa and all the great events & activities for kids during the holidays can be found on LubbockForKids.com!

Looking for Santa? Spread the word… Santa and all the great events & activities for kids during the holidays can be found on LubbockForKids.com!

Done!   One thing you can already mark off your Holiday to-do list:  Find Santa!

It’s a present for all of us – the gift of saving time!  In today’s blog we wanted to share some of the opportunities that our kids have in the Lubbock area to see Santa… so great to be a kid in the Hub!

Santa has many more visits on his schedule, so check our Santa Sightings section for up-to-the minute listings.  You know… we are the official keeper of Santa’s schedule in the Lubbock area… it’s true!

What a wonderful place we live in … our community provides so many opportunities to create family memories and enjoy the fun of the season!

Where oh where can we find Santa on the South Plains?

At Breakfast with Santa events… (reservations required for most)

Fri 11/20 and Sat. 11/21: Holiday Happening @ the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.  Space is limited.

Sat. 12/5: The Village Shopping Center @ Zio’s (82nd & Quaker).  (Sold out).

Sat. 12/5:  Breakfast with Santa at Maxey Community Center.  $10/person.  Space is limited.

Sat. 12/5 starting at 9am @ South Plains Mall Grand Court: Polar Express Weekend Extravaganza Private Breakfast (free!) with Santa & “Mall Express Train’ ($3) to Premiere Cinema to see “The Polar Express” movie. Movie starts at 10:30am.  $3 mall train ride. $6 movie (purchase tickets online – sure to sellout!).  Activities FREE. Candy cane & cookie decorating at Premiere. Part of the Polar Express Weekend Extravaganza benefiting Literacy Lubbock.

At Tree-Lighting Events…

Tues 12/1:  The Carol of Lights ceremony @ Texas Tech.  Join Santa & Raider Red for cookies starting at 5pm at the Frazier Pavilion

Tues 12/1:  SPC Christmas Tree Lighting & Carriage Rides with Santa @ South Plains College in Levelland.

Fri. 12/11 & Sat. 12/12 from 6 to 9pm: Candlelight at the Ranch @ the National Ranching Heritage Center.  Special appearance by Santa till 9pm each night in the NRHC main gallery!

Santa at the National Ranching Heritage Center's Candlelight at the Ranch

Children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa at the National Ranching Heritage Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11-12 during the 37th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch.

At Parades…

Thurs. 12/3:

Levelland Christmas on the Square & Lighted Christmas Parade @ 5:30pm.

Plainview Christmas Parade on Broadway @ 6pm.

Sat. 12/5:

Post City Trade Days & Christmas Parade @ 6pm.

Sat. 12/12:

Miracles Christmas Parade on 34th Street in Lubbock @ 6pm.

With Pets…

Mondays from 6-8pm till Christmas:  Pet Photos with Santa @ South Plains Mall.  A special time for your furry friends to visit Santa!  (Cats and Dogs only, in carriers or on leashes please).

Sat. 11/28 & 12/5 from 11am-4pm and Sun. 11/29 & 12/6 from 1-4pm:
Santa Paws Photos @ KK’s Corner Mall.  $10.  Professionally photographed by Robert Cason.
Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of West Texas

Sat. 12/12: Santa Paws @ Hodges Community Center (40th & University) from 9am-1pm.
Photos available for purchase or bring your camera!

On Trains…(reservations suggested)

On the Polar Express!   Departures begin Nov. 21 and end Dec. 26.  Wolfforth depot.

At Carnivals…

Sat. 12/5:  Christmas Carnival @ Mae Simmons Community Center.  2-4pm.

Sat. 12/12:  Holiday Wonderland @ The Science Spectrum.  10am-3pm.

Sun. 12/20:  Pancho Clos @ Maggie Trejo Supercenter (32nd & Amherst).  2-5pm.

Holiday Wonderland at The Science Spectrum

Holiday Wonderland at The Science Spectrum

Through the Season…

South Plains Mall:  11/14 – 12/24.  Photos available for purchase.

Holland Gardens:  Saturdays & Sundays from 1-4pm (free!) now through Christmas.
(50th & Memphis)

Santa’s Land Drive Thru Park in Tahoka (free!):  Open November 26 (Thanksgiving!), 27,28,29 and December 4,5,6,11,12,13,18,19,20,21,22,23,24 and light will be on 25, 26 & 27.

Kingsgate Shopping Center:  Saturdays Thanksgiving – 12/20 (82nd & Quaker).
Also don’t miss their complimentary carriage rides Friday – Sunday evenings through Christmas Eve!
Bring a coat to donate to their Coat Drive!

Santa Land @ Mackenzie Park:  Nightly 12/10 – 12/23 from 6-10pm.
Opening Ceremony:  Tues. 12/10 @ 6pm.  Help welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus from the North Pole & turn on the lights to the tree and winter village!

And you can help Santa…. If you have him scheduled to be at an event open to the public – or if you know of any great event or activity for our kids – just add the listing to LubbockForKids.com or comment here on our blog to help spread the word!

This article was originally published in 2013 and updated for 2015.

 

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

Experience and Create Art with your Kids

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By Jenny Lloyd-Strovas, Ph.D.
Guest Contributor

We are so excited to introduce our newest blog contributor Jenny Lloyd-Strovas, Ph.D.!
We met at the Wolfforth Water Expo where her group was helping educate and introduce families to the “Dearth Project: Communicating Science Through Art.”  We are honored that Jenny will be sharing her insights with our readers!  And we love her first article and the Lesson Plan she shares below. It gives parents the learning tools that make it easy for the family to spend an afternoon outside together, observing nature, learning about playa wetlands, and creating art as a family! For example: Do you know why they are called “Playa” lakes? Checkout her lesson plan to find out!  If you have any questions or ideas for Jenny, just comment below.
Welcome Jenny!

Are you looking for something fun
AND educational to do with your children
before summer ends?

We have an idea for you!

Create and Experience ART about NATURE.

The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA) recently hosted an art exhibit called  “Dearth: Communicating Science Through Art” celebrating the two primary water sources in the Texas Panhandle: Playa Wetlands and the Ogallala Aquifer.  Dearth is a word of many facets.  As a whole, it means scarcity or lacking, but by breaking it down you find the words “art” and “earth”. The Dearth Project is true to its name in all facets. It is an artistic expression of the water scarcity issues in the Texas Panhandle.

The exhibit included works of art from area children that expressed Dearth.

Dearth gallery

Interested in creating a Dearth experience with your family?  
Click here to find a lesson plan that will walk you through educational materials and a few different art activities related to playa wetlands. Please feel free to leave your comments concerning the activities – we’d love to hear from you!

Get Outside with your Family and Learn about Nature!

Girl in nature

 

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!

17777_1104769736205544_7073049965648248535_n
—>  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!

 

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 :-)

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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!