Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Children's Story Time in the Garden
Third Monday of the month, 10:30 -11:30 a.m.
Children's Librarian Maggie Hope at Baldwin Boettcher, along with Mercer volunteer docents, share some of their favorite nature books with children and their parents in the Mercer gardens. A craft project is included. Check in at the Visitor Center for the specific location. Free.
May 20: Bumblebee, Bumblebee, Do you know me? by Anne Rockwell
June 17: Inch by Inch by David Mallet
July 15: Crunching, Munching, Caterpillar by Sheridan Cain
August 19: Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
Summer Nature Camp
Summer Nature Camp, held during summer break each year, is a four-day (Tuesday through Friday) nature program for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Featuring a variety of themed nature subjects and held mostly outdoors, camp sessions include ranger talks, guided nature walks through the forest, and visits to the ponds, swamps, and Spring Creek. The games, activities, and crafts are suited for age brackets of 5 and 6, 7 through 9, and 10 through 12. Four-day sessions focus on each age bracket, and participants must be able to attend the full week of activities.
The 10- through 12-year-old activities include Junior Canoe Training and a field trip. Space is limited in each bracket, and registration for Harris County residents begins the first Saturday in May at 8 a.m. A valid parent's identification and proof of the child's birth date is required at the time of registration. Registration for residents outside of Harris County begins the first Sunday in May and is based on space availability. Please call 281-446-8588 for more information or to register.
"An Amazing Race"
Registration began Saturday, May 4 at 8 a.m.
Ages 5-6, from 9 a.m. to noon
June 11, 12, 13, and 14
June 18, 19, 20, and 21
Ages 7-9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 25, 26, 27, and 28
July 16, 17, 18, and 19
August 6, 7, 8, and 9
Ages 10-12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 9, 10, 11, and 12
July 23, 24, 25, and 26
July 30 and 31 and August 1 and 2
May Community Center
Children of all ages can gather to play at May Community Center this summer during a variety of fun-filled activities scheduled for Tuesdays, June 11 through July 30. A $3 per child, per program suggested donation is encouraged and helps defray the costs of entertainment and refreshments. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please stop by the Center or call 281-324-3373.
A Trip to the World of Fables
Tuesday, June 11 at 10 a.m.
Join storyteller Jean Donatto as she puts a creative spin on time-tested fables such as "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and "The Ant and the Grasshopper." These fables are a great way to learn that a good choice is always available.
YUCK! The Game Show
Tuesday, June 18 at 10 a.m.
Getting messy is part of the fun in this interactive stage show featuring a variety of fast-paced stunts and physical challenges. Children from the audience compete in a series of messy games (non-staining) and wacky physical stunts, and one lucky child will get "slimed" in the end!
Top Secret Detective School
Tuesday, June 25 at 10 a.m.
Learn about a few of the skills needed to be the next Sherlock Holmes: pass a lie detector test, detect a counterfeit bill, and decode a secret message. Don't miss out on the excitement of Top Secret Detective School!
U.S.A. Birthday Bash
Tuesday, July 2 at 10 a.m.
Celebrate America's birthday and join in the fun as we go all out for the red, white and blue! Participants are encouraged to dress in their patriotic best, and bring a friend to this party that is complete with Harmony the Clown, Abby the Monkey, cake and ice cream.
Professor Chrome Dome
Tuesday, July 9 at 10 a.m.
Professor Chrome Dome is in the house, delighting children of all ages with exciting magic and fast-moving fun including vanishes, illusions, escapes, sleight-of-hand, and storytelling with magical endings.
Mad Science
Tuesday, July 16 at 10 a.m.
POOF! Be amazed by indoor fireworks, bubbling potions, spectacular chemical reactions, vortex generators, special effects, and more! Don't miss out on the non-stop, eye-popping excitement as May Community Center is turned into a Mad Science laboratory.
Houston ZooMobile
Tuesday, July 23 at 10 a.m.
Texas is a big place that has many different habitats. From the Pineywoods to the Panhandle, the Red River to the Rio Grande, join the Houston Zoo as they provide a tour of the state and reveal the amazing diversity of animals that call Texas home.
Splish Splash!
Tuesday, July 30 at 10 a.m.
This water slide isn't called the Big Kahuna for nothing! Cool off from the hot Texas heat and experience the thrill of riding down 37 feet of wet mountain fun! Please note: A bathing suit (worn under clothes), sunscreen, towel, and water shoes are recommended.
Mangum-Howell Center
Children of all ages are welcome to join the fun-filled activities planned at Mangum-Howell Center Thursdays, June 13 through July 25. Registration is required for all programs and begins Monday, May 13. A $2 per person suggested donationhelps defray the cost of special entertainment, supplies and refreshments provided at each program. Activities begin promptly; please arrive 20 minutes prior to each program's start time. A parent or adultmust accompany children under the age of 18. For more information and to register, please stop by the Center or call 281-591-7830.
Banana Split and Zumba Party
Thursday, June 13 at 1 p.m.
Juana Hernandez, Mangum-Howell Center's Zumba instructor, cranks up the music for kids to shake, wiggle and have a blast with friends. At this interactive party with music and dancing, build a "fun"tastic banana split complete with toppings of chocolate or caramel syrup, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry.
The Turtle Lady
Thursday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn all about turtles from the smallest to the largest species, and pet a 50-pound turtle during this program. Then make a tasty "turtle" treat to eat.
Kids in Action
Thursday, June 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Kids will not want to miss this fun and action-packed day of games and exercises. Popcorn and lemonade are served at this event.
Children's Bingo
Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m.
B5...I17...N31...G53...O71...BINGO! Join in the fun with great prizes, and the chance to yell "BINGO!" Cheesy nachos and lemonade are served at this event.
Texas Snakes and More
Thursday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Snakes! Snakes! Snakes! Learn about the local varieties of Texas snakes and see a few that are a little more exotic. And really adventurous participants can even touch one! Stick around for a "squirmy" snack.
Ronald McDonald Magic Show
Thursday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m.
Clown around with Ronald at this fun-filled magic show, followed by a snack of cookies and punch!