Waco Cultural Arts Fest - Oct 5-7

The Cultural Arts Fest in spring and fall in Waco were one of my favorite things to do with my kids in Waco.   And it's coming up again, this Oct 5-7.  

Enjoy pictures below from some of our favorite activites in years past.

Volunteer Opportunity: Visit a Nursing Home

The Quality Care nursing home in Waco is looking for the following:

1.  Kids to come trick or treat at the nursing home. 
2.  Students to come to for regular visits to their residents. 

If you're interested, contact Jerry Lamrock for more details...

jlamrock@qcwaco.com
254-752-0311

Miniature Airplane Jet Rally - Sept 6 - 8

So, the Heart of Texas Miniature Airplane Rally is going on Sept 6 - 8.   We've gone before and it's SO MUCH FUN.   My kids love seeing the airplanes fly.   Below are some pics from a smaller rally we went to (they have them regularly, but this is a bigger event with more planes and other activities.  I THINK this is free if you're just viewing, not flying (but I'd e-mail to double check.)   More info here (and an e-mail for asking questions).

You could go right up and see the planes (just remember, 

these are things people spend their own money and usually 

assemble by hand, so make sure to tell your kids to look,not touch).

 Some of the planes had tiny, detailed pilots.

We witnessed one crash while we were there. 

Anyways, lots of fun to be had.  

Shared on Throwback Thursday.

Waco Area VBS Guide - 2017

Below is a list of all Vacation Bible School's happening this summer in and around Waco.  There may be a few I missed so if you know of any, please leave a comment and I'll be happy to add them (and if I have any information wrong, please, PLEASE correct me so I can fix it)!  All programs, to my knowledge, are free (unless noted).


JUNE 

Meadowbrook Baptist Church
Theme: Maker Fun Factory
Ages: 4 yr - 6th
Dates: June 4 - 8
Time:  6:15 - 8:30 pm
Location: Robinson
More Info Here

Cottonwood Baptist Church
Theme: Maker Fun Factory
Ages:  PreK-6th grade
Dates: June 4-8
Time: 6:15-8:30 pm 
Location: Lorena
More Info Here 

Brazos Meadows Baptist Church
Theme: Galactic Starveyors
Ages:   Completed KG - 6th Grade
Dates:  June 5 - 8
Times:  6:30 - 8:45 pm
Location:  Hewitt
More Info Here

First Baptist Church of Waco 
Theme: Peru
Ages: Completed KG - Completed 6th
Dates: June 5 - 9
Time: 9am - 12
Location: Waco, TX.
More Info Here   

First Baptist Church of Lorena
Theme: Maker Fun Factory
Ages: KG - 6th
Dates:  June 11 - 15
Location:  Lorena
More Info Here

First Baptist Church Woodway 

Theme: Victory
Ages: 4 yr - 6th

 Dates:  June 12 - 16
Time: 9 am - NOON
Location: Woodway
More Info Here

Highland Baptist Church
Theme: Operation Artic
Ages: K - 6th
Dates:  June 12 - 16
Time: 9:30 am - 12:15
Location: Waco
More Info Here

   
St. Albans Episcopal Church
Theme: Hero Central
Ages:  Age 4 yr - 5th Grade
Dates: June 12 - 16
Time: 9 am - 12 noon
Location: Waco, TX,
More Info Here

Peace Lutheran Church
Theme:  Mighty Fortress
Ages: Pre-K — 6th grade
Dates: June 18 - 22
Times:    
JUNE 18: Father's Day Water Festival Kick-Off  3:00 pm - 5:00 pm and Hot Dog Dinner for those Staying for VBS at 5:00 pm
JUNE 27 - 30: 6 -  8:30 pm Location:  Hewitt          
More Info Here

Alliance Bible Church
Theme:  Ocean Commotion
Ages: Pre-K — 6th grade
Dates: June 19 - 23
Times:   6 - 8pm
More Info Here

Woodway 1st United Methodist Church
Theme:  Cave Quest
Ages: Age 4  - entering 6th Grade
Dates: June 25 - 28
Time:  6:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Location:  Woodway
More Info Here

 
 

JULY

Lorena United Methodist Church
Theme: Hero Central
Dates: July 9 - 13
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Lorena
More Info Here

Trinity Lutheran Church at Badger Ranch

Theme:  Maker Fun Factory
Dates: July 9 - 13

Times:  6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Woodway
More Info Here

First Methodist Church of Waco
Dates:  July 9 - 13
Location: Waco 

More Info Here

Columbus Avenue Baptist Church
Theme: Galactic Starveyors
Ages: K-6th Grade
Dates: July 10 - 14
Times: 9:00 am - NOON
More Info Here  

Western Heights Baptist Church 

Theme: Galactic Starveyors
Ages:  Age 4 - completed 6th
Dates:  July 10 - 14
Times:  9 am - Noon
Location:  Waco
More Info Here

Central Christian Church
Theme:  Treasure
Ages:  Age PreK - 5th Grade
Dates:  July 24 - 28
Location: Waco
More Info Here

Evergreen Baptist Church
Theme: Operation Artic
Dates:  July 30 - Aug 3
Location:  Waco
More Info Here

Please Check Back

More May Be Added Later

 

  

Fiddler On the Roof

This Tuesday our family, and some other homeschoolers, got to see Fiddler On the Roof (yes, that's right...before it opened!  We got discounted tickets for the dress rehersal.)

So, so fun!   Loved the dancing, and the music is great...but beware, you'll be humming these tunes the rest of the week.  I especially liked Tevya's performance, which I thought was exceptionally done.

My kids did well, though it kept them up late and they were having trouble towards the end, which is a little less up-beat and funny than the beginning.

I've seen Fiddler once in high school (it was one of our high school plays).  I enjoyed it then, but the end bothered me...and my oldest had the same reaction (he HATED the end).  I didn't so much this time.  I saw the hope in it...maybe the acting carried that a little more, or maybe I was able to understand the symbolism of the fiddler a little better as an adult.

“A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But here, in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof, trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn’t easy. You may ask, why do we stay up there if it’s so dangerous? Well, we stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: Tradition!”

Other things hit me differently as well.  I thought the "Sunrise, Sunset" song was boring when I heard it as a teen.   This time, with my youngest in my lap and my teenager beside me, it brought tears to my eyes.

Overall, excellent performance.  I highly recommend it!   Fiddler is playing now through Ocober 9 at Baylor University (more info here).    If you are bringing children I suggest going to the earlier times on the weekends. 

Fall Homeschool Events In Texas

Below is a list of Homeschool Days and and other fun special events and discounts for homeschoolers in Texas (the ones I know about).  May also include some "mid-school day" events not especially for homeschoolers.    Events in or around Waco are in bold.  Ones a little further but still in driving distance (1-3 hours away) have an orange star* next to them.

SEPTEMBER

LegoLand - Grapevine, TX*
Homeschool Week September 12-16th - Includes a LEGO® Education Workshop. Tickets will be $10 per day plus tax for both children and adults. Reservation Required

Sea Life Aquarium - Grapevine, TX*
Homeschool Week September 12-16th - Each ticket will include entry to the SEA LIFE Grapevine and a special Amazing Discoveries educational scavenger hunt. Complete the scavenger hunt and receive a SEA LIFE Guidebook to continue the fun at home.  Tickets $10.  Reservation required.

Austin Zoo*
Sept 23.   Science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics activities for homeschool families including activities from partner organizations, keeper talks, and a special education animal presentations!

Houston Zoo*
Sept 15, 10:00am – 1:15pm.  Eco Experiments - A day of science fun and experimental engagement where students will take part in hands-on investigations and deepen their understanding of scientific processes. Registration includes access to hands on experiments, 3 exclusive animal encounters, and general admission to the Houston Zoo.  $30 (or $20 for members).

OCTOBER

Houston Zoo - OFF SITE, Texas City
Oct 5, 9:30 - 1:30 PM.  Field Researchers Day is an interactive event which allows students a first hand feel of a day in the life of a field researcher.  We will use field testing techniques to determine the health of an endangered coastal prairie ecosystem.   Registration includes exclusive access to the Texas City Prairie Preserve where you will be accompanied by Zoo staff.  General admission to the Houston Zoo is covered in the price, however all activities are held in Texas City.  $30 (or $20 for members).

Skate Country - Bellmead
October 6, from 2-4pm. Homeschool skate is a private party event for Waco area homeschoolers! Location - Skate Country in Bellmead 500 Texas Loop 340, Bellmead, TX 76705 Cost of Skating - $5  Children's playground (for children under 7) - $3

Space Center Houston
Oct 5    Oct 5th from 4:30 - 9:25
Space After Dark Program includes
• Live briefing about Mars.
• Dinner served at Space Center Houston.
• Exciting, grade-level appropriate, hands-on activities.
• Private guided tram-tour to NASA Johnson Space Center.
• Second-day admission to Home School Day 2016.

Space Center Houston
Oct 6.  Homeschool Day. Meet retired NASA astronaut Mark Polansky and hear from NASA Johnson Space Center experts on a variety of topics including the Cassini Mission to Saturn and NASA inventions that have improved the lives of ordinary people. Engage yourself with Sphero and Vex Robotics Challenges. Get hands-on in our interactive Pop-Up Science Labs where you can see demonstrations of Newton’s Third Law of Motion, make a small bulb light up, discover the destructive force of meteors and so much more!

The Game Closet - Waco
Oct 18 - 1-4 pm.   Play various board games.   Over 100 games to choose from.

NOVEMBER

Texas Renaisance Festival* - Todd Mission TX (2 Hr from Waco)

Nov 1-2, 8 am - 4 pm.   Day for educators, students, and homeschoolers only, with reduced price of $9.  Students step back in time as they enter the sights and sounds of New Market Village, an authentic recreation of a 16th century European village. Students will interact with hundreds of costumed characters representing the courts, culture, art, science, and literature of the Renaissance Period.

Houston Zoo*
Nov 8, 10:00am – 1:15pm. Scavenger Hunt Safari Day includes stations set up around the Zoo to provide students opportunities to connect with animals and create meaningful memories.  Registration includes access to the scavenger hunt, 3 exclusive animal encounters, and general admission to the Houston Zoo. $30 (or $20 for members).

WEEKLY/MONTHLY/ANYTIME

Hill Country Science Mill  - Johnson City*
Monthly - 2nd Wed each Month.   In addition to museum exhibits, there will be  special demonstrations, activities and/or guests.  Children $6.  One parent/educator free with attending children. $4 - 6 extra for Learning Labs. 

Dr. Pepper Star Center  - Farmers Branch*
Various Times/Days.  Ice Skating Homeschool Skate Days happen on a regular basis.  Please call the Group Event Coordinator (Brittany) at 214-432-3131, ext. 227 for information on day, times and cost.

Sea World - San Antonio*.
Home School Days programs are available on select non-operating dates in November and December - reservation required.   This guided program includes family-focused, appropriate, and interactive experiences centered around animal adaptations and educational activities throughout the park. Students will explore and learn about animals, conservation efforts and stories relating to SeaWorld. $18 per participate (including supervising adults...children 2 and under are free).  Admission to SeaWorld is not included and is not required.   Reservartions must be made 14 days in advance. 

Also try these sites...

(Some may be for previous years)

Homeschool Happening Around DFW Metroplex

Homeschool Days Around Texas

Homeschool Days and Field Trips in Dallas


If you know of any other events, please, please share them in the comments below and I'll add them to this list. 

SPRING BREAK EVENTS - Waco Area

Here's a little guide of what's going on this Spring Break...fun events for kids or the whole family.  I also suggest visiting this article which includes some things that are available all the time (museums and such) that would make great Waco Spring Break activities.  

SATURDAY - March 5

• Select Jiujitsu Academy- 11 am - Free Kids Bully Prevention Seminar

• Chess and Scrabble Club at Waco Central Library - 1 pm - Ages 7 to 18, FREE

• Teen Anime Club at Hewitt Library - 2 pm

In Driving Distance:

• Austin, TX (and surrounding areas) - There is all sorts of things going on this Saturday in Austin...a parade, a Cultural Fair, Science Presentations at UT, and more.  Find a complete list at Free Fun in Austin.

• Discover the Dinosarus  - Belton, TX - 9am to 7 pm - Walk through exhibit of static and animatronic dinosaurs complete with a Dino Dig, Dino Theater, Dino Coloring Area and Scavenger Hunt plus unlimited Dinosaur Rides, Mini Golf and inflatables.  $15 to $22.

SUNDAY - March 6

• CORRECTION:  The “Spring Forward for Amphibians” day at the zoo is NEXT Sunday, March 13...not the 6th.

• Free Day at the Mayborn Museum - 1 pm to 5 pm  - Admission is Free!

• Preschool/Todder Block Party at Central Library - 1:30pm @ Central Library for preschoolers and toddlers. Build, play & create with our large blocks and manipulatives.

In Driving Distance:

• Austin, TX (and surrounding areas) - There is all sorts of things going on this Saturday in Austin... a Kite Festival and concert, free museum entrance, Texas Independence Day stuff, and more.  Find a complete list at Free Fun in Austin.

MONDAY - March 7
  

• Waco Hippodrome -  $3 movie (see below), including popcorn and a drink  (this price may be just for kids or for kids and adults)

Babe
Monday, March 7th:
11:00A | 1:30P

• Events at the Mayborn Museum   -  Admission required

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. - At the Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village (behind the Mayborn), experience hands-on history making butter, pumping water from a well, wringing clothes, and more! 

• 10:30 am & 2:30 pm - Appearances from MR. POTATO HEAD 

• 11 am & 3 pm -Watch Disney/Pixar's Toy Story in the museum theater at . 

• Skate Waco - Free roller skating at Skate Waco 1 pm to 5 pm

• Retro Video Game Day at Central Libary - 2:00 Pm - Retro video game day, ages 11 - 17, FREE

• Free Concert at Waco Hippodrome - 7pm - The Air Force Celtic Band will be performing. Advanced tickets are available on the website—for FREE.

TUESDAY - March 8

• Waco Hippodrome -  $3 movie (see below), including popcorn and a drink  (this price may be just for kids or for kids and adults)

Babe
Monday, March 7th:
11:00A | 1:30P
Tuesday, March 8th:
11:00A | 2:30P | 6:15P | 9:45P

• Events at the Mayborn Museum   -  Admission required

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. - At the Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village (behind the Mayborn), learn what it took to make corn meal, coffee, and herbs into usable staples in the late 1800s. Then hop aboard and ride through the village in a horse drawn carriage. (Subject to cancellation in case of inclement weather).

• 10:30 am & 2:30 pm - Appearances from MR. POTATO HEAD 

• 11 am & 3 pm -Watch Disney/Pixar's Toy Story in the museum theater at . 

• Crafternoon at Hewitt Library - 4 to 5 pm - St. Patricks day themed kids craft

• Skate Waco - Buy one Get One admission and extended Retro night (5 to 9).  FREE.

• Kite Workshop at Central Library - 7 pm - For families, registration required. FREE.

WEDNESDAY - March 9

• Storytime Theater at Waco West Library - 10:30 am & 1:30 pm - Performance of "Little Red Riding Hood and the Big (Not so Bad) Wolf, FREE

• Waco Hippodrome -  $3 movie (see below), including popcorn and a drink  (this price may be just for kids or for kids and adults)

Rio
Wednesday
11:00A | 2:00P | 6:00P | 8:30P

• Waco Hippodrome -  $3 movie (see below), including popcorn and a drink  (this price may be just for kids or for kids and adults)

• Events at the Mayborn Museum  -  Admission required

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. - At the Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village (behind the Mayborn), Help us grow flowers, vegetables, and more by planting seeds in the village garden. Then come say hi to cute farm animals in the village. (Subject to cancellation in case of inclement weather)

• 10:30 am & 2:30 pm - Appearances from MR. POTATO HEAD 

• 11 am & 3 pm -Watch Disney/Pixar's Toy Story in the museum theater at . 

•  Enders Game Showing at South Waco Library - 2 pm - Ages 11 to 17, FREE.

• Skate Waco Wacy Wednesday - Wear a weird costume for free admission.  Skates rentals $3

THURSDAY - March 10

• Magic Show at Central Library - 10:30 am & 1:30 pm - See the amazing tricks of Comedy Magician John O'Bryant.

• Waco Hippodrome -  $3 movie (see below), including popcorn and a drink  (this price may be just for kids or for kids and adults)

Rio
Thursday March 10th:
11:00A | 2:00P | 6:00P | 8:30P

• Events at the Mayborn Museum  - Admission required

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. - At the Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village (behind the Mayborn): Turning on the lights meant something different in the late 1800s. Come make hand-made candles in the village. Then hop aboard and ride through the village in a horse drawn carriage. (Subject to cancellation in case of inclement weather)

• 10:30 am & 2:30 pm - Appearances from MR. POTATO HEAD 

• 11 am & 3 pm -Watch Disney/Pixar's Toy Story in the museum theater at .

• Sensory Storytime at West Waco Library - 4:30 Pm - A monthly storytime for children with special needs ages 3-12, free

• Evening Storytime at Hewitt Library - 6:30 - 7:15

• Teen Anime Club at West Waco Library - 7pm, free.

FRIDAY - March 11

• Zooniversity at South Waco Library - 10:30 am - A traveling wildlife show featuring  fuzzy, slimy, scaly friends. FREE.

• Waco Hippodrome -  $3 movie (see below), including popcorn and a drink  (this price may be just for kids or for kids and adults)

Rio
Friday, March 11th:
11:00A | 2:00P

• Events at the Mayborn Museum  -  Admission required

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. - At the Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village (behind the Mayborn) come play horseshoes, ring toss, classic toys, egg races, and more! 

• 10:30 am & 2:30 pm - Appearances from MR. POTATO HEAD 

• 11 am & 3 pm -Watch Disney/Pixar's Toy Story in the museum theater at .  

• Drinks and Doodles With the Hewitt Library Director - 2 to 3 pm - Not really sure what this is about. Looks like maybe adult coloring but might have a kid friendly aspect too.  If nothing else, they're at a library so they could read while you "drink and doodle."   

•  Board Game Day at West Waco Library - 2 pm 

• Art Center Waco Cookies & Coloring - 3 to 5 pm -  Explore the work of Jackson Pollock and eat cookies. The Art Center is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm. Admission is FREE

SATURDAY - March 12

• Chess and Scrabble Club at Waco Central Library - 1 pm - Ages 7 to 18, FREE

• Teen Anime Club at Hewitt Library - 2 pm

 SUNDAY - March 13

• Spring Forward Amphibians at Cameron Park Zoo - On Sunday, March 13th, 11am to 2pm, the zoo will host “Spring Forward for Amphibians” with special activities. Admission required.

THIS WEEKEND - Austin Mini Maker Faire

This weekend down in Austin one of my favorite events of the year is happening--The Austin Mini-Maker Fair.  This is a chance for you and your kids to get hands on creating everything from stuffed animals to Lego Robotics.   Don't let the "mini" fool you...there is more than enough to do to fill a whole day.

There was so much to do last year.   Here's a sampling...

They always have some amazing mechanical creatures, like this bird who

moved his head, claws, and beak.



There were fun robots to play with.

And a lobster car (all those lobsters dance).

But the best stuff is the hands on stuff, like this marshmellow shooter.

We didn't get to keep it, but we did get to try it out.

But there was lots of other stuff we made and did get to keep.

My son worked diligently to finish a stuffed rocket that, because it used conductive thread, could be used as a pen for an iPad or iPhone!  How cool is that!  We still have it but not sure where it is now, so unfortunately I don't have a picture of the finished piece.  This is why we didn't get to all the exhibits.  There's just a lot of them that you could sit at and create for a long time.  If you have several kids you'll want to either split up or agree beforehand which projects everyone wants to do. 

This was a nice touch.  When you have young kids that have been walking around for a while, the Happy Hut is a nice quiet place to sit and cool off with a book and just chill for a while.  Whoever thought of this...thank you!

I didn't even get pictures inside...where my husband spent most of the day with our older too kids.  We  get in there in time to enjoy the planetarium, and to do some building with lego mindstorms. 

It was a fun, fun day....well worth the price ($15 for adults, $10 for kids).  This is going on THIS Saturday and Sunday, May 16 - 17.  

Click Here for More Info

Waco Vacation Bible School Guide - 2015

JUNE

Meadowbrook Baptist Church  
Theme: Everest
Ages:  3 yrs - Grade 6
Dates: June 7 - 11
Time: 6:15 - 8:30 pm
Location: Waco, TX,
More Info Here

Lorena United Methodist Church 
Theme: G-Force
Ages:  4 yrs - Grade 6
Dates: June 15 - 19
Time: 9 am - 12 noon
Location: Lorena, TX,
More Info Here

First Baptist Church of Waco  
Theme: Everest
Dates: June 14 - 18
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Waco, TX,
More Info Here

First Baptist Church Woodway
Theme:  Backstage With the Bible
Ages:  Age 4 - 6th Grade
Dates:  June 15 -19
Time: 9:00 am - noon
Location: Woodway
More Info Here 

St. Albans Episcopal Church
Theme: Camp Discovery
Ages:  Age 3 - 5th Grade
Dates: June 15 - 19
Time: 9 am - 12 noon
Location: Waco, TX,
More Info Here


Highland Baptist Church
Theme: Camp Kilimanjaro (Journey through Proverbs)
Ages:  K - 5th Grade
Dates:  June 15 - 19
Time: 9:30 am - 12:15 pm
Location: Waco
More Info Here 



Trinity Lutheran Church at Badger Ranch
Ages:  3 yrs - Grade 5
Dates: June 21 - 25
Times:  (Light supper served before VBS each night at 5:45 pm)
VBS Times: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Woodway
More Info Here 



St. Jerome Catholic Church
Theme: Everest
Ages: 5 yrs - Grade 6
Dates:  June 21 - June 26
Times:  6 - 9 pm 
Location:  Waco
Cost: $20 per student + $5 for a T-Shirt
More Info Here



Woodway 1st United Methodist Church
Theme:  Wilderness Escape
Ages: Age 4  - entering 6th Grade
Dates: June 28 - July 1
Time:  6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location:  Woodway
More Info Here



JULY



Brazos Meadows Baptist Church
Theme: Thailand Trek
Ages:   Completed KG - 6th Grade
Dates:  July 6 - 9
Times:  6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location:  Hewitt
More Info Here 




Western Heights Baptist Church
Theme: Jouney Off the Map
Ages:  Age 4 - 6th
Dates:  July 6 - 10
Times:  9 am - Noon
Location:  Waco
More Info Here



First United Methodist Church of Waco
Dates:  July 10 - 23
Location:  Waco
More Info Here



Peace Lutheran Church
Theme:  Journey Off the Map
Location:  Hewitt
They have a Water Festival Kick-Off With Inflatables, carnival games, face painting, and prizes the first day, and Dinner before each VBS session.
Ages: Pre-K — 6th grade 
Dates: July 12 - 16
Times:     6 -  8:30 pm each night
            Water Festival Kick-Off: 3:00 pm, July 13th only
More Info Here 


Central Christian Church
Theme: LOVE - A Groovy Kind of VBS
Ages: 4 - 5th grade
Dates:  July 20 - 24
Times:     9 am - Noon
Location:  Waco
More Info Here


Columbus Avenue Baptist Church
Dates:  July 20 - 24
Location:  Waco
More Info Here 

Evergreen Baptist Church
Theme: Camp Kilimanjaro 
Ages: 4 - 12
Dates:  July 20 - 24
Times:     6:15 pm - ?
Location:  Waco
More Info Here

If you would like your Church VBS info added to this list, please leave me a message with the details in the comments below.

Thanks to pixabay for the bead pic used for the header.

Magic School Bus at the Mayborn

The Magic School Bus Special Exhibit has been at the Mayborn for a few months now, and is only around for a few weeks more (til April 12).   It's all about weather!

There's the bus!  (One of them).

What you see up there are clouds that you could shoot with air
cannons to make them move.

There was a lot of great things to learn from, but unfortunately, a lot of what's there to learn requires reading the little signs next to the exhibits to really get it.  And would my child stay long enough for me to read ANY of them to him?  Nope.  Oh well.

The snowflakes needed no description though.  They used mirrors to
turn one section into a beautiful snowflake.  You could change up the
way the pieces looked.  (I enjoyed this one too!)

My cool weather man, dressed for sun AND snow.

It was a fun exhibit..  If your kids like Magic School Bus they will probably enjoy this.

Learn more here.

Springtime in the Villiage - Next Week!

Behind the Mayborn Children's Museum, though a little door right after the Indian and Pioneer room, and before the hallway with the butterflies painted on the wall, is the Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village.  It's open all the time, but next week, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, you can experience in a way you can't most of the year.  It will come alive with historical costumed actors who'll give kids a hands on experience of what it was like in Texas in the 1890's.

Here's some of what our kids got to experience last year during this event (and we only got to visit one day).

Cattle Branding 
(Doesn't look like they're doing this again this year)

Sadly, I didn't see this on the schedule of events for this year.

Live Farm Animals

(They're doing this again, though!)

Historic Buildings

Yep, we actually got to go INSIDE the school house and country store,

buildings which are usually closed.  I'm assuming they'll do this again.

They will have different activities each day ...which you can check out below.



Monday, March 16, 2015 - (1-3pm)
Making Cards & Clay Pots

Tuesday, March 17, 2015- (1-3pm):
Sowing and Playing

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - (1-3pm)
Pressed Flowers & Games

Thursday, March 19, 2015 - (1-3pm)
Natural Sweetners & Hymns

Friday, March 20, 2015 - (1-3pm)
Music by Dick Gimble & Friends and More

YEP, ALL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SCHOOL DAY

This was planned for someone's spring break, obviously, but not for Wacoans.  Hrmp!   I feel mixed about this with two boys in school and one homeschooled.  It will be great for my homeschooled son, but I hate for my other children to miss out.    Though, there's also the Round Up March 14th down the street at the Texas Rangers Museum I could take them to in stead.  Looks like a lot of good western fun too.

 Well, at least they did Magic Treehouse stuff during our Spring Break.  Just wish they would have had some of these activities Thursday night, when they're open late.  You can learn more on their website here (scroll to the bottom because they're not advertising this very well...there's a link).

Anyways, all this is included with the regular Mayborn Museum admission prices. It's definately worth going to...maybe even for taking kids out of school early to go to.  I'm still debating that.

Fun This Week! (Aug 4 - 10)

Fun things for kids to do in Waco this week.  Unless specified otherwise these events are free.  This will be the last "Fun This Week" for the summer.  During the school year I just don't have the time to do this every week.


FRIDAY

1:00 PM - Barns and Noble Storytime
A reading from some of today's most popular children's authors followed by crafts and snacks.  Barns of Noble, 4909 W Waco Dr. Waco, TX


7:00 PM - Frozen Friday - Barns & Noble
Cool Off With Olaf! A Get Pop-Cultured with Barnes & Noble Event. Bring in the kids for Storytime, a sing-along, crafts and activities with everyone's favorite summer-loving snowman!

SATURDAY

10:00 AM - Lows Build and Grow 
Build a Monsters Vs Alients Trolly.  All materials supplied and you get to take home what you build - all free.  Register here.

1:30 - 3 PM - Legos Lab - Central Waco Library

Create a masterpiece that will be displayed on our website & at the Library for the following month.  Blocks are provided.  Register Online.   4909 W Waco Dr., Waco, TX 76710, 254-741-9495

Mayborn Exhibit: Be the Dinosaur

The Mayborn has a special exhibit over the summer called "Life in the Cretaceous:  Be the Dinosaur".  I was really excited about it because it seemed like something that would appeal to my older kids, and because the exhibits at the Mayborn are always really cool.  And while the kids did enjoy this exhibit, I have to say I was sort of underwhelmed.

It had a couple large animated dinos and an animated dino-baby:  one T-rex, shown above, which was outside the exhibit in the lobby (where you can see it without special admission), and a mom and baby Triceratops inside.

They had a VERY SMALL collection of dino bones.  This large Triceratops head (nearly as tall as an 11 year old boy) was the coolest, though probably a replica since it was out where kids could touch it.  The rest were all small fossils in a few glass cases.

But mostly it was these...a whole bunch of video game screens with basically the same game (you could be a Triceratops or a T-rex).  And while the game was alright, I for one take my kids out to get them OFF of video games, so I wasn't really thrilled.  It was educational, but could be scary for younger kids.  My 6 year old was fine with it.  (Definitely gave him a more realistic perception of dinosaurs:  His dinosaur toys started eating each other in stead of talking to each other after this trip.)

There wasn't much pretend play stuff, save for a jeep you could ride in and these Dino-tails.   If you have younger kids (too young for video games where dinosaurs eat each other), then I would save your money and not pay the extra amount to see this special exhibit (there's plenty of other stuff they'll love in the museum).  If you have older kids, they might enjoy it (mine did...though not so much as some past exhibits).  Or, you can just catch the free museum day coming up August 8.  The Dino Day special events on July 29 and August 5th would also be a good time to visit, since you can get into the museum AND this special exhibit for only $5, plus there will be other fun stuff going on.