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.

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.

Inner Space Cave Unit

 I'm in no way affiliated with Inner Space Caverns.  

These pages may include Amazon affiliate links which can earn me commission.

4 years ago we took an amazing trip to Inner Space Caverns.   It was not long before my youngest son's first year of homeschooling, and it sparked a desire to learn more.

Using the One Small Square - Cave book that I found at our local library as a spine, we did an in depth unit on caves that, looking back, is one of the highlights of our homeschool experience.  

I've written up a 13-15 day Unit Study on Caves for others to use too (see links below).  It includes the activities that we did, along with others I've found that also look fun for various ages of kids.   This is a "choose your own activity" adventure.   You choose which activities are right for your children.   It is however designed with the idea that you will actually visit a cave (and has some activities aimed specifically at visiting Inner Space, since it's the nearest large cave to Waco).   If you're not visiting a cave, or are visiting a different cave, that's ok---it shouldn't be too hard to tweak this to fit your needs.

While we did our unit AFTER visiting Inner Space Caverns, I re-designed this unit to come before a cave visit (since the Cave book we used has lots of ideas that to actually do IN a cave. )  But,  of course, visiting a cave first would spark interest, and you can absolutely do it that way too (it's what we did, after all).  If you do a cave visit first I suggest skipping ahead to Day 13 - Inner Space Visit which has some suggested activities for the day before, during the visit, and after the visit.   Of course, if you can afford multiple cave trips, there are other nearby caves you can visit, and there is also the Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio (which I've heard are amazing) which you could visit before, after, or during the unit.    And there's even a "faux cave" in the Mayborn Museum that would make an easy side trip during your study.


MAIN TEXT USED

One Small Square - Cave by Donald Silver is beautifully written and illustrated, and rich with information--a true living science book.   Like all of his "One Small Square" books it takes you into an environment (this time a cave), and asks you to explore "one small square" of it in great depth.  The sections are short enough to hold the short attention span of my 7 year old, but deep enough to make a real science study using this book as the spine even for older kids.    There are fun experiments and activities in sidebars throughout.   Unfortunately, it is not longer available through Waco Libraries, but you can buy it on Amazon or various other booksellers.   

ALTERNATE  FREE TEXT

You CAN use this study without buying the book above by in stead using the Junior Cave Scientist Workbook that is free through the Forest Service.   While it lacks some of the info in Donald Silver's book, it still has enough to create a fun caves study around.   I've put together a guide on how to combine the suggested extra activities in my Unit Study with that  Workbook as an alternative spine (main text):   Alternate Workbook Guide.

CAVE UNIT STUDY

• Day 1: The Cave Entrance
• Day 2: The Twilight Zone 
• Day 3: Winter Guests
• Day 4:  The Dark Zone
• Day 5: Cave Formations 
• Day 6: Bats
• Day 7: Cave Adapted Creatures  
• BONUS DAY:  Karst (Optional) 
• Day 8:  Cave Pools and Water Creatures
• Day 9:  How Caves Form
• Day 10:  Famous Caves 
• Day 11:  Types of Caves 
• Day 12:  More Cave Creatures 
• Day 13-15:  CAVE VISIT (before, during and after)   

The reading schedule and discussion questions are also contained in a printable Discussion/Reading Guide PDF (which does not include the activities, videos, book suggestions, ect....just what pages to read daily from the Donald Silver Caves book, and the discussion questions with them).



(NOTE:  While usually blog posts here go from newest to oldest, since I posted this all at once I posted it in order).  



 

---

Linked Up at Throwback Thursday and Homeschool Highlights

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. 

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

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.

Fun This Week (JULY 21 - 27)

Fun things for kids to do in Waco this week.  Unless specified otherwise these events are free.  Also check out our VBS guide to find free (usually) week-long Bible day-camps in the Waco area.


MONDAY

6:30 - 8:00 PM - Angel Paws Reading Buddies - Central Waco Library
Read to a furry, four-legged friend!  These specially trained animal therapy dogs are great listeners who provide encouragement to reluctant and struggling readers while boosting their self-esteem during a 20 minute reading/craft session.  Contact Vivian Rutherford at 254-750-5952 to schedule your 20 minute session. .1717 Austin Ave., Waco



TUESDAY 

9:30 and 10:30 AM - Summer Showcase - East Waco Library
Weekly events for children - puppets, plays, storytelling and more!  See website for details.  901 Elm Ave., Waco

11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm - Dino Days: DinoRock 
An entertaining, engaging, and education program filled with fossils, dinosaurs, and fun! Show times at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. $5 per person pricing will be offered on Dino Days and will include admission to the museum, Be the Dinosaur and all special activities and events. Mayborn Museum Members and Baylor University students receive free admission. For more information, call 254-710-1110.

4:00 PM - Fitness at 4: Bust a Move or Yoga (Rotating) - West Waco Library
Register online.  See website for details. 5301 Bosque Blvd.,. Suite 275, Waco.


WEDNESDAY

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Batman Day - Barns & Noble
All day event celebrating the Caped Crusaders 75th birthday. Learn More Here.

10:30 AM - Hewitt Libary Children's Summer Program
Children's entertainment, every week.  See webiste for specifics on this week's event.
Hewitt Meeting & Event Center, 208 Chama Dr (next to the Library)

10:30 AM & 1:30 PM - Summer Showcase - West Waco Library
Weekly events for children - puppets, plays, storytelling and more!  See website for details. 5301 Bosque Blvd.,. Suite 275, Waco.

4:00 PM - Fitness at 4: Dancersize - Central Waco Library
Register online.  See website for details. 1717 Austin Ave., Waco

6:30 - 12:30 PM - Angel Paws Reading Buddies - Central Waco Library
Read to a furry, four-legged friend!  These specially trained animal therapy dogs are great listeners who provide encouragement to reluctant and struggling readers while boosting their self-esteem during a 20 minute reading/craft session.  Contact Vivian Rutherford at 254-750-5952 to schedule your 20 minute session. .1717 Austin Ave., Waco



THURSDAY


10:30 AM & 1:30 PM - Summer Showcase - Central Waco Library
Weekly events for children - puppets, plays, storytelling and more!  See website for details.  1717 Austin Ave., Waco

7:00 PM - Family Night - West Waco Library
Weekly performances for the whole family.    See website for details. 5301 Bosque Blvd.,. Suite 275, Waco.





FRIDAY


10:30 AM & 1:30 PM - Summer Showcase - South Waco Library
Weekly events for children - puppets, plays, storytelling and more!  See website for details.  2737 S. 18th St., Waco

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




SATURDAY

10:00 AM - Lows Build and Grow 
Build a Turbo Taco Truck.  All supplies provided free, and you get to keep what you build!  More info and register online here.

2:00 PM - Movie Night at Hewitt Library
Free kids movies showing every Saturday at 2:00 pm.  This week Frozen.  See website for specifics on this week's event.

Fun This Week (July 14 - 20)

Fun things for kids to do in Waco this week.  Unless specified otherwise these events are free.  Also check out our VBS guide to find free (usually) week-long Bible day-camps in the Waco area.


MONDAY



6:30 - 8:00 PM - Angel Paws Reading Buddies - Central Waco Library
Read to a furry, four-legged friend!  These specially trained animal therapy dogs are great listeners who provide encouragement to reluctant and struggling readers while boosting their self-esteem during a 20 minute reading/craft session.  Contact Vivian Rutherford at 254-750-5952 to schedule your 20 minute session. .1717 Austin Ave., Waco



TUESDAY 

9:30 and 10:30 AM - Summer Showcase - East Waco Library
Weekly events for children - puppets, plays, storytelling and more!  See website for details.    .  901 Elm Ave., Waco


11:00 AM - 3:30 PM - Dino Days - Mayborn Museum
Enjoy storytelling by Vivian Rutherford from 1:30-3:30 pm, the film “The Land Before Time” at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm and Digging for Dinosaur Bones: Dig Site Information from 2:30-3:30 pm. $5 per person pricing will be offered on Dino Days and will include admission to the museum, Be the Dinosaur and all special activities and events. Mayborn Museum Members and Baylor University students receive free admission. For more information, call 254-710-1110 or visit website.


1:30 to 4:00 pm - Teen Movie Party and Shrink Art (Ages 11 -17)
See a mad scientist accidentally allow his kids to get shrunk!  Make and take your own Shrinky Dink Art & make a piece of Jewelry or keychain ornament. See website for details. 1717 Austin Ave., Waco

4:00 PM - Fitness at 4: Bust a Move or Yoga (Rotating) - West Waco Library
Register online.  See website for details. 5301 Bosque Blvd.,. Suite 275, Waco.


WEDNESDAY

10:30 AM - Hewitt Libary Children's Summer Program
Children's entertainment, every week.  See webiste for specifics on this week's event.
Hewitt Meeting & Event Center, 208 Chama Dr (next to the Library)

10:30 AM & 1:30 PM - Summer Showcase - West Waco Library
Weekly events for children - puppets, plays, storytelling and more!  See website for details. 5301 Bosque Blvd.,. Suite 275, Waco.

4:00 PM - Fitness at 4: Dancersize - Central Waco Library
Register online.  See website for details. 1717 Austin Ave., Waco

6:30 - 12:30 PM - Angel Paws Reading Buddies - Central Waco Library
Read to a furry, four-legged friend!  These specially trained animal therapy dogs are great listeners who provide encouragement to reluctant and struggling readers while boosting their self-esteem during a 20 minute reading/craft session.  Contact Vivian Rutherford at 254-750-5952 to schedule your 20 minute session. .1717 Austin Ave., Waco




THURSDAY


10:30 & 1:30 - Summer Showcase - Central Waco Library
Weekly events for children - puppets, plays, storytelling and more!  This week's movie is Turbo.  See website for details.  1717 Austin Ave., Waco


7:00 pm - Family Night - West Waco Library
Weekly performances for the whole family.    See website for details. 5301 Bosque Blvd.,. Suite 275, Waco.




FRIDAY

10:30 AM & 1:30 PM - Summer Showcase - South Waco Library
Weekly events for children - puppets, plays, storytelling and more!  See website for details.  2737 S. 18th St., Waco


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

1:30 PM - Science Shenanigans - Central Waco Library
A science lab for ages 7 to 11,. The theme is “Backyard Chemistry Lab,” with hands-on experiments. Reserve a spot by calling 750-5942. Space is Limited. See website for details.  1717 Austin Ave., Waco

SATURDAY

2:00 PM - Movie Night at Hewitt Library
Free kids movies showing every Saturday at 2:00 pm.   See website for specifics on this week's event.


SUNDAY

1:30 PM - Block Party - Central Waco Library
Block Party for Toddlers and Pre-K ages will be at Central Library on Sunday, July 20th, at 1:30 p.m. Please call 750-5952 for a reservation. See website for details.  1717 Austin Ave., Waco

Waco Area Vacation Bible School Directory - 2014

Photo from Dayspring Baptist Church VBS 2013

Churches all over Waco are hosting Vacation Bible School, fun Christian half-day-camps which are usually free for kids to attend!   Below a some I found in Waco and surrounding area (listed by start date).  This list may be added to as the summer progresses.  

JUNE

Dayspring Baptist Church 
Theme: Wilderness Escape
Ages: Whole Families Welcome
Dates: June 16-20
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm  (With celebration the last night running later)
Location:  Waco  (see map)
Contact Tiffani at tiffani@ourdayspring.org for more info.
More Info Here 


First Baptist Church of Waco  
Theme: Wilderness Escape
Dates: June 16 - 20
Time: ?
Location: Waco, TX,
More Info Here



First Baptist Church Woodway
Theme:  SHINE
Ages:  Age 4 - 6th Grade
Dates:  June 16 - 20
Time: 9:00 am - noon
Location: Woodway
More Info Here 

Highland Baptist Church
Theme: Spy Academy 
Ages:  ?
Dates:  June 16 - 20
Time: 9:30 am - 12:15 pm
Location: Waco
More Info Here 


Community Fellowship Church of the Nazarene
Theme:  Weird Animals
Ages: Age 3 - 6th grade
Dates: June 16 - 20
Time: 6:30 pm 
Location:  Waco
More Info Here 


Trinity Lutheran Church at Badger Ranch
Theme:  Weird Animals
Ages:  3 yrs - Grade 5
Dates: June 22 - 27
Times:  (Light supper served before VBS each night at 5:45 pm)
VBS Times: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Woodway
More Info Here 


Woodway 1st United Methodist Church
Theme:  Kingdom Rock 
Ages: Age 4  - entering 6th Grade
Dates: June 22 - 26
Time:  6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location:  Woodway
More Info Here


St. Jerome Catholic Church
Theme: Wilderness Escape
Dates:  June 23 -28
Location:  Waco
More Info Here


JULY


Western Heights Baptist Church
Theme: Agency D3
Ages:  Age 4 - 6th
Dates:  July 7 - 11
Times:  9 am - Noon
Location:  Waco
More Info Here


Peace Lutheran Church
Theme:  Gangway to Galilee
Location:  Hewitt
They have a Carnival 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 13 - 17
Times:     6 -  8:15 pm each night
                High Tide Water Party Kick-Off: 3:00 pm, July 13th only
More Info Here 


Evergreen Baptist Church
Theme: Spy Academy
Dates:  July 13 - 17
Location:  Waco
More Info Here


First United Methodist Church of Waco
Dates:  July 13 - 17
Location:  Waco
More Info Here


Brazos Meadows Baptist Church
Theme: Agency D3
Ages:   KG - 6th Grade
Dates:  July 20 -24
Location:  Hewitt
More Info Here 



Columbus Avenue Baptist Church
Theme: Agency D3
Dates:  July 21 -25
Location:  Waco
More Info Here 



First Baptist Church McGregor
Theme: Scavenger Hunt
Ages: ?
Dates:  July 27 - 31
Time:  Evening - Times to Be Announced
Location:  McGregor
More Info Here


Second Baptist Church - Woodway 
Theme: Major Stako
Ages: Age 5 - grade 5
Dates:  July 28 - 31
Time: 9:00 am - Noon 
Family Night July 31
Location: Woodway 
More Info Here 


Central Presbyterian Church
Theme: Feed My Sheep
Ages:  Entering KG - 6th Grade
Dates:  July 28 - 31
Time: 9:00 am - Noon 
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.

Weebles Coast to Coast at the Mayborn

If your child loves interactive pretend play, they will love the Weebles Coast to Coast exhibit at the Mayborn.  My kindergardener played there for hours and didn't want to leave when it was time to go home.

There are hands on exhibits for all 50 states.  Here are a few of them.

Kids can take a balllon ride, which has a picture in the floor

which shows them going up or down as they pull the cord!

This was a favorite with my son.

They can also try out being a part of the pin crew for the 

Indianapolis 500.

The lights of this pop art exhibit show different colors depending on how many times you

press them.  A whole wall full of glowing buttons--what kid wouldn't love that?

There's a cave to explore.

There's a spot to try out camping in the
Appalachian Mountains.

Or, take a fun drive down the California coast.

All and all I was really impressed with this exhibit.  Little kids will love it.  It really gives them a great chance to pretend and use their imagination.  Older kids may not enjoy it as much.  

This exhibit goes on through May 4th, so make sure to take it in while you can!  Learn more at The Mayborn Musuem website.




Shared on Throwback Thursday.