On this special family day, Rienzi and Bayou Bend collaborate to celebrate the art of the written word. Learn about Rienzi’s poetry collection and hear readings in the galleries, where guests can try their hand at prose. Art activities, performances and musical entertainment will provide fun for the whole family.

View literary-inspired objects, enjoy storytelling and poetry performances in the garden and write your own poem. Both estates will be open for tours throughout the day until 5 p.m. with last admission at 4:30 p.m.

Activities and Performances at Rienzi 

The Non-Toxic Band at Rienzi’s Terrace
1:30 - 4:30 p.m - Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy lively, original music from the Non-Toxic band. These former Sesame Street song-writers engage every audience member with kid-friendly music and lyrics. 

Poetry and Art Making Activities at Rienzi’s Great Lawn 
1 - 4:45 p.m. - Celebrate the art of the written word in several poetry writing activities. Guests can frame and decorate their final written work of art.

Nature and Object Scavenger Hunt at Rienzi Gardens and Galleries
1 - 4:45 p.m. - Search though Rienzi’s gardens and galleries to find flowers, plants and animals. Prizes will be given at the registration booth.

Mural Making at Rienzi Gardens
1 - 4:45 p.m. Participate in creating a group mural reflecting on the many themes of family day. Artist Judy Malone-Stein will lead children in this colorful and energetic activity, incorporating several different mediums and techniques.

Storytime Tours at Rienzi Ballroom
2 - 2:45 p.m. - In honor of poetry month, join Storytime docents as they read favorite Children’s poems from English poetess Christina Rossetti and other internationally celebrated writers.

Activities at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Houston Brass Band – "The Songs of Stephen Foster" at the Diana Terrace
3:00 p.m. – The Houston Brass Band is a traditional British Brass Band, but it will be performing a distinctly American program of songs by the legendary Stephen Foster, including “Camptown Races,” “Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair” and “My Old Kentucky Home."

Julian Franklin – Tribute to Chris Van Allsburg at the Kilroy Center – Bailey Room
3:00 p.m. – Bayou Bend favorite Julian Franklin combines magic and puppetry into a show honoring Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar Express, Jumanji and other popular children’s book titles.

Dan Gordon – "Adventures in Storyland" at East Garden Terrace
2:00 & 3:30 p.m. – Popular storyteller Dan Gordon takes the audience on a journey through the magic of story.