Spring has sprung, and today marks the first day of Spring Break for many students in the Houston area. (Some schools observe Spring Break next week.) Houston offers a plethora of activities for kids young and old during the break — everything from discounts at museums to fitness and play camps. Here are six artsy and active options.
The roller rink at Discovery Green
Following the perennial success of Disco Green's winter ice rink, the Downtown park launched Houston's first open-air roller rink in March. The Rink is open 11 am to 11 pm during school holidays, and will feature special themed musical nights. Rent skates, or bring your own. Disco Green has other happenings for Spring Break as well, including a snow party, kite-building and slime-making, and other science-y events. See the full schedule here.
HCCC's Craft Social: GIFS
GIFs are having a resurgence lately, and at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, they'll be the subject of the center's monthly Craft Social at 6 pm Thursday, March 15. GIFs helped inspire artist Kate Hush's work in the museum's current neon lighting exhibit, Light Charmer. Aurora Picture Show instructor and animator Dave Merson Hess will discuss the history of moving memes, and visitors will have a change to make their own GIFs following the presentation. In addition to this free event, HCCC will be offering hands-on crafts and other activities throughout the week.
Climbing classes at Momentum
Momentum Indoor Climbing, the massive rock gym new to Houston, is well-known for its children's' programming. At the Katy location, the gym has special climbing walls for kids as young as three years old. Momentum Katy also offers weekly and biweekly classes for kids of all ages and abilities. Kids camps at the Spring Street location will start later this summer. For older kids (and parents), the single-day Learn to Climb class includes your climbing gear rental and a two-week trial membership.
Kids camp at Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse is hosting daily screenings of the Wes Anderson animated film Fantastic Mr. Fox. The film is free with the purchase of a $5 food voucher, and 100 percent of sales will benefit local charities. The movie, based on a book by Roald Dahl, tells the story of a crafty fox whose animal instincts get the best of him.
Amongst the pines at Lake Houston Wilderness Park
The newly-revamped Lake Houston Wilderness Park offers a slice of the wild just 30 minutes outside of downtown Houston. The park features miles of trails, mountain bikes, a nature center, a boat launch, grills and a playground and plenty of shade — basically something for everyone. It's no wonder kids are drawn to the place — the park got its start as Peach Creek Girl Scout Camp. It's also the only City of Houston park that allows overnight camping. Day entry is $3 a person, and the campsites include hike-in and drive-up tent sites, screened shelters, and waterfront cabins.
Spring camp at Urban Movement
Houston's first parkour gym knows that kids naturally like to run, jump, and move. To harness that energy, Urban Movement hosts frequent kids camps. This week's camp takes place from from 9 am to 1 pm and includes movement techniques like running, jumping and tumbling, as well as games. Class is suitable for kids aged 7 to 17, and costs $67 for a single day. UM also offers regular daily kids classes.
The good times roll at Discovery Green.
Dinosaur Valley State Park. ttpwd.texas.gov/ 