Outdoor Picture Show (Sept and Oct)

I was so excited to find out that the outdoor movies at The District go on through October! What a great idea for FREE date night! And with the weather cooling down, mmmm, sounds like so much fun snuggling up with on a blanket under the stars!

I am putting the list up for both September and October since I am probably not going to be posting for a while - since the summer is officially over :-(.

Thanks for stopping by - HAVE FUN!!

Friday, 09/04 at 7:00 pm - Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG)

Saturday, 09/05 at 7:00 pm - Disney's Jonas Brothers Concert (G)

Friday, 09/11 at 7:00 pm - Disney's Lilo and Stitch (PG)

Saturday, 09/12 at 7:00 pm - Confessions of a Shopaholic (PG)

Friday, 09/18 at 7:00 pm - Return to Neverland (G)

Saturday, 09/19 at 7:00 pm - Disney's Race to Witch Mountain (PG)

Friday, 09/25 at 7:00 pm - The Wizard of Oz (G)

Saturday, 09/26 at 7:00 pm - Under The Sea (G)

Friday, 10/02 at 7:00 pm - Happily N'Ever After (PG)

Saturday, 10/03 at 7:00 pm - Marley and Me (PG)

Friday, 10/09 at 7:00 pm - Coraline (PG)

Saturday, 10/10 at 7:00 pm - Hotel for Dogs (PG)

Friday, 10/16 at 7:00 pm - Inkheart (PG)

Saturday, 10/17 at 7:00 pm - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (PG)

Friday, 10/23 at 7:00 pm - Monsters vs. Aliens (PG)

Saturday, 10/24 at 7:00 pm - Igor (PG)

Outdoor Picture Show (August)

The movie fun continues through the fall! The District at Green Valley Ranch is continuing to offer FREE movies and FREE popcorn to families. Bring your blanket and some snacks and enjoy the beautiful fall nights we have coming up! What fun!!

For any additional questions about where to park at The District or what to bring, click here.

Enjoy the Show!

Saturday, 08/01 at 7:45 pm - Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)

Friday, 08/07 at 7:45 pm - Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG)

Saturday, 08/08 at 7:45 pm - Are We Done Yet? (PG)

Friday, 08/14 at 7:30 pm - Disney's Tale of Despereaux (G)

Saturday, 08/15 at 7:30 pm - Disney's Camp Rock (G)

Friday, 08/21 at 7:30 pm - Disney's Beauty and The Beast (G)

Saturday, 08/22 at 7:30 pm - Disney's Mary Poppins (G)

Friday, 08/28 at 7:30 pm - Cars (G)

Saturday, 08/29 at 7:30 pm - Pink Panther 2 (PG)

(notice the time change on the 14th)

Lowe's Reminder

Lowes Build and Grow is such a great opportunity for the kids to do some hands-on crafts, and the best part is it's FREE! How did your Pirate Ship turn out? What is a Pirate Ship without a Treasure Chest?! Arggg ye mateys... Stop by your nearest Lowes this Saturday (July 11) from 10am - 11am to finish this set!! Sign up and print your waiver ahead of time. It's super fast and easy.

I love that when the kids complete their project, the receive a patch to go on their aprons (that are also free), a certificate with their name on it, and a candy! What a fun time!

7-11

Don't forget to stop by your local 7-11 on 7/11/09 to get your FREE Slurpee!!

Make a fun afternoon of it - teach your big kids how to be a navigator, read a map, and plot out several 7-11 locations (if 1 free slurpee is good 5 is even better). Here's a link to get you started.

Happy Seven-Eleven Day!!

July 4th Fun

The 4th of July has to be one of my favorite holidays. There is just something so relaxing about this day. Perhaps it is that my kids are always so well entertained, or that it's one day I know I don't have to be in charge of dinner, or (and I think is the winner) it's that I feel such a peace about this great country in which we live.

So, what are your plans for the 4th? I found a great list of events at the Review Journal's website. I am posting all the FREEBIES here, but if you are looking for something more, click on this link. I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July!!

10th annual Independence Day Jubilee

When: 6 to 9:30 p.m. July 2

Admission: Free

More info: 702-633-2650

Where: Seastrand Park, 6330 Camino Eldorado, North Las Vegas

The events will feature children's activities, live entertainment, food vendors, a tribute to the nation's military troops and a fireworks show by Pyrotecnio.

61st Annual Boulder City Damboree

When: July 4

Where: Boulder City

The annual event will feature a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. in Bicentennial Park; a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Colorado and going down Nevada Highway; Damboree ceremonies and midway booths at Broadbent Park beginning at 10 a.m.; festivities from 6 to 11 p.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park; and fireworks at Veteran's Memorial Park at 9 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Downtown Henderson Fourth of July fireworks & celebration

When: 6-9 p.m. July 4

Where: Henderson Events Plaza and surrounding area

Admission: Free

More Info: 702-267-2171

Attendees will enjoy three stages of live music by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, country music entertainer Randy Anderson and more. Additionally, families will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of food and beverage options while the children are entertained by an assortment of fun activities including a rock wall, dunk tank, bounce house and more. The Independence Day celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display from atop City Hall. Admission and parking is free. Some activities may require paid admission. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided from Morrell Park, located at 500 Harris Street, beginning at 5 p.m.

Station Casino's fireworks

Station Casino's will feature fireworks at nine of their properties: Red Rock. Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Boulder Station. Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, Aliante Station, Santa Fe Station and Sunset Station. The two-minute show will be produced by the Grucci Family.

"American Pie 4th of July" on Fremont Street

When: July 3-5

Where: Fremont Street Experience, downtown Las Vegas

More info: vegasexperience.com

Headline concerts will feature Janis Joplin's Original Band Big Brother & The Holding Company on Friday, July 3 and The Grass Roots on Saturday, July 4. The weekend-long event will also showcase a brilliant virtual fireworks show on the Viva Vision canopy, in addition to "Signs of Life," the official Viva Vision show by Official Artist of Summer of '69, John Van Hamersveld. Various downtown hotel-casinos will also be offering outdoor patios, selling Fourth of July barbeque favorites.

Summerlin Annual patriotic Parade

When: 9 to 11 a.m. July 4

Where: Begins at Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive and travels south toward the Village Center Circle before heading west on Trailwood Drive.

The parade will include traditional floats, giant helium balloons, American Indian dancers, and a salute to Nellis Air Force Base.

Home Depot Reminder

It's that time again! Grab your orange aprons and head on down to Home Depot this Saturday for their monthly workshop. Bring your kids to any Home Depot from 9am to 12pm to build a Picnic Caddy just in time for a picnic right before the fireworks!! And as always.... it's FREE!! Happy 4th everyone!

Super Summer Theatre

It's time to throw a little culture into our summer activities I think. Pack a blanket and a picnic dinner for some nighttime theatre under the stars. Take a little drive to the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and relax for a night of awesome entertainment.

Super Summer Theatre Presents:

July - West Side Story

August - Once on this Island (I am super excited for this one. I have a friend performing in this and friend who was the choreographer - yes I have rad friends)

September - Working

Tickets purchased in advance are $10, and $15 if you buy them there (children under 5 are free). You can buy tickets at UNLV Tickets.

General Parking lot opens about 5 P.M.

Theatre/meadow seating opens at 6PM

Don't arrive late, gates close at 8 P.M.

Shows begins at 8:15, the September show at 7:05 (dusk)

BRING: picnic dinners, snacks, beverages or enjoy our bargain-priced concession stand, blankets, regular patio chairs or rent one for $1

PLEASE NO: high-back chaise lounges, sand chairs or pets (except for service animals)

*Park entrance to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is $5 per vehicle*

FEE IS WAIVED for all Super Summer Theatre patrons arriving AFTER 5 P.M.

Lowe's Remider

I am SO behind with this....SORRY!!

Tomorrow at Lowe's is the FREE Build and Grow Activity for the kids. Get your little Buccaneers out of the house to build an awesome Pirate Ship!

The class is from 10am-11am. You will want to sign up ahead of time to save yourself from filling out permission slips while juggling babies and holding the rest back from starting their projects (clearly speaking from experience). Signing up is a 3 step process that begins....HERE.

Outdoor Picture Show (July)

I love the weekend nights out on the lawn with my family and FREE popcorn! Hope to see you there... These are the movies that are playing for the month of July at The District at Green Valley Ranch. For questions, click this link.

Happy Movie Nights!
Friday, 07/03 at 8:00 pm - Doogal (G)
Saturday, 07/04 at 8:00 pm - The Seeker: The Dark is Rising (PG)
Friday, 07/10 at 8:00 pm - Robots (PG)
Saturday, 07/11 at 8:00 pm - Meet Dave (PG)
Friday, 07/17 at 8:00 pm - Arctic Tale (G)
Saturday, 07/18 at 8:00 pm - Kit Kitteredge: An American Girl (G)
Friday, 07/24 at 8:00 pm - Antz (PG)
Saturday, 07/25 at 8:00 pm - City of Ember (PG)
Friday, 07/31 at 7:45 pm - Open Season 2 (PG)
(note the time difference in the last movie)

Summer = Baseball

When I think of summer, I think of hot dogs, lemonade, fireworks, swimming and baseball. Ok - maybe baseball doesn't immediately come to mind, but if you have boys it's definitely top of the list. Since I am such a fan of freebies, here is a list of the promotions/freebies on game days.

Days to note:

Monday nights are Value Menu nights where items like hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, cracker jacks and pretzels will only cost $1.

Tuesday nights are Blue Jay Tuesdays. Wear 51s gear, Blue Jays gear or hockey jerseys and get your ticket for $5

Firework nights - July 2, July 3, August 1, August 14, August 28, August 29

Tickets range from $9-$14. Go to ticketmaster to get tickets ahead of time. If you are interested in group rates, you will want to check them out here. There is a separate number to call for those.

Tourist-ey Frebbies

There are so many things I can post about things to do in Las Vegas. Being the wife of a concierge has allowed our family to see and do SO much in this town. I thought about doing a post about the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, or the Secret Garden at the Mirage, or the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, since these are the places we usually hit with family in town. However, unless you have a hubby with an employee badge they can be kind of pricey.

So, the wheels started turning about what great things you can do with the kids without spending any money. Here it goes... we are starting at the south-end of the strip and working our way down:

MGM

*Lion Habitat (Jarrett is obsessed with these guys, we have to stop in pretty frequently). They are at the MGM everyday (except Tuesdays) from 11am - 7pm

Bellagio

*Botanical Gardens - Gorgeous - open 24/7

*Dancing Fountains - if you haven't taken the kids to see this you all are missing out. The fountains are amazing. You can see them come to life Mon-Fri. 3 pm - 8pm every 30 min, then from 8-12 midnight, every 15 minutes. On Sat & Sunday the shows start at noon.

Rio

*Masquerade in the Sky - catch some beads and be amazed at the floating parade above. Parade happens at the top of every hour from 7-midnight Thursday-Sunday

(just checked out the website - seems it may be more risque than before - may not be ok for kids anymore)

Flamingo

*Wildlife Habitat - Wanna see some actual flamingos? turtles? ducks? swans? This is the place.

Caesars Palace

*Forum Shops - Remember those Roman statues that come to life? Pretty neat.

Mirage

*Volcano - just got a new makeover & it is spectacular! Erupts every day at the top of the hour from 5pm-11pm.

*Aquarium - while you are there, you may want to peek at the huge fish tank behind the front desk & the atrium is a little indoor rain forest - also lovely.

Treasure Island

*Siren's Cove - ok- not appropriate for the kids anymore, but free date night, maybe? Shows nightly at 7pm, 8:30pm, 10pm, and 11:30pm

Downtown Las Vegas

*Fremont Street Experience - This brings back fond memories of my high school days. Great light show every hour from 8pm - midnight.

Bonnie Springs/Old Nevada

Take a little drive west and you may find yourself looking at signs to Bonnie Springs. We like this little place since it is usually a few degrees cooler than in the valley. Plus, they offer a full day of fun for the whole family (sheesh that sounds like a commercial). Here are some stats...

Cost - $20 per car (so carpool to save $$)

Hours - Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30am-6pm

The admission price also includes entrance to the petting zoo which has to be the best part about the Ranch.

Bonnie Springs Old Nevada

1 Gunfighter Lane

Blue Diamond, Nevada 89004

Tip: if you happen to go on the weekend, you may also get to take a train ride and help track down a bad guy...

For even more fun, why not take the kids (over 6 yrs old) horseback riding. This, of course, will cost a bit extra, but is well worth it for some great summer memories.

Get Hooked on Dad

Just in time for Father's Day.... Michael's is also having a free* craft day. On June 14, bring your kids by from 1-3pm to make a t-shirt just for Dad.

Use your child's hand to make a special T-shirt for dad to wear. Just purchase the *T-shirt of your choice and decorate it for free using our paint supplies!
(I think I really like the idea of having them deal with the mess too)

Looking for more hand-made gift ideas for Dad? Here is a great list to get your ideas flowing.

This Week at Lakeshore

There is nothing better than handmade gifts for Dad on Father's Day. This Saturday's free craft is a "tie" for Dad. Stop by between 11am and 3pm to make sure the Dad in your house gets a fantastic handmade creation. Looks like fun!!

For some reason, the picture won't load, so you can click here to see what is can look like (imagine it with your child's own creative genius). Also, find a Lakeshore Learning Center near you.

Free Smoothie!

FREE SMOOTHIE!!!

June 19, 2009 is National Flip Flop Day at Tropical Smoothie. Show up to one of their locations and receive a FREE 24 oz Jetty Punch Smoothie! By supporting Tropical Smoothie on this day, you are also supporting a partnering charity, Camp Sunshine. There is a great video at this link that explains what a great cause this is - don't forget your tissues.

Want another freebie? Register for Tropical Smoothie's birthday club and get a free smoothie on your special day!!

The Gun Store

My husband, the concierge guru, insists that I post for any and all interests. So, here's one you may not have thought abut adding to your summer calendar. The Gun Store offers these free classes:

Firearms Safety

1st and 3rd Friday of each month 9-11am FREE

"Eddie Eagle" - Children's Gun Safety

For ages 5-11 yrs old - 2nd Friday of each month, 4-5pm FREE

They also have other classes for minimal fees: Concealed Firearms Permit, Ladies Self-Defense, Taser Operation, or Pepper Spray Training, and more. Check out their website for more information.

Splash Pads Open

OK - This post is a bit late, but Memorial Day marked the opening of the parks in the area with water features. I thought I would make the search easy for you by linking each park to it's mapped location. Hope this helps & don't forget your sunscreen!!!

Boulder City:
Veteran's Memorial Park - 1650 Buchanan Blvd (I hear this park is fantastic)

Henderson:
Acacia Park - 50 Casa Del Fuego, 89012
Esselmont Park - 2725 Anthem Highlands Drive, 89044
Hayley Hendricks Park - 811 Ithaca Ave, 89015
Mission Hills Park - 551 E Mission Drive, 89002
Paseo Vista Park - 2505 Paseo Verde Pkwy, 89074
Saguaro Park - 600 Pounds Way, 89015

Las Vegas:
All-American - 1551 S Buffalo Dr, 89117
Angel - 241 S Durango Dr, 89145
Bob Baskin - 2801 Oakey Blvd, 89102
Bruce Trent - 8851 Vegas Dr, 89128
Centennial Hills - 7101 N Buffalo Dr, 89131
Gilcrease Brothers - 10011 Gilcrease Ave, 89149
Justice Myron E Leavitt Family - 2100 E St Louis Ave, 89104
Polly Gonzalez Memorial - 5425 Corbett St, 89130
Rainbow Family - 7151 W Oakey Blvd, 89117
Sunny Springs - 7620 Golden Talon Ave, 89131
Winding Trails - 7250 N Ft. Apache, 89149
Woofter Family - 1600 Rock Springs Dr, 89128

Clark County Parks:
Alexander Villas Park - 3620 Lincoln Road, 89115
Duck Creek Park - 8650 Pollock Dr, 89123 (not in the best shape now)
Meyer Park & Center - 4525 New Forest Dr, 89147
Molasky Family Park - 1065 E Twain, 89169
Mountain Crest Park & Center - 4701 N Durango, 89129
Nicholas E. Flores Jr. Park - 4133 Allen Lan, 89032
Joe Shoong Park - 1503 Wesley St, 89104
Somerset Hills Park - 10717 Valencia Hills, 89141
Spring Valley Park - 7600 W Flamingo, 89147
Winchester Park - 3130 S McLeod, 89121

(If you know of any others, leave a comment and I will add them - thanks)

Movies in the Square

OK - I promise this will be the last post about movies... maybe.

Town Square on Las Vegas Blvd has "Movies in the Square" on the first and third Thursdays of the month beginning at sundown. There is really no other information about where it is located, but here is the list of movies:

June 18 - Jumanji (PG)

July 2 - E.T. (PG)

July 16 - The Goonies (PG)

August 6 - Shrek the 3rd (PG)

August 20 - Toy Story 2 (G)

September 3 - High School Musical 2 (NR)

September 17 - Hook (PG)

Rave FREE Movies

As if we don't have enough FREE movies this summer! The Rave Theatre is also participating in a Free Family Film Festival for 8 weeks this summer. If you have ever been to this theatre, you will know that it is AMAZING - so comfy! The movies start at 10am, but you will want to arrive early to get a seat - it is first come, first serve. Also, the theatre offers a $1 off movie lunch special. I'm not exactly sure what is included in that, but I love coupons so there ya go.

The Rave Theatre is located at Town Square (click link for map). If you want to make a fun afternoon, there is a splash pad and huge tree house/play ground in the middle of the area.

June 9 & 10 - Kung Fu Panda PG
June 16 & 17 - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa PG
June 23 & 24 - Surf's Up PG
June 30 & July 1 - The Tale of Despereaux G
July 7 & 8 - Horton Hears A Who! G
July 14 & 15 - Space Chimps G
July 21 & 22 - Igor PG
July 28 & 29 - Shrek the Third PG

National Parks

In an effort to get more patrons out to the National Parks, this summer they are offering Fee-Free weekends! If you are thinking of a road trip this summer, try these dates on or size:

June 20-21, 2009 (Father’s Day weekend)
July 18-19, 2009
August 15-16, 2009

Some great spots in our neighborhood (some a bit farther than our own backyard):

Death Valley - 115 miles

Lake Mead - 14 miles

Bryce Canyon - 197 miles - gorgeous

Zion - 140 miles

Grand Canyon - 165 miles

Great Basin - 211 miles

Parks and Recreation

I LOVE that the cities have such great parks and recreation departments. These are quick links to the summer editions of the parks and rec brochures. Look closely as there are usually LOTS of free classes and/or events:

City of Henderson

City of Las Vegas

City of North Las Vegas

Clark County

Boulder City

Wetlands

I am attributing this post to my friend Julie who told me about this place - sadly, we haven't been.... yet!

The Wetlands Park is located at Tropicana & Broadbent (right by the Silver Bowl).

OK - this is Julie's idea too, but I loooveeedd it! Get a playgroup together and have a scavenger hunt! Make a quick list of items like: rock shaped like heart, barrel cactus, quail, butterfly - you get the idea. Give each group a digital camera to take a quick snapshot of the things they find. Guess what?? After a few trips, you can get pretty specific about the types of cactus they have to find or species of birds... again that sneaky education ;-)

During the summer, I am thinking the best time to go would be early in the morning before it gets too hot. The information center is open from 9am to 3pm.

HAVE FUN EXPLORING!

Fourth Saturday Fun

From the National Wildlife Federation: June 27th is the Great American Campout! Let's get the kids outside for some good ol' fashioned s'mores and sleeping bags. Register your "campsite" (aka the backyard) here. Got a big backyard? How about getting a few families together for extra fun.

(I am just excited to camp so close to my potty!)
Need some ideas for getting started? The GAC has some great links for ideas on how to get your campsite ready for a successful nigh under the stars.

Outdoor Fun

Do you have kids that love to be outdoors? Love to hike and explore nature? How about earning a reward for doing it?!

REI has a "Passport to Adventure". Download it here, or pick one up at the REI store. After 5 adventures, return your passport to the REI store to receive a FREE gift!! Sounds super fun! They have even linked to some great trails in our area that can be used for this activity. So, if you are planning a trip to Red Rock or the Springs Preserve, bring along your passport for some extra fun!

**Don't forget your sunscreen**

Check out these other posts for more outdoor ideas.

H.D.O.S.

FREE!!!
Hot Dog On a Stick Free Hot Dog Day
6-15-2009
Hot Dog On a Stick, America's favorite producer of sizzling hot dogs served on a stick and fresh lemonade- is hosting FREE Hot Dog Day on Monday, June 15 from 5-8pm. (limit one per person) Come on out and get your Free hot dog!!!

FREE Root Beer Floats

Did you see the commercial for Sonic yesterday. I'm sure it has been on for a while, but I just saw it last night... Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3, from 8-midnight, Sonic is giving away FREE Root Beer floats!!! I checked it out on-line and sure enough!! Check this link for more details & to find a Sonic close to you.

Maybe we'll see you there!

Happy Start of Summer!

Home Depot Reminder

Don't forget... This Saturday is the first Saturday of June & it's Kid's Workshop time at the Home Depot! This month's project is a Hardware Sorter - just in time for Father's Day!

Simply go to any Home Depot on Saturday between 9am and noon for your project. I want to see some pics when they are done! ;-)

Let's Play

Some great ladies at a blog I love, Self Reliant Sisters, have put together a great little booklet of things to make and do with your kids. I just had to pass it along since I am sure there will be afternoons I still need to fill this summer.

(I really love the homemade guitar - cause you know we have tons of cereal boxes laying around)

Click here to view the booklet in pdf form and to print it out for yourself. Send me some pics or comments about how your kids liked these projects.

Red Rock ROCKS!

This is the first post in my "outdoor" series. My family loves to go to Red Rock Canyon and hike around and enjoy some typically beautiful weather.

It does cost $5 for entrance into the park or you can buy an annual pass for $20 is you plan on going a few times. Check here for a map of how to get there.

We have a few favorite trails... Calico is where you can actually climb on the beautiful "Red" rocks. The Children's Discovery Trail is our all time favorite (around the top of the scenic route).

Want some other cool ideas at Red Rock? When I was looking up links for ya, I found out that they have a LOT of classes and/or hikes for the kids. Check here for a list of June ativities or look at the calendar at the top of this blog. Simply call 702-515-5367 to register and save your spot.

Outdoor Picture Show

Are you having fun watching movies under the stars?

Here is another month of movies showing at The District at Green Valley Ranch. (fyi - this will go on through October! - I will do a post at the beginning of each month with the list for that month). Click here for details about parking, seating, etc.

ENJOY!!

Friday, 06/05 at 8:00 pm - Space Chimps (G)
Saturday, 06/06 at 8:00 pm - Iron Man (PG edited)
Friday, 06/12 at 8:00 pm - Horton Hears A Who (G)
Saturday, 06/13 at 8:00 pm - The Longshots (PG)
Friday, 06/19 at 8:00 pm - The Muppet Movie (G)
Saturday, 06/20 at 8:00 pm - Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG)
Friday, 06/26 at 8:00 pm - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)
Saturday, 06/27 at 8:00 pm - Annie (PG)

Movies Al Fresco

Much like the movies on the lawn at The District, Lake Las Vegas' MonteLago Village has a similar movie experience. Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars with your family - for FREE! This could make for a really nice evening out, since you will be so close to the lake and therefore it may be nice and cool. Here is the schedule of events for this summer - movies start at 8:00pm.

June 4 - Marley & Me

June 11 - Legend of the Crystal Skull
June 18 - Beverly Hills Chihauhau
June 25 - Twilight

July 2 - Ironman

July 9 - Ma Ma Mia
July 16 - The Water Horse
July 23 - Journey to the Center of the Earth
July 30 - Breakin
Aug 6 - Shrek 3
Aug 13 - Ink Heart
Aug 20 - Bolt

Clearly, some flicks are more appropriate for older kids or date night for mom & dad. Either way, they are still FREE!!! And you know I love FREE!!

Springs Preserve

This place is pretty cool - I would have to say a lot cooler than I expected (is that terrible?). Your kids can spend hours learning about geology, walking the trails outside, or taking it easy indoors while learning how to "be green" or about the history of our state. Don't you just love fun places that sneak in education at the same time?

There are at least 3 classes a day at the Preserve. I won't put all of them on the calendar, but defiantly check them out to see if any interest you. They have yoga, walking clubs, story time, birdwatching, and I am really liking the idea of the Stroller club.

The Springs Preserve is open from 10am to 6pm (trails close at dusk). You can buy an annual pass online for your family for only $75. Quite a deal for my little brood since each trip at general admission would cost us $40.

Let's see, what else do you need to know... Here is a map of the facility, and a map of how to get there.

I really hope you like it as much as we do!

Fun at Sun Kid's Club

Need to do some mall shopping? Why not go on the first and third Tuesday of the month? Why you ask? On these days at the Galleria Mall in Henderson, is a neat little program Fun at Sun Kid's Club. Each day they have a different themed activity. Here is list of what they have for the next few months - enjoy & happy shopping!

5/19/2009
Our Pets - Fur, feathers and scales. BOO will bring in photos of his pets- let's see yours'. How to love, protect and look after our faithful friends!Food Court, 10:30am

6/2/2009
Dental Health Day - When we grow up we only have one set of teeth. Let's learn how to look after them with flossing, brushing and dental visits. Lower Level, next to Gordon's Jewelers, 10:30am

6/16/2009
Let's show our Dads' how much we love them. BOO has a Father's Day card for you to give Dad on his special day! Lower Level, next to Gordon's Jewelers, 10:30am.

7/7/2009
Celebrate our country's birthday-music, flags, and parades. Let's see how many Presidents we can name! Lower Level, next to Gordon's Jewelers, 10:30am.

7/21/2009
Fun in the Sun!! Enjoy summer but let's be safe. What to wear....sunglasses, lotions, hats and plenty of water and being safe at the beach. Lower Level, next to Gordon's Jewelers, 10:30am.

Farmer's Market

When I think about summer, I think picnics, pools, watermelons, plums from my grandma's tree, and loads of other scrumptious fruits! I have wanted to hit Henderson's Farmer's Market for some time, but have yet to make it down there. This summer, I was thinking about making a day of it.

A day or so before you go, have a little lesson with the kids about food groups and the importance of eating healthy. Have them cut out pictures from the grocery ads (you know how I love my ads so this may be hard for me) and do one of two things: Older kids can arrange them in a food pyramid (like the one here), or get a few paper plates and have them create a "meal" with their cut outs.

Take a trip to the market and see how many items you can pick for your "meal" or just go see how many fruits and veggies they can name.
For dates and times, click below
Henderson's Farmer's Market - Water Street in Henderson
Clark County Backyard Farmer Market
LV Farmers Market - Multiple locations

Anderson Dairy Tour

Take a field trip! One of the best I have been on, is this little tour at Anderson Dairy. The Barnyard Buddies Tour. The kids get to tour the facility and even see some penguins helping out with the ice cream packaging - very "cool" (ha I crack myself up). Anyway, after a darling video presentation about the history of the dairy and the tour, the group meets back in the "tree" room for a cool treat - Free ice cream!

This tour has to be scheduled in advance. I am planning on scheduling at least 2 tours this summer, so keep an eye out for the dates. Otherwise, plan your own tour. Simply call 642-7507, extension 264.

When scheduling your tour, keep in mind driving time, so you aren't late... Anderson Dairy is located at 801 Searles Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Guess what is down the street? The Natural History Museum, and Children's Museum. This tour only lasts about an hour, so there's plenty of time for a second stop! Have fun - out of the sun!

Ethel M Chocolat Factory

I promised some FREE ideas, so hold on tight while I get a bunch off my list.

The first, and one of my favorites - Ethel M Chocolate Factory. In Henderson on 2 Cactus Garden Drive, the tours are open from 8:30am to 6:00pm. If you want to get a group of 10 or more together for a special tour, call 702.435.2655.

Here's how to make an afternoon of a 10 minute tour:

Take the kids on a free tour and get a free piece of chocolate. Next, walk through the cactus garden, and have the kids pick a few of their favorite plants. Take a few pieces of scrap paper and let them draw a picture of their plant. After you get home, look up the plant on-line and find a few cool facts about it. This may sound kinda silly, but my kids love this sort of thing!

Taste of Shakespeare

My friend John from choir is in charge of this production. Thought I would pass it along. I will do a spereate post on other things the Springs Preserve has to offer, but this one is coming up so thought you should know.

(I can't believe I figured out how to do a video in here - whoo hoo)

Las Vegas Drive-In

Joe had a great idea to check out the Drive-In for family night. I had wanted to go too so I could do a good post on it here since I can't find much information about it on the web. So, here's what I have:

Vegas 4 Drive-In Theatre

4150 West Carey Avenue, North Las Vegas, NV 89032

(702) 646-3565

Here is a list of what is playing and times. Admission is $6.25 per adult & $1 per child over 5 (I am assuming that is the age limit since we had to pay for our 5 & 8 yr old, but not our 3 & 1 yr olds)
** Special Tuesday Price $4.25 - not sure if children are cheaper as well on this day **

Some important notes:

*They only take cash but there is an ATM in the consession stand*

*Gates open an hour before the show*

*There is a playground and arcades at the consession stand*

*Lots of fun!*

(It really was fun, despite Jake's face - his favorite "alien" was just beheaded - taumatic)

Another plus is the kids may be alseep on the way home ;-)

More Cool Pools

For all my friends in 'Las Vegas' and 'North Las Vegas', I don't want you to feel left out! Here is the information about cool activity pools in your areas too.

Carlos L. Martinez and Darrio J. Hall Family Pool at Freedom Park

Silver Mesa Activity Pool - North Las Vegas

If you want information about other pools or parks in Las Vegas - check here.

Our friends in North Las Vegas - parks and rec - click here.

Pools Are Cool

The City of Henderson has some great programs for your family. This post is all the info you need for the pool/aquatic festivities they have to offer. Click here for times, locations, and prices of admission. Our family loves the activity pools since there is something for everyone. It is most advantageous to get the punch pass if you plan on making more than a few trips over the summer. I may plan some playgroups at the activity pools - bring a lunch and lots of sunscreen and let the kids wear themselves out! (I am beginning to think this is my underlying goal here)

If your child needs a little extra help with his/her swimming techniques, check out the many different swim classes they offer as well.

Summer Reading Program

I am a huge fan of reading with the kids and I love that the libraries have a great Summer Reading Program. From June 1st - July 31st kids can read books and earn prizes! It has been my experience that the sooner you get done the better (meaning you will actually get the prize at the end and not an i.o.u). This is a FREE program so much fun!

For Las Vegas-Clark County program details, click here. If you want to add storytimes and other free activities, check out this great list of fun and free things at these libraries! I don't think I will post all the activities on the main calendar since there are so many location options. Oh, I almost forgot, they also have a Teen Summer Reading Program if you have older kids too!

The Henderson Summer Reading Programs do not begin until June 13th. They do not have information up yet as far as the types of prizes the kids will earn. In the past, there have been free passes to the Children's Museum, or Shark Reef. I will keep an eye out and post again with the details. In he meantime, check HERE to create a personalized calendar of events for your family. This calendar is for the Green Valley and Paseo Verde libraries. To make one for your area, simply select your library in the top left box.

Lakeshore Learning Center

MORE FREEBIES!!

Get those creative juices flowing... Every Saturday from 11am to 3pm at Lakeshore Learning Center, kids can make a fantastic craft to show off to their friends! Click HERE for a location near you...

Upcoming Activities and Crafts:

Home Depot Kid Workshops

It's the first Saturday of the month... where should you be? Well, Home Depot of course! On the first Saturday of the month from 9am-12pm you can take the kids to any Home Depot store and let them bang on some wood and create a great little project! There are no sign-ups necessary for this project. Your children will receive their own Home Depot apron and each project they complete, they will earn a pin to attach to their apron (just like the big kids who work there).

I love that this is a project for most ages, and both boys AND girls! Which makes it extra special for me!

They say ages 5-12, but Jarrett, 3 1/2 did just fine his first time out (ok - I may have had a bit of fun myself helping him along).

The next workshop day will be June 6th. The kids will make a Hardware Sorter. What a perfect gift for Father's Day!