It’s August! This is the time that we generally shift gears from summer to back-to-school time. While school preparations might look a lot different this year, we are committed to helping you get through it with ease. Whether you are deciding to homeschool, do virtual school, or send your kids back to in person school, we are on your side and will be here through it all. As a large group of 40+ moms, we will navigate these times the same way we always do, by sharing our hearts and words to {hopefully} help you make the best decision for your family.
Another great decision to have for your family is where to go if you are exposed to COVID-19 or experience any of the symptoms. At Houston Moms, we use our local Next Level Urgent Care for all of our family emergencies and health issues.Whether your nephew jumped off the back of your couch and broke his collarbone or your daughter has dropped a glass vase in the kitchen and sliced open her foot or one of you was exposed to someone with COVID-19, Next Level Urgent Care has your back and can help. Their convenient online check in system makes these visits quick and easy. They are also committed to keeping the price low and the quality of care high. Keep a watch out on our social media accounts for a special town hall with Next Level Urgent Care, answering your most important health questions.
In order to cover the great happenings around Houston, we are breaking this month’s event calendar into two sections:: In Person and Virtual Events.
Re-Opening Information
Governor Abbott has started the re-opening process for Texas businesses. At the point of this post being published on August 1st, the Governor has held the re-opening phases, put restaurants back to 50% occupancy, and closed bars and clubs. He has also issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face mask over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases.
We also have the most up-to-date information on schools re-opening for the 2020-2021 school year. Houston Moms always strives to share the most up to date info to assist you in making the best decisions for your family.
Many of our popular Houston hot spots are open! Here is a round up on that information::
Texas State Parks:: All state parks that can be are currently open for day use and limited camping. Day pass reservations are required – reserve day passes online or by calling (512) 389-8900.
Houston Zoo:: The zoo re-opened June 3rd! Online reservations are required and can be found on their website. Health and safety are their highest priority, so follow these guidelines::
- As recommended by the Houston Health Department and the CDC, and for the safety of our animals, staff and other guests, visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering while visiting the Zoo.
- All Zoo staff are required to wear masks.
- The Zoo has visual social distancing reminders placed to ensure guests maintain a safe social distance along the pathway.
- Free hand sanitizer stations are positioned at the entry, exit, restrooms, and food locations.
- Zoo staff is continuously cleaning high-touch surfaces like vending machines, tables, chairs, and more.
- If a guest feels sick before their reservation, we ask that they not visit the Zoo.
Houston Museum of Natural Science:: HMNS opened on May 15th. They are currently operating at 25% capacity or less and will be monitoring the number of visitors in and out. They are currently emphasizing reservations and online ticket purchasing, including timed tickets for the Butterfly Exhibit and the main exhibits. They box office is open to assist with printing pre-purchased tickets. They currently require face masks for all staff and visitors over the age of 10. Hands-on exhibits, like the experiences in Weiss Energy Hall are currently closed. The Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham Giant Screen Theatre and their satellite locations (HMNS at Sugar Land and the George Observatory in Fort Bend) will remain closed at this time. Opening dates to be determined at a later date.
For the full list of museums open, check out the Houston Museum District website.
The Children’s Museum of Houston:: The CMH opened to Members on June 3 and 4 and to the general public on June 5, 2020. Tickets are on sale now. Visitor flow will be maintained through timed entry tickets. Timed entry tickets for 2.5-hour visit will ensure a consistent flow of families at a 20-percent reduced capacity. They will check your temperature before entry using thermal scanners like in airports. Proceed to the hand sanitizing bars and then scan your online reservation at the box office. It’s all contactless! Plus, remember to rock the mask! Grownups, children ages 2+, and Museum staff must wear masks that cover the nose and mouth to enter the Museum. And now, let your mind come out to play!
Houston Downtown Aquarium:: The Downtown Aquarium and Restaurant are open and ready for business.
Space City Houston:: Space City Houston re-opened mid June at limited capacity and online reservations. All guests, including members, must have a timed admission tickets to enable staggered, capacity-limited guest entry to the museum. Face coverings are required for employees and guests ages two and older. There are some new live shows and outdoor exhibits, as well as new guest journey experiences. Download the free Space Center Houston mobile app to select a new NASA Tram Tour virtual boarding pass to board the tram tour during your visit. The NASA Tram Tour takes guests behind the scenes at NASA Johnson Space Center. For a complete list of the reopening procedures, guests are encouraged to review the center’s Know Before You Go Guide for tips on planning a visit and a list of what to bring and what to not bring.
Continuing Events:: Virtual and In-Person
August 1st – September 7th :: Houston Restaurant Weeks 2020
Houston Restaurant Weeks is the city’s largest for-charity dining event held simultaneously in hundreds of restaurants in the greater Houston area. It is also the largest single annual fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank.
Daily | Various Times :: Virtual Events at Harris County Public Library
Harris County Public Library is hosting so many different events, like virtual play dates, tea times, and cooking classes. Check out their website for all of the fun virtual events.
Daily | 11am :: Children’s Museum of Houston’s Virtual Learning
If you cannot or do not wish to visit the Children’s Museum during their first days back, they completely understand and look forward to welcoming you when you feel more comfortable returning to the Museum. In the meantime, keep visiting, connecting, and learning with their online stars by tuning into their Forbes-approved Daily Virtual Learning Broadcast Schedule on their social media pages. So far, their Virtual Learning has generated nearly 3-million views on all platforms combined! And Forbes said, “the warm personalities of their employees and community members jump right off the screen and make for an engaging and informative experience.” If you haven’t already, you can find all of their content on their YouTube channel.
Every Wednesday | 11am :: Houston Zoo’s Facebook Live
Each weekday, the zoo is hosting an 11:00 a.m. CST Facebook Live to bring the Zoo to YOU! They will be sharing daily updates of what our furred, flippered, and feathered friends are up to and how our zookeepers are caring for them while we are closed. Follow along and check out the fun at-home-learning activities below!
Every Thursday Morning | 11:00am :: Virtual Storytime with Pearland Library
Join the Pearland Library on Facebook Live for storytime each Thursday at 11 am!
Every Saturday Morning | 1:00pm – 4:00pm :: Virtual Drop In Experience at the Contemporary Art Museum
CAMH’s Virtual Drop-In Experiences feature instructions for pop-up activities you can do at home. Each hands-on activity provides creative opportunities to experience current exhibitions from a distance in a unique and meaningful way. Led by their FAQ Team (Frequently Asked Questions), a group of artists and historians who assist with contextualizing CAMH’s dynamic exhibitions for diverse audiences. Virtual Drop-In Experiences are released on our website at 1PM every Saturday. All ages, always free.
Every Saturday Morning | 10:30am :: Virtual Story time at the Brazos Bookstore
Our Children’s Specialist, Laura G, will be livestreaming story time. Tune in on our Facebook page at 10:30am to join in the fun!
Story time is a Saturday morning tradition at Brazos, perfect for kids ages 2 to 9! Each week, we invite a rotating cast of great readers/performers to read both classic and contemporary picture books. And don’t forget about the snacks and great crafts. Story time is a great family activity, with books uniting kids and adults alike!
Every Saturday| 9:00am :: Braeswood Farmers Market
Southwest Houston’s Farmers Market located in the heart of Meyerland. Fresh farmed produce, pasture raised eggs, organically fed poultry, grassfed beef, Locally farmed honey, fresh prepared gourmet foods, and delicious food trucks.
Second Saturday of the Month| 10:30am :: Second Saturday at Spring Street
Sawyer Yards is part of history as one of the largest creative communities in the nation and on the Second Saturday of every month, Sawyer Yards invites the public to tour more than 350 open art studios, explore an outdoor makers market and grab a craft brew with friends and family. We are excited to welcome you back. Please note that while we are not requiring masks to be worn in order to enter the premise, many of our studio artists participating in Second Saturday will require visitors to wear a mask in their studio. Signs will be posted at the entrance of each studio requiring masks. We ask that you practice social distancing within our buildings and respect tenants that are following city or state guidelines.
First and Third Saturday of the Month| 10:00am :: Hangar Hang Out at CAF Houston
The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it’s a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life!
Every Sunday | 10:00am – 3:00pm :: Montrose Morning Market – Indoor & Outdoor Local Vendor Market
Shop local vendors, enjoy live music, + complimentary mimosas each Sunday at the Montrose Morning Market. Find local talented artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs in a unique indoor & outdoor space at 501 Lovett Blvd.
Every Sunday | 10:00am :: Namaste Sundays: Free Outdoor Yoga
Namaste Sunday is entering its second year! Until all businesses return to normal, join us online on the YOUniverSOUL Fest Facebook page for a free yoga flow by yoga instructor, chiropractor, and anatomy professor, Al Jameson.
Virtual and In Person Events
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Need more quarantine resources, including things to do with your kids, how to talk to your kids about what is going on, or a great at-home work-out?
Check out Houston Moms’ Ultimate Guide to Quarantine Resources!
Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them. And if you know of any other events happening this month, include them in the comments to keep the list going!
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