Parents Resources

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best place for family community service in Houston, the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) offers week-long Critter Camps during the summer, as well as day camps during spring break and winter break. Kids ages eight to 14 learn about animals, get lots of time to hold and pet them, and also enjoy crafts, games, and other activities.

Be sure to register early because camps fill up quickly.

The SPCA also has volunteer opportunities available for teens age 15 and up, and always appreciates donations.

Established in 1974, Volunteer Houston is a referral service connecting volunteers to a broad spectrum of diverse nonprofit organizations. The website also has a Just for Kids link, to help children and families find volunteer opportunities.

Established in 1974, Volunteer Houston is a referral service connecting volunteers to a broad spectrum of diverse nonprofit organizations. The website also has a Just for Kids link, to help children and families find volunteer opportunities.

Home Education Magazine offers free online newsletters, discussion boards, a networking list, and selections from the magazine, including articles, interviews, columnists, resources, reviews and more.

Like a virtual children's art museum, Artsonia is an online collection of kids' artwork from around the world. Kids can take the masterpieces they've created and upload them onto the website. Family and friends can then visit the artwork and participate in activities that allow them to take an active role in a child's art education, even if they live far away. There is no cost to participate, and Artsonia currently has artwork from children in over 100 countries.

There is no cost to participate and the site includes artwork from children in more than 100 countries. Artsonia is a young, Chicago-based company, and was recognized by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) in 2005 for its outstanding contribution to art education in the United States.

Homeschoolers can also find a variety of complete lesson plans created by art teachers. And many artsy gift items available for sale online.

UH-Clear Lake's Art School for Children and Young Adults offers art classes and sponsors research in visual arts education. Faculty, art teachers, and university students work together to provide art classes for kids ages three-and-a-half to 18, held at the university and at various public schools in the area. A summer program is also available.

The school also offers classes for homeschoolers in the fall and spring.

Texas Children's Hospital is an internationally recognized full-care pediatric hospital located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. The largest pediatric hospital in the US, Texas Children's is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine and is its primary pediatric training site.

Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthrough developments in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, asthma, HIV, premature babies, and cardiogenic and attention-related disorders.

Texas Children's medical staff consists of more than 1,580 board-certified, primary-care physicians, pediatric subspecialists, pediatric surgical subspecialists and dentists. The hospital has a referral program; check their website.

The Hospital has prepared Texas Children's Tips for Parents for parents and families. Whether you're curious about your child's symptoms or are following up on a diagnosis, this guide provides handy information for emergencies or making plans. Written by the staff of Houston's renowned center for children's health, it address everything from safety and injury prevention to common childhood illnesses and more.

Texas Children's Hospital is an internationally recognized full-care pediatric hospital located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. The largest pediatric hospital in the US, Texas Children's is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine and is its primary pediatric training site.

Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthrough developments in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, asthma, HIV, premature babies, and cardiogenic and attention-related disorders.

Texas Children's medical staff consists of more than 1,580 board-certified, primary-care physicians, pediatric subspecialists, pediatric surgical subspecialists and dentists. The hospital has a referral program; check their website.

The Hospital has prepared Texas Children's Tips for Parents for parents and families. Whether you're curious about your child's symptoms or are following up on a diagnosis, this guide provides handy information for emergencies or making plans. Written by the staff of Houston's renowned center for children's health, it address everything from safety and injury prevention to common childhood illnesses and more.

There are more than 245 Ronald McDonald Houses in 26 countries, offering support and practical assistance to families with very sick children. It's a safe bet that your local chapter can always use volunteers.

Favorites' Creole Cuisine is a family-centered restaurant whose goal is to bring a little taste of fine New Orleans cuisine to its customers in a casual atmosphere. The menu features seafood gumbo, seafood poboys, boiled crawfish, red beans and rice, and much more. Favorites' specialty is its own Bayou Gold's Barbeque Shrimp.

Each Wednesday night is Kids' Night with face painting, balloons, movies, games, and activities to keep your little ones busy - and all kids' meals are $.99 with the purchase of an adult entree. The restaurant is available for private parties and also provides onsite and offsite catering services.