They’ve worn out the play-doh, run out of colors, and are bored to tears of their toys. It’s time to get out! Don’t fret, Lubbock has several fun opportunities for toddlers, preschoolers, and even infants. If you’re a South Plains parent, and searching for ways to keep your child busy, here are some ideas to consider.
1. Make a Hand Print Plate: (Or bowl, cup, magnet etc.) This is an excellent activity to introduce children to art, and get a cherished memento out of it. You can visit one of Lubbock’s three Paint-Your-Own Pottery studios. An art specialist will help you with pressing your child’s hand down, and provide you with decoration ideas. Or, you could even pay the artist to decorate it for you. Here are the spots to go:
Clay Cafe of Lubbock
http://www.claycafelubbock.com/
5012 60th Street
(806)796-2529
Mud Room
(No Web-site)
8004 Quaker Ave.
(806) 793-3271
Be sure to call first. You can also create footprint art as well.
2. Visit Lubbock’s Playgrounds: I know this one is obvious, but the article wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include it. Lubbock has numerous fun and amusing playgrounds for all ages. You can visit http://parks.ci.lubbock.tx.us/ for a complete listing. Here are my top three picks:
Legacy Play Village Spur 327 & Brownfield Hwy
This park is Lubbock’s most interactive playground. It was built several years ago as a community effort and contains multiple fun areas. Children can make music with the xlyophones, play in the sand, or climb the giant castle. They have a great photo spot where children can stick their heads in to pretend to be a firefighter, farmer, etc. And, of course there’s plenty of swings. Infants will love the baby swings!
Maxey Park
24th and Quaker
Maxey Park is located right next to Covenant Lakeside, and I’m sure plenty of kids play there while waiting for their little brother or sister to be born. It is a unique playground in that it is handicapped-accessible and can serve children with special needs. It even has braille labels. It is definitely worth the drive from any part of town.
Higginbotham Park
19th and Vicksburg
This park is just a small play area, but it is fairly safe for toddlers. Your little one will love playing in the sand, climbing the equipment and riding on the swings. You can also get your exercise by walking around the track.
There is also the indoor safari playground at the South Plains Mall. This is a great place to go when it’s hot or raining.
3.. Visit a Pet Shop: Lubbock doesn’t have a zoo, but a trip to a pet store is the next best thing. Children can see (and maybe play with) dogs, cats, birds, snakes, fish, gerbils, turtles, crabs and even a lemur. Three recommended stops are:
PetSmart (You can watch dogs in “doggie day camp” through a glass window.)
6801 Slide
(806) 798-0720
Walter’s World of Pets http://www.waltersworld.net
3020 34th Street
(806) 741-0123
4. Go to Bible Story Time at Bible Barn: Bible Barn, a new Christian bookstore in Lubbock, offers a Bible story time on Saturdays at 1:00. You can learn more about it on the web-site, www.biblebarn.net. They are located at 3434 34th Street and the phone number is 866-971-9069. Be sure to call first. Bible Barn is an excellent bookstore.
5. Enroll in and Attend a Parent and Child Class: There are a variety of Lubbock Parent and Child classes to choose from. Please note that it doesn’t necessarily have to be the parent that comes with the child, it could be a grandparent, baby-sitter, aunt/uncle or anyone. Lubbock offers music, movement, art, and swimming parent and child classes. Here are some to choose from:
Community Center Classes
Lubbock’s community centers provide several types of programs including:
Yoga Mom ‘n Me Baby Sign Language
Infant Massage
Jump-A-Bunch (Class uses balls, balloons, parachutes and more)
Jump Jack ‘n Jills (Class uses songs and physical activities.)
Story Time Adventures (Story is read and children do theme-oriented activities.)
Old McDonald Farm Animals (Children learn about farm animals while hearing stories, singing songs, and making crafts.)
These classes usually cost about $35 for a 6 to 8 week course. For more information, visit www.playlubbock.com.
Music Classes
Kindermusik is offered in Lubbock through Joyful Noise Music Studio. Kindermusik are parent ‘n child classes that help introduce children to music, stimulate creativity, promote bonding and much more. For more information visit www.kindermusik.com or call Gail Smith at (806) 778-0258.
Movement/Exercise Classes
Some great places to check out that offer movement parent and child classes are:
Ready Set Go (Offers “Tumblebug Classes” for Toddlers)
http://rsg-ae.com/
5828 50th Street
(806) 795 – 3336
Tega Kids Superplex (Has “Gymkids” and “Gymtots” classes)
www.tegakids.com
7800 West 82nd Street
(806) 866- 9765
Swimming Classes Babies and young children love to play in the water! Here’s an option for swimming lessons:
YWCA (Has classes for babies ages 6 months and up)
6. Watch the Donuts Being Born at Krispy Kreme: Okay, this isn’t the healthiest choice, but it’s fun! It’s like a mini-factory tour. Your children will love peeking through the glass to watch the creation of the fattening but oh-so-good treats. They still give free samples, but it’s a good idea to buy something too to thank them for the entertainment. The donuts aren’t always in production though, you need to visit from 5:30am (like you’re gonna wake up that early!) to around 11:00am in the mornings, and around 4:00 in the afternoons. You might call first just to be safe – (806) 792-9200. They are located in front of Wal-Mart at 4301 S. Loop 289.
7. Explore the Science Spectrum: The Science Spectrum is one of Lubbock’s most educational resources. It is a children’s museum with a plethora of interactive activities and exhibits. There’s a room reserved only for children under five, which includes a fun water contraption/table, ride-on cars, things to climb, musical instruments, puppets, and more. You will not be disappointed in a visit to the Science Spectrum! Check out http://www.sciencespectrum.com. They are located at 2579 S Loop 289 (near Target) and the phone # is (806) 745-2525. I highly recommend purchasing the pass (it’s very reasonable) so you can go all the time. 8. Feed the Ducks or See the Prairie Dogs: What kid doesn’t like to feed ducks and watch prairie dogs? There are several places in Lubbock to feed ducks. Some are Buddy Holly Recreational Area (N. University and Canyon Lake), Maxey Park (24th and Quaker), Higginobotham Park, and Clapp Park. You can see the Prairie Dogs as well at Buddy Holly Recreation Area and Mackensie Park. For more information and a map of Lubbock area parks visit www.playlubbock.com. (Just about any park with water will have ducks.)
Sunset Church of Christ
www.sunset.cc
(806) 792-5191
3723 34th Street
Greenlawn Church of Christ
www.greenlawn.org
(806) 795-4377
5701 W. 19th Street
Many churches in the area offer VBS. You might keep your eye out for them – most will advertise in the paper or with a sign near their church building. If you are uneasy about visiting a church for the first time, feel free to call the church office. Tell them you are thinking of coming and someone should meet you at the door and make you feel welcome. If you have a bad experience at one, don’t give up – there are lots of churches in Lubbock!
10. Bounce Around at Jump ‘n Jungle: If your little toddler has a lot of energy (hey, don’t all toddlers have that!) then a visit to Jump ‘n Jungle would be worth the trip! Check out http://www.jumpnjungle.net for more information. It is basically a giant inflatable playground. It is located at the corner of Indiana and 122nd and their phone # is (806) 368-JUMP. They offer a time for only children ages 6 and under to jump on Wednesdays from 10:00 – 12:00. They’ll be worn out after it, so much sure you have lots of time for a nice long nap! (As if you won’t make time for that!)
11. Go to Library Story Time: This one is the perfect activity for children ages 2 and up. Reading to your children not only increases their vocabulary and enhances their IQ, it stimulates their imaginations and much more. Visit http://library.ci.lubbock.tx.us/child/storyTimes.aspx for a complete schedule. Your child’s future teachers will thank you!
12. Play with the Train Set at Mardell’s: Mardell’s is a Christian bookstore and teacher supply store. They made a good investment when they added a “Thomas the Train” Train Set in the children’s book area. You can browse the children’s books while watching your child(ren) – just be sure to keep a close eye on them. It is nice to purchase a book (you can get a cheap one for under $2.00) if you spend awhile there. You can also get free coffee by the entrance.
13 . Join a playgroup: Playgroups may help children develop early friendships. keep them busy, and help moms find support. Lubbock has two open playgroups. Check out the “Mommies ‘n Munchkins” group at www.playgroupusa.com, or join a group on www.meetup.com. You are also welcome to start your own – read “How to Start a Fun Playgroup” for tips and advice.
14. Make a Furry Friend: Visit the Bear Castle just inside KK’s Courtyard at 6405 Indiana to stuff and create a bear or other furry creature. Their phone number is (806) 793-2327 and they are open Tuesday – Saturday. The website is http://www.thebearcastle.com/. It would be unique activity that your children are sure to enjoy!
15. Stop By Once-Upon-A-Child: Once Upon a Child is a resale store for children’s clothing and toys. It’s listed here because it has a great little area for kids to play in while mom or dad shops. So, if you’re looking for some clothing/toys at a reduced price and your kiddos want to play with some new toys for a minute or two, give it a try! It is located at 4815 50th Street #B and its phone number is (806) 788-1515.
Hope these ideas help! Don’t forget you can always stay home and try a new craft. You might make Scratch and Sniff Watercolor Paints or Kool-Aid Playdough. Also you can try Peanut-Butter Playdough and Homemade fingerpaint. In addition, check out the Lubbock Cafemom Group for local events and activities. Lubbock and the South Plains area may not be the prettiest place to live, but its a great spot to raise children!
