Is There an After-work Playgroup or Activity?

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first of all - hats off to you that after a days work - you still have the sanity to want to do something special with your pre-schooler. i read some of the suggestions - and they are great activities - but you just can't have an activitiy every night. Since you do work outside the home -I can tell it is important to you to spend one-on-one time with your child. Your daily walks are probably more memorable than you think - as well as good exercise for both of you. Those are a good time to teach about nature. But i am old fashioned and advocate one-on-one activites at home as opposed to going to Gymboree type places except for special occasions. A kid does not always have to be "entertained". They Just Want To Spend Time WITH YOU. I used to dream up ways to play with my daughter that involved teaching her how to do things around the house. At 2 1/2 she helped me empty the diswasher and do simple chores. Yes it was slower for me - but we had fun doing things together. We read a lot of books (good cuddle time as well as intellectually stimulating - while also giving you a chance to sit and rest at the same time). I would play with my kids and exercise their bodies while singing songs and just being silly. So - use your imagination - as long as it involves spending time with you - your child will be happy.

Some area fast food restaurants have family nights - Chick Fil A is one - most are on Tuesdays and they have the cow come and give out things and entertain the kids and of course the kids love to play on their play equipment. Also, the libraries have events like toddler story times, yes most are during the day but check the ones near you to see if they have something on a weeknights. You might check the United Way, the main office is near you on 610, to see what they might could refer you too.

Don't worry in a couple of years when she is older you will miss not having enough to do w/ her when you are running from one activity to the next and trying to keep up with everything. Take it easy and enjoy the freedom!

Have you tried the Children's Museum? It's great.

Also, what about playing games at home, reading books, doing puppet shows, etc. There are lots of good books about such activities. I guess I'm not sure if you are looking for things to do with your daughter, or things she can do without you while you wait. If she's in school while you work, then perhaps she gets enough directed activity and needs more free play?

I've been taking my son to the free performances at Miller Outdoor Theater (music and dance mainly) since he was in a Baby Bjorn, and he was always mesmerized. I enjoyed them too! And the good thing about that theater is that it's free, and open air, so you can leave anytime if necessary (and come back) and not feel like you've wasted your money.

G.

I live in the Heights, and I'm a member of a group called "HeightsKids." We have a six or seven different playgroups (depending on a child's age) which usually meet during the day; however, there is an all-ages playgroup on Mondays from 4-6. Let me know if you'd like more information.
PS Don't let the name fool you--we have members from all over the area -- Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Timbergrove, etc.

The local public library might have a story time. Also check with the YMCA.

Hi M., I've just started a group and my assistand organizer would like to do afternoon and evening playdates as it fits her schedule better... if you'd like to check us out, here is the link to our group: http://www.meetup.com/totsandtikes/

Look forward to hearing from you :)

K.

Oh yeah, there is also free family night and The Childrens Museum of Houston every Thursday. A showing of Peter Pan at Miller Outdoor Theater begins next week in the evenings...check out
http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/?area=187
for more events...