Macaroni Kid
New Orleans
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This and That and Where Y'at!


Summer is Almost Here

Only a 11 more days of school left for my boys and then there's summer! Remember how good that feeling was? 
Ahhh, the joys of childhood!

As I mentioned on Facebook, this week's newsletter is super packed full of fun events for the kids and lots of giveaways. You'll find all the scoop about the fun Sid The Science Kid Big Event on Saturday, a great summer camp offered by McGehee and art classes by Color Me Nola, plus giveaways of toys from Le Jouet, a summer ...

Summer at McGehee


The Perfect Summer Adventure for Girls!

Adventure can be found right here in New Orleans this summer.  Louise S. McGehee School, located in Uptown New Orleans, is offering 3 camps with dates offered throughout the summer and the camps are open to all girls in the New Orleans community. 

For girls entering Kindergarten in the fall, there is Kindergate.  This camp is offered in 2 two-week sessions, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, during the month of June.  There are many activities available, from water play to intro to t-ball to puppetry.  While campers explore these ...

Sid The Science Kid Big Event


May 19th at the Kenner Science Center

WYES and the Kenner Science Center invite you to a one of a kind family adventure at the SID THE SCIENCE KID BIG EVENT! Little scientists will receive a Little Scientist Journal that will serve as a guide to the various activities around the Kenner Science Center. These journals will help children with the practice of close observation. Once they have recorded their findings, a volunteer will stamp each completed activity. Once their Journal is finished, they will receive a gift bag filled with cool goodies!

Little scientists will also ...

Summer Camp Directory


35 Camps to Take a Look At!

35 camps are listed in our Summer Camp Directory for you to get ideas on what is available in the city. Check back often, as we are updating frequently with more camps.

You can find a camp for one day, one week, two weeks, or for the whole summer. Plus, so many camps really cater to a child's specific interest, whether it be dance, sports, computer, chess, cooking, foreign languages, the performing arts, pottery, painting, gymnastics....you get the idea.

P.S. To access the Summer Camp Directory from ...


Color Me Nola


Summer Art Classes for 5 - 13 year olds ~ $10 off if you check out their Pinterest page

Have ya’ll seen what Color Me Nola has been up to?  The art school and studio on Magazine St. restructured and is now offering Art Classes To-Go!  This is a really cool and convenient twist where owner and art instructor, Kristy Oustalet, brings the same art experience and expertise from the Color Me Nola studio and delivers it right to your door. 

For Summer, she is taking her new concept a step further and offering “Art in the Park” which are 4 class sessions of themed art classes under ...

Kindermusik at Loyola Prep


Win a Summer Session valued at $135

Sing and sway the summer away! What could be a more fun way to spend your summer than singing, playing instruments, and spending quality time with your little one?

Kindermusik at Loyola Prep is giving away a free summer session valued at $135! That's 5 weeks of classes taught by Madeline Thibodeaux plus a set of home materials (CD, book, and instrument). 

Madeline, a singer and trombonist, opened Kindermusik at Loyola Prep 2 years ago, and has since enjoyed touching the lives of NOLA's children through music and ...

Natchez Cruise


Win 4 Tickets!

Say goodbye to the school books and hello to summer fun with a family cruise down the mighty Mississippi on the Steamboat NATCHEZ! The cruise features children’s entertainment, including a caricaturist, face painter, shanties and sea tales by Papillon and his pirate friends, trivia games with prizes and more.

Additionally, kids can take a special tour to receive the River Heritage Patch. A themed food menu is available for all family members. Menu items include a Paddlin’ Dog “Hot Dog” bar with toppings, Steamin’ Macaroni and Cheese, Pizza Bites ...

Playskool Toys from Le Jouet


Win 3 Awesome Toys - nearly $70 worth!

What baby wouldn't like playing with a Sesame Street Hide 'n Seek PalsExplore 'n Grow Drum Drop Funhouse and an Explore 'n Grow Step Start Walk 'n Ride

Le Jouet, the big toy store on Airline Highway with a super selection of bikes and toys, is offering this awesome giveaway to one of our readers. Here is how you enter the giveaway:

1) Make suere your are a subscriber to our weekly newsletter
2) Make sure you like us on Facebook.
3) Make sure you leave a comment ...

This Week's Picks:


May 18th through May 19th

Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20 - Mid City Bayou Boogaloo

Enjoy 3 days of music, art, food, and just some good people watching and hanging out! Click here for special events, like the Rubber Ducky Derby, and the kid's stage schedule.
Where: Bayou St. John in Mid City
When: Hours vary. Check website.
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free to enter. 
For more info: Click here.
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Saturday, May 19 - Sid The Science Kid Big Event

WYES and the Kenner Science Center invite you to a one of a kind family adventure at the SID THE SCIENCE KID BIG EVENT! Little scientists will receive a Little Scientist Journal that will serve as a guide to the various activities around the Kenner Science Center. These journals will help children with the practice of close observation. Once they have recorded their findings, a volunteer will stamp each completed activity. Once their Journal is finished, they will receive a gift bag filled with cool goodies. Little scientists will also get to meet and take pictures with Sid! So be sure to bring your camera and smile. Also, attendees can meet author Lynda Wurster Deniger of Patti the Pelican and The Gulf Oil Spill.
Where: Kenner Science Center, 405 Williams Blvd in Kenner’s Rivertown
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Kids and their families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
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Saturday, May 19 - Asian Heritage Festival

Audubon Nature Institute and the Asian Pacific American Society will partner once again in hosting The Asian Heritage Festival! The day long event will feature costumed performers, live entertainment, exquisite arts and crafts, internationally themed displays and authentic Asian dishes. Visitors of all ages will no doubt enjoy this colorful celebration of Asian pride, partnership and progress. Festival goers can purchase hand-made crafts from India, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and other Asian countries! *No coolers, ice chests or outside food and beverage are allowed during this festival.
Where: Audubon Zoo
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up and purchase admission to the Zoo. Free for Audubon members.
Cost: Purchase admission to the Zoo. Free for Audubon members.
For more info: Click here.
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This Week's Calendar:


May 18th through May 23rd

Friday, May 18 - Born to Be Wild 3D Movie

Narrated by Academy-Award® winner Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild 3D is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them – saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick, as they rescue, rehabilitate and return the animals back to the wild. 40 minutes long; Rated G
Where: Entergy IMAX® Theatre, Located next door to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas at 1 Canal Street
When: 10AM & Noon daily; 5PN Tuesday - Friday
Who: Kids and adults!
How: Purchase tickets
Cost: Entergy IMAX® Theatre General Admission:  $9.95 Adult; $6.95 Child (2 -12); $8.95 Senior (65+); $5.00 for Audubon Members.  Aquarium and IMAX® Combo: $26.00 Adult; $16.00 Child (2 -12); $21.00 Senior (65+) 
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Friday, May 18 through Monday, May 21 - Wetlands Walk at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park

Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve has a Wetlands Walk with a National Park Service ranger every Friday-Monday at 10:00 a.m. The walk is through Bayou Coquille and it is one mile down and one mile back. 
Where: 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero (near Crown Point)
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: 689.3690 ext 10 or; www.nps.gov/jela
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Friday, May 18 - Storytime at Barnes and Noble

Head to the Metairie store for storytime and craft. Make a glittery moon craft after hearing Mouse and the Moon by M. Christina Butler!
Where: Barnes & Noble: 3721 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70002
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Moms, Dads, and little ones.
How: Show up!
Cost: Free
For more info: Metairie 504-455-4929;  Click here for more events.
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Friday, May 18 - Movies in the Park - Green Lantern and Captain America

Movies in the Park is a program sponsored by NORDC with the mission of fostering strong communities. Please bring your bug spray, blankets and chairs. Concessions will be sold. 
Friday, May 18, Pontchartrain Park is showing "Green Lantern" and on Saturday, May 19Kingswood Playspot is showing "Captain America ".
Where: Ponthcartrain Park is located at Press Drive near Prentiss. Kingswood Playspot is located at 7191 Edgefield Dr.
When: 7:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free to watch the movie. Concessions will be sold.
For more info: Click here.
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Saturday, May 19 - The Velveteen Rabbit

This timeless children's tale comes to life with a colorful array of characters and puppets. A young boy, James, receives a stuffed rabbit as a Christmas gift, and eventually comes to love him. When James becomes gravely ill, the Velveteen rabbit gives him pure love, and the boy is healed. In return for his bravery, the Magic Nursery Fairy grants the Velveteen Rabbit life! 
Story by Margery Williams
Play by Thomas W. Olsen
Directed by Ann Mahoney Kadar
Featuring rotating cast: 
Kerry Cahill, Sam Dudley, Garret Prejean, Zachary Rogers, Jennifer Schemke, and Matt Standley
Where:
Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
When: Noon & 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone
Cost:
All tickets are general admission and $10
For more info: www.cacno.org
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Saturday, May 19 - Events at Bayou Segnette State Park

Animal Tracking for Kids - 10 am Join us for a morning reading followed by an activity on how naturalists play detective to see evidence of what animals live in the lands and waterways around us! Animal Detective Hike- 11 am Walk the trails to examine signs of animals that we might not see during the day. Open to everyone, not just people who make the 10 am activity. Canoeing- 1 pm Join the interpretive Ranger for a canoe trip around the park's pond. Space is limited to 20 people, first come first served, but a second trip can be arranged if the demand is high. Kite Flying- 3 pm make your kite with provided materials and fly them
Where: Bayou Segnette State Park
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Kids and their families
How: Just show up
Cost: x
For more info:
504-736-7155
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Saturday, May 19 - Expanding Horizons Program: “Cajun Culture”

Barataria Preserve Expanding Horizons nature program is a great way for the kids to explore nature. This month, learn all about the Cajun influence in the Greater New Orleans area via crafts, stories, trail walks, and games.
Where: Barataria Preserve
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Kids!
How:
Free but space limited to 25 youth participants so reservations required; call 689-3690 ext. 25.
Cost: Free!
For more info:
call 689-3690 ext. 25
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Saturday, May 19 - Music For All Ages at Perserverance Park

Check out the Kids Program at the N.O. Jazz Historical Park.  Kids play along with the Treme Brass Band & learn traditional brass band songs, music and musical etiquette from professional musicians! Children bring their own instruments for this traditional jazz workshop!
Where: Perseverance Park, in Armstrong Park
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Kids of all ages, kids are encouraged to bring their own instruments!
How: Just show up!!
Cost: Free!
For more info: 504.589.4841 or www.nps.gov/jazz
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Sunday, May 20 - Target Free Sunday at the LCM

Explore 30,000 square feet of hands-on fun for FREE, courtesy of Target on this Target Free Sunday!
Where: Louisiana Children's Museum, Julia St.
When: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE! Thanks Target!
For more info: www.lcm.org
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Tuesday, May 22 through Saturday, May 26 - Asian Heritage Week at the LCM

Celebrate the vibrant Asian culture during Asian Heritage Week! In the New Orleans: Proud To Call It Home exhibit, design an Asian inspired version of Jackson Square. Learn the art of Japanese paper folding and make origami creations. Join us for Story Time in The Times-Picayune Theatre at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Create a dancing dragon and colorful Chinese lanterns. Learn to write your name in Chinese characters with teacher Kathy Li. Plus, design a Kirigami structure, enjoy Asian inspired music and more!
Where: Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., New Orleans, LA
When: 9:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Who: Kids!
How: Pay admission.
Cost:
$8.00 per person, adults and children. LCM members and children under the age of one are admitted FREE. Adults must accompany children under 16 years. Handicap accessible.
For more info: www.lcm.org
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Tuesday, May 22 - Kinder-Garden: “The Green Grass Grows”

Explore the world of gardens through age-appropriate activities such as painting with plants, seed sorting, singing, craft making and digging for worms in this hands-on class for young, curious learners!
Where: Longue Vue House and Gardens
When: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Who: Children ages 18 mos. – 3 yrs and their accompanying adult
How: Shine Only! Pre-registration is not required, but payment may be made in advance at www.longuevue.com. Program fee covers one child and one adult.
Cost: $10 for members; $12 for non-members; Siblings discounted; $5 for additional adult.
For more info: For information, contact Lydia Vaughn at 504.293.4722 or lvaughn@longuevue.com.
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Wednesday, May 23 - Free Wednesdays at NOMA

Free admission on Wednesdays for all sponsored by the Helis Foundation.
Where: New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124
When: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: www.noma.org
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Wednesday, May 23 - Fidelity's Concert in the Parks: Swing in the Park-Lafreniere Park

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening of wonderful live music by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert will feature traditional classic and modern favorites that will please any and all generations of listeners. Some selections to include: Overture to Light Cavalry, Suite from Carmen, Selections from Phantom of the Opera, Strike Up the Band, Muppet Medley, Traditional New Orleans Medley, Big Band Fantasy, Irving Berlin - A Symphonic Portrait, and Stars and Stripes Forever.
Where: Lafreniere Park, Park Pavillion
When: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up! Bring your lawn chair!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: www.lpomusic.com
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Teen Scene:


May 19th through July 30th

Saturday, May 19 - JCC Sock Hop

A live DJ, who takes song requests too, makes this night fun for kids from the entire community! Soda, candy and popcorn for sale at the snack bar. Kids from the entire community love these dances. This weekend, win an itunes gift card in a much anticipated dance contest!  Future dates: June 16, 2012
Where: Jewish Community Center, Uptown, 5342 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115
When: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Who: Kids ages 11-13.
How: A birth certificate or any other document showing child's birthdate. If you'd like, the JCC will make a picture ID that states child's name and birthdate for a charge of $5 the night of the dance
Cost: $8 members, $11 non-members, $13 non-members at the door
For more info: 897.0143 or www.nojcc.org
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Tuesday, May 22 - Reading and Booksigning at Octavia Books

Author Carolyn Turgeion will read and sign her new middle-grades novel, THE NEXT FULL MOON. This thoroughly compelling, gorgeously told tale begins as the weather turns warm enough to swim in the local lake. Ava is on the brink of her twelfth birthday, and her crush, Jeff, is most definitely taking notice of her. Everything is going beautifully. Until Ava starts to grow feathers—all over her shoulders, arms, and back. Horrified, mortified, and clad in a turtleneck, she hides out in her bedroom, missing her dead mother and worrying about the summer, and the rest of her freakish life...
Where: Octavia Books, 513 Octavia Street  New Orleans, LA 70115
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Middle schoolers
How: Just show up.
Cost: Event is free. If you would like to purchase the book, it costs $6.99
For more info: 504) 899-7323; www.octaviabooks.com
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Saturday, May 26 - Booksigning at Maple Street Bookshop

Louisiana author Margaret Simon will sign her middle-grade book, Blessen. Learn more about the book and author here.
Where: Maple Street Book Shops, 7523 Maple Street  New Orleans, LA 70118
When: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (10 AM & 11 AM)
Who: Middle school kids
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: 504-899-4916; 504-861-2105
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Saturday, June 2 - Safe Sitter Babysitting Course

SAFE SITTER classes have helped thousands of youngsters across the country learn basic life-saving techniques for choking infant/child and first aid; safety precautions to prevent accidents; how and when to summon help; tips on basic child care. Enroll your tween in this weekend class to insure they are prepared for a babysitting job! Available first and second weekends in June and all weekends in July.
Where: Junior League Headquarters, 4319 Carondelet St, Uptown, New Orleans
When: Weekend Sessions in June & July
Who: Boys and girls ages 11 - 13
How: Register by completing an application form. Call 504-896-3965 or email parenting@chnola.org to inquire about application forms. You can also stop in the Parenting Center at 938 Calhoun St. (yellow builiding).
Cost: $50 per student, payable to The Parenting Center. Checks, credit card or exact cash accepted.
For more info: 504-896-3965; parenting@chnola.org
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Monday, July 30 through Friday, August 3 - Touro Health Career Camp

Touro Infirmary is now recruiting rising high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates for the 5th annual Health Career Camp, July 23 – 27.  This is an intense one-week introduction to healthcare professions. Sessions this summer will include CPR training, clinical rotations and a visit to Children’s Hospital as well as workshops on health, safety and disease and injury prevention. Career Camp participants must at least 16 years of age, a rising high school junior, senior, or recent graduate and planning a healthcare career, highly motivated and have at least a 2.5 GPA
Where: Touro Infirmary
When: n/a
Who: Rising high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates
How: Applications may be printed out from the webpage at http://www.touro.com/content/careercamp
Cost: $75 (scholarships available)
For more info: For further information, call Denis Chetta at Touro Volunteer Services at (504) 897-8107.
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Plan Ahead:


May 27th through July 14th

Sunday, May 27 - Sunday Music Workshop at Tipitina's

Check out the Sunday Music Workshop Series, sponsored by The Tipitina's Foundation, where kids have a chance to play with local musicians and learn from them! Wow, what an opportunity! Kids should bring their own instruments, unless they play piano or keyboard or drums, the club will have those. These workshops are also used to showcase the talents of the kids too, so don't be shy. Also, water and sodas are available for a small charge. This week musicians Terence Higgins, Jake Eckert and Roger Lewis will be there!
Where: Tipitina's Uptown, 501 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, LA
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Next class: 5/27)
Who: All ages, but geared toward student-aged musicians
How: No registration, but please do sign up if you go!
Cost: Free!
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Saturday, June 9 - Creole Tomato Festival

Head to the French Quarter for yet another terrific festival.  Music everyone can enjoy, cooking demos, tomato samplings, an outdoor Arts Market, children’s activities including face painting and circus arts workshops, food booths, and more!  The main-stage is at Governor Nichols at the Farmers Market. Look for  the Children’s activities & arts market in the air conditioned New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park in Dutch Alley.
Where: The  French Market, children’s activities in the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park in Dutch Alley
When: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Fun for everyone! Family friendly.
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free to enter.
For more info: www.frenchmarket.org
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Saturday, June 16 - AMC Entertainment Presents Sensory Friendly Films

Here's a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The lights are up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!  The idea for the program began with a request from a parent in Columbia, MD with an autistic child for a special screening. More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening!
Where: Elmwood Palace Theater, 1299 Elmwood Park Blvd., Harahan, LA 70123
When: 10:00 AM
Who: For families whose children are sensitive to the loud noises and dark theaters commonly found in the theater.
How: Admission required.
Cost: Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.
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Saturday, June 16 - Growing Gardeners at the Botanical Gardens in City Park

A great program promoting gardening with children! Two Saturdays a month, kids tend to the Children's Garden, do fun activities with season-appropriate monthly themes, make snacks & crafts, go on scavenger hunts, learn about the environment & the garden, grow plants, & make new friends. Taught by professional educators, the program allows children a safe space to grow & discover on their own. 
Where: The Botanical Gardens in City Park
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Held twice a month. Next class June 23.)
Who: For children 6-9 years of age.
How: Registration is required. Children should be dressed to be outside, light colored clothing is best when working in a garden. A hat and sunscreen should be worn while working outside.
Cost: $15 per class, or only $12 per class when six classes 3 month's worth) are purchased together.
For more info: Contact Emily to register at nobgeducation@yahoo.com. For more info, go to http://www.garden.neworleanscitypark.com/
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Thursday, June 21 - Circus Magic Night

Join us for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Fully Charged 
A Circus Magic Family 4-Pack for $140 includes:
A pre-show dinner generously catered by Piccadilly
100-level seating
A circus-inspired craft activity  
Unforgettable mingling and photo opportunities with circus stars.
Purchase a Family-4 Pack for $140 or an individual ticket for $40.
Tickets are sure to sell out. Don't miss out by purchasing your tickets today.
Where: New Orleans Arena
When: 5:00 PM
Who: Circus lovers
Cost: Family 4-Pack for $140
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Saturday, June 23 - Crazy Kids Obstacle Course

Come run, climb, jump, crawl and balance your way through this FUN obstacle course for all ages! 
Where:
Delcazal Park Corner of Verret, Opelousas & Seguin Streets in Algiers Point
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Kids
How: Just show up! Parent or legal guardian must be present for child to participate in the obstacle course.
Cost: $5 Suggested Donation, All You Can Run!
For more info:
info@sportingsocietyofalgiers.orghttp://www.sportingsocietyofalgiers.org To volunteer for this event, call (504) 717-5902.
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Saturday, July 14 - Family Overnight at the WWII Museum

This Family Overnight is a great adventure in the Museum, with hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, teamwork challenges and a USO show — and that’s just the start. Families will enjoy a night in the Museum, sleeping under our C-47 and have an experience they will talk about all year.
One adult per three children required. Participants register as families and spend the evening together — from activities to making camp. 
Where: WWII Museum
When: 7:00 PM (7:00 PM to 7:30 AM on 7/15/2012)
Who: Families with children aged 7 – 12
Cost: $55 per person. $45 for Museum members.
For more info: If you have any questions, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions or call 504-528-1944 x 229.
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Everyone Loves a Good Story


Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. ~ Emilie Buchwald

Public library storytimes welcome young children up to 5 years of age with their parent/caregiver. 

You may want to check one of these websites for a specific branch you'd like to visit.

For storytimes and activities, go to www.nutrias.org or www.jefferson.lib.la.us/calendar.htm

FYI, Latter Library has a new, evening storytime on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, at 6PM!!


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