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.

Through its annual Christmas Program, Elves and More donates and delivers 20,000 new bicycles to underprivileged children throughout the Houston area at Christmas-time, as well as tens of thousands of gift bags with toys, games, books, and more. The charity's Back to School Program provides children in need with new shoes, clothing, and school supplies.

Donations are always appreciated online or by mail to the above address. Seasonal volunteer opportunities are also available.

Founded in 1925, the Junior League of Houston is an organization of women devoted to improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

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.

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.

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.

East Coast transplants feel right at home at Kenny & Ziggy's, a New York-style deli with great food for everyone. Instead of the customary basket of bread, diners are presented a bowl of pickles when they sit down, and the atmosphere is busy and noisy, as one would expect in a New York restaurant.

Breakfast items includes a variety of delicious, three-egg omelettes, lox and bagels, challah french toast, cheese blintzes, and corned beef hash. Sandwiches are piled sky-high with turkey, roast beef, and kosher pastrami and corned beef, plus classic diner favorites such as meatloaf and "Brooklyn-style" patty melts.

Dinner plates include turkey, brisket, chicken, corned beef, and seafood. Or you can always make a meal out of sides and apps, such as potato pancakes with applesauce, homemade knishes, and stuffed cabbage.

The children's menu includes the usual suspects such as hot dogs and chicken tenders, but also kid-sized deli sandwiches. High chairs and booster seats are also available.

Save room for dessert - chocolate bobka, rich cheesecake, a New York black-and-white cookie, or the "World's Largest Chocolate Éclair."

Catering is also available for events large and small.