Parties

H-E-B is a Texas grocery store institution with locations throughout the state. The full-service chain celebrated its 100th birthday in 2005.

Who doesn't love a Blizzard?

Because the majority of Dairy Queen restaurants are individually owned and operated franchises, quality, hours, and offerings vary greatly - you probably know what you like (or don't) about your local store.

What we like is DQ's take on the ubiquitous children's meal concept. In most stores, not only can parents substitute applesauce for French fries (if they're lucky), but the meals come with a coupon for a free treat (small Dilly bar, ice cream sandwich, or $.49 off a Blizzard) so the dessert part of the meal can stay cool, and out of reach, until the "healthy" part of the meal has been consumed.

Of course, the chain's ice cream cakes are practically required equipment for some kids' parties, and some stores offer discounts on birthday parties held on site.

Most Dairy Queen restaurants nationwide participate in annual (and more frequent) fundraisers for Children's Miracle Network. Eat up.

In addition to a vast inventory of magic tricks, juggling equipment, ventriloquism dummies, and costumes, JCR Magic can also host a Magical Birthday Party that includes a professional magician presenting 30 to 40 minutes of magic. Partiers also get full use of the party room for two hours. The fee is $200 for up to 25 guests.

Party times are Saturdays at 11am, 1:30pm, or 4pm; or Sundays at 12n or 2:30pm.

The store also hosts drop-in magic classes from 1pm-2pm on Saturdays. The $25 fee covers hands-on instruction and magic props.

Fiesta is a hands-on farm that offers kids a chance to learn about animals (llamas, pigs, bunnies, sheep, goats, and more) and crops.

Birthday party options include pony rides, and can be held on Saturdays and Sundays, or weekday evenings. Fiesta can also bring ponies to your location for party rides.

My Little Bug Parties offers full-service party planning, gifts, and special event entertainment for children. Party themes include tea parties, princess dress-up parties, diva parties, Bella Bee Glamour Girls makeover parties, and American Idol parties. Baby showers are also available.

Noah's Ark Animal Workshop is a traveling "stuff-n-fluff" animal workshop that comes to you. Children create hand-stuffed animals and dress them in outfits.

From set up to clean up, the party planners handle as much or as little of the party as the customer desires - and can customize any package to fit various budgets.

The Little Gym offers professionally developed, non-competitive programs that promote coordination, balance, rhythm, and flexibility. The developmental gymnastics class is for children ages four months through 12 years.

Other offerings include parent/child classes for children four months through three years old, sports skill development, ballet and tap dance, and karate classes which incorporate non-contact karate and gymnastics.

Summer and holiday camps are available for children ages three to eight. Birthday parties are also available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, depending on location.

Inflatable Wonderland is an 18,000-square-foot indoor inflatable play land where children can climb, bounce, and slide down huge, air-filled play structures.

Birthday party packages start at $139 and include two hours of reserved party area and playtime (with supervision, party guests may stay and play all day). Food packages (more expensive) include a choice of hot dogs or pizza, fountain drinks, and ice cream cups.

While kids play, parents can sit in a viewing area equipped with wireless internet access.

Pump It Up is an "Inflatable Party Zone," where you can enjoy a private, indoor party with giant, fun-filled, inflatable play structures.

A supervised afterschool fitness program is open to kids ages four to 12. Check the website for current fees and schedules.

Party packages are available daily - almost anytime - and include supervised play time, party room with setup and clean up, and invitations. Pizza, sodas, balloons, and goodie bags are available for an extra charge.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best party/playspace for teens in San Antonio, University Bowl offers 32 lanes of fully animated, state-of-the-art bowling, complete with programmable bumpers on all lanes to make it fun for all ages. Themed birthday parties, online reservations, and the Players Club add to the total recreational experience.

Jump in anywhere! The Schlitterbahn Waterpark's 65-acre resort complex features more than 40 rides and family activities in six areas, including three uphill water coasters, nine tube chutes, 17 water slides, the Boogie Bahn bodyboarding ride, a family wave pool, five swimming pools, five hot tubs, seven children's water playgrounds, water and sand volleyball courts, five gift shops, a pizza arcade, and 20 refreshment centers.

The 25-acre Schlitterbahn East section, located approximately three blocks from the original Schlitterbahn West, was added in 1991. It includes the Surfenburg section with innovations ranging from the Boogie Bahn bodyboarding ride, to the world's first uphill water coasters. In 1996, the 4-acre Blastenhoff section opened next to Surfenburg with cutting-edge rides like the Torrent River and the Master Blaster uphill water coaster.

Visitors pay one price to enjoy the entire park, and free tram service is provided between the East and West sections. Children under age three are admitted free. There is no charge for tubes, life vests, or bodyboards, and parking is also free. Birthday party packages are available.

Call or visit website for exact dates of summer and indoor seasons. Tickets are available online or at the gate. Prices do not include tax.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best day camp for big kids in San Antonio, SeaWorld is home to an amazing array of aquatic life.

The big draw, of course, is still the big guy himself - Shamu. The amazing gracefulness of this huge killer whale makes quite a splash - literally - with visitors of all ages; be prepared to get awfully wet if you're sitting in the first dozen or so rows.

Other drawing cards include the comedic sea lion show, a daredevil water ski show, and Viva!, featuring (human) high divers, aerialists, and synchronized swimmers working with several acrobatic dolphins.

Visitors can also encounter more than 200 penguins in a recreated Arctic environment, visit with Clydedale horses, and enjoy opportunities to feed the dolphins, seals, and sea lions. An indoor aquarium provides a nice escape from the heat, featuring sharks and a coral reef filled with colorful, tropical fish from all over the world.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy a handful of roller coasters and water rides, including the new Journey to Atlantis - part roller coaster and part water ride all in one, featuring a 100-foot high lift and speeds close to 50mph.

Special programs include dining with Shamu, adventure camps, and sleepovers.

Strollers and lockers are available for rental.

Hours: The schedule varies seasonally. The park is open daily during the summer, on weekends during the fall, and daily during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Winter Break. The park is closed in January and February. Call or visit website for specific hours.