It's that time again! School is in session and Playgroup is ready to start another great year for the pre-schoolers in our neighborhood. Please join us on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at the Lodge of the Great Northwest (8809 Timberwilde). We will get to know each other from 10:30am - 12:30pm, and set up our next few play dates. If you have ideas, bring them to share. Juice & cookies will be served.

Will your child be 5 years old before September 1, 2009? Then it's TIME FOR KINDERGARTEN!!!

Registration is ongoing at most schools. For more information see NISD's website HERE. Welcome to School!

Where do you want to play today??

We've just added Fiesta Farm and Just Add Children to our Local Attractions section! Scroll down for more info on these fun places to visit in Northwest San Antonio.

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What's Going On, San Antonio?!?

presents Phantom of the Alamo, a perennial summer favorite. Tickets can be reserved online and Buy1Get1 coupons can be found in the 2009 Entertainment Book.

Birdwalks happen almost every Saturday morning. Little Sprouts, an interactive toddler class, is held the second Monday of the month and is free with admission. Visit their website, http://www.sabot.org for more information and an interactive calendar.

Steven Stoli's has Saturday shows! You can view the entire season lineup here. For showtimes and ticket prices please call the Box Office @ 210-408-0116, email them, or check their website.

The Houston Street Fair and Market occurs the last Saturday of every month in downtown San Antonio. Free entertainment, vendors, food and fun all in the bustling street marketplace.Visit their website for the Theme of the Month and pictures from previous fairs.

The : The Aqarium is now open again! Visit on a weekday and enjoy fewer crowds and easier parking. In addition to Zoo School and Tiny Tot classes, there's also Enchanted Evening Tours and Beastly Breakfasts. Visit www.sazoo-aq.org for more information and to register (some programs are free, most are discounted for zoo members).

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Kids Eat FREE!

We've found the following San Antonio eateries have specials for our families. Please note that almost all require purchase of an adult entree, and in some cases other restrictions apply. Click on the restaurant name for its website... and enjoy!

If you find another great place to eat a family meal for less, please EMAIL us so we can share the joy :)

Click here to access the easy-to-read online magazine, or pick up your FREE copy at HEB, Wal-Mart, and other retail locations the beginning of every month. Each issue includes coupons, articles, and directories of San Antonio family events & places.

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Craft Corner

Search for a Craft

Have some supplies, but not sure what to do with them? Try Penn State University's Better Kid Care website! Along with documents for 101 Snack Ideas and How to Keep Kids Busy, there is a searchable Activities Database. Perfect for those rainy days when you can't figure out what to do.

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<< If you have a WEBLINK, craft or rhyme to share, send it to gnwplaygroup@gmail.com ! >>

AACE (Friday School) - Alamo Area Christian Educators

Haven Home Educators - Jamie Miranda @ 210-733-1757 or mypinkkoala@aol.com

Home Education San Antonio - email contact@homeedsa.com

SAHERO - San Antonio Home Education Resources and Opportunities, Michelle Kretzschmar @ 210-587-2407

Smoothing the Way - NW group, Jeri Buchanan @ 210-699-8406 or jeffandjeri@sbcglobal.net

Guilt-Free Homeschooling - information & commentary from an 11-year veteran of homeschooling

• Great Northwest Branch (Timberwilde Dr, 684-5251)
• Maverik Branch (8700 Mystic Park, 680-9346)

Barnes & Noble - Bandera @1604 (521-2737 for info) - Tuesdays preschool at 11 am, Saturdays all ages at 11 am
San Antonio Children's Museum (305 E Houston St., 212-4453) - Wednesdays, Reading Adventures with Miss Tiffany at 10:30 am, free with museum admission
The Red Balloon (5009 Broadway, 826-5087) - Fridays at 10:30 am for all ages

Fiesta Farm - working farm & petting zoo with pony rides, hay rides, and play areas. Open to the public Wednesdays 9am-12pm and Saturdays 9am-4pm. Call for other times, parties, and rates (316-3166)

Just Add Children - indoor play arena with tot-sized bouncers, games, kitchen, dress-up house, and a pirate ship! Parties available, call or visit website for open play availability (520-2291)

The Witte Museum - Free admission on Tuesdays from 3-8 pm - daily interactive programs and exhibits, including HEBuddy's Clubhouse (357-1900)

San Antonio Zoo - Find $1 off admission coupons in Our Kids magazine; Buggy Babies playgroup (free, birth-2 yrs) and Tiny Tots classes ($15, ages 2-5) offered, along with Zoo School, a Mother's Day Out program for ages 3- 5. Call 734-7184 ext. 1501 or visit the website for details & registration.

Botanical Gardens - Check their calendar for special events, some with free admission (207-3250)

McNay Art Museum - View their calendar for free family-oriented interactive programs (824-5368)

San Antonio Children's Museum - View their calendar for daily activities for all ages (212-4453)