Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Time: During museum hours; Daily 3/7/08-9/1/08
Cost: Adults $15; Seniors, Students, & Children (3-11) $12

The special exhibit features more than 50 custom-built wooden models of Leonardo's most innovative designs and inventions, including a hang glider, helicopter, military tank, and elegant bridge structures produced in vivid detail from his original drawings. Several models are interactive and hands-on, encouraging guests to push, pull, and crank for a greater understanding of their purpose and operation. Tickets include admission to the permanent exhibit halls. 713.639.4629; www.hmns.org

Developing Houston
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Park
Time: During museum hours
Cost: Free with paid admission

Developing Houston: Photographic Treasures from the Cecil Thomson Collection features more than 200 photographs and artifacts from 1885 to 1945 capturing Houston's character during a period of change and growth. 281.479.2421; www.sanjacinto-museum.org
Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions.

Parent Today Parenting Series
Collaborative for Children, 3800 Buffalo Speedway, Ste 300, Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77098 (free parking after 3pm)
Time: 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7
Cost: $60/single; $110/couple. $15 deposit per person, applied to tuition, holds a spot.

This parent education series of 6 sessions is led by a Certified Parent Educator in a relaxed atmosphere, using the award-winning, interactive Practical Parent Education curriculum, materials, and fun activities. Certificate given upon request. 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7. Call 713-600-1113.

Beauty & the Beast
Masquerade Theatre, 800 Bagby Street THE HOBBY CENTER
Time: Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm/ Sundays at 2 pm
Performance Dates: May 30,31 June 6, 7, 8.
Cost: $30-50

The Broadway hit comes to Houston! Beautiful, intelligent Belle dreams of a romantic life like she's read about in books... but she never imagined being forced to dwell in an enchanted castle by a Beast, whom only true love can free! Watch them win each other's hearts in a "Tale As Old As Time"! For tickets or more information please call the theatre at 713-861-7045 or check out our website at http://www.masqueradetheatre.com.

National Trails Day - Trail Trials
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble
Time: 10 am
Cost: FREE

To celebrate National Trails Day, come out and try your luck at determining the distance covered on one or more of the park’s trails.  Open to all ages and prizes will be given to those with the closest measurements on each trail. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.

Making the Unfamiliar Familiar
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Time: During museum hours; Daily 1/19/08-6/29/08
Cost: Free with paid admission

Making the Unfamiliar Familiar: A Program for High School Students features the works of 20 area students who made a series of visits to MFAH during the 2006-07 school year. Participating students worked in a studio space at the museum. 713.639.7300; www.mfah.org

Beauty & the Beast
Masquerade Theatre, 800 Bagby Street THE HOBBY CENTER
Time: Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm/ Sundays at 2 pm
Performance Dates: May 30,31 June 6, 7, 8.
Cost: $30-50

The Broadway hit comes to Houston! Beautiful, intelligent Belle dreams of a romantic life like she's read about in books... but she never imagined being forced to dwell in an enchanted castle by a Beast, whom only true love can free! Watch them win each other's hearts in a "Tale As Old As Time"! For tickets or more information please call the theatre at 713-861-7045 or check out our website at http://www.masqueradetheatre.com.

KidzPlanet
Time: 9:30am; Ongoing Each Sun; check with location for exceptions.
Cost: Free

KidzPlanet is a weekly zany and creative children's theatre production, which uses music and drama to teach kids about important life values like honesty, respect, and trust. Performances are each Sunday morning at the Country Playhouse. 713.344.1323; www.kidzplanet.org Ages: 4-11

Beauty & the Beast
Masquerade Theatre, 800 Bagby Street THE HOBBY CENTER
Time: Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm/ Sundays at 2 pm
Performance Dates: May 30,31 June 6, 7, 8.
Cost: $30-50

The Broadway hit comes to Houston! Beautiful, intelligent Belle dreams of a romantic life like she's read about in books... but she never imagined being forced to dwell in an enchanted castle by a Beast, whom only true love can free! Watch them win each other's hearts in a "Tale As Old As Time"! For tickets or more information please call the theatre at 713-861-7045 or check out our website at http://www.masqueradetheatre.com.

Parent Today Parenting Series
Collaborative for Children, 3800 Buffalo Speedway, Ste 300, Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77098 (free parking after 3pm)
Time: 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7
Cost: $60/single; $110/couple. $15 deposit per person, applied to tuition, holds a spot.

This parent education series of 6 sessions is led by a Certified Parent Educator in a relaxed atmosphere, using the award-winning, interactive Practical Parent Education curriculum, materials, and fun activities. Certificate given upon request. 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7. Call 713-600-1113.

Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Time: During museum hours; Daily 3/7/08-9/1/08
Cost: Adults $15; Seniors, Students, & Children (3-11) $12

The special exhibit features more than 50 custom-built wooden models of Leonardo's most innovative designs and inventions, including a hang glider, helicopter, military tank, and elegant bridge structures produced in vivid detail from his original drawings. Several models are interactive and hands-on, encouraging guests to push, pull, and crank for a greater understanding of their purpose and operation. Tickets include admission to the permanent exhibit halls. 713.639.4629; www.hmns.org

John Alexander: A Retrospective
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Time: During museum hours; Daily except Mon 4/13/08-6/22/08
Cost: Free with paid admission

The exhibit features 61 oil paintings and 36 works on paper from the late-1970s through 2007 by American painter John Alexander, whose works are informed by the Texas of his boyhood. 713.639.7300; www.mfah.org

Designed by Architects
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Time: During museum hours; Daily 3/15/08-8/3/08
Cost: Free with paid admission

The exhibit showcases metalwork from around the world that was designed by prominent architects between the late-19th and 21st centuries. 713.639.7300; www.mfah.org

Parent Today Parenting Series
Collaborative for Children, 3800 Buffalo Speedway, Ste 300, Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77098 (free parking after 3pm)
Time: 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7
Cost: $60/single; $110/couple. $15 deposit per person, applied to tuition, holds a spot.

This parent education series of 6 sessions is led by a Certified Parent Educator in a relaxed atmosphere, using the award-winning, interactive Practical Parent Education curriculum, materials, and fun activities. Certificate given upon request. 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7. Call 713-600-1113.

Designed by Architects
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Time: During museum hours; Daily 3/15/08-8/3/08
Cost: Free with paid admission

The exhibit showcases metalwork from around the world that was designed by prominent architects between the late-19th and 21st centuries. 713.639.7300; www.mfah.org

National Geographic Crittercam
The Woodlands Xploration Station
Time: During regular hours
Cost: Free with paid admission

National Geographic Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes features interactive displays, firsthand footage, and evocative environments that allow visitors to explore the stories of animals all over the world, including seals and sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, whales, penguins, bears, and lions. 713.639.4629; http://www.hmns.org Daily 3/24/08-9/1/08

Frogs!
The Woodlands Xploration Station
Time: During museum hours; Ongoing Daily; check with location for exceptions.
Cost: Free with paid admission

Frogs! features dozens of colorful, exotic frogs including poison dart frogs, clown frogs, Oriental fire-belly toads, African burrowing frogs, and many more - all showcased in their natural environments. 713.639.4629; www.hmns.org

If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw. When he's finished, he'll ask for a napkin... The energetic mouse is back again in the tale that started it all as he runs his friend, the little boy, ragged with all of his wacky demands. This wildly popular tour makes a stop at Chelsea Market! Recommended for pre-Kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). For more information and to charge by phone call 713-524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.

Designed by Architects
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Time: During museum hours; Daily 3/15/08-8/3/08
Cost: Free with paid admission

The exhibit showcases metalwork from around the world that was designed by prominent architects between the late-19th and 21st centuries. 713.639.7300; www.mfah.org

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Moody Gardens
Time: During regular hours
Cost: Free with paid admission

The internationally traveling exhibit, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, is on view at the Moody Gardens Discovery Museum. Visitors learn about the ship's history and the lives of those on board through more than 125 authentic artifacts and extensive room re-creations. 800.582.4673; www.moodygardens.org Ages: 4 and up Daily 3/11/08-9/7/08

Hummingbirds
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble
Time: 2 pm
Cost: FREE

Many people enjoy watching hummingbirds buzz around feeding on nectar in flowers and feeders. Visitors of all ages can come out to learn about the area’s hummingbirds and what can be done to attract them. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars for an up close look at the hummers in Jones Park after the program. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Time: 11am
Cost: Free

Young musicians (ages four to 18) chosen from more than 350 applicants perform classical repertoire. 281.FREE.FUN; http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw. When he's finished, he'll ask for a napkin... The energetic mouse is back again in the tale that started it all as he runs his friend, the little boy, ragged with all of his wacky demands. This wildly popular tour makes a stop at Chelsea Market! Recommended for pre-Kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). For more information and to charge by phone call 713-524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.

Parent Today Parenting Series
Collaborative for Children, 3800 Buffalo Speedway, Ste 300, Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77098 (free parking after 3pm)
Time: 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7
Cost: $60/single; $110/couple. $15 deposit per person, applied to tuition, holds a spot.

This parent education series of 6 sessions is led by a Certified Parent Educator in a relaxed atmosphere, using the award-winning, interactive Practical Parent Education curriculum, materials, and fun activities. Certificate given upon request. 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7. Call 713-600-1113.

If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw. When he's finished, he'll ask for a napkin... The energetic mouse is back again in the tale that started it all as he runs his friend, the little boy, ragged with all of his wacky demands. This wildly popular tour makes a stop at Chelsea Market! Recommended for pre-Kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). For more information and to charge by phone call 713-524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.

If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw. When he's finished, he'll ask for a napkin... The energetic mouse is back again in the tale that started it all as he runs his friend, the little boy, ragged with all of his wacky demands. This wildly popular tour makes a stop at Chelsea Market! Recommended for pre-Kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). For more information and to charge by phone call 713-524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.

If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw. When he's finished, he'll ask for a napkin... The energetic mouse is back again in the tale that started it all as he runs his friend, the little boy, ragged with all of his wacky demands. This wildly popular tour makes a stop at Chelsea Market! Recommended for pre-Kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). For more information and to charge by phone call 713-524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.

Dinosaurs 3D
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Time: Showtimes varies weekly; call or visit website
Cost: Adults $10; Seniors, Students, & Children (3-11) $8 Dinosaurs 3D; Daily 3/14/08-8/21/08

The museum's IMAX Theatre goes extra-big with Dinosaurs 3D: Giants of Patagonia, featuring computer-generated creatures, animation, and an exploration of paleontological discoveries in the Patagonia region of Argentina. The film is narrated by Donald Sutherland. 713.639.4629; www.hmns.org Ages: 5 and up

Cockrell Butterfly Center & Hall of Entomology
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Time: During museum hours Daily, check with location for exceptions.
Cost: Adults $8; Seniors and children (3-11) $6, (under 3) free

The butterfly exhibit is a three-story glass structure that showcases hundreds of live butterflies in a naturalistic rainforest setting, where butterflies flutter among - and occasionally land on - visitors strolling the paths or relaxing on benches. The Brown Hall of Entomology contains several live insects from around the world, as well as interactive displays. A children's room provides a nice quiet spot for parents to sit and for kids to use their imaginations - on hand are books, puzzles, games, tables and chairs, soft benches, insect puppets, and a giant beehive for kids to crawl through and clamber upon. 713.639.4629 www.hmns.org

Making the Unfamiliar Familiar
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Time: During museum hours; Daily 1/19/08-6/29/08
Cost: Free with paid admission

Making the Unfamiliar Familiar: A Program for High School Students features the works of 20 area students who made a series of visits to MFAH during the 2006-07 school year. Participating students worked in a studio space at the museum. 713.639.7300; www.mfah.org

If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw. When he's finished, he'll ask for a napkin... The energetic mouse is back again in the tale that started it all as he runs his friend, the little boy, ragged with all of his wacky demands. This wildly popular tour makes a stop at Chelsea Market! Recommended for pre-Kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). For more information and to charge by phone call 713-524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.

Do you want to learn the facts about the legless reptiles of Jones Park? The truth is very few local species of snakes pose any threat to humans. Visitors of all ages can attend this program to learn about the snakes that inhabit this area and how to properly identify them. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.

Frogs and toads can be easily identified if you know what to look–and listen– for! Join a naturalist to learn more about these natural pest controllers, followed by a walk to discover their favorite habitats. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.

The fun of learning about reptiles and amphibians continues Saturday and Sunday as Jones Park’s nature center comes alive with a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians from around the globe at a Reptile Open House from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Name a color or pattern that interests you and chances are a reptile or amphibian with that same color or pattern exists. Various kinds of turtles, lizards, frogs, toads, salamanders, and snakes, can be viewed at close range during an open house program for all ages. Park staff members are also available throughout the day to answer all those reptile related questions. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.

Gem Vault
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Time: During Museum hours
Cost: Free with paid admission to the permanent exhibition halls

The Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault, a new permanent exhibit hall, features cut and polished jewels, including dazzling examples of diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, aquamarine, and more. The centerpiece is a 1,869-carat natural emerald crystal, the largest ever recovered in North America. Ages: 4 and up 713.639.4629 www.hmns.org

The fun of learning about reptiles and amphibians continues Saturday and Sunday as Jones Park’s nature center comes alive with a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians from around the globe at a Reptile Open House from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Name a color or pattern that interests you and chances are a reptile or amphibian with that same color or pattern exists. Various kinds of turtles, lizards, frogs, toads, salamanders, and snakes, can be viewed at close range during an open house program for all ages. Park staff members are also available throughout the day to answer all those reptile related questions. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.

Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Time: During museum hours; Daily 3/7/08-9/1/08
Cost: Adults $15; Seniors, Students, & Children (3-11) $12

The special exhibit features more than 50 custom-built wooden models of Leonardo's most innovative designs and inventions, including a hang glider, helicopter, military tank, and elegant bridge structures produced in vivid detail from his original drawings. Several models are interactive and hands-on, encouraging guests to push, pull, and crank for a greater understanding of their purpose and operation. Tickets include admission to the permanent exhibit halls. 713.639.4629; www.hmns.org

If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw. When he's finished, he'll ask for a napkin... The energetic mouse is back again in the tale that started it all as he runs his friend, the little boy, ragged with all of his wacky demands. This wildly popular tour makes a stop at Chelsea Market! Recommended for pre-Kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). For more information and to charge by phone call 713-524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.

Whether you prefer paddling or pedaling, you will not want to miss this informative presentation on the progress of the Spring Creek Greenway, a 33-mile trail project.

Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Administrator Dennis Johnston is presenting an update on the hike-and-bike trails, amenities, and special features of the Spring Creek Greenway at the monthly meeting of the Jesse Jones Park Volunteers (JJPV) Monday, June 30 at 7 p.m. The presentation will be held in the Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center building, and the public is encouraged to attend.

Mr. Johnston will highlight the aspects of the first phase of development of the Spring Creek Greenway that is currently underway including trail segments from Jones Park westward to the confluence of Spring and Cypress creeks, and from the soon to be opened Pundt Park eastward along Spring Creek. Phase I elements include approximately two miles of hike-and-bike trails, a 13.7 mile paddle trail, several canoe launches, and equestrian trails in Pundt Park. The second phase of development will create a 7.5 mile trail that will link Jones Park with Pundt Park. Eventually, the Spring Creek Greenway trail system will extend northwest for 33 miles along Spring Creek from Jones Park to Precinct 4’s Burroughs Park in Tomball.

For more information on this program, please contact a Jones Park staff member at (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.

Parent Today Parenting Series
Collaborative for Children, 3800 Buffalo Speedway, Ste 300, Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77098 (free parking after 3pm)
Time: 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7
Cost: $60/single; $110/couple. $15 deposit per person, applied to tuition, holds a spot.

This parent education series of 6 sessions is led by a Certified Parent Educator in a relaxed atmosphere, using the award-winning, interactive Practical Parent Education curriculum, materials, and fun activities. Certificate given upon request. 6 Mondays, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7. Call 713-600-1113.