Let Go

SAT 12/6

LEGOs are timeless. Whether kids are building castles or space stations (or
just sticking the pieces up their noses), the colorful connectables have been
key building blocks for fostering imagination and conceptual thinking for generations
of little tykes. Perhaps their only downfall is that they hurt so darn much
when you step on them.This weekend, middle school students from all over South
Texas finally have a reason (other than their parents’ nagging) to pick the
pesky little things off the living room floor. Why? So they can put them together
in uniquely scientific ways for a LEGO League Robotics Tournament. Students
will design, build and program LEGO robots to complete specific tasks based
on this year’s tournament theme: Mission Mars. No word yet if nasal exploration
is on the itinerary. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 6. Hogg Middle School,
1100 Merrill. For information, call 713-743-1855. Free. — Keith Plocek

Leaf Your Mark

SUN 12/7

You wouldn’t want your kids to notice that Santa uses the same wrapping paper
as Mom and Dad. You’ve got to stay consistent. Take your little elves to the
arboretum, where they’ll play with leaves and colored ink and design wrapping
paper that you can use to help maintain their holiday innocence. 2 p.m. Sunday,
December 7. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway. For information,
call 713-681-8433 or visit houstonnaturecenter.org.
Free. — Keith Plocek

Bear It All

SAT 12/6

What’s the best way to teach your little sophisticates about the social value of afternoon tea? Mix in some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a man in an overstuffed bear suit. It’s time for Teddy Bear Tea at the St. Regis hotel. Cheerio! 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, December 6 through December 21. 1919 Briar Oaks Lane. For more information, call 713-403-2760 or visit www.stregis.com. $40. — Keith Plocek