After 30 years as a pediatrician, I’ve seen that in every arena parents face many challenges. It’s difficult to get a child to:

• eat a balanced diet
• play creatively outdoors
• play peaceably with other children
• obey simple directives

Many parents are startled with behavior and attitude problems. The sources of these problems are many, among them:

• Pace and demands of school
• Peer Pressure
• Fear of Falling behind
• Changes in societal expectations

As a doctor, I’ve been very perplexed as to how to help. School counselors and mental health providers offer assistance, but more is needed.

There’s hope for parents & kids!

Help for Parents

My wife and I have arranged conferences on June 21st and 22nd called “Hope for the Challenging Child” with Debra Jones. She’s part of the work at Texas Christian University dealing with difficult parent and child situations and comes to us with professional and personal experience in implementing the techniques of Trust-Based Relational Intervention®.

Session titles at this conference include:

• Trust-Based Relational Intervention® Overview
• Practical Ways to Empower – Connect – Correct
• Making Sense of Sensory Issues
• Attachment: Yours, Mine, Ours
• Neurochemistry of Fear (Friday)
• Managing Meltdowns (Saturday session)

In short, these sessions provide insight and practical interventions to help children overcome the effects of relationship-based issues.

Our interest in this came about because, in addition to medicine, we’ve shared our home and family with various people over 35 years of marriage. Our most recent and challenging experience has been foster children with special and medical needs. We found ourselves in over our heads and realized how much we did not know.

This information has worked in extremely difficult cases, but I believe it offers valuable insights to most families with children. I think the conference will be a great aid and encouragement to any parent who feels challenged.

For more information, go to millstonepediatric.com. You may register online or call 256.533.6644 during daytime hours.

We welcome you to attend.

I have a 6 year-old son, and, while I admit that I don’t do any building, I do get a little geeked out at some of his LEGO creations. So, I’m VERY excited about the upcoming Tennessee Valley LEGO Club show at the main branch of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library.

This will be one of their biggest shows yet, with towns, working trains, and even a LEGO robot that solves the Rubik’s Cube in minutes. A children’s play area will feature regular LEGO bricks and an all-new collection of Hero Factory pieces. Club members will be on hand throughout the event to answer guests’ questions and talk about their original creations. In anticipation of this event, I had the opportunity to ask some questions of TNVLC President, Jennifer Garlen.

How long does it usually take your group to prepare for an event like the one upcoming at Huntsville Public Library?
We start months in advance! Our club members build year round preparing for events and planning new projects. It takes a lot of planning to create the big collaborative town and train displays, and sometimes a single project can take a builder weeks or months. We meet regularly and communicate often about our upcoming shows. By the time we reach an event date, we have everything prepared to move and set up in just a few hours.

Did you love Legos as a child?
My mother wouldn’t let us have them! She said we had too many other collections of toys already. I started buying LEGO for myself as a pick-me-up when I was in college. I didn’t have much money, so I only bought small sets. At this point I have been collecting LEGO for about 22 years, so it feels like I have had them all my life.

What do you think people get out of LEGO play? Children? Adults?
For both adults and kids, LEGO is a chance to use your imagination an create something, whether it’s a single car or a whole world. It’s wonderful to see kids engaged in something that isn’t on a screen for a change, and the open-ended nature of a big tub of bricks is hard to beat. Adults see LEGO as a great medium for expressing creativity, an eye for detail, and a sense of humor or whimsy. There are some amazing artists using LEGO these days – they even have gallery shows. Sean Kenney’s LEGO sculptures will actually be coming to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens in 2015, so local folks will get a chance to see the incredible artistic potential of LEGO then.(EDITOR’S NOTE: Remember folks, you heard it on RCM first!!!)

Do you know how many LEGO you have in your personal collection?
Wow, that would really be impossible to count. The LEGO took over our house a long time ago. It’s everywhere. I do know that I have about 3000 minifigures. I do a census of them every few years and get them all out, which makes a huge mess but is a ton of fun.

One of Jennifer’s creations from a past show.

I heard there will be new LEGO Hero Factory items at this event. Can you tell us more about them?
Well, they’re new to the kids who come to our events. The LEGO Company generously donated a big bin of Hero Factory parts to help us do better shows and have happier young visitors. Our club members purchased some extra pieces to make it more fun for the kids, so this time our play area will have these great parts that children can use to build all sorts of heroes. We have learned the hard way that having bricks for kids to play with is a crucial part of any event! The children won’t be able to keep what they build because we want other kids to get to play with the parts, too, but hopefully they’ll have a great time while they are at the show.

What do you think adult LEGO enthusiasts have in common?
For one thing, the ability to look at something and say, “I bet I can build that out of bricks!” The adult fan community is huge, and all of us share a love for creativity and a lot of patience. It takes a long time to build the things adults dream up as LEGO projects. We all love this medium for the way we can shape it, but different builders make radically different things out of the same basic parts. That flexibility is one reason so many adults have gotten into LEGO. It can be what you want it to be.

How old do you have to be to become a member of the Tennessee Valley LEGO Club?
Regular members have to be 18 and up, but we sometimes accept junior members 14 and up with parental involvement. They have to be able to build original work – not just kits – at our club’s level and participate in long-range plans and meetings that are often consumed with the minute details of event planning. We get a lot of queries from parents with 10-12 year old boys, but we’re really an adult club.

What do you like better, the regular bricks or the sets?
The bricks, definitely! I like to build my own creations. I buy the sets for the characters and some of the special parts, but I mostly buy loose brick these days. That’s true of most adult LEGO hobbyists. We often buy sets we have no intention of building just for the parts we want.

The show will be amazing in and of itself, but if you need more convincing, over 100 LEGO prizes will be given away during the event, with free bingo games and door prizes on both days of the show. Prizes include Creator and Technic sets donated by the LEGO Company as well as Star Wars sets and other LEGO items generously provided by club members. Guests can also pick up LEGO Club Magazines and LEGO Store event calendars during the show.

Details

Who: The Tennessee Valley LEGO Club & the Huntsville Public Library
When: Saturday, June 29th from 9AM-5PM and
Sunday, June 30th from 1PM-5PM
Where: Huntsville Public Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville
Admission: $5 per person

For more information about the event, please contact TNVLC President Jennifer Garlen at jennifer.garlen@gmail.com. The Tennessee Valley LEGO Club also maintains a website www.tnvlc.org and has a Facebook page!

Enter to Win!

Sure, $5 isn’t much to go see a gigantic LEGO show, but you don’t have to if you win tickets from Rocket City Mom! Enter to win below and we’ll pick a winner the Tuesday before the show.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Most of us have read the book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney to our children countless times. It tells the story of just how much the character Little Nutbrown Hare loves his Daddy. But Big Nutbrown Hare can reach farther and hops higher to prove to his son just how much he loves him back. Unable to physically compete, Little Nutbrown Hare loves him right up to the moon, only for Big Nutbrown hare to whisper the words “and back” as his son drifts off to sleep.

The Lee Family

I never realized I would have a chance take this figurative story of loving someone to the moon and back and demonstrate it to my son and daughter. In July 2009, our family made the difficult decision to move to Tuscaloosa so that our son, Jonathan could attend a preschool called Rise. This was our only option as our son was turned away from three different preschools in the Huntsville area. Jonathan was 2 years old at the time, but because of his Down syndrome, he was developmentally at about 12 months of age. We were told by each school that they were not “set up” to handle children with special needs. Our goal was to simply allow him an opportunity to socialize with his typical peers, and break his bond of isolation.

I don’t consider myself to be one of the fortunate ones that hears God’s voice. I certainly feel his spirit, but I can’t say I had ever heard him speak to me. That is, until about 10 years ago. I was sitting in church listening to a Father’s Day message from our pastor. I had a moment of grief as I reminisced about my own father’s death some 20 years prior. All of a sudden I began to weep in church and became speechless as my wife continued to ask me what was wrong. The only thing I could do at that moment, was to point to the words “fathers are critical” on the sermon outline. It was that moment that I actually heard the words, “you will be a good father.”

It was only a short few months later, my wife would tell me she was expecting. That one moment has always defined the lengths to which I would go to be a good father. I choose to be a Dad over what could have been a lucrative career. I choose to spend the extra time to play with my children even though my logical brain screams of exhaustion from time to time, and yes, I choose to drive from Tuscaloosa to Huntsville daily. Most assume I do it simply to provide my son the best education possible. The real secret is, I choose to do it so that I will not lose my paternal influence over their daily lives. Things like having a meal together, wrestling and rough housing after dinner, and bath and bedtime rituals all parents go through with small children. I also love my wife enough not to ask that she be a single parent during the week. This is not a footnote, for it is loving your spouse first that makes you a great parent, not loving your child over your spouse.

Is it possible to love your child to the moon and back? You bet. From here to the moon is 240,250 miles. As of last month I have logged over 264,000 miles.

Is it possible to love your child to the moon and back? You bet. Because I am required to log my mileage for my job, I took the time to add up all of those monthly reports. From here to the moon is 240,250 miles. As of last month I have logged over 264,000 miles. I made it to the moon and look forward to the voyage back. This time I have a few co-pilots.

I vividly remember the moment I became a Dad.

It wasn’t that insanely messy and beautiful heart-racing and emotional moment Amelia first squinted her eyes from the light of a world that she’d reflect it back to, nor the cut of her umbilical cord, or her first diaper change. It wasn’t even when Robin and I stared at the one we became to make us three, and then four.

It happened 5 months after she was born. We were in bed lying on our sides and staring into one another’s eyes. I still go back to that moment; we were two humans lost in a comfortable set of peepers that we knew held trust and love. Then, a tiny smile spread across her face and I promptly went in for a cuddle. That’s the day I felt like Dad, and thus, “officially” crowned myself with my new moniker.

In lieu of Father’s Day, I thought about writing a list of things I’ve learned since becoming a dad – there are many. But, as I went through my list, one item continually outweighed the rest. That lesson? Don’t race through life at a break-neck pace, slow down, go steady, and be aware of the changes that come gradually, the ones that are long lasting.

This isn’t something that comes easily, nor is it lived out consistently, but I’m certainly more mindful of it’s existence now than ever before.

So many lessons I’ve already learned. So many more to go.

My, our, celebration on Sunday is about more than what I give to our family, it’s also what they’ve given to me. It’s remembering to teach our children well, while having our ears and eyes open to the wisdom they continually offer, if we’re aware.

This Father’s Day, my biggest gift isn’t breakfast in bed while watching the news, though I’m hoping this not-so-subtle hint will make that a reality. No, my gift will come the following Saturday in Duluth, Minnesota when I run my first marathon.

If not for our kids, and Robin, I wouldn’t be this close to achieving one of my greatest personal goals. Without their life lesson, that a steady pace makes for a healthier being, I may still be racing around, running out of breath, and missing the moments that make this life so excellent.

Next Saturday, I’ll be the tortoise they’ve taught me to understand, I’ll try to enjoy the fruits of months of training, and I’ll know that I don’t cross that finish line alone.

Who better than Crosby, Still, Nash, and Young to round out these thoughts?

Happy Father’s Day to all the men making a difference in the lives of our children, especially mine who made me the man I am today.

It’s a great weekend to celebrate dear old Dad! Lots to do, lots to see, and most of it here is completely FREE!

There are many free movies, concerts, and more happening throughout the Valley so bookmark (or pin) our 2013 Summer Fun Guide and be sure to stay in the know about all the summer happenings.

Looking for even more? Check out our wonderful collection of maps. We’ve got one for Yard/Garage Sales as well as one for Farmer’s Markets and U-Picks. So no matter where you find yourself in the Tennessee Valley, you’ll be able to find good food and good bargains! Finally, while they can’t all make our list, we have oodles of extra free and fun family-friendly events on our full RCM Calendar so check it out!

Flag Day at Earlyworks

Friday from 10AM-Noon – FREE
Earlyworks Museum in Huntsville, AL (map)

Celebrate Flag Day at Earlyworks with some VERY special guests. Lady Liberty herself will be there for a screening of “Hands On Liberty” in the Earlyworks Theater. Live performances, crafts, and kid’s activities will round out the day. The event is free to attend, but if you decide to stick around and explore the museum regular admission applies.

Fun & Games at Bailey Cove

Friday, 3-4PM – FREE
Bailey Cove Library (map)

Friday is Fun & Games day at the Bailey Cove Library, and you’re invited! The Huntsville Botanical Gardens visit today to tell you all about worms, dirt, and garbage. This is a family-friendly program especially for elementary age children.

Open House at Little Gym

Friday, 4:00-5:30PM – FREE
The Little Gym at The Village of Providence (map)

Grab some friends and head down to The Little Gym in Providence for their Open House and free play! Your little one can hop, skip, tumble, and jump their way into a wonderful night’s sleep if you play your cards right. Be sure to bring socks and clothes you can move around in – parent play encouraged!

Ardmore Kids Day In the Park

Saturday, 9AM-Noon – FREE
John Barnes Park, Ardmore TN (map)

This community event for kids under 12 is hosted by the Town of Ardmore. Bring the kids to the park for a great day of fun, hotdogs, games and much more. Contact 931-427-5523 for more details.

Fun4Lives in Dublin Park

Saturday, 10AM-6PM – $5 per family
Dublin Park, Madison map

Join the Madison Police Department as they host a fun day for families at Dublin Park to help raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Giant inflatables, carnival games, and concessions will be featured. Don’t miss your opportunity to Dunk-A-Cop in the dunk tank!

Over the Edge Extreme Street Fair

Saturday, 11AM-3PM – FREE
Huntsville Times Building in Downtown Huntsville (map)
It’s not every day you can watch Huntsvillians rappel down the side of a high-rise like a certain arachnid-esque superhero! “Over the Edge” is a fun event that raises funds for the Heart of the Valley YMCA, and includes a street fair for families as they watch the brave “Edgers” rappelling 150 feet down the side of the historic Times Building. Kids can enjoy free make and take crafts and participation activities. Word on the street is that Spiderman himself might make an appearance!

Celebrate Dad

All Day Sunday
Sci-Quest & the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Now’s a good time to peruse our Father’s Day Pinterest board if you haven’t already! Treat Dad to a day full of free fun (after washing his car and buying him lunch of course!) with science & space activities. Both the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Sci-Quest Hands-On Science Center will waive admission for all dads today.

Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, have been popping up on my radar now for quite some time. And, I’ll admit, I found it a bit confusing. What is a GMO, and what does it mean for ME? The following is some information I’ve learned, and I hope you find it helpful as you make your own decisions.

What are Genetically Modified Organisms?
According to Wikipedia, a GMO is an “organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals. GMOs are the source of genetically modified foods…” We’ve all heard of plants that have been developed for better pest or disease resistance – that is an example of a GMO.

Are GMOs harmful?
Regulatory agencies have approved genetically modified food that is currently on the market. However, there has been a growing movement that expresses concern over the safety of these ingredients/foods. In Europe, avoiding such foods is easier because there are stricter labeling laws; it MUST be stated on the label if there are GMOs present in the food. Here in the United States, though, we do not currently have such laws and a lot of our foods may contain GMOs.

Now, if you visit the websites of companies such as Monsanto, there is a lot of research there that will support the flip side of the argument; that GMOs are not harmful and there’s no evidence to support that. So, as you can see, it’s a highly debatable topic. I would encourage you to conduct your own research, and draw your own conclusions.

Now is a really good time to start reading labels if you aren’t already!

I prefer to stay away from GMOs, how in the world can I do that?

Know what is most commonly genetically modified.
These would be:

• Soybeans
• Corn
• Rapeseed/Canola
• Sugar beets
• Cotton
• Dairy
• Sugar
• Papayas
• Squash/Zucchini
• Corn sold at roadside stands (yes, even I was surprised at this one). Buy organic corn, popcorn, corn chips only.
• Baked goods (often contain corn or soy products)

Buy food labeled 100% organic
Fortunately, US regulatory agencies do NOT allow manufacturers to label something “100% organic” if it contains GMOs or if it’s been fed genetically modified feed. As many of you will already know, organic food is more expensive. Did you know? Just because a label may read “organic” it can still contain UP TO 30% GMOs…so be sure the label reads “100% organic.”

Check organic certification
USDA certifications, unfortunately, pale in comparison to these trusted Organic Certification institutions: QAI, Oregon Tilth, and CCOF. Check labels for their mark of approval. This applies to eggs, as well. Just because the cartons may read “free-range,” “natural,” or “cage-free” doesn’t always mean they are GMO-free. Look for the 100% organic statement.

The label on this tomato indicates it was conventionally produced.

Learn to read fruit and vegetable label numbers
This has been particularly helpful for me when buying produce in the market:

• 4-digit numbers mean the food is conventionally produced
• 5-digit numbers beginning an 8, it IS genetically modified. But! You cannot always assume that GMO foods will have a number identifying it, because this labeling is optional.
• 5-digit numbers beginning with a 9 is organic.

Look for 100% grass-fed beef
While it’s true most cattle is grass-fed in the United States, they often spend the last part of their lives being finished out on GM corn (this increases intramuscular fat and marbling). Check the labels – you’d want to get 100% grass-fed or pasture-fed. This also applies to sheep and other herbivores. It is always possible that animals can be fed genetically modified alfalfa, but this is less likely if you purchase your meat locally. Again, always check the labels for 100% organic.

Look for products that are labeled as non-GM or GMO-free
I know, this one can be difficult as there are NO regulations here in regards to labeling. Some do exist, however. You can also research online for companies and foods that do not use GMOs…but know that this information can (and often is) incomplete and there are many conflicting interests out there that aren’t always evident.

Shop locally
Shopping locally allows you to speak directly to the farmer and determine how they feel about GMOs and whether they use them in their products…or not.

Buy whole foods
This means avoiding foods that are processed or prepared; these are easily found in boxed, bagged food…including fast food. Learn to read labels. I’ll admit, I was never much of a label reader until I became interested in adopting a healthier diet. After reading a few labels on processed food, you may never go back!

Squash and zucchini are a popular GMO food. Growing your own enables you to know exactly what goes into them!

Grow your own (my favorite!)
Growing your own is easier than it sounds and it is extremely satisfying. You may want to consider growing enough to freeze or can for use during the winter months. Your grocery bill will also thank you!

The sun is getting up early and going to bed late this time of year which makes it the perfect time to explore the outdoors. Water attractions are always a big hit around here and for good reason (it’s just a tiny bit hot in Alabama in the summer) but they aren’t the only way to have fun outside. We’ve compiled a list of great free and cheap family-friendly activities that will help you and your family STEP AWAY FROM THE TV!

While many of these activities are free, most require some type of reservation so be sure to call ahead. For a full list of all kinds of free summer activities (inside and outside) check our 2013 Summer Fun Guide.

Tuesdays on the Trail

Locations Vary
Tuesdays, June-July
256.534.5263
Schedule of Events
FREE

This award winning environmental education series is offered by the Land Trust of North Alabama on Tuesdays in June and July. Each program is a fun “snapshot” that promotes learning about the unique geology and wildlife of North Alabama and inspires the next generation of land stewards to continue to protect our natural heritage.

NOTE: Space is limited and events are free unless noted. Programs may be cancelled or rescheduled due to rain. Reservations are required (except for Sauta Cave gray bat program) and must be made by calling 256.534.5263.

Wacky Wednesdays at the Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville
Wednesdays, June – July
256.830.4447
Website
FREE with Membership or Admission

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a special place any time of year but with numerous water features and this year’s Giant Garden. Little Me installation, it’s the perfect place to spend some time this summer. So we’d recommend a visit whenever you are looking for something fun but if you visit on Wednesdays around Noon, and you head over to the Children’s Garden, you’ll get to experience something truly special. Each week centers around a different theme (previous year’s themes included bubbles, dinosaurs, making your own tie-dye shirt,etc.) and several stations are set up throughout the Children’s Garden for little ones to experience many hands-on activities related to that week’s theme.

Play Days at Hays

Hays Nature Preserve
Tuesdays & Thursdays, June-July
256-427-5116
Website
FREE

Hays Nature Preserve is another true Huntsville treasure and a great place to go fishing, hiking, or just exploring nature with the kids. But from 9-11AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer, add free fun and activities to the list of reasons to visit. Led by Operation Green Team, Play Days at Hays is always free but does tend to fill up so get your reservations in as soon as they announce their dates. You won’t regret it!

Whimsical Woods at Burritt

3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville
Tuesdays-Sunday, March-Labor Day
256-536-2882
Website
FREE with Membership or admission

This summer Burritt on the Mountain has been transformed into a game called The Whimsical Woods and when you visit you become a part of the game. Upon entrance, you’ll receive a map of places to visit including the home of The Three Bears, the Seven Dwarfs’ mining sluice and the Troll’s Bridge from Billy Goats Gruff. Complete your tasks and YOU can be a hero, too! Read our Rocket City Mom Parent Review and see why this event is worth the price of admission this summer. EDITOR’S NOTE: if your children really enjoy their first visit, consider purchasing a family pass to use throughout the rest of the summer and the whole year!

Show of hands.  How many of you heard that phrase above as a kid, and vowed never to say it when you had kids of your own?  Umm hmm.  Yep, I thought so. Well, I recently heard it come out of my mouth and had to do a little self-evaluation…

I admit it. I can be pretty stern when it comes to disciplining my daughter. I’m a “I mean what I say, and I say what I mean,” kind of momma.  And Gabby usually really has a desire to follow the rules.  But my daughter is also, well, a kid. So testing the limits of said rules is tempting. And lately, she has found it hard to resist. I have tried, often much to my dismay, to set up some well-defined rules about TV and internet time as well as her responsibility to keep her room clean and pick up after herself around the house. Pretty simple stuff. And look, I know kids will be kids, so clothes will be left on the floor, water will be left running, and 5,000 requests will be made to turn off the TV and start getting ready for bed. However, I decided it was important to set some expectations for Gabby that everyone in my multi-generational household could follow.

Then, I found myself wondering if I was being too stringent in my rule-setting and trying to figure out why. The first question that popped into my head: “Am I a stricter disciplinarian BECAUSE I’m a single mom?” In many two-parent households, there’s usually one parent who’s lenient and one who’s strict.  For example, when I was growing up, my mom definitely took more of the democratic approach while my dad was of the “Because I said so” school of thought.  At times, I’ve thought I might be overcompensating for the fact that Gabby’s dad and I are not together by being more assertive. Or maybe I just inherited more of my dad’s style.

Spending time with Grandpa.

This 180-degree turn has absolutely blown my mind, and I must confess, often frustrated me. But even as I struggle to strike the oh-so delicate balance in my own disciplinary approach, it absolutely warms my heart to see my dad and my daughter together. Yes, my dad often chooses to look the other way when it comes to Gabby. But if I happen to be overcompensating in the discipline area as a single mom, he certainly makes up for it by ensuring that my daughter has all the love and support every little girl deserves from her father.

And I couldn’t ask for anything better than that. Happy Father’s Day, daddy. I love you.

So, what’s your parenting/discipline style? Where did it come from and do you ever have to “check” it?

If you’re looking to get out of the heat, what could be better than a couple of hours in front of the REAL big screen? A little popcorn, a little soda but who has the money for that? A family of four could easily spend $40 or more just on tickets! What if we told you we knew places where movies were free (or just really cheap)? Many movie theaters show free and greatly discounted G and PG rated movies in the summer. To make it easier for you to plan your summer days, we’ve compiled a list of for theaters/showings in and around Huntsville. As always, showings are subject to change so please call in advance to verify dates/times.

Movies not your thing? For all kinds of free and cheap summer activities, including concerts, indoor and outdoor play and Tennessee Valley summer staples, check out our 2013 Summer Fun Guide.

Monaco Pictures Kid’s Summer Film Series

370 Bridge Street, Huntsville
256-327-8343
Website
This is a 9-week program that provides parents and their children a safe, fun, entertainment experience this summer. Each Monday and Wednesday, from June 4th to August 6th, they will show re-released classic G- and PG-rated family-friendly films – and best of all – it’s free and fun for the whole family. Movies start at 10 a.m.

Editor’s Note: Make sure to get here early for your tickets (they start passing them out at 9 AM) and be prepared for a lot of other children. Daycares and summer camps frequently bring children in buses to this series so it’s rarely a quiet event.

June 5 – Madagascar 3
June 10 – Marmaduke
June 12 – The Smurfs
June 17 – Romona and Beezus
June 19 – Rise of the Guardians
June 24 – Rio
June 26 – Puss in Boots
July 1 – Monsters vs. Aliens
July 3 – Lorax
July 8 – Megamind
July 10 – Surfs Up
July 15 – Hotel Transylvania
July 17 – Kung Fu Panda 2
July 22 – Ice Age: Continental Drift
July 24 – Night at the Museum
July 29 – Horton Hears a Who
July 31 – Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules
August 5 – Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
August 7 – Despicable Me

Carmike Cinema Free Summer Movies

1485 Four Mile Post Road Southeast
Huntsville, AL 35802
(256) 882-1202
Website

Every Thursday at 10AM (doors open at 9:30AM) for 8 weeks, this theater will show G or PG movies only. Admission is $4 and includes popcorn, drink, and snack with this special promotion.

June 6: Despicable Me
June 13: Smurfs 2D
June 20: Hotel Transylvania
June 27: Ice Age Continental Drift
July 4: Rio
July 11: Horton Hears a Who
July 18: Madagascar 3
July 25: Happy Feet II
August 1: Yogi Bear
August 8: Disney’s Chimpanzee

*Movie titles shown are subject to change without notice.

Regal Hollywood 18 $1 Family Movies

3312 South Memorial Pkwy
Huntsville, AL 35802
(256) 883-1101

For nine-weeks, Regal Cinemas will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10AM.

Note: A portion of proceeds from the Summer Movie Express will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute. Will Rogers uses the money to fund the institute’s mission in the areas of medical research and health education. The Regal Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity established by Regal Entertainment Group, also provides monetary grants to local Boys and Girls Clubs to bring club members to the Summer Movie Express.

June 4 – The Three Stooges
June 5 – Ice Age: Continental Drift
June 11 – Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
June 12 – Parental Guidance
June 18 – Mr. Poppers’ Penguins
June 19 – Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
June 25 – Monte Carlo
June 26 – Rio
July 2 – Coraline
July 3 – ParaNorman
July 9 – Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
July 10 – Big Miracle
July 16 – Yogi Bear
July 17 – Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
July 23 – Racing Stripes
July 24 – Happy Feet 2
July 30 – African Cats
July 31 – Chimpanzee

Space and Rocket Center Free Summer Film Series

Saturn V Hall Digital Theater
Wednesdays & Thursdays, May 22-August 1
Website
FREE

This summer, every Wednesday at 9AM and Thursday at 7PM, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center will be showing free films. The Wednesday morning films are family-friendly fare and children must be accompanied by an adult in order to attend. The Thursday evening shows are Sci-Fi and Space films aimed at a more mature audience although many (like The Rocketeer and Apollo 13) would be perfect for a family night out. NOTE: Please enter at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.

WEDNESDAYS
MAY 22 – Monsters Inc.
MAY 29 – The Iron Giant
JUNE 5 – Meet the Robinsons
JUNE 12 – Atlantis: The Lost Empire
JUNE 19 – Up
JUNE 26 – Treasure Planet
JULY 3 – Star Wars: The Clone Wars
JULY 10 – Wall-E
JULY 17 – Jetsons: The Movie
JULY 24 – Mars Needs Moms
JULY 31 – Planet 51

Kids love a good scavenger hunt, and there’s a FREE one in town that your whole family will enjoy this summer, and throughout the year!

The Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau is hosting a few feathered friends year-round in downtown Huntsville, and the first 300 people to find all 12 of them get a small but special prize.

Last week, Rocket City Mom decided to try out the new Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt, and invited five families along to do some duck hunting!

One dozen bronze ducks have been securely placed around downtown Huntsville, within a 2-mile radius. A Lucky Duck clue card helps you along the way, and leads you to their locations. Each duck is located in a unique or historic spot in Huntsville, and it’s impossible to find all the ducks and not learn something new about where you live in the process.

You have to look high and low to find all twelve bronze ducks!

How to Play

• Pick a day where you have about 2 hours to spend on the hunt; if you on a weekend downtown traffic won’t be as hard to navigate.
• Grab some friends and either pick up your Lucky Duck Clue Card at the Convention & Visitor’s Center on Church Street, or download it here.
• Pick a clue to get started and set out on foot, or if you have small kids, get ready for some brief drives around town.
• When you find all 12 bronze ducks, bring your clue card back to the CVB and everyone in your party will receive a Lucky Duck token (while supplies last!).
• Duck hunting is hungry work. You’ll have some time to grab something yummy from Sam & Greg’s Pizza & Gelato, Pan e Vino, Three Skillets, or any other delicious local restaurant afterward.

Can you spot the Lucky Duck?

I really loved the clues and how they ranged from easy to difficult. The hunt finds a way to be engaging for all ages, so no one in your family will be bored. Once your reach your duck destination finding the actual bronze duck can also be a bit challenging, but not frustratingly so. Your friends at the CVB can help you out if you need it – it’s like Where’s Waldo in your own city!

I also like that this hunt is something you can do when out-of-town friends or family visit, just to show them around Huntsville a bit. It would be a great activity for a Scout troop, Mom’s Group, or church youth group to do together too.

The trolley was pretty cool, and our driver was awesome!