Category Archives: Sitter Worthy

Parents Night Out / Family Night Out: Piggy Bank Friendly Dinner Dates

From time to time, even super-hero moms and dads need some time to themselves to enjoy an adult conversation at a place where the meal does not come with a prize or in a bag!  But as we all know, time away from the kids sometimes feels like it’s more trouble than it’s worth!… and the big question:  What to do?  Hey, we’re all in the same place:  Our world revolves around everything kidful!  And that’s where our friends at LubbockintheLoop.com come to the rescue.  They are the experts in uncovering and sharing with very deserving parents the latest, newest places and savvy events across the South Plains.

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So we’re excited to team up with LubbockintheLoop to share a new series:  Parent Night Out / Family Night Out.  We collaborate on a bi-weekly basis to showcase Parents Night Out and Family Night Out ideas. Each article will feature a different theme (Outdoor activities, Nights Out Under $30, Free Weekends, Healthy Nights Out, etc). LitL will hand-pick “Sitter Worthy” parent  ideas and we’ll feature family top picks. So whether you have some family time in mind or crave some adult time, we’ll have you covered!  Feel free to let us know what you think!  Have an idea for future themes? Share it with us here or on our Facebook Page.

This week’s theme: Top Dinner Date suggestions that won’t break the bank…  with the family and without!

Parent Night Out – Top Places for Dinner under $30 from Lubbock in the Loop

Dinner Picks under $30 from LubbockintheLoop

Click here for Top Dinner Picks for under $30 from LubbockintheLoop.  And Remember:  If you’re looking for a sitter so you can have a kid-free meal, checkout our list of fun Kids Night Out events…. usually on Friday nights at several locations around town.

Family Night Out – Top Picks for a Family Dinner Out that Won’t Break the Piggy Bank from
Lubbock For Kids

Any place that offers Kids Eat Free that night!

We offer a handy list that stays constantly updated of area Kids Eat Free or almost-free deals… and there’s at least one every day including the weekends!  Most are targeted to kids 12 and under so this is especially sweet for those with younger kids!  And most of the area buffet-style restaurants offer Little Kids Eat Free (under 3) everyday including Souper!Salad! and Golden Corral.  Several sit-down restaurants that feature weekend deals include:

Abuelo’s Taqueria 19th & Quaker (free) on Fridays after 3pm.
Denny’s (free) on Saturdays between 4-10pm.
Mama Rita’s (for $1.29 all day) and Dickey’s Barbecue (free) on Sundays.

(reminder:  Be sure to check before you go… deals can change!)

Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe

Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe is a great local spot for families to have a great lunch or dinner out and very reasonable.  Easy to forget that they have yummy daily specials hot of the grill!  We really like their soups… yum!

Arcade Restaurants

The area arcade-based restaurants are great options when everyone wants to play!  However, we all know that these can tip our budget with “one more game!”  - so beware or just be lucky!
Chuck E Cheese (younger kids)
Mr. Gatti’s (younger and mid)
50th Street Caboose (older kids)

The Drive-In

A great deal for a family dinner out is to head to Stars & Stripes Drive-In.  The food is really good and reasonable and there is always a screen with family-freindly movies.  And for an uber piggy bank friendly night, you can pack a picnic !

More…

There are so many great family restaurant around town where you can sit down with the family, not break the bank, and have fun!  We know there are so many more…. where are your favorites?  Share them with us here or on our Facebook page!

And check back soon for our next Family Night Out / Parent Night Out series with Lubbock in the Loop… and until then if you need an idea for some mom and dad time, checkout their website where you’re sure to find everything in town that’s “Sitter Worthy!”

LubbockintheLoop

Sitter Worthy: Top Picks that Scream "Get A Sitter!"

From time to time, even super-hero moms and dads need some time to themselves to enjoy an adult conversation at a place where the meal does not come with a prize or in a bag!  But as we all know, time away from the kids sometimes feels like it’s more trouble than it’s worth!… and the big question:  What to do?  Hey, we’re all in the same place:  Our world revolves around everything kidful!  And that’s where our friends at LubbockintheLoop.com come to the rescue.  They are the experts in uncovering and sharing with very deserving parents the latest, newest places and savvy events across the South Plains.

birthdays, anniversaries, babies,

So we’re excited to team up with LubbockintheLoop to share a new series:  Parent Night Out / Family Night Out.  LitL will hand-pick “Sitter Worthy” parent time out ideas and we’ll feature family time out top picks for different themed weekends. So whether you have some family time in mind or crave some adult time, we’ll have you covered!  This week’s theme is The Outdoors… giving you some fun options to enjoy The Great Outdoors with your main squeeze or BFFs and also with The Fam!  Perfect for Earth Week. Have an idea for future themes? Share it with us here or on our Facebook Page.

What To Do This Weekend?
Enjoy The Great Outdoors – Disconnect!
Parent Night Out / Family Night Out

Outdoor Picks for Grownups Out & About – April 24-26.

Cork & Pork.
Friday 4/24 | 7pm-11pm | Bayer Ag Museum: 1121 Canyon Lake Drive.
Hosted by The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas High Plains Chapter.
$35 for members and $45 for Non-Members.
Tickets can be purchased at Host & Toast, McPherson Cellars, The Funky Door, The Wine Nest or at the door.  Benefits High Point Village.
Event features a whole hog & fixings, music by Gary Nix & West Texas, Great Plains Dist. beer, along with McPherson Cellars and Llano Estacado wine.

Put on your dancin’ shoes and come join the fun!

Betenbough Homes Spring Event: Delight in DIY.
Saturday 4/25 | 10am-noon | Betenbough New Home Center.
FREE.
Come spend a morning pampering yourself and home! Enjoy a new dessert recipe, be inspired with beauty and home décor DIY crafts, and learn easy workout tips. Enter to win a massage gift card at the event!
This is a FREE event and will benefit Women’s Protective Services.

For more, hop on over to the full listing at LubbockintheLoop.com!

Need a sitter for Parents Night Out? Be sure to check our Parents Night Out section for childcare options on weekend nights at super fun places where the kids will have even more fun than mom and dad!

Perfect Outdoor Picks for Families – April 24-26.

Annual Plant Sale at the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum.
Saturday 4/25 | 9am-3pm | Arboretum at 41st & University.
The Arboretum will be buzzing with fun, plants & rain barrel kits to select, and a Kids Zone for young gardeners with races, snacks and garden activities! The Native Plant Society will be there selling water-wise plants and the Lubbock Master Gardeners will also be there to help and answer questions.

17th Annual Blue Ribbon Rally.
Saturday 4/25 | 10am-5pm | Downtown Depot District.
FREE.
Classic car show, motorcycle show, live music, food vendors, merchandise vendors, kids area, bounce houses, awards show, grand prize motorcycle give away!! All benefiting Family Guidance and Outreach Center of Lubbock.

National Picnic Day event at The Arboretum.
Saturday 4/25 | 5-8pm | The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum.
FREE.
Pack up the family and a big picnic and head to the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum at Hodges Community Center (41st & University) to celebrate National Picnic Day. You’ll find live music, kids activities and some great family time outdoors. Don’t forget the chairs, coolers and blankets!

Lamesa Chicken-Fried Steak Festival / Balloon Rally / 5K.
Friday-Sunday 4/24-26 | Lamesa Texas.
Lamesa’s Original Chicken Fried Steak Festival, 5K, and Crossroads Balloon Rally.
What a great, outdoor event!
Chicken-fried steak dinner: Friday 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Hot air balloon lift-off: Sunrise Saturday & Sunday.
5K Fun Color/Glow Run and Walk: Saturday 8:30pm.
Pie Contest: Saturday 10am.
Children’s Costume Contest: Saturday 10am.
Classic Car Show: Saturday 10am-2pm.
Team Roping – Rodeo Arena: Saturday 10am-3pm.
Pet Costume Contest: Saturday 1pm.
Chicken fry cook-off: Saturday.
Hot Air Balloon Fire concert for spectators: Saturday Night.
Live Music.
And more!

Safety City Birthday Celebration.
Sat. 4/25 | 3-5pm | Safety City.
FREE.
Safety City is turning 22 and we couldn’t celebrate without you! Come celebrate your favorite little City’s 22nd Birthday with our Dr. Seuss themed birthday party to see where we’ve been and the places we are going. Enjoy riding bikes, NEW pedal cars, and playing games at the Safety City Birthday Party.

Several Family-Friendly Walks & Runs are also taking place this weekend… pick one or 2 and get some fresh air with the family while getting a smile from helping out some amazing organizations:

Run For Recovery 5K & 1K Family Run.
Saturday 4/25 | Mackenzie Park | 9am.
Includes inflatable obstacles and family color run!

March of Dimes March for Babies.
Saturday 4/25 | Urbanovsky Park @ Texas Tech University | 9:30am.

Burkhart Walk for Autism Awareness.
Sunday 4/26 | Jones Stadium | 2pm.

For more Earthy family ideas, checkout our latest blog on Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids.

Check back soon for our next Parent Night Out series with Lubbock in the Loop… sure to be “Sitter Worthy!”
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