1. Ask a friend first. Before heading out to that holiday outing that sounded great, get a referral from a friend, family member or trusted authority. Consider the age appropriateness of all activities.

2. Confirm the event details by calling ahead. Activity details change year to year. Avoid the surprise of different hours, overcrowding due to scheduled field trips, etc.

3. Pack a snack. There's not much more frustrating than finally arriving at an event to hear "I'm hungry!” The snack area (if there is one) is teaming with screaming children and their adult friends. Bring along a favorite snack to dodge the hassle and added cost.

4. Divide & conquer responsibilities amongst adults in the group. One parent can bring snacks for the kids and hand sanitizer. Another adult can arrange for the transportation. One parent can bring a camera to capture holiday memories, while another checks the weather forecast to plan appropriately.

5. Settle their fears. If your troupe will be visiting Santa Claus or other costumed people, explain the relevance before the journey to ready children mentally. For instance, adults can describe Santa as a very nice man with a soft white beard and he loves children. Looking at photos can also aid in understanding.

6. Prepare dinner in advance. After a long day of fun, kids grow hungry and tired. So do their parents. The night before or the morning of your adventure, make a meal that can later be heated in the oven or microwave while the kids climb into PJs.

7. Grab a toy for the car ride. Keep the little ones entertained. Consider books or games that might tie into the holiday outing.

8. Childproof. Scan the event area for any small items that could be a choking hazard. While m

any places address this issue in their design, other children often bring items from home, including toys with smaller parts that are appropriate for older kids.

9. Sanitize those hands. Germs are crawling everywhere during the holidays but don't let it dampen your spirits. Grab a travel-size bottle of sanitizer such as Purell to clean up at the end of the adventure.

10. Talk to your children. Make time to discuss the event, what the kids liked and share your own thoughts. This is an opportunity to encourage children to express their interests and communicate with trusted adults.

These tips are based on informal research conducted for the new guidebook 100+ Activities for Houston Kids (2006 edition), which is available this holiday season for parents, grandparents & caregivers of children under age 10. More details are available at www.TellYourTale.com/Kids.

Reporters: To speak with the author or receive a press copy of this paperback, contact Megan Salch via e-mail at MeganSalch@TellYourTale.com, by office phone at 713-864-1344, or for immediate assistance by mobile phone at 832-256-6676.

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