Every springtime for the past 30 years, the McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival has brought games, rides, entertainment, and circus acts to delight children in downtown Houston. This year’s children’s festival runs for two days: Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8. Events take place in the area surrounding City Hall, Hermann Square, Houston Public Library Plaza, Sam Houston Park, and Tranquility Park.
But a deeper cause underlies the festive atmosphere. The country’s largest children’s fair raises money for the thousands of Houston children suffering from abuse or neglect. To date, the McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival has raised $5.5 million for Child Advocates, an organization that trains volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children.
Celebrities!
Every year, the festival invites celebrities who are popular with the younger set. This year, the reigning stars are from PAW Patrol, an animated program on Nickelodeon about a boy named Ryder and his pack of search and rescue dogs. The show’s stars, Chase and Marshall, will headline the festival. Chase is a crime-solving German Shepherd. Marshall is an eager but clumsy Dalmatian. Kids will have a chance to watch these PAW Patrol heroes on the McDonald’s Dream Discovery Stage, and participate in free photo ops with the canine stars. Expect guest appearances from Curious George and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as well. Past celebrities who have entertained at the children’s festival include Bozo the Clown, Ralph the Swimming Pig, and Jeff Corwin from Animal Planet.
Ride in Style
With 50,000 people attending the children’s festival each year, you know downtown Houston is going to be crowded. Parking your car could prove a major hassle, and cut into fun time with your kids. Depending on where you live, riding Houston’s METRO bus could be a better option. But if you’re planning a trip to the children’s festival with your youth group, church or other organization, why not charter an AFC bus and arrive in style? Our clean, comfortable buses and professional drivers take the hassles out of what can otherwise be a hectic transportation experience. Call us today to discuss how your group can arrive in style on one of our premium buses.
The McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival runs from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm each day. You can buy tickets online for $10, or at the gate for $14.
