Inner Loop

13 Places to Host a First Birthday Party in Houston

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Sat, 09/14/2019 - 12:52am

Congratulations! You've almost survived an entire year of keeping a tiny human alive and now, it's time to plan a celebration to mark the occasion. First birthday parties come in all shapes and sizes and often involve guests of all ages including parents, siblings, friends from daycare, and more. Choosing the theme, decor, food, and location for a first birthday party can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. We've rounded up a list of Houston area venues that provide age-appropriate activities for your birthday boy or girl to help you plan a fun, festive first birthday celebration. And for more ideas, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Houston families.

Where to Find Pumpkin Patches Around Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Sat, 09/07/2019 - 1:59pm

With Halloween right around the corner and fall finally in the air, it's time to gather up the kids and head out to do some pumpkin picking. We've rounded up several different locations throughout the city hosting pumpkin patches and fall festivals throughout the month of October, so no matter where you are in Houston, you're sure to find a pumpkin patch nearby.

Exploring The Children's Museum of Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 09/02/2019 - 6:06pm

The Children’s Museum of Houston has been a staple as one of Houston's best kid-friendly attractions since 1980 and boasts a wide array of activities to foster learning in a fun, innovative way. There are 14 different exhibits to visit with lots of things to do inside the museum, and there is something for any child from toddlers up to 12-years-old. It's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes as you will most likely be chasing your kid all over the place!

Fall Bucket List: 38 Things We Can't Wait to do This Fall in Houston

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Sat, 08/31/2019 - 12:33am

It’s almost fall, y’all! The fall season is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of everything the Houston area has to offer. This fall, several unique events are coming to town, including the Brick Fest Live LEGO Experience. There’s also no shortage of more traditional fall fare, like festivals and pumpkin patches, to enjoy as the cooler temperatures (hopefully) start to roll in. Here are our top picks for family fun this fall.

18 Things to Do With Out-of-Town Guests in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 08/09/2019 - 4:26pm

Entertaining visitors can be a daunting task because, if you're like me, you want to show them the best time EVER and impress with your insider knowledge of your home city. And if you are also like me, this quickly becomes overwhelming because Houston is just. so. big. No fear, we've put together a list with 18 of the best things to do.

However, if you just want some ideas for activities, you can always spend a few hours at a trampoline park, ice skating rink, or test your family's skills at an escape room. And if the weather is appropriate, check out an area splash pad.

14 Things To Do in Houston With Kids Before Summer Ends

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 08/02/2019 - 10:36pm

Summer is quickly drawing to a close, so it's time to squeeze in as much seasonal fun as you can before the back to school grind begins! My oldest is starting his last year of preschool in the fall (cue the tears), and in an effort to make sure we have as much fun together as possible before he starts his last year as a toddler (can I still call him a toddler? Please say yes!), I've started compiling a list of activities and events that we can do to take advantage of our fleeting time together. If you're in a similar situation - or you just need to keep the kids occupied and out of the house for a few days a week - this summer bucket list of sorts is exactly what you need because most of these events won't be available in the fall!

Want even more ideas? Then be sure to check out our s ummer fun guide for Houston kids.

Best Baby and Me Swim Classes in Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Sat, 07/27/2019 - 9:00am

We all know the importance of water safety and teaching your children swimming basics, and it definitely does not hurt to start young. Plus, mommy and me swim classes are a great bonding opportunity! Here is where you can find mommy and me swim classes around Houston you and your little one(s) will love.

Ready to have your little one tackle the water solo? Head over to our swim lessons and camps post instead! To find more enrichment classes for kids around Houston, from STEM to music, visit our ultimate classes guide, and check our directory to discover even more.

20 Houston Parks With Lots of Shade

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 11:47pm

Being outside pretty much tops our to-do list every day, and we're constantly going from one activity to the next, be it to a neighborhood splashpad, a nearby playground or a park with plenty of trails for biking. Basically, staying inside all day isn't an option; we would all go stir crazy! With summer upon us, I'm not willing to sacrifice that time outside as the temperatures start steadily climbing, but I am more aware of which places offer some shade so we can beat the heat... even if only for a few minutes. Here are some great parks in Houston that offer at least a moderate respite from the brutal summer temps.

Best Spots to Cool Off with Frozen Desserts in Houston

Submitted by Frances Broussa... on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 3:09pm

One of the few bonuses to Houston's almost nonstop hot weather is that you can pretty much indulge in frozen sweets year-round. Whether it's an after-school treat or an after-dinner outing while savoring those last rays of sunlight, these 15 spots have the best ice cream and frozen desserts in Houston.

STEM Classes For Kids in Houston

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 11:10am

Does your kid love robots, LEGOs, computers, and NASA? What about multiplication, division, and science experiments? If so, your little ones will love participating in a fun and education STEM-centered class. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes create a space where kids can learn how to use science and math skills to create their own video games, build computer systems, experiment with chemical reactions (safely), and so much more. Check out our top picks for STEM classes in the greater Houston area for your budding engineer.

To find more enrichment classes for kids around Houston, from STEM to music, visit our ultimate classes guide, and check our directory to discover even more.