Inner Loop

Best Indoor Play Spaces for Babies & Toddlers Around Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 01/18/2019 - 5:49pm

All moms of toddlers can probably agree that their mini humans are full of an overwhelming amount of extra energy. It's incredible to me (and, quite frankly, exhausting) to see just how fast my own toddler can run circles around the house no matter what time of a day it is. For this reason, we have a running list of favorite outdoor parks, playgrounds and splash pads to head to when his energy levels are at an all-time high and we need to get out of the house. But on those days when the weather isn't cooperating or we just need a change of scenery, Houston is home to great indoor play spaces that serve the same purpose. As an added bonus, many of these places also have areas for babies to "play" and learn, which is the perfect combination for my almost 3-year-old and almost 3-month-old.

Days and Times for FREE Admission to Houston's Museums

Submitted by Frances Broussa... on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 6:53pm

For tourists and locals alike, Houston provides a culturally diverse selection of museums, art centers, and gardens. However, many individuals may not know that these locales are completely free or offer free admission on certain days and times. Keep this list nearby when planning your next visit.

January GoList: Best Things to Do With Houston Kids This Month

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 12/28/2018 - 10:34pm

It's a new year, so start it off right by getting out at one of these fun events around Houston. Who knows if we will actually get a winter this year, but just in case you need ideas for fun indoor activities, check out an area trampoline park, rock climbing gym, or even an escape room if your kids are old enough.

And while Christmas is technically over, many holiday festivals are still up and running through the first few weeks of January, so you can still check out the beautiful holiday lights at Zoo Lights, Festival of Lights in Moody Gardens, Sugar Land's Holiday Lights, and Magical Winter Lights for a little while longer. Read on for the best things to do around Houston in January with the kids.

10 Things to Do on Christmas Day with Your Family in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 12/21/2018 - 10:48am

Not everything is closed on Christmas Day, and that's good news for those of us who find ourselves wishing for something to do other than eat more food or play another game of Scrabble Junior.

Here are 10 fun things to do around Houston you can make a part of your holiday traditions. And here is our holiday guide for more Christmas and Hanukkah fun around the Bayou City.

25 Things to Do with Houston Kids Over Christmas Break

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Mon, 12/10/2018 - 2:18pm

As parents, it's safe to say that we all have the best intentions of organizing the most creative, Pinterest-worthy crafts and activities for our kids during school breaks. Making those activities come to fruition, however, isn't always as easily executed. This winter break, instead of setting lofty goals that never get met, fall back on our holiday guide for events and things to do during the season, and read our other posts for fun things to do on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Below, you'll find 25 things to do you and the kids will love and that, more importantly, get you out of the house!

Winter Bucket List: 37 Things to Do With Houston Kids This Winter

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 11:36pm

Houston has no shortage of fun activities for kids this winter. From the best holiday events to kid-friendly stage shows, we've rounded up a list of the top Houston happenings this winter. Keeping in mind that cooler temperatures have finally arrived, we've also included some of our favorite indoor activities to do with kids at home and around town. But because it's typically not too cold in Houston, taking advantage of milder days to get some fresh air allows for even more options for family fun. Read on for our list of the best of what Houston has to offer this winter season.

50 Awesome Santa Activities for Houston Kids

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 12/03/2018 - 4:32pm

Santa Claus is comin' to town... Santa Claus is comin' to town... you know you're humming along right now, and boy is he coming! Santa is making stops all over Houston and has all sorts of fun activities planned along the way. From traditional breakfasts, brunches, and super fun lunches to attending holiday and Christmas events around town, the big guy is ready to party with all the good little girls and boys in Houston.

Best Houston Neighborhoods and Homes for Viewing Holiday Lights

Submitted by Kate M on Sat, 12/01/2018 - 10:00am

During the most magical time of the year, there are many ways to get your holiday light fix. Houston has beautiful public lighting displays, but nothing beats driving the family around a neighborhood in your Christmas pajamas. For those evenings when you want to enjoy the beauty of the holiday season at your own pace, it's helpful to know which Houston neighborhoods go above and beyond in the decoration department.

We've rounded up the neighborhoods with must-see lighting displays, so all you have to do is gather the family into the car, turn on some holiday tunes, and explore the Bayou City on your own time. However, many neighborhoods prefer visitors between 6-10 p.m. Lights are typically up from Thanksgiving through New Years. Also, for all things holiday in Houston - from free events to shows - check out our ultimate holiday guide for families.

December GoList: Best Things to Do With Houston Kids This Month

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 11/30/2018 - 10:47pm

It's the time of the year when the Christmas decorations Target put on display in October are finally appropriate. The holidays are here! We have you covered with our guide featuring events and things to do around Houston this month from where to see holiday shows and The Nutcracker, FREE holiday events for the family, and places to take photos (or eat breakfast) with Santa.

There are tons of fun festivals in December, and lucky for us Houstonians, many of them have thousands of pounds of "snow" for kids to play in. As a native Houstonian, I didn't see snow until I was in my late teens, so at least you can still give your kids a white-ish Christmas. Also, events that started in November like Zoo Lights, Moody Gardens' Festival of Lights, and Magical Winter Lights in La Marque are still up and running throughout December.

Make sure to keep an eye on our calendar for daily events, and if you haven't already, sign up for our FREE weekly newsletters to receive our latest posts and things to do around town. Read on for the best Houston events this month.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 11/26/2018 - 12:06pm

Gathering around the table with family and friends to enjoy a festive meal is a hallmark of the holiday season, and one that is often enjoyed multiple times throughout the November and December months due to Thanksgiving and Christmas occurring in rapid succession. However, having two big holidays so close together can become overwhelming for even the most dedicated cook, and there's no shame in needing a break from the kitchen come Christmas Day (and no judgment on our part if you treated yourself to a Thanksgiving dinner out, too!).

We've rounded up a variety of restaurants around Houston that are opening their doors on Christmas Day, spanning everything from fancy brunches to low-key diners, so you can take a break from the kitchen and enjoy a meal out with the family. And don't forget to check out our holiday guide for more events and things to do during the season.