Northwest Houston

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.

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.

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.

Bon Appétit: Cooking Classes for Kids in Houston

Submitted by Frances Broussa... on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 7:51pm

Teaching your kids to cook instills confidence and a sense of achievement when they finally make the perfect grilled cheese, omelette, or chocolate chip cookie. Houston, a budding foodie hotspot, is home to lots of cooking schools with classes for kids aspiring to be the next Bobby Flay.

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.

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

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 11:58pm

Somehow, summer is already about halfway over. But the good news is July is full of fun things to do around Houston for the whole family. You can still catch a free (or cheap) outdoor movie, or see a flick for cheap at an area theater in the comfort of air conditioning, or roam through a candy wonderland at Candytopia. This month is also full of kid-friendly shows like "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," and "Annie," the latter performed at the historic Crighton Theatre in Conroe.

There are lots of options for dazzling Fourth of July fireworks across Houston as well as celebrations without fireworks at the children's museum downtown and Fort Bend locations. Read on for more family fun in Houston this month.

20 Kid-Friendly Restaurants With Room to Play in Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 06/24/2019 - 10:56pm

Relaxing on the patio with good food and drinks is something that, prior to kids, we used to love to do... and then we had kids and going out to eat became nothing short of a nightmare that quickly got nixed from our weekend plans. All seemed lost, and we resigned ourselves to spending our evenings out at Chick-fil-A until we found these awesome Houston restaurants with play spaces for kids (we also spent an exhaustive amount of time eating near the green area at CityCentre).

Father's Day Ideas Houston Dads Will Actually Love

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 06/07/2019 - 3:38pm

He ties shoes, fixes every broken toy, plays ball in the backyard, always knows how to make mom smile... and he is easily one of the hardest people to shop for. Dad is a superhero in his own right, and with Father's Day right around the corner, it's time to start brainstorming ideas to let dad know just how much we appreciate him. This Father's Day, we recommend giving dad the gift of a fun experience and quality time.

Whether the dad in your life is active or into the arts, is someone who appreciates fine dining and a superb wine or wants to spend the afternoon outdoors with a cold beer and crawfish, we've got you covered with fun Father's Day events spanning all of Houston - from Kemah to The Woodlands and back.

Best (Free) Splash Pads and Spray Grounds Around Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 05/10/2019 - 1:30pm

There's no denying that when the first heat wave of summer hits Houston, it hits hard. And as every Houstonian knows, once it comes it's here for the long haul - sometimes well into "fall." This means it becomes crucial to find fun ways to keep the kids cool without locking them indoors. Luckily, there is no shortage of splash pads here.

These are our favorites, and they are all FREE. Most are open year round, but if you're visiting outside of summer months be sure to check the park website before heading out. And if you're looking for something on a larger scale, check out the amazing water parks you can visit around Houston.

10 Free Pools in Houston Kids Will Love

Submitted by Kate M on Mon, 05/06/2019 - 3:18pm

I grew up in Northern Michigan in a town that often makes the news for beating the record for the most snowfall and the coldest temperatures, and somehow I was lucky enough to have a pool in my backyard. I loved jumping into that pool after working out or having friends over to swim, and now that I live in a city with weather that could accommodate an almost endless pool season, there is, unfortunately, no pool outside my back door. Instead, we take advantage of Houston's many free community pools.

The city of Houston has 37 FREE community pools open June 1- Aug. 11 (in the 2019 season) from 1-8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday and from August 17- Sept. 1 on Saturdays and Sundays only, and 29 water spraygrounds that are open year round.

Without further ado, here is a list of some of the best FREE pools with great features and amenities. And be sure to check out our recommendations for Houston splashpads and playgrounds, as well as our Summer Fun Guide, which has water park recommendations, parks with shade, and more!