Southeast Houston

Blast Off Into Nature at Challenger Seven Memorial Park

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Mon, 06/18/2018 - 8:15pm

Looking for a serene spot to connect with nature that's large enough to take your entire extended family? Look no further than Challenger Seven Memorial Park in Webster. Known for it's miles of winding trails, lush green spaces, stellar playground equipment, and plenty of picnic tables and pavilions, this park is a hot spot for family fun.

Where to See Fourth of July Fireworks Around Houston With Kids

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Sat, 06/16/2018 - 12:59am

Stars and stripes, street festivals, live music and fanfare all make the Fourth of July spectacular, but no celebration is complete without an impressive display of fireworks. Luckily, when it comes to celebrating our nation's independence, there's one thing that's certain: the Bayou City knows how to light up the sky and throw down (...in a family-friendly way, of course).

Where to Find Free and Cheap Bowling in Houston This Summer

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Tue, 06/05/2018 - 6:14pm

Finding an indoor family-friendly activity to beat the heat in Houston doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Bowling is the perfect choice for families with kids of all ages who want to enjoy a fun sport in a cool, air-conditioned atmosphere. Little ones can use bumpers to keep gutter balls at bay, while older kids can get a little more competitive with each other and their parents. Some bowling alleys even offer tasty food options and arcade games to keep the good times rolling and create a memorable experience for the entire family.

Summer Fun: Free & Cheap Movies for Houston Families

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 06/01/2018 - 9:51pm

Pool days, water parks and splash pads may be the name of the game when it comes to summer - especially in Houston where any day below 90 degrees is considered cool - but sometimes you need something a little more low-key to entertain the kids. You know - an activity that involves less sunscreen, towels, wet swimsuits and sunburns and more air conditioning and sitting (relatively) still. The solution? You take the kids to see a movie. The problem? Going to the movies can get pretty pricey, especially when you have multiple kids in tow who all want popcorn and candy. But fear not, there are plenty of free and low-cost movie screenings around Houston this summer, both indoor and outdoor just waiting for you.

Read on for lots of free flicks you can enjoy under the stars (just grab a blanket or lawn chairs) and cheap movies at the theater (think $1 or less) you can hit up during the day, and visit our Summer Fun Guide for more things to do around Houston.

11 Unique Father's Day Ideas Houston Dads Will Actually Love

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Thu, 05/31/2018 - 10:33pm

He ties shoes, fixes every broken toy, plays ball in the backyard and always knows how to make mom smile, and he is the hardest person 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. Give dad the gift of a fun experience. It doesn't matter if 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, 05/25/2018 - 3:18pm

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.

32 Things We Can't Wait to Do With Houston Kids This Summer

Submitted by Kate M on Fri, 05/18/2018 - 4:44pm

Summer's here and the living's easy, so take advantage of these longer days by trying new activities and exploring greater Houston! From festivals to day trips, this summer will fly by with all the exciting places to go and events to check out. Here is a list of the top 25 things we can't wait to do in the Bayou City from Memorial Day to Labor Day. So grab your kiddos and join us in enjoying all that Houston has to offer for kids and families, even on those 100 degree days.

Pasadena Strawberry Festival: 9 Kid-Friendly Activities Not to Miss

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Tue, 05/15/2018 - 6:46pm

I can hardly remember a month of May from my childhood without a trip to the Pasadena Strawberry Festival. Growing up in southeast Houston, one of the sure signs that summer was near was the yearly festival featuring tons of carnival rides, games, and live music. The festival features every strawberry-themed food and drink imaginable, including the world's largest strawberry shortcake! As an adult, I've found that it's just as fun as it was as a kid to kick off summer with a trip to one of the area's most revered family festivals.

Because the entry fee is FREE for kids under age 5, the festival is a great opportunity to celebrate the start of summer as a family. Community volunteers work to make the festival bigger and better each and every year, and have added even more fun activities for the entire family to enjoy in 2018. Take a look at some of the festival's kid-friendly activities not to miss at this year's celebration.

Perfect Day Camps for Preschoolers to Try This Summer

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Mon, 05/07/2018 - 9:00am

Finding ways to fill long summer days with fun and enriching activities for kids can be a challenge. This is especially true for preschoolers, many of whom seem to have boundless energy and want to constantly be entertained. Day camps can help get kids out of the house and provide a variety of engaging events to participate in. Whether your little one is into exploring the outdoors, experimenting, or creating, Houston has a variety of day camp options. Read on for a selection of day camps that are specifically designed for preschoolers.

And check out our full summer camp guide for ideas on all kinds of camps for kids of all ages.

Shop Local & Fresh Goods at These Houston-Area Farmers Markets

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 04/09/2018 - 4:33pm

Family trips to the local farmers' market are the best. There's just nothing that quite compares to walking past stands stocked with colorful produce and local treasures and knowing that whatever you bring home is going to be fresh, seasonal, and bursting with flavor. It's also a great way to encourage healthy eating with your kids; I know mine loves to pick out fresh fruits and vegetables to bring home each week!

No matter where you live in the greater Houston area, there's a farmers' market nearby. The city is also home to several farms where you can pick your own produce! Now, what are you waiting for - check out these local gems.