Sugar Land/Stafford

Free and Cheap Summer Camps Around Houston

Submitted by Kate M on Tue, 02/12/2019 - 12:00am

It's hard to believe it, but it is already time to start making summer plans for your little ones, and one thing every kid looks forward to in the summer is going to camp! Summer camp is a chance for kids to have fun while learning new skills and making memories with new friends. From overnight camps, outdoor camps, science camps, dance camps, arts camps, and music and theater camps, Houston has so many different types of summer camps, including the following camps that won't break the budget.

To find a summer camp that your little one and your wallet will love, check out this list of inexpensive or cheaper camps that we've rounded up, all of which cost around $100 - $150. Also, keep in mind that many camps offer early bird (get on it now!), multi-week, and sibling discounts, as well as discounts for members, and some even offer scholarships. And for more summer and vacation camp ideas, check out our comprehensive camp guide and full directory of camp listings.

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.

15 Science Summer Camps for Houston Kids

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 10:44am

While the long, lazy days of summer are met with excitement and anticipation as the school year draws to a close, after a couple weeks of no plans or structure you probably start hearing your kids utter the infamous, "I'm bored!" with increasing frequency. Worse yet, you may find that to quell that inevitable boredom, they've started conducting their own experiments around the house. Encourage that inventive, curious nature without compromising the state of your house by signing your kids up for a science-themed summer camp.

Below you'll find a plethora of camps around Houston that encourage children to think outside the box, foster a love of the sciences and keep boredom at bay, all while presenting educational information in an entertaining way. And for more summer and vacation camp ideas, check out our comprehensive camp guide and full directory of camp listings.

Holiday Craft Fairs and Markets In and Around Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 11/05/2018 - 11:02am

Ready to get a jump on all of your holiday shopping, but don't want to frequent the same tired stores you always visit? A holiday craft market and fair is the perfect answer. You'll find an assortment of handmade treasures crafted by local artisans that will make unique gifts for everyone on your list. Check out these markets around town.

15 Things To Do in Houston With Kids Before Summer Ends

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 07/27/2018 - 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.

16 Kid-Friendly Restaurants With Room to Play in Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 06/22/2018 - 12:01pm

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. Where we once sat back and talked uninterrupted about our respective weeks, we now went through constant rounds of "don't touch that!" and, "honey, leave those nice people alone." All seemed lost, and we resigned ourselves to spending our evenings out at Chick-fil-A... until we found restaurants with play spaces for kids (we also spent an exhaustive amount of time eating near the green area at CityCentre).

Talk about a game changer - it's like these restaurants knew that us parents needed a space to unwind a bit with the kids in tow, and they delivered with patios that opened up to enclosed playgrounds, sand pits (ok, this one is a catch-22 because of sand everywhere), and toys.

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).

Best Houston Spots to Take Instagram-Worthy Photos of Your Kid

Submitted by Frances Broussa... on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 8:40am

Make the most of what Houston has to offer and fill up your iCloud storage with memories at the same time by snapping shots of your little ones at some of the city's most photogenic spots. Picture-perfect smiles are not included in our list of recommendations for the best places to take shareable photos of your kids.

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.

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.