The Houston Toy Museum: Where Everyone Can Be A Kid

Houston Toy Museum, located in The Heights. Photo by Nan Ross.

“Hi, my name is Teddy Ruxpin.”

If those words mean anything to you, then we have a place you owe it to yourself (or at least your childhood self) to visit.  It’s a place for you to forget about your worries for a few minutes and dig up some good ol’ nostalgic happiness you buried long ago.  And the best part is that your kids will love it too.

The Houston Toy Museum, located on historic 19th Street in the Heights, is a two-story 1940s building filled with charm, and literally thousands of toys.  We’re talking Ninja Turtles, Rainbow Brights, GI-Joes, My Little Ponies, Rockem Sockem Robots, and Barbies just to name a few… in one display area.  Even that little monkey with clapping cymbals was there, watching our every move.   

We think it’s a fun place for your whole family to go check out.  But first, read on to learn what to expect from your visit. And don't forget to check out our list of Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families for more museums to explore.

100 Top Unique Baby Names For Generation Alpha Babies

Hey baby! Welcome to the world. What should we be naming this new generation? Photo by Nan Ross

Unique baby names are the name of the game (or game for the name?) for Generation Alpha babies!

Move over, Gen Z. There's a new generation in town. What's in a name? Well, Generation Alpha's trending baby names are all unique and individual as befits the times. Gen Alpha is coming through with a few still-popular Gen Z boy baby names and girl baby names, but is coming in fresh with a whole slew of unique and gender-neutral baby names.

Parents of a Generation Alpha baby can find loads of tips, tricks, and favorite products in the Mommy Poppins Baby and Maternity Guide. And our handy Birthday & Holiday Gift Guide for Kids can help you narrow down what to buy for a Gen Alpha baby's first birthday gift, and every birthday thereafter!

Medieval Times Lyndhurst, NJ Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Cheer for your knight during a jousting match at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst. Photo courtesy of Medieval Times

Hear ye, hear ye: Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, is truly an amazing family outing for all ages. You'll get to experience dinner and an exciting live show featuring knights on horseback, jousting matches, sword fights, games of skill, and more.

Whether your little prince or princess is a toddler, teen, or somewhere in between, this is truly an outing the whole family can enjoy together. Read on to find out what you can expect during a visit to the castle. 

And be sure to check out our article on other themed restaurants in New Jersey here

Guide to the Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica–A Parent Review

Everything at the Cayton has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind: to help create a better world through the power of play.

If you haven’t been to the Cayton Children's Museum in Downtown Santa Monica–or haven’t visited the newly reimagined and rebuilt space since it was the beloved Zimmer–this children’s museum needs to be at the top of your LA Bucket List.

The 21,000-square-foot space dedicated to discovery-based learning, arts and cultural activities, and values-based exploration is both wildly fun and incredibly educational. Plus, everything has been carefully crafted with one lofty and invaluable goal in mind: to help create a better world through the power of play.

My four children–ages 7 months to 7 years–and I recently had the opportunity to visit the beautiful one-of-a-kind nonprofit, and we were wowed by each and every exhibit we explored! Here is our exhaustive guide to everything you need to know about visiting the Cayton Children’s Museum.

Guide to Long Island's Waterdrinker Family Farm: Flowers, Seasonal Festivals, and More Fun

Whether it's the Tulip Festival in the spring, or the Sunflower Fest in late summer, there's always something fun happening at Waterdrinker Family Farms.

Visiting Waterdrinker Family Farm in Manorville, Long Island, during one of its picture-perfect flower festivals, including Long Island's only Tulip Festival is a surefire way for your family to find its new favorite farm. Kids love petting the farm animals before running off to play, while parents can look forward to relaxing with a cold beer from the on-site brewery.

So, grab your phone or your camera and head out east to Waterdrinker Family Farm to capture some memories. Find lots more ideas for spending a day at one of Long Island's family-friendly farms in our Pick Your Own Guide to Farms on Long Island.

The TEA Takeover: What It Means for HISD Parents and Students

What changes can you expect after the TEA takeover? Photo courtesy of the Houston Independent School District

In March, it was announced that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) would be taking over Houston Independent School District (HISD) after several schools in the district fell below state standards. HISD is the state’s largest school district, serving more than 190,000 students across nearly 300 schools. The sweeping changes of this controversial takeover started in June with the removal of the elected HISD school board and superintendent, and their swift replacement by managers appointed by the state of Texas. Read on to learn about which schools will be immediately affected and what changes may be taking place.

Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark: Pick-Your-Own Plus a Whole Lot More

You can "moooove" around the farm in a barrel ride! Photo courtesy of Underwood Family Farms

Underwood Family Farms lets kids dig into a homestead life with pick-your-own fruits and veggies, wagon rides, and adorable farm animal encounters. With two Ventura County locations in Moorpark and Somis, Underwood Family Farms is an entertaining rural retreat for a quick day trip from Los Angeles. 

Popular seasonal events take place at Underwood Family Farms, like pumpkin patches and Easter egg hunts. The must-have holiday photo ops and the sought-out farm-to-table in-season produce will keep you and your family returning to this beloved farm throughout the year. Read below for insider tips to maximize your visit with kids of all ages when visiting Underwood Family Farms. 

Discover more fun on the farm at the best farms in Los Angeles, and see where to go strawberry picking near LA. Explore more agriculture adventures in our guide to the Best Berry Picking and Animal Farms in Los Angeles

The New Minion Land Takes Over Universal Orlando

Follow the little yellow guys to the newest, coolest area of Universal Orlando Resort: Minion Land! Photo courtesy Universal Studios Florida

Minion Land is finally here! Universal Orlando Resort has once again raised the (yellow) bar in the realm of theme park attractions with the unveiling of its latest addition. Located on Illumination Avenue at Universal Studios, vibrant Minion Land brings to life the whimsical world of the beloved yellow creatures from the Minions franchise.

With the addition of Minion Land, Universal Orlando has created an experience that captivates guests of all ages. With its interactive attractions, delicious cuisine, and immersive entertainment, Minion Land represents Universal Orlando's commitment to providing unforgettable experiences to its visitors. Strap on those overalls and goggles -- it's time to read our Minion Land guide!

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