Nature Trails & Giant Playgrounds: Playing at Spring Creek Park in Tomball

Nestled into the side of a slow, winding road in the small town of Tomball northwest of Houston, you'll find Spring Creek Park, an expansive park that is bursting with things to do. It's also home to some of my fondest memories growing up, as I used to frequent it often with my family, and being able to bring my kids to this park is like stepping back in time. This isn't just any park, though; it's a place that begs for adventures, appeals to kids of all ages, and could just be your next camping trip - all without having to very far from the city. 

The sprawling 114-acre facility is home to a plethora of activities set amongst the trees (which is why it's already claimed a spot on our list of parks with LOTS of shade - a must for any Houston park in the summer!) making it the perfect spot to settle in for the day; just pack a picnic and get ready to explore!

How to Get the Most Out of a Nanny or Babysitter Interview

Prepare in advance for your caregiver interview with key questions about expectations, fit, and experience.

Whether you’ve found them through personal recommendations, a nanny agency, a local parenting website, or even a chance encounter at the playground, you’ve narrowed your potential-Mary-Poppins list down to a few great choices. Now it’s time to conduct the in-person interviews. But can you really figure out, in one meeting, which caregiver will be the best fit for your kids—and for you? With preparation and some self-reflection, you can use a caregiver interview to help decide whether this is someone you feel not just comfortable with, but excited about. Read on for the top eight interview questions to ask in a caregiver interview. 

Dino Dig Returns to Liberty Science Center for Another Summer of Fun-Filled Fossil Finding

Yes, back by popular demand, Dino Dig has returned to Liberty Science Center for a third fossil-filled summer! From now until September 3, little explorers are invited to sift through 35 tons of sand in the museum's completely transformed backyard in search of T. rex bones and teeth, an egg nest with a baby Maiasaura, and even a 6-foot-long Triceratops skull. Aspiring dino hunters will be wowed as they unearth replicas of fossils first discovered by Jack Horner, the famed paleontologist who inspired Jurassic Park.

Just one mention of "dinosaurs" and my own 5-year-old, pint-sized paleontologist was all in for a trip the much loved exhibit. So, with two of her best buds in in tow, we traveled back in time 66 million years via Route 78 and the New Jersey Turnpike, to see what we could dig up ourselves at LSC.

Free Play at Giggles 'n' Hugs!

Mommy Poppins and Giggles 'n' Hugs are teaming up again! On Tuesday, August 21st, it's time for a Mommy Poppins Playdate at Giggles 'n' Hugs. We invite you to enjoy free admission at either Giggles 'n' Hugs location (Topanga Canyon or Glendale), from 6pm-8pm.

Never been to Giggles 'n' Hugs? It's a great spot, whether you're looking to plan the perfect no-stress birthday party, enjoy a healthy family meal, or just chill out for an afternoon in the action-packed, 2000-square-foot playspace. The best part is it's as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids, because while little ones play, grown-ups can enjoy a coffee, glass of wine, or locally-sourced, organic meal.

Space is limited, so you must register in advance.

37 Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Snack Spots for Beachy Summer Eats in NYC

​The frozen Swingle (a mini key lime pie covered in chocolate) from Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies is summer on a stick.

If anything redeems the humidity and heat of a NYC summer it’s got to be all the great summer eats. Our family can’t get enough of seafood boils, barbecue, tacos, lobster rolls, and frozen treats. Add a beachy outdoor dining vibe, and dinner out becomes a mini vacation.

New York City has so many great kid-friendly outdoor dining spots, it's hard to choose the best, but this summer foods must-eat bucket list will help you pack in some serious seasonal outdoor dining before sweater weather sets in. Read on to find my picks for the best kid-friendly restaurants in NYC to get your summer vibes on. 

For Kids with Autism, Here Are 10+ Philly Places to Explore and Enjoy

Photo courtesy of We Rock the Spectrum

Finding new and unique ways to engage your autistic child can be a challenge, but several venues throughout Greater Philly promote activities specially designed for children on the spectrum. We've combed the area and found ten locations and upcoming events that offer enriching programs to support the special needs of autistic children, from toddlers to teenagers.

Finders Keepers: Hunting for Seaglass along the Connecticut Shoreline

If you're lucky, you might find Coke-bottle aqua or Milk-of-Magnesia Blue. Maybe once in a lifetime you'll unearth rare ruby red. Most often you'll find beer-bottle-brown and wine-bottle-green. But if you ask my kids--it's all treasure no matter what color or size. My very favorite memories of summer were made walking the beach with my kids gathering up every glittering shard of beach glass we could find like a magical treasure hunt. Ground smooth by the ocean and transformed from transparent to translucent by the sand, these tiny bits of sea glass are found scattered (scarcely) on the beaches throughout the state. Here's our roundup of the best beaches to hunt for these precious pieces of treasure washed ashore. 

Get Lost in Fairfield County's Best Corn Mazes

Corn mazes are a favorite fall adventure for many families: the scent of autumn, the wind swooshing through golden stalks, and the opportunity to safely hand over the reigns to your children and let them be in charge of where to go and how to find the way out. What better way to bond than to band together and head straight into a place where you know you can get lost and the only way out is to concentrate on the map, read the clues, and work together to get to the other side. Combine your trip with a pumpkin patch and cider mill and you've got yourself a pretty excellent fall day to make lifelong family memories. For more fall fun, check out our CT Fall Fun and Halloween Guide. These corn-y masterpieces are only around for a few weeks each fall, so don't miss your chance. For even more ideas in your inbox, sign up for our weekly newsletter

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