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 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. 

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!

Whether you live or vacation in Boca Raton, FL, we have compiled a list of fun places for families to enjoy. From the beaches and surf to the playgrounds and golf courses, Boca Raton, Florida is a paradise of outdoor activities and picturesque adventures. 

With miles of gorgeous beaches, Boca Raton is the perfect destination for families looking to relax, play, and have fun in the sun. Boca Raton is less than an hour's drive from Miami, which makes it an easy day trip for locals if families want to save money on overnight stays. Take a look at our guide to visiting Boca Raton, Florida now.

Oakland is a vibrant, family-friendly, diverse city full of culture and hidden nature gems, making it an excellent urban escape for a day or weekend of exploring with kids. 

Less crowded than its famous neighbor of San Francisco, Oakland is packed with beautiful hikes, kid-friendly museums, and over-the-top ice cream sundaes, making it worthy of a destination on its own. Keep reading below for the best things to do in Oakland with kids. 

Seek more adventure with the top day trips from San Francisco, and the best urban hikes for families in the Bay Area. Pack up the car and hit the road with the help of our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips Guide for San Francisco.  

If you're always on the lookout for those hidden-gem vacation destinations, here’s your PSA to put Belize on your family travel bucket list before the masses discover it.

Whether you love an all-inclusive Caribbean beach resort or like to stay active with lots of activities, cultural experiences, and natural wonders to explore, Belize offers a unique blend of the Caribbean and Central American cultures. That makes it a fascinating destination for families looking for a bit of everything, from beaches and reefs to jungles and ancient Mayan ruins.

The fact that English is the official language makes Belize a particularly convenient destination for English-speaking travelers, without sacrificing its exotic allure.

With a native Belizean (and dad) from Travel Belize as my guide, I was able to get the real inside scoop on the best things to do in Belize—plus some great kid-friendly resorts for families—to help you plan an amazing trip to Belize for your next family vacation. Read on for our Belize family travel guide, then see our Guide to the Best Caribbean Family Travel for even more warm and sunny family vacation ideas.

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College sports in Connecticut—football, basketball, hockey, and more—are almost always in season. College sports provide a family fun outing with tons of entertainment, kid-friendly snacks, and photo opportunities with mascots. Many of our picks are indoors—perfect for family entertainment in any weather. Plus, Connecticut's college sports events are very affordable. And some Connecticut colleges offer a kids sports club with tons of perks, from free admission to meeting players. Whether it is Division I, II, or III, here is our list of Connecticut college sports to watch with kids from the crowd.

Kids love cheering on the home team, wearing college colors, and trying to get on the Jumbotron. If watching a sport live sparks interest in athletics, check out Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones for Connecticut Kids. 

New Jersey is teeming with beautiful waterfalls, and many of them are accessible via an easy hike or walk. From the roaring Paterson Great Falls—the second-most-powerful waterfall east of the Mississippi—to the charming Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation, we've rounded up a handful of waterfall hikes in northern NJ that you can tackle with even the littlest trekkers. 

Waterfall hikes are great for goal-oriented kids and anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are in our own backyards. Read on for our picks.

Be sure to check out our article on great day trips to NJ state forests and more in our Guide to New Jersey Playgrounds & Parks.