13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston

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Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School

Looking for a great preschool in Houston? Here are some of our favorite Montessori preschools near Houston.

Founded by Italian educator and physician Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, the Montessori method is an educational approach that allows children to learn naturally and at their own pace through play. Independence is encouraged, even at a preschool level, so classrooms in Montessori schools are often scaled to size so that even small children can do things for themselves. These little ones are given free range of the space to learn through exploration as they participate in age-appropriate activities to develop self-discipline, responsibility, confidence, and a love of learning - as well as the ability to succeed academically. 

When looking for preschools in Houston, many parents look for Montessori preschools because of the individualized focus on independence, play, and natural learning. We've rounded up 13 Montessori preschools near Houston to help you narrow down your search. Read on to learn about what these programs have to offer, and then browse the Houston Preschools Guide to find the perfect fit for your family. 

8 Top Dual Language Preschools Near Chicago

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Photo courtesy of the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center

If you’re interested in exploring the many benefits of a dual-language preschool in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. Preschools in Chicago featuring dual language programs provide a curriculum that is either partly or completely immersed in a second language. The goal is to help students reach developmental, literacy, and language milestones in two languages. We’ve rounded up some great preschools in Chicago as well as the nearby suburbs. Some schools on this list continue through elementary school as well. 

For more preschools in Chicago, check out our list of Top Montessori Preschools in Chicago.

Visiting the Getty Villa with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on

Explore the herb garden at the Getty Villa in Malibu.

The Getty Villa in Malibu is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole greater Los Angeles area. The Villa is a re-creation of a Roman country house—and the original home of the Getty Museum, which has since moved to its tram-accessible perch above the 405. It's filled with a spectacular collection of ancient art and statues, spilling into gorgeous gardens, and is located right by the ocean for incredible views that make you think you've been magically transported to the middle of the Mediterranean.

If all of this makes it sound like a grown-ups-only space, that's not the case at all. With room to run and smell the herbs, fruits, and veggies growing in the garden; a magical pool to linger by; 3D art to entertain; a Percy Jackson-inspired self-guided tour; and so much more, this is one of my kids' favorite museums in town. Armed with these tips and tricks for when to visit, what to see, and even what to eat, the Getty Villa will quickly become your family's favorite local destination, too.

For guides to other favorite museums for kids in the LA area, including Kidspace in Pasadena and Pretend City in Irvine, check out our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

50 Things To Do in Midtown Manhattan with Kids

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A family-friendly Broadway show is one of our favorite things to do in Midtown Manhattan with kids. Photo by the author

Whether you're a visitor, a commuter, or a local, it's hard to avoid the action-packed things to do in Midtown Manhattan. Bordered by 59th Street on the northern end and 34th Street to the south, encompassing Times Square and Rockefeller Center, and extending from river to river, Midtown Manhattan has an expansive personality that matches its footprint.

Between the towering office buildings and the tourist traps on seemingly every street corner, it might seem hard to uncover worthwhile, family-friendly things to do in Midtown Manhattan, but take note: This neighborhood is loaded with entertainment, art, attractions, and activities.

We've done the legwork and rounded up 50 fun things to do in Midtown Manhattan with kids in tow. Bookmark our NYC Neighborhood Guide for more fun places to explore.

10 Family-Friendly Vineyards and Hard Cider Houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on

Adults can enjoy a drink from Hardscrabble Cidery at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard while kids devour the donut pancakes.

Looking for the best family-friendly vineyards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for 10 picks worth a day trip. 

While apple picking season is winding down, the rich orchards of Westchester and the Hudson Valley are more than one-trick ponies. Many of the orchards we flock to for farm fun also feature vineyards and hard cider houses. Some are particularly appealing to families, making a visit a fun outing for all ages.

Below we've rounded up 10 destinations for hard apple cider and wine that are suitable for kids. If, however, you are more of a beer connoisseur, there are plenty of Hudson Valley breweries for you to visit as well. Once you've sampled your way through Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to check out our roundup of family-friendly wineries on Long Island. We've also got plenty more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide.

Top Montessori Preschools Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

There are many great options for Montessori preschools near DC. Photo courtesy of Fiore Montessori School

Few decisions can cause parents more agony than picking out a preschool. That decision can be even harder for DC-area parents because there are so many great preschools near DC to choose from, from dual-language and immersion programs to play- and nature-based preschools. And if you've got your heart set on a Montessori program, there is no shortage of Montessori preschools near DC.

Montessori is an educational philosophy developed over a century ago that encourages independence and self-directed learning. Classrooms are typically mixed-age, with younger students learning from older ones, and outfitted with specific learning materials. Specially trained teachers observe and facilitate the learning.

Here are some of the top Montessori preschools near DC, including programs in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District itself. For more solid preschool options, check out our list of 15 popular preschools near DC. If you want to extend your child's learning beyond preschool, visit our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC.

Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things to Do at the Theme Parks & Beyond

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Even teens get swept up in the Disney magic!

Think Orlando is a destination just for kids? Visiting Orlando with teens is even better! Orlando theme parks are great when you can go on all the rides and don’t have to worry about the dreaded "theme park meltdowns." My big kids were also able to pack in lots of other adventures and hipster shopping areas as we explored all the Fun Things to do in Orlando Other than the Theme Parks.

Navigating Orlando with teens allows parents to spend more time together, perhaps even at places of shared interests (for example, you're never too old to be a Potterhead)! For more ideas about the best of Orlando theme parks, visit our Orlando Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide. You'll learn about out-of-the-box theme parks, like Gatorland, Crayola Experience Orlando, and much more. 

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